Abstract: Popcorn machines having process chambers of increasing volume, and associated systems and methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a popcorn machine includes a tube, a heating element positioned to heat the tube, and an auger positioned at least partially within the tube. The auger can include a central portion extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end. The central portion decreases in diameter from the first end to the second end, and the central portion and the tube at least partially define an annular popping chamber that increases in volume from the first end toward the second end. A flight extends around the central portion in a helical pattern between the central portion and an inner wall of the tube. In operation, the auger rotates about the longitudinal axis to move ingredients through the heated tube via the flight.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition for lowering the glycemic index comprising, or consisting of an alcoholic extract of cinnamon in an amount of at least 10% by weight compared to the total weight of the composition, and optionally a carrier, a food composition comprising a composition for lowering the glycemic index in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 5% by weight compared to the total weight of the food composition, the use of a composition for lowering the glycemic index or of a food composition as a glycemic index lowering agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to new types of modulators of the cold menthol receptor TRPM8, to methods of modulating the TRPM8 receptor using these modulators; and in particular the use of the modulators for inducing a sensation of coldness; and also the articles and compositions produced using these modulators.

Abstract: A composition containing (D)-?-hydroxybutyric acid (D-BHB), (D)-?-hydroxyvaleric acid (D-BHV), and (D)-1,3 butanediol (D-1,3BD) is disclosed. Examples include a composition of between 85% and 25% D-BHB, with 15% to 75% D-1,3BD where the proportion of D-BHB to D-BHV acid may be between 1.0 to 0 and 0.7 to 0.3. Exemplary compositions may be incorporated into food, supplement, and beverage products.

Abstract: The object of the invention are compositions and medical treatment methods with an inheritable, Gram-negative, strictly anaerobic and commensal bacterium of the family Christensenellaceae belonging to an OTU (Operational Taxonomic Unit) characterized by a 16S rRNA sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or to an OTU characterized by a16S rRNA sequence SEQ ID NO: 2.

Abstract: A method for treating a food product of vegetable origin, including the steps of pushing, by means of a pushing device, the food product within a treatment cavity. This is defined between an internal surface of a fixed hollow body, or stator, and an external surface having conical shape of a rotor, and has an inlet mouth through which the food product of vegetable origin is introduced within the same and an outlet mouth through which the treated vegetable food product exits the cavity. The treatment cavity has a size which decreases going from the inlet mouth to the outlet mouth. It is provided a rotation of the rotor within the stator about a rotation axis. The combination of the rotation and of the pushing that are carried out by the machines produce a partial crushing of the food product of vegetable origin within the treatment cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to process for converting berry and/or fruit materials to fractions comprising bioactive compounds, said process comprising the steps, where at least one berry material or fruit material selected from berries, fruits, by-products, side streams and waste materials originating from berries or fruits, and any combinations thereof is sieved whereby a seed fraction is separated from a skin fraction, the seed fraction is subjected to sanding and a seed coat fraction comprising surface layer of the seeds and a sanded seed fraction comprising the sanded seeds are obtained.

Abstract: A tobacco cut filler comprises a first tobacco material cut in accordance with a first cut specification, wherein the first cut specification sets at least predetermined first cut width and first cut length.

Abstract: There is provided a nicotine solution, including a carrier; nicotine in unprotonated form and in protonated form; and one or more acids, wherein at least benzoic acid, levulinic acid or a mixture thereof is present; and wherein the total content of acid present in the solution is no greater than 0.6 mole equivalents based on the nicotine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to obtain tobacco flavor extracts, the process comprising: —conditioning a mixture of tobaccos in a primary tobacco manufacture heating the mixture of tobacco to a temperature comprised between about 30 degrees Celsius and about 90 degrees Celsius for a time interval comprised between about 30 seconds and about 1 hour; —recovering emissions produced by the mixture conditioning; and —obtaining at least one flavor extract from the recovered emissions. The present invention also relates to an apparatus to obtain tobacco flavor extracts.

Abstract: There is provided a tubular element for use in the manufacture of a filter of a smoking article, the tubular element comprising a first and a second layer wound of substantially continuous strips of a cellulose-fibre-based web material. The strips have predetermined thickness (T) and width (W). The web material is coated on a first surface with an activatable polymer and the first surface of the web material in the first layer faces the first surface of the web material in the second layer. An external diameter of the tubular element is substantially uniform over a given length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package for accommodating products. The package comprises an inner tray, a cover and a removable sleeve. The inner tray comprises a plurality of protrusions. The package comprises a plurality of cavities and protrusions, wherein the respective cavities interlock with the protrusions. The package comprises further a plurality of unlocking elements adapted such that in the coupled state of the package, the respective cavity unlocks from the respective protrusion when a pressure is applied to the respective unlocking element.

Abstract: Provided is a heater assembly for a cigarette-shaped electronic cigarette. A heater assembly for a cigarette-shaped electronic cigarette includes a smoking vapor generation part including a first heater configured to generate smoking vapor by heating a portion of a cigarette inserted thereinto, and a smoky vapor generation part including a second heater configured to generate a smoky vapor by heating a liquid material when the cigarette is puffed on, wherein the smoky vapor passes through the cigarette by a suction force generated when the cigarette is puffed on and then is inhaled concurrently with the smoking vapor.

Abstract: An electronic vaporizer device with a sealed, disposable, fillable cartridge is described, along with a method for refilling the cartridge. The electronic vaporizer includes a body which is held by the user and houses a battery. The body receives and couples with a cartridge with a reservoir for oil or other fluid to be vaporized. The cartridge also includes an atomizer which is powered by the battery via a connector terminal, a wick to provide oil to the atomizer from the oil reservoir, a vapor tube which transmits the vaporized oil to the user though a mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the user fills the reservoir of the cartridge by inserting a needle through a self-sealing septum. Further, the electronic vaporizer device includes a haptic device to provide haptic feedback to a user of the electronic vaporizer to communicate operating states of the electronic vaporizer.

Abstract: An atomizing electronic cigarette has an atomizing core component and a liquid storage component including an electric heater. The electric heater may have a through hole aligned with a channel passing through the liquid storage component. The cigarette can heat and uniformly vaporize liquid from the liquid storage component, with the user inhaling the vaporized liquid. The vapor generated by the atomizing process may be cooled as it flows through the channel.

Abstract: Provided is a flavor inhaler comprising: an atomizing unit that generates an aerosol from an aerosol source; a flavor source provided downstream from the atomizing unit; a mouthpiece section provided downstream from the flavor source; a control unit that controls the atomizing unit; an aerosol flow path leading to the mouthpiece section from the atomizing unit; and an information source for holding identification information associated with a correction value for correcting a reference aerosol amount that is the amount of aerosol generated by the atomizing unit and that is an amount designed in advance. The aerosol flow path branches between the atomizing unit and the flavor source into a first branch flow path through which the flavor source passes and a second branch flow path that differs from the first branch flow path.

Abstract: A shisha device (100) for use with a cartridge (20) containing an aerosol-generating substrate (302) includes a vessel, a receptacle, and an electrical heating element. The cartridge comprises a housing surrounding the aerosol-generating substrate. The vessel defines an interior configured to contain liquid (19) and defines an outlet in communication with the interior of the vessel. The receptacle is configured to receive the cartridge. The heating element is configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate in the cartridge to generate an aerosol when the cartridge is received by the receptacle. The heating element is configured to heat the tobacco substrate to an extent sufficient to generate the aerosol without combusting the aerosol-generating substrate.

Abstract: A low-temperature baked vaporizer is disclosed, including an electromagnetic induction coil; and a sleeve, configured for receiving solid vaporizable materials; the sleeve is made from metallic materials; the electromagnetic induction coil encircles outside the sleeve; the sleeve includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve connected with the first sleeve; a longitudinal axis extending along a same axis direction of the first sleeve and the second sleeve, and a transverse axis that is perpendicular to and shorter that the longitudinal axis; a cross-sectional area of the first sleeve is smaller than that of the second sleeve along the transverse axis, and the second sleeve has a bigger mass than the first sleeve such that increasing rate of temperature of the second sleeve is slower than that of the first sleeve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically delivering web content are provided herein. A method may include determining behavior analytics of an end user and device related information for a first computing device used by the end user, as well as comparing the behavior analytics, and other contextual information, of an end user and the device related information for the first computing device used by the end user to a contextual vocabulary that includes context segments that define contextual information of a plurality of end users and device related information for computing devices used by the plurality of end users. The method includes generating a context segment path for an end user, the context segment path having a plurality of context segments that have been selected from the contextual vocabulary, and dynamically creating a web page having web content that is selected and formatted based upon the context segment path.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic smoking article that provides for improved aerosol delivery. Particularly, the article comprises one or more microheaters. In various embodiments, the microheaters provide for improved control of vaporization of an aerosol precursor composition and provide for reduced power requirements to achieve consistent aerosolization. The present disclosure further relates to methods of forming an aerosol in a smoking article.

Abstract: An infant sleep bag, comprising a main body including multiple fixing points and arm or wing portions arranged on either side of the main body, wherein respective arm or wing portions include fixing means to engage with respective ones of the multiple fixing points, whereby to enable the arm or wing portions of the bag to be placed into selected ones of multiple configurations.

Abstract: A protective overlay for protecting a wearer is formed from a flexible sheet having a front surface, a back surface, a periphery, and a bottom; a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to substantially all of the periphery of the back surface for adhering the flexible sheet to the wearer; a release liner covering the pressure sensitive adhesive and being scored upwardly from the bottom of the flexible sheet; a crumb catcher formed by a bottom section of the flexible sheet being folded upwardly on the flexible sheet front surface and the sides being pushed inwardly to form a gusset. The release liner opposite the crumb catcher remains in place when the remaining release liner is removed for use.

Abstract: A simple wearable member having germ absorbing layers that include germicide particles is provided. The germicide particles in the germ absorbing layer can capture the germs expelled into the air when a user coughs or sneezes into the wearable member. Once the germs are captured in the germ absorbing layer, the germs are neutralized by the germicide particles. In order to enhance the probability of capturing most of the germs expelled, the germ absorbing layer includes various fibers with shapes and patterns. The flexible fibers are treated to have germicide particles in them. The various shapes, sizes, and patterns of the flexible fibers create a large surface area that the germs can contact when they are expelled into the air. Once the germ absorbing layer is used the layer may be discarded and a new layer may be attached to the wearable member for repeated use.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to brassieres, particularly to brassieres for fuller figured and plus size women, and more particularly to brassieres for fuller figured and plus size women to wear during sporting activities. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brassiere comprising a cradle, two straps and two cups each for receiving a breast, each of the cups having an around cup edge section, an underarm edge section, a neckline edge section, a center edge section and an apex, wherein the brassiere further comprises a Y-shaped control panel generally extending from the straps across the top of the neckline edge section of each of the cups and down the center edge section of each of the cups to the cradle.

Abstract: A sport garment cellphone case apparatus for securing and waterproofing a cellphone for use in sports includes a sport garment being configured to be worn by a user while performing an activity. A case holder is coupled to the sport garment and comprises a plurality of L-shaped corners. Each of the corners has a sidewall extending from a breast of the sport garment and a front wall perpendicularly extending from the sidewall. A tether is coupled to the sport garment. The tether has a proximal end coupled to the breast of the sport garment between the corners of the case holder and a distal end. A case is coupled to the tether and comprises a case back coupled to the distal end and a case front coupled to the case back. The case front is selectively engageable with the case back and is configured to sealingly contain a cellphone.

Abstract: A temperature controllable textile illustrated by the present disclosure has a first conductive cloth and a second conductive cloth. The first conductive cloth has a first metal while the second conductive cloth has a second metal different from the first metal. The first conductive cloth and the second conductive cloth have a thickness. A side surface of the first conductive cloth is in contact with a side surface of the second conductive cloth, and the first conductive cloth electrically connects to the second conductive cloth, to form two junction portions. When a negative end and a positive end of a direct current power electrically connects respectively with a top surface and a bottom surface of the first conductive cloth, the two junction portions form a cooling end and a heating end, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrist guard and provides a wrist guard that does not pressurize the entire wrist portion but allows for pressurizing only the radius portion and the ulna portion, thereby not only performing a wrist protection function in a stable manner, but also not hindering blood circulation since other portions of the wrist are not pressurized, and thus may be conveniently used since side-effects such as hand numbness or hand swelling do not occur even when wearing same for a long period, and the position and thickness of a pressurizing pad for pressurizing the radius portion and the ulna portion of the wrist may be adjusted according to the needs of a user, and thus the wrist guard may be more conveniently used since same may be altered into an optimal state according to physical conditions of the user or environmental conditions.

Abstract: A face covering having a support structure with a first magnet and a second magnet. The support structure has a fastener mechanism configured to orient the support structure in an open orientation during installation and a closed orientation during use. The support structure has a first protrusion having a first magnetic portion. The support structure has a second protrusion having a second magnetic portion. The support structure has a third protrusion having a third magnetic portion. The fastener mechanism of the support structure is formed from the magnetic connection between the first magnetic portion of the first protrusion, the second magnetic portion of the second protrusion, and the third magnetic portion of the third protrusion. A barrier member has a first filter layer connected to a layer of material. A magnetic snap rivet has a rivet portion removably connected to a post stud. The post stud retains a magnet.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical cap is provided that includes a cover having a head-receiving cavity and a resilient member connected to the cover and extending about less than the entire head-receiving cavity. The cover includes a plurality of layers comprising at least one layer inward from the resilient member adapted to separate the resilient member from a head received in the head-receiving cavity and at least two outer layers outward from the resilient member to which the resilient member is secured. In accordance with another aspect, a method of fabricating a surgical cap is provided.

Abstract: A wearable display device includes a wearing device, a fixed frame, a sliding member, a bracket and an optical imaging device. The fixed frame is fixedly connected to the wearing device. The sliding member is slidably coupled to the fixed frame. The bracket is pivotally connected to the sliding member and is interlocked with the sliding member. The optical imaging device is fixedly connected to the bracket for sliding and rotating relative to the fixed frame.

Abstract: A safety helmet configured to provide notification to a wearer of a potential safety hazard wherein the notification is transmitted via bone conduction and is directionally aligned with the heading of the potential hazard. The safety helmet of the present invention includes a body wherein the body has disposed thereon a plurality of location sensors. The location sensors transmit signals so as to identify potential hazards in the area proximate the user. The location sensors are secured to the safety helmet using brackets wherein the sensor brackets have a first mode and a second mode. The bone conduction transmitters are operable to ensure transmission of a warning sound to a user in noisy environments. An elevation sensor is configured to monitor the height of the wearer respective to a calibrated ground.

Abstract: A modular adjustable shoe includes a sole forefoot, a sole surface, a connecting block, a first fastening part, a second fastening part, a sole heel and a heel surface; the sole surface is on the sole forefoot, the heel surface is on the sole heel, the connecting block is on one side of the sole forefoot near the sole heel, the side of the sole heel near the sole forefoot has a connecting groove, the connecting block is connected to and matches the connecting groove, there are a number of first fastening holes evenly distributed on the connecting block, the sole heel has second fastening holes, both the first fastening part and second fastening part respectively go through first fastening holes and second fastening holes, and the first fastening part and the second fastening part are fastened and connected.

Abstract: Described are soccer shoes having an upper formed of knitwear, and a sole having cleats that are connected to the knitwear, wherein the knitwear is capable of coupling the sole to a foot of a wearer of the soccer shoe while the soccer shoe is being worn.

Abstract: A sole structure includes a midsole layer with a lower surface having a first recess that has an outer periphery spaced inward of an outer periphery of the midsole layer, and a peripheral bonding region between the outer periphery of the midsole layer and the outer periphery of the first recess. A sole plate has an upper surface with a second recess forming a cavity with the first recess between the sole plate and the midsole layer. The upper surface of the sole plate has a peripheral bonding region between an outer periphery of the sole plate and an outer periphery of the second recess. A bladder nests in the cavity with a contoured upper surface inward of the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer and a contoured lower surface inward of the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate. A method of manufacturing the sole structure is disclosed.

Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper with enhanced transition properties is described herein. The transition properties may be incorporated in an ankle collar trim transition region, a heel stay reinforcing structure, and/or a heel padding structure. Additionally, a method for manufacturing the article of footwear with enhanced transition properties in a heel region is provided.

Abstract: A kit includes a tape and instructions for adhering skin to a shoe. The tape having: a substrate; an insole side having an insole adhesive; an insole adhesive liner covering the insole adhesive; a skin side having a skin adhesive, wherein the skin adhesive has a characteristic different from the insole adhesive; a skin adhesive liner covering the skin adhesive; and a release tab formed by a portion of the insole side of the substrate devoid of insole adhesive. The tape can have the following options: the release tab is at the arch end of the substrate; insole side of the substrate has less stick potential compared to the skin side, which results in the insole side being less sticky than the skin side; or insole adhesive has less stick potential compared to the skin adhesive, which results in the insole adhesive being less sticky than the skin adhesive.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include a ferromagnetic body disposed in the article, and a magnetometer to measure a strength or direction of a magnetic field that is influenced by a position of the ferromagnetic body. One of the ferromagnetic body and the magnetometer can be configured to move relative to the other one of the ferromagnetic body and the magnetometer, for example according to movement of a foot in the article. In an example, the ferromagnetic body is disposed in a compressible insole and the ferromagnetic body moves in response to compression or relaxation of the insole. The magnetometer can be disposed in a platform or sole portion of the article that is relatively stationary compared to the ferromagnetic body. Rate of change information about the magnetic field can be used to control article functions or to provide information about a foot strike or step rate.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include a motorized tensioning system. The tensioning system may include a tensile member and a motorized tightening device configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear. The tensioning system may further include a power source configured to supply power to the motorized tightening device. The tensile member, the motorized tightening device, and the power source may be configured to be removably attached to the article of footwear.

Abstract: A decorative button cover assembly for trousers and other types of clothing to be worn as a fashion accessory. The assembly includes an elongated slider bar that establishes a constrained path configured to guide a button captive back-and-forth. A snare is attached to one end of the slider bar and a bracket to the other end, and has an aperture configured to receive and then trap the head of the button. The aperture is bounded on one side by an interior stopper edge. The bracket has a standoff portion and a mounting portion. A decorative cover is supported from the mounting portion of the bracket and spaced from the slider bar. In use, the assembly is inextricably trapped between under- and over-flap sections of the trousers, and yet the decorative cover is moveable toward and away from a position directly overlying the button head.

Abstract: A system for attachment to webbing has an attachment portion and an operating portion that can be attached to and detached from each other. The attachment portion has a base body with a cavity, a transverse bar, and two locking hooks. The operating portion has two side legs, top sections connected to the side legs, a gap between the top sections and a locking hook on each of the top sections. The operating portion is connectable to the attachment portion by pressing the legs together and inserting the locking hooks of the operating portion into the base body, and then releasing the legs so that the locking hooks of the attachment portion and operating portion engage each other. The operating portion is detachable from the attachment portion by squeezing the legs together until the locking hooks on the operating portion clear the locking hooks on the attachment portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a gemstone, jewelry piece, and method for faceting a gemstone. The gemstone, includes: a top portion having a spheroidal surface, the spheroidal surface acting as a refractive surface for light incident on the top portion of the gemstone and focal point lens originator; and a bottom portion shaped as a cone, the cone acting as a light axis to form a focal point on a reflective surface at a base of the gemstone.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a shaft, a canopy, and an opening and closing mechanism that moves the canopy between an open state and a closed state. An inner stretcher frame has an inner hub and a plurality of inner stretchers. Each of the plurality of inner stretchers has a proximal end rotatably connected to the inner hub, and a distal end. An outer stretcher frame has an outer hub and a plurality of outer stretchers. Each of the plurality of outer stretchers has a proximal end that is rotatably connected to the outer hub, and a distal end. A plurality of connector assemblies rotatably connect the distal end of each of the plurality of inner stretchers to the distal end of a corresponding one of the plurality of outer stretchers, and retain the outer edge of the canopy.

Abstract: A portable combined bed and storage apparatus and methods of assembling thereof. The combined bed and storage apparatus provides for an efficient and convenient way to transport one's personal items, linens, and sleeping surface such as a mattress. The combined bed and storage apparatus configuration prevents items from getting lost and allows for quick assembly, disassembly, and stowage.

Abstract: A protective case and mounting system for a handheld electronic device is provided. The protective case can include a removable mounting system comprised of an interlocking member and a plurality of mounting bases. The protective case may further include a non-slip member to prevent the device from slipping on a surface and a magnet for attaching the device to a magnetic surface.

Abstract: An organizable lunchbox system is disclosed herein. The organizable lunchbox system includes an organizable lunchbox comprising three stacked compartments and, a carrying case for the organizable lunchbox. The three stacked compartments of the organizable lunchbox include an upper compartment, a middle compartment and a lower compartment. The middle compartment is in thermal communication with the upper and lower compartments. In a preferred embodiment, the middle compartment is configured to retain an ice-pack to keep the contents of upper and lower compartments at a low temperature. The organizable lunchbox system further features a plurality of compartment dividers configured to partition the upper compartment and the lower compartment. Finally, the organizable lunchbox system includes an organizable lunchbox carrying case that is configured to retain the organizable lunchbox.

Abstract: A self-contained artistic storage and creation apparatus includes a housing having a volume defined by a width, length, and depth. At least one drawer is slidably located within the housing and is substantially the depth of the housing. The at least one drawer is sized to contain artistic supplies. A first writing surface is slidably located on an exterior surface of the housing. A second writing surface is slidably located within the housing. The second writing surface is accessible by sliding the first writing surface from a first writing position to a second writing position. A cavity is located within the housing and between the first and second writing surfaces. The cavity is substantially the length and depth of the housing. The cavity is accessible by sliding at least one from the set of: the first writing surface and the second writing surface.

Abstract: A container system includes several carry items or containers for carrying items, the carry items or containers each have a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The carry items or containers include magnetic coupling elements on at least one side to magnetically couple to another one of the carry items or containers. The magnetic coupling elements can be arranged so that a specific orientation of the carry items or containers can be enforced by there not being a magnetic attraction when the items are not properly oriented and aligned.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for straightening keratinous fibers including: (i) a step of applying on the keratinous fibers a hair straightening composition containing at least one polyhydroxylated aromatic compound, (ii) a step of increasing the temperature of the keratinous fibers, using heating means, to a temperature ranging between 110 and 250° C.

Abstract: An attachment for a hand held appliance comprising an inlet; an outlet; and a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the outlet comprises at least one slot extending from near an inlet end of the attachment towards a distal end of the attachment and wherein the outlet is at least partially defined by an external surface of the attachment wherein fluid emitted from the outlet is blown along the external surface. The slot extends substantially along the length of the attachment. The outlet comprises slots radially spaced around the attachment. Fluid emitted from the outlet flows around the external surface of the attachment, tangentially to the external surface, and is attracted to the surface of the attachment. The attachment has a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the distal end and the at least one slot may be parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A nail polish removal device, especially an efficient toenail polish removal device from a user's feet, is disclosed. The device includes a housing with foot placement assembly having a first area and a second area adapted for receiving the toenails of both feet simultaneously. The device includes a reciprocating sponge assembly, coupled to the foot placement assembly such that the toenails are positioned in contact with the sponge assembly. The device further comprises a filler to receive nail polish removal fluid, which is in fluid communication with the reciprocating and rotating sponge assembly, via one or more tubes, to aid in the removal of nail polish from the toenails of the user's foot. The device further comprises a switch and other electronic components to actuate and reciprocate the sponge assembly, thereby enabling the user to remove the nail polish conveniently without scrubbing the nail polish manually.