ul

Combine harvester grain bulk tank unloading system

A combine harvester grain bulk tank and grain unloading system includes opposed bulk tank augers and an unloading auger formed in a grain bulk tank of a combine harvester. The bulk tank augers are for receiving and conveying grain through the bulk tank to the unloading auger, and the unloading auger is for receiving grain from the bulk tank augers and conveying grain to a grain unloading spout for grain unloading. A primary drive gear is coupled to the unloading auger and to an input, a secondary drive gear is drivingly coupled to the bulk tank augers, and a clutch is coupled between the primary drive gear and the secondary drive gear, which is movable between an engaged position for transferring power from the input to the unloading auger and to the bulk tank augers, and a disengaged position for isolating the bulk tank augers from the primary drive gear.




ul

Boom drive apparatus, multi-arm robot apparatus, electronic device processing systems, and methods for transporting substrates in electronic device manufacturing systems with web extending from hub

Boom drive apparatus for substrate transport systems and methods are described. The boom drive apparatus is adapted to drive one or more multi-arm robots rotationally mounted to the boom to efficiently put or pick substrates. The boom drive apparatus has a boom including a hub, a web, a first pilot above the web, and a second pilot below the web, a first driving member rotationally mounted to the first pilot, a second driving member rotationally mounted to the second pilot, a first driven member rotationally mounted to the boom above the a web, a second driven member rotationally mounted to the boom below the a web, and a first and second transmission members coupling the driving members to driven members located outboard on the boom. Numerous other aspects are provided.




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Manipulator and path generation method thereof

A manipulator and a method of generating the shortest path along which the manipulator moves to grip an object without collision with the object models a target object and a gripper into a spherical shape, measures a current position of the gripper and a position of the target object and a target position of the gripper, calculates an arc-shaped path in a two-dimensional plane along which the gripper needs to move by calculating an included angle of a triangle consisting of the position of the object and the current position and target position of the gripper, transforms the arc-shaped path in the two-dimensional plane into an arc-shaped path in a three-dimensional space using a transform matrix consisting of the position of the object and the current position and target position of the gripper, thereby automatically generating the shortest path of the manipulator.




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Input device, image reading device, and image forming apparatus to authenticate the user based on a result received by input section

An input device includes a display section, an input section, and an authentication section. The display section has a display area and displays a plurality of symbols in respective first regions of the display area. The input section receives an input indicating which of the plurality of symbols displayed on the display section is selected by a user by specifying a position in the display area. The authentication section authenticates the user based a result received by the input section. The input section receives an input indicating which of the plurality of symbols is selected, by receiving an input indicating which of a plurality of second regions allocated to each first region is selected. The authentication section authenticates the user based on the first region corresponding to the selected symbol from among the plurality of first regions and the second region selected from among the plurality of second regions.




ul

Method of determining a turbulent condition in an aircraft

A method of determining a turbulent condition in an aircraft with a handheld device where the handheld device has at least one of a gyroscope, seismometer, and an accelerometer where the method includes receiving an output from the at least one of the gyroscope, seismometer, and accelerometer while the handheld device is located within the aircraft and providing an indication of a turbulent condition.




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On board vehicle diagnostic module

The present disclosure describes a microprocessor executable diagnostic module operable to receive, from a vehicle component, a signal regarding a warning and/or error and select a destination for the signal from a plurality of destinations, the plurality of destinations comprising one or more of a vehicle input/output system to present the warning and/or error to a vehicle occupant, an emergency service provider, an emergency responder, a manufacturer of the vehicle, a service facility located in proximity to a current vehicle location, and a remotely located diagnostic service to diagnose a cause of the warning and/or error signal.




ul

Navigation system acquisition and use of cellular coverage map data

A mobile device can obtain wireless network signal strength map data that indicates, for various nearby geographical regions, the wireless network signal strength in each such region. A mobile device can transmit that data to a vehicular navigation system responsible for automatically selecting a high-quality route of vehicular travel between a specified source and destination. The system can take the wireless network signal map data into account when selecting that route. When selecting from among multiple different routes of vehicular travel between a specified source and destination, the system may employ an algorithm that considers wireless network signal strengths along those routes, in addition to the other factors. Consequently, the system can select a longer route having better signal strength over a shorter route having worse signal strength. The system can present the selected route within a set of suggested routes, potentially along with reasons for each route's suggestion.




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Method for determining the content of hydrogen sulfide in crude and residual oils

The subject of the invention is a method for determining the H2S content arising during the warm storage of sulfur-containing crude and residual oils and mineral distillates containing sulfur-containing crude and/or residual oils, in which a sample of the sulfur-containing mineral oil is dissolved in a solvent or solvent mixture that boils at more than 200° C. and a carrier gas is caused to flow through the solution of the sulfur-containing mineral oil at temperatures above 80° C., and the quantity of hydrogen sulfide carried out with the carrier gas is analyzed quantitatively.




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Preparation of an optical PH sensor based on fluorescein and 1-heptanesulfonic acid sodium Co-intercalated layered double hydroxide

This invention relates to the field of preparation technology of optical pH sensor by co-intercalated fluorescein and 1-heptanesulfonic acid sodium into layered double hydroxide. The sensor is composed by conductive materials and the surface LDH films by co-interacted FLU and HES. The synthesis method is: first: synthesis of LDH colloid suspension, subsequently, the FLU and HES co-intercalated LDH colloid solution was prepared following the ion-exchange method, then the thin film of FLU-HES/LDH was spreaded on the surface of the conductive material by electrophoretic deposition, and the oriental pH sensor was synthesized. The advantages of the present invention is: first, the LDH matrix provides chromophore molecules with a confined and stable environment; the novel electrophoretic deposition strategy in this work provides a method for precise control of thickness (ranging from nanometers to micrometers), and the oriental pH sensor show good pH responsive.




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Molecularly imprinted polymer for detecting the pentraxin, and method for preparing same

The present disclosure relates to a molecularly imprinted structure for detection of a pentraxin protein and a method for preparing the same by synthesizing a reactive group-pentraxin protein ligand complex specifically reacting with the pentraxin protein and being polymerizable with a crosslink agent to detect a pentraxin protein by using the complex. The present disclosure also provides a chip for detection of a C-reactive protein and a method for preparing the same, the chip including a molecularly imprinted layer having excellent sensitivity to a C-reactive protein and an improved binding force to a metal substrate by using click chemistry.




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Molecularly imprinted polymer sensor systems and related methods

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensor including a substrate, two or more electrodes, a conductive layer applied to the substrate and a molecularly imprinted polymer layer applied to the conductive layer is disclosed herein The MIP sensor may form part of an MIP sensor system that can be used to detect and quantify target molecules.




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Mass spectrometry of steroidal compounds in multiplexed patient samples

The invention relates to the quantitative measurement of steroidal compounds by mass spectrometry. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for quantitative measurement of steroidal compounds from multiple samples by mass spectrometry.




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Method for producing molecule immobilizing substrate, and molecule immobilizing substrate

There is disclosed a method for producing a molecule immobilizing substrate, comprising at least the steps of: forming, on a substrate, a monomolecular film including hydroxyl groups, cyano groups, or oxiranyl groups, which are oriented toward an outmost surface of the monomolecular film; andchemically modifying the hydroxyl groups, cyano groups, or oxiranyl groups of the monomolecular film to transform them into carboxyl groups, to thereby form, on the substrate, the monomolecular film including the carboxyl groups, which are oriented toward an outmost surface of the monomolecular film. There can be provided: a method for producing a molecule immobilizing substrate which is free of occurrence of an immobilized-molecule peeling problem in the case of conducting an assay by immobilizing molecules on the substrate.




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Biomolecule fixing board and method of manufacturing the same

This invention provides a biomolecule modifying substrate comprising biomolecules selectively fixed to given regions thereon. The biomolecule modifying substrate comprises: a substrate at least comprising a first surface and a second surface; a first linker molecule comprising a hydrocarbon chain and a functional group capable of selectively binding to the first surface at one end of the hydrocarbon chain, which is bound to the first surface via such functional group; a second linker molecule comprising a reactive group capable of binding to the hydrocarbon chain of the first linker molecule, which is bound to the first linker molecule via a bond between the reactive group and the hydrocarbon chain; and a biomolecule bound thereto via the second linker molecule.




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Sliding sleeve for circular stapling instrument reloads

A surgical stapling device and method for joining tissue portions are provided including a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly supported on a distal end of the elongate body, and an anvil assembly at a distal end of the surgical stapling device. The anvil assembly includes a shaft for removably coupling the anvil assembly to the cartridge assembly and a head pivotally mounted to a distal end of the shaft. A sleeve member is slidably disposed about the shaft of the anvil assembly and is transitionable between a first position, where the sleeve member engages the head of the anvil assembly to secure the head in an un-tilted condition, and a second position, where the sleeve member is disengaged from the head of the anvil assembly to allow the head to tilt.




ul

Circular stapler including buttress

A surgical stapling device for joining tissue portions includes a handle assembly, and a tubular body portion having a staple cartridge assembly containing a plurality of surgical staples in an annular array. The surgical stapling device includes an anvil assembly having a shaft for removably connecting the anvil assembly to the tubular body portion. The anvil assembly and the tubular body portion are juxtaposed with respect to one another along the shaft and are arranged so as to be approximated with respect to one another. The surgical stapling device includes a buttress material supported by the tubular body portion and disposed between the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge assembly. The surgical stapling device includes a suture material that is adapted for engagement with the tubular body portion and the buttress material to secure the buttress material to the tubular body portion.




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Multi-use loading unit

A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a channel and a removable assembly in releasable engagement with the channel. The removable assembly includes a cartridge body and a support plate. The cartridge body includes an engagement structure disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof. The support plate is configured to mechanically engage the cartridge body and includes an engagement structure disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof. The engagement structure of the cartridge body is configured for longitudinal alignment with the engagement structure of the support plate. The engagement structures of the cartridge body and the engagement structure of the support plate are configured to mechanically engage the engagement structure of the channel when the removable assembly is engaged with the channel.




ul

Circular stapler and staple line reinforcement material

A surgical stapling instrument includes a staple cartridge assembly having a plurality of rows of staple receiving slots and an anvil assembly having a plurality of rows of staple forming recesses. The staple cartridge assembly, the anvil assembly, or both have one or more attachment members overmolded thereon. A staple line reinforcement material is attached to the attachment members.




ul

Surgical device having multiple drivers

A surgical device is provided, the surgical device including a first driver for performing a first movement function; a second driver for performing a second movement function; a first rotatable drive shaft configured, upon actuation, to cause selective engagement of one of the first and second drivers with a second rotatable drive shaft, wherein the second rotatable drive shaft is configured to drive the selectively engaged one of the first and second drivers. Third and fourth drivers may also be included. The drivers may function to rotate a shaft portion of the surgical device relative to, and about the longitudinal axis of, a handle; move a jaw portion relative to the shaft portion; move a first jaw relative to a second jaw; and/or move a surgical member within the second jaw.




ul

Circular stapler with increased lumen diameter

A surgical stapling device is provided having a shell assembly including an outer housing portion having areas of varying wall thicknesses. Individual staple pockets in a row of staple pockets are positioned in areas of thinner wall thicknesses. Areas of increased wall thicknesses form longitudinally extending strengthening ribs along an inner surface of the outer housing portion. The longitudinally extending strengthening ribs may be solid, indented in the wall of the outer housing portion and or bisected by a slot extending through the outer housing portion.




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Locking articulation mechanism

A surgical device including a handle assembly, an elongated body extending from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism connected to the handle assembly and configured to selectively articulate and lock an articulable tool assembly in one or more positions is provided. The articulation mechanism includes a main shaft member mounted for rotation and connected to an articulation linkage, a locking member configured to be received about the shaft portion of the main shaft member, the locking member defining a plurality of notches, an articulation handle fixedly secured to shaft portion of the main shaft member and configured for rotation relative to the locking member, and a lug member operatively mounted on the articulation handle and including a locking tab configured to be selectively received within a notch of the plurality of notches formed in the locking member.




ul

Circular stapling devices with tissue-puncturing anvil features

Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed. Various embodiments have a tissue-piercing feature.




ul

Articulated surgical instrument

An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a shaft defining a lumen therein; articulation bands extending through and slidable generally longitudinally within the lumen of the shaft; an end effector affixed to the articulation bands; and generally annular segments positioned about the articulation bands along at least a portion of the length of the articulation bands to define an articulated region, where the segments laterally constrain the articulation bands.




ul

Feeder belt actuation mechanism for true multi-fire surgical stapler

One example of a surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt, a plurality of staples frangibly connected to the feeder belt, and at least one pull tab extending laterally from the feeder belt. An example of a surgical method of treating tissue within the body of a patient may include providing at least one feeder belt and staples frangibly connected thereto, and at least one wedge movable relative to the feeder belt; moving at least one wedge in a first direction to contact and thereby form and shear at least one staple from at least one feeder belt; and moving at least one wedge in a second direction to engage and advance the feeder belt.




ul

Circular stapling instrument

A circular stapling instrument including a stapling forming assembly that is actuated independently from actuation of the cutting assembly is provided. The instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly mounted on a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher and a knife assembly. The knife assembly is selectively fixed relative to the pusher.




ul

Fullerene derivatives and their metal complexes

A fullerene derivative, with a solubility in n-hexane of not lower that 0.1 mg/ml at 25° C., includes a fullerene skeleton and three or more organic groups attached to the fullerene skeleton, where each of the organic groups is represented by the general formula (III): —CH2—X (R2)(R3)(R4) (III) where X represents an element belonging to the group 14 in the periodic table; and R2, R3 and R4 may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, hydrocarbon group, alkoxy group or amino group.




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Synthesis method of metal cyclopentadienide in bulk

The present invention relates to a synthesis method of metal cyclopentadienide by direct reaction of dicyclopentadiene with a group 1 metal in the presence of an aprotic solvent. Unlike the conventional method depending on retro Diels-Alder reaction of dicyclopentadiene to generate indirectly cyclopentadiene, the method of the present invention favors generation of cyclopentadiene and metal cyclopentadienide as well by adding dicyclopentadiene directly when the reaction temperature reaches to the boiling point of a reaction solvent.




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In-line automated dual or selective multi-hole punch

A device and method for creating multiple punch holes during a finishing process of paper sheets and other sheet materials. The improved sheet punch including two rotatable punches set at different angles such that when one intersects the sheet path, the other clears the sheet path. The speed of rotation is controlled such that the non-selected punch intersects the sheet path in a space between pitches.




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In-line automated perforation method using selective multi-hole punch

A method for creating multiple punch holes during a finishing process of paper sheets and other sheet materials. A highlight of the present invention is the ability to select between at least two configurations of punch holes automatically, without manual adjustment, and “on-the-fly” without interruption of the sheet or paper flow. The perforation method utilizes two rotatable punches set at different angles such that when one intersects the sheet path, the other clears the sheet path. The speed of rotation is controlled such that the non-selected punch intersects the sheet path in a space between pitches.




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Quick-extraction punch-holder adapter for converting punching machines from a single-punch to a multiple-punch configuration

A punching machine comprising at least one punching head including a support body having a first end delimiting a peripheral shoulder, a second end, and at least two parallel seats being angularly spaced from one another and extending through said support body from said first end to said second end; a punching tool holder slibably mounted in at least one of said seats; a multiplicity of removable resilient means angularly spaced from one another, each having a first end resting on said peripheral shoulder and a second end facing away from said peripheral shoulder; an annular cap member arranged in front and spaced from said peripheral shoulder and designed to abut against said second end of said resilient means; a rotor member mounted for rotation on said annular cap member and having an inner face thereof facing towards said punching tool holder; a sliding member projecting from said inner face and arranged to slide onto said punching tool holder when said rotor member rotates; and driving means designed to stepwise drive said rotor member, whereby locating said sliding member onto a pre-selected punching tool holder.




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360 degree rotatable lifter arm for log singulator

The present invention discloses a log sawing system comprising multiple cutting blades. The multiple cutting blades are positioned to cut laterally or perpendicular to the centerline of the log which is to be cut. The logs are transported into cutting position using some type of log positioner. The multiple cutting blades are rotatably mounted on an arm which is pivotally mounted on a shaft in groups, being driven by an electrical or like motor, all of which are mounted onto a platform positioned adjacent to the log to be cut. Hydraulic lifters are used to partially rotate the saw blades into the cutting position adjacent the log. Means utilizing a computer and lasers are provided to develop a log cutting solution to best utilize the logs.




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Multiple punch and die assembly providing hand disassembly, punch length adjustment and replacement

A multiple punch and multiple die assembly has a workpiece protector which is a punch lifter that is operatively associated with each punch for supporting each of the punches in an inactive position as an active punch is moved by the ram to the active, i.e. operating position to thereby eliminate scoring or marking of the sheet material or other workpiece that is being punched. To eliminate the need for hand tools and hand assembly or disassembly, a manually moveable retainer on the punch assembly is provided that can be moved by hand between a punch-releasing and punch-retaining position for holding the punches within the multi-punch assembly during operation. To prevent stress fractures that formerly occurred in die carriers, support of each die is distributed between two different die components thereby reducing impact stress on the carrier as the ram drives the punch through the workpiece.




ul

Fabrication method of multi-domain vertical alignment pixel structure

A fabrication method of a multi-domain vertical alignment pixel structure includes providing a substrate, forming a gate on the substrate, and forming an insulating layer on the substrate. A channel layer and a semiconductor layer are formed on the insulating layer. A source, a drain, and a capacitor-coupling electrode are formed. A passivation layer is formed to cover the source, the drain, a part of the channel layer, and a part of the semiconductor layer. A via hole is formed in the passivation layer to expose the drain, and a trench is formed in the passivation layer and the insulating layer. A lateral etched groove on the sidewall of the trench is formed to expose the side edge of the semiconductor layer. A first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode are formed on the passivation layer at both sides of the trench, respectively.




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Multi-well sample plate cover penetration system

An apparatus for penetrating a cover over a multi-well sample plate containing at least one individual sample well includes a cutting head, a cutter extending from the cutting head, and a robot. The cutting head is connected to the robot wherein the robot moves the cutting head and cutter so that the cutter penetrates the cover over the multi-well sample plate providing access to the individual sample well. When the cutting head is moved downward the foil is pierced by the cutter that splits, opens, and folds the foil inward toward the well. The well is then open for sample aspiration but has been protected from cross contamination.




ul

Multiple punch and die assembly providing hand disassembly, punch length adjustment and replacement

A multiple punch and multiple die assembly has a workpiece protector as a punch lifter that is operatively associated with each punch for supporting each of the punches in an inactive position as an active punch is moved by the ram to the active, i.e. operating position to thereby eliminate scoring or marking of the sheet material or other workpiece that is being punched. To eliminate the need for hand tools and hand assembly or disassembly, a manually moveable retainer on the punch assembly is provided that can be moved by hand between a punch-releasing and punch-retaining position for holding the punches within the multi-punch assembly during operation. To prevent stress fractures that formerly occurred in die carriers, support of each die is distributed between two different die components thereby reducing impact stress on the carrier as the ram drives the punch through the workpiece.




ul

Multiple punch and die assembly

A multiple punch and multiple die assembly has a workpiece protector which is a punch lifter that is operatively associated with each punch for supporting each of the punches in an inactive position as an active punch is moved by the ram to the active, i.e. operating position to thereby eliminate scoring or marking of the sheet material or other workpiece that is being punched. To eliminate the need for hand tools and hand assembly or disassembly, a manually moveable retainer on the punch assembly is provided that can be moved by hand between a punch-releasing and punch-retaining position for holding the punches within the multi-punch assembly during operation. To prevent stress fractures that formerly occurred in die carriers, support of each die is distributed between two different die components thereby reducing impact stress on the carrier as the ram drives the punch through the workpiece.




ul

Multi-dimensional print cutting head

An apparatus and article for cutting print media associated with a printing process. A media cutting logic-controlled head is incorporated into printing hardware. The cutting head is provided with a plurality of cutting devices that may be implemented in the form of cutting pins. Control logic is provided to individually control an extension or actuation of each of the cutting devices. Multiple cutting devices may be simultaneously extended and retracted or activated and deactivated, to cut the media at multiple locations. The cutting head can be integrated with any of existing printers transforming a printer into a media cutting device capable of cutting two-dimensional complex shapes at the full line speed without requiring change in speed or reversal of the media at any point.




ul

Multiple punch and die assembly providing hand disassembly, punch length adjustment and replacement

A multiple punch and multiple die assembly has a workpiece protector as a punch lifter that is operatively associated with each punch for supporting each of the punches in an inactive position as an active punch is moved by the ram to the active, i.e. operating position to thereby eliminate scoring or marking of the sheet material or other workpiece that is being punched. To eliminate the need for hand tools and hand assembly or disassembly, a manually moveable retainer on the punch assembly is provided that can be moved by hand between a punch-releasing and punch-retaining position for holding the punches within the multi-punch assembly during operation. To prevent stress fractures that formerly occurred in die carriers, support of each die is distributed between two different die components thereby reducing impact stress on the carrier as the ram drives the punch through the workpiece.




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Methods for producing multiple food extrudates

An apparatus for forming a single extrudable food stream such as a cooked cereal dough into a plurality of differently colored and/or flavored dough streams is disclosed including an extruder having screw augers for advancing a plastic food mass, a head or manifold for dividing the plastic food mass into a plurality of substreams each in turn in fluid communication with a plurality of sub-divided dough passageways, and a die head having a plurality of die ports. Each subpassage is separately supplied an additive and has disposed therein a multiplicity of in-line static mixer elements to admix the additive into the substreams of the plastic food mass before passage through the die ports. In a preferred form, first and second substreams are intermixed in a non-homogenous manner before reaching the exit ports. The extrudates are severed into individual pieces by a rotary cutter.




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Omega-3 enriched fish oil-in-water parenteral nutrition emulsions

An emulsion is provided including: an oil component and a water component, the oil component including: fish oil triglycerides in an amount of about 60% to about 90% based on the weight of the oil component; wherein the fish oil triglycerides include omega-3 fatty acids, expressed as triglycerides, in an amount of at least 60%, based on the total weight of the fatty acids of the fish oil triglycerides; wherein the fish oil triglycerides include a total amount of EPA and DHA, expressed as triglycerides, of at least 45%, based on the total weight of the fatty acids of the fish oil triglycerides; and, at least one medium-chain triglyceride, wherein a total amount of the at least one medium-chain triglyceride is from about 10% to about 40% based on the weight of the oil component.




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Flavoring substance-included cellulose

The present invention concerns a flavoring substance-included cellulose, comprising or consisting of cellulose and flavoring substances included in the cellulose, methods for producing such flavoring substance-included celluloses, and mixtures comprising flavoring substance according to the invention.




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Laser-welded joint structure between insulation frame and bearing cup of fan and method of forming same

A laser-welded joint structure between insulation frame and bearing cup of fan includes a base having a bearing cup and a stator having at least one insulation frame. The insulation frame includes a sleeve portion defining a bore axially extending therethrough. The sleeve portion is provided on an inner wall surface with at least one pressing section that radially projects into the bore to press a lower side against an upper end of the bearing cup and a bearing received therein. A portion of at least one lateral side of each pressing section that is in contact with the upper end of the bearing cup is melted by laser beam to form a laser-welded joint, so that the insulation frame and the bearing cup are integrally connected together at reduced manufacturing cost and have increased structural strength. A method of forming the laser-welded joint structure is also disclosed.




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Heat dissipating module

A heat dissipating module includes a housing, a first fan and a second fan. The housing has a partition. The first fan is disposed at a side of the partition, and the second fan is disposed at the other side of the partition. The second fan has a plurality of wind deflectors, which are disposed higher than the partition.




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Camera protection module for portable device case

A mobile device case defining an aperture and a camera protection module within the aperture. The camera protection module may be a separate element from the case shell or may be formed as an integral part of shell.




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Camera module with threadless lens barrel engagement design

A camera module with a lens barrel containing a lens, and a lens carrier that slidably receives the lens barrel. Each of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a seating surface formed thereon. One of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a plurality of protrusions for controlling the relative position of the lens barrel and the lens carrier. The other of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a plurality of channels that are sized and arranged so as to slidably receive the protrusions to allow for the lens barrel to be slid into the lens carrier. The channels also each include a transverse section to allow the lens barrel to be pivoted about an optical axis of the lens barrel.




ul

Method and apparatus for determining linear position using multiple magnetic field sensors

The linear position of an object is estimated using multiple magnetic field sensors and a magnet. The multiple magnetic field sensors are held in fixed relation to one another and in moving relation with respect to the magnet. Readings of the first and second magnetic field sensors and the fixed distance between the first and second magnetic field sensors may be used to estimate the linear position. In some embodiments, an estimated frequency of an approximately sinusoidal field versus position characteristic is also used as part of the estimation.




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Modular blow molded shed with connectors

The present invention provides a system, or kit, of blow molded panels having integrally formed connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The corner sections, roof, wall and floor panels are formed of blow molded plastic with integrally formed connectors to interlock with one another. In one embodiment, the ends of the wall panels have locking plugs that are constructed and arranged to fit into corresponding sockets and slide to an engaged position for interlocking cooperative engagement rigidly connecting the components together.




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Hand manipulated construction vehicle toy

This invention relates to hand manipulated toy construction equipment such as backhoes, trucks, etc. In one embodiment, the truck body is hollow at one end so that the truck may be manipulated by inserting one's arm into the truck body and grasping and manipulating a transverse dowel handle. Spring-loaded means are provided within the truck body and are coupled to the dumper to control the motion of the equipment. A sound module is also provided to simulate construction sounds.




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Simplified modularized contact type of conductive building block

A simplified modularized contact type of conductive building block includes: a brick, at least one pair of conductive pieces, a circuit board and a base. The brick includes at least one pair of studs projected from a top thereof. The conductive piece has an insertion electrode and a connection electrode respectively disposed at two ends thereof and a contact electrode disposed between the insertion electrode and the connection electrode. The conductive pieces are inserted through the insertion through holes of the circuit board. The circuit board includes a positive electrode circuit and a negative electrode circuit respectively contacted with the at least one pair of the conductive pieces. The conductive pieces are further inserted through the through holes of the base. The circuit board and the base are fixed in the brick.




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Assembly kit for creating three-dimensional formations, especially toy structures from prefabricated modular building blocks

An improved set of toy building or construction blocks, each block having a substantially square cross-section and a generally rectilinear configuration. Incorporated into the structure of the individual toy blocks are transversely oriented slots, grooves and protrusions of predetermined size and location. The slots, grooves and protrusions of pre-determined size and location are of either male or female configuration disposed medially along one or more plane of each block. When the male protrusion of one block is introduced perpendicular to the female slot of one end of another block, a frictional engagement is created resulting in a right angle. When the male protrusion of one block is introduced to the female slot in a linear fashion the result is a line segment. Joining a plurality of said toy building or construction blocks using various perpendicular connections in conjunction with linear connections results in the stable formation of construction or geometric structures without the use of fasteners or other connecting elements.