Abstract: A novel maize variety designated 1PRUC36 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety 1PRUC36 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 1PRUC36 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety 1PRUC36 or a locus conversion of 1PRUC36 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X03R610 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X03R610 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03R610 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X03R610, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03R610 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03R610 and methods of using maize variety X03R610 are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 19R107B3XF. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 19R107B3XF. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 19R107B3XF and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 19R107B3XF with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 19R233B3XF. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 19R233B3XF. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 19R233B3XF and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 19R233B3XF with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 19R236B3XF. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 19R236B3XF. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 19R236B3XF and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 19R236B3XF with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 19R245B3XF. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 19R245B3XF. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 19R245B3XF and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 19R245B3XF with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides metabolic signatures and genetic markers for tracking enhanced nitrogen utilization efficiency phenotypes in tobacco plants and for introgressing enhanced nitrogen utilization efficiency phenotypes into tobacco plants. The disclosure also provides tobacco plants comprising enhanced nitrogen utilization efficiency and methods to the creation of tobacco plants comprising enhanced nitrogen utilization efficiency. The disclosure also provides recombinant polynucleotides and polypeptides for enhancing nitrogen utilization efficiency in modified tobacco plants and tobacco plants comprising the provided recombinant polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of tomato line FIS-XJ16-6524. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato line FIS-XJ16-6524 and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a tomato plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato line FIS-XJ16-6524 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: Method and coated lightweight granular absorbent formed of lightweight inner cores made of extruded pellets coated with powdered smectite, preferably bentonite, to form an outer sorbent smectite shell around each pellet producing lightweight sorbent granules where the pellets have sufficient water soluble binder to facilitate shell formation and clumping during sorbent use. When lightweight sorbent granules are wetted, clumps are formed that shrink during drying producing a clean, generally non-sticking clump having a high clump retention rate of at least 92% and/or a crush strength of at least 15 PSI. In a preferred method, the pellets are dried coated with dry powdered smectite before wetting using an atomizer or mister while turbulently directing air towards the pellets and powdered smectite to coat the pellets with the powdered smectite forming the outer sorbent shell while minimizing pellet shrinkage and densification. Such lightweight granular sorbent is well suited for use as litter.

Abstract: A pet absorbent sheet includes: an absorbent core; and a liquid-permeable sheet disposed closer to a top side of the pet absorbent sheet than the absorbent core and that includes a plurality of hydrophilic fibers. The liquid-permeable sheet has waterproof regions that contain a water resisting agent. The water resisting agent is formed to surround gaps between fibers formed of the plurality of hydrophilic fibers.

Abstract: Provided herein are animal waste collecting animal containment cages for collecting and separating feces and urine from an animal or animals. Also provided herein are animal waste collecting animal containment cages that are disposable and are for single use. Also provided herein are animal waste collecting animal containment cages that are disposed within a rack. Also provided herein are methods of using and manufacturing an animal waste collecting animal containment cage.

Abstract: A dog blanket (1) having one or more chewable objects (3) integrated into a body (2) of the dog blanket to occupy and comfort a dog while sleeping and while at play.

Abstract: Insect storage and dispensing system are described. An example system may include a dispensing container including at least one wall defining an interior volume for retaining a plurality of adult insects. The system may also include a piston that extends through a first opening of the dispensing container so as to expose a top face of the piston to the interior volume. Longitudinal movement of the piston toward a second opening of the dispensing container may dispense a portion of the plurality of insects from the dispensing container when the plurality of insects is retained in the dispensing container.

Abstract: A pet feeding system includes a generally hollow main body having openings along the top surface for receiving a food dish and a water dish. A fan is positioned along another opening in the bottom surface of the main body that is located in line with the food dish. A heating plate having a removable tray is positioned between the fan and the food dish. The tray is constructed from a heat conducting material and imparts heat from the heating plate onto a material. Aroma produced by the scented material is moved by the fan toward air vents in the food bowl, and a pair of locking rings secure the bowls to the main body to prevent a pet from accessing the scented material.

Abstract: A container for holding edible material is bowl-shaped and capable of maintaining the edible material held therein while an animal is consuming such edible material. Simply stated, in the preferred embodiment, the bowl resembles a cereal bowl bottom with an inverted cereal bowl top; with the top having a central opening. The container includes an inward and upwardly extending, smooth walled circular access aperture which assists an animal in consuming edible material by directing such edible material into a mouth and onto the tongue of the animal while preventing ears of the animal from coming into contact with the food in the container and ensuring food does not accidentally escape the bowl while the animal is licking the inside of the cavity. The container also includes a base that maintains the container in a stable and stationary position.

Abstract: An automated game feeder that is virtually silent includes a hopper for holding feed, a bottom wall thereof defining a dispensing opening that, when open, allows feed to be dispensed. A dispensing gate is pivotally mounted to the bottom wall of the dispensing gate being operative to move, when actuated, between a closed configuration covering the dispensing opening and an open figuration allowing the feed to flow out of the hopper. A digital timer is electrically connected to the dispensing gate and programmable to determine when to open and close the dispensing gate. To maintain virtual silence, the deer feeder may include a linear actuator electrically connected to the dispensing gate and timer, the linear actuator having a servo motor that is very quiet when extending a rod configured to open or close the dispensing gate. When actuated, the linear actuator operates the gate according to an array of pivotal couplings.

Abstract: An ear tag module includes a rod member, a spike, a circuit component, and a temperature sensor. The spike is disposed on one side of the rod member, and the circuit component is disposed on another side of the rod member. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the circuit component. When the spike penetrates an ear, the ear is in contact with a sensing area of the rod member, and the temperature sensor is located in the rod member to detect a temperature of the ear and transmit at least one temperature sensing information to the circuit component.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to products and methods useful for a dental chew toy capable of stimulating and/or cleaning the tooth surfaces and/or gums of a domesticated animal. The dental chew toy includes a plurality of flexible dental elements extending outward from a core member. A relatively flexible outer cover surrounds the core member and the plurality of dental elements. A plurality of apertures formed in the outer cover allow passage of the dental elements when the outer cover is compressed via chewing action of the animal. Hollow tubes may surround the dental elements to guide the dental elements through the apertures formed in the outer cover.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for a pet collar and a pet leash wearable by a pet may be described as an annular sheath that includes an inner base component, and first and second walls that, together with the inner base component, define a channel in which a collar for a pet, and an attached leash, can be stored. Particular embodiments provide an improved apparatus that is snag-free, provides for convenient and facile storage (of collar and leash) and facile re-storage of an extended/removed leash. Side walls may be elastically biased towards each other to help secure a stored collar (and leash) within a channel of the sheath. Particular embodiments may include, inter alia, collar unbuckling facilitators and/or a band located at a sheath separation site.

Abstract: A pet tether comprising a flexible and stretchable cord comprising first end and a second end, a first cord clamp and a second cord claim. The first cord clamp is configured to clamp the first end of the cord when the first end of the cord passes through the first cord clamp and loops back into the first cord clamp. The second cord clamp is configured to clamp the second end of the cord when the second end of the cord passes through the second cord clamp and loops back into the second cord clamp.

Abstract: A system configured to receive video and/or images from an image capture device over a livestock path, generate feature maps from an image of the video by applying at least a first convolutional neural network, slide a window across the feature maps to obtain a plurality of anchor shapes, determine if each anchor shape contains an object to generate a plurality of regions of interest, each of the plurality of regions of interest being a non-rectangular, polygonal shape, extract feature maps from each region of interest, classify objects in each region of interest, in parallel with classification, predict segmentation masks on at least a subset of the regions of interest in a pixel-to-pixel manner, identify individual animals within the objects based on classifications and the segmentation masks, and count individual animals based on identification, and provide the count to a digital device for display, processing, and/or reporting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a system and an apparatus for treating food items. Such method and device may, for instance, be used to cool down food items, bleed freshly slaughtered fish and treat live fish against parasites. The device and method of the present invention further uses temperature differences and agitation to tread food items. A method for reducing or eliminating sea lice from salmon fish, said method comprising: a) transporting the salmon fish from a reservoir and the feeding salmon fish in liquid into the tubing of a first pumping device, said liquid being at a temperature from +15 to +28° C.

Abstract: A preparation method of an anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb)-induced autoimmune myocarditis model is provided, including: mediating a model with adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) to achieve the high expression of PDL1 in a myocardial tissue, and applying an anti-PD-1/PD-L1 mAb to the model with high PDL1 expression in the myocardial tissue for modeling. The present disclosure also provides use of an animal model prepared by the preparation method. The model prepared by the present disclosure truly simulates the pathogenesis and clinical course of autoimmune myocarditis in a patient administered with an anti-PD1/PD-L1 mAb, is close to a pathophysiological status of a clinical patient, has a high modeling rate, and can be dynamically monitored.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a non-human genetically modified animal with increased susceptibility to infection with a human virus. The invention suggests to genetically impair the expression of newly identified viral infection repression factors CD302, Cr11, Ndufc2, AW112010, Scarb2 and Zc3hav1, which markedly improves infection with human viruses in none-human hosts. Furthermore provided are methods for the generation of the animal of the invention, methods for increasing or reducing the susceptibility of a cell to viral infection, methods for screening novel modulators of viral infection as well as new therapy options for the treatment of viral diseases, in particular hepatitis C.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal is provided. In certain embodiments, the animal comprises a genome comprising an immunoglobulin heavy chain locus comprising: a) a transcribed gene encoding a fusion protein comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus: i. a scaffold comprising a first binding domain; and ii. a heavy chain constant region operably linked to the scaffold; wherein the scaffold is capable of specifically binding to a target in the absence of additional polypeptides; and b) a plurality of pseudogenes that are operably linked to the transcribed gene and that donate, by gene conversion, nucleotide sequence to the part of the transcribed gene that encodes the binding domain.

Abstract: A net assembly used for purse seine fishery, which is mounted on a first vessel, dropped into seawater from the first vessel, and towed by a second vessel to surround and pull fish to capture fish. The net assembly includes a plurality of floats floating on a surface of seawater to provide buoyancy to the net assembly, and coupled to one another in a spaced manner in a lengthwise direction of the net assembly; a net combination of a plurality of nets disposed under the floats in an inter-coupled state, and sunken and deployed from the surface of seawater to surround and capture fish; a weight body extending along a lower end of the net combination to provide a sinking force by means of gravity to sink the net combination; and a purse wire extending along the net combination while being spaced apart from the weight body in a downward direction, and tightened by the first vessel to allow the net assembly to form a closed space below the surface of seawater.

Abstract: Described herein is a fishing flasher. The fishing flasher may comprise a main body portion which may comprise a passage. A fin may extend from a surface of the main body portion proximate to the trailing end of the main body portion. The fishing flasher may also comprise a removable panel which is sized and shaped to fit within the passage and may be held within the passage by at least one fastener. It is also described herein a fishing flasher kit comprising a main body portion comprising a passage, a fin, and a plurality of removable panels. Each removable panel may have a different surface feature on one or both of the first surface and/or the second surface.

Abstract: A fishing rod includes a rod section and a fitting having a securing portion, the fitting being firmly secured to the rod section without inhibiting bending of the rod section, the securing portion having an excellent outer appearance. On a securing portion of a fishing line guide placed on the rod section, a prepreg sheet formed of plain-woven reinforcement fibers impregnated with a thermosetting resin is wound to secure the fishing line guide. The prepreg sheet is wound and secured so that, with respect to an axial direction, reinforcement fibers are in oblique directions, and intersecting angles of the reinforcement fibers in a winding region on a part of the rod section located beyond a distal end of the securing portion are smaller than those of the reinforcement fibers in a winding region on the securing portion.

Abstract: A smart fishing rod device that fits on the tip of any fishing rod. The line passes through the device, and the device senses tension on the line. A processor in the device is configured to interpret increases in tension as the presence of fish. The device can signal wirelessly to a smart device that there is a fish present. The device can also have one or more LEDs that flashes when a fish is present. The smart device can run an application (APP) that displays or signals the presence of a fish on one or more rods equipped with the device.

Abstract: One variation of a method for interpreting pressures in plants includes: accessing a first image of a first set of sentinel plants in a field; accessing a second image of a second set of sentinel plants in the field, recorded during a first period; interpreting a first pressure of a stressor in the first set based on features extracted from the first image, captured during the first period; interpreting a second pressure in the second set based on features extracted from the second image; deriving a model associating pressure at the first set and pressure at the second set based on the first pressure and the second pressure; interpreting a third pressure in the first set based on features extracted from a third image captured during a second period; and predicting a fourth pressure in the second set during the second period based on the third pressure and the model.

Abstract: A semi-active suspension system includes a suspension element having a damping coefficient range. The suspension element optionally includes an implement end and a chassis end. The semi-active suspension system includes a suspension control circuit in communication with the suspension element. The suspension control circuit optionally includes a kinematic assessment circuit in communication with one or more sensors. The kinematic assessment circuit is configured to measure or determine kinematic characteristics of one or more of the agricultural implement and the chassis. The suspension control circuit optionally includes a damping control circuit, and the damping control circuit generates a specified damping characteristic based on the measured or determined kinematic characteristics. The damping control circuit optionally directs the suspension element to operate within the damping coefficient range based on the specified damping characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices, modules, and systems which may be employed for automated weed identification, control, and eradication. These methods, devices, modules, and systems provide an alternative to hand cultivation or chemical herbicides. Devices disclosed herein may be configured to locate, identify, and autonomously target a weed with a beam, such as a laser beam, which may burn or irradiate the weed. The methods, devices, modules, and systems may be used for agricultural crop management or for at-home weed control.

Abstract: A method for converting a conventional manually monitored capture-and-release rodent trap of a type having a box-shaped container with opposed one-way entry corridors communicating with a capture chamber into a remotely-monitored rodent trap. In one aspect, the method includes attaching a smart-sensor to the lid of the trap and press-fitting a bracket having a rodent opening into the space between the one-way entry corridors such that the rodent opening in the bracket restricts movement of a rodent into the capture chamber to a pathway in sufficient proximity for detection by the smart-sensor and signaling to a remote monitoring location.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to motion waterfowl decoys and methods of attracting waterfowl using same. The waterfowl decoy mimics the feeding behavior of live waterfowl by moving its head toward a surface without the remainder of their body moving in the same motion. The feeding motion is provided by rotating a spherical ball breast of the decoy, to which the head is attached. When the ball breast rotates, the head moves toward the surface while the body remains in its initial position. Rotation is provided using manually-provided pressure or a battery-driven device, such as a bilge pump or a gear motor. When rotation of the ball breast ceases to be provided, a counterweight in the ball breast returns to its initial position, moving the ball breast and head back to an upright position.

Abstract: A connector (1) includes: a tube (10) configured to be arranged in an interior of a vascular channel; a tubular body (30) having an inner wall surface configured to, together with an outer wall surface of the tube (10), sandwich the vascular channel when the tube (10) is arranged in the interior of the vascular channel; and a balloon (20), configured to be arranged on the outer wall surface of the tube (10) or the inner wall surface of the tubular body (30), and radially expand for performing sealing (i) between the soft tubular member and the inner wall surface of the tubular body (30) and (ii) between the soft tubular member and the outer wall surface of the tube (10). A fluid supply system (100) may include the connector (1), and a perfusion solution supply device (120) connected to the connector (1) and configured to supply a perfusion solution into the interior of the vascular channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for controlling nematode populations, particularly soil nematode populations. Certain embodiments comprise applying 4-hydroxybenzylalcohol, Sinapis alba plant extract, Sinapis alba seed meal, or a combination thereof, to soil, optionally in the presence of a trap crop. A hatching factor and/or a nematicide may also be applied to the soil, either substantially simultaneously with the 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, Sinapis alba plant extract, Sinapis alba seed meal, or combination thereof, or sequentially in any order. Certain embodiments concern applying 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol to soil that contains potato cyst nematode eggs. The 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol may be obtained by an aqueous extraction of Sinapis alba plant material.

Abstract: A crystalline form of oxamyl is provided. The crystalline form of oxamyl is of formula (I): A crystal preparation process, the analyses of the crystal through various analytical methods, and using the crystalline form to prepare a stable agrochemical formulation is also provided. The use of various solvents towards the crystalline form preparation conditions is also provided.

Abstract: Food preparation apparatus and associated methods. In one method, dough is proofed in an oven compartment and then baked in the same oven compartment. Temperature and/or humidity can be controlled during proofing and/or baking cycles. A blower may be used, for example, to exhaust gas to ambient to reduce heat and/or moisture in the compartment. For example, the blower may be used between proofing and baking cycles to prepare an environment in the oven compartment for the baking cycle.

Abstract: A tortilla conveyor transfer system is configured to transfer product from a tortilla press to an oven. The tortilla press outputs batches of product to a press conveyor driven at a press speed. The oven then receives the batches of product at an oven conveyor driven at an oven speed that is slower than the press speed. The tortilla conveyor transfer system is interposed between the press conveyor and the oven conveyor. The tortilla conveyor transfer system has a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a controller. The first conveyor is positioned in series with the press conveyor and the second conveyor, and the second conveyor is positioned in series with the first conveyor and the oven conveyor. In operation, the controller controls and varies the speed of the first conveyor and the second conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting equipment having a cutting device with a cutting element and a drive device for the cutting element. The drive device includes a pneumatically driven piston/cylinder arrangement and a switch valve having a high-pressure input port, a high-pressure output port and a low-pressure output port, with the high-pressure input port coupled to a high-pressure source, the high-pressure output port coupled to a first cylinder chamber and the low-pressure output port coupled to a second cylinder chamber. The switch valve connects the high-pressure input port to the high-pressure output port upon application of a pressurized fluid, and connects the high-pressure output port to the low-pressure output port upon reduction of the pressure level of the pressurized fluid. The present invention further relates to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products, including said cutting equipment, and a method for controlling the cutting equipment.

Abstract: An application system for forming protective coatings over perishable items, including: a bed including a plurality of rollers, wherein each of the rollers is configured to rotate at a predetermined rotational rate, thereby causing the perishable items on the bed to rotate; one or more sprayers over a first portion of the bed; one or more blowers over a second portion of the bed; a mixing system configured to prepare a mixture including a coating agent in a solvent; and a liquid delivery system connected inline between the mixing system and the one or more sprayers.

Abstract: This invention relates to making and using a stabilizer that is effective in small amounts and, particularly useful for stabilizing low solids liquids, e.g., dispersions, emulsions, and suspensions, used in foods, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and similar industrial applications, which comprises, microcrystalline cellulose, (preferably, colloidal hydrolyzed MCC); a first carboxymethyl cellulose having a viscosity of 30-85 cP at 2% in deionized water; and, a degree of carboxymethyl substitutions of 0.60 to 0.85, and a second carboxymethyl cellulose having a viscosity of 400-800 cP at 2% in deionized water, and a degree of carboxymethyl substitutions of 0.80 to 0.

Abstract: Natural Creamers for providing whitening and indulgent texture/mouthfeel of beverage and food products are provided. The creamers have long-term stability, high whitening capacity and a pleasant mouthfeel when added to beverage and food, while being free from artificial additives. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a creamer comprising added sugar, milk fat, milk proteins and optionally natural flavors and free of any artificial additives. Wherein the ratio of milk fat:milk protein is less than 5.3:1; and wherein the Lumisizer instability index of liquid creamer is less than 10.

Abstract: A method for preparation of a composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion includes providing caramel, one or more phenolic compounds, vegetable oil and vinegar. The caramel is prepared from one or more monosaccharides and/or one or more disaccharides and water, and heated for a time period. The method includes mixing the caramel with one or more phenolic compounds with vegetable oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining yeast proteins comprising the following steps: a) providing a yeast cream; b) exposing this yeast cream to a thermal plasmolysis at a temperature between 70 and 95° C. for a period between 30 seconds and 4 hours, preferably between 1 minute and 3 hours, more preferably between 40 minutes and 2 hours; b?) separating the insoluble fraction and the soluble fraction; c) subjecting the insoluble fraction to the activity of at least one ribonuclease and a glucanase, sequentially or simultaneously, at a temperature between 40 and 65° C., preferably 60° C., for a period between 8 and 24 hours, preferably 18 hours; d) separating the insoluble fraction from the soluble fraction; wherein the insoluble fraction collected in step d) has no taste, having a nucleotide content less than 3% and a true protein content of at least 72%. Step b?) is optional.

Abstract: Process for the production legume meal having a moisture content between 2% and 15%. The process includes feeding a continuous flow of legume meal into a wet heat treatment reactor together with a continuous flow of water or aqueous solution, which is dispersed into minute droplets; discharge the wet legume meal and feeding it into a thermal dehydration and treatment reactor.

Abstract: Nano-structures of Aluminum Nitride and a method of producing nano-structures of Aluminum Nitride from nut shells comprising milling agricultural nuts into a fine nut powder, milling nanocrystalline Al2O3 into a powder, mixing, pressing the fine nut powder and the powder of nanocrystalline Al2O3, heating the pellet, maintaining the temperature of the pellet at about 1400° C., cooling the pellet, eliminating the residual carbon, and forming nano-structures of AlN. An Aluminum Nitride (AlN) product made from the steps of preparing powders of agricultural nuts using ball milling, preparing powders of nanocrystalline Al2O3, mixing the powders of agricultural nuts and the powders of nanocrystalline Al2O3 forming a homogenous sample powder of agricultural nuts and Al2O3, pressurizing, pyrolyzing the disk, and reacting the disk and the nitrogen atmosphere and forming AlN.

Abstract: Process for the production of a three-dimensional item by extrusion of a string of dough, comprising a step of providing a viscoelastic food dough inside an extruder comprising a cylindrical tubular body and a piston, an extrusion step by advancing the piston inside the cylindrical tubular body, and a step of interrupting extrusion of the dough by stopping the advancing movement of said piston; a dispensing device comprising such a cylindrical tubular body and such a piston, as well as a printer for the production of an item printed by means of a 3D printing procedure comprising such an extruder, are also described.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a filler for a smoking article, a smoking article comprising the filler for a smoking article, and a method for manufacturing the filler for a smoking article. In one embodiment, the filler according to the present invention for a smoking article, said filler comprising a gel which contains a gelling agent and one or more gelation promoters, is characterized by having a tap density of 0.05 g/cm3 or less and a degree of suitability to compression filling of more than 60. In one embodiment, the filler according to the present invention for a smoking article is characterized by comprising a gel which contains pectin having an esterification degree of 12% or less and one or more gelation promoters.

Abstract: A wrapper for a smoking article has a base web and a plurality of elements each having at least a pair of patch areas where diffusivity is in the range of 0 to about 0.2 cm/sec. Patches of adjacent elements are circumferentially offset from one another along the axis of a smoking article. The add-on material can be applied by gravure printing in a single pass in a chevron pattern such that an apex of the element is co-linear with substantially symmetrically spaced points on a trailing, outer edge of an adjacent element. Testing elements may be simultaneously printed with the add-on material to monitor diffusivity and/or presence of add-on material.