Abstract: A fishing rod according to one embodiment includes a rod body extending in a front-and-back direction along a central axis, a fitting having a mounting part, where the mounting part is mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the rod body at a first position determined in a circumferential direction around the central axis, and a fiber-reinforced resin layer surrounding the rod body so as to cover the mounting part. The fiber-reinforced resin layer has a first portion covering the rod body along an entire length thereof in the circumferential direction around the central axis and a second portion extending in the axial direction backward from an axially back end of the first portion and extending in the circumferential direction less than 180° clockwise from the first position and also less than 180° anti-clockwise from the first position.

Abstract: A fishing rod according to one embodiment includes a rod body extending in a front-and-back direction along a central axis, a fitting having a mounting part, where the mounting part is mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the rod body at a first position determined in a circumferential direction around the central axis, and a fiber-reinforced resin layer surrounding the rod body so as to cover the mounting part. The fiber-reinforced resin layer has a first portion covering the rod body along an entire length thereof in the circumferential direction around the central axis and a second portion extending in the axial direction backward from an axially back end of the first portion and extending in the circumferential direction less than 180° clockwise from the first position and also less than 180° anti-clockwise from the first position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a feeding mechanism for an interline fishing rod which couples to the rear end of the rod body or handle. The feeding mechanism differs from conventional designs by receiving a fishing line from the reel in a direction moving away from the rod tip, the line is then pulled around an internal pulley in the feeding mechanism housing and fed through a channel that is aligned with the central channel of the interline rod when coupled to it. The design protects the fishing line from tangling and damage while facilitating fast and easy assembly of the rod for use. Various accessories and compatible rod designs are also provided.

Abstract: A waterproof structure is provided on a spinning reel including a reel main body, a cylindrical member disposed on an outer periphery of a spool shaft and a rotor disposed at a front of the cylindrical member in the reel main body. The waterproof structure includes a seal member which waterproofs the entire circumference in the area between the cylindrical member and the rotor. The seal member includes a main lip that is in liquid-tight contact at a contact portion in the axial direction of the spool shaft. An annular wall portion is disposed on at least one of the rotor or the cylindrical member. The annular wall portion covers the contact portion at the entire circumference of an outer peripheral side of the contact portion.

Abstract: A German cockroach glue trap comprising a dark colored base having an overall height between 15 mm and 30 mm; multitude of equidistant openings around said base and said openings having a diameter between 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm. The centers of said openings having heights preferably between 7 mm and 9 mm. The openings are large enough for German cockroaches but not too large to let in too much light. Said glue trap also comprising a lid having a tapered bottom layer that fits tightly to said base when in the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, a method and the use of the system according to the invention for controlling undesirable plants, in particular on railway tracks, using electrical energy.

Abstract: An air supply device with air refreshing and insect repellent function include a housing, which comprises: an air duct unit supported inside the housing having a hollow body defining an air channel; a centrifugal fan received inside the air duct unit; two main air inlets arranged at two opposite sides of the housing; an air outlet arranged at a top portion of the housing and channeled through with the air channel inside the air duct unit at a front side of the housing perpendicular to each of the main air inlets; an auxiliary air inlet arranged at a rear side of the housing opposite to the air outlet; an auxiliary component, which is an aromatherapy component or a mosquito repellent component, connected to the housing at the auxiliary air inlet; and an optional heating component detachably connected to the housing at the main air inlet.

Abstract: An improved ultra-fast cooling system is disclosed for cryopreservation of biomaterials. The ultra-fast cooling system is designed to uniformly vitrify or partially vitrify biomaterials, including but not limited to, human biomaterials, proteins, peptides, cells, stem cells, antibodies, neurons, human tissue, organs, cornea, skin, retina, eggs, sperm, embryos, body fluids, blood, serum, lymph fluid, animal tissue, plant biomaterials, plant tissue, germ plasma, pollen, plant sap, and bioengineered tissue, without cryoprotectants or with a low concentration of cryoprotectants. Cooling rates are sufficient to uniformly cryopreserve biomaterials, and can be used in diagnostic cytology and biological cryofixation applications. Other materials also can be cooled uniformly, such as inorganic materials for processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cryopreservation device with an integrated tracking device chamber. The tracking device can be an RFID tag which can be placed in the cryopreservation device as part of the procedure for vitrification of a biological specimen. The cryopreservation device maintains its integrity and keeps the RFID tag securely in the chamber at both ambient conditions when the specimen is collected and under liquid nitrogen where the specimen is stored. The cryopreservation device with an integrated tracking device chamber allows for each individual biological sample to have its own tracking device for monitoring during cryogenic storage.

Abstract: A cerium oxide nanoparticle whose surface is covered with a vinyl polymer has a heterocyclic amine skeleton such as piperazine, pyridine, imidazole, or carbazole or with a polyamide having a heterocyclic amine skeleton such as piperazine, pyridine, imidazole, or carbazole; and a decomposition method of a nucleic acid or a polypeptide by using the cerium oxide nanoparticle.

Abstract: Herbicidal microcapsules containing a combination of herbicides are described. In particular, the herbicidal microcapsules include a core material comprising an acetamide herbicide and a second herbicide and a shell wall encapsulating the core material. Also described are processes for preparing the microcapsules, various herbicidal compositions containing the microcapsules, and methods of preparing and using the herbicidal compositions.

Abstract: A seed germination activator for control of broomrape includes butylisobutylphthalate (hereinafter “BIP”). A biocontrol composition includes BIP and at least two nonionic surfactants for administration in irrigation water. Methods of controlling broomrape may include administering the biocontrol composition comprising BIP in the irrigation water prior to planting crops.

Abstract: Methods for controlling and/or treating of phytopathogenic fungi causing soybean rust infections in plants include applying a fungicidally effective amount of a composition to the plants, and/or seeds of the plants, or soil in which the plants are growing, or soil in which the plants are desired to grow. The composition includes zoxamide, optionally in combination with one or more additional active ingredients selected from the group consisting of strobilurins and/or triazole compounds. The phytopathogenic fungi are selected from P. pachyrhizi or P. meibomiae. The zoxamide is applied in an amount of about 10 g/ha to about 2000 g/ha.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions including at least one acid and at least one anionic surfactant are provided. In particular, food contact antimicrobial compositions including at least one acid and at least one anionic surfactant provide efficacious virucidal activity, including against Norovirus, having acceptable use solution pH that do not require use of personal protective equipment (PPE), are surface compatible and do not leave residues on treated surfaces. Methods of cleaning a surface with the compositions are also provided and may beneficially eliminate the need to rinse the antimicrobial compositions after use.

Abstract: Compounds of general formula (I), isomers, salts, or hydrates thereof. Herbicide compositions including: at least one compound of general formula (I); at least one solvent and/or at least one diluent; and, optionally, at least one agronomically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: A nucleotide sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO.1. The gene encodes mannosyltransferase I. The gene plays an important role in the normal reproductive development of the Nilaparvata lugens (Stål). Inhibition of the function of the gene may reduce the survival rate of the Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) and hinder embryonic development. With respect to reduction of the survival rate of the Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) and hindering of embryonic development, the present invention can reduce the harm of the Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) to rice by killing the Nilaparvata lugens (Stål). By using the characteristic that the nucleotide sequence of a highly conserved target gene has no homology with the nucleotide sequence of natural enemies of the Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), RNA interference is performed at a nucleic acid level, to avoid the harm to non-target organisms such as natural enemies, thereby realizing green control of the Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) while controlling pests.

Abstract: A composition for repelling insects is disclosed. The composition may include an active component made of (i) a combination of clove oil, geranium oil, and peppermint oil, (ii) a fixative, and (iii) a solubilizer. The composition may include (i) from about 2.5 to about 15 wt. % of an active component made only of (a) from about 0.1 to about 5.0 wt. % of clove oil, (b) from about 0.5 to about 15.0 wt. % of geranium oil, and (c) from about 0.1 to about 15.0 wt. % of peppermint oil, (ii) from about 3 to about 15 wt. % of a fixative, and (iii) from about 15 to about 45 wt. % of a solubilizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a wafer cup, comprising a mold core and a die. The die has a base and a plurality of wall segments which are connected to the base in an articulated manner. A mechanism is provided for pivoting the wall segments from a first position, in which the base forms a support for receiving a wafer sheet that extends over the base (32), into a second position, in which the wall segments form a wall that surrounds the base and extends substantially perpendicularly from the base, thereby setting the wafer sheet sections extending over the region of the base against the mold core.

Abstract: A machine for making filled pasta includes first and second feeding device for feeding first and second layers of pasta dough, and a shaping device for shaping the filled pasta, located downstream of the feeding devices. The machine controls the advancing of the first and second layers the respective feeding device such that at least along a first stretch of the path of the first layer between the first feeding device and the shaping device, an excess length of the first layer of pasta dough forms by gravity a respective bend along the unrolling direction and at least along a first stretch of the path of the second layer between the second feeding device and the shaping device, an excess length of the second layer of pasta dough forms by gravity a respective bend along the unrolling direction.

Abstract: A process for preparing a soft cheesecake mixture places the ingredients for preparing the soft mixture in a pre-mixing member. The process also includes pre-mixing the ingredients so as to blend them together to obtain a pre-mixed mixture having a density between 0.72 g/mL and 0.84 g/mL; transferring the pre-mixed mixture into a collection tank whose temperature is maintained between 25 ° C. and 40 ° C.; continuously transferring a part of the pre-mixed mixture in the collection tank towards a homogenising member; and homogenising the pre-mixed mixture by the homogenising member, whose temperature is maintained between 25° C. and 40° C. so as to obtain an emulsified mixture having a density between 0.81 g/mL and 0.92 g/mL.

Abstract: A method for improving the freshness of flat breads comprising a) adding to flour or to a dough comprising a flour, a first maltogenic alpha-amylase having at least 70% identity to SEQ ID NO: 1, and compared to SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising the substitutions D261G, T288P, and F188L; and a second maltogenic alpha-amylase having at least 70% identity to SEQ ID NO: 1, and compared to SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising the substitutions D261G, T288P, F194Y, and N375S; and b) making flat breads from the dough.

Abstract: A method and system for receiving, processing, and stunning poultry in a poultry processing facility includes an receiving system for receiving and unloading live poultry from a transport vehicle, a controlled atmosphere stunning system, a stunned poultry hanging station for receiving and transferring stunned poultry to another facility for further processing, such as slaughtering the stunned poultry. Shuttle conveyors and cage pushers coordinate to unload cages of live poultry from the transport vehicle and begin conveying the cages toward the stunning system. Accumulators, cage de-stackers, cage stackers, cage washers, tilted conveyors, and other features may be included with the system.

Abstract: A device for hanging captured game is provided. The device includes a polymerized device body. The device body includes a front planar surface and a rear planar surface, wherein the rear planar surface is parallel to the front planar surface. The device body further includes a rimless boundary around a perimeter of the polymerized device body and a game hook formed unitarily with the polymerized device body such that a first surface of the game hook is coincident to the front planar surface and a second surface of the game hook is coincident to the rear planar surface. The front planar surface directly transitions to the rimless boundary. The rear planar surface directly transitions to the rimless boundary.

Abstract: A food processing system and method for cutting a food item into cut food item portions includes a conveyor, an imaging system, a cutting device, and a controller. The conveyor conveys the food item past the imaging system allowing the imaging system to image the food item and image data is obtained. The controller receives the imaging data and determines the location of defective areas on the basis thereof. Then a distribution of portion cuts over the food item dividing the food item into food item portions is determined on the basis of at least the determined location of defective areas and a desired portion size and/or weight. The cutting device cuts the food item according to the determined distribution of portion cuts.

Abstract: A conveying unit is designed and configured for automatically conveying fillet-like meat products, in particular fish fillets. The conveying unit has a first conveying element rotationally driven by a drive and a second conveying element rotationally driven by a drive, in transport direction of the meat products to be conveyed. The second conveying element is downstream of the first conveying element. The two conveying elements form a continuous transport path, along which different processing stations may be arranged. The first conveying element is a double belt with a gap running centrally and parallel to the transport direction, while the second conveying element is a segment chain which is triangular in cross-section. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A smoke generating assembly for an indoor smoker includes a smoke barrel having a rotating auger positioned therein. The smoke barrel may be supplied with combustible material at a first end of the smoke barrel and the auger may be intermittently rotated to advance the combustible material toward a second end of the smoke barrel and over a smoldering heater to generate a flow of smoke. The smoldering heater may be spaced apart from the smoke barrel by an igniter gap that permits pellet dust from the combustible material to fall into the container below, leaving only solid combustible material to pass through the smoldering heater for combustion.

Abstract: A non-hydrogenated fat composition comprises greater than 28% by weight stearic acid (C18:0) fatty acid residues; greater than 44% by weight oleic acid (C18:1) fatty acid residues, and less than 10% by weight of palmitic acid (C16) fatty acid residues, based on the total C8-C24 fatty acid residues, and greater than 30% by weight of the combined amounts of StOSt, StStO, StOO and OStO triglycerides based on the total glycerides present in the composition, wherein the weight ratio of (StOSt+StStO)/(StOO+OStO) is from 0.6-1.5.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing tablets for hot beverage brewing includes a reservoir feeding infusible loose food products, a grinding system for the loose food products to obtain grounds of a given size, a moistening system moistening the grounds to a given moisture content, a mixing and homogenizing system for mixing and homogenizing the grounds to a homogeneous mixture, a weighing system of the homogeneous mixture to obtain a dose of predetermined weight, a forming system forming the dose into a tablet of predetermined volume, an irradiation system for electromagnetic irradiation of the tablet to overheat the particles to a partial baking and/or sintering for compactness and self-supporting ability without an enclosure, and a control system acting on the grinding, moistening, homogenizing, system, forming, and irradiating systems to control particle size, moisture content, homogeneity, weight, volume and compactness parameters of the tablet and change water permeability of the tablet accordingly.

Abstract: A product conveying and coating system includes multiple, sequentially arranged conveyor units, with at least one conveyor unit being an open belt type. A carrier sheet is placed on a first of the conveyor units, a web of coating material in liquid form is deposited on the carrier sheet and spaced ropes of soft and sticky material are deposited on and settle into the web. The carrier sheet, web and ropes are transferred to a second conveyor unit after the coating material of the web solidifies, whereupon the ropes are cut into bar-length pieces. Thereafter, the carrier sheet is removed while the web and pieces are transferred to the open belt conveyor unit and exposed to an enrober. The enrober coats the pieces while melting portions of the web between the pieces in order to form full coated or encapsulated food products with soft and sticky cores.

Abstract: A protein-rich composition can be provided from egg albumen via a process that involves diafiltering with purified water an egg albumen concentrate. Collected retentate from the diafiltration step constitutes a protein-rich composition which, on a dry basis, can include less than 1% (w/w) lipids. The composition can be spray dried to a protein isolate solid which is substantially free of sugars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pea albumin characterized in that its emulsifying activity is improved as it can emulsify more than 600 ml of corn oil per gram of albumin. The invention also relates to a method for obtaining the pea albumin according to the invention. It finally relates to the use of the pea albumin according to the invention in industrial, in particular food and pharmaceutical applications.

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 time of between 30 seconds and 4 hours; c) subjecting the whole to the activity of at least one ribonuclease and a glucanase, sequentially or simultaneously, at a temperature between 40 and 65° C. for a period of between 8 and 24 hours; and d) separating the insoluble fraction from the soluble fraction; wherein the insoluble fraction collected in step d) is taste-free, has a nucleotide content less than 3% and a true protein content of at least 72%.

Abstract: The present invention relates primarily to a method for obtaining a volatile fraction from a juice and/or an alcohol-containing beverage, comprising or consisting of the following steps: (a) distilling a mixture of substances from the juice and/or the alcohol-containing beverage, wherein the distillation is performed by a spinning cone column; (b) contacting the mixture of substances from step (a) with a sorbent to obtain a loaded sorbent; and (c) contacting the loaded sorbent from step (b) with a liquid desorbent to obtain the volatile fraction, wherein desired ingredients of the volatile fraction are concentrated as compared to the juice and/or alcohol-containing beverage such that an addition of 0.1% by mass or less of the volatile fraction to any food preparation produces a perceptible odor impression and/or taste impression in a test subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of an aqueous dispersion comprising mustard bran comprising the following steps: providing an aqueous dispersion comprising mustard bran particles and applying a high pressure homogenisation treatment to alter the sugar moiety ratio of the mustard bran particles. The invention further relates to an oil-in-water emulsion comprising an aqueous dispersion that can be prepared by the aforementioned process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food supplement comprising at least the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine and lysine and Chromium. The invention further relates to food compositions comprising the food supplement as well as uses of both.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nutraceutical formulation of blueberry extract, fish oil (omega-3 and omega-6), recombinant human lactoferrin, vitamin A and vitamin E, for human oral consumption. The invention belongs to the field of ophthalmology and has been developed as a coadjuvant for preserving the health of the precorneal film and of the eye surface. This formulation contains an extract of natural origin (Vaccinium myrtillus L) with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; it also uses eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), omega-6, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), omega-3, obtained from fish oil and which, together with lactoferrin, vitamin A and vitamin E, improves tear quality, since these compounds have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects. This formulation has been designed as a coadjuvant for preserving the health of the precorneal film.

Abstract: A method of preparing a whitened tobacco material is provided, including: (i) extracting a tobacco material with a first extraction solution to provide a tobacco solids material and a tobacco extract; (ii) cooking the tobacco solids material in an alkaline cooking liquid comprising sodium sulfide and having a pH of greater than 11 to form a tobacco pulp; (iii) treating the tobacco pulp with an acid to lower the pH of the tobacco pulp and provide a neutralized tobacco pulp; (iv) extracting the neutralized tobacco pulp with a second extraction solution comprising at least one chelating agent to provide an extracted tobacco pulp; and (v) bleaching the extracted tobacco pulp with a bleaching solution to provide a whitened tobacco material.

Abstract: An apparatus for mass producing smokable products filled with cannabis, hemp, and/or other smokable materials includes a cone loading station that separates individual paper cones from stacks of cones, a cone weighing and filling station for dispensing precisely weighed amounts of powdered biomass into the cones, and a cone twisting station for twisting ends of the cones to complete the smokable products. A transport mechanism is provided to transfer the cones between stations and hold the cones during filling and twisting. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing smokable products that enables production steps to be performed simultaneously while also providing for capacity expansion within a limited production facility footprint.

Abstract: A modular apparatus is configured to cause received rods of smokable material to undergo a first sequence of operations. The modular apparatus can be reconfigured so as to cause received rods of smokable material to undergo a second sequence of operations, different to the first sequence of operations. The first and second sequences of operations respectively form at least part of first and second processes for assembling smoking articles, each smoking article comprising one of said rods of smokable material, which is smoked in use.

Abstract: An apparatus arranged to heat smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. The apparatus includes a housing, the housing having a first opening at a first end through which a consumable article containing smokable material can be removably inserted into the apparatus; at least one heater arrangement arranged within the housing for heating smokable material within the consumable article when in use and a hollow chamber between the first opening and the at least one heater arrangement. The hollow chamber surrounds at least a portion of the consumable article when the consumable article is inserted into the device and an inner wall of the chamber and the at least a portion of the consumable article define an air gap there between. Hot vapors that escape the consumable article in use can condense on the inner wall of the hollow chamber.

Abstract: A water pipe suction assembly for assisting a user with smoking from a water pipe includes a tube that has a tapered end which can be inserted into a mouthpiece of a water pipe for smoking an inhalable product. A blower is integrated into the tube for urging air inwardly through the tapered end when the blower is turned on. In this way the blower can assist a user with inhaling smoke from the water pipe. A switch is movably integrated into the tube to be engaged when the user places their mouth against the tube. The switch in communication with the blower and the switch turns the blower on when the switch is engaged.

Abstract: An aerosol generation device includes a first housing including an inner accommodating space and an opening exposing the inner accommodating space to an outside of the first housing; a second housing including an inner space and coupled to the first housing with a fastening portion; a battery inserted into the inner space of the second housing and having a part exposed to an outside of the second housing; a case into which the second housing is inserted, the case covering at least one of the first housing or the second housing; and a cap coupled to the first housing and covering the first housing, wherein the case covers the part of the battery exposed to the outside of the second housing.

Abstract: There is provided a cartridge (100) for use in an aerosol-generating system (10) for the generation of an aerosol comprising nicotine salt particles. The cartridge (100) comprises a first compartment (110) containing a nicotine source (210) comprising a first carrier material (211) impregnated with nicotine, the first compartment (110) having a first air inlet (132) and a first air outlet (133). The first compartment (110) defines a first airflow path (217) extending across a first surface (213) of the first carrier material (211) between the first air inlet (132) and the first air outlet (133). The cartridge (100) also comprises a second compartment (120) containing an acid source (220) comprising a second carrier material (221) impregnated with an acid, the second compartment (220) having a second air inlet (134) and a second air outlet (135).

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to vaporizing devices and components of vaporizing devices, such as mouthpiece locking structures. In various aspects, a locking structure for a mouthpiece includes a circular body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, where an interior surface of the body defines a central lumen. The locking structures may also include a clamp disposed within the central lumen, where the clamp has an angled wall extending inwardly from a rim of the interior surface of the body towards the central lumen. The clamp may additionally include a notch within the angled wall, with the angled wall of the clamp (i) encircling a substantial entirety of a circumference of the body, (ii) defining a clamp lumen, (iii) having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 0.7 mm, and (iv) having an angle or bias of from about 100° to about 110°.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to vaporizing devices and components of vaporizing devices, such as mouthpiece locking structures. In various aspects, a locking structure for a mouthpiece includes a circular body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, where an interior surface of the body defines a central lumen. The locking structures may also include a clamp disposed within the central lumen, where the clamp has an angled wall extending inwardly from a rim of the interior surface of the body towards the central lumen. The clamp may additionally include a notch within the angled wall, with the angled wall of the clamp (i) encircling a substantial entirety of a circumference of the body, (ii) defining a clamp lumen, (iii) having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 0.7 mm, and (iv) having an angle or bias of from about 100° to about 110°.

Abstract: The base is provided with a first sliding position and a second sliding position along the sliding direction of the latch; when the sliding latch is in the first sliding position, it is connected to the atomization core to restrict the axial movement of the atomization core along the through-hole; and when it is in the second sliding position, it is disengaged from the atomization core to release the restriction. The detachable atomization core atomizer of the present invention is designed by the way of lower intake and lower replacement of atomization core; by sliding the latch, the atomization core is automatically ejected; when installing the atomization core, just insert it according to the direction, simple and hygienic operation without oil leakage.

Abstract: A vapor provision system includes a cartridge part configured for use with a reusable part and a sealing element, the cartridge part including a cartridge housing, a reservoir formed within the cartridge housing for containing liquid for vaporization; a vaporizer disposed within an air path forming a vaporization chamber within the cartridge housing; and a liquid transport element arranged within a channel from the reservoir to the vaporization chamber to transport liquid from the reservoir to the vaporizer for vaporization, the liquid transport element being formed with the vaporizer in the vaporization chamber to convey the vapor in use when air is drawn by a user through the air path, and the sealing element comprises a plurality of fingers projecting outwardly opposite one another from one end of a stalk.

Abstract: An aerosol source for a vapor provision system includes a vapor-generating element; a reservoir for holding source liquid, the reservoir being bounded by a wall having an opening therein; and a liquid transport element including a first portion arranged to receive liquid from the reservoir via the opening, a second portion peripheral to the first portion, and a third portion arranged to deliver liquid from the first portion to the vapor-generating element; wherein at least part of the second portion is compressed against a section of the wall around the opening, in use, to provide a sealing effect around at least part of the first portion to promote movement of liquid towards the vapor-generating element.

Abstract: In combination, an article containing smokable material and an apparatus for volatilizing at least one component of the smokable material. The article is engageable with the apparatus and disengageable from the apparatus. The smokable material is a layer on at least one surface of the article. The apparatus includes comprises an irradiative light source for generating light. The article and the apparatus are arranged such that the irradiative light source and the smokable material overlap radially of the apparatus when the article is engaged with the apparatus. The irradiative light source is configured to emit light radially of the apparatus so as to impinge upon the smokable material on the at least one surface of the article to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a microwave heating module and an aerosol generator. The microwave heating module includes a cup, a cylindrical shielding net, a magnetron, and a microwave source. The cup is fixed in the cylindrical shielding net for accommodating a tobacco material. The cylindrical shielding net is disposed above the microwave source. The magnetron is disposed on the microwave source. In a power-on state, the magnetron emits microwave. The microwave is released via the microwave source into the cylindrical shielding net to heat and atomize the tobacco material in the cup. The microwave heating module is disposed in the aerosol generator.