Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of scalably producing microorganisms by propagating them within plant tissues and introducing them into agricultural seeds to improve their shelf-life during long-term storage, to produce substances of interest, and to create libraries of microbes.

Abstract: Two new Helicoverpa armigera single nucleopolyhedrovirus genotypes, HearSNPV, HearSNPV-SP1B and HearSNPV-LB6, each originating from mixtures of genotypes obtained from different locations and crops, are described. Each exhibits specific insecticidal activity against H. armigera larvae comparable to that of commonly used commercial insecticides. Further, mixing the two genotypes, especially in the ratio of 1:1, within co-occluded virions of the mixed genotypes, is capable of controlling H. armigera infestations of tomato crops and is as efficacious as commonly used chemical and biological insecticides. Their use as bioinsecticides is safe for vertebrates, in that they specifically target arthropods. In addition, they are easy to produce and good yields can be obtained by orally inoculating H. armigera larvae with HearSNPV occlusion bodies.

Abstract: To provide a method which shows excellent effects in controlling pests in a field of soybean, corn or cotton. A method for controlling weeds in a field of soybean, corn or cotton, wherein the field of soybean, corn or cotton is treated with at least one PPO-inhibiting compound selected from the group consisting of flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, saflufenacil, oxyfluorfen, fomesafen-sodium, and the compound of the formula (I): before, at or after seeding with a seed of soybean, corn or cotton treated with one or more nematicides.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for transferring a dough piece from a first processing station to the next, especially from a dough portioning device to a dough kneading device, includes a rotating dropping roller and a scraper. The rotating dropping roller is configured to release the dough piece from the first processing station. The scraper is associated with the dropping roller and is configured to support the dough piece released from the dropping roller. An oiling device is associated with the dropping roller and is configured to apply oil onto an outside surface of the dropping roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air-drying plant for air drying cut-up food. The proposed plant consists of a conveyor (10) for cut-up food (1) defining a conveying surface (11), a plurality of blowing conduits (20) with blowing openings (21) channeling a treated airflow at a speed of treatment with a controlled temperature comprised between 4° C. and 60° C. and a controlled humidity; wherein the conveyor includes air treatment segments (12) with conveying surfaces (11) facing and adjacent to said blowing openings (21), said treated airflow being channeled against said conveying surface (11) in an upward or downward direction; and wherein the conveyor (10) also includes idle segments (13) intercalated between said air treatment segments (12), the conveying surface (11) of which is not facing the blowing openings (21), nor is it subjected to an airflow.

Abstract: An apparatus for stuffing confection is structured to have a base member and an enclosure connected to the base member and disposed and dimensioned to receive a confection therein. The base member has a plurality of pockets and enables the enclosure to be secured within its dimensions. A cap assembly is structured in a communicating relation with a hollow interior of the enclosure. The removable cap assembly is structured to retain the stuffing material. An injection member has an injection piston movable relative to the cap assembly in a driving relation to the stuffing material. The driving relation of the injection piston with the stuffing material causes the stuffing material to be forced from the cap assembly into the confection retained within the hollow interior of said enclosure. The enclosure has wall members in a surrounding relation to the interior of the enclosure and at least partially defines the interior.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a mung bean protein composition keeping a good color tone even after subjected to a heat treatment step for sterilization. The present invention provides a heat-treated mung bean protein composition wherein a measurement value according to the Folin-Denis method is 1.39% by weight or less in terms of gallic acid on a dry matter basis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated thraustochytrid microorganisms as well as strains and mutants thereof. The invention is further directed to biomasses, microbial oils, compositions, cultures, methods of producing microbial oils, and methods of using the isolated thraustochytrids, biomasses, and microbial oils.

Abstract: The present example embodiments relate to food preparation devices using natural flowing and/or fan driven circulating air, and details for the construction thereof. Example embodiments are shown, which may be reduced in size and volume by the user. Example embodiments are shown which utilize natural convection airflow. Example embodiments are also shown which utilize fan driven air which flows in alternating directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the concentration of pathogenic organisms such as Listeria spp. in fermented food products. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a food material, (ii) mixing said food material with a starter culture, (iii) mixing the food material with at least one adjunct culture in form of a bacteriocin-producing Pediococcus species, (iv) subjecting the mixture provided in step (iii) to a fermentation process, said fermentation process being con-ducted at conditions that are sub-optimal for growth of the bacteriocin-producing Pediococcus species in order to provide a limited acidification and allow for a high production of bacteriocin, and obtain a fermented food product. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of bacteriocin-producing Pediococcus species as an adjunct culture for securing microbial safety of fermented food products.

Abstract: Stevia compositions are prepared from steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The compositions are able to provide a superior taste profile and can be used as sweetness enhancers, flavor enhancers and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A bean roasting system includes a roasting chamber, a blower, a variable diverter and a controller. The roasting chamber, the blower and the variable diverter each is disposed at least partially within a recirculating gas flow path. The blower is configured to provide a flow stream of gas through the recirculating gas flow path. The variable diverter is configured to split the gas flow path into at least two flow paths including a treated flow path and a bypass flow path. The treated flow path includes a series arrangement of a gas heater and a catalytic converter. The variable diverter is configured to control a percentage of a flow stream of gas that is diverted into the bypass flow path. The controller is configured to activate different predetermined operating modes for the bean roasting system by controlling a state of the variable diverter and a state of the heater.

Abstract: A device comprises a fruit reception compartment, a fruit suction area, a liquid suction area comprising an orifice, and a narrowing which feeds into a channel, with a water flow between the narrowing and the channel, and the channel defining part of a pipe configured to carry impelled liquid inside the channel. A method comprises supplying a mixture of fruits in bunches and liquid, moving the mixture to a fruit suction area through a suction entrance, aspirating and injecting liquid through the channel, generating a depression which drags the mixture towards the narrowing, and generating turbulence which separates stalks from the fruit and extracts the separated fruit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved vitamin E formulations, as well as to the production of such formulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wrapping paper for smoking articles that contains pulp fibers and at least one acid-soluble filler, the content of acid-soluble filler being at least 10 wt % relative to the entire mass of the wrapping paper, and the wrapping paper having portions with a lower transparency and portions with a higher transparency.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a burning type heat source extending along a first direction from an ignition end toward a non-ignition end. The burning type heat source (50) has a single longitudinal hollow (51) extending along the first direction (D1). The longitudinal hollow (51) includes: a first hollow (51A) having a first cross section area; and a second hollow (51B) having a second cross section area smaller than the first cross section area. The first cross section area of the first hollow (51A) is 1.77 mm2 or more.

Abstract: A two-stage atomizer having a primary heating element and a secondary heating element. The primary heating element heats a fluid to generate an aerosol with a given average particle size. The secondary heating element reheats the aerosol from the first heating element to produce a final aerosol having a reduced average particle size. The two-stage atomizer is configured to operate with an electronic vaporizer device having a power source and control electronics.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating device may include a housing defining at least one internal compartment. The housing may be waterproof. The aerosol-generating device may further include a power supply, an electric heater, and/or a haptic feedback device. Each of the power supply, electric heater, and/or haptic feedback device may be positioned within one or more of the at least one internal compartment.

Abstract: A wickless cartomizer includes an outer shell surrounding an inner shell in a spaced configuration to form chamber for holding vaporizable material between the outer and inner shell. The inner shell includes a channel having an opening at the bottom portion of the outer wall to allow the vaporizable material in the chamber to flow into the channel such that the vaporizable material within the channel is substantially level with the vaporizable material in the chamber. The inner wall of the channel includes a heater to heat the vaporizable material stored within the channel along the length of the inner wall to provide a more even temperature distribution through the vaporizable material. As the vaporizable material heats and becomes vaporized, the vapor rises and passes through a vapor exit opening in a top portion of the inner wall of the channel.

Abstract: A liquid reservoir component of an electronic vaping device includes an outer casing extending in a longitudinal direction, an air inlet, and a vapor outlet. An inner tube is within the outer casing defining a central air passage communicates with the inlet and the outlet. A liquid reservoir is in an annular space between the outer casing and the inner tube. A susceptor is adjacent the central air passage, and a wick is in communication with the liquid reservoir and in thermal communication with the susceptor such that the susceptor is operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature to vaporize the liquid material and form a vapor in the central air passage. The liquid reservoir component is configured to connect with a power supply component such that an induction source is operable to generate an inductive field to heat the susceptor when powered by the power source.

Abstract: A user-replaceable e-liquid reservoir for dispensing e-liquid, the reservoir being inserted into, or otherwise attached to, a portable, personal e-cigarette device and engaging with an electrical or electronic pump fluid transfer system in the device, the device including: an electrical or electronic pump, being configured to transfer e-liquid from the e-liquid reservoir to an atomizing unit in the device, the pump delivering a pre-defined or variable quantity of e-liquid from the reservoir; and in which the reservoir is not user-refillable.

Abstract: A user-replaceable e-liquid reservoir for dispensing e-liquid, the reservoir being inserted into, or otherwise attached to, a portable, personal e-cigarette device and engaging with an electrical or electronic pump fluid transfer system in the device, the device including: an electrical or electronic pump, being configured to transfer e-liquid from the e-liquid reservoir to an atomizing unit in the device, the pump delivering a pre-defined or variable quantity of e-liquid from the reservoir; and in which the reservoir is not user-refillable.

Abstract: The present invention describes articles, such as smoking articles, that can provide an inhalable substance in a form suitable for inhalation by a consumer. The article comprises a cartridge with an inhalable substance medium therein, control housing that includes an electrical energy source and an electrical power source, and a heating member that may be located in either the cartridge or the control housing. The control housing further may include puff-actuated current actuation components and current regulation components.

Abstract: A garment is provided from two separate modular, substantially mirror-imaged portions, such that the torso section of a wearer may be selectively exposed, front or back, by grasping an exposed edge of an out one of the modular portions, pulling that edge to access and edge of the other modular portion, which is then pulled in the opposite direction to expose a portion of either the wearer's lower torso or buttocks region.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a sock having one or more support assemblages for providing structural support to one or more regions of the foot of the wearer. In some exemplary embodiments, a support assemblage may be an arch support assemblage that is adapted to cover an arch of the foot. In some exemplary embodiments, a support assemblage may be an Achilles support assemblage that is adapted to cover the Achilles tendon of the foot. In some exemplary embodiments, a support assemblage may be an ankle support assemblage that is adapted to cover a portion of the ankle of the foot. In some exemplary embodiments, the sock may comprise multiple support assemblages to provide structural support to different regions of the foot of the wearer. Typically, a support assemblage will have an elasticity coefficient that is lower than an elasticity coefficient of the other areas of the sock.

Abstract: A fabric device includes a fabric and an electronic module. The fabric includes a fabric body configured to contact or to be worn on an object, and has a first surface configured to contact the object, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The fabric body is internally formed with a passage unit which has a plurality of passages intersecting and communicating with each other. The electronic module is disposed in the fabric body and includes a plurality of electronic components, in the form of strips, extending into the passage unit.

Abstract: A band includes a tubular body defining a central passage, where the tubular body is configured to be worn on a user's body such that a portion of the user's body is received in the central passage, and a housing formed of a polymer material and connected to the tubular body. The housing defines a cavity and an access opening providing access to the cavity, and the housing is configured to removably receive an electronic module in the cavity through the access opening. The housing further includes a slot in communication with the cavity, with the slot configured to permit passage of moisture away from the housing. The sides of the tubular body may also define a slope that is from 0-0.75.

Abstract: The present invention provides pants, such as pants that are worn as work uniform pants, which are configured to provide significant improvements in a wearer's comfort, performance, and mobility over a predefined range of motions. Embodiments of the pants comprise one or more stretch panels that are configured to provide for stretching of the pant at an identified micro site in order to provide a wearer with enhanced mobility. Additionally, the manner in which the various portions of the pant are connected together may be adjusted in order to provide a wearer with enhanced mobility.

Abstract: Provided herein is a kimono jacket that has three or more anti-grip reinforcement panels, wherein the anti-grip reinforcement panels are capable of popping and/or releasing a grip of an opponent when the reinforced kimono is gripped. Also provided herein is a kit including a kimono that has anti-grip reinforcement panels and kimono pants.

Abstract: An expandable headband includes an elongated, pleated-fabric cover having two opposing ends, a front edge and a rear edge. The two opposing ends are interconnected with an elastomeric strap for securing the cover over the head as with a conventional headband. To form a sun visor, a wearer pulls an extendable support rod at the front edge to expand the cover beyond the forehead.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-use garment including each of a torsal portion, a pair of sleeve portions attached to the torsal portion and a pair of leg portions attached to the torsal portion. The torsal portion may be configured to be worn over a torso. Further, each sleeve portion may be configured to accommodate at least a part of an arm. Furthermore, each leg portion may be configured to accommodate at least a part of a leg. Additionally, the multi-use garment may include a pair of fasteners attached to one or more of the torsal portion and the pair of leg portions. Further, each fastener may be configured to create a closed end.

Abstract: A utility glove comprising a three dimensional molded portion formed of an elastomeric material molded onto a fabric material, wherein the molded portion has a thickness of from about 0.8 to about 10.8 mm with the elastomeric material including two or more areas of differing thicknesses within the range of from about 0.4 to about 10.0 mm. The molded portion of the utility glove has a concave palm, with the middle of the palm being set in from the edges to form a concave configuration. The utility glove is manufactured by placing a glove blank comprising a fabric material over a first mold part in the form of at least a portion of a hand and bringing at least one second mold part into molding engagement with the first mold part to create a cavity with the glove blank on the first mold part. The elastomeric material is then injected into the cavity to form a molded portion, wherein the elastomeric material is injected on the side of the fabric material opposite the first mold part.

Abstract: An article having a panel secured between two layers of a trim piece and having a pocket affixed to a zipper, where a first zipper tape is affixed to the panel, and a second zipper tape is secured between the two layers of the trim piece such that the pocket is in communication with an incised opening in the panel is provided. The panel may be secured between the two layers of the trim piece at a first edge, and the incised opening may be formed proximate to the first edge such that the article comprises a pocket presented proximate to the trim piece. The present invention further comprises a method of manufacturing the article including a pocket presented proximate to the trim piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to breathable, vented, and insulating cold weather garments. More particularly, the present invention relates to garments with chambers to retain an insulating fill material. Perforations along the seams between the insulating chambers may achieve optimal evaporative moisture transfer from the inside (proximal to the body of a wearer) of the garment to the outside environment.

Abstract: A gift packaging device includes a support member, a stem slidably engaged through the support member and moveable up and down relative to the support member, a carrier member disposed on the stem for supporting a gift, a number of flaps pivotally attached to the support member and rotateable relative to the support member between a folded position where the gift is shielded with the flaps, and an opened position where the gift is viewable, and a number of links are coupled between the stem and the flaps for allowing the flaps to be rotated relative to the support member between the folded position and the opened position when the stem is moved relative to the support member of the support device.

Abstract: A locking artificial tree trunk including a first generally cylindrical, hollow trunk portion including an upper end, the upper end defining a notch, and a second generally cylindrical trunk portion including a body portion, a lower end having an insertable portion, and an upper end. The locking artificial tree trunk also includes a coupling mechanism having a body portion and an upper portion having a tab, and defining a channel for receiving the insertable portion of the lower end of the second trunk portion. The body portion is inserted substantially into the upper end of the first trunk portion with the tab of the upper portion aligned with the notch, thereby preventing rotation of the coupling mechanism within the upper end of the first trunk portion.

Abstract: An eyelash extension case includes an enclosure body defining an internal region for storage of one or more eyelash extensions, and a lid operative to cover the internal region in a closed state and open to allow access to the internal region in an open state. Internal wall surfaces of the internal region form a floor, and one or more eyelash extension retaining features. Each eyelash extension retaining feature includes a protrusion that extends outward from the floor toward the lid along an axis. Each protrusion has curved wall surfaces that transition into the floor, and each protrusion further has curved wall surfaces that define an outer profile of the protrusion surrounding the axis. At least a portion of each protrusion is formed from a self-adhesive super-gel material that is relatively sticky to retain one or more eyelash extensions.

Abstract: A cap includes an elongate track that extends along the lower edge of the crown has opposing free ends or edges when formed along a generally circular path. A slide, connected to the brim, can slide along the track. A pin or wire aligns the opposing edges of the track when brought into abutment to form an interface parting line. One or more tapes extend across the interface parting line to prevent relative movements of the opposing edges about the pin or wire thereby fixing and stabilizing the opposing edges at the interface parting line to maintain alignment and eliminate discontinuities at the opposing edges to insure smooth movements of the brim independently of the position of said brim along the track.

Abstract: A hat and a hat brim length adjusting method are provided to solve the problem that the hat brim length of the existing sunscreen hats cannot be adjusted in real time. The present hat includes a hat body and a hat brim which is retractable in length; the hat further includes a power supply, an adjustment unit and a detection unit; wherein the detection unit is used for detecting relations between a position of the sun and a position of a wearer's face in real time; and the adjustment unit is used for adjusting a length of the hat brim according to the detection result. The hat brim length of the present hat is adjustable, so that the hat not only can block the sun for the wearer but also can provide a good sight angle for the wearer.

Abstract: A headgear accessory attachment apparatus includes a band having an adjustable size for fitting about a circumference of various outdoor sports helmets such as bicycle, skateboarding, snow sport, mountaineering, equestrian helmets, military helmets, and hard hats used in material moving, dock loading, and airport baggage handling. The accessory attachment apparatus provides the wearer an easy means to attach headgear accessories such as headlamps, helmet cameras, rear lights, goggles, visors, brims, and decorative embellishments to the helmet. The accessories may be permanently or temporarily secured to the accessory apparatus. In one headgear accessory attachment apparatus, the band includes a stop surface that opposes a bottom surface of the headgear when the apparatus is affixed to the headgear such that the apparatus is prevented from becoming dislodged during use.

Abstract: The present application provides a headband arrangement for a welding helmet, comprising: a fixed attachment structure; and a helmet mounting structure cooperating with the attachment structure, wherein at least two stopping positions are defined longitudinally between the attachment structure and the helmet mounting structure, the helmet mounting structure is selectively switchable between an unlocking state and a locking state, wherein in the unlocking state, the helmet mounting structure is slidable between the stopping positions relative to the attachment structure, and wherein in the locking state, the helmet mounting structure can be locked to one of the stopping positions relative to the attachment structure and can be kept there by a magnetic force generated between a pair of magnetic parts.

Abstract: A protective helmet can include an outer shell and a multi-layer liner disposed within the outer shell and sized for receiving a wearer's head. The multi-layer liner can include and inner-layer, a middle-layer, and an outer-layer. The inner-layer can include an inner surface oriented towards an inner area of a helmet for receiving a wearer's head. The inner-layer can comprise a mid-energy management material with a density in a range of 40-70 g/L. The middle-layer can be disposed adjacent an outer surface of the inner-layer, wherein the middle-layer comprises a low-energy management material with a density in a range of 10-20 g/L. The outer-layer can be disposed adjacent an outer surface of the middle-layer, the outer-layer comprising an outer surface oriented towards the outer shell, wherein the outer-layer comprises a high-energy management material with a density in a range of 20-50 grams g/L.

Abstract: A footwear and systems for reducing foot pain or discomfort. An article of footwear includes: an upper; a sole, at least one vibration device disposed within the upper, the vibration device including at least one vibrational element capable of delivering vibrations to a user of the footwear; a controller communicatively connected to the vibration device and configured to control operation of the one or more vibration devices based on instructions regarding operation of the vibration device; and a control unit communicatively connected to the controller and configured to transmit instructions regarding the operation of the vibration device to the controller. Methods for reducing pain and discomfort are provided using the footwear, devices and systems.

Abstract: A cycling shoe, including a sole as well as an upper that rises from the sole; the surface of the upper includes a plurality of recesses adapted to reduce the form drag of the upper hit by the air during the execution of the pedalling motion.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a decoupled foot stabilizer system. The foot stabilizer system is decoupled from a midfoot region of the article of footwear. The foot stabilizer system includes a plurality of strap members. The foot stabilizer system may optionally include a bootie. The plurality of strap members extend underneath a portion of a foot of a wearer. The plurality of strap members are configured to receive a lace at one end. A lace running through the ends of the strap members pulls on the strap members when the lace is tightened and causes the foot stabilizer system to conform to the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bladder element comprises forming at least one of a first, a second, and a third polymeric sheet to have a contoured surface profile. The first, the second, and the third polymeric sheets are stacked so that the second polymeric sheet is between the first polymeric sheet and the third polymeric sheet. The method comprises applying fluid pressure between the first polymeric sheet and second polymeric sheet, between the second polymeric sheet and the third polymeric sheet, or between both, forcing a first surface of the second polymeric sheet into contact with an inner surface of the first polymeric sheet, or a second surface of the second polymeric sheet into contact with an inner surface of the third polymeric sheet, or both. A bladder element is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to articles and components thereof, including outsoles, which can be used in conditions normally conducive to the accumulation of soil. In particular, the disclosure relates to articles and components thereof with a material including a hydrogel, where the hydrogel-containing material defines an external surface or side of an article. The hydrogel-containing material can prevent or reduce the accumulation of soil during use. A portion of the hydrogel-containing material is embedded into a substrate body, or a portion of the hydrogel-containing material is disposed on the outer side surface of the substrate body in a junction. The substrate body can have a lip extending from a shaft such that the shaft and the lip form the junction. Embedding the material in the substrate body, or disposing it in the junction, can minimize or prevent delamination of the hydrogel containing material during normal use.

Abstract: Port-injection footwear is provided. In one example, port-injection footwear is provided including a footwear-structure bag encompassing an injected filler material, such as foam. A strobel sock made of stretchable material may be integrated into an insole region of the footwear-structure bag. The port-injection footwear further may include a foam barrier disposed adjacent to the footwear-structure bag to retain the injected foam within the bag during injection. An outsole may be directly coupled to the footwear-structure bag forming a base of the footwear article. In other examples, the port-injection footwear may include a footwear-structure bag having an injection port, an injected foam retained in the footwear-structure bag, where the injected foam was injected through the injection port, and a port cap positioned at the injection port of the footwear-structure bag.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: A closure includes a male closure member including a first loop, an arm, a bar, and a first loop extension extending orthogonally from the first loop, and a female closure member including a base portion having a top edge, a bottom edge, a blind hole into which the bar of the male closure member is insertable, a resilient protrusion disposed in and extending from the base portion at a position proximal to the bottom edge and configured to removably secure the first loop extension upon insertion and rotation of the bar in the blind hole, and a recess configured to receive the arm of the male closure member.