Abstract: The object of the invention is a forming and transporting apparatus for conveying rod-like articles and for forming groups of the rod-like articles of the tobacco industry, comprising transport units, whereas a transport unit comprises a transport carriage adapted to move along a path, and a transport tray provided with a number of transport grooves adapted to hold the rod-like articles, whereas the tray is fastened to the transport carriage, whereas the transport tray is divided into two transport sections which are adapted to change the reciprocal position between an open configuration in which the transport grooves are situated substantially in one plane and a closed configuration in which the transport grooves are situated in two planes being substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus may include a conduit structure including an inner surface defining a conduit extending through an interior of the conduit structure, an inlet structure coupled to an end of the conduit structure, and a plurality of sensor devices in hydrodynamic contact with the conduit. The inlet structure may couple with an outlet end of an external tobacco element to hold the outlet end of the external tobacco element in fluid communication with an inlet opening of the conduit structure, such that the conduit structure may receive a generated aerosol from the external tobacco element at the inlet opening, and draw an instance of aerosol through the conduit towards an outlet opening. The instance of aerosol may include at least a portion of the generated aerosol. Each sensor device may generate sensor data indicating a pressure of the instance of aerosol through a separate portion of the conduit.

Abstract: A filter for a smoking article or an aerosol generating product comprising filter material and three capsules comprising additive, the capsules being disposed in sequence in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the filter.

Abstract: A cigar holder is adapted to engage with a golf accessory holder provided in the dashboard, or other portion, of a golf cart. The golf accessory holder can take the form or a golf ball holder or a golf tee holder. In general the cigar holder includes an interfacing portion that is configured to engage the golf accessory holder, taking the place of the golf accessory for which the golf accessory holder is configured. There is also a wind shield portion extending upward from the lower interfacing portion, and a cigar holder portion that extends laterally from the wind shield portion.

Abstract: An electronic smoking device includes a housing, a receiving unit for the reception of a solid smoking material and a primary heating element. The primary heating element and the receiving unit are arranged adjacent to one another. The electronic smoking device further comprises a positioning element for forcing solid smoking material inserted in the receiving unit towards the primary heating element. Solid smoking material within the receiving unit which is forced towards the primary heating element by the positioning element is liquefied and atomized by the primary heating element. The receiving unit, the primary heating element and the positioning element are arranged within the housing.

Abstract: A liquid aerosol formulation for an electronic smoking article includes an aerosol former, water, nicotine, and an acid including tartaric acid. The acid is included in an amount sufficient to provide the liquid aerosol formulation with a pH ranging from about 4 to about 8.

Abstract: A support member capable of stably supporting an aerosol-forming base material at the time of inserting a heating element while securing a flow passage through which an aerosol is transferred in an electronic cigarette cartridge is provided. A support member for an electronic cigarette cartridge using a tobacco plant or a non-tobacco plant is provided. The support member has a central portion located along the longitudinal center axis of the electronic cigarette cartridge, and a plurality of side portions which extends outward from the central portion and is in contact with a packaging member located at the periphery of the electronic cigarette cartridge. The support member is disposed adjacent to an aerosol-forming base material located in one end portion of the electronic cigarette cartridge, or is disposed with other members sandwiched between the aerosol-forming base material and the support member and supports the aerosol-forming base material.

Abstract: A vaporizer comprising an airflow routing/governing system and a locking mouthpiece is described in various embodiments. In various embodiments, a portable vaporizer comprising an airflow routing/governing system, a locking mouthpiece, and a label is provided. In various embodiments, a recyclable vaporizer is provided and method of disassembling the recyclable vaporizer.

Abstract: An aerosol generating source support assembly includes: an inner cylinder which is hollow, having a support space, and arranged to surround and support at least a portion of an aerosol generating source; and an outer cylinder connected to the inner cylinder and arranged to movably support the inner cylinder such that the inner cylinder moves between a coupling position in which the outer cylinder is coupled with the inner cylinder and a separation position in which at least a portion of the inner cylinder is separated from the outer cylinder.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating device is provided, including a housing having a chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article; and an induction heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating article received within the chamber of the housing, the induction heater including an induction coil and a heating element, the heating element being arrangeable within the induction coil, and the induction coil being movable relative to the chamber of the housing, the induction coil and the heating element being moveable with respect to each other between at least a first operable position and a second operable position.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating device is provided, including: a housing defining a chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article; an inductor coil disposed around at least a portion of the chamber; an elongate susceptor element projecting into the chamber; and a power supply and a controller connected to the inductor coil and configured to provide an alternating electric current to the inductor coil such that the inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field to heat the elongate susceptor element and thereby heat at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article received in the chamber, the elongate susceptor element including an elongate support body and at least one heating portion formed from a susceptor layer on an outer surface of the elongate support body, and the elongate support body being formed from a thermally insulative material and the susceptor layer including one or more susceptor materials.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating device is provided, including a housing having a chamber sized to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-forming substrate, the chamber defining a heating zone; a first coil disposed at least partially around, or adjacent to, the heating zone; and a second coil disposed at least partially around, or adjacent to, the heating zone, the first coil being a drive coil couplable to a source of alternating current, and the second coil being a resonant coil of a resonant circuit, the second coil being inductively couplable to the first coil.

Abstract: A fluid supply system for an electronic cigarette includes a valve having a first body, a second body, and a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force between the first body and the second body. The valve can be operated between an open position and a closed position in response to the relative angular position of the first body in relation to the second body. The valve further includes an actuator, which is configured to create a force counter-acting against the biasing force from the biasing member, wherein the position of the valve is changed when the force from the actuator exceeds the biasing force.

Abstract: A heating assembly for a vapour generating device includes a heating device arranged to heat, in use, a body, the body including a vaporisable substance located in use in a heating compartment of the heating assembly, the heating assembly being arranged to supply, in use, power to the heating device to heat the body; a temperature sensor arranged to monitor, in use, a temperature related to heat generated from the body, temperature information related to heat generated from the body being determinable from the monitored temperature; and a memory accessor arranged to access, in use, a memory that holds a relationship between the temperature information, the amount of power supplied to the heating device or the profile of power supplied to the heating device, and at least one condition including an age of the body, or a type of the body, or the presence of the body.

Abstract: An aerosol generating apparatus includes a load that generates heat upon receipt of electric power from a power supply and atomizes an aerosol source, an element that is used to acquire a value related to a temperature of the load, a retention unit that retains an aerosol source supplied from a storage to allow the retained aerosol source to be in a feasible state of being heated by the load, and a control unit configured to perform a control to increase a retaining quantity of the retained aerosol source or a control to improve the possibility of increasing the retaining quantity, at at least one of a time of starting a supply of the electric power from to the load and a time of completing the supply of the electric power to the load, upon detection of a dry state or a sign of the dry state

Abstract: An inhalation component generation device includes a load configured to vaporize or atomize an inhalation component source with electric power from a power supply, a notification unit, and a control unit configured to acquire a value indicating a remaining amount of the power supply and acquire an operation request signal to the load to generate a command for operating the load. The control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to perform second notification when the value indicating the remaining amount of the power supply is less than a first threshold and equal to or more than a second threshold smaller than the first threshold. The control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to perform third notification when the value indicating the remaining amount of the power supply is less than the second threshold. The first threshold is changeable based on an algorithm.

Abstract: An electrically operable aerosol-generating system is provided, including a charging device including a primary power source; and an elongated aerosol-generating device including a secondary power source, the charging device having a docking arrangement configured to engage with the elongated aerosol-generating device, the docking arrangement including a docking space defined between a first end, and an opposing second end spaced from and fixed relative to the first end, the docking space accommodating a longitudinal dimension of the elongated aerosol-generating device.

Abstract: The inhalation component generation device comprises: a load that vaporizes or atomizes an inhalation component source by electric power from an electric power source; a notification unit; and a control unit that obtains a value representing a remaining amount of the electric power source and obtains an operation requesting signal to the load and generates an instruction for operating the load. The control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to perform a first notification when the value representing the remaining amount of the electric power source is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. The control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to perform a second notification when the value representing the remaining amount of the electric power source is less than the first threshold value and equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is less than the first threshold value.

Abstract: The inhalation component generation device comprises: a load that vaporizes or atomizes an inhalation component source by electric power from an electric power source; a controller that obtains a value representing a remaining amount of the electric power source, and obtains an operation requesting signal to the load and generates an instruction for operating the load; and a user interface. The controller is configured to cause the user interface to perform a second notification when the value representing the remaining amount of the electric power source is less than a first threshold value and equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is less than the first threshold value, and cause the user interface to perform a third notification when the value representing the remaining amount of the electric power source is less than the second threshold value.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a pre-filled container configured to store a pre-defined volume of a vaporizable liquid composition. The present disclosure is also directed to personal vaporizing devices for using such containers. In one embodiment, the pre-filled container is configured to provide a vaporizable liquid composition stored therein to an ultrasonic vaporizing component via capillary action for vaporization thereof.

Abstract: A personal vaporizer mod device includes a switch having a switch button member that carries a first magnet of first polarity. A switch insulator is secured within a switch body and has a central orifice and an internal counterbore section, which receives a switch firing pin and a second magnet having a polarity opposite the first magnet. The switch button member is repelled such that no contact exists between the switch firing pin and switch button member, but when depressed, the switch button member establishes electrical contact and current flows via a battery received within a mod housing to coils of the mod device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a natural-based liquid composition for use with electronic vaporizing devices. The present disclosure is also directed to electronic vaporizing devices for using such composition. In one embodiment, the liquid compositions are water-based and are substantially free of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions may be augmented to include additives such as medicines, wellness elements, supplements, recreational elements, and natural elements performing the role of emulsifiers. The present disclosure is also directed to electronic vaporizing devices for vaporizing a natural-based liquid composition. The electronic vaporizing device may include the functionality to create specified or custom mixtures of a vaporizable material for the vaporizing thereof.

Abstract: A vaporization device includes a wick and coil assembly comprising a plurality of coils disposed on a ceramic support member, and an e-liquid reservoir comprising an annular configuration that narrows radially at a longitudinal end thereof to define an annular aperture that provides fluid communication between the reservoir and the wick and coil assembly.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device is provided. The aerosol delivery device includes terminals to connect a power source to the aerosol delivery device, an aerosol production component, and a buck-boost regulator circuit coupled to a load including the aerosol production component. The buck-boost regulator circuit includes a buck-boost controller to drive a plurality of power switches in a synchronous switching converter topology. The plurality of power switches includes a high-side power switch coupled between the power source and a switching node, and a low-side power switch coupled between the switching node and ground. The buck-boost regulator circuit also includes an inductor coupled between the switching node and the load. In buck mode, the buck-boost controller supplies pulse-width modulation signals to alternately turn on and off the high-side power switch and the low-side power switch on and off.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an undergarment having two superimposed textiles, comprising depositing on certain parts of reinforcements (8) comprising a thick layer of a shaped memory foam elastic material, the polymerization of this material and also the shaping of the textiles of the undergarment by thermoforming, characterized in that it comprises a step of depositing, on the entire surface of at least the textiles, a thin layer of an elastic adhesive-bonding material, and then a step of polymerizing this thin layer of adhesive bonding during the thermoforming for shaping, and in that it comprises a step of prior depositing, on the textile receiving the layer of reinforcement (8), of a barrier layer of an elastic material, which is polymerized before the depositing of this reinforcement.

Abstract: A sensing element has a signaling yarn and a single core wire that is intersecting with the signaling yarn. A sensing control system includes the sensing element, a sensing control module, and a central control module. The sensing control module is configured to output a scanning signal to the sensing element, receive a sensing signal corresponding to the sensing component, and generate a sensing result according to the sensing signal. The central control module is electrically connected to the sensing control module, and is configured to control a component according to the sensing result. Thereby, the sensing element of the application can be manufactured by a simple process and has a relatively small volume, and achieve the sensing operation in conjunction with the sensing control system.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to devices, systems and methods for optimizing and masking compression in a biosensing garment. The biosensing garment has a first fabric portion configured to be disposed about a circumferential region of a user, the first fabric portion having an inner surface including electrode sensor assembly configured to be placed in contact with the skin of the user, the first fabric portion having a first compression rating; and a second fabric portion extending from the first fabric portion, the second fabric portion having a second compression rating less than the first compression rating.

Abstract: A face shield, facemask or virus protection system may comprise a transparent shield attached to head pad or foam piece with a fastening system attached to the shield. The fastener system may comprise any type of retention system and may include a Velcro or hook and loop system or an elastic strap system such as a strap with a male buckle and strap with a female buckle. Disclosed embodiments may protect a user from airborne contaminates such as COVID 19 and other viruses. The face shield system is economical to manufacture and assemble.

Abstract: A protective head band for protecting against hair loss when wearing headgear is provided. The protective head band may be adapted to engage an inner periphery of the headgear. The protective head band may have a gel band providing a plurality of gel nubs adapted to decrease the pulling and sliding friction from the tension to the scalp imposed by the inner periphery.

Abstract: A garment made includes at least a waist portion, a first leg portion, and a second leg portion. The waist portion further includes a pocket on the front of the garment, where the pocket is defined by at least the waist portion and a backing panel. The backing panel may be constructed from a resilient material and is reconfigurable between an empty configuration and an expanded configuration. When in the empty configuration, the backing panel may include a plurality of folded panels and may be aligned with the waist portion. When in the expanded configuration, the backing panel may be stretched to extend beyond the waist portion. The backing panel is reconfigured from the empty configuration and the expanded configuration when an object is disposed within the pocket. The pocket is sized and shaped to receive small personal items, such as smartphones, keys, money, credit cards, identification, etc.

Abstract: A jacket has a torso portion, a pair of underarm portions adjacent the torso portion, and a pair of arms, one of each of the arms being adjacent one of each of the underarm portions, the cloth defining a first area and a second area. The article further includes a first assembly including one or more scent control materials provided within the first area defined by a cloth and a second assembly including one or more scent control materials provided within the second area defined by the cloth, the second assembly having a different composition than the first assembly. The first assembly and the second assembly together include activated carbon and at least one of carbon treated to adsorb hydrogen sulfide, zeolite, ammonia stone, and carbon treated to adsorb mercaptan.

Abstract: Aspects herein include a trim piece or waistband comprising a loop structure having a pocket space usable for storing one or more items. The loop structure has an inner layer material and an outer layer material that form a pocket opening on one side of the loop structure for insertion of items into the pocket space.

Abstract: Methods and systems for making artificial flowers are disclosed. The method can include wrapping a first flower wrapper having between 1 and 5 petals around a foam core to form a first flower construct, or bud. The method can include wrapping a second flower wrapper having between 1 and 5 petals around the first flower construct, or bud. The method can include wrapping a third flower wrapper having between 1 and 5 petals around the second flower construct. The method can include wrapping additional layers of flower wrappers around flower constructs, including, but not limited to, 3 more layers of flower wrappers. Wrapping a flower wrapper around a core or a flower construct may be done manually or in an automated fashion. Wrapping a flower wrapper around a core or a flower construct may be done petal by petal or all petals simultaneously.

Abstract: A hair extension system includes an elongated track that is constructed from a single, thin and malleable cord. A plurality of sliding extensions is positioned along the cord, each of the sliding extensions including elongated strands of hair-like material that are joined together along the top end, and further including a loop for suspending the sliding extension from the track. A plurality of fixed hair extensions is positioned along the track at least at the first and second ends. Each of the fixed hair extensions including a plurality of hair-like strands which are joined together along the top end by a malleable ring. Each of the fixed hair extensions functioning to receive the natural hair of a user and spacers provided along the length of the track allow limited lateral movement of the sliding extensions during use.

Abstract: The purpose of this process is to remove the human contact of fabric in assembling products and producing clothing faster without several stations of production in different locations in the factor. In the past, a typical factor would sew individual pieces at one station and pass them along to different stages in the assembly process until its completed. However, this process is meant to eliminate it, improve efficiency, and productivity. This process will not include any human contact with fabric, less time in production, and the removal of products in different stations. The benefits of this enable a company to produce what they need as needed, instead of producing a factor's minimum. Furthermore, this process shortens the lead time to bring products to market faster. Finally, this process helps with cash-flow, which is essential in any business especially in manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that stabilizes or protects the head or spine from injuries. An immobilization device includes one or more pillars with multiple segments that protect the head or spine of a user. The pillars typically run along the part of the head and spine and pelvis that the device protects. A cable or wire runs through these segments in the pillars. By design, when the pillars of the invented system are not activated and the system is in normal use, the pillars are designed to be as flexible as possible and allow full physiologic motion of the protected body part. Activation of the system confers rigidity to the system and prevents or lessens harmful, non-physiologic motion of the body part intended to be protected. The present invention can further include a caudal extension used to connect to vehicle.

Abstract: A pad assembly is provided for use with a protective sports helmet in a contact sport, the helmet having an opening. The pad assembly includes a pad member within a pad housing, and a retainer having a projection that fits within the helmet opening. The pad assembly also includes a cap detachably coupled to the retainer, the cap including a base portion that fits within the helmet opening and a flange portion that fits within a countersunk recess disposed around the helmet opening, the cap detachably receiving the projection of the retainer. A protective sports helmet having a pad assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an enhanced auxetic composite material (EACM) of a base thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and/or a thermoset material combined with an auxetic material, the composite formed with a molding process, where the base material is injected or dripped into or injected, dripped or formed around the auxetic material, the composite material providing higher impact performance than the individual materials. In an illustrative example, combining various energy absorbing materials with auxetic materials may further enhance impact performance. In some examples, TPE material injected into auxetic structures may fill internal voids. In some examples, the auxetic material may be suspended within the TPE material and be encapsulated around the auxetic material form. Auxetic materials may take various forms, for example, sheets, 3-D structures, and particles, each providing unique benefits.

Abstract: A differentially tightenable ski boot includes a lower shell and an upper cuff that is pivotally coupled with the lower shell. The ski boot includes a first tightening system that is coupled with the lower shell and a second tightening system that is coupled with the upper cuff. Each tightening system includes a reel based closure device, a tension member that is operably coupled with the reel based closure device, and at least one guide member that routes or directs the tension member along a path about the lower shell or upper cuff. The first tightening system and the second tightening system are operable independently of each other to independently and differentially tightening the lower shell and the upper cuff.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a waterproof bootie comprises cutting a membrane to result in at least a first bootie portion and a second bootie portion; coupling the first bootie portion to the second bootie portion to form a bootie; arranging a knit upper adjacent the bootie; and activating the heat-activated adhesive to couple the knit upper to the bootie.

Abstract: Orthopaedic foot bed for a shoe with a foot support surface, wherein the foot support surface is formed by a plane base surface. The foot bed has a multiplicity of knobs which are distributed in a predefined manner and by which the stimulation points in the sole are stimulated in a targeted manner, as a result of which the neurological, biotensegrity and liquid-dynamic system of the human body can in turn be improved. Through the improvement thereby achieved, it is possible to address and improve certain aspects of human health, which in particular include the gait pattern and posture of the human body. Moreover, by means of the invention, the transport of the lymphatic and venous liquids (“heart of feet function” of the sole) can be excited and intensified.

Abstract: An athletic footwear artificial ligament device includes a flexible band securable around a lower leg above an ankle of a foot of a wearer, a ring disposable adjacent an outer side of the ankle spaced below the flexible band, and a plurality of artificial ligaments coupled to and arrayed about the ring. An upper artificial ligament is attached to the flexible band and extends downward to the ring. A lower artificial ligament is attachable to an upper of the athletic shoe, adjacent to the sole and above the heel, and extends upward to the ring. A forward artificial ligament is attachable to the athletic shoe upper forwardly of the ring, above the sole and spaced forwardly from the heel, and extends rearward to the ring such that the artificial ligaments perform as a second set of ligaments providing sprain protection of the ankle of the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: An article of apparel or sporting equipment, such as garments and footwear incorporates a molded component formed of a UV radiation curable material. In the case of an article of footwear, the UV radiation curable material may be formed into an outsole. The method of manufacturing such articles include placing an ultraviolet radiation curable material in contact with a molding surface; conforming the UV radiation curable material to a shape of the molding surface, forming a molded component; and removing the molded component from the molding surface, such that the component maintains the shape of the molding surface. The molded component may be exposed to ultraviolet radiation in an amount and for a duration that is sufficient to partially cure or fully cure the UV radiation curable material.

Abstract: Golf shoes having improved outsole constructions are provided. The golf shoes include upper, midsole, and outsole sections. The outsole includes a first set of arc pathways extending along the outsole in one direction. A second set of arc pathways extend along the outsole in a second direction. When the first and second arc pathways are superposed over each other, four-sided tile pieces are formed, and these tiles contain protruding traction members. In one embodiment, the tiles comprise a first protruding traction member, an opposing second protruding traction member, and a non-protruding segment disposed between the first and second traction members. Different traction zones containing different traction members are provided on the outsole. These zones provide improved multi-surface traction. In one embodiment of the outsole, there is no channeling and no trenching of the golf course turf. There is less damage to the golf course for a given amount of traction.

Abstract: Footwear articles for walking are provided. In one example, a footwear article may include a midsole with a lower surface of constant curvature extending from a heel of the midsole to a toe of the midsole, wherein the lower surface maintains the constant curvature throughout a stance phase of a walking gait. In this way, a smooth step-to-step transition and a smaller range of oscillation of the center of mass of the wearer is achieved, and energy expenditure during walking is reduced. In turn, a wearer of the footwear article may smoothly walk for extended periods of time with reduced fatigue.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include a midsole with a lower surface having a first recessed portion and an outsole coupled to the lower surface of the midsole, with the outsole having an upper surface with a second recessed portion. A first bladder element and a second bladder element can be provided in a stacked arrangement between the midsole and outsole, with an upper portion of the first bladder element that contacts the lower surface of the midsole and extends at least partially into the first recessed portion and a lower portion of the second bladder element that contacts the upper surface of the outsole and extends at least partially into the second recessed portion.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an insole for footwear. The insole preferably includes a bottom surface, a peripheral sidewall, and a relief. The bottom surface has a perimeter, and the peripheral sidewall preferably extends upward from the perimeter of the bottom surface. The relief is preferably disposed in the peripheral sidewall.

Abstract: Various articles, such as footwear, apparel, athletic equipment, watchbands, and the like, and methods of forming those articles are presented. The articles are generally formed, in whole or in part, using rapid manufacturing techniques, such as laser sintering, stereolithography, solid deposition modeling, and the like. The use of rapid manufacturing allows for relatively economical and time efficient manufacture of customized articles. Portions of the articles may be manufactured using rapid manufacturing and those portions may be joined with portions formed using conventional, non-rapid manufacturing techniques. The methods may also include performing a scan of an appropriate body part of a user, such as a foot, in order to create a customized article of footwear for the user.

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: The invention relates to a shoe (10), in particular a safety shoe, having a sole (12), an upper material (14) and a rand (16), the rand (16) being adhesively bonded to the sole (12), and the rand (16) having an edge (18) which faces the upper material (14). According to the invention, rivets (20) are inserted along the edge (18) of the rand (16), said rivets penetrating the rand (16) and the upper material (14).