Abstract: A method for making ice cream, including preparing a machine for mixing and cooling ice cream equipped: with a processing container defining a processing chamber and provided with a mixer rotating inside the processing chamber; and a thermal treatment plant, configured for being activated, selectively and alternatively, in heating or cooling mode, respectively, for heating and cooling the processing chamber. The method further includes: inserting inside the processing chamber a basic mixture; heating the basic mixture inside the processing chamber, so as to subject the basic mixture to a pasteurization treatment; cooling the basic mixture inside the processing chamber and, at the same time, rotating the rotary mixer, to incorporate air in the basic mixture and make ice cream; extracting the ice cream from the processing chamber.

Abstract: An improved method for producing fermented soybean meal which performs fermentation process and drying process separately in the production of the fermented soybean meal. The method for preparing fermented soybean meal enables prevention of contamination by various germs while shortening the time required for its preparation compared to the conventional method. Therefore, the method can be widely used to more economically prepare the fermented soybean meal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polymer-coated virus particle for an oral virus vaccine, a method of preparing the same, and a composition comprising the same. In accordance with the present disclosure, the oral virus vaccine can be effectively delivered to the intestines without being destroyed even in the low pH environment of the gastrointestinal tract, then the prevention efficacy against viral infections can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a complex comprising a compound of formula (I), or a plant extract comprising the compound or a fraction thereof; and stevioside, or a plant extract comprising the stevioside or a fraction thereof, and relates to a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating an influenza virus infection comprising the complex as an active ingredient. Also, the present invention relates to a food composition for preventing or improving an influenza virus infection, a virucidal quasi-drug composition, a virucidal feed additive, and a feed, which comprises the complex as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A method and popping machine for popping different types of popcorn kernels is provided, where the different types of popcorn kernels include at least mushroom type popcorn and butterfly type popcorn. The method includes determining a selected one of the different types of popcorn kernels to be popped in a first popping cycle based upon a selection made by an operator, and then retrieving and using a first set of predetermined cooking temperature set points associated with cooking the selected one of the different types of popcorn kernels during performance of the first popping cycle. The cooking temperature set points determine several items which may include when to heat a kettle of the popping machine, when to signal an operator to take action such as loading kernels or dumping popped popcorn, and when to add sugar if a sweetened popped popcorn type is desired.

Abstract: Raw material rice (brown rice and partially-milled rice) is subjected to a preliminary pressurized steam-boiling process to form an alpharized layer on the surface of the raw material rice, and then a moisture adding process is performed. Since the surface of the raw material rice is alpharized to become stiff with the preliminary pressurized steam-boiling process, even rapid moisture addition does not cause a crack in the raw material rice. Therefore, water absorption can be quickly achieved to a target moisture content, thereby reducing a moisture adding time. Also, with no crack, quick-cooking rice with an excellent outer appearance of rice as a product and without a drain of nutrients in rice grains at the time of rice cooking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flavor generation. In particular the invention relates to a process for the preparation of a flavor composition. The process comprises forming a deep eutectic solvent, preparing a reaction mixture comprising the deep eutectic solvent and flavor precursors, and heating the reaction mixture to form aroma compounds. The deep eutectic solvent is a liquid based on a combination of at least two compounds solid at 25° C. and comprises water and/or glycerol in an amount insufficient to dissolve all the compounds solid at 25° C. individually, or in an amount such that all the compounds solid at 25° C. are simultaneously saturated at 25° C. The flavor precursors may comprise the compounds solid at 25° C. on which the deep eutectic solvent is based. A further aspect of the invention is a food product comprising the flavor composition obtainable by the process of the invention.

Abstract: A thickening composition which contains specific amounts of a metal salt-enclosing dextrin and a thickening polysaccharide and which has a good dispersibility raises the viscosity rapidly, and has an excellent thickening effect can be produced by the steps of obtaining the metal salt-enclosing dextrin by mixing, dissolving, and homogenizing a dextrin and a metal salt in water, followed by drying, and adding the metal salt-enclosing dextrin to the thickening polysaccharide followed by mixing or granulation. The thickening composition makes it possible to provide a thickening composition which has a good dispersibility, raises the viscosity rapidly, and offers an improved thickening effect per unit mass in a wide variety of water-containing foods such as water, teas, refreshing beverages, dairy beverages, soups, and thick liquid foods.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an improved balance of the essential branched chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine in infant formula.

Abstract: A nutritional composition is provided which has an effective prophylactic and/or improving effect for various symptoms of muscle mass decrease, decreased basal metabolism, low body temperature, suppression of obesity, suppression of visceral fat accumulation, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and the like in elderly people. The nutritional composition can include n-3 fatty acid and one or more of free lysine, dipeptides containing lysine, and lysine salts, wherein the content of free lysine, dipeptides containing lysine, and/or lysine salts is 0.1 g-10.0 g per 100 kcal of the composition, and the content of the total amount of n-3 fatty acid is 0.17 g-5.00 g per 100 kcal of the composition.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the disclosure, a process is disclosed for pitting drupes. In some embodiments of a pitting process, the pitting machine uses a pitting knife that has a longitudinal passageway that extends axially through the pitting knife. The pitting machine has a steam source that provides pressurized steam to the passageway of the pitting knife. Prior to pitting the drupe, the pressurized steam flows through the passageway and onto a portion of a drupe positioned within a carrier in the pitting machine. The heat and pressure of the steam between the drupe and the cutting end of the pitting knife can soften a localized portion of the drupe so that the pitting knife can cut through the flesh of the drupe and eject the pit out of the opposite side of the drupe.

Abstract: A smoking article comprises a first part, a second part movable relative to the first part. At least one of the first or second parts comprises a section of sheet material wrapped around one or more rod articles, wherein the section of sheet material comprises a circumferentially leading edge and/or a trailing edge. The circumferentially leading edge and/or a trailing edge is angled to a longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The section of the first part or second part comprising the angled edge is configured to be rotatable relative to the other of the first or second part, the relative rotational position of the first and second parts configured to control a property of the smoking article.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit t may simulate a cigarette. A flow of electrical power may be coupled through solderless pressure contacts to activate a heating element. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the liquid to be vaporized may be vaporized by an atomizer assembly. Vapors may then be aspirated by the user through an oral aspiration tube, where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: An electrically operated aerosol-generating system is provided, including a housing; an aerosol-forming substrate; at least one heating element configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate and to generate an aerosol; a power supply configured to supply power to the at least one heating element; electric circuitry configured to control a supply of power from the power supply to the at least one heating element; a first switch provided on an external surface of the housing; and a mouthpiece including at least one second, touch sensitive, switch, the mouthpiece being deformable from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the at least one second switch is not exposed and in the second configuration the at least one second switch is exposed. The circuitry is configured to provide power to the at least one heating element when both the first switch and the second switch are activated.

Abstract: A electronic cigarette vaporizer that includes a mechanical valve that is (i) pushed up from its seat to enable automatic filling of the vaporizer with e-liquid from a fluid transfer mechanism and (ii) returns to seal against its seat at other times when the vaporizer is being vaped or inhaled from (e.g. when filling is complete).

Abstract: An atomizer of electronic cigarette, ceramic heating atomizing core and ceramic heater are provided. The ceramic heater is configured to atomize liquid to form aerosol. The ceramic heater includes a ceramic body and a heating element, the ceramic body includes a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the wall defining a plurality of through holes passing through the inner and outer surfaces to release the aerosol. The heating element is formed on one of the inner and outer surfaces of the ceramic body. The ceramic heater of the present disclosure could heat overall and the aerosol could be release in time, the atomization efficiency of the ceramic heater could be increased.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an electronic vapor provision system including a vaporizer for vaporizing liquid for inhalation by a user of the electronic vapor provision system; a power supply comprising a cell or battery for supplying power to the vaporizer; a sensor for detecting airflow through the electronic vapor provision system as a result of the inhalation by the user; a manual activation device; and a control unit for causing power to be supplied to the vaporizer to vaporize the liquid providing the control unit determines that both (i) the sensor is detecting airflow through the electronic vapor provision system and (ii) the manual activation device has been manually activated by the user.

Abstract: A retractable mouthpiece includes an upper cover of a hollow structure with an receiving cavity, a lower cover that fits with the upper cover, a fastener arranged between the upper cover and the lower cover and housed inside the receiving cavity, a smoking pipe housed inside the receiving cavity, and an elastic component arranged between the smoking pipe and the lower cover. The fastener is sleeved on the smoking pipe, and the smoking pipe is extended out of the upper cover or retracted within the upper cover when the smoking pipe is pressed or rotated. The retractable mouthpiece is both healthy and convenient. An electronic cigarette with the retractable mouthpiece is disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply region including liquid material and a heater-wick element operable to wick liquid material and heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol. The heater-wick element is formed of a carbon or graphite foam.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a housing, an oven positioned within the housing and adapted to heat a substance to generate a vapor from the substance, the oven comprising oven sides and an oven lid seat adjacent a surface of the housing, the oven lid seat comprising oven lid seat sides positioned at angles with respect to each other so that they are not parallel to each other, an external mouthpiece opening, a vapor channel in fluid communication with the external mouthpiece opening and the oven, and an oven lid pivotally attached to the housing and pivotable between a closed position in which sides of the oven lid align with the oven lid seat sides, and an open position.

Abstract: A shapewear or activewear garment that includes stays carried by the back fabric panel of the garment. In this regard, the stays act as anchors to keep the garment in place. Further, the stays provide tension that pulls the front fabric panel of the garment such that the front panel shapes and smoothes the wearer's midsection and or provides support and also provides resistance to shift when the garment is worn such that the garment does not ride up or down on the wearer.

Abstract: A dual function, convertible bra garment includes a construction facilitating user-controllable conversion between a nursing bra configuration, readily usable during a conventional infant or young toddler nursing process, and a breast engorgement-inhibiting configuration. During use as a nursing bra, the garment is maintained in a first configuration, or state, providing direct access by a nursing child to a mother's nipple. Following a relatively simple highly-controllable conversion procedure, the nursing configuration is efficiently and effectively converted, generally based upon a combined elastic band strap-based system, for applying a user-selected uniform breast pressure, coupled with a user—controlled cooling component, and absorbing component, for indirectly communicating cooling to the wearer's breasts or discharge absorption pad, thereby effecting complete conversion of the bra from a nursing configuration to a breast milk engorgement inhibiting configuration.

Abstract: The breast-lifting and cooling accessory is a therapeutic garment. The breast-lifting and cooling accessory is configured for use with a woman. The woman is further defined with a left breast, a right breast, an intermammary cleft, and a sternum. The breast-lifting and cooling accessory is a supporting garment that elevates the breasts with or without a brassiere. The breast-lifting and cooling accessory is a self-attaching garment. The breast-lifting and cooling accessory is a thermal structure that can further be used to cool the left breast and the right breast of the woman. The breast-lifting and cooling accessory comprises a left support, a right support, and a sternum structure. The left support and the right support are joined at the sternum structure.

Abstract: A three-wire wearable device provided by the present disclosure provides numerous functions, a diversity of uses and convenience by a specific design of a first buckle and detachable second buckles. When the second buckles are fastened to the first buckle, the first buckle mutually communicates with the second buckles by using different pulse signals or digital signals through the three-wire transmission, such that the first buckle can be integrated with function modules of all of the second buckles, such as a touch panel, a screen, a heat dissipation pad, and so forth.

Abstract: Watersports accessories, including but not limited to handwear and footwear, where a substantial portion of the accessory is molded in a three-dimensional mold with a soft, pliable, and durable material such as EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) or PU (Polyurethane) or similar foam blends that aid in the flexibility, durability, and comfort of the accessory.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tactical hand warmer apparatus having a first glove portion defining a first glove recess that is detachably connected to a second glove portion defining a second glove recess for allowing an individual to warm their hands within the first and second glove recesses either closely together when the first and second glove portions are attached or apart when the first and second glove portions are detached are disclosed.

Abstract: A device adapted for handling slippery objects, such as peeled vegetables, is disclosed. The device can include a first finger cover; a second finger cover, in which each of the first and second finger covers includes an outer surface defining an inner volume having an open end; a strap coupling a first side of the first finger cover to a first side of the second finger cover; and a gripping surface formed on at least a portion of at least one of the first finger cover or the second finger cover.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that includes a harness 14 and a mask body 12 that has a multi-layer filtering structure 16. The mask body 12 includes an upper interior perimeter segment 24a formed from the filtering structure 16 and configured to fit against the face of the respirator wearer. Present in the upper interior perimeter segment 24a is a nose notch 52, 62, which is an area void of filtering structure 16.

Abstract: A construction for a glove or other article of clothing for use in hazardous environments is disclosed, comprising a first layer comprising a laminate that includes an inner layer comprising a woven, nonwoven, or knit material, an intermediate layer comprising a barrier to the passage therethrough of liquids that overlies the inner layer, and a thermal layer affixed to and overlying the intermediate layer in at least a portion of a bridge area. The thermal layer is approximately 0.30 mm thick. The construction also includes a second layer attached to and overlying the first layer to form an outer portion for the glove or other article of clothing. The first layer and the second layer combined provides a thermal protection performance (TPP) of at least approximately 75% greater than a reference combination of the first and the second layer that does not include the thermal layer.

Abstract: A neckwear includes a neckband and a neckband module and may further include one or more fastener members and one or more display segments for coins, medals or bars. The neckband is connected to said neckband module, and said one or more fastener members pivotably connects said neckband module and said one or more display segments. Also provided for a neckwear are a hermetically sealed neckband module or display segment, a display segment configured to be intra-changeable, display inserts for a neckband module or display segments, torso segments, and a neckband module with a member of a fastener to accommodate interchangeable display segments.

Abstract: A fastener for a garment, particularly suited to use in a garment such as a brassiere, comprises a female part and a male part that interlock together. The female part is connected to a first garment piece and the male part is connected to a second garment piece. The fastener is an overlapping fastener of the type in which the male piece is engaged with the female piece by inserting a connector plate of a male part into an aperture of a female part at an angle and thereafter pivoting the male part relative the female part thereby snap-fitting the connector plate in place in the aperture. The male part has a recess formed therein surrounding the connector plate which provides added stability to the male part and significantly increases its tensile strength characteristic.

Abstract: A helmet liner adapted to be conformed to an inner surface of a helmet to cushion in use the rear of a wearers head from the helmet is described. The liner comprises a plurality of elongate grooves comprising at least one longitudinal groove configured to extend in use along a longitudinal direction between the nape of a wearers neck and the crown of the wearers head, and at least one lateral groove adapted to extend in use at least partially around the head of the wearer in a lateral direction between the wearers ears. The at least one longitudinal groove is deeper than the at least one lateral groove.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective sports helmet for a wearer engaged in a contact sport, such as football. The helmet includes a shell having a front region, a rear region, two side regions, and an ear flap depending from a side region. A jaw flap extends forwardly from each ear flap, wherein the jaw flap overlies an extent of a mandible of the wearer. The shell also includes a raised central band that extends from the front region across the crown to the rear region. The central band has lower side portions that extend from the rear region towards the side region of the shell and terminate proximate an ear opening in the shell. The central band has a width defined by a pair of opposed sidewalls that extend transversely from an outer surface of the shell. The shell also includes a first plurality of vent openings aligned along a first side of the raised central band and a second plurality of vent openings aligned along a second side of the band.

Abstract: A face shield assembly for use with a hard hat to protect a user from injury caused by an arc-flash event. Ventilation slots are provided at the sides of the assembly below an apparatus used for connecting the face shield assembly to a hard hat. Alternatively, lower front ventilation slots are provided, which also improve voice communication by the user. The face shield assembly can have either side or front ventilation slots, or both.

Abstract: A protective cover for an article of footwear can include a first portion covering the top and sides of the footwear and a second portion covering the back of the footwear. The first portion can include locations to receive at least part of a connecting mechanism, and the second portion of the cover can be connected to the first portion of the cover by the connecting mechanism.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided, which may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may include an exposed outer layer forming at least a portion of an external surface of the upper. The upper may also include a polymer foam material selectively located on an inner side of the exposed outer layer and adjacent portions of the exposed outer layer, thereby forming padded portions of the upper. The padded portions of the upper may be located in areas of the article of footwear that correspond with predetermined bones of a foot of a wearer of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A skate boot having a shell shaped to enclose a heel, portions of an Achilles tendon, and medial and lateral surfaces of a foot of a wearer of the skate boot when the skate is in use by the wearer, a toe cap connected to the shell and shaped to cover the toes of the wearer when the skate is in use by the wearer, a tongue connected to at least one of the shell and the toe cap, the tongue being shaped to cover at least a portion of a forefoot of the wearer when the skate is in use by the wearer, and a ground-engaging element connected to a bottom of the skate boot. The tongue has at least one exposed structural molded foam body, and a plurality of apertures defined within the at least one exposed structural molded foam body.

Abstract: A contoured insole especially advantageous for users with medium to high arches is disclosed. It comprises a generally foot-shaped base extending from a heel end to a toe end, which comprises a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the base preferably further comprises two indentations formed integrally therein in a forefoot area and a heel area. A forefoot pad and a heel pad are secured to each of said indentations. Preferably, the base is made from a polyurethane foam. The pads are made from rubber or synthetic rubber. A top sheet is coextensive with and secured to the top surface of the base. The top sheet is generally a fabric which preferably has antimicrobial characteristics. In use, the foot of the wearer, with or without a sock or stocking thereon, rests upon the top sheet in the foot-receiving compartment of a user's shoe.

Abstract: An insole providing cushioning and control of foot motion. The insole includes a stability cradle and an extended heel pad secured to the underside of the base of the insole. A supplemental heel pad is also attached to lay over a portion of the extended heel pad. The extended heel pad and supplemental heel pad are constructed of materials to help control foot pronation.

Abstract: An insole for footwear with a built in hydraulic system and magnet that allows for better balance to help avoid falling, better weight distribution, improved massage effect and pain relief. The insole includes a topfoil and bottomfoil which are welded together along their respective edge areas to form a fluid-tight bladder with a fore foot reservoir, flow control means and a rear foot reservoir.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided having a pressurized fluid-filled chamber in the sole structure having a continuous perimeter weld and lacking an inflation channel. The chamber may be formed from opposing polymer sheets, a continuous perimeter weld lacking a weld channel bonding the sheets and forming an interior void between the sheets, and a fluid disposed within the interior void exerting outward pressure on the sheets. A method for making the chamber can include placing a pair of polymer sheets in an opposing arrangement, pressing opposing perimeter weld portions of the sheets against each other to form an airtight seal along a perimeter region of an interior void, supplying a flow of pressurized air between the opposing sheets into the interior void, and, while maintaining a desired fluid pressure, welding the perimeter weld portions of the sheets to each other. A high-frequency welder for forming chamber is also provided.

Abstract: An arrangement of tensile strands is incorporated into a footwear article to provide at least part of an enclosure. The tensile strands may be adjustable to affect a size of the enclosure and an amount of compression of the enclosure.

Abstract: An improved binding for footwear traction devices, snowshoes and other footwear accessories that provides adjustable lateral supports and generally even platform or foot bed. Furthermore, an improved traction device with removable rear traction component to allow for use with detachable snowshoe platform.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist in making an orthotic, insole or other footwear insert that is customized to a plantar surface of an individual's foot is provided. The apparatus includes a portable housing; a heater unit to selectively heat the orthotic or a heel cap of the footwear insert to increase its pliability; at least one alignment device to assist in positioning and orientating the individual's foot prior to conforming the orthotic or the heel cap to the plantar surface of the individual's foot; and a vacuum system to selectively apply a vacuum around the individual's foot to bring the orthotic or the heel cap into conformance with the plantar surface of the individual's foot prior to setting of the orthotic or the heel cap. Related methods of making custom orthotics, insoles and other footwear inserts are also provided.

Abstract: A coupling for securing fabric items includes a pin assembly which has a head and a shaft. The shaft passes through the fabric items. A catch is then mated with the shaft such that the fabric items are sandwiched between the head and the catch. A magnetic release member is employed when it becomes necessary to decouple the catch from the shaft.

Abstract: A carabiner gate for a carabiner having an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, that can only be opened with the use of a properly located magnet to move a sliding pin and allow rotation of the outer cylinder to open the carabiner.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a kit for holding and mounting portable electronic devices in different places quickly and easily; comprising at least one electronic devices, at least one adhesive accessory, and at least one case, cover, or protective cover for strap; where each of these parts comprises at least one hook and loop fastening element, positioned, joined, adapted, adhered, coupled, configured, connected and adjusted to its structure; The whole kit provides a greater level of versatility, maneuverability, and practicality to the functions of the electronic device. Any of the parts of the kit, whether the case, cover, or protective cover, the accessory, and the strap; they may be joined and separated when convenient by the user, thanks to the provisions, features, and characteristics of the hook and loop fastener that each of these possess; which generates an adhesive union without the need to use tools or alternative elements and materials.

Abstract: A fastener element has a central land portion and first and second bulging portions bulging from the central land portion toward the tape front surface side and the tape rear surface side in the element thickness direction. The first and second bulging portions respectively have a bulging end surface facing to the element thickness direction. The bulging end surface has a quadrilateral base end surface which is long in the element length direction and a tapered protrusion end surface protruding from the base end surface in the element width direction. Thus, it is possible to make the fastener element look like a single-sided metal element and to make a slide fastener which is formed by using the fastener elements lighter than a conventional slide fastener having single-sided metal elements.

Abstract: Light, precious gold-titanium based alloy containing, by mass, at least 750‰ of gold, characterized in that said alloy has the following composition formula: TiaAubMcTd where a, b, c, d are atomic proportions such that: a+b+c+d=1, 0.45?a?0.55; 0.41?b?0.495; 0.025?c?0.13; 0.001?d?0.025, where M represents one or more elements taken from among a first group including Nb, V, Pd, Pt, Fe, and where T represents a maximum of two elements taken from among a second group including Nb, V, Pd, Pt, Fe, Mo, Ta, W, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Ir, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ag, Al, B, Si, Ge, Sn, Sb, In, with the exception of said metals M comprised in said alloy. Component for timepiece or for jewellery made from such a light, precious gold-titanium based alloy.

Abstract: A cantilever umbrella assembly is provided that includes an upright pole, a runner, a transverse pole, and a canopy. The upright pole includes an upright guide surface. The runner is coupled with the upright pole and has a bearing coupled with the guide surface for guiding the runner along the upright pole. The cantilever umbrella assembly includes a deployable tension member with a first end disposed in the transverse pole and a second end coupled with the canopy.