Abstract: A machine (10) for the production and dispensing of food products such as ice cream and the like comprises a tub (11) containing a cylindrical evaporator (12) of a refrigerating circuit (13) and motor-driven helical mixer (14) which rotates coaxially inside the evaporator. The tub is also provided at the front with a tap (15) for dispensing the product through a dispensing outlet (16) which is arranged above a front zone of the machine which receives a container (18) for holding a measured amount of product. Behind the receiving zone the machine has, in the form of a single module (20), a control panel provided with means (21) for displaying information about the machine, pushbuttons (22) for operating the machine and a sensor (23) which detects the presence of an object which is placed in the vicinity of the receiving zone and activates the machine so as to prepare it for dispensing via the tap when the presence of an object is detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide for the hydrolytic cleavage of zearalenone and/or at least one zearalenone derivative, said polypeptide being a hydrolase having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-15 or a functional variant thereof, wherein the sequence of the functional variant is at least 40% identical to at least one of the amino acid sequences. The invention also relates to: an additive containing the polypeptide; an isolated polynucleotide that encodes the polypeptide; and a method for the hydrolytic cleavage of zearalenone and/or of at least one zearalenone derivative using the polypeptide.

Abstract: Popcorn machines having fan assemblies and heat sources are described herein. The fan assemblies and the heat sources can be configured to provide heat to unpopped corn kernels to produce popcorn without the use of cooking oil. The popcorn machines can be configured for commercial use and can be mounted onto support structures that allow operators to rotate the popcorn machines.

Abstract: The invention concerns a powder consisting of 0.5 to 8% by weight of water and a dry material consisting of 88 to 95% by weight of an acerola fruit dry extract and 5 to 12% by weight of magnesium, calcium, zinc, sodium or potassium hydroxide or carbonate, the method of preparing same and the applications thereof for stabilizing a natural dye.

Abstract: The invention generally provides novel no-bake grain products and methods of preparation of the same. Specifically, a no-bake food product with a toasted appearance and flavor and a method of providing a toasted appearance and flavor to a no-bake food product. The no-bake food product includes granola bars, clusters, cereal, instant hot cereal and snacks.

Abstract: The application relates to a composition comprising separately by weight: a) from about 25% to about 50% by weight of a native rice flour; b) from about 5% to about 15% by weight of a rice flour which has been heat-moisture treated; c) from about 10% to about 20% of a flour which has been thermally inhibited; and d) from about 15% to about 35% of a reduced protein pulse flour selected from the group consisting of pea flour, faba bean flour, lentil flour, chickpea flour, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an aromatized food or beverage product, wherein an aroma fraction is obtained from a plant extract, said aroma fraction is being contacted with an oil to remove undesired aroma compounds, and the aroma fraction from which undesired compounds have been removed are combined with a food or beverage composition to produce an aromatized food or beverage product.

Abstract: A smoking article having a mouth end and a distal end is provided, including a heat source; an aerosol-forming substrate downstream of the heat source; at least one air inlet downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate; and an airflow pathway extending between the at least one air inlet and the mouth end of the smoking article. The airflow pathway includes a first portion extending longitudinally upstream from the at least one air inlet towards the aerosol-forming substrate, and a second portion extending longitudinally downstream from the first portion to the mouth end of the smoking article.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette controller includes a control chip. The control chip includes: a smoking detecting module used for detecting a capacitance change of an external mouthpiece; a control module used for sending drive and control signals according to the smoking signal, or stopping sending drive and control signals according to the standby signal; a drive module used for receiving the drive and control signals and outputting electric current to drive the electronic cigarette to work; and a tobacco liquid detecting module used for sampling an amount value of a tobacco liquid of the electronic cigarette and determining whether the amount value of the tobacco liquid is less than a preset reference value, if yes, the control module stops sending the drive and control signals. The present disclosure describes an electronic cigarette that can detect an amount of the tobacco liquid.

Abstract: An e-cigarette PV that includes an air pressure valve or device so that excess air can escape from an e-liquid reservoir in the PV when that reservoir is being filled under pressure with e-liquid from a parent reservoir. The valve or device is a barrier made of an air-porous material, such as a sintered polymer or metal, coated with or otherwise including a barrier or layer of an air-porous substance that is not porous to e-liquid, such as an oleophobic material or a hydrophobic or super-hydrophobic material. The oleophobic material is one of: sintered phosphor bronze, sintered stainless steel and sintered PU plastic.

Abstract: A fluid permeable heater assembly for aerosol-generating systems comprises a substrate (1) comprising an opening (100) through the substrate, an electrically conductive substantially flat filament arrangement (2) arranged over the opening, and clamping means (3) mechanically fixing the filament arrangement to the substrate. The clamping means are electrically conductive and serve as electrical contacts for providing a heating current through the filament arrangement. The invention also relates to a method for assembling a fluid permeable heater.

Abstract: Pocketed undergarments including one or more pockets are disclosed. The one or more pockets are affixed to a crotch area of an undergarment while allowing a male member to protrude through the undergarment.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arch supporting sock in which proper curvature of the arch is reinforced and strain on the leg, arch, and greater foot area is decreased, comprising a first region having a first elasticity coefficient and a second region, roughly encompassing the arch of the foot, having a second elasticity coefficient, wherein the second region provides greater structural support than the first region and the second elasticity coefficient is lower than the first elasticity coefficient. The arch supporting sock may further comprise one or more perimetric boundaries between the first and the second region, each boundary comprising a perimetric elasticity coefficient, wherein one or more perimetric boundaries has a perimetric elasticity coefficient less than the first and second elasticity coefficients. Embodiments of the sock include non-interchangeable left or right socks with the arch support assemblage residing on the inner half of the sock.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a garment for use by a wearer positioned on a ground surface. The garment comprises pants, a plurality of left pant patches, and a plurality of right pant patches. The pants have a left pant half and a right pant half. Each of the plurality of left pant patches overlies a respective portion of the left pant half, is elongate, and is characterized by a coefficient of static friction with the ground surface greater than that for the respective portion of the left pant half underlying it. Moreover, each of the plurality of right pant patches overlies a respective portion of the right pant half, is elongate, and is also characterized by a coefficient of static friction with the ground surface greater than that for the respective portion of the right pant half underlying it.

Abstract: A jacket (1) having a hood (4.1 and 4.2) which has a hood opening and having a zipper which begins at the lower end of the jacket front side (1.1 and 1.2) and which has two opposing strips (rows) (3.1 and 3.2) of zipper coupling members, which begin at the lower end in the two sections (I; II) along the coupling member rows (3.1 and 3.2) centrally in its longitudinal direction, and in that the strips (rows) (3.1 and 3.2) of zipper coupling members extend continuously and centrally over the entire jacket front side and jacket rear side along the edges of the hood (4.1; 4.2) bordering the hood opening up to the jacket rear side (2.1 and 2.2) and end at the lower end of the jacket rear side, and in that the strips (rows) (3.1; 3.2) are associated with another zipper slider (5).

Abstract: An article of water resistant clothing that includes a water resistant underlay layer. The water resistant underlay layer includes at least one compression panel to compress a portion of a body of a user wearing the water resistant clothing. The article of swimwear includes a water resistant overlay layer disposed over the water resistant underlay layer. The water resistant overlay layer exposes at least a portion of the water resistant underlay layer through material of the water resistant overlay layer. The article of water resistant clothing includes a set of fasteners embedded in at least one of the water resistant underlay layer or the water resistant overlay layer to couple the water resistant underlay layer to the water resistant overlay layer.

Abstract: Fabrics are disclosed having a liner with a polymeric coating, the coating comprising 0.25 to 8 ridges per cm and pits at an area density of 20 to 2500 cm2. The fabrics provide good friction in oily conditions. Also disclosed are methods for producing such fabrics comprising applying to a liner a liquid comprising water and a precursor of a polymeric material, contacting the liquid on the liner with a water-sorbing material and curing the polymeric coating. The fabrics may find use in gloves.

Abstract: A neckwear includes a neckband, a neckband module and one or more torso segments connected by fasteners. The neckwear may include a plurality of pivoting, intra-changeable, metallic torso segments. Also provided are improved take-apart fasteners and improved quick-release buckles, for use in neckwear, jewelry, wristwatches and watchbands or for otherwise securing objects.

Abstract: A false eyelash system comprised of upper and lower eyelash assemblies, each including a magnetic and/or metallic element, the assemblies are frictionally secured through magnetic attraction to the wearer's natural eyelash which is sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: Many garments made of denim material have factory created one or more discontinuities exposing a group of parallel threads and referred to as “distressed denim”. Sometimes, some or all of these threads become torn or rips or tears occur in the denim garment to create a discontinuity. A patch to cover the discontinuity is made of a plurality of side by side threads attached to one side of an adhesive panel and fabric material is attached to the other side of the adhesive panel. A plurality of adhesive strips essentially circumscribing the discontinuity adhere the patch to the rear side of the denim material and expose the threads through the discontinuity.

Abstract: The disclosure provides conspicuity devices and methods. A first embodiment includes a glove with at least one elongate lighting device adapted and configured to admit light having an advantageous spectral energy distribution. Additional articles of clothing are provided herein for enhanced conspicuity, such as for emergency workers and athletes.

Abstract: A cushion pad for head bands, installed at the rear part of a head band worn on a worker's head so as to support the back of the worker's head while adjusting the length of the head band. The cushion pad includes a pad unit having a concave spherical-shaped surface closely adhered to the back of the worker's head and provided with a first prop and second props to support the upper central region and both lower side regions of the back of the worker's head, and an adjustment unit formed at the rear of the center of the pad unit and provided with through holes formed at both sides thereof to receive both rear ends of the head band and a rotary lever between the through holes to pressurize and fix the head band, thus allowing a worker to more conveniently and stably wear a welding mask.

Abstract: Implementations of a helmet liner are provided. In some implementations, the helmet liner may be configured to be worn in conjunction with a helmet and/or a headset (e.g., a communication and/or hearing protection headset). In this way, the helmet liner may be used to provide localized thermal comfort for the wearer's head when a helmet and/or a headset is worn. In some implementations, the helmet liner may have a dome-like shape configured for anatomically fitting the head of a wearer. In some implementations, the helmet liner may comprise a front portion, a top portion, a back portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion. In some implementations, the helmet liner may further comprise a first slot and a second slot that extend through the first side portion and the second side portion, respectively.

Abstract: Protective headgear systems are disclosed. One protective headgear system includes an impact-resistant pad and a helmet. The impact-resistant pad includes a top portion configured to be positioned covering a top of a user's head, and first and second side portions extending downward from the top portion. The helmet is unconnected to the impact-resistant pad. The helmet is configured to be positioned overtop of the impact-resistant pad when the impact-resistant pad is positioned on the user's head.

Abstract: The shoe herein, in the form of a sandal, uses a combination of a midsole of varying thickness and nodules of varying diameters and heights to provide the requisite level of flexibility, support, and stimulation to the various regions of the foot. The walking action of the user creates waves of pressure across the foot, enhanced by the nodules, thereby increasing blood flow. Gradients of pressure that generate variations in the laminar flow of the foot bed lead to better circulation and perfusion of the capillary foot bed of the foot transection irrigation, allowing for better circulation and venous return.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.

Abstract: A system for securing shoes to the feet using a one pull shoe closure arrangement. Each embodiment of the system uses a squared-cord arrangement that extends between the lateral and medial sides of the shoe. The various embodiments arrange a single draw strap connected to one or more squared-cord portions to draw in and tighten the sides of the squared-cord arrangement. A single pull strap in a first embodiment is redirected from a lateral orientation to a longitudinal orientation where it is drawn back and secured on the heel portion of the shoe. Alternate embodiments pull a shorter draw strap laterally to a point of securement on the side of the shoe. Further alternate embodiments pull a draw strap longitudinally along a midline at the top of the shoe to a point of securement back onto the squared-cord arrangement.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear including an upper configured to receive a foot and a sole component fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole component may include a baseplate having a bottom surface and at least a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate and a plurality of elongate support members extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, abutting the first ground engaging member at a side portion, and extending horizontally from the side portion of the first ground engaging member. At least two of the plurality of support members may be disposed on opposite sides of the first ground engaging member and are substantially parallel with one another, but not aligned with one another.

Abstract: There is provided a hook-and-loop fastener manufacturing method. Injection molding is performed to form a molded product in which a pillar group and a base plate having a surface from which the pillar group protrudes are integrated into a unified body. A tip part of the pillar group is cut to form a cut product in which a small pillar group shorter than the pillar group and the base plate are integrated into a unified body. A tip part of the small pillar group is melted to form pillar body portions which are non-melted portions and engaging portions which are melted portions and thicker than the pillar body portions from small pillars. The engaging portions are cooled to determine shapes of a plurality of engaging elements including the pillar body portions and the engaging portions.

Abstract: A connector mechanism for releasably securing an accessory to an article of apparel includes an accessory and a cooperating backer. The accessory has first and second opposing sides and a cavity extending into the second side. The backer includes a protrusion extending outwardly from a central portion thereof and receivable in the cavity, and a sidewall portion extending outwardly from the peripheral portion. The sidewall portion comprises a plurality of spaced limbs disposed around the protrusion, which are flexibly tensionable against the article. A magnet is coupled to the accessory or the backer, wherein the magnet is adjacent to the protrusion when the protrusion is received in the cavity, the accessory being magnetically coupleable to the backer via the magnet.

Abstract: An attachment strap for a wearable electronic device is disclosed. The attachment strap attaches the wearable electronic device to a wearer, and may attach to a wrist of a wearer. The attachment strap includes two bands which attach to a clasp. The clasp operates in an open and closed configuration. When in the closed configuration, the clasp may not present a visible indication of its mechanism.

Abstract: A wristwatch strap connector for engagement of either of a two piece watch band formed in two sections, or, a single piece watch band formed in a single section to a wristwatch case. The connectors are employed in pairs and each connector is adapted at a first end to engage one side of the watch band case. Once the connectors are engaged, a user can connect either a one piece or two piece watch band to the wristwatch.

Abstract: An attachment device is provided for two elements of a watch band to allow the two elements to be hooked into place or unhooked. The first element includes at least one bar on one of its ends. The second element includes two grooves, each including a longitudinal opening respectively opposite one another, and one of the two elements can move from an unhooked position. One of the elements is oriented in a predetermined angular position in relation to the other element, to a hooked position, in which the two elements are coplanar after a rotation of a predetermined angle of one of the two elements in relation to the other so that each groove is articulated on the bar to hold the two elements hooked to one another.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically adjusting the fit of a wearable electronic device are disclosed. In many embodiments, a tensioner associated with a wearable electronic device can control one or more actuators that are mechanically coupled to either the housing or to a band attached to the wearable electronic device. In one example, in response to a signal to increase the tightness of the band, the tensioner can cause the actuator(s) to increase the tension within the band.

Abstract: A multi-functional walking cane includes a body having a cavity provided with a centrally registered longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end opposed therefrom, and a handle disposed at the proximal end. An object-grabbing mechanism is in operable communication with the body. Such an object-grabbing mechanism has an object-grabbing section seated exterior of the body. Advantageously, the object-grabbing section is configured to resiliently deploy between a retracted equilibrium position and an expanded tensioned position, respectively, upon receiving a corresponding user input.

Abstract: A magnetic umbrella swivel holder system comprising a swivel umbrella holder, further comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion is a first tube with a diameter sized to hold an umbrella pole, the lower portion is a second tube. Preferably, the upper portion is connected to the lower portion with a pivot device. A magnet is preferably removably attached to the lower portion using a fastener that threadably attaches to a receptacle fitted within the lower portion such that the magnet forms a bottom surface.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a lunch bag which has integrated within it the dishes, cutlery and cup for meals, and which is equipped with a support for an entertainment gadget, such as a tablet, a smartphone or other. This equipment is especially suitable for children who need some entertainment during meals and is also indicated in cases of displacement, it makes it possible to have all the necessary accessories for a child's meal in one single space. It may be used as a tray for a child's meal, or simply as a means of protecting the entertainment gadget. The bag is composed of the top which includes the fastening system for the entertainment gadget and base, screen protection, compartment for dishes, compartment for cutlery, dishes, cutlery, cup, storage compartment for cup, compartment for cup when in use and holes for the carrying belt/strap.

Abstract: A comb for permitting a user to perform a scissor over comb technique on a subject's hair with enhanced efficiency is provided. The comb includes a frame having a handle, a neck and a spine, the handle having a finger rest on an intermediate portion able to receive a first finger of the user, a plurality of tines coupled to the spine, and a support band coupled to opposing sides of the finger rest on the handle. The user's first finger is disposed between the finger rest and the support band. A second finger of the user is pressed against the neck to pivot the tines downward into a generally horizontal plane. Removal of the second finger from the neck permits tension between the support band and first finger to pivot the tines upward into a generally vertical plane.

Abstract: A drawing device includes: an object placing part on which an object is placed, the object being a finger or a toe having a nail; a direction detection unit configured to detect an extended direction of a streaky pattern naturally-existing on a surface of the nail based on the image including the nail of the object placed on the object placing unit; an image processing unit configured to adjust a direction of a nail design based on the extended direction of the streaky pattern detected by the direction detection unit; and a nail design forming unit configured to form the nail design which is adjusted by the image processing unit on the nail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering device for a container (10), in particular a bottle intended to contain a cosmetic product, said device (1) comprising a decorative element (2) and a holding ring (5) that is able to be fixed to the container (10) by first fixing means and is also able to keep the decorative element (2) on the container (10) by way of second fixing means, said second fixing means being removable so as to allow said decorative element (2) to be mounted on and removed from said ring (5).

Abstract: An applicator package (40), consisting of an applicator and a substance (48) in the applicator, is provided so a user can apply the substance (48) to a target region. A set of components is provided for being assembled as the applicator, and a method is provided for making the applicator package (40). The applicator package (40) includes a platform (42) having an outer side (56) and having an inner side (54) defining a substance support surface (55). The substance (48) is supported on the platform support surface (55). The platform (42) defines (1) at least one fill passage (58) that extends from the platform outer side (56) to the platform inner side (54), and (2) at least one channel (60) that is located between portions of the substance support surface (55) and that communicates between the platform inner side (54) and the platform outer side (56). A dome (46 or 44) is initially, releasably mounted on the platform (42) over the substance (48) at the platform inner side (54).

Abstract: An ultimate hair stand system for holding hairpieces for styling and dressing. The stand includes an extension, a base, and a rack. The extension has a height adjustment assembly including a height lock, with the height adjustment assembly configured to lockably adjust between a plurality of heights. The base has an anti-skid surface, with the anti-skid surface configured to limit lateral movement of the base across a floor, and the base is further configured to statically position the height adjustment assembly on the floor. The rack is a hairpiece rack configured to removably hold a plurality of hairpieces, and further configured to couple to the height adjustment assembly. For portability, the extension, the base, and the rack can be unassembled and be removably-inserted in the box of a travel case and transported to a desired location by use of an adjustable strap.

Abstract: A multi-purpose mat which includes a four-sided mat cover made of heavy water proof fabric. The mat cover includes a plurality of spaced apart metal snaps or similar types of fasteners. The fasteners are used for attaching one mat cover to another for forming a privacy shield, a tent or like outdoor structures. The mat cover includes corner pockets. The pockets are used for receiving opposite ends of two telescoping poles. The poles are pinned together to form an “X” shaped configuration. The poles are used to hold the mat cover in tension. On two of the sides of the mat cover are arm sleeves. A user of the multi-purpose mat can place his or her arms through the arm sleeves and wear the mat cover as a wrap. Also, one end of the mat cover includes a removable hood.

Abstract: A combination tool holding and transport device. The device having a pair of ends with each end of the pair of ends having an attachment side and a hanging side. The attachment side including a securing means adapted to secure the handle portion of the tool. Each end of the pair of ends coupled together with a connecting member. The connecting member having a handle.

Abstract: A head for an oral care implement comprises at least a first row of tufts comprising a plurality of filaments having free ends and fixed ends being opposite the free ends and being fixed on a mounting surface of the head. The filaments of the at least first row of tufts extend from the mounting surface of the head in different length extensions thereby defining with the filaments' free ends an upper top cleaning surface in the form of a continuous wave-shape. Each filament has a longitudinal axis and a cross-sectional area extending in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Each tuft of the at least first row comprises either filaments with a smaller cross-sectional area or filaments with a larger cross-sectional area, and the tufts are arranged in an alternating manner so that a tuft comprising filaments with the smaller cross-sectional area alternate with a tuft comprising filaments with the larger cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for forming multi-filament tufts for use in a brush seal includes a support (14) for retaining an end of a skein (16) of aligned wires or fibers and a glue reservoir (15) dimensioned to receive the skein end. The support (14) and the reservoir (15) being relatively movable whereby the end can be inserted in the glue reservoir (15) so that the adhesive can adhere the wires or fibers at the end to form the tuft. A cutter (13) is also provided for cutting the wires or fibers to length after the wires and fibers are retained by the support (14).

Abstract: A luminaire is provided with a light source, and a light guide which is positioned in front of the light source. The light guide includes a first surface portion formed on the light source side, and a second surface portion formed on a side opposite the first surface portion. The first surface portion is constituted by a flat surface, and the second surface portion is constituted by an inclined surface which intersects at an angle other than a right angle against the optical axis of the light source. An angle formed between the inclined surface and the optical axis on the side of the light source is smaller on a center side of the second surface portion positioned on the optical axis, and is larger on a peripheral side of the second surface portion.

Abstract: A foldable mounting bracket including an elongate support member adapted for mounting to a substrate, an elongate arm pivotally coupled to the support member at a pivot point and adapted to pivot between a first raised position generally perpendicular to the support member and a second lowered position generally parallel to the support member, and a strut bridging the support member and the arm wherein a first end of the strut is mounted at a fixed position along a length of the arm and a second end of the strut is mounted to a support slide that is configured to move on the support member such that the pivoting of the arm between the lowered position and the raised position causes the support slide to move along the support member towards the pivot point.

Abstract: A preassembled parallel wire cable creates a random cast of loops. Any of the random cast of loops is hung for transport, thus eliminating costly and time-consuming coiling and reeling operations.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder includes a retainer box having front, rear, upper and lower portions defined by a frame comprised of a plurality of upright frame members, wherein the plurality of upright frame members includes front upright frame members and rear upright frame members. The rear upright frame members include support portions for abuttingly supporting the retainer box in a raised position above a support surface. A planar member on the lower portion of the retainer box and includes a plurality of receiving apertures configured to receive a first portion of a fishing rod therethrough. First and second brackets are disposed on opposite sides of the retainer box having inwardly opening channels disposed therealong. Multiple divider members are slidingly received in the channels of the first and second brackets for movement therealong, wherein adjacent divider members are configured to retain a second portion of the fishing rod therebetween.