Abstract: A probiotic composition and methods for the mitigation, inhibition, and/or exclusion of microorganisms.

Abstract: A deer lure and a method for making a deer lure that allows hunters and photographers to easily attract deer, primarily bucks, in specific locations for the purpose of collecting census data on the bucks. The lure is a pre-orbital gland lure where left and right pre-orbital glands are matched together to provide a total DNA of that specific family of deer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dumpling producing method and a dumpling producing device. The method comprises the following steps: cutting a mechanically sheeted dough sheet of a unidirectional texture into dumpling wrappers of a pre-defined shape, filling the stuffing into the dumpling sheet, and wrapping the dumpling wrapper along a fold line at an angle of 0 to 20 degrees to the texture orientation of each dumpling wrapper to produce the dumplings. The device comprises: a cutting mechanism consisting of a cutting unit and a rotating unit, wherein the rotating unit is configured to cause an angle formed between the texture orientation of the dumping wrapper and the fold line to be within 0 to 20 degrees.

Abstract: A dough proofing apparatus includes a proofing chamber for holding dough during proofing operations and having a door for accessing the proofing chamber. An air duct assembly includes at least one inlet opening and at least one fan for drawing in air from the proofing chamber. At least one heating element is located within the air duct assembly for heating the air and a flow path for delivering the heated air back to the proofing chamber. A vent chamber is divided into an exhaust side and an intake side, the exhaust side fluidly connected to the air duct assembly, the intake side fluidly connected to the proofing chamber.

Abstract: A support device securable to a tree or other similar support for use in suspending game animals therefrom. The support device includes a clamp that can be removably affixed to a tree trunk or similar support, wherein the clamp includes one or more sets of teeth to engage with the tree trunk. An elongated arm having a first end and a second end is attached to the clamp at a first end thereof and extends outward from the clamp. The second end of the elongated arm includes a loop thereon that can be used to suspend a game animal, such as a deer, for cleaning. The support device can be affixed to trees of various shapes or sizes and can be positioned at a desired height on the tree.

Abstract: A trimming system for fish which is placed with belly sides on opposite sides of a supporting structure. A force supplying means applies opposite forces onto the belly sides towards the supporting structure. A profile measuring means determines the profile of the belly sides, and a cutting means trims the belly sides. Opposite forces are supplied by the force supplying means while the belly sides are measured by the profile measuring means, and the opposite forces are supplied while the belly sides are simultaneously trimmed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising chelating agents, metal ion salts, gelling agents or a buffer, antimicrobials, antibiofilm agents and a pH adjuster or a buffer for the prevention and treatment of wound infections and food-borne diseases involving bacterial biofilms are disclosed. The anti-infective properties of a composition include reduction or killing of anaerobic/aerobic/facultative gram-negative and gram-positive wound infection associated bacteria occurring in polymicrobial biofilms. The composition may be in the form of lotion, cream, ointment, dressing, bandage, rinse, soak, gel, spray, or other suitable forms, including certain devices. Additionally, the invention offers an efficient method of delivering the formulated composition containing one or two chelating agents or chelating agents alone or in combination with a metal ion salt using either a nanoparticle or other efficient delivery systems.

Abstract: A method of making precooked meat pieces using a hybrid cooking system comprises preheating meat pieces to a temperature of at least approximately 140° F. to create preheated meat pieces. The preheated meat pieces are transferred to an oven heated with an external heating source. The oven includes internal surfaces, and the external heating source assists in keeping the internal surfaces at a temperature below a smoke point of fat from the meat pieces. The preheated meat pieces are cooked in the oven to a water activity level of 0.92 or less to create precooked meat pieces. Optionally, flavoring could be applied to the precooked meat pieces after the precooked meat pieces have been removed from the oven and before the precooked meat pieces have cooled.

Abstract: The disclosure relates in one aspect to a fast acidifying lactic acid bacterium that generates a viscosity in fermented milk greater than about 62 Pa·s after 14 days of storage at 6° C. Further, the disclosure includes method for preparing and products of food, food additive, feed, nutritional supplement, or probiotic supplement, thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a creamer composition, e.g. for use for addition into a coffee beverage, having good physical and chemical stability, in particular the invention relates to a liquid creamer composition including protein, oleosomes and optionally oil. The invention also relates to a beverage composition including the liquid creamer composition, and a method of making it.

Abstract: The probiotic dairy products with date syrup additives include probiotic yogurts made from both fresh and dried milk, as well as probiotic soft cream cheese. With the addition of date syrup, the probiotic dairy products have increased storage lifetimes, improved textures and tastes, and greater concentrations of probiotic bacterial cultures. The date syrup has a concentration of 5-20 vol %. Optimal results are found for a date syrup concentration of 15 vol %.

Abstract: A chewing gum product containing a cross-linked gelatin matrix gum base and a bulking agent of erythritol, mannitol, or mixtures thereof. The cross-linked gelatin matrix can make up all or a portion of the gum base and still be comparable to that of a traditional elastomeric chewing gum product in its elasticity, cohesiveness, and feel in the mouth. The chewing gum of the present invention is also more environmentally friendly because it can be digestible and partially replace the need for petroleum-derived elastomers.

Abstract: Chewing gums and chewing gum bases which are cud-forming and chewable at mouth temperature contains a multi-block copolymer having at least two repeating sequences of at least two different polymeric blocks having at least three monomer units each. The multi-block copolymer optionally includes linking units and may be formulated to have non-covalent crosslinking between the copolymer chains. The multi-block copolymer is optionally plasticized with a compatible di-block copolymer to function as an elastomer system in the gum base. Characteristics of the multi-block copolymers can be selected to produce gum bases and chewing gums having desired properties. In some cases, chewed cuds formed from the gum bases may exhibit improved removability from environmental surfaces to which they may become undesirably attached.

Abstract: A soft serve dispensing machine includes a refrigerator cabinet. A door is hinged to the refrigerator cabinet. A freezer compartment is defined in the refrigerator cabinet and receives a soft serve product mix. Product pumps are linked with the soft serve product mix for moving the product to a dispensing portion of the soft serve dispensing machine. The product pumps are positioned proximate the front portion of the refrigerator cabinet and above the freezer compartment. A removable inner door panel is moveable between stored and deployed positions. In the deployed position, the door is in an open position and the inner door panel is attached to the refrigerator cabinet and defines a seal relative to the refrigerator cabinet and cold air within the freezer compartment is maintained in the freezer compartment while the product pumps are accessed.

Abstract: A variable pressure device to solubilize carbon dioxide (CO2) in a beverage includes: a carbonation tank, a CO2 inlet valve and a venting valve attached to the tank's top part; a discharge valve attached to the tank's bottom part; a booster pump arranged immediately after the discharge valve; a recycling valve arranged immediately after the booster pump, which is connected to a recycling inlet at the top part of the tank; an outlet between the pump and the recycling valve; a level sensor arranged on the lid of the tank; a CO2 inlet valve attached to a tank side near its top part; a modulating valve arranged after the CO2 inlet valve; a Venturi attached immediately after the modulating valve; a control point arranged between the modulating valve and the Venturi; and a beverage inlet valve into the tank attached immediately after the Venturi, which is formed by a pipeline.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lipid source for nutritional compositions, comprising an enriched lipid fraction which comprises structured fat globules. The enriched lipid fraction provides fat globules having a desired size and fatty acid composition and may be stabilized by components such as phospholipids, cholesterol, milk-fat globule membrane protein and combinations thereof. Additionally, the disclosure relates to methods of supporting lipid digestion in a pediatric subject by providing a nutritional composition comprising an enriched lipid fraction having structured fat globules that are more accessible to lipases. The chemical composition, size and structure of the fat globules may improve digestion. The disclosed nutritional compositions may provide additive and or/synergistic beneficial health effects.

Abstract: Disclosed are concentrated liquid human milk fortifiers including extensively hydrolyzed casein and a stabilizer system. The stabilizer system includes an OSA-modified corn starch in combination with a low acyl gellan gum. In one embodiment, the concentrated liquid human milk fortifier is hypoallergenic and includes extensively hydrolyzed casein as the sole protein source in combination with the OSA-modified corn starch and low acyl gellan gum.

Abstract: Systems, techniques and methods for estimating the metabolic state or flux, e.g., the body energy state (“BES”) of a patient, are disclosed. The BES provides a deep insight into the nutritional needs of the patient, thus allowing for a sort of exquisite glycemic control with regard to the patient. The invention discloses systems and methods for estimating fractional gluconeogenesis. The invention also discloses systems and methods for estimating and targeting patient blood lactate concentration, both as a target itself and as an intermediate step to estimating and targeting patient fractional gluconeogenesis glucose production. Nutritional support methods and formulations are also disclosed. The invention is suitable for any sort of patient, including those who are injured, such as with traumatic brain injury, ill, or have other conditions that stress the metabolic system.

Abstract: A method of modifying the content of certain bacteria in uncured tobacco material is provided, the method including contacting an uncured tobacco material with a treatment solution, wherein the treatment solution is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a solution comprising salt, sugar, or a combination thereof; (ii) a solution comprising one or more enzymes; and (iii) a solution comprising one or more probiotics, wherein said contacting provides a treated tobacco material having a reduced total bacterial content following harvest. Also provided is a method of reducing TSNA content, the method including growing a tobacco plant in soil treated with a chloride source; harvesting the tobacco plant; and curing the harvested tobacco plant to give a cured tobacco material, providing a treated, cured tobacco material having a TSNA content that is reduced as compared to a cured tobacco material that has been grown in soil not treated with a chloride source.

Abstract: The subject of the application is a device which supports mass flow of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco industry in a transport channel, having at least two segments (2, 3) connected by a connecting element (4), characterised in that the segments (2) are provided with positioning means (7, 8) which mate with the elements of the conveyor to set the position of the supporting device relative to the elements of the conveyor (5a, 5b).

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic cigarette, a battery pole and an atomizer. Wherein, the electronic cigarette comprises an atomizer and a battery rod, a first connecting element and a second connecting element; the first connecting element includes a first external electrode, a first internal electrode formed in one piece and an elastic element; the first internal electrode extends through the first external electrode and is electrically insulated from the first external electrode; the elastic element abuts against the first internal electrode and is configured to provide an elastic force that is oriented towards the second connecting element to the first internal electrode; a through-hole is defined in the elastic element; the elastic element is sleeved between the first external electrode and the first internal electrode; and a groove is defined on the peripheral face and/or end face of the elastic element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic smoking article that provides for improved aerosol delivery. Particularly, the article comprises one or more microheaters. In various embodiments, the microheaters provide for improved control of vaporization of an aerosol precursor composition and provide for reduced power requirements to achieve consistent aerosolization. The present disclosure further relates to methods of forming an aerosol in a smoking article.

Abstract: An atomizing nozzle of an electronic atomizing inhaler, includes a casing body, provided with a cap at the opening of the front end, with a gas-outlet aperture on the cap, and provided with a rear closure at the opening of the rear end, with a gas-inlet aperture on the rear closure; a liquid-container and a heater provided in the cavity formed by the casing body, the cap and the rear closure, an airflow-passage being provided between the casing body and the liquid-container; a liquid-guiding device closing the mouth part of the liquid-container, with no liquid-storage medium provided in the liquid-container; and a heater provided on the top of the rear closure, contacting the lower surface of the liquid-guiding device. An electronic atomizing inhaler is also provided.

Abstract: An e-vaping device includes a liquid storage portion for storing an e-liquid; a memory device storing cartomizer information; a vaporizer including a heating element, the vaporizer being in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion and configured to vaporize e-liquid stored in the liquid storage portion; a power supply configured to provide power to the vaporizer; a controller configured to control provision of power to the vaporizer based on the cartomizer information; and a switching architecture configured to selectively prevent a flow of current through the heating element, when the memory device sends data to the controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides an atomization assembly for an electronic smoking device. The atomization assembly has a mouthpiece assembly and an atomizer assembly. The atomizer assembly has a heating wire extending axially within a lumen of the atomizer and is connected to a set of threads for connecting to a power source.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices that may include components configured to convert electrical energy to heat and atomize an aerosol precursor composition. An outer body may at least partially enclose the components. An illumination source may be configured to output electromagnetic radiation. A wave guide may be configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the illumination source and illuminate the aerosol delivery device. The wave guide may define an increasing width from a first longitudinal end at which the electromagnetic radiation is received to an opposing second longitudinal end. Thereby, the wave guide may directly transmit the electromagnetic radiation across the entirety of the second longitudinal end to provide substantially even illumination at the second longitudinal end while employing less material and reducing the volume of space occupied by the wave guide as compared to cylindrical embodiments of wave guides. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Certain aspects of present invention relate to a top refillable e-cigarette, having movable cylindrical e-cigarette assembly, stationary top connecting assembly, and air adjustment assembly. Stationary top connecting assembly is positioned on top of air adjustment assembly. Movable cylindrical e-cigarette assembly may be slid upwards to open an e-liquid refill port against stationary top connecting assembly so e-liquid is refilled at top. Movable cylindrical electronic cigarette assembly has an e-liquid storage tank inside, and a vaporizer body support threadedly connect to a mouthpiece assembly and a sliding base. Stationary top connecting assembly defining a vapor passage in the center of the stationary top connecting assembly configured to allow vaporized e-liquid from the vaporizer to pass through to the mouthpiece assembly. A vaporizer is positioned inside the stationary top connecting assembly.

Abstract: Presented herein is a compact air heat exchanger/heating element for use in a portable vaporizer. In one arrangement the heating element is a multi-layered ceramic element having multiple internal conductive layers that form resistors. The heating element may be manufactured utilizing Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic (LTCC) and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing processes.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes an atomizer assemble which may be controlled by a button or airflow sensing. A button module and an airflow sensing module are integrated into the electronic cigarette. The user may directly smoke, and the airflow sensing module triggers the atomizer assemble to atomize tobacco tar to generate smoke. Alternatively, if the user wants to smoke, the user may press the button module. Because of the combination of the button module and the airflow sensing module, before the user puffs on the electronic cigarette, the user may press the button module, thus the atomizer assemble enters heating state and airflow channel is heated. In this way, when the user puffs on the electronic cigarette, the electronic cigarette may generate a lot of smoke.

Abstract: An inhaler comprising a reservoir of an inhalable composition, a heater to selectably volatilize at least some components of the composition, and a power source arranged to selectively supply electrical power to the heater when the user inhales from the inhaler. The power source is arranged to heat the heater to a temperature that will volatilize some, but not all of the components of the composition.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system is provided, including an aerosol-generating device in cooperation with an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article includes at least one container housing a nicotine source and at least two seals sealing the at least one container, wherein each seal includes a deformable material. The aerosol-generating device includes an outer housing configured to receive the aerosol-generating article and an elongate piercing member configured to pierce the at least two seals. The elongate piercing member includes a piercing head at a distal end of the elongate piercing member and a hollow shaft portion including at least two apertures. At least one aperture of the at least two apertures is in fluid communication with the at least one container when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device.

Abstract: A fluid cartridge for a vaporizer includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member with a space in between for holding a fluid to be vaporized. The inner tubular member includes a first connector for interconnecting with a second connector formed internal to a mouthpiece. The inner tubular member further includes a locking member that interconnects with at least one groove formed in an interior of the mouthpiece and the locking member and groove are configured to inhibit disconnection of the first and second connectors.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a smokable material heater, configured to heat a first region of smokable material to a volatizing temperature sufficient to volatize a component of smokable material and to concurrently heat a second region of smokable material to a temperature lower than said volatizing temperature but which is sufficient to prevent condensation of volatized components of the smokable material. A method of heating smokable material is also described.

Abstract: An undergarment for women includes a main support portion and a slip portion joined with the main support portion to form a common, seamless waistline.

Abstract: In a first-aid system including an ultra compact first-aid pouch configured to fit behind the ballistic plates of a protective vest, the first-aid kit is protected from shrapnel and tearing, is easily locatable and removable and does not effect the user's freedom of movement. When the first-aid pouch is removed from its protected location, it presents the first-aid equipment in a logical and easily viewable manner.

Abstract: A garment for regulating temperature is provided, with a body including a back panel and at least one front panel and at least partially joined along at least one common edge, an inner liner panel fastened to an inner surface of at least one of the back panel and to the at least one front panel with a first surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface of the inner liner panel, and at least one pocket with top, bottom and side edges, being fastened to at least one of the first and second surfaces of the inner removable liner panel. The at least one pocket has at least one side opening.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for computer assisted pattern drafting in garment development. In an embodiment of the invention, a pattern making method includes initially acquiring a multiplicity of different two-dimensional image slices of a human form. Thereafter, a panel of a portion of a pattern of a garment is selected for processing in a data processing system and a metric computational rule for the selected panel is mapped to one of the two-dimensional image slices. A measurement of the one of the two-dimensional image slices is then acquired and the mapped metric computational rule is applied using the acquired measurement to produce a measurement for the selected panel.

Abstract: An article of headwear including a crown component, a brim component, and an elongated attachment component is provided. The attachment component is configured to attach the brim component to the crown component. The attachment component may include a female-type engagement element along a first elongated edge of the attachment component and a flange element along a second elongated edge of the attachment component. The second elongated edge is opposite to the first elongated edge. The female-type engagement element has first and second arms defining therebetween an elongated channel having a length and a depth. The flange element extends in a direction transverse to the length of the channel. The crown component is attached to the flange element. The brim component includes a connection region configured for insertion into the channel. An article of headwear having an attachment component for attaching decorative elements to the headwear is also provided.

Abstract: A helmet/hood assembly includes a housing, a support ring subassembly configured to hold the assembly on a human head, a face shield, and a flexible hood attached to the housing and to the face shield, with the assembly being received, stored, used, and disposed as a single unit. The support ring subassembly pivots on the housing between a position suitable for shipping and storing the assembly and a position in which the assembly is worn. An accessory light powered by a battery may be held in place on the housing by magnetic attraction through the hood.

Abstract: A sports helmet optimizes the full peripheral field of vision of its wearer. The optical properties of the entire protective shell will allow the transmission of light, while reflecting a colored appearance externally, and remaining antireflective from the eye of the wearer. Internal padding and face guard also enhance the transmission of light compared to existing designs. Helmets constructed in accordance with the invention are made with a transparent shell material, with one or more optical layers to achieve an anti-reflective view from the eye side of the helmet and an acceptable appearance on the external surface of the shell. Single or multiple metalized thin films may be used to create a one-way mirror effect. In other embodiments see-through graphics may be used with microdot patterns. In certain embodiments, multiple optical coatings may be used to achieve a desired combination of transparency and light-absorbing properties.

Abstract: A protective helmet having multiple protective zones, including an inner shell having a first inner surface and a first outer surface, a padded inner lining attached to the first inner surface, an outer shell having a second inner surface and a second outer surface, the outer shell functionally attached to the inner shell, an elastomeric zone between the first outer surface and the second inner surface, a plurality of energy dissipation devices arranged between the inner and outer shells, and a plurality of sinusoidal springs positioned in the elastomeric zone. Each of the plurality of sinusoidal springs includes a first end, and a second end connected to one of the plurality of energy dissipation devices.

Abstract: A high-heeled shoe for a human foot which enables a person wearing it to stand and walk in an anatomically correct (suitable) position, i.e. to walk just like when she walks with heelless flat shoes; enables the body to stand in balance and the foot to rest on all points. The high-heeled shoe is formed with a curving inclined supporting sole which extends into the heel with the curve being adjusted with arctangent values and a correction factor and toe and heel angles appropriate for a human foot to provide perfect conformity with the human foot for straight body posture suitable to anatomy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sole component for a shoe suitable for use with different heels. The sole component comprises a front, a middle and a rear sole portion and comprises a mechanism for adjusting the sole curvature in a transition region between the front and the middle sole portion. The mechanism comprises a rotatable supporting element which is provided in such a way that it may have a first angular position which causes a first sole curvature in the transition region and a second angular position which causes a second sole curvature in the transition region, wherein the first sole curvature is different from the second sole curvature.

Abstract: A spacer textile material has at least a portion of multiple tensile strands located between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strands move freely. In one or more locations, a first tensile strand and a second tensile overlap at an intersection region. Further, the spacer textile material may be incorporated into an article of footwear.

Abstract: A method is provided for making footwear utilizing a spray-on material. The method can include spraying a spray-on fabric onto surfaces of a three dimensional last. The last can be produced using additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing, based on data corresponding to dimensions and contours of a consumer's foot, and/or preselected aesthetic footwear designs. The spray-on fabric is sprayed onto the surfaces of the last and allowed to cure to form a flexible, non-woven fabric upper. The upper can be removed from the last and turned inside out. With the upper turned inside out, a sole can be joined to the fabric upper to form the footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a tensioning system is disclosed. The tensioning system is adjustable and includes a first layer and a second layer that is moveable and extends over the first layer. The article can include elements that are capable of distributing tension over the article. The article may include a tensile element, guide elements, and one or more strap guides attached to an underside of the second layer.

Abstract: A seat belt restraint system locking tongue (10) having a locking member (30) which moves to a locked position to clamp a webbing (3) inserted in a shoulder-side webbing insertion slot (12) to restrict movement of the webbing (3). A tongue body (11) includes a restricting portion (25) near the shoulder-side webbing insertion slot (12) to clamp the webbing (3) with the locking member (30) when the locking member (3) moves to the locked position. The length in the longitudinal direction of the webbing insertion slot (12), of a portion of the restricting portion (25) that contacts the webbing (3) to clamp the webbing (3) is smaller than the width of the webbing (3). The locking tongue prevents fraying of the webbing (3) and improves the clamping performance in the event of a vehicle crash.

Abstract: A knitted textile fabric includes a first knitted fabric layer including a first set of yarns. The first knitted fabric layer has outwardly extending pile underlap loops at one face adapted for mated engagement with hooking elements of a hook component of a hook-and-loop fastener. The knitted textile fabric also includes a second knitted fabric layer having a second set of yarns attached to the first knitted fabric layer. The second set of yarns includes a plurality of filaments in which adjacent filaments are fused together and adjacent yarns are fused together.

Abstract: A wrist band for attaching a portable electronic device to a user includes articulating segments which may be releasably connected so as to provide the user the capability of sizing the wristband by adding or removing links as desired. A clasp is also disclosed for securing the wristband to a user. A manufacturing device and method are disclosed for machining complex surfaces on the segments and clasp.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment is directed to a method and apparatus of a bluetooth that is enabled in a jewelry device for use on bluetooth headset earpieces. The preferred embodiment can be provided in the shape of almost any objects. Envisioned objects include pearls, crystals, feathers, and diamonds, among similar items. The preferred embodiment increases consumer purchase appeal to meet a need of a wearable technology jewelry and bluetooth. The accessories that can be applied and removed from the present preferred embodiment can be done without the use of additional tools.