The present application relates to a cache invalidation unit for a computing system having a processor unit, CPU, with a cache memory, a main memory and at least one an alternate bus master unit. The CPU, the main memory and the at least one an alternate bus master unit are coupled via an interconnect for data communications between them. The cache invalidation unit generates one or more invalidation requests to the cache memory in response to the alternate bus master unit writing data to the main memory. The cache invalidation unit comprises a page address generator unit to generate page addresses relating to at least one address range and an invalidation request generator unit to generate an invalidation request for each page address. The one or more generated invalidation requests are transmitted by the cache invalidation unit via to the cache memory of the CPU.

A device and method for communicating, via a memory-mapped communication path, between a host processor and a cellular-communication modem are disclosed. The method includes providing logical channels over the memory-mapped communication path and transporting data organized according to one or more cellular communication protocols over at least one of the logical channels. In addition, the method includes acknowledging when data transfer occurs between the host processor and the cellular-communication modem, issuing commands between the host processor and the cellular-communication modem, and communicating and managing a power state via one or more of the logical channels.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a microcontroller device having a microprocessor, programmable memory components, and programmable analog and digital blocks. The programmable analog and digital blocks are configurable based on programming information stored in the memory components. Programmable interconnect logic, also programmable from the memory components, is used to couple the programmable analog and digital blocks as needed. The advanced microcontroller design also includes programmable input/output blocks for coupling selected signals to external pins. The memory components also include user programs that the embedded microprocessor executes. These programs may include instructions for programming the digital and analog blocks “on-the-fly,” e.g., dynamically. In one implementation, there are a plurality of programmable digital blocks and a plurality of programmable analog blocks.

A cartridge retention tool may be used for restraining a spent cartridge during primer pocket cleaning. The tool may have jaws that may be sized to approximately fit the cartridge and secure it from moving during the cleaning process. The tool may employ mechanical leverage to reduce the amount of force required to restrain the cartridge within the jaws.

A heat transfer device including a container in which a heat-transfer fluid circulates in a closed loop. The heat transfer fluid is capable of undergoing an increase in volume on solidifying. The container further contains particles suspended in the heat-transfer fluid. At least some of the particles are compressible under the pressure of the fluid, as the fluid is solidifying, so as to at least partially compensate for the increase in volume of the fluid upon solidifying.

Includes a low flow-rate region (R2) that is disposed on an upstream side of a combustion region (R1) within a second pipe (2), and that has a relatively slow flow-rate of combustion gas (G1) within the second pipe, and a flame kernel formation unit (3a) is disposed in the low flow-rate region.

A semiconductor substrate for use in an integrated circuit, the semiconductor substrate including a channel defined on a surface of the substrate. The channel includes a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall. The first wall is recessed from the surface. The second wall extends from the surface to the first wall. The third wall extends from the surface to the first wall and faces the second wall across the channel. At least one of the second wall and the third wall includes a plurality of structures projecting into the channel from the second wall or the third wall.

Disclosed herein are various systems and methods relating to communication devices that include modular transceivers, such as small form pluggable transceivers. According to one embodiment, a communication device may include a chassis defining an interior and an exterior of the communication device. The chassis includes a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sides that together with the top and the bottom form an enclosure. One of the sides may include a first segment disposed in a first plane and a second segment disposed in a second plane. The second segment includes an outwardly extending communication transceiver housing configured to receive a communication transceiver. The communication transceiver may extend through an aperture in the second segment and into interior of the communication device to contact an electrical connector, while a second portion of the communication transceiver in the communication transceiver housing remains on the exterior of the communication device.

A method for treating a component comprising a metallic or ceramic material with a crystalline, semi-crystalline or amorphous structure. According to the method, to case-harden the component, at least part of the surface of the component is exposed to an oil jet, while the temperature of the oil and/or the component is regulated. Also disclosed is a device for carrying out the method.

The invention relates to a cleaning system for coffee machines, comprising a cleaning device for periodically cleaning the coffee- and/or milk-carrying components using a cleaning liquid, which contains cleaning agent in the form of balls or tablets dissolved therein, wherein the cleaning device is provided with a time- and/or product-cycle-dependent controller and a metering apparatus (1) for the cleaning agent (10) that interacts with the controller. Thus, it is possible to program the cleaning process in a customized manner according to the mode of operation and to carry out the cleaning process fully automatically according to the program. The metering of the cleaning agent (10) according to the program ensures an always optimal cleaning effect together with sparing use of cleaning agents. Simple and safe handling is achieved by using ball- or tablet-shaped cleaning agents.

A detergent for cleaning media is provided. The detergent comprises deionized water, between about 1% and about 5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant having an hydrophile/lipophile balance (HLB) value between about 10 and about 20, and an ethoxylation level between about 5 and about 20, between about 1% and about 5% by weight of a dispersing agent, between about 3% and about 10% by weight of a chelating agent comprising phosphonic acid, and between about 2% and about 6% by weight of an inorganic salt.

A method for slicing a plurality of wafers from a crystal includes providing a crystal of semiconductor material having a longitudinal axis, a cross section and at least one pulling edge. The crystal is fixed on a table and guided through a wire gang defined by sawing wire so as to form the wafers. The guiding is provided by a relative movement between the table and the wire gang such that entry sawing or exit sawing using the sawing wire occurs in a vicinity of the at least one pulling edge of the crystal.

A hand-operated implement has a guide bar on which is fitted a cutting chain for cutting mineral and metal materials. The cutting chain is driven around the guide bar by a chain sprocket. The chain sprocket is arranged in a chain sprocket chamber which is delimited by a chain sprocket cover. A cutting element has an outer side facing a sidewall of the chain sprocket cover which lies in a first notional plane. The distance between the sidewall and the first notional plane measured perpendicular to the first notional plane and centrally between the top of the cutting element and the peripheral wall is less than approximately 0.8 cm over at least 30% of the section between a second notional plane containing the central axis of a fixing bolt on the guide bar and the exit opening at which the cutting chain leaves the chain sprocket chamber.

A supply device for a handheld power tool for a cutting grinder includes a cutting tool and a protective cover which at least partially surrounds the cutting tool. The supply device includes a U-shaped element which can be arranged on the protective cover and via which a fluid medium can be supplied to the cutting tool. The U-shaped element has a connection piece on which a coupling element can be arranged. On the coupling element a pipeline can be connected via which the fluid medium can be supplied to the U-shaped element through the connection piece. The coupling element can be turned about the axis of rotation of the connection pieces.

The invention relates to a device for dressing a grinding wheel, comprising a sleeve to hold a corundum rod laterally and to guide it along its longitudinal axis, a ram to apply constant thrust force onto the corundum rod held in place and guided in the sleeve, to bring it into contact with the grinding wheel, means of rigidly connecting the ram shaft to the end of the corundum rod, and linear guide means for the sleeve for translating the corundum rod parallel to the axis of the grinding wheel while keeping the rod pressed against the grinding wheel with a constant force. Application to a centerless grinder in which the grinding wheel is used to grind nuclear fuel pellets.

An arrangement for a continuous casting process. The arrangement includes a vessel having a first opening for receiving molten metal in the vessel, a second opening for discharging the molten metal from the vessel, and a body extending between the first opening and the second opening, a first magnetic arrangement attached to the body, the first magnetic arrangement having a magnetic core with legs, and coils arranged around the legs, and a power system configured to provide an alternating current superimposed on a carrier current to each of the coils, each pair of alternating current and carrier current provided to a coil forming a flow control current, wherein flow control currents provided to adjacent coils are phase shifted relative each other, thereby creating a travelling magnetic field in molten metal in the vessel. A corresponding method is also presented herein.

The invention is a process and apparatus for removing a contaminant from an aromatic selective solvent. A feed stream comprising an aromatic hydrocarbon and a non-aromatic hydrocarbon is contacted with the aromatic selective solvent in an extractive distillation zone to produce a raffinate stream comprising the non-aromatic hydrocarbon, and a rich solvent stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon and the solvent. The rich solvent stream is separated in a second distillation zone to produce an extract stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon, and a lean solvent stream comprising the contaminant and the aromatic selective solvent. At least a portion of the lean solvent stream is washed with a non-aromatic hydrocarbon to produce a clean solvent stream, at least a portion of which is passed to at least one of the extractive distillation zone and the second distillation zone.

An apparatus for removably securing resilient cushioning and gripping support to a crochet hook to facilitate its manipulation. Handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook is a lightweight, resilient gripping sleeve having an interior cavity for the accommodation of a crochet hook. Complete with gripping members and an elastomeric composition, handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook provides increased comfort and decreased fatigue for a user during the completion of a handicraft project.

The invention relates to a method for determining the residual time until a cooking process of a foodstuff (12) has been finished. At first a set temperature value for a core (14) of the foodstuff (12) is defined. Next the actual temperatures in the core (14) of the foodstuff (12) at predetermined times are measured and the time dependence of the measured temperature in the core (14) of the foodstuff (12) is determined. At last the time dependence of the measured temperature is compared with the set temperature value and “the residual time of the cooking process is estimated. The invention relates further to a corresponding apparatus for determining the residual time until a cooking process of a foodstuff (12) has been finished.

In a method for controlling a cooking process of a cooking item contained in a cooking container, the sound of the cooking process is detected by means of at least one acoustic sensor and the course of the sound is directly analyzed for determining of a temperature and in particular the boiling point of the cooking item.

The present invention relates to a device to regulate the level of a liquid inside a boiler of a coffee machine, having a transparent duct connected to the boiler and designed to visibly display the level of the liquid inside the boiler, a capacitive sensor that can be positioned outside the transparent duct in determined positions and designed to generate electric signals representing the presence or absence of liquid in correspondence to the position of the sensor along the transparent duct. The sensor of the device has first measuring elements and second measuring elements, both of capacitive type; the second measuring elements are positioned at a predetermined distance from the first measuring elements, and a measuring device designed to measure the impedance between the first and second measuring elements and to generate signals indicating the presence or absence of liquid in correspondence to the position of the sensor. The invention also relates to the machine that includes this device.

The present invention provides apparatus and methods for adjusting the atmosphere within a substantially sealed chamber containing respiring produce. The chamber of the present invention includes inlet means to permit ambient atmosphere to enter the chamber, and outlet means to permit chamber atmosphere to exit the chamber. Methods using apparatus of the present invention comprise: (a) monitoring the oxygen concentration within the chamber;(b) following detection that the oxygen concentration in the chamber has fallen below a predetermined amount, opening the inlet means so that the amount of oxygen in the chamber increases; and(c) removing carbon dioxide from the chamber atmosphere substantially at a predetermined rate, the predetermined rate having been selected such that the carbon dioxide concentration within the chamber atmosphere does not substantially exceed a predetermined amount. The methods may also comprise opening the inlet means for a time that is approximately proportional to the difference between the detected oxygen concentration and an oxygen setpoint.

The present invention provides compositions and methods relating to or derived from antigen binding proteins capable of inducing B-Klotho, and or FGF21-like mediated signaling. In embodiments, the antigen binding proteins specifically bind to a complex comprising β-Klotho and at least one of (i) FGFR1c, (ii) FGFR2c and (iii) FGFR3c. In some embodiments the antigen binding proteins induce FGF21-like signaling. In some embodiments, an antigen binding protein is a fully human, humanized, or chimeric antibodies, binding fragments and derivatives of such antibodies, and polypeptides that specifically bind to a complex comprising β-Klotho and at least one of (i) FGFR1c, (ii) FGFR2c and (iii) FGFR3c. Other embodiments provide nucleic acids encoding such antigen binding proteins, and fragments and derivatives thereof, and polypeptides, cells comprising such polynucleotides, methods of making such antigen binding proteins, and fragments and derivatives thereof, and polypeptides, and methods of using such antigen binding proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, and polypeptides, including methods of treating or diagnosing subjects suffering from type 2 diabetes, obesity, NASH, metabolic syndrome and related disorders or conditions.

A brewing system includes a brewing apparatus and a capsule containing a substance for brewing. The capsule has an opening on one side and a base on an opposite side. The base includes a light input surface, a light-output surface and a light conductor to conduct light from the light input surface to the light output surface. The apparatus includes: a brewing chamber including an inlet for heated water, an outlet for the brewed beverage, and an opening in communication with the opening of the capsule. A light source on the brewing apparatus emits light into the base via the light inlet surface of the capsule. The light conductor conducts the light to the light-output surface. A light detector of the brewing apparatus detects light emitted by light-output surface on the base of the capsule. A method of operating the brewing system and a capsule system are also described.

It has unexpectedly been found that Pichia spp. strains have advantageous properties useful in the beer fermentation process. In particular, Pichia spp. yeast strains can be combined with normal beer yeast strains and different hop varieties in a fermentation process to produce synergistic effects—namely, the increased production of esters in the fermentation product. More specifically, the yeast can be used to produce increased levels of isoamyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl valerate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl decanoate and ethyl octanoate in beer. In addition, the Pichia spp. strain interacts differently with different hop varieties, so the flavor profile of beer can be tuned by using different combinations of Pichia spp. strains and hops. The present invention relates to a method of brewing beer using a Pichia spp. yeast strain and at least one hop variety, a beer obtainable by such a method and use of a Pichia spp. yeast strain according to the present invention.

A method for fixing a bearing ring on or in a component includes applying an adhesive to a surface of the bearing ring having a least one annular groove-shaped receiving space defined therein such that the adhesive at least partially fills the at least one annular groove-shaped receiving space. The adhesive is allowed to pre-cure on the surface until the adhesive is no longer sticky and then the bearing ring and the component are joined in a desired relative position, such a radial distance between a base of the at least one annular groove-shaped receiving space and the component is larger than a radial distance between the surface and the component. The adhesive is then activated so that the adhesive increases in volume and produces an adhesive bond between the bearing ring and the component.

The present invention discloses a method of manufacturing a (plastic) card with a flexible inlay. Said method comprises following steps: manufacturing a upper housing and a lower housing; coating colloidal on inner surfaces of the upper housing and the lower housing; placing the inlay in said upper housing or the lower housing; closing the upper housing and the lower housing together to have a housing-closed card; laminating the closed housings to have a finished card. Preferably, there is provided in either the upper housing or the lower housing a slot(s) in match with the inlay(s); the inlay is placed within the slot accordingly. By means of the invention, a card with flexible inlay is manufactured, for example, an intelligent card (i.e., smart card) comprising a flexible and active circuit board and a flexible display, and properties of a new kind of card with flexible inlay are guaranteed.

A method and processes to solubilize and transform phosphorus contents of rock phosphate (RP) into bio-organo-phosphate (BOP) fertilizer have been developed and integrated. The methods include collecting and sorting of organic wastes; blending with RP; subjecting the blend to biocomposting; collection, isolation, selection and growth optimization of consortia of efficient phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) and novel plant growth regulating microorganisms (PGRM); where in PSM produce organic acids and other organic compounds using compost substrate at mesophillic stage, whereas the organic acids released during composting also act in synergism of PSM, thus forming a carbon rich acidic culture resulting in the solubilization of rock phosphate.

A carrying case with a first enclosure ad at least one additional enclosure which includes a substantially rigid, and selectively removable protective compartment which must be oriented at a predetermined position for both insertion and selective removal. The selectively removable protective compartment may be adapted for isolated and secure storing of delicate or fragile items.

An apparatus that includes a suitcase and integrated support arrangements that are transformable from an extended state to provide support for a person to lie down and a stored state for ease of transport.

A method, apparatus and system for testing the self-sealing properties of a concrete sample. The method may include providing an apparatus for creating a consistent and reproducible crack in a concrete sample and creating a consistent and reproducible crack in the concrete sample with the apparatus. The method may further include providing a fluidic delivery system that provides a consistent flow of fluid for testing the self-sealing properties of the concrete sample and testing the self-sealing properties of the concrete sample with the system.

The invention relates to a method for determining the fatigue capital of a cable supporting a civil engineering structure, the method including: a measuring step (S1, S2) during which the normal tensile stress in the cable and the bending stress in the cable are measured in a synchronized manner so as to obtain the compound stress in the cable; a counting step (S3) during which a count of the number of stress cycles, depending on the amplitude of the stress, is carried out from the measured compound stresses; and a step (S4) of assessing the fatigue capital of the cable during which the fatigue capital of the cable is determined by comparing the count, carried out in the counting step, with a pre-set Wohler curve for the cable.

A manufacturing method for a cap, for a hybrid vertically integrated component having a MEMS component a relatively large cavern volume having a low cavern internal pressure, and a reliable overload protection for the micromechanical structure of the MEMS component. A cap structure is produced in a flat cap substrate in a multistep anisotropic etching, and includes at least one mounting frame having at least one mounting surface and a stop structure, on the cap inner side, having at least one stop surface, the surface of the cap substrate being masked for the multistep anisotropic etching with at least two masking layers made of different materials, and the layouts of the masking layers and the number and duration of the etching steps being selected so that the mounting surface, the stop surface, and the cap inner side are situated at different surface levels of the cap structure.

A clothes treatment apparatus and a method for controlling a clothes treatment apparatus are provided. The clothes treatment apparatus may include a drying duct, a first blower fan located in the drying duct that circulates interior air within the drying duct, and a filter located in the drying duct. The method may include sensing clogging of the filter, and switching a flow of air passing through the filter from a first direction to an opposite second direction if clogging of the filter is sensed. The method may further include a washing cycle for washing clothes, and a drying cycle for drying the clothes. An implementation time of the washing cycle may be less than an implementation time of the drying cycle.

An expandable and collapsible enclosure is provided for a garment refreshing appliance. The appliance has at least either a top or a bottom rigid housing structure. The enclosure comprises a wall structure extending substantially an entire height of the enclosure. The wall structure is made of a flexible material. An opening is provided in the wall structure through which garments can be introduced into or removed from the enclosure. A zipper is attached at the opening to selectively open and close the opening. A snap attachment mechanism is located at either or both of the top and a bottom of the wall structure for securing the wall structure to the top and/or bottom rigid housing structures.

Apparatus and associated method for sharpening a cutting edge of a tool. In accordance with some embodiments, a side of the tool is placed in contacting engagement against a reverse sharpening guide surface to orient the tool at an acute angle with respect to an abrasive surface, with the abrasive surface extending in a lateral direction from a first end to a second end and the reverse sharpening guide surface located proximate the first end. The tool is moved away from the reverse sharpening guide surface and along the abrasive surface in the lateral direction toward the second end while nominally maintaining the tool at the acute angle so that a cutting edge of the tool is sharpened against the abrasive surface in a trailing cutting edge orientation with a top surface of the tool opposite the cutting edge maintained closer to the second end than the cutting edge.

A method for the manufacture of a cutting tool provided with a tool holder (1) to which a cutter (2) is separably attached, includes applying a generative production process to a tool base body (3) to create the tool holder (1) with a desired finished shape.

A multi-rod hand-held sharpener includes a handle with an outer grip surface for a hand of a user, a first abrasive rod having a first outer abrasive surface with a first abrasiveness level, and a second abrasive rod having a second outer abrasive surface with a second abrasiveness level different from the first abrasiveness level. At least one guide surface extends toward the first sharpening surface at a selected guide angle non-orthogonal to the first sharpening surface. The user contactingly engages a side of the tool against the guide surface and a cutting edge of the tool against the first abrasive surface, and then advances the side of the tool away from the guide surface and the cutting edge against the first abrasive surface while maintaining the tool at the selected guide angle. An optional second guide adjacent the second abrasive surface at a different angle facilitates micro-beveling.

A method for configuring and operating one or more fitness studios each comprising a plurality of exercise stations at which users perform associated exercise routines, each station having an associated display, the method comprising, for each fitness studio, periodically retrieving, by a server from a database, fitness information for the studio in question for a specified period, from a multi-period fitness library; communicating, by the server to a studio computer, the retrieved fitness information over a communications network; periodically receiving, by the studio computer, the retrieved fitness information; configuring the exercise stations dependent upon the received fitness information; and communicating, by the studio computer to the exercise station displays, dependent upon the received fitness information, station directions to users exercising at the stations for performing an exercise.

The present invention discloses a drive device for a rotor of s carousel door, In addition to a main drive motor (10), which has a main-drive-motor shaft (12), the drive device according to the invention comprises a secondary drive motor (12) with a secondary-drive-motor shaft (22). The main-drive-motor shaft (12) is coupled at least indirectly to the secondary-drive-motor shaft (22, 62) in terms of rotation, and therefore the secondary-drive-motor shaft (22, 62) is coupled to the rotor in terms of movement.

A spiral wrapping for an ironer roller for a chest ironer. Chest ironers have at least one rotatably drivable ironer roller, the lower half of which is surrounded by a stationary ironer bed. The ironer roller is surrounded by an outer spiral wrapping which comes into contact with the item of laundry to be treated. The spiral wrapping is provided with an outer layer produced from a coarse woven fabric which has a higher coefficient of friction. The coefficient of friction of the coarse woven fabric does not alter as the age of the spiral wrapping increases. This means that even in the case of older spiral wrappings, there is sufficient frictional engagement between the spiral wrapping, namely the outer layer, and the item of laundry to be smoothed out.

A composite hose includes a tubular body of flexible material for transferring cryogenic fluid through the hose and for preventing fluid leakage through the body. The tubular body includes an inner wire helix spirally wound along the length of the hose, an outer wire helix spirally wound along the length of the hose, at least two reinforcing layers placed in between the inner and outer wire, at least one sealing layer placed between two reinforcing layers, an end fitting at both ends of the tubular body, each end fitting provided with a part for connection to another hose flange and an elongated cylindrical part, which is divided in an anchoring area for anchoring the tubular body and a static sealing area for fluid tight sealing of the hose. A gas tight sealing is created by bonding the at least one sealing layer to the cylindrical part over a ring shaped bonding area.

A system and method for changing a flow rate and direction of dry bulk material supplied from an elevated source, via an angled spout to an adjustable spout end having no internal baffles therein and having readily interchangeable wear pads therein which are accessible through an access door.

A device for stopping and/or aligning transport goods on a conveying device, in particular a roller conveyor, device has a main part and a stopping device that can be moved out of the main part into a conveying path of the conveying device in order to stop and/or align the transport goods that are transported along the conveying path. The stopping device comprises at least two separate stops that can be moved between a working position, which projects into the conveying plane, and a rest position, which is retracted with respect to the conveying plane, by means of a common actuator device.

A method of reducing an initial stress on a cable includes stretching the cable to a first length to thereby define the initial stress. The cable has a central longitudinal axis, and includes a plurality of wires each twisted around the axis and formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable in response to a signal between a first state wherein each of the wires has a first temperature-dependent length, and a second state wherein each of the wires has a second temperature-dependent length that is less than the first. After stretching, the method includes activating the alloy by exposing the alloy to the signal such that the alloy transitions from the first to the second temperature-dependent state. Concurrent to activating, the method includes elongating the cable to a second length that is greater than the first to define a second stress on the cable that is less than the first.

A method puts into operation a clearing apparatus suitable for picking up ballast and is disposed in an endless configuration during employment so as to encircle a railroad track. The clearing apparatus has a horizontal cross-duct which, prior to a start of the employment, is intended to be positioned below the railroad track and connected, on the one hand, to a rising duct and, on the other hand, to a return duct of the clearing apparatus. The method includes displacing ties of the railroad track in a longitudinal direction of the railroad track to create a tie gap; lowering the cross-duct through the tie gap between two rails of the railroad track and transferred, below the ties, into a working position extending crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the railroad track; and connecting the cross-duct to the rising duct and to the return duct.

An automated variable speed control system for a cutter head of a dredging cutter has a cutter head and a pump. The pump pumps cuttings from the cutter head through a cuttings discharge line. A sensor monitors amperage draw of the pump. A controller controls speed of movement of the cutter head based upon data received from the sensor. The controller increases a speed of movement of the cutter head through the materials when the amperage draw of the pump falls below the determined amperage range and the controller decreases the speed of movement of the cutter head through the materials when the amperage draw of the pump exceeds the determined amperage range.

A pouch with multiple tear areas is provided. In one embodiment instructions are provided for resealing with heat. In one embodiment a zip-lock type reseal can be used in place of one of the multiple tear areas.

A method for providing an encapsulated flavorant or chemesthetic agent in a smoking article includes forming an emulsion including: (i) a first aqueous solution, comprising one or more cross-linkable polysaccharides; and (ii) a hydrophobic additive comprising one or more flavorants or chemesthetic agents. The method also includes extruding the emulsion into a second aqueous solution in the form of an elongated structure, cross-linking at least a portion of the one or more cross-linkable polysaccharides, removing the cross-linked elongated structure from the second aqueous solution, introducing the cross-linked elongated structure into a filter, or into a rod including a smoking composition, or both; and forming the filter or the rod of the smoking composition into a smoking article. The method can include a drying step.