Abstract: A tien-cha extract essence characterized by being obtained by subjecting a tien-cha extract to an activated carbon treatment, and a method for producing a fermented food product using the tien-cha extract essence provide a technique which can be replaced for a tien-cha essence obtained by subjecting a tien-cha extract to electrodialysis having various problems, has no effect on flavor while maintaining the effects of the tien-cha extract of increasing the growth ability of lactic acid bacteria and the viability or the like of bifidobacterium bacteria, has an unprecedented effect of increasing the growth ability of bifidobacterium bacteria, and facilitates production and powderization.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gummy confectionery composition comprising: a gummy matrix and one or more components derived from an alcoholic beverage, the one or more components contained within the gummy matrix; or a gummy matrix and alcohol contained within the gummy matrix. The gummy matrix is derived from ingredients comprising a gelling agent, a sweetener, and a texturizing agent. The present disclosure also relates to a process of manufacturing gummy confectionery composition. The process comprises mixing at least a gelling agent and fluid sweetener to form a first mixture, heating the first mixture to a simmer, reducing the heat applied to the first mixture to below the simmering temperature, and mixing an alcohol containing solution and a texturizing agent with the first mixture. The second mixture may comprise 10-60 wt % of the alcohol containing solution, 15-30 wt % of the gelling agent, and 20-70 wt % of the sweetener.

Abstract: An ice cream roll maker includes a housing, a freezer wheel mounted within the housing and configured for rotation about a horizontal axis, and a reservoir within the housing for holding a liquid ingredient. An outer peripheral surface of the freezer wheel is configured to receive the liquid ingredient from the reservoir and transform the liquid ingredient into a frozen coating layer on the outer peripheral surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to extruded protein compositions suitable for thermal processing and thermally processed protein compositions made from extruded protein compositions. In particular, a thermally processed protein composition has a particular protein content with protein fibers in a generally parallel orientation, and a particular hardness, chewiness and springiness.

Abstract: An animal feed supplement composition comprising a combination of lysolecithin or purified lysophospholipid-rich compounds, monoglycerides and at least one synthetic emulsifier in amounts sufficient to enhance nutrient digestibility, absorption or utilization of feed.

Abstract: Disclosed are infant formulas and corresponding methods of using them to promote retinal health and vision development in infants. The formulas, which are free of egg phospholipids and comprise fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals, including docosahexaenoic acid and, on a ready-to-feed basis, at least about 50 mcg/liter of lutein, wherein the weight ratio of lutein (mcg) to docosahexaenoic acid (mg) is from about 1:2 to about 10:1. The formulas are also believed to be especially useful in reducing the risk of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants.

Abstract: A method and a device for treating and monitoring objects incorporating a metal material. The objects are treated with a treatment fluid in one or more treatment zone(s) and the treatment fluid is then removed from and/or dried on the objects. To provide constant quality monitoring, at least one portion of at least one object respectively is optically detected and calorimetrically evaluated. In this manner, discoloration of metal materials caused by the treatment can be promptly detected.

Abstract: The viscosity of aqueous dispersions of normally solid organic peroxides may be advantageously lowered through the use of surfactants which are polyglyceryl esters of C6-C12 fatty acids. The reduction in viscosity facilitates milling the peroxides to reduce particle size and also provides dispersions of small particle size peroxides which may be readily poured or pumped. The aqueous dispersions are useful as components of pharmaceutical, personal care, and cleaning products and the like and are effective decolorizing agents for food products, industrial products and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a food ingredient or beverage ingredient. The present invention also provides a process for producing food product or beverage product. The present invention also provides a process for providing starch, amylose, amylopectin, ?-glucan, fructan, non-starch polysaccharide, dietary fibre or resistant starch to improve one or more indicators of health in a mammal.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to producing jerky by marinating and cooking a sliced piece of meat in a period of time less than 1 hour. In an illustrative example, the sliced piece of meat may marinate for a time between 3 minutes to 5 minutes. The sliced piece of meat may then cook for 30 minutes, for example, at a temperature of about 350-degrees Fahrenheit. The sliced piece of meat may include a dimension between about 1/7 and about 1/9 of an inch. Advantageously, a user may fully prepare a sliced piece of tender jerky in less than 1 hour.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for processing foodstuff wherein, after exposure of said processed foodstuff to microwaves, a crispy, crunchy or crusty foodstuff is obtained. The present invention further relates to granulates which can be used in the present methods and crispy, crunchy or crusty foodstuff obtainable by the present methods. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods for processing foodstuff comprising the steps of a) providing a foodstuff; b) coating the foodstuff with a dry powder or granulate being comprised of 5 wt % to 50 wt % dextrin; c) exposing the granulate coated foodstuff to water, or water vapour during 0.1 to 10 seconds; and d) backing, flying or boiling the water, or water vapour, exposed foodstuff.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technology whereby, in a method for manufacturing a sweetener composition containing glucose, fructose and allulose, said method comprising treating glucose with glucose isomerase and allulose epimerase, the content of allulose in the sweetener composition is increased. A sweetener composition containing glucose, fructose and allulose and having a high allulose content can be continuously manufactured at a high efficiency by immobilizing glucose isomerase and allulose epimerase, packing the same into a column so as to give an activity ratio of the immobilized glucose isomerase to the immobilized allulose epimerase of 1.49:1-5.61:1, and then passing a glucose solution through the column.

Abstract: Nobel Stevia Sweetening components are provided. Through the analysis of the components of the nobel Steviol Glycoside included in the stevia extract and/or crystals, not only the quality control of sweeteners, but judgment on the correctness of indication of origin or infringement of right are facilitated since the raw material of the sweetener can be identified.

Abstract: Water-soluble dried particles are provided. The water-soluble dried particles include a water-soluble matrix; and a plurality of droplets having an average size of from about 3 ?m to about 15 ?m. The droplets include at least one volatile active component having an average clogP value of at least 2; and a plurality of hydrophobically modified particulate materials including (i) core particulate material and (ii) a hydrophobic ingredient. The water-soluble dried particles exhibit a surface oil level of less than 0.3%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gelling composition for preparing a gelatinous food which do not dissolve even when reheated (e.g., dysphagia diet). The present invention provides a gelling composition for preparing a gelatinous food which retains its original shape even when reheated, wherein the gelling composition comprises a water-soluble polymer capable of forming a thermo-irreversible gel. Also provided is a method of gelling a food and enhancing the shape-retaining property of the food against reheating by using the above-described gelling composition, as well as a method of preparing a gelatinous food which retains its original shape even when reheated by using the above-described gelling composition.

Abstract: A removable bin for a dryer comprises a substantially circular floor portion and a wall portion. The wall portion comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion comprises a plurality of zones arranged along a height of the lower portion and extending along a perimeter of the lower portion. Each zone defines a respective area of the lower portion. Each of the zones comprises a number of openings for drainage, and each zone has a respective density of openings. Each of the openings is defined by one or more circumferential edges, with the circumferential edges being molded. The respective density of openings in each of the zones increases towards the bottom of the bin.

Abstract: This invention refers to an automatic machine for strawberry processing to de-calyx and remove the leaves and cut in pieces; it is used in the agro-alimentary industry, in processing industry and in canning industry; and it could be suitable also for processing of other products similar to strawberry. The machine is composed of a conveyor belt (1) at closed loop design, where one or more operators feed manually in vertical with the leaves and the calyx up in the holes (5) of each fruit-holder element (3) of the conveyor belt which moves continuously to bring the fruits, so placed, to the processing station composed of a frame where a header plate (14) reciprocates in horizontal and vertical, controlled and adjusted by sensors which lead the three processing operations done by the machine: strawberries alignment, de-calyxing and fruit ejection.

Abstract: A cigarette rolling paper includes a rectangular sheet of cigarette paper having a frontside surface and a backside surface. A rectangular strip of deformable material is attached at one end to the frontside surface of the sheet. The strip is positioned on the sheet with its length extending across the width of the sheet, and with a lengthwise edge positioned adjacent a widthwise side edge of the sheet. The strip includes a free end opposite from an attached end that preferably extends a distance beyond a lengthwise edge of the sheet opposite from the adhesive section. The strip is rolled into a cylindrical configuration before placing smoking material into the sheet to assist the user in rolling by hand a substantially cylindrical cigarette. The rolled strip also prevents smoking material from being drawn through the cigarette and into a user's mouth, and permits the entire amount of smoking material to be consumed without risking burned hands and/or lips.

Abstract: An aerosol generator device for delivering an aerosol of a nicotine salt is provided. The aerosol generator comprises: (i) a mouth end; (ii) a first chamber containing a porous material wetted with liquid nicotine, (iii) a second chamber containing a porous material wetted with a solution of a volatile acid, (iv) a third chamber in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, leading to the mouth end, and (v) an outer housing defining a passageway for air through said device. A nicotine vapor can be produced by drawing air along the passageway and through the porous material wetted with liquid nicotine. An acid vapor can be produced by passing air along the passageway and through the porous material wetted with a solution of a volatile acid. Then, the nicotine vapor and the acid vapor can be admixed in the third chamber to form an aerosol of a nicotine salt, which can be drawn out through the mouth end.

Abstract: A smoking article is provided, including a combustible heat source; an aerosol-forming substrate downstream of the combustible heat source; a wrapper circumscribing the aerosol-forming substrate and at least a rear portion of the combustible heat source; and a plurality of inwardly extending sharp teeth fixed to an inner surface of the wrapper and arranged to grip the combustible heat source.

Abstract: Vaporizer cartridges and vaporizer apparatuses, and methods for making, using, and/or delivering vapor to a user are described. In some aspects, leak-resistant vaporizer cartridges and/or apparatuses adapted for use with oil-based vaporizable materials including cannabis oils are described.

Abstract: An atomizer head including an atomizing heating assembly is provided. The atomizing heating assembly includes a first electrode seat, a second electrode seat insulatedly mounted to the first electrode seat and a heating element electrically connected to the first electrode seat and the second electrode seat. The first electrode seat is provided with a first gripping base. The second electrode seat is provided with a second gripping base. The heating element is detachably connected to the first electrode seat and the second electrode seat respectively through the first gripping base and the second gripping base. An atomizer including the atomizer head and an electronic cigarette including the atomizer are further disclosed. The heating element of the atomizer head according to the present disclosure is detachably gripped on the first gripping base and the second gripping base to facilitate the replacement of the heating element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. The cartridges may be assembled by transporting carriages between various substations at which parts are added to a base. In another assembly method, the base may be moved between a plurality of robots which direct the base downwardly into contact with components to couple the components therewith. An inspection system may inspect the cartridges at various stages of completion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a control body adapted for use in an electronic smoking article. The control body includes a shell and a coupler that is adapted to connect the control body to a cartridge of an electronic smoking article. The coupler further is adapted to communicate a pressure reduction within the coupler to a pressure reduction space in the shell. Also positioned within the shell is an electronic circuit board having a pressure sensor attached thereto. The electronic circuit board can be positioned to be parallel to a central axis of the shell. A first end of the pressure sensor can be isolated within the pressure reduction space, and a second end of the pressure sensor can be in communication with a normal pressure space within the shell. One or more light emitting diodes can be attached to the electronic circuit board. At least a portion of the coupler can be light transmissive so that light from the LED is visible through the coupler.

Abstract: A non-combustion type flavor inhaler comprising: an atomizer atomizing an aerosol source without burning; and a controller controlling a power output to the atomizer, wherein the controller is configured to start supply of a power output to the atomizer before start of a user's puffing action, and is configured to stop supply of a power output to the atomizer during a user's puffing action.

Abstract: A nursing garment that includes a back portion comprising a back layer; and a front portion coupled to the back portion. The front portion includes an external layer; a first middle layer that includes a leak-resistant fabric having at least one edge that is cut on the bias; a second middle layer that includes an absorbent material; and an innermost layer configured to be in contact with a nipple of a user, wherein the innermost layer includes a fabric configured to wick moisture away from the nipple of the user. The external layer, the first middle layer, the second middle layer and the innermost layer are coupled together such that the first middle layer extends between the external layer and the second middle layer, and the second middle layer extends between the first middle layer and the innermost layer.

Abstract: A decorative brassiere attachment for attaching to the strap fastener mechanism of a conventional brassiere so as to provide a display on a wearer's back that covers the straps of their brassiere. The decorative brassiere attachment has an attachment mechanism with a top side that includes a coupling surface and a bottom side adapted to attach to eyelets on the strap of a conventional brassiere and a decorative element with a decorative aspect designed for stylistic or fashion purposes and a coupling aspect operative to removably attach to the coupling surface. In this regard, by positioning the attachment mechanism in place on the strap fastener mechanism of a conventional brassiere, the decorative element may be attached thereto so as to provide a desired stylistic and/or fashion display from the center of the wearer's back.

Abstract: A breast damage mitigation system including a bra, a strap, and at least one element that holds the strap in place over a top of a person's breasts when the bra and the strap are worn. The element(s) preferably include one or more loop(s), slit(s), or other elements through which the strap passes. The strap preferably includes elastic material, although inelastic material may be used. A fastener may also be included on ends of the strap, and a pocket that is closed by the fastener may also be included. Also, associated methods.

Abstract: A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.

Abstract: A haptic glove includes a glove body including a glove digit corresponding to a phalange of a user hand. The glove digit has a pair of flexible tendons, including a first and a second tendon, which are parallel to a bend centerline that bisects a surface of the glove digit. The first and second tendons are positioned respectively on opposite sides of the bend centerline. The haptic glove further comprises an actuator coupled to the glove body and the first and second tendons, the actuator configured to actuate the tendons to control movement of the glove digit.

Abstract: A knee pad holding mechanism for holding a knee pad over the knee region of a pantleg having first and second plurality of loops operatively attached to a pantleg on opposite sides of the knee region in a single vertically aligned row, each loop being sized for receiving a strap associated with the knee pad. The plurality of loops are arranged in opposed relationship to each other and allow a user greater flexibility to adjust the vertical location of a knee pad relative to the user's knee. The plurality of loops can be individually formed on opposite sides of the knee region, or they can be formed using any number of a plurality of sections.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a compressive force finger guard sized to cover at least a portion of the distal phalanx portion of a finger. Illustratively, the compressive force finger guard includes a longitudinally-extending body portion; wherein the longitudinally-extending body portion includes an opening therein sized to receive at least a portion of the fingertip; and a cap tip located on an end of the longitudinally-extending body portion; and wherein the cap tip includes a flange that extends from the longitudinally-extending body portion generally transverse to the longitudinally-extending body portion.

Abstract: A patient gown includes a panel made from a single piece of fabric, the panel including an edge finish extending around an outer perimeter of the panel, a neck opening formed centrally in the panel, the neck opening connected to the edge finish through a slit, and a first set of ties, each of the first set of ties connected to the panel at one end and having a free extending across the slit, the first set of ties configured to secure the slit and close the neck opening around a neck of a user when the user is wearing the patient gown.

Abstract: A protective device for use in a high temperature and liquid environment provides a glove integrally formed with a protective member in the thumb webbing region. The protective member is not readily detectable when viewing the outside of the glove. The protective member is cut resistant and constructed to protect a workman's hand as a sharp and hot object passes over the protective member contacting the outer surface of the glove.

Abstract: Variable bowtie system and method providing half-bows of different colors which can be chosen and combined as desired by the user for one wearing, and with a different choice or combination of colors for another wearing. Chosen half-bow units of desired colors are placed on a mounting-stud pair affixed to a neckband, and are removably secured with a retaining collar, which may also be provided in a variety of colors, resulting in a bowtie having the desired color or color combination for a particular wearing, which can be changed upon another wearing.

Abstract: Appropriately placed objects may aid in applying various types of apparel. A first object may be placed on left footwear/handwear and a second object may be placed on right footwear/handwear. An object that is similar looking to the first object may be placed on the left side of apparel. An object similar looking to the second object may be placed on the right side of apparel. An orientation for donning the footwear/handwear may be determined based on the location of the objects and the similarity between objects.

Abstract: A fashion accessory for protecting tee shirts from abrasion from buttons and/or seams of jeans formed from a front piece of fabric and a rear piece of fabric that are aligned and attached to each other. The fabric pieces are sewn together along their bottom edges, and along their side edges, but not as far as the top edge. A flap of fabric is formed in the front facing fabric. A buttonhole is formed into the flap. Snaps are positioned onto the flap and onto the rear piece of fabric. To employ, the device is tucked into the waistband of the pants up to the flap. The flap is folded down and the button of the jeans is inserted into the buttonhole of the flap. The top portion of the rear fabric is folded down over the flap. The snaps are snapped together securing the device.

Abstract: An ultra-slim fastener for a bra comprises male and female parts mounted on fabric pieces. The male part comprises a planar body having a downwardly depending leg terminating in an outwardly projecting foot extending parallel to the body. The female part comprises a substantially planar frame defining a cavity for reception of the foot. The cavity is roofed in towards the innermost end of the frame only, thereby defining an open mouth towards the outermost frame end. In embodiments, a fabric strip forms a backing for the frame and the bottom of the cavity is closed off. The second piece further comprises an overlay mounted partially above the frame and on the fabric strip, sandwiching the frame between the overlay and the fabric strip. Embodiments are provided for use with reversible garments. Such a fastener will be very thin yet very strong.

Abstract: A wig base is provided with one or more wig clip assemblies, each comprising two or more wig clips. Each of the wig clips comprises a set of comb teeth movable by a toggle action alternatively toward and away from a connecting part for gripping a lock of a wearer's natural hair. The wig clips of each wig clip assembly are connected by a connecting member and preferably rotatable relative to the connecting member. The connecting of the two wig clips to each other helps to ensure that the a given wig clip remains in place even if it becomes fully or partially disengaged from the wearer's natural hair. Rotation of the wig clips relative to the connecting member ensures that the connection does not interfere with the wearer's comfort.

Abstract: In a wig clip in which comb teeth are movable from a first condition in which they are spaced from an elongated clamping member to a second condition in which they are capable of clamping a user's natural hair against the clamping member, an intermediate portions of each of the comb teeth has opposite edges which are in oblique relationship to the direction of elongation of the clamping member. These opposite edges are spaced from each other by a distance greater than the width of each of the other portions of the same comb tooth.

Abstract: A method for define a dress using concepts of programming language is provided, which uses graph instead of language. Although it is graph-based, the internal operation of the method is similar to text-based programming. The method comprises steps for providing a database or an asset for a garment, providing at least one prototype garment for the garment including principal panels, uploading the prototype garment on a graph window by selecting and associating a principal panel from the asset for each part of the garment, selecting from corresponding assets and adding one or more non-principal panels to the principal panels, programming the garment graph by associating one or more predetermined operations to be applied to each of the principal panels based on a fitting-target body, compiling the programmed garment graph and constructing the garment, and displaying the constructed garment as fitted a mannequin in a garment window.

Abstract: Head ware and related methods for protecting a wearer's head and hair, that also presents the appearance of a coiffure, is provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a spiral shaped element and wavy suture are disclosed for use in a shock mitigating material to dissipate the energy associated with the impact of an object. The shock mitigating material can be used in helmets, bumpers, bulletproof vests, mats, pads, military armor, and other applications. One embodiment, among others, is a shock mitigating material having spiral shaped elements, each having a circular cross section and each being tapered from a large outside end to a small inside end but also having a suture or sutures that can induce shear waves to mitigate the shock pressure and impulse. Another embodiment is a shock mitigating material having sutures (wavy gaps or wavy materials). In this embodiment when the material is impacted, the wavy gap or material will induce a mechanism in shear to dissipate the impact energy.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a user from impacts to the head. The apparatus includes a shell configured to receive a human head and a plurality of structures attached to the outer surface of the shell. Each structure includes an outer cell that absorbs direct impacts. Each structure is independently coupled to the shell with a respective assembly. The structures move independently of one another and are restricted to sliding tangentially along the outer surface of the shell. The assemblies each include a biasing mechanism that absorbs tangential impacts to the structure and returns the respective structure to its rest position. Thus, a user is protected from the concussive effects of a head-on impact and the rotational acceleration injuries of a tangential impact.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a spiral shaped element and wavy suture are disclosed for use in a shock mitigating material to dissipate the energy associated with the impact of an object. The shock mitigating material can be used in helmets, bumpers, bulletproof vests, mats, pads, foot gear, military armor, and other applications. One embodiment, among others, is a shock mitigating material having spiral shaped elements, each having a circular cross section and each being tapered from a large outside end to a small inside end but also having a suture or sutures that can induce shear waves to mitigate the shock pressure and impulse. Another embodiment is a shock mitigating material having sutures (wavy gaps or wavy materials). In this embodiment when the material is impacted, the wavy gap or material will induce a mechanism in shear to dissipate the impact energy and action.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting sheet which can be easily mounted to a visor shield in a helmet, a lens in goggles, or the like and is less likely to come off. A mounting sheet is a mounting sheet which is mounted to a concave curved surface, which is an inner wall surface of a visor shield or a goggle lens, in a state where the mounting sheet is deflected along the curved surface. The mounting sheet is configured to include a plate-shaped base material sheet, which is formed of polycarbonate having a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and has a curvature smaller than that of a mounting surface when not mounted to the mounting surface, and an anti-fog layer provided on at least one of both surfaces of the base material sheet, which does not face the concave curved surface when mounted to the concave curved surface.

Abstract: A protective helmet has one or more air guiding members configured to place in fluid communication at least one area of the helmet with several ventilation ports for output/expulsion of air to define an area for the passage of air flow independent from, and/or isolated, and/or not in fluid communication with, other areas for the passage of air flows in the helmet.

Abstract: A pliable padded thermal safety helmet that conforms to a patient's head. The helmet has an exterior layer that protects a patient from impact injuries, has an interior surface that secures a removable thermal packs that provide hot or cold therapy depending on the treatment intended for an injury, infection, etc. The thermal packs are removably attached to the inside surface of the thermal safety helmet at any desired location inside the thermal safety helmet to provide heat or cold to specific areas of a patient's head.

Abstract: A helmet has a helmet shell. The helmet shell defines an inner space and a passage. The passage has an open end. The passage fluidly communicates with the inner space via the open end. The helmet further comprises an electrical heating device. The electrical heating device is disposed within the helmet shell for heating the passage.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed below as having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a perimeter chamber, a central chamber, and an outsole. The perimeter chamber extends adjacent to at least a portion of a lateral sidewall and a medial sidewall of the sole structure. The central chamber is positioned within a central area of the sole structure, the central area being located between the lateral sidewall and the medial sidewall. The outsole defines at least a portion of a lower surface of the sole structure, and has a perimeter section secured below the perimeter chamber and a central section secured below the central chamber. Various features may be incorporated into the sole structure. For example, the perimeter chamber may be spaced from the central chamber and the perimeter section may be spaced from the central section to define a gap extending upward and into the sole structure from the lower surface.