Abstract: Novel findings have been made that a carbohydrate composition in which a highly branched dextrin and isomaltulose are mixed at a specific ratio, wherein the highly branched dextrin has a structure in which glucose or isomaltooligosaccharide is bound to a non-reducing terminus of a dextrin via an ?-1,6 glycosidic bond, and has a DE value of 10 to 52, enhances an suppressing effect on digestion of the highly branched dextrin by isomaltulose, that is, synergistically suppresses the digestion, thereby leading to the completion of the present invention.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition and method for extending the shelf-life of water, food/feed or food/feed ingredients, comprising: 5-25 wt. % nonanoic acid, 1-25 wt. % organic acid ester, 1-50 wt. % of a single or mixture of C1-C24 aldehydes, a mixture of C1-C24 organic acids, and water.

Abstract: Moisture is retained in cooked or thawed food by adding to the food an aqueous suspension of animal muscle protein obtained from animal muscle tissue. The aqueous suspension is obtained by mixing comminuted animal muscle tissue with a food grade acid to form an aqueous acidic solution of animal muscle protein. The acidic solution is mixed with a food grade base to precipitate the protein in an aqueous composition. The precipitated protein then is comminuted to form an aqueous suspension of comminuted animal muscle protein.

Abstract: An apparatus for roasting and cooling loose products includes an oven with a housing including an upper and a lower section with glass doors. The apparatus has an air and a gas distribution grid connected to the upper and lower sections. In addition, the apparatus includes a high-pressure ventilator in the upper section having an outlet connected to the air duct, a rotor drum installed over the gas distribution grid, a feeding tray located in the upper section, a heater located in the lower section and configured to heat air and a hopper located on top of the housing above the rotor drum and configured to feed the loose products into the oven. The hopper includes one or more strain gauges configured to weigh the loose products. An opening located adjacent the hopper intakes fresh air intake and outtakes humidified air and a horizontal cooler chills the loose products.

Abstract: A food processing system includes a slicer configured to slice a food item so the food item has at least one gap present between slices in the food item during slicing of the food item, and an infuser coupled with the slicer and including a reservoir containing an infusion ingredient, the infuser configured to deposit a portion of the infusion ingredient into the at least one gap during slicing. The infuser may be positioned to infuse the infusion ingredient between surfaces formed by a spiral cut in the food item during slicing. A peeler configured to peel the food item may be included. A corer configured to core the food item may also be included.

Abstract: A smoking apparatus has a vessel, a smoke generation structure coupled to a lower portion of the vessel for accommodating smoke-generation substance for generating smoke, and for guiding the smoke into the vessel, a smoke guide for discharging the smoke out of the vessel, and a pump for pumping the smoke from the smoking generation structure into the vessel and for pumping the smoke out of the vessel through the smoke guide.

Abstract: An electronic pipe includes a first pipe section having an electronic module and a first connector element that communicates with the electronic module. A second pipe section is attached to the first pipe section, the second pipe section including a combustible material reservoir having a passageway that communicates with a mouthpiece receiver, with an aperture located on a surface of the second pipe section, the aperture communicating with the combustible material reservoir so that a fluid exterior to the electronic pipe can pass into the aperture, through the combustible material reservoir and into the passageway that communicates with the mouthpiece receiver and a second connector element coupled to the first connector element, with both connector elements structured to transmit an electric current from the battery to a laser diode or induction coil heat source located within the combustible material reservoir.

Abstract: A bowl for a water pipe comprising: an interior space defined by an inner surface of the bowl; and one or more walls separating the inner space into a plurality of compartments for holding organic matter to be smoked by a user.

Abstract: A slide push pack for smoking articles and a method of packaging smoking articles are disclosed. The slide push pack includes an outer shell and an inner shell. The outer shell has a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, the back panel having a pair of guide rails and an inner channel, the front panel having a front finger window. The inner shell is configured to receive a pack of smoking articles. The inner shell includes an inner back panel, an outer back panel, a front panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a hinged-lid. The hinged-lid has a hinged-lid back panel configured to attach the hinged-lid to the back panel of the inner shell, and wherein the inner back panel includes an upper tab, and the outer back panel includes a mid-tab and a lower retention tab.

Abstract: A vaporizer assembly is shaped and configured to fit partially into a downstem of a water pipe. The vaporizer assembly includes a housing including an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion has a smaller diameter, and fits in the downstem. The upper portion of the vaporizer assembly includes a bowl or dish, and a heat source is enclosed within the housing and positioned and configured to selectively heat the bowl or dish. A body of the vaporizer adjacent the bowl includes vapor passages. One or more passages are also formed in the lower portion. Thus, essential oils or waxes placed in the bowl can be vaporized by the heat. The generated vapor may flow from the bowl into and through the vapor passages and lower portion passage and into the waterpipe's downstem.

Abstract: An e-vaping section includes an outer housing, a supply reservoir, an inner tube, and a heater capable of vaporizing a pre-vapor formulation. The section includes a female threaded connector on an end of the e-vaping section that defines an air inlet positioned adjacent to threads of the connector. A power section includes an outer housing and a power supply, with a male treaded connector defining a vent hole. An assembled e-vaping device connects two e-vaping sections via the male and female threaded connectors causing the air inlet and vent hole to be in fluid communication with each other. A method of manufacturing an e-vaping device includes adjusting a cross-sectional area of the air inlets defined by the female threaded connector to adjust a resistance-to-draw (RTD) value for the device.

Abstract: A resealable disposable microvaporizer cartridge having an outer casing and an inner casing that is radially inwards of the outer casing, a trapdoor, and a tank defined between a radially inward surface of the outer casing and a radially outward surface of the inner casing. The cartridge is sealed by the trapdoor on one end, and the trapdoor is resealable. A disposable mouthpiece can also be provided on the disposable cartridge.

Abstract: A non-burning type flavor inhaler includes a control unit that controls power supplied from a power source to an atomizer. The control unit controls, in one puff action in a standard mode, controls the power source to supply standard power amount to the atomizer in a duration before a first duration elapses. The control unit, in one puff action in the reduced mode, controls the power source to supply first power amount greater than the standard power amount to the atomizer in a duration before a second duration elapses, and controls the power source to supply second power amount smaller than the first power amount to the atomizer in a duration after the second duration elapses and before a third duration elapses.

Abstract: An atomizing assembly includes a tubing section having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the tubing section is connectable to a liquid storage portion, and the outlet end of the tubing section is in fluid communication with an atomizing nozzle. The tubing section is configured to deliver a flow of liquid aerosol-forming substrate through the atomizing nozzle. The atomizing nozzle includes an air channel configured to establish an air flow through the nozzle. The air flow is mixed with the flow of liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Abstract: The present application discloses an atomization assembly, an electronic cigarette with a limited lifetime and a method of limiting a lifetime of the electronic cigarette. The atomization assembly includes an interface circuit detachably connected with the battery assembly, an atomization circuit and a main circuit. The atomization circuit and the main circuit are both connected with the interface circuit. The main circuit is used to count the puff number according to actual conducting times of the atomization circuit, after electrically communicated with the battery assembly via the interface circuit, so that the electronic cigarette controls the atomizing circuit to be disconnected and stopped from working when the puff number reaches a preset value. A technical effect is achieved that exactly counting the puff number and effectively ensuring the consistency between the available puff number and available amount of tobacco tar.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a first section containing a liquid supply reservoir including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, and a wick in communication with the liquid material and operable to deliver the liquid material to the heater, and a second section containing a power supply. The first section is connected to the second section at a breakaway connection. The breakaway connection includes a weakened region.

Abstract: A portable, personal storage and carrying case for an e-liquid e-cigarette PV in which the case includes: a refillable PV that is removable from the case; an electrical power source for re-charging a rechargeable battery in the PV; a user-replaceable reservoir for holding e-liquid; and an electrical or electronic pump adapted to transfer e-liquid from the reservoir to a chamber in the PV, the pump delivering a pre-defined or variable quantity of e-liquid from the reservoir; and in which the refillable PV is approximately the same size as a cigarette and it includes no ‘on’ control button.

Abstract: An atomizer includes a main body and an atomizing device detachably connected to the main body. The main body defines a liquid chamber. The atomizing device includes an atomizing core and a first connecting holder. The first connecting holder is configured for supporting the atomizing core. The first connecting holder is configured for connecting with the main body in a rotatable manner. The atomizing device further includes a second connecting holder movable between a first position and a second position along an axial direction. When the second connecting holder is in the first position, the second connecting holder is rotatable relative to the first connecting holder. When the second connecting holder is in the second position, the second connecting holder is capable of driving the first connecting holder to rotate, so that the first connecting holder can be detached from the main body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-supporting garment for the lower body, closed either only in front or in back, or partially open in front and in back, comprising a lower support strap (5; 11) and one or two upper support straps (4; 9,10), which are connected to one another at a front connecting point (6; 12) and/or at a rear connecting point (7; 13), where the support straps lying against the pelvis (4,5) or support straps (9,10) and their respective connecting points (6; 7; 12,13) are manufactured of a dimensionally stable and elastic material.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing sock is shown and described. In one embodiment, the sock is a shock-absorbing athletic sock generally conforming to the shape of a human foot that includes a heel portion, a mid-foot portion and a shock absorbing assembly. The shock absorbing assembly may include a cavity assembly and a shock absorbing material. In other embodiments, the sock may include a slip-avoidance system.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for holding pocket squares/handkerchiefs using different folds and configurations. The device includes two panels that can be folded over each other along a single edge and securely held together. A pocket square, inserted into an interior space defined by the folded panels can thus be held in position. Ample space is provided on the device to display monograms, advertisements, or other decorative elements.

Abstract: The invention discloses contoured, shape-enhancing jeans garments having permanent inner structures of a buttocks enhancing contoured form at the posterior waistband portion and torso region; and, an anterior tummy slimming and smoothing pocket structure system, eliminating the need for additional or separate buttocks expanding, or shaping devise, or girdle type undergarments. The buttocks system is affixed at strategic points to the posterior of the jeans garment; and the tummy system is similarly incorporated at the anterior of the garments. The buttocks system is comprised of a tapered open cell foam pad with a stretchable posterior casing and anterior minimal stretch lining allowing for flexibility, comfort and conformity to the individuals physique with a free floating lower edge. The tummy system is specifically positioned to slim and smooth by covering and containing the tummy of the wearer.

Abstract: A modular protective structure may be formed from an impact absorbing material formed into a repeating pattern of one or more geometrical shapes that may be assembled to a size, shape, and/or configuration desired to protect an athlete from impact. The thickness of the structure may vary in a repetitive fashion along at least a first axis of the structure, and may further vary in a repetitive fashion along a second axis of the structure.

Abstract: A work glove with a hand-receiving cavity and a thumb tube and four elongated finger tubes. A resilient pad attaches in a portion selected for providing resistance to industrial loading. A polymer coating encapsulates at least a portion of an exterior surface and the resilient pad within a continuous film, the resilient pad and the polymer coating defining in situ an interfacial miscible layer comprising portions of the resilient pad bonded with the polymer coating, which continuous film resists chemical penetration therethrough while the resilient pad resists industrial loading during use of the work glove.

Abstract: A glove apparatus is disclosed comprising a substantially glove-shaped first layer, a substantially glove-shaped second layer, and an attachment tab comprising a lower portion, an upper portion, and an extension portion. The attachment tab is attached to a finger portion of the second layer along the lower portion and along the upper portion. The extension portion extends from the attachment tab at a location distal from a fingertip of the second layer and overlies the upper portion to an attachment region on the first layer proximate a fingertip of the first layer, the fingertips of the first layer and of the second layer thereby lying substantially near or in contact with one another.

Abstract: A thermally and/or electrically insulative glove includes an outer back surface of molded silicone. A retainer is integrally molded with the glove body on the outer back surface to define a retainer cavity between the retainer and the outer back surface. The retainer cavity has a light opening and an access opening and is sealed by the outer back surface from the interior of the glove. A self-contained lamp is positionable in the retainer cavity through the light opening. an ON/OFF pushbutton switch is provided on the body of the self-contained lamp. The retainer includes a flexible wall with a protrusion, the protrusion being aligned with the on/off pushbutton switch with the lamp fully positioned in the retainer cavity.

Abstract: Provided is an athletic headband with removable cooling elements. The athletic headband includes a body and cooling elements. The body has a first opening and a second opening substantially opposed to the first opening. Further, the body includes pockets disposed about the body and extending from the first opening to the second opening. The pockets have respective openings about the second opening. The first cooling elements are configured to be received into the pockets through the respective openings to provide cooling to the head of the user. The cooling elements are disposed adjacently to one another about the body to provide continuous cooling about the head.

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: A combination garment with figure enhancing devices provided on the garment itself. The garment, for example a dress, includes an outer dress and a liner made of a four-way stretch material attached to the outer dress. Preferably, the liner is attached to the outer dress only at the arm holes. Otherwise, the liner hangs completely free from the outer dress. The liner includes a w-shaped pocket on a front side adapted to receive bust pads and a u-shaped pocket on a rear side adapted to receive buttocks pads.

Abstract: A hat having attached hair including a baseball cap style hat with a dome-shaped crown having a front, a rear, and a lower opening for the head of the wearer. The hat further including a bill extending outwardly from the front of the crown. The rear of the crown having a semicircular shaped opening, generally adjacent to the lower edge of the crown. The hat also including a rectangular netting attached generally adjacent to the rear opening of the crown and a plurality of strands of hair wefted onto the netting in a plurality of parallel tracks, with the hair extending downwardly from the netting and outwardly through the semicircular shaped opening in the crown of the hat. Furthermore, the hat including indicia imprinted on the bill and the crown of the hat and optionally LED lights incorporated into the hair.

Abstract: A covering apparatus having a unitary material. The unitary material has a grip disposed around the interior perimeter of the material. The grip is fused to the material wherein the grip enables the material to provide a water tight seal and wherein the material is covering an object without slipping and sliding off the object. The material has an elastic member which is enclosed in the material which is located in the rear of the covering apparatus.

Abstract: The conventional surveillance angle, in which activities are observed from a helmet camera mounted at the top, separates a participant of an activity, such as sports, from his immediate experience. A different point of view can be taken from the camera when it is mounted via the Y-shaped accessory mount over the apogee of the helmet chin bar. This point of view is a sousveillance in which the observation is down at a human level so as to allow a consumer of the recorded contents of the sousveillance to connect with the sportsman by vicariously undergoing the immediacy of his sporting experience.

Abstract: One variation of a helmet system includes: a shell defining an interior volume and an aperture proximal an anterior end of the shell; a primary visor coupled to the shell and transiently arranged over the aperture; a secondary visor adjacent the aperture, including an elongated translucent member suspended from the shell, and defining a first discrete reflective region on a right side of the elongated translucent member and a second discrete reflective region on a left side of the elongated translucent member; a camera coupled to the shell and defining a field of view extending outwardly from a posterior end of the shell; and a projection system projecting an image onto the first discrete reflective region and onto the second discrete reflective region, the image comprising a subregion of a video frame recorded by the camera, the secondary visor reflecting the image toward the interior volume.

Abstract: An article with a color change portion and a method of changing color. The article includes at least one color change portion capable of changing colors. The color change portion includes composite material including a photonic lattice. The color change portion can change colors according to one or more performance parameters. The article can be connected to a computer and the color change portion can be controlled using the computer.

Abstract: The sole of a footwear such as slipper having an outsole. The sole is made of a foam material and outsole area of which is partly laid with a fabric material. The fabric is attached to the outsole layer by a plastic which has been heat pressed to the fabric and the foam material. This provides a strong attachment between the fabric-plastic-foam material.

Abstract: Footwear is provided with a closure system that is easily replaceable by the user. The closure system includes a strap that is preferably secured to the shoe through a hook and loop fastener. The strap is interchangeable and can include a variety of colors, designs, logos. The footwear can include multiple straps.

Abstract: A sole for aerated footwear having an elongate body with a lower surface, a device attached to the body, and an operating member, arranged to move away from and towards the body in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the body as the sole bends to disengage and unbends to engage a floor, for operating the device. The device is attached to the body, engageable with the operating member, and is expandable from, or further away from, the lower surface of the body, upon movement of the operating member away from the body.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear and a method of making the sole structure is disclosed. The sole structure can include an outsole and a midsole. The midsole includes a cavity with a protruding portion. A U-shaped or L-shaped transparent member is configured to cover the cavity so that the protruding portion remains visible from within the cavity.

Abstract: Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

Abstract: Computer based systems and methods for designing (e.g., customization) of consumer products, articles of footwear, knit footwear uppers, and the like. In some embodiments, a user may generate and/or modify footwear designs using a footwear design interface. Additionally or alternatively, the footwear design interface may be configured to simulate the layout and/or operation of a knitting machine to provide the user with the impression of physically designing and/or manufacturing an article of footwear. In other embodiments, the system may disallow prospective footwear design changes based on limitations associated with inventory availability and the footwear design characteristics.

Abstract: Shoes with customized side panels including hand gesture elements are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a shoe can include a sole assembly and an upper coupled to the sole assembly and including a first side panel and a second side panel generally opposite the first side panel. The shoe also includes a hand gesture element on at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel. The hand gesture element can include any type of hand gesture that is expressive of an idea, opinion, emotion, etc. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims (37 C.F.R. 1.72(b)).

Abstract: A fastener assembly is provided including a fastener body having at least one aperture and a cavity formed at a top portion. A cap is provided configured to be removably inserted into the cavity. A method for fastening an article is provided including providing an article having holes in opposing edges of an article opening and a lace passed through said holes. At least one fastener body is provided having an attachment point, wherein the lace is secured to the attachment point, forming at least one slack portion. Each slack portion is pulled through a set of holes in the opposing edges of the article to form lace loop(s). Each lace loop is overlapped over the at least one fastener body.

Abstract: A lacing system for an article of footwear may include a lateral series of lace-receiving elements and a medial series of lace-receiving elements. A first lace extends consecutively through a first lateral lace-receiving element, a second lateral lace-receiving element, a fourth medial lace-receiving element, a fifth lateral lace-receiving element, a third medial lace-receiving element, and again through the first lateral lace-receiving element. A second lace extends consecutively through a first medial lace-receiving element, a second medial lace-receiving element, a fourth lateral lace-receiving element, a fifth medial lace-receiving element, a third lateral lace-receiving element, and again through the first medial lace-receiving element.

Abstract: Ornament assemblies including a fastener, and a removable and replaceable ornament are provided. Contemplated fasteners include a magnet and a looped attachment mechanism, and are configured to simultaneously couple with an ornament via the magnet, and an accessory via the looped attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A cord lock includes a female member including first cord insertion portions through which a cord can be inserted to pass; a male member capable of moving in and out from an opening of the female member, and including second cord insertion portions through which the cord inserted to pass through the first cord insertion portions can pass; and an urging device provided between the female member and the male member to provide an urging force in a direction wherein the male member protrudes from the opening of the female member. The second cord insertion portion of the male member and the urging device are located adjacent to each other, and on opposed faces of the female member and the male member along an insertion direction of the cord, straight portions which can carry out at least a line contact are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable device including first and second band straps attached to a device body. A buckle mechanism is configured to attach the first band strap to the second band strap and includes a spring bar attached to an end of the first band strap and a buckle loop engaged to the spring bar. A tang is configured to engage a hole formed in the second band strap to secure the first band strap to the second band strap. The tang defines an aperture that receives the spring bar and is configured to pivot about an offset axis that is offset with respect to an axis of the bar. As the tang is rotated, a restoring force biases the tang toward the buckle loop.

Abstract: A buckle includes a male member and a female member. The male member is provided with an engagement section which protrudes from a body section. The female member includes a pressing elastic member which is provided with an engagement receiving section with which the engagement section engages; and a housing body in which a housing space for housing the pressing elastic member is housed. The housing body has an opening which connects to the housing space and into which the engagement section is inserted. The pressing elastic member is integrally provided with: a pair of pressing sections-which protrudes from the housing space of the housing body; elastic body sections which connect the pair of pressing sections together, elastically support the pressing sections, and enable the pressing sections to elastically move into the housing section; and the engagement receiving section which is supported by the elastic body sections.

Abstract: Described is a fastening tape that includes improved attachment systems. To increase the effectiveness of attaching the fastening tape to a component foam, the bottom or underside of the fastening tape includes one or more membranes. The one or more membranes are attached to the bottom surface of the fastening tape at one or more attachment portions. To strengthen the attachment between the fastening tape and the component foam, the membrane may include one or more non-attachment portions in the form of open spaces or pockets into which the component foam may flow when introduced into the mold.

Abstract: A folding shelf system for storing clothing in an article of luggage includes an article of luggage for storing objects. A shelf unit is selectively positioned in the article of luggage and clothing is selectively positioned on the shelf unit. The shelf unit is selectively positioned in a deployed position to facilitate the clothing to be accessible. The shelf unit is selectively positioned in a folded position such that the shelf unit is contained within the article of luggage.

Abstract: An elongated, flexible tubular container providing neck support for users during travel. The interior of the container is accessible through one or more openings at one or both ends of the container. The openings can be secured with angled zipper closures. Clothing items are inserted into the interior of the container during packing, and during travel, the container can be bent or arranged in a horseshoe shape or C-shape around the users neck or other body parts. The ends of the container may be secured to each other to hold the container in place. When the clothing is removed, the container is collapsed.