Abstract: The present invention relates to a food processing apparatus that is capable of supplying two different kinds of food materials and sequentially performing manufacturing processes such as bonding and cutting on the single apparatus, thus allowing the food to be easily processed.

Abstract: A popcorn popper configured to cook popcorn includes a vessel and an electric heating element which heats the vessel. A vibration element vibrates the vessel and a controller controls the heating element and the vibration element. A temperature sensor is in communication with the controller such that the controller can receive temperature readings from the temperature sensor indicative of a temperature of the vessel. The controller activating the heating element to heat the vessel which contains the popcorn until the temperature sensor indicates that a first temperature has been reached. The controller, based on readings from the temperature sensor, maintains the vessel at a second temperature by controlling a power setting of the heating element and the controller activates the vibration element to vibrate the vessel which thereby vibrates the popcorn. The controller after maintaining the vessel at the second temperature, reduces the power of the heating element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CJ14-6 strain isolated from traditional meju, a preparation method for soybean koji using the same, and a soybean koji prepared by the preparation method. The preparation method for soybean koji includes: soaking soybeans in water or adding waster to soybeans and steaming the soaked soybeans; and inoculating a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CJ14-6 strain into the steamed soybeans, fermenting the steamed soybeans, and drying the fermented soybeans to prepare a soybean koji.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flavor extract of low-temperature-pressed peanut cake which is extracted from low-temperature-pressed peanut cake. In the flavor extract, the content of pyrazines flavor substances is not less than 55%, and the content of the aldehydes substances is not more than 15%. The present invention also provides a method for improving the flavor of peanut oil by using the flavor extract of the low-temperature-pressed peanut cake. The flavor extract extracted from peanut cake according to the present invention, which contains 55% or more pyrazines flavor substances, can not only improve the flavor of low-temperature-pressed peanut oil significantly, but also retain the original quality and color of the low-temperature-pressed peanut oil when it is added to low-temperature-pressed peanut oil.

Abstract: Catechin compound(s)-containing beverages having reduced bitterness and astringency of catechin compound(s) while maintaining tea-like preferable flavors, methods of production thereof, and the like are provided. The content of catechin compound(s) in a beverage is adjusted to within a certain range, the total content of RebM and RebD in the beverage is adjusted to within a certain range, and the weight ratio of the total content of RebD and RebM to the content of the catechin compound(s) is adjusted to within a certain range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use and formulation as weight management products and in particular fermented dairy foodstuffs. The compositions generally comprise two or more of the following components: a) a microbiome modifying component; b) a satiety modifying component; and c) a metabolic modifying 5 component and at least one of the following: d) Streptococcus thermophilus CBS 139100 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CBS 139099 microbial strains or mutant strains or fragments or fractions thereof; e) a combination of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus microbial strains which together, or individually, are capable of secreting polysaccharides having high levels of galactosamine 10 and no or low levels of rhamnose and glucuronic acid when grown on a dairy substrate; or f) polysaccharides formed of: i) 15-25% galactosamine; ii) 45-60% galactose; and iii) 20-30% glucose.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for cold pressing juice from a food including a food delivery chute, a food grinder, and a pressing chamber which may removably fit together as a single, stand-alone unit.

Abstract: Packaged aerated acidified food compositions (e.g., aerated dips, sauces, etc.) having a low density (e.g., 0.4 to 0.8 g/cm3) due to incorporation of gas bubbles (e.g., nitrogen or air) within an aerated matrix. In addition to the aerated matrix the composition further includes a relatively high fraction of oil (e.g., as an oil/water emulsion). The compositions are shelf-stable, so as to exhibit microbial stability and stability with respect to the aerated low density “whipped” texture, without requiring refrigeration. The composition includes the aerating gas (e.g., nitrogen or air), a protein (e.g., soy or dairy), a stabilizer (e.g., a hydrocolloid, a cyclodextrin, a monoglyceride, and/or a diglyceride), oil, water, an emulsifier, and a food grade acid. Flavors, spices, and other components may be included.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a smokeless tobacco system include one or more preformed smokeless tobacco products configured to generally retain their shape during processing, shipping, and consumer handling. In particular embodiments, each smokeless tobacco product can comprise a moist smokeless tobacco in combination with a selected binder such that the final product is configured to have material properties providing improved handling, an improved mouth feel, and a satisfying flavor profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter manufacturing apparatus (1) to form a hollow filter body, the filter manufacturing apparatus comprising: —a feed path adapted to continuously feed a filter material along a longitudinal transport direction (30); —a forming device (4) connected to a terminating end of the feed path and adapted to form the filter material into a hollow rod-shaped filter body and deliver the formed filter body, the forming device including: ? a tubular forming element (8) adapted to allow the filter material to pass therethrough, ? a pin (34) extending longitudinally within the tubular forming element, the pin having a pin diameter;—a diameter changing device (40), adapted to vary the pin diameter of the pin, so as to obtain a filter body having a through hole of variable diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to aerosol generating components (40) for electronic smoking devices, to electronic smoking devices and in particular electronic cigarettes, and to methods for generating inhalants. In order to improve smoking experience by purposefully directing nicotine and flavor products, the invention provides that two aerosols with different particle sized are generated consecutively.

Abstract: An electronic smoking (1) device comprises a housing (2), control electronics (14) and a puff detector (18). The housing (2) accommodates a battery (10) as an electric power source powering an electrically heatable atomizer (20) comprising an electric heater (22) and adapted to atomize a liquid supplied from a reservoir (6) to provide an aerosol exiting from the atomizer (20). The control electronics (14) controls the heater (22) of the atomizer (20) and is adapted to operate the heater (22) in at least two predetermined modes. The puff detector (18) indicates an aerosol inhaling puff to the control electronics (14). The control electronics (14) selects a specific mode for operating the heater (22) via a control signal initiated by the puff detector (18).

Abstract: An aerosol-generating device includes an electrical power supply, a cavity structure configured to receive an aerosol-generating article, and a plurality of semiconductor heaters within the cavity structure. Each of the plurality of semiconductor heaters includes a substrate layer and a heating layer on the substrate layer. The heating layer is a continuous layer. The aerosol-generating device includes a controller configured to control a supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to each of the plurality of semiconductor heaters.

Abstract: A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system is provided, including an elongate first compartment having a length L1, a width W1, and a height H1, the first compartment having a first air inlet and a first air outlet and containing a nicotine source; and an elongate second compartment having a length L2, a width W2, and a height H2, and having a second air inlet and a second air outlet and containing an acid source. The first and second compartments are arranged in parallel within the cartridge and ratios of L1 to W1 and L2 to W2 are between about 2:1 and about 4:1, and ratios of L1 to H1 and L2 to H2 are at least about 6:1. An aerosol-generating system is also provided, including the cartridge; and an aerosol-generating device including a housing defining a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device, an input for such devices, and methods of preparing such devices. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of forming an aerosol delivery device, which can comprise providing a fibrous substrate, providing a shell, wetting the fibrous substrate with a wetting liquid, and inserting the wetted fibrous substrate into the shell. After the inserting step, the shell further can comprise one or more of a heater, a liquid transport element, and an electrical connection. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an input that can comprise a liquid transport element, a heater in a heating arrangement with the liquid transport element, and a wetted fibrous substrate wrapped around at least a portion of the liquid transport element.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette contains an atomizer. The atomizer contains an atomizing head. The atomizing head includes a bracket forming an atomizing chamber at an inner space thereof; an electrode assembled to one end of the bracket; and a heater received in the atomizing chamber, and one end of the heater resisting the electrode.

Abstract: A smoking article is provided, having a component housing including a power source, and a tubular housing having a first end and a longitudinally-opposed second end, wherein the first or second end is configured to receive the component housing. The tubular housing includes an outer wall defining a cylindrical cavity. An aerosol-generating element is configured to be received within the cylindrical cavity, wherein the aerosol-generating element is configured to produce an aerosol in response to heat. An associated aerosol-generating element and related production methods are also provided.

Abstract: An undergarment for a man has a pair of boxer type shorts with a waistband forming part of the shorts. The shorts have a genital partitioning panel with an upper edge and an opposed lower edge separated by a panel height. The genital partitioning panel has a genital opening defined therethrough and the opening is positioned such that the genitals may be positioned through the opening and the genital partitioning panel defines a partition between the genitals and the legs or groin of the man. The shorts also have a plurality of attachment elements to selectively adjust a distance between the genital opening and the waistband.

Abstract: A running tight having preconfigured compression zones with integrated structure patterns is provided herein. The compression zones may have differing compression forces where zones having a higher compression force are located at the thigh area and calf area of the tight, and zones having a lower compression force are located at the waist area and knee area of the tight. The integrated structure patterns modify the compression forces of the zones in the areas where the patterns are located in order to further customize the compressive properties of the running tight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a garment with built-in bra. The garment includes a first fabric layer, which includes a front fabric portion having an outer surface and an inner surface and a back fabric portion having an outer surface and an inner surface. The garment also includes a pair of bra cups having first peripheral portions, second peripheral portions, and third peripheral portions. The garment further includes a pair of side panels connected to the pair of bra cups at the first peripheral portions. The garment further includes a second fabric layer having a front fabric portion and a back fabric portion. The front fabric portion of the second fabric layer is connected to the pair of bra cups at one or more of the second peripheral portions and the third peripheral portions. The garment further includes one or more flexible bands extending between and sewn to the second fabric layer and the inner surface of the back fabric portion of the first fabric layer.

Abstract: A vest assembly includes a bodice having at least one front pocket and at least one back pocket. A neck collar attaches to the bodice. Preferably, the neck collar includes compressive material to provide cushion and resistance. A collar adjustment, typically an elasticized material, providing adjustable resistance to the neck collar. A plurality of compressive inserts can be selectively inserted in the front pocket and/or the back pocket of the vest assembly. Each compressive insert is a compressive material to provide resistance to a frontal area of a chest of a user. The plurality of compressive inserts are interchangeable and come in varying weights and compressive and/or tensile strengths.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of protective pad for sportswear and the protective pad obtained by the manufacturing method are disclosed. The manufacturing method has the steps of: 1. making separate paddings using spongy materials; 2. choosing several paddings being made; adhering the several paddings with fabric pieces by heat press using a heat press mold and heat press formation devices, thereby forming the protective pad for sportswear. Specifically, the heat press mold contains cavities for accommodating the paddings; before heat press, laying a first fabric piece on the heat press mold, and then placing the paddings into the cavities; and after that laying a second fabric piece over the paddings; applying glues between the first fabric piece, the second fabric piece and the paddings; finally, adhering the first fabric piece, the second fabric piece and the paddings by heat press using the heat press formation devices.

Abstract: A protective helmet is provided having an upper section and a lower section, each having an inside and an outside surface. A gap is formed between the upper section and the lower section. Resilient members in the form of a plurality of spaced apart compression struts are provided for connecting the upper section to the lower section. The upper section is movable with respect to the lower section whereby a portion of the force of an impact to the upper section will be absorbed and will not be transmitted to the lower section. A suspension harness is attached to the inside surface of the lower section. The suspension harness is adapted to receive a portion of the helmet user's head and to keep the helmet user's head from contacting the inside surface of the upper section.

Abstract: Finger sheaths provide individual finger coverings. The individual finger coverings prevent the transfer of germs, dirt, and other residual and harmful elements onto the user's fingers when contacting exposed surfaces or items as well as their transfer from the user's fingers to the user's mouth while eating finger foods. The individual finger coverings further prevent the transfer of residual elements from the finger food onto the user's fingers. The finger sheaths have a non-permeable organic composition that does no impart undesired tastes. The finger sheaths can be incorporated with antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties about the outside surface and a sanitizing gel on the inside surface. The finger sheaths can be incorporated with custom flavorings and imprinted with digestible dyes to present custom patterns.

Abstract: A protective device for use in a high temperature and liquid environment provides a glove integrally formed with a protective member in the thumb webbing region. The protective member is not readily detectable when viewing the outside of the glove. The protective member is cut resistant and constructed to protect a workman's hand as a sharp and hot object passes over the protective member contacting the outer surface of the glove.

Abstract: A trim piece assembly is provided herein comprising a first set of apertures providing access to a drawstring channel, and a second set of apertures that do not provide access to the drawstring channel. The trim piece assembly may be incorporated into various apparel items, such that the trim piece assembly allows for a drawstring to be positioned on an interior surface or exterior surface of the apparel item.

Abstract: A collapsible modular hat comprises a base having a base connector, a top having a top connector, and a side panel having an upper connector and a lower connector. The base connector of the base is releasably fastened to the lower connector on the side panel, and the top connector of the top is releasably fastened to the upper connector of the side panel.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for improving the noticeability of a hat. The apparatus includes a light source configured to produce light upon receiving electrical energy. The apparatus also includes a mount coupled to the light source and configured to selectively attach to and detach from the hat. The mount, when attached to the hat, orients the light source to project light away from an exterior surface of the hat into an ambient environment of the hat. The exterior surface includes at least one of a left-side exterior surface and a right-side exterior surface. The apparatus additionally includes a battery receptacle electrically-coupled to the light source and having electrical contacts for coupling to one or more batteries. Hats having improved noticeability and methods for improving the noticeability of a hat are also presented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to attach an Electroluminescent wire and power inverter to a helmet is disclosed. Dabs of hot glue are injected at various locations to form a pattern on a helmet top surface. Segments of heat shrink tubing are inserted into the injected hot glue on the surface to permit the heat shrink tubing segments to shrink and adhere to the helmet. Electroluminescent wire is inserted into the partially shrunk segments of heat shrink tubing. A power inverter is attached to the helmet and connected to the electroluminescent wire to create a light pattern.

Abstract: Embodiments include a protective helmet including a protective shell having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A padding layer is affixed to the interior surface. The padding layer includes a compliant material and a frangible material, such as glass foam. At least the frangible material is enclosed in a container. A detection circuit detects compromise of the frangible material, and outputs an indicator in the event the compromise is detected. The detection circuit may include a frangible wire configured to break in the event the frangible material is compromised. The indicator may include an LED, and/or radio-frequency signals. The radio-frequency signal may include an identifier for the helmet. The padding layer may include a plurality of pads each containing compliant material and frangible material. The plurality of pads may include one or more fasteners for releaseably affixing the pads to the interior surface of the protective shell.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The sole structure includes a gap extending longitudinally through the sole structure. A tensioning member extends through the sole structure and across the gap such that tensioning the tensioning member contracts the gap and pulls opposing sides of the sole structure together. As the sole structure contracts, the upper is pulled down on the foot, thereby tightening the upper around the foot.

Abstract: A system assesses activity and displays a unitless activity value. A detector senses activity of a user. A processor reads sensed activity data from the detector. A display displays the unitless activity value. An enclosure houses the detector and the processor. The processor periodically reads the sensed activity data from the detector and processes the data to generate an activity number, the number being used to generate the unitless activity value based upon a maximum number and a display range.

Abstract: Described are methods for manufacturing a plastic component, in particular a cushioning element for sports apparel, a plastic component manufactured with such methods, for example a sole or a part of a sole for a shoe, and a shoe with such a sole. The method for the manufacture of a plastic component includes loading a mold with a first material includes particles of an expanded material and fusing the surfaces of the particles by supplying energy. The energy is supplied in the form of at least one electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A static electricity discharging shoe with conductive link to ground having a conductive insole contacting with a sole of a foot of a user, and a conductive outer sole contacting with a ground; and an electro-conductive insert, having an upper major and a lower minor base, the insert in electrical communication between the insole and the outer sole, the insert having a lateral geometry proportioned for complemental engagement within a mid-sole situated between the insole and the outer sole, a narrow middle portion of the insert secured within the mid-sole, the upper surface of the insert positioned opposite to the plantar metatarsal region of the sole of the foot proximally to the K-1 acupressure point when the foot abuts the insole, the upper surface of the insert defining a slightly raised pad, having orthopedic benefit in off-loading of metatarsal stresses on the foot in the area of the K-1 point.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear has a first portion having a lower ground engaging surface, an upper surface, and a recess formed in the upper surface. A second portion is seated in the recess in the first portion and has an upper surface. The second portion is formed from a first foam material prepared by a reaction product of a composition having about 10 to about 100 phr of a hydrogenated copolymer and about 10 to about 90 phr of a copolymer of ethlylene and an alpha olefin, the alpha olefin having up to 20 carbon atoms. The first foam material has a hardness of 25 to 45 Asker C and a density of less than 0.18 g/cm3.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes a sole structure comprising a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has a plurality of midsole recesses formed in a bottom portion, and the outsole optionally defines a plurality of outsole recesses or other structures formed in a top portion thereof. The midsole recesses are formed to align with the outsole recesses to form a plurality of separately distinct fluid-filled chambers. Methods of designing such sole structures based on foot pressure data also are described.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole system with a plurality of cushioning units, each having multiple cushioning layers configured to work together as a system to absorb a compressive load, such as a dynamic compressive load due to impact with the ground, in stages of progressive cushioning according to the relative stiffness values of the layers. Various midsole systems disclosed include isolated cushioning units, linked cushioning units, sole layers having stanchions interfacing with the midsole system, midsole systems with sole layers having keyed and unkeyed portions overlying a bladder, and midsole systems with vertically-stacked cushioning units disposed in inverted relationship to one another.

Abstract: A shoe capable of changing shoe types includes a shoe body, a shoe loading-plate disposed on one side of the shoe body, and having a front bracket and a rear bracket pivotally connected to the front bracket and having a pivoting base fixed on a side of the rear bracket opposite to the shoe body, a shoe heel pivotally connected to the pivoting base, a linking member pivotally connected to the front bracket and the shoe heel, and a shoe sole layer covering the shoe loading-plate and the linking member. The shoe sole layer is formed with an opening for receiving the shoe heel.

Abstract: Uppers for article of footwear may include one or more skin layers attached to a base layer, wherein at least one of the skin layers is at least partially transparent or translucent. The transparent or translucent skin layer may be applied over other elements of the upper (e.g., other skin layers, base layers, reinforcing layers, etc.) to provide interesting color change options and color palettes for the upper. Additional aspects of this invention relate to production of curved tongue composite structures and/or footwear having a bonded (hot melt) side seam for forming the upper (and optionally do not include a rear heel seam).

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole and an upper at least partially formed of a textile element. The textile element includes a yarn matrix having a plurality of interlocked strands oriented in predetermined directions. A structural element may be captured within the matrix at selected locations. In operation, the matrix is stitched onto a temporary substrate. The substrate is removed and the article coupled to a sole structure to form the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article, such as an article of footwear or an article of apparel, includes an upper having a gradient-like coloring pattern. The article further includes protruding elements configured in a pattern that corresponds to the coloring pattern. The article may have a layered structure including a base layer, a coloring ink layer and a layer of protruding elements.

Abstract: Construction of a shoe relies on application of pressure to form the shoe portions to a desired shape and configuration. The application of pressure is accomplished with an adjustable width roller that conforms to different sizes of shoes while still contacting the shoe portion to conform the shape. Additionally, vibrational energy may be transmitted from the roller to the shoe portion to aid in the forming and shaping process of the shoe portion.

Abstract: A strap adjustor can comprise a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface that extends between the first surface and the second surface. A first opening in the first surface can extend completely through the strap adjustor between the first surface and the second surface. A second opening in the first surface can extend partially but not completely through the strap adjustor. A bar can be disposed at the first surface between the first opening and the second opening. A third opening in the third surface can extends partially but not completely through the strap adjustor and join with the second opening. At least one strap can be disposed partially through the third opening, and the at least one strap can comprise an uncompressed thickness that is greater than a height of the third opening.

Abstract: The Snap No Mo invention centers around the innovative concept of providing a fast, easy and safe way to connect, install or remove any item. This concept uses or replaces the conventional snap fasteners system for connecting any item with less effort to the installer or damage to the material and with a minimal amount of strength.

Abstract: A hook fastener includes a stem having two lateral edges, a first surface, and a second surface. A cap extends from an upper end of the stem, and the cap includes an upper surface, a first end, a second end, and a pair of overhanging portions. The upper surface of the cap is sloped between the first end and the second end. The first and second ends are at opposite longitudinal ends of the cap, and each overhanging portion extends in a lateral direction from the stem.

Abstract: Various implementations include a slide fastener that has a blocking element on one stringer that prevents engagement compatibility with standard elements on the other stringer. For example, at least one blocking element is coupled to a first stringer, and first and second blocking coupling elements are coupled to a second stringer. The contour of the blocking element and the contour of the blocking coupling elements are different from the contour of the standard elements on the stringers such that the standard elements do not engage with the blocking element or the blocking coupling elements in an alternating arrangement. However, the contour of the blocking element and contour of the blocking coupling elements allow for the engagement of the blocking element with the blocking coupling elements in an alternating arrangement.

Abstract: A cover attachment structure includes a sheet-shaped cover member, a base, and a fastener member. The fastener member includes a first element row and a second element row. The base has a recessed groove extending along a surface thereof. Fastener elements of the first element row and the second element row are received in the recessed groove and locked in the recessed groove in a state in which engaging head portions of the fastener elements engage with each other. The recessed groove is configured such that a minimum groove width thereof in a width direction orthogonal to a length direction of the recessed groove is less than 2 times a length, in the width direction, of either one of the fastener elements received in the recessed groove.

Abstract: A band latch mechanism that is configured to connect a wristband to a fitness tracker is provided. The band latch mechanism may be configured to be inserted into a cavity of a housing of the fitness tracker and configured so that any metallic body of the band latch mechanism does not contact metallic surfaces of the cavity in order to prevent an electrical ground from being positioned within a keep-out zone of an antenna of the fitness tracker.

Abstract: A system for retaining an earring with in a gauge hole of an ear. The system is configured with a sleeve defining a resilient passageway. A post of a pierced earring is releasably secured within the resilient passageway and the sleeve is releasably secured with in the gauge hole of an ear. The system may be used to allow prior art ear gauges to retain pierced earrings within a gauge hole of an ear.

Abstract: A ring and method of manufacturing a ring which may include: an outer ring, in which a second carbide composed of a combination of tungsten carbide, iron group carbide or carbonitride is mixed with a metal binder phase at a predetermined ratio, in which the outer ring is divided into a first outer ring and a second outer ring formed in a shape corresponding to each other; an inner ring separately and/or independently assembled between the first and second outer rings, in which the inner ring includes an outside inner ring that forms an outer circumferential surface of the ring and an inside inner ring that forms an inner circumferential surface of the ring; ring fitting parts formed on the first and second outer rings, respectively, such that both sides of the outer and inside inner rings are press-fit; and assembling protrusions formed on the first and second outer rings, respectively, to be inserted into the outer circumferential surface of the inside inner ring to maintain a firm assembly between the outer