Abstract: A system and method for improving a player's efficiency in shooting by providing a player with various shooting challenge routines at which a player makes either a total number of shots or a total number shots in a row. Statistics regarding the player's performance are gathered or collected, stored and/or tracked, printed and/or evaluated and the player can use the information to improve his or her efficiency at one or more of the plurality of different locations where the player shoots the basketball. One embodiment includes the ability of players from the same or different teams to compare statistics and enables the launchers at different locations to launch substantially exactly the same pass to different players to facilitate such competition.

Abstract: A method of and system for conducting multiple competitions of skill for a single performance are described herein. User generated competition groups and system generated competition groups allow users to participate in multiple competitions at once based on answering the same questions or making the same selections related to a single event. The users are informed of each competition either via email, text message or when logging into the network via a website. The users select which competitions groups to join. After joining the desired groups, the users then make their selections related to the event which are transmitted to the network where results are tabulated and transmitted back to the users. The results are separated based on each competition group, so that users can continually know where they stand in each separate competition. With multiple competition groups, users are able to have varying success from the same performance in multiple competitions.

Abstract: A technology for playing baseball is provided. The technology enables real-time baseball gameplay between a first team associated with a first baseball field and second team associated with a second baseball field.

Abstract: The invention is a device for removably blocking a central-front part of a ski boot to a ski platform for actuating a Telemark technique. The boot sole (51) forms, at a bottom thereof, two lateral edges, internal and external (52A, 52B). A plate (1) is blockable to the ski platform, a blocking device (17, 18) constrained to the plate, which bear at least two ratchets. The ratchets are associated with the bottom of the boot supported by the plate, to corresponding edges of the internal edge (52A) and external edge (52B). An activator (16, 24) for the blocking device is supported by the plate, defining two configurations of the blocking device, respectively inoperative (11), with a disengagement of the ratchets from the corresponding edges (52A, 52B) and operative (12), with a blocking of the two edges against the plate (1).

Abstract: Various binding systems for sliding boards and skis are presented. In one example, among others, a binding system includes a boot plate assembly affixed to a boot and a mounting plate assembly. The mounting plate assembly can be affixed to a sliding board or a ski. The boot plate assembly includes a socket and a wedge attached to opposite sides of a boot plate. The mounting plate assembly includes a spring mechanism configured to engage the socket and a wedge block configured to receive the wedge. When engaged, pressure from the spring mechanism holds the boot plate assembly to the sliding board or ski. When sufficient force is applied through the boot, the boot plate assembly is released from the mounting plate assembly, which frees the rider from the sliding board or ski.

Abstract: A device and a method for accurately laying out the bases of an infield, said device comprising marking pieces that attach to one another to form a single integrated unit. Base marking pieces forming the integrated unit may mark the positions of the bases of an infield. The marking pieces may be connected, which connecting means may assist in measuring distances between marking pieces, which measured distances may determine proper positions of the base marking pieces. After bases are laid out and an infield set up, the marking pieces may re-attach to again form the integrated unit. In one embodiment, accuracy may be increased by utilizing a center reference point marked by a center marking piece. The center marking piece may be connected to some base marking pieces, and in one embodiment the base marking pieces may attach to the center marking piece and together form the integrated unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is for shuffling a plurality of playing cards used in gaming. The apparatus includes a card support adapted to support the unshuffled cards on-edge. An exciter is also included, and is adapted to impart vibrational action to the supported cards. Cards drop in a random fashion such as by controlling the relative position of the cards and passage through one or more card slots in a card rest. In at least some of the apparatuses, a medial card receiver is adapted to receive at least one card dropped from the card support and to retain the at least one received card to substantially block the card slot to prevent further cards from dropping. A positioner is preferably included to change a relative position of the unshuffled deck and card slots though which the cards drop.

Abstract: Generating in real-time multiple gameplay videos in a cloud computing network of a mobile game played on multiple mobile devices is disclosed. A cloud-based video system of the cloud computing network receives gameplay state information of the mobile game played on the multiple mobile devices, where the gameplay state information associated with a mobile device describes the states of the mobile game while the game is played on the mobile device. The video system generates a gameplay map comprising the gameplay observed by the multiple mobile devices. Responsive to a viewer or a virtual director selecting the gameplay associated with a mobile device, the video system generates a gameplay video of the mobile game associated with the mobile device based on encoded audio frames and video frames of the mobile game played on the mobile device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system to deliver prioritized game audio wirelessly with a minimal latency by processing a low-priority game audio (such as background music) and high-priority game audio (such as sound effects) in a wireless gaming system, resulting in a minimal high-priority audio latency. The disclosure can then be used to transmit high quality positional multichannel audio at a minimal wireless bandwidth.

Abstract: A method for controlling presentation of data through a wireless home entertainment hub in a home entertainment system includes obtaining a registration for a plurality of source devices and for one or more sink devices. A first indication that a first source device from the plurality of source devices has become active is received at the wireless home entertainment hub. A second indication that a second source device from the plurality of source devices has become active is received. A first instruction is transmitted to at least one of the sink devices to receive data from the first active source device. A second instruction is transmitted to at least one of the sink devices to receive data from the second active source device. A first indication is transmitted to the first active source that at least one sink device is ready to receive data, and a second indication is transmitted to the second active source that at least one sink device is ready to receive data.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to allow a game player to quickly and easily give a command to a game character. In the present program, an object moving on a first path is displayed on an image display unit. When an instruction section is then slid in contact with the image display unit, the slide distance of the instruction section is calculated. An action pattern of a character with respect to an object is then set in accordance with the slide distance. A determination region is set in accordance with the action pattern. A positional relation between the object and the determination region is then determined, and the object moving on a second path is displayed on the image display unit.

Abstract: There is provided a computer implemented method of controlling a user interface and displaying a game board arrangement, the method comprising the following implemented by at least one processor in communication with said interface and at least one memory: displaying a subset of a set of game objects, each game object having one or more characteristics, information on said subset of game objects and said game objects being stored in said at least one memory, determining a position and trajectory of movement in dependence on user input via said user interface, executing an algorithm for determining if a particular game object is to be selected or if a different subset of game objects is to be displayed in dependence on the position and trajectory of movement and the stored information on said subset of game objects, updating said subset of game objects and information such that the particular game object is selected or a different subset of game objects is displayed; and displaying said updated subset of objec

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for load balancing for a game in a cloud computing environment hosting a game service. In some examples, a method may include analyzing a status of a player character located in a virtual space, the virtual space being configured to have a plurality of areas and the player character being located in a first area among the plurality of areas, calculating a probability of movement of the player character from the first area to a second area among the plurality of areas based at least in part on the analyzed status, and calculating an amount of cached data to copy from a second cache server corresponding to the second area to a first cache server corresponding to the first area based at least in part on the calculated probability.

Abstract: A system for managing game-playing experiences includes one or more game-playing devices provided with communication interfaces for exchanging game-playing experiences therebetween. Each device includes computing hardware coupled to a graphical interface for presenting an interactive game thereupon. The computing hardware is operable to execute one or more game software products recorded on machine-readable data storage media for generating the interactive game. The one or more game software products include a game experience software module (GESW) for generating metadata concurrently with recording the game-playing experience substantially as presented via the graphical interface which enables the recorded game-playing experience to be subsequently managed prior to communication for distribution for viewing. Optionally, the metadata includes one or more metadata events which are searchable when subsequently viewing the game-playing experience.

Abstract: A method for providing a character in an online game includes, by a character provision apparatus, selecting at least one season character from a plurality of general characters previously provided in a game according to a preset season character selection criteria, generating at least one season character pool according to a period for which the season character is selected, and storing the selected season character in a corresponding season character pool, judging whether a status point limit adjustment item is provided, setting a status point limit of the at least one season character differently according to the period such that the status point limit of the at least one season character is higher than a status point limit of each general character acquired using the status point limit adjustment item, and displaying, on a user terminal, that the at least one season character is added to the game.

Abstract: A fully automatic simulation system for an input device permits storage in advance of executable applications and associated simulation setting flies into a database, and then combination of the detection, automatic data searching and matching, transmission and conversion, enabling rapid and convenient operation by the users, whenever they operate various applications or whether they adopt a keyboard, mouse or joystick as the simulation controller.

Abstract: A method for delivering media from a server to a client device over a network is disclosed. An application running on the server generates a virtual 3D environment containing 3D models and sounds. The server checks the status of each 3D model or sound in a predetermined order, and then, only those 3D models and sounds which are not pre-stored in the client device will all be rendered by the server into a frame of 2D video stream with sound. The server then sends to the client device the frame and meta data of the 3D models and sounds which are pre-stored in the client device via the network. The client device uses the frame as a background for rendering the 3D models and sounds which are pre-stored in the client device so as to generate a mixed frame of video stream with sound for output.

Abstract: Methods for playing a video game executed by a game cloud system are provided. One method includes generating a user interface for displaying game interactivity for playing the video game. The user interface includes controls for selecting a mode of play that includes a shadow mode. The method further includes detecting game play of the video game by a current user and identifying one or more previous plays of the video game by other users. After one of the other users is selected to be used in the shadow mode, for a set period of time, the shadow mode is enabled for the selected other user such that an image of the object controlled by the other user along a game sequence that is to be played by the current user of the video game is displayed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an administration system which facilitates efficient setup, organization, and maintenance of tournaments, including league games. In particular, the administration system provides a user-friendly, intuitive and efficient-to-use interface for organizing tournaments and tournament brackets. The user interfaces and methods described provide tournament organizers and administrators with the ability to quickly and dynamically build custom tournament brackets of virtually any desired depth and configuration. The administration system, and in particular the tournament bracket management user interfaces, enable tournament administrators to focus on the task of building a custom tournament bracket structure quickly, while also automatically handling the minute logistics underlying the tournament such as when and where games are to be played.

Abstract: A ranking method and system for providing a ranking of a game group is disclosed. The method includes creating a game group including a user and at least one member among the user's registered friends who have joined a game service, based on a game group creation request received from a user terminal. The method further comprises calculating a ranking of the user with respect to other members of the created game group based on a ranking inquiry request received from the user terminal, and providing the user terminal with the calculated ranking of the user. The user terminal drives a game service platform associated with a plurality of games and provides the game group creation request information and the ranking inquiry request information through the game service platform.

Abstract: A doll is provided which performs dance motions and may be used as an instructional aide. In a novel instructional method, a dancer is instructed to perform dance motions by observing and repeating the sequence of motions performed by the doll. Dance motions, such as the plié, are performed by the doll in a fluent, life-like manner.

Abstract: An ambulatory toy includes a body; a drive mechanism coupled to the body; a plurality of leg members coupled to the drive mechanism, each of the leg members having a distal end disposed downwardly in a first position and adapted to contact a support surface; and a self-righting member coupled to at least one of the legs. The self-righting member adapted to move the distal ends of the legs of the toy from a second position to the first downwardly disposed position. The method of self-righting using the self-righting member coupled to the leg.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the position of a vehicle on a track so as to provide a slotless racing vehicle game is described. The method involves generating within a primary feedback loop a first input signal for a steering servo of the vehicle so as to minimize an error signal produced by comparing a measured lateral position of the vehicle on the track with its desired position. The method further comprises generating within a secondary feedback loop a second input signal for the steering servo so as minimize a measured angle of orientation of the vehicle on the track. It is found to be advantageous for the stability of the vehicle on the track if responsivity (Klf2) of the secondary feedback loop is set to be equal to the reciprocal of the responsivity (Kss) of the steering servo.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for remotely piloting a vehicle. In one aspect, a system includes a transmitter capable to receive vehicle control signals and transmit the vehicle control signals to a vehicle including at least one receiver; one or more modules; and at least one power supply; wherein the at least one receiver receives the transmitted vehicle control signals and transmits the vehicle control signals in a CAN message format to all of the one or more modules; and each of the one or more modules selectively chooses which of the vehicle control signals in a CAN message format the module will respond to.

Abstract: We provide an alkylation process, comprising: separating and recycling a hydrogen gas and a hydrogen chloride from an offgas of a hydrogenation reactor; wherein the hydrogen gas is recycled to the hydrogenation reactor; and wherein the hydrogen chloride is recycled to an alkylation reactor. We also provide an alkylation process unit for performing this process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a column, with a jacket, extending along a longitudinal axis, which jacket bounds a first jacket space and a second jacket space arranged over it along the longitudinal axis, a chimney tray, extending crosswise to the longitudinal axis, that separates the two jacket spaces from one another. The at least a first chimney extends from the tray along the longitudinal axis, and projects into the second jacket space. The chimney has a peripheral wall defining an opening, via which the two jacket spaces are connected to one another for gas feed, and a chimney top. On the peripheral wall, a flat impact element is arranged tilted toward the longitudinal axis in such a way that a liquid phase flowing downward from the chimney top along the longitudinal axis strikes the flat impact element diminishing the momentum input of the liquid phase that stands on the chimney tray.

Abstract: A purification method of the compound represented by formula 1 is provided, which includes the following steps: (1) loading crude compound 1 on macroporous adsorbent resin, (2) washing the macroporous adsorbent resin with an aqueous solution, an organic solvent or a mixture solution of organic solvent and water, (3) eluting with an aqueous solution, an organic solvent or a mixture solution of organic solvent and water. The purified compound represented by formula 1 is obtained.

Abstract: One embodiment can be an apparatus for contacting a first liquid and a second liquid. The apparatus can include a vessel, which in turn, may include at least one wall, a first member, and a funnical frustum. The at least one wall can form a perimeter about an interior space. Also, the first member can be positioned within the interior space and form a plurality of passageways. Each passageway may be bordered by a first side and a second side from an outer region to an interior surface of the first member. Generally, the funnical frustum is positioned downstream of the first member to facilitate a swirling of at least one of the first and second liquids.

Abstract: A cyclone separator for separating a fluid into a gas phase and a liquid phase. The cyclone separator includes a vertically oriented vessel with a gas phase outlet at an upper end of the vessel and a liquid phase outlet at a lower end of the vessel; at least one tangentially oriented fluid inlet at the upper end below the gas phase outlet of the vessel; a liquid extractor extracting liquid through the liquid phase outlet at a rate which forms a bulk liquid phase at the lower end of the vessel; and a gas extractor extracting gas through the gas phase outlet. The cyclone separator has at least one flow velocity deflector located at a level in proximity to the bulk liquid-gas interphase which changes the vertical velocity component of a liquid film travelling down the internal wall of the vessel to a horizontally oriented velocity component.

Abstract: A filter plate assembly [1] comprises a filter plate [100] having a recess [102], a radially-inwardly extending shelf portion [108] having a seat surface [101], and a feed eye aperture [110] extending through the shelf portion. An adapter ring [170] is placed within said recess [102]. The adapter ring [170] has a flange [172] and a barrel [179] extending from the flange [172]. The barrel [179] has an inner wall [180] and an outer wall [182], and is positioned within said aperture [110] such that the outer wall [182] of the barrel [179] is in close proximity with said aperture [110]. The flange [172] comprises an inner surface [173] which abuts the seat surface [101]. The filter plate assembly [1] further comprises a filter cloth assembly [160] comprising a filter cloth [168] having an aperture [168B], and a grommet [168A] fitted within the filter cloth aperture [168B].

Abstract: A filter assembly for fluid filtration having a push-activated lock and release mechanism. A push filter design activates a floating key lock upon insertion and extraction, where the filter key may be used simultaneously as a lock and as an identifier for particular filter attributes. The filter base may be situated inline, and in fluid communication, with influent and effluent piping, such as within a refrigerator. The filter housing assembly may be attached to, and removed from, the filter base by a push-actuated release. Upon insertion, the filter key shifts the filter lock longitudinally to receive interlocking segments. Upon extraction, the same axial push shifts the filter lock further to align the interlocking fingers within gaps that allow for easy extraction. The specific key lock design allows a user to identify and match certain filter configurations received by the mechanical support, and reject other filter configurations.

Abstract: The bottom annular end of a vertical collar that extends into the vertical tubular portion of a T-housing and is fastened therein by resilient fingers extending radially outward from the collar, is contacted by a resilient finger of a filter inserted through the collar into the tubular portion, a radially inward extending shoulder in the collar is contacted by the bottom of an annular horizontal plate on the filter, and a liquid level alarm system housing is attached to the outer surface of the vertical tubular portion by a plurality of vertically spaced apart catches or studs received in slots on the alarm system housing, a tapered pipe having a first end fastened to a horizontal exit joint on the T-housing and a second tapered end force fit into an exit pipe of a septic tank.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an increased efficiency strainer system which is particularly suited for use in the emergency core cooling system of a nuclear power plant. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the strainer system includes one or more strainer cassettes or cartridges, with each such cassette or cartridge including a plurality of strainer pockets disposed in side-by-side relation to each other. In these embodiments, multiple cassettes or cartridges may be assembled together to form a strainer module of the strainer system. The strainer pockets of the cartridge each define an inflow end. Within the cartridge, or the module including multiple cartridges, the inflow ends of one or more of the strainer pockets may be enclosed by an elastic metal membrane. When in a closed position, the membrane prevents liquid flow into the corresponding strainer pocket via the inflow end thereof.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator and method for cleaning of gas containing solid and liquid impurities. A stationary casing encloses a separation space through which gas flows. An inlet channel extends to the separation space and forms an inlet for the gas to be cleaned. A rotating member is provided in the separation space downstream the inlet and rotates about an axis of rotation. The rotating member comprises a number of separation discs and brings the gas to rotate for separating by means of centrifugal forces a main part of the impurities from the gas. A gas outlet channel is provided downstream the rotating member for discharging the cleaned gas. A first outlet is provided for discharging the impurities. A supply member is configured to permit the supply of a separation aid humidifying the particles, which aid is in the form of an aerosol, to the gas to be cleaned.

Abstract: A separating device for separating a multiphase medium includes a cyclone separating device (1) that provokes an at least partial distribution of at least two phases of the medium with the formation of a vortex flow for the medium. Each phase having a lower density compared to the other phase is separated from the other phase and can be guided out of the separating device by a collecting device (35, 37).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to remove foreign matter such as liquid droplets from air with high efficiency using a filter. This filter is used to purify air by removing foreign matter such as liquid droplets and dust from the air. A separation unit is formed with a port block and a separation cylinder, and the port block is formed with a primary port and a secondary port. A collection container is attached to the separation unit, and liquid droplets exhausted from an exhaust port formed at a lower end portion of a separation unit fall down into a collection container. A conical portion of the separation unit is formed with a communication hole through which the separation chamber and the storage chamber communicate with each other, whereby the separation chamber and the storage chamber become equal in pressure to each other.

Abstract: A cyclone separator has a cyclone arrangement with individual cyclones each provided with a cell tube and guide device. The guide device causes a gas stream passing through the cell tube to rotate. At least one particle discharge is positioned perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the cyclone separator and discharges separated particles that have been separated from the gas stream in the cyclone arrangement. The cell tubes, for a targeted discharge of the separated particles, each have at least one particle outlet opening that is facing the particle discharge. The particle outlet openings of at least some of the individual cyclones, neighboring each other in the direction of a first perpendicular line that is perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis of the cyclone separator, are displaced relative to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cyclone separator.

Abstract: Methods and separator suitable for separating a gas from a liquid within a gas-liquid mixture. The separator includes a tank having a sidewall and oppositely-disposed endwalls that enclose an interior of the tank. An inlet to the tank directs a gas-liquid mixture against the sidewall of the tank within a first primary separation section to impart a circumferential flow direction to the mixture along the sidewall and initiate separation of a gas and liquid from the mixture. A reservoir located in a lower region of the tank collects the liquid separated from the mixture. A passage within a second primary separation section receives the gas separated from the gas-liquid mixture through an entrance thereof located in an upper region of the tank, and the passage directs flow of the gas into a secondary separation section, from which the gas exits the tank through an outlet.

Abstract: A separating element for separating liquid from a gas flow is arranged in a separating container of a liquid separator. The separating container has a housing with a container opening and a cover closing off the container opening. The sealing element has a collar arranged between housing and cover and supported on an upper area of the housing facing the cover. A sealing element is provided that has sealing surfaces arranged between the upper area of the housing and the cover such that the separating container is sealed relative to ambient pressure. The sealing element has a holding element monolithically formed with the sealing element and captively securing the sealing element on the collar. The sealing surfaces and the holding element are designed such that a function of sealing the separating container and a function of holding the sealing element on the collar are separate from each other.

Abstract: A filter system has a housing and at least one detachable cover detachably connected to the housing to close off the housing. At least one exchangeable element is arranged within the housing and provided with a follower contour. The cover is provided with a follower tool which matches the follower contour of the at least one exchangeable element. The follower tool is disposed on the exterior side of the cover. The follower tool is a follower contour provided on the cover.

Abstract: An air filter assembly for use with a plenum having an internal passage with a non-linear configuration comprising is provided. The air filter assembly includes a support assembly including a neck portion that is insertable into the internal passage in the plenum and a mounting face. The air filter assembly includes an air filter with a filter frame supporting a filter media. The filter frame has an annular mounting flange extending around a perimeter of an inlet side of the filter which is configured to be releasably connectable to the mounting face of the support assembly. An outlet side of the filter includes a plurality of planar sections that extend at non-90° angles relative to each other and that are configured to be complementary to the internal passage of the plenum.

Abstract: A filter element has a filter body having a longitudinal axis and a concentric shape relative to the longitudinal axis. The filter body has a first end face and a second opposite end face. A first end disk is arranged at the first end face. A second end disk is arranged at the second end face. A support tube concentric to the longitudinal axis extends between the first and second end disks. At least one of the first and second end disks has support knobs arranged in a circular arrangement about the longitudinal axis and extending in axial direction outwardly. The support knobs, when the filter element is mounted in a housing that receives the filter element, rest against an inner cover contour of the housing and fold over in radial direction outwardly so as to be supported axially and radially on the housing.

Abstract: A byproducts treating device includes a transfer unit, a cleaning unit, and a controller. The transfer unit forcibly transfers byproducts from a byproduct source. The cleaning unit is combined with the transfer unit and separates the byproducts into at least one of a power or a byproduct gas. The controller is connected to the cleaning unit and selects at least one selection line for discharging byproduct gas. The byproducts flow from the transfer unit to the cleaning unit without flow lines, and the controller selects the at least one selection line based on a flux of the byproduct gas.

Abstract: A fresh air line for a fresh air system may include a tubular body enclosing a fresh air path in a circumferential direction. At least one annular adsorber element arranged coaxially in the tubular body. The fresh air line may also include at least one resonance chamber arranged radially between the tubular body and the adsorber element.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide recovery system includes a high-pressure 11, a boiler 15, a carbon dioxide recovery unit 24 that includes a carbon dioxide absorber 21 that absorbs and reduces carbon dioxide in flue gas G emitted from the boiler 15 using a carbon dioxide absorbent and an absorbent regenerator 23 that regenerates a carbon dioxide absorbent having absorbed the carbon dioxide using a regenerating superheater 22 to obtain a regenerated carbon dioxide absorbent, a high-temperature and high-pressure steam extraction line L11 that extracts the high-temperature and high-pressure steam 14 from the boiler 15 before the steam is introduced into the high-pressure turbine 11, an auxiliary turbine 32 that recovers power with the high-temperature and high-pressure steam 14, and a steam supply line L12 that supplies emission steam 33 emitted from the auxiliary turbine 32 to the regenerating superheater 22 to be used as a heat source.

Abstract: A regeneration tower 7 of a CO2 recovery unit includes an upper regeneration portion 51 that has a tray portion 45, a lower regeneration portion 52 provided below the upper regeneration portion 51 and having a liquid dispersion portion 46, and a supply line L5 that supplies absorbing liquid stored in the tray portion 45 to the liquid dispersion portion 46. The supply line L5 is provided with a heat exchanger 53, and the absorbing liquid is circulated using the density difference between the absorbing liquid flowing before the heat exchanger 53 and the absorbing liquid flowing after the heat exchanger 53 as a driving force. This reduces the cost of equipment while reducing the power in the delivery of the absorbing liquid in the regeneration portion.

Abstract: This invention provides novel compositions comprising substituted polyamines as acid gas scrubbing solutions and methods of using the compositions in an industrial system. The invention relates to the use of such polyamine compounds in industrial processes to remove acidic contaminants from natural and industrial fluid streams, such as natural gas, combustion gas, natural gas, synthesis gas, biogas, and other industrial fluid streams. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful for removal, absorption, or sequestration of acidic contaminants and sulfide contaminants including CO2, H2S, RSH, CS2, COS, and SO2.

Abstract: A composite structure for capturing a gaseous electrophilic species, the composite structure comprising mesoporous refractory sorbent particles on which an ionic liquid is covalently attached, wherein said ionic liquid includes an accessible functional group that is capable of binding to said gaseous electrophilic species. In particular embodiments, the mesoporous sorbent particles are contained within refractory hollow fibers. Also described is a method for capturing a gaseous electrophilic species by use of the above-described composite structure, wherein the gaseous electrophilic species is contacted with the composite structure.

Abstract: A cylinder arrangement for use with a reverse osmosis membrane array that receives pressurized fresh brine and generates fresh water and pressurized spent brine includes a hollow cylinder with an internal volume subdivided by a piston into two chambers. An arrangement of flow connections directs the pressurized spent brine to one chamber so as to act on the piston, thereby applying pressure to fresh brine within the other chamber for delivery to the reverse osmosis membrane array. The cylinder arrangement includes a pressure vessel enveloping substantially the entirety of the hollow cylinder, so as to define an enveloping volume in fluid flow communication with one of the chambers of the cylinder. Preferred implementations employ a pair of cylinders coaligned, and with their pistons interconnected by a common piston rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for inspecting filters for extracorporeal blood treatment devices, e.g., filters for filtering dialysis fluid. The inspection of the filter according to the present invention is based on the measurement of the flow potential before and after changing the fluid flow of an electrolytic fluid between a transversal flow through the semi-permeable membrane of the filter and a longitudinal flow along the semi-permeable membrane of the filter, or vice versa. Changing the flow direction of the electrolytic fluid results in a change to the conductivity proceeding from a base value P to a higher value P2 or a lower value P1, wherein the conductivity readjusts to the base value P after a certain time interval T1, T2. An improper state of the filter is determined on the basis of the change in conductivity after changing the flow direction of the electrolytic fluid.