Abstract: The present invention includes a nutritional supplement composition that may be used for livestock and the like, as well as to a livestock feed mixture containing same. Also included are methods of preparing the nutritional supplement composition, the livestock feed mixture, as well as methods of providing nutrition to livestock and the like. The livestock feed composition comprises: (a) a solid particulate livestock feed material and (b) a solidified particulate mixture of (i) free fatty acid and (ii) a calcium salt of a fatty acid, the calcium salt of a fatty acid being present in a molar ratio amount in the range of from about 25% to about 55% of the amount of the free fatty acid. The prefaced mixture is a solid having an onset melt point of between about 140 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit, and a hardness of from about 5 to about 15 Shore A units at 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: Systems and method for thermal preservation (sterilization) of heterogenous and multiphase foods and biomaterials in order to achieve their shelf stability at ambient level temperatures. Flowing heterogenous, multiphase foods and biomaterials are exposed to single or multiple stages of electromagnetic energy under continuous flow conditions within conduits passing through the electromagnetic energy exposure chambers.

Abstract: An example implementation of the subject matter described within this disclosure is a lupine processing apparatus with the following features. A tank is configure to receive a portion of lupines for processing. The tank has an outer surface that defines a receiving cavity within the tank. The tank includes a fluid inlet at a bottom end of the tank. The inlet is configured to receive fluid into the tank. A fluid outlet is at a top end of the tank. The fluid outlet is configured to receive fluid from the tank. A motor is attached to the tank. An agitator is rotatably coupled to the motor. The agitator is configured to be rotated by the motor. A heater is fluidically connected to the fluid inlet. The heater is configured to increase a temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: A method forms a gel from a highly-refined cellulose by: providing a composition of highly refined cellulose fiber as at least about 0.5% weight/weight highly refined cellulose to water; adding at least one buffering agent to the composition to maintain the pH of the composition at a pH below 9.5; bringing the buffered composition to an elevated temperature such as a boil; stirring the buffered composition; and cooling the buffered composition to below 25° C. to form a gel, such as a stable gel.

Abstract: Ingesting a food etc. which is in a unit package form per meal and contains, in the unit, not less than 0.3 g of histidine as an ingestion amount per meal is effective for improving mental energy and biorhythm.

Abstract: Provided herein is a continuous production line for a dressed proteinaceous patties with a solid food grade particulate using a coordinated volumetric toothed dispensing cylinder and variable speed conveyor for precisely controlled introduction of the particulate to a stream of proteinaceous material which is then formed into a patty.

Abstract: The production process comprises a step (A) in which an alkali-treated tobacco source is heated to make the tobacco source release a flavoring ingredient into a gas phase, a step (B) in which the flavoring ingredient released into the gas phase is brought into contact with a given solvent which is a liquid substance at ordinary temperature, thereby trapping the flavoring ingredient in the given solvent, and a step (C) in which the given solvent is added to a constituent element.

Abstract: Methods of curing tobacco that reduce the levels of TSNAs and/or improve leaf quality are described herein.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco composition for oral use comprising liberated, delignified tobacco fibers, a method for its manufacturing and use, as well as a pouch comprising the composition.

Abstract: There is provided an aerosol-generating article (10; 100) comprising an aerosol-generating substrate (12) and a mouthpiece (14) secured to the aerosol-generating substrate (12). The mouthpiece (14) comprises at least one filter segment (18, 20) and a substantially transparent tubular segment (22) defining an empty cavity extending substantially longitudinally through the substantially transparent tubular segment (22), wherein aerosol passing through the empty cavity during use of the aerosol-generating article (10; 100) is visible from the exterior of the aerosol-generating article (10; 100) through the substantially transparent tubular segment (22).

Abstract: A pipe comprises a combustion chamber with vents, the combustion chamber able to receive a cigarette; an inhalation path for drawing smoke from the combustion chamber through the bowl vents during inhalation; an exhalation filter; and an exhalation path for channeling exhaled smoke through the exhalation filter during exhalation.

Abstract: An insert comprising a substrate and a flavoring agent, wherein the flavoring agent is present in an amount from 50 to 500 mg per cm3 volume of the substrate. The insert is used for introducing a flavor, or increasing the level of flavor applied, to one or more smoking articles in a package of smoking articles, by enclosing the insert within such a package.

Abstract: A container includes a base and a lid defining a first compartment therebetween for storing unused snus, wherein at least the lid or the base includes a reconfigurable wall to enable a user to form or enlarge a second compartment for storing used snus on the other side of said wall to the first compartment. The reconfigurable wall is formed of contiguous polygons configured to move relative to a boundary of the reconfigurable wall and relative to each other under applied pressure so as to be arrangeable in a first, convex configuration and arrangeable in a second, concave configuration. The second compartment is formed or enlarged when the contiguous polygons are arranged in the second, concave configuration.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a liquid aerosol formulation, a heater operable to at least partially volatilize the liquid aerosol formulation and form an aerosol, and at least one frangible and/or crushable flavor bead. The at least one frangible and/or crushable flavor bead can be positioned in a filter plug.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article is disclosed, which includes an outer housing extending in a longitudinal direction; a micro pump system configured to pump a liquid material contained within a liquid supply reservoir through an outlet of the supply reservoir into a capillary; the capillary having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet in communication with the outlet of the liquid supply reservoir; a heating arrangement operable to heat the capillary to a temperature sufficient to at least initially volatilize the liquid material contained within the capillary; a power supply operable to apply voltage to the micro pump gas cell to generate a gas to drive the liquid material out of the liquid supply reservoir into the inlet of the capillary; at least one air inlet; and whereby air is mixed with the volatilized material to form an aerosol.

Abstract: An electrically heated smoking system includes a secondary unit capable of receiving a smoking article having an aerosol-forming substrate. The secondary unit includes at least one heating element and an interface for connection to a primary power supply for supplying electrical power to the at least one heating element during a pre-heating mode, to increase the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate to an operating temperature. The secondary unit further includes a secondary power supply arranged to supply electrical power to the at least one heating element during a smoking mode, to maintain the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate at substantially the operating temperature. The secondary unit also includes secondary circuitry. The electrically heated smoking system optionally includes a primary unit.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement to electronic smoking devices which employ an elongate draw tube and mouthpiece such as a hookah or elongate draw conduit, such as a water bong. In addition, other devices such as electronic smoking modules which are typically larger and bulkier than electronic cigarettes, could benefit from the invention by making them easier to carry by attaching a draw tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a heating device for an electronic cigarette. The heating device includes a heating part, a first conductive part, and a second electrically conductive part. The heating part has a hollow metallic tube wound in a spiral form. The first conductive part is electrically connected to a first end of the metallic tube. The second electrically conductive part is electrically connected to an opposite second end of the metallic tube.

Abstract: The e-vaping cartridge includes a housing, a first tube extending in a longitudinal direction within the housing, the first tube defining at least one first hole that provides fluid communication between a first annulus reservoir and a second annulus reservoir, the first annulus reservoir defined between the housing and the first tube, the second annulus reservoir defined between the first tube and a central passage traversing through the first tube. At least one first layer of absorbent material is positioned within the second annulus reservoir. A wick is in communication with the central passage, where distal ends of the wick contact the at least one first layer of absorbent material. A heater is configured to vaporize a pre-vapor formulation that is communicated by the wick from the at least one first layer of absorbent material. The device includes the cartridge.

Abstract: A footwear article provided with a housing to removably hold or attach an object. The housing is arranged to minimize the inconvenience caused by the presence of the object in the housing when the housing of the footwear article is used on the foot, ankle or leg of a user. The longitudinal median axis of the object and/or the housing is located on the rear area of the inside or on the front area of the outside of the ankle/footwear article. The housing provides a storage space for an object such as a Smartphone.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing leggings having a leg portion and a waistband portion, using a fabric is disclosed. The method includes brushing an outside surface of the fabric once to form a single-brushed surface. The method includes brushing an inside surface of the fabric multiple times to form a multiple-brushed surface. The method includes cutting the fabric into a plurality of pieces for the leg portion and a plurality of pieces for the waistband portion and sewing the pieces together, the waistband portion having a top edge and a bottom edge, the top edge of the waistband portion being narrower than the bottom edge of the waistband portion, the single-brushed surface of the fabric forming an inside legging surface configured to contact a wearer, and the multiple-brushed surface of the fabric forming an outside legging surface. The method includes sewing an elastic band to the top edge of the waistband.

Abstract: A portable bib includes a bib and a bowl that can be attached to and easily removed from the bib. The bib includes semi-circular upper sections and fasteners for folding the bib. By fastening the upper sections together, the bib bends slightly to conform to the neck, shoulders, and chest of the individual. The bib can also be fastened to create a folded pocket where the bowl is placed and attached to the bib. The back of the bowl is a concave surface that conforms to the abdomen of the individual. The bib may be easily unfolded for cleaning and storing.

Abstract: A garment, such as a bra, may include a frame, support structure, casing and/or housing. The frame may be adapted to fit underneath a wearer's breasts and partially wrap around her torso. The support structure be coupled to the frame and may include a volumetric cup positioned thereon, which may be a cantilever projection from the frame adapted so that a portion of a wearer's breasts may be inserted therein. The frame and/or support structure may be encased in a casing. Casing may increase the size of volumetric cup to cover a larger portion of the wearer's breast. Casing may also provide padding or other mechanisms to increase the comfort of wearing the frame, support structure, and/or casing for the wearer. The casings (one for each side of the wearer) may be housed in a housing that wraps around the wearer's torso thereby enabling the wearer to wear the garment.

Abstract: One-piece swimsuit and method of manufacture provide for easy extraction of one or both legs without removing the top of the swimsuit. A top and bottom portion of the swimsuit can be partially separated by an openable closure that connects the top portion to the bottom portion when closed. An integral joining strip that secures the top portion to the bottom portion at one side of the swimsuit, so that when both legs are removed from the bottom portion, the bottom portion of the swimsuit is retained at the side of the wearer. An elastic expansion may be provided in the joining strip to facilitate pulling the bottom portion downward when extracting the wearer's leg(s). The closure may be an elastic band or elastic zipper to facilitate reconnection of the bottom portion to the top portion. A flap or skirt may be included to hide the closure.

Abstract: An article of apparel has a surface with a first part of a fastening system, and an attachment element has an outer area with a second part of the fastening system. The first part of the fastening system is joinable to the second part of the fastening system to attach the attachment element to the apparel. The first part of the fastening system is also separable from the second part of the fastening system to separate the attachment element from the apparel. The attachment element may be formed from a polymer foam material, may include a fluid-filled chamber, or may incorporate an electronic device, for example. In some configurations, the attachment element is secured to an exterior of the apparel. In other configurations, the attachment element is secured between two layers of the apparel.

Abstract: A hand cover system can include: an exterior structure including a finger sheath and a thumb sheath; a sealing structure coupled to the finger sheath of the exterior structure, the sealing structure including magnets, the sealing structure enabling an open configuration and a closed configuration; and wherein: the open configuration includes the sealing structure split apart and the exterior structure folded back on itself for allowing a user's hand to be exposed from between the sealing structure, and the closed configuration includes the magnets of the sealing structure maintaining the sealing structure together for covering the user's hand.

Abstract: An ambidextrous or hand-specific glove including a wrist region, a palm region, and a digit region. The glove may be fabricated of nitrile rubber that is free of or essentially free of zinc, sulfur and accelerators to reduce allergic reactions in populations required to frequently wear protective gloves. A band region that partially or fully encircles a user's finger knuckles may be provided for easier finger bending. Texturing may be provided on glove surfaces that are used to grip articles. The tip regions on the front surface of the index and middle finger regions may be un-textured or smooth to enable a user to take a patient's pulse. These tip regions may be of reduced diameter and circumference so as to pull the glove material tightly around the tips of the user's finger so that even a faint pulse in a patient may be detected.

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: An apparatus comprises a wire mesh that is shaped according to an artificial foliage pattern. The wire mesh is coated with a coating to match a characteristic of the artificial foliage pattern. The coating fills in spaces between the wire mesh to produce a translucent structure in the spaces that filters light. The mesh size, mesh materials, and the type of coating, e.g., type of paint, are selected so that the coating fills in the spaces to produce a translucent structure that is thin yet strong. The thin translucent structure allows light to filter through in a natural manner. A process performs the shaping and coating of the wire mesh.

Abstract: Guard padding with sensor is provided, including a cushion pad and a sensor. The cushion pad has auxetic structure and is manufactured by a 3D printing process. The cushion pad has a slot at a side thereof. The sensor manufactured by the 3D printing process is disposed in the slot. The sensor is a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor or a temperature sensor. The pressure sensor generates a pressure signal, the humidity sensor generates a humidity signal and the temperature sensor generates a temperature signal.

Abstract: Emergency call processing in a helmet (100) with a rigid shell (101) that spatially divides a shell interior from a shell ambiance includes receiving an emergency indication signal, upon reception of the emergency indication signal establishing a speech link between a controllable transceiver and a counterpart transceiver via at least one wireless communication channel, and reproducing sound in the shell interior and picking up sound with a sensitivity that is higher in the shell interior than in the shell ambience. The sound reproduced in the shell is received from the counterpart transceiver and the sound picked-up in the shell interior is transmitted to the counterpart transceiver.

Abstract: An airbag (20) for protecting the head of a user in case of an accident is hereby presented. The airbag comprises an inflatable inner bag (21, 40, 50, 60) surrounded by an outer bag (22), wherein the structure of the outer bag (22) defines the shape of the airbag (20) when the inner bag (21) is inflated, and wherein said inner bag (21, 40, 50, 60) comprises a plurality of elongate first chambers (28, 29, 210, 211, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 65, 66, 69, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614), each of which elongate first chambers forms a head protective part when inflated.

Abstract: A head-tracking system utilizing radio frequency (RF) transmitters and receivers. RF fiducials are disposed on a helmet and a constellation of receivers receives one or more RF carriers with defined pulse frequencies. Measured time delays are used to produce a head pose. Alternatively, phase shifting is measured to determine the location of each RF fiducial within a single wavelength. In some embodiments, multiple frequency ranges may be used to define a coarse location via phase shifting within a long wavelength RF carrier and a fine location via phase shifting within a short wavelength RF carrier. In a further aspect, polarization and amplitude measurements in conjunction with a known peak RF transmitter amplitude may be used to determine a receiver's relative position with respect to the RF transmitter. GPS location methodologies, spread spectrum frequency hopping, and encryption may also be utilized.

Abstract: A protective headgear for equestrian use provides a traditional style cowboy hat with protective features to allow it to comply with prevailing equestrian helmet standards. The hat includes interior protective padding in the top of the dome, exterior protective padding below the crown of the dome, and exterior protective padding on the rear of the hat below the brim. The protective padding may be secured to the hat by adhesive, stitching, or mechanical fasteners. A chin strap securement system comprising mutually connectable strap-and-buckle assemblies is optionally provided.

Abstract: A footwear with refractive internal illumination has a footwear, a translucent body, an illumination system and a liner. The footwear has a sole section and an upper. The upper has an opaque light refracting section. The illumination system has a power source and at least one light source. The at least one light source is electrically connected to the power source. A light wavelength of light emitted from the at least one light source is approximate to a light wavelength of light emitted through the opaque light refracting section. The upper is connected to the sole section. The at least one light source is connected to the translucent body. The translucent body is housed in between the liner and the opaque light refracting section.

Abstract: A footwear article is provided herein. The footwear article may include a cord structure including interconnected bights in a vamp cord and a rand cord forming a loop line extending along at least a portion of the footwear article, and further including an anchor cord extending along the portion of the footwear article and parallel to the loop line. The rand cord may couple to the anchor cord. In this way, the cord structure may be tensioned independently of other upper materials.

Abstract: A shoe that grows comprises a sole having a toe, medial side, lateral side, and heel. The toe of the sole extends outwardly to form a toe cap. A vamp member is adjustably connected to a free end of the toe cap. At least one medial strap connects the vamp member to the medial side of the sole. At least one lateral strap connects the vamp member to the lateral side of the sole. An adjustable heel strap connects to the medial and lateral sides of the sole and extends around the heel of the sole.

Abstract: A ventilation apparatus including a pump, a switching unit, and a fluid diffuser is provided. The pump attached to the footwear pumps fluid into and exhausts fluid from a cavity of the footwear. The switching unit in communication with the pump selectively changes modes of operation of the pump. The fluid diffuser connected to the pump within the cavity of the footwear includes a feed pipe for transferring the fluid pumped from the pump to the cavity of the footwear during a pump mode of operation and to transfer the fluid in the cavity of the footwear to an ambient environment external to the footwear during an exhaust mode of operation, for ventilating the footwear. In one or more embodiments, the fluid diffuser includes a diffusing member with one or more openings and/or a fluid distribution channel member for transferring the fluid to and from the cavity of the footwear.

Abstract: Provided is a device for insertion into a high heel shoe, having a rear region positioned to underlying a wearer's calcaneal tuberosity, the rear region being shaped to accommodate a planer surface of the wearer's calcaneal tuberosity, an upper surface of said rear region having a raised portion underlying an area of the wearer's calcaneus immediately forward of the wearer's calcaneus tuberosity; and a forward region positioned to underlie at least a portion of the shafts of the wearer's metatarsals, the second upper surface of said forward region having a raised portion which gradually rises to an apex position to underlie the shafts of the wearer's second and third metatarsals.

Abstract: A quick tightening system for a shoe comprises at least two shoelace segments, a pull-tab having a first side of a hook-and-loop fastener on a bottom surface of the pull-tab, and a second side of the hook-and-loop fastener. The at least two shoelace segments each includes an aglet at a distal end of the shoelace segment, each of the at least two shoelace segments coupled to the first side of the shoe at a proximal end of the shoelace segment and extending through the eyelets on the first side of the shoe. The pull-tab includes aglet channels. The aglet channels each is sized to removably receive at least a portion of one of the aglets into one of the aglet channel while each of the at least two shoelace segments extends from the aglet channels into the eyelets on the first side of the shoe. The second side of the hook-and-loop fastener is disposed on an outer surface of the second side of the shoe.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to automated tightening of a footwear platform including a lacing engine drive apparatus are discussed. In an example, a drive apparatus to rotate a lace spool of a motorized lacing engine within a footwear platform can include a gear motor, a gear box, a worm drive, and a worm gear. The gear box can be mechanically coupled to the gear motor, and the gear box can include a drive shaft extending opposite the gear motor. The worm drive can be slidably keyed to the drive shaft to control rotation of the worm drive in response to gear motor activation. The worm gear can rotate the lace spool upon rotation of the worm drive to tighten or loosen a lace cable on the footwear platform.

Abstract: The Lace Ratchet Device (LRD) facilitates lace fastening and release. The LRD has two states: “active” and “inactive”. In the active position the device works as a lace ratchet i.e. allowing the lace to be pulled forwards but restricting any lace motion backwards. After fastening the lace remains fastened until the LRD is switched into inactive state by manually pressing a lever. Each LRD has a turning gate rotatably installed in a channel with front end with sharp edge. A preloaded spring keeps the LRD in active position when the lever is not pressed. The LRD doesn't employ serrated surfaces, which cause accelerated lace wear. Instead, the LRD's smooth front edge side and channel surfaces minimize lace wear. Parallel and triangular configurations of LRD pairs facilitate lace fastening of footwear. Single LRDs can be used for fastening of garments and other objects.

Abstract: A variable-sized finger ring includes a fixed diameter outer ring component surrounding a circumference of a finger opening, a moveable inner component positioned along a portion of the circumference of the finger opening, a compression spring elastically biasing the moveable inner component radially inwardly in relation to the fixed diameter outer ring component.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a carry (or carrying) bag is provided that includes an interior, substantially cut-resistant security panel assembly with a matrix of wires secured between or on one or more flexible material layers. Also in various embodiments, the security panel assembly may be positioned intermediate the bag outside wall and a lining of the bag, and in other embodiments, may also take the form of an expansion panel. Second or secondary locking fasteners are also provided to lock first or primary fasteners to or within the carrying bag, to provide security for compartments and pockets. A strap with one or more security cables, and various locking fasteners, may be attached to the carry bag. Methods for forming such security panel assemblies, expansion panels, and carrying straps are also disclosed.

Abstract: Contact lens blister packages and related methods are described. The present devices include a thermoplastic base member with a grip portion, a distal end region, a first side region extending from the proximal end region to the distal end region, a second side region opposing the first side region, and a cavity configured to contain a packaging solution and a contact lens. The cavity comprises has a bottom wall with a bottom wall perimeter and a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall perimeter to an upper cavity edge defining a cavity perimeter. A plane formed at the intersection of the bottom wall perimeter with the sidewall slopes away from the substantially linear portion of the cavity perimeter.

Abstract: A case a portable listening device. The case includes a housing having an interior space to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing; a rechargeable battery and first and second wireless power receiving elements configured to receive electric charge from a wireless power transmitter during a charging event. The case further includes switching circuitry that is configured to disable one of the first or second wireless power receiving elements during a charging event when the disabled element is receiving power less efficiently than the other element.

Abstract: In one form, a security handbag is provided that includes an interior security panel assembly with a matrix of wires secured between a pair of material layers. The interior security panel assembly can be positioned intermediate the bag outside wall and a lining of the bag. A strap with security cable and a carabiner attachment device can be attached to the handbag. Methods for forming such security panel assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is fabric taped aluminum plates multifunctional hair straightener, relating to hairdressing apparatus field. Lower battens are clamped on two sides of lower aluminum plate with lower fabric on surface and lower aluminum plate stopper at one end, lower cover plate and lower cover plate stopper fixedly connected with other side of lower body via several first screws are installed on other side of lower body, one end of the lower cover plate is clamped with that of the lower cover plate stopper; upper clamping spring, upper elastic sheet, upper silicone pad, FUSE, second MCH, second manganese steel sheet and upper aluminum plate are installed inside one side of upper body; upper battens are clamped on two sides of the upper aluminum plate with upper fabric on surface. The hairdressing apparatus having fabric-coated aluminum plates keeps users' hair softer, and is antistatic and silk-like, thereby avoiding water vaporization.

Abstract: An application device for applying a cosmetic composition, comprising: a gripping element; a first head including a first surface; a rod connecting the gripping element and the first head and extending along the length of a longitudinal axis; and a second head mounted on the gripping element and comprising a second surface. The first and second heads are mounted such that they can move in relation to one another along the length of the longitudinal axis between an open position in which the first and second surfaces are at a distance from one another and a closed position in which the first and second surfaces are applied against one another. One of the first and second heads is an applicator head.

Abstract: An elastic textile is treated with a microencapsulated substance and a graspable pull mechanism is attached to the elastic textile. When a consumer pulls the pull mechanism to stretch the elastic textile from a natural relaxed state or a semi-stretched state microencapsulated substance is released. The microencapsulated substance can be fragrance, insect repellant, deodorant or a variety of other substances or combination of substances that are desirable to be released on demand by stretching the elastic textile.