Abstract: The present invention provides a novel use of D-Napropamide and a method comprising the use of D-Napropamide and combinations comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of strobilurine type compounds of formula I and the N-oxides and the salts thereof for combating phytopathogenic fungi containing a mutation in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene conferring resistance to Qo inhibitors, and to methods for combating such fungi. The invention also relates to novel compounds, processes for preparing these compounds, to compositions comprising at least one such compound, to plant health applications, and to seeds coated with at least one such compound.

Abstract: Provided is a compound and composition capable of increasing a sugar content in a fruit by a simple method, without being restricted by a cultivation area of a plant or a climatic environment. The agent for increasing a sugar content in a fruit of a plant comprises a compound represented by the formula MX as an active ingredient, wherein M represents alkali metal ion or alkaline earth metal ion, and X represents carbonate ion, hydrogen carbonate ion, acetate ion, citrate ion, succinate ion, phosphate ion, hydrogen phosphate ion, or pyrophosphate ion.

Abstract: To provide acidic electrolyzed water having disinfecting power for a long period of time (for example, six months or more), and a production method for this acidic electrolyzed water. The acidic electrolyzed water has an effective chlorine concentration equal to or greater than 15 ppm, and contains an acid salt of an inorganic acid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for benefiting plant growth. In particular aspects, the compositions contain a biologically pure culture of Bacillus sp. D747 strain (deposited as FERM BP-8234) and an insecticide in a formulation suitable for dissolution in a liquid fertilizer.

Abstract: Various examples are related to making flatbreads such as, e.g., a compact machine for making flatbread in a residential kitchen-type environment or other countertop, tabletop, or space limited applications. In one example, a machine includes a hopper including a mixing chamber configured for bulk addition of raw materials for preparation of flatbread pieces; a mixing assembly configured to blend the raw materials into a flatbread dough mixture; a dough piecing assembly configured to generate a dough piece from an extruded portion of the flatbread dough mixture; a lower platen configured to transfer the pressed flatbread dough piece to a cooking zone on the dough contacting surface for cooking; and a flatbread ejection station configured to remove a cooked flatbread piece from the machine. A second cooking zone can be included to further cook the pressed flatbread dough piece prior to ejection from the machine.

Abstract: A method for reducing level of contaminants from an object, the method comprises introducing the object into an ultrasonic (US) bath carrying an aqueous medium that holds, suspended therein, insoluble nanoparticles and activating said bath to apply US waves onto said object while the object is at least partially submerged within said aqueous medium.

Abstract: A cellulose composite which contains a cellulose and a polysaccharide and which is characterized in that the median diameter of colloidal cellulose composites contained in the cellulose composite is 0.85 ?m or more as measured by a dynamic light scattering method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating milk components, wherein proteins, sugars and minerals are separated into different fractions. The lactose of milk is first hydrolyzed completely or partially, after which proteins, minerals and sugars are separated into fractions in a phased nanofiltration. The obtained fractions may also be further processed by chromatography, membrane techniques, and/or evaporation to further improve the separation of said components. The invention also relates to a low-lactose or lactose-free milk composed of these fractions. By means of the invention, calcium and protein losses can be minimized. Also, the energy content of the product can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention describes a food product comprising from 0.1 to 2.5 wt % of a starch which is treated with an amylomaltase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing cheese, comprising the steps of: providing a first raw material liquid; providing a second raw material liquid; treating the first raw material liquid with a protein crosslinking enzyme to provide an enzyme-treated raw material liquid; mixing the enzyme-treated raw material liquid with the second raw material liquid to provide cheese milk; processing the cheese milk into cheese. The process produces cheese in improved yields while retaining the organoleptic properties of cheese unchanged. The invention further relates to cheese treated with a protein crosslinking enzyme, having the moisture on a fat-free basis of 67% or less and a protein profile of cheese has proteins of molecular weight of less than 66 kDa.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fermented tea obtained by inoculating tea with a microbial strain derived from fermented soybean sauce, and a method for producing the fermented tea. The fermented tea has superior taste and aroma, exhibits an outstanding improving effect on blood circulation and alleviating effect on cold hands and feet, and can be used various ways in the field of health foods or medical products.

Abstract: A process for enhancing polyphenolics content of beverages brewed from polyphenolic containing, processed beverage substrate by pre-soaking substrate (coffee beans, for example) before roasting and then quenching the substrate after processing with the liquid in which the substrate was first “pre-soaked.” Beverages produced from the treated substrate exhibit substantially increased polyphenolics content, when compared to conventionally processed beverage substrate of the same nature and processing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an excellent denatured whey protein having no adverse effect on the characteristics of a product. A method for manufacturing a denatured whey protein comprising processing a whey protein solution by repeating the following steps (1) and (2) 2 times or more continuously: (1) a step for treating the whey protein solution on pressure at 50 MPa or higher and on heating at 85 to 100° C.; and, (2) a step for decompressing to 0.05 to 0.5 MPa after the treating of the aforementioned step (1) and maintaining the temperature within the range of the heating temperature of the aforementioned step (1) ±10° C.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides highly digestible pet food compositions that, when ingested by an animal, result in reduced stool volume, weight, and odor, and methods of use employing those compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides nutrient zinc and copper fortifying composition for food products. More particularly the present invention provides zinc and copper fortifying composition comprising zinc lactate gluconate, copper ion source, and class II preservative. The invention further provides a hydration supplement and a fortified water beverage to supplement the deficiencies of zinc in humans.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of preparing a concentrated liquid foodstuff comprising treating a sugar solution or a concentrate or an extract having a Brix of more than 20°, with carbohydrate oxidase and catalase without adjusting the pH before or during the treatment by addition of buffering substances or basic substances, to obtain a concentrated liquid foodstuff, wherein the final pH is lower than 3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing hot pepper paste (gochujang in Korean) by using a novel strain, and hot pepper paste prepared therefrom. More specifically, the hot pepper paste having a consistent quality and improved flavor and taste can be prepared by isolating and selecting Aspergillus oryzae having remarkable carbohydrate and protein degradation enzymatic activities from traditional meju (fermented soybeans) by using wheat flour or polished wheat as a substrate, and using the isolated and selected product for preparing the hot pepper paste.

Abstract: Shown herein is a vessel having a rigid cylinder having an inside surface, an outside surface, a middle area, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is open. A frictional surface is located on the inside surface of the cylinder and in the middle area of the cylinder, and is capable of engaging with produce placed inside the cylinder. A first mounting surface extends from the first end of the cylinder and a first cap is removable and configured to couple with the first mounting surface on the first end. The outside surface of the cylinder is configured to engage with a hand of a user. When the produce is placed inside the cylinder and the user shakes the vessel, the produce engages the frictional surface to remove an outer surface of the produce.

Abstract: A tobacco material and a process for the treatment of tobacco are provided. The process comprises securing the tobacco within a moisture-retaining material and exposing the tobacco material to an ambient processing temperature of at least about 45° C., with the tobacco having a packing density of at least 200 kg/m3 on a dry matter weight base at the start of the process and a moisture content of between about 10% and 23%. The TSNA content of the tobacco material is maintained at a relatively constant level during the process.

Abstract: A chewable oral tobacco composition (1) including a tobacco raw material for eluting a tobacco component and a gum base comprises: a first gum portion (10) including the tobacco raw material and a first gum base; and a second gum portion (20) including a second gum base. The second gum portion does not include the tobacco raw material or includes the tobacco raw material in an amount less than an amount of the tobacco raw material included in the first gum portion. A weight of the first gum base is 0.3 g or more. Wt. % of the first gum base is 50 wt. % or more when wt. % of the first gum portion is 100 wt. %. Total wt. % of the first gum base and the second gum base is 50 wt. % or less when wt. % of the oral tobacco composition is 100 wt. %.

Abstract: A smoking article provides one or more sheets of material that can be rolled and packaged, at least one sheet including cellulose. In one embodiment, cellulose and tobacco sheet material are separately rolled layers that can optionally be wrapped around a form casing (or pre-rolled inside) and then packaged. In another embodiment, the sheet is a laminated sheet of tobacco and cellulose layers that can be optionally wrapped around (or pre-rolled inside) a form casing. These sheets can be filled with custom tobacco to make one or more new cigars for an end user. In another embodiment, a complete cigar filled with tobacco material can be disassembled by an end user to produce tobacco and cellulose sheets, enabling the end user to form two new cigars using his or her own custom tobacco.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device includes a housing and a reservoir having an open end and an opposing closed end. The reservoir includes an aerosol precursor composition therein. The aerosol delivery device also includes an electrical contact in or on the housing. The device further includes a vaporizing unit. The vaporizing unit includes a liquid transport element, a heating element, and an electrical connector. The vaporizing unit is configured to removably engage the open end of the reservoir such that the liquid transport element is in arrangement with the reservoir to transfer the aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir to the heating element and configured to engage the electrical contact in or on the housing.

Abstract: Aerosol delivery devices are provided. The aerosol delivery devices may include a power source configured to output electrical current. The aerosol delivery devices may also include an atomizer in fluid communication with a reservoir containing an aerosol precursor composition, the atomizer being configured to receive electrical current from the power source. The aerosol delivery devices may further include a dispensing mechanism including a shape-memory alloy configured to change shape in response to heat produced from electrical current provided by the power source and to selectively regulate flow of the aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir to the atomizer, the atomizer being configured to produce an aerosol therefrom.

Abstract: A maternity garment, which provides mild support to shape a woman's body and to act as a suspender for bottoms such as pants, shorts, or skirts that may be ill fitting due to body changes as a result of pregnancy, wherein the preferred garment has at least one shoulder strap, a belly panel, a hip band, two side panels, and a back panel, and is made of high performance fabric with varying degrees of compression.

Abstract: A nursing apparatus is configured to hold a garment in a gathered position to expose a breast for nursing. The apparatus has a strap with a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed at the first end and is configured to connect the first end to a piece of clothing of the wearer. The fastener has a body portion attached to the strap and a movable part. A ring is disposed at the second end of the strap and configured to retain the strap in a closed loop shape to hold the garment in the gathered position. A method includes manufacturing the strap with the fastener at the first end and the ring positioned at the second end of the strap. The method includes instructing the wearer to lift the garment to form a gathered portion of the garment, form a loop shape with the strap around the gathered portion, and utilize the ring to retain the strap in the loop shape to hold the gathered portion in a fixed position relative to the wearer to expose a breast for nursing.

Abstract: A garment in a preferred embodiment includes front, rear and first and second side panels and a hood all formed from a single piece of a high performance, water-proof, breathable material. The user may use releasable fasteners affixed above fixed connection points along each opposite side of the front and rear panels to adjust the size of the sleeve openings. Releasable fasteners are provided below the fixed connection points to allow the user to open or close the side edges of the front and rear panels below the fixed connection points. A plurality of releasable fasteners is provided along the bottom edges of the front and rear panels to allow the user to selectively adjust the fit about the user's torso.

Abstract: A hand wrap includes a knuckle cover sheet, and an elongate wrap body that is adapted to be wrapped around a hand and a wrist of a user. An attachment strap connects the knuckle cover sheet with a proximal end of the elongate wrap body. A fastening mechanism fastens a distal end of the elongate wrap body to itself to secure the hand wrap in place around the hand and wrist of the user while in use. The invention further includes a method of use of the hand wrap to wrap the hand and the wrist of the user.

Abstract: A convertible garment may be constructed from a material having a bulk section between opposing ends. The material may substantially encircle bands located at the opposing ends. Bundling strings may encircle the material near the ends with an adjustable and independent level of compactness. Additionally, connecting strings may be attached to the material at the ends for positioning the opposing ends of the material adjacent to one another. Compactness of the majority of the material in the bulk section may be adjustable relative to a desired coverage of a wearer. The material may be hemmed. Stitching may be included near the ends to supplement the bundling strips. The material may be a textile that is adjustable to cover a length of the wearer up to between shoulders and hips of the wearer. A method of using the convertible garment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A headband with one or more protective inserts. The inserts may be strategically positioned to provide protection for specific areas of a person's head that are most vulnerable to impact, depending on the sport or other activity. The inserts may be directly attached to the headband, or may be enclosed in pouches which are directly attached to the headband. The headband may be worn with or without additional headgear, and may be configured to cooperate with the additional headgear as to form, fit, and functionality.

Abstract: A waistband for an article of apparel includes a base layer that is resiliently elastic and that includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an upper edge. The waistband also includes a mounting layer that is resiliently elastic and that includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is layered over and attached to the inner surface, the outer surface, and the upper edge of the base layer. The waistband also includes flocking that is mounted on the second surface of the mounting layer. The flocking is disposed on the waistband to face a wearer of the article of apparel.

Abstract: A wash and dry apparatus, suitable for use with hair weaves, comprises: a hair weave folder including a folder base panel hingedly attached to a folder top panel, the hair weave folder configured so as to allow the folder top panel to fold onto the folder base panel; a folder sleeve sized and shaped to completely enclose the hair weave folder when the hair weave folder is folded; and a folder sleeve cap sized and shaped to cover an open end of the folder sleeve such that the hair weave folder is retained in a water-tight volume.

Abstract: An esthetic apparatus and method for use in the application of cosmetics is disclosed herein. The esthetic apparatus includes an elongate member that can be at least partially wrapped around the hand, wrist, and/or arm of a user. A palette for holding an esthetic product can also be coupled to the esthetic apparatus.

Abstract: A method for producing a footwear item having a shoe provided with an external upper. The invention concerns a method for producing a footwear item having a shoe (1) provided with an external upper (9), the method involving forming a shoe (1) with an intermediate portion (2) that delimits a housing (3) for receiving the foot of a user, a sleeve (5) mounted over the intermediate portion and a peripheral skirt (10) extending from the junction area between the intermediate portion and the sleeve, surrounding the base (8) of the sleeve, the method involving the following successive steps in order to provide the shoe with the upper: retracting the sleeve (5) into the receiving housing (3) until the sleeve is disposed under at least a portion of the skirt (10); associating a lower portion (9a) of the upper (9) with the skirt; deploying the sleeve over the intermediate portion (2) in order for it to extend into the upper.

Abstract: A buckle locket. The invention is configured to be worn with a strap consisting of hardware specific to securing the D-ring of the buckle locket case. The buckle locket is held onto the wearer with a strap consisting of holes to allow the tongue of the buckle locket to hook onto the strap. The invention includes a case and a frame. The case and the frame can be interchanged. The invention includes an interchangeable design holster that holds up to three sixteenths of an inch of materials. The design holster is magnetically held in place inside the case of the buckle locket. The frame, containing the industrial strength window of the buckle locket, magnetically attaches to the case. The windowed frame protects the integrity of the interior design holster and the safety of the wearer. The invention is worn conventionally and as a mobile display.

Abstract: A number of variation may include a seat belt buckle assembly having a first shell and a second mating shell, the first shell having a first inner face and second shell having a second inner face, a seat belt latching assembly received inside of the first shell and second shell a hydrophobic coating over at least one of the first inner face, second inner face, or the seat belt latching assembly.

Abstract: An illuminated seat belt buckle for a seat belt. The seat belt buckle has a buckle housing, a locking mechanism, an insertion slot for a belt latch of the seat belt, an actuating button for release purposes, and an illuminating device which has at least one light source and is arranged in the seat belt buckle. The buckle housing has a light-permeable and annularly closed light outlet opening from which the coupled-in light provided by the illuminating device emerges. The light outlet opening surrounds the actuating button and/or the insertion slot in an encircling manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a snap fastener, comprising a face fastener (1) and a locating fastener (2) which are snapped with each other, wherein the face fastener (1) comprises a face shell (11) provided with an installation chamber (111), and a locating pin (12) made of plastic and integrally formed; and the locating pin (12) comprises a base (121), a rod body (122) and anti-rotation protrusions (125). In the implementation of the snap fastener of the present invention, the face fastener (1) can be separated into the face shell (11) and the locating pin (12), and the locating pin (12) is manufactured into a standard part for batch production and storage, thereby adapting face shells (11) with continuously updated designs, shortening delivery time, and reducing costs.

Abstract: In a component-securing device, in a state in which a base member is secured to a component by the engagement of an engagement portion of a clip to a to-be-engaged portion of a joining pin, pushing a pair of pressing portions in an outer peripheral portion of the clip in a direction (see arrow A) of approaching each other makes the outer peripheral portion deform and a pair of joining pin insertion portions move in a direction of moving away from each other, and engagement between the engagement portion of the clip and the to-be-engaged portion of the joining pin is released, thereby enabling the clip to be polled out from the joining pin. Merely deforming the outer peripheral portion of the clip inward enables the engagement with the joining pin to be released.

Abstract: A fastening fabric having a restraining fabric structure, including a first base structure and plural fiber bundles protruding from a surface of the first base structure, wherein each of the fiber bundles has plural inclined restraining fibers, and the plural inclined restraining fibers are formed with a rigidity and inclined towards a same direction, and respectively formed with an included angle with respect to the surface of the first base structure; and a loop fabric structure, including a second base structure and plural loop bundles protruding from a surface of the second base structure, wherein each of the loop bundles has plural fibriform loops; when the restraining fabric structure and the loop fabric structure are in contact for being mutually adhered, the inclined restraining fibers and the fibriform loops are tangled with each other to provide an adhering and fastening effect.

Abstract: A double-layered watertight zipper improves the watertight effect of the conventional zipper. The watertight zipper includes first and second stringer tapes. Each stringer tape includes a tape, a first leakproof layer, a plurality of scoops and a second leakproof layer. The first leakproof layer and the tape construct a waterproof tape. The first leakproof layer includes an inner face forming a first abutting face. The scoops are arranged on the waterproof tape. The second leakproof layer is arranged on the scoops and connected to the first leakproof layer. The second leakproof layer includes an inner face forming a second abutting face. When the scoops of the first and second stringer tapes are engaged with each other, the first abutting faces of the first and second stringer tapes abut with each other, and the second abutting faces of the first and second stringer tapes abut with each other.

Abstract: A bracelet having an adjustable clasp portion. The bracelet includes a clasp portion defining a first end, a hook portion having a hook defining a second end, and a band portion between the clasp portion and the hook portion. The clasp portion has raised structures separated by openings and is curved to follow a curvature of the band portion. Each of the raised structures extends laterally relative to the band portion and protrudes beyond an outer surface of the band portion to be engaged by the hook.

Abstract: A wrap wallet for carrying a bill of paper currency and a payment card includes a rectangular sheet defining a flap section, a cover section, a back section, a middle tensile section, and an end flap section ordered serially along a length of the rectangular sheet. The flap section cooperates with the cover section to define a card pocket, which retains the standard size card. The card pocket cooperates with the back section to define a bill pocket for retaining a short end of the bill, a longitudinal axis of the bill parallel a long edge of the rectangular sheet. The wrap wallet operates between a wrapped configuration, wherein the middle tensile section and the end flap section can wrap around the card pocket, the bill of paper currency between the middle tensile section and the card pocket, and an open configuration, wherein rectangular sheet defines a substantially planar configuration.

Abstract: The cell phone case and wallet is a small folding case that is adapted for use with a personal data device. The cell phone case and wallet combines the functions of a wallet and a personal data device case into a single personal accessory. The cell phone case and wallet can be folded such that the personal data device contained within the cell phone case and wallet is accessible for use or can be enclosed within the cell phone case and wallet. The cell phone case and wallet is further capable of containing and storing domestic articles including, but not limited to, personal identification, a plurality of credit cards, cash, and personal items for ready access. The cell phone case and wallet comprises a plurality of panels and a plurality of straps.

Abstract: A wallet including a rigid plate and a strap attached to the plate is provided. The strap has a first end, a central portion, and a second end. The rigid plate includes a body defining an anchoring slot, the anchoring slot configured to secure the first end of the strap to the body of the rigid plate. The rigid plate also includes a recessed region spaced from the substantially flat body of the rigid plate. The recessed region defines one or more lacing slots that are constructed to receive and secure the second end of the strap. The central portion of the strap extends around the front of the rigid plate. Contents of the wallet are positioned between the central portion of the strap and the rigid plate and are held in place by tightening the strap to the rigid plate.

Abstract: A new charity box device is provided which counts the acts of charity and the dollar amounts inserted by the users of the device by inserting coins into the coin counter. The device then relays the total counts of acts of charity and dollar amounts to a remote database, which may be on a website that is accessible for the user from any computer or internet device. The total amounts may also be obtained and displayed by the device.

Abstract: A backpack for carrying an item by a user includes a backpack body constructed of a flexible material. A first zipper fastener is on the backpack body and is actuatable between an opened position and a closed position. The backpack includes an accessory body constructed of a flexible material and positioned within an inner main cavity of the backpack body and borders an exterior of the backpack. The backpack includes a second zipper fastener on a first portion of the accessory body that borders the exterior of the backpack. The second zipper fastener is actuatable between an opened position and a closed position. The backpack includes a third zipper fastener on the second portion of the accessory body that borders the inner main cavity of the backpack body. The third zipper fastener is actuatable between an opened position and a closed position.

Abstract: A telescopic handle for a piece of luggage has telescoping inner and outer tubes. A rod fixed on the outer tube has a toothed lower end, a toothed upper end spaced above the toothed lower end, and an untoothed sliding section between the upper and lower ends. The outer end of the inner tube carries a grip and the outer tube is fixed in the piece of luggage. A handle on the grip can be actuated to shift a locking element in the inner tube between a locking position engaging the upper or lower end of the rod of the outer tube and preventing relative movement of the inner and outer tubes and a freeing position permitting such movement.

Abstract: A heated appliance generally includes a pair of arms and a hinge attaching the arms together such that the arms are openable and closeable relative to one another via the hinge. Each of the arms includes a heating element having a multi-pane glass substrate and an electrically conductive material deposited on the glass substrate.

Abstract: A mount for an electric motor, the mount including a sleeve for receiving the motor, the sleeve including an annular seal extending around the sleeve and a recess extending around the circumference of the sleeve. The sleeve has a first end and a second end. The recess may be disposed adjacent the first end of the sleeve. The annular seal may be disposed at the first end and the recess next to the annular seal. The first end may be a downstream end of the mount. The recess may be an indentation extending circumferentially around sleeve. The recess may be provided on a radially outer surface of the sleeve. The recess may comprise first and second radial surfaces which are spaced apart when in an uncompressed state. The first and second surfaces are pressed together when in a compressed state.