Abstract: Direct-contact evaporators, suitable (for example) to humidify a stream of air, and direct-contact condensers, suitable (for example) to dehumidify a stream of air, are provided. In the disclosed direct-contact evaporators, heat and mass are transferred from a hot liquid stream to a cooler gas stream, while in the disclosed direct-contact condensers, heat and mass are transferred from a hot gas stream to a cooler liquid stream. Methods for humidifying and/or dehumidifying air and evaporating and/or condensing water using such direct-contact evaporators and condensers are also provided, as are humidification/dehumidification (HDH) water desalination systems comprising such direct-contact evaporators and condensers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying and authenticating a user profile, allowing the use of services connected to a multimedia system on-board a motor vehicle (2), the multimedia system comprising a memory (221) comprising a user profile for a portable device (5), the vehicle comprising a first device for communicating with a remote server (3), the remote server comprising a memory (222) and a second system for communicating with the portable device, the portable device (5) comprising a memory, the method comprising a step of detecting the presence of a portable device (5), if a portable device (5) is detected, the method comprises a step of receiving authentication information of the user, a step of transmitting the authentication information to the remote server, a step of verifying the authentication information, and a step of the multimedia system receiving a confirmation of the use of the user profile if the authentication information is compliant.

Abstract: A facility for causing the refill of prescriptions is described. The facility conducts a conversational exchange with a person. From the exchange, the facility discerns (1) an intent of refilling a prescription, and (2) an identification of a prescription to be fulfilled. In response to this discerning, the facility causes a pharmacy refill order to be placed on behalf of the person for the identified prescription.

Abstract: An exoskeleton to support and move a large character costume and to transfer weight of the costume away from a performer's body. The exoskeleton includes a spine including an elongated and rigid vertical member and also includes a waist ring configured to extend about a waist of a performer using the exoskeleton in a spaced apart manner. A lower end of the spine is attached to a rear center portion of the waist ring. The exoskeleton includes a pair of leg assemblies each pivotally coupled on opposite sides of the waist ring. Each of the leg assemblies is spaced apart from a leg of the performer and extends below a foot of the performer, whereby weight is transmitted to a support surface. Each of the leg assemblies may include at least one passive assist mechanism configured to assist the performer in moving the exoskeleton with bipedal locomotion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying and authenticating a user profile, allowing the use of services connected to a multimedia system on-board a motor vehicle (2), the multimedia system comprising a memory (221) comprising a user profile for a portable device (5), the vehicle comprising a first device for communicating with a remote server (3), the remote server comprising a memory (222) and a second system for communicating with the portable device, the portable device (5) comprising a memory, the method comprising a step of detecting the presence of a portable device (5), if a portable device (5) is detected, the method comprises a step of receiving authentication information of the user, a step of transmitting the authentication information to the remote server, a step of verifying the authentication information, and a step of the multimedia system receiving a confirmation of the use of the user profile if the authentication information is compliant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for creating a mixed reality environment. A mixed reality system includes a performance area for generating a mixed reality environment, a motion determination module that determines and tracks the motion of an object within the performance area, a physical article module that generates a physical article within the performance area, and a mixed reality display that displays a virtual article within the performance area, wherein the physical article and the virtual article are correlated to the motion of the object.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for synchronizing effects for multi-user mixed reality experiences. In one implementation, such a system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a software code. The hardware processor executes the software code to receive sensor data from multiple sensors within a venue, identify an activity in the venue based on the sensor data, and track a respective perspective and a respective location within the venue of each of multiple observers of the activity. The hardware processor also executes the software code to identify a first effect triggered by an action of one of the observers, conform the first effect to the respective perspective and the respective location of each of the observers to produce multiple second effects corresponding to the first effect, and output the second effects for operating multiple actuating devices within the venue during the activity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for creating a mixed reality environment. A mixed reality system includes a performance area for generating a mixed reality environment, a motion determination module that determines and tracks the motion of an object within the performance area, a physical article module that generates a physical article within the performance area, and a mixed reality display that displays a virtual article within the performance area, wherein the physical article and the virtual article are correlated to the motion of the object.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for synchronizing effects for multi-user mixed reality experiences. In one implementation, such a system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a software code. The hardware processor executes the software code to receive sensor data from multiple sensors within a venue, identify an activity in the venue based on the sensor data, and track a respective perspective and a respective location within the venue of each of multiple observers of the activity. The hardware processor also executes the software code to identify a first effect triggered by an action of one of the observers, conform the first effect to the respective perspective and the respective location of each of the observers to produce multiple second effects corresponding to the first effect, and output the second effects for operating multiple actuating devices within the venue during the activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water purification using solar energy. More specifically, systems and methods according to the present invention collect solar energy to heat non-potable water in a super-insulated structure. Compressed heated air is injected to evaporate water vapor out of brackish water, saltwater, or dirty water, thereby creating saturated air. The saturated air is drawn through a cooling tower and distilled water is precipitated. The systems and methods employ heat recovery and recycling processes to maximize energy efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water purification using solar energy. More specifically, systems and methods according to the present invention collect solar energy to heat non-potable water in a super-insulated structure. Compressed heated air is injected to evaporate water vapor out of brackish water, saltwater, or dirty water, thereby creating saturated air. The saturated air is drawn through a cooling tower and distilled water is precipitated. The systems and methods employ heat recovery and recycling processes to maximize energy efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water purification using solar energy. More specifically, systems and methods according to the present invention collect solar energy to heat non-potable water in a super-insulated structure. Compressed heated air is injected to evaporate water vapor out of brackish water, saltwater, or dirty water, thereby creating saturated air. The saturated air is drawn through a cooling tower and distilled water is precipitated. The systems and methods employ heat recovery and recycling processes to maximize energy efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water purification using solar energy. More specifically, systems and methods according to the present invention collect solar energy to heat non-potable water in a super-insulated structure. Compressed heated air is injected to evaporate water vapor out of brackish water, saltwater, or dirty water, thereby creating saturated air. The saturated air is drawn through a cooling tower and distilled water is precipitated. The systems and methods employ heat recovery and recycling processes to maximize energy efficiency.