Abstract: In a video game processing apparatus, it is determined whether a player character encounters an enemy character on a movement field or not in accordance with a predetermined rule. A predetermined event game is provided in a case where the player character encounters the enemy character. One is determined from plural determination results on the basis of the content of an operation of a player in the predetermined event game. A battle start timing setup, in which a battle is started in an advantageous situation of the player character, is selected from plural battle start timing setups in a case where it is determined to be a specific determination result. The battle control information is updated by carrying out the selected battle start timing setup. Progress of the battle is controlled by starting the battle on the basis of the updated battle control information.

Abstract: A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors in which a computing device displays computer game graphics for a casual game showing a gameboard with multiple game elements that are removed when matched or switched, such as in a match-3, clicker or switcher game; and in which a processor enables the game to be accessed through a social network through which friends can request help in completing game levels and send game-related gifts to one another; and in which a processor draws the game elements as brightly colored candies.

Abstract: A method for sharing recorded gameplay to a social graph is provided. Video of a user's gameplay is recorded during an active state of a gameplay session. A command is received to initiate a sharing operation during the active state of the gameplay session. In response to receiving the command, a paused state of the gameplay session is entered and a sharing interface is presented. Input received via the sharing interface is processed to determine a user-defined selection of the recorded video. The user-defined selection of the recorded video is shared to a social graph of the user, and the active state of the gameplay session is resumed.

Abstract: A method, device, and system for interacting with a virtual character in a smart terminal are provided. The method can shoot and display a user reality scene image on a screen of the smart terminal, and superimpose the virtual character on the user reality scene image; acquire position of the smart terminal during movement; and determine whether change of the position of the smart terminal exceeds a preset threshold value, and if the change of the position of the smart terminal exceeds the preset threshold value, the method moves the virtual character in the user reality scene image according to the current position of the smart terminal. The interaction scene between the user and the virtual character is not a virtual scene but a true reality scene, both numbers and contents of the scenes are not limited, and the interaction efficiency in this manner is higher.

Abstract: A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.

Abstract: A game joystick adapted for being operated by optical finger navigator includes a body, a main circuit board assembled inside the body, at least one operation interface mounted in the top of the body and exposed through a top face of the body to be substantially flush with the top face of the body, and at least one detective control unit mounted on the main circuit board inside the body and electrically connected to the main circuit board. The operation interface is located over the detective control unit. The detective control unit emits light to the bottom of the operation interface and further captures fingerprint information through the operation interface under the action of the light while moving a finger on the operation interface. The fingerprint information is further processed and converted into operation commands by the detective control unit and then the operation commands are sent out.

Abstract: A server for administering an on-line virtual environment comprises a data communication arrangement and a processor. The data communication arrangement receives a signal from a first entertainment device in communication with an instance of the virtual environment. The signal indicates that a user of that device has performed a predetermined action. The processor determines the availability of a second entertainment device, and is operable to switch the second device from a second instance of the virtual environment to the first instance of the virtual environment. The data communication arrangement is operable, if the second device is available, to transmit a signal to the first device indicating that a software controlled avatar within that instance should change modes to represent a user of the second device. The processor is operable to transfer control of a previously software controlled avatar within that instance of the virtual environment to the second device.

Abstract: A system which employs a method of creating transferable map schemas, storing the map schemas to storage devices, receiving target device settings, re-sampling the map schemas to fit the target devices using the target device settings, delivering the re-sampled map schemas to the target devices is described. Thereby providing the innovation that map schemas may be accessed by more than one type of device, the method by which maps are scaled from a created map dimension with given details to either a larger map having the ability to be utilized on a more capable playing device or to a map or a smaller map having the ability to be utilized on a less capable device without losing the important game-specific required data is also described.

Abstract: An information storage medium that stores a program, the program causing a computer to function as a moving object control section that controls movement of a moving object in a virtual three-dimensional space based on an operation input, a virtual camera control section that controls a setting of the virtual camera, and an image generation section that generates an image of the virtual three-dimensional space viewed from the virtual camera. The virtual camera control section includes a first camera control section that performs a first camera control process based on camera control data that defines a moving route of the virtual camera as a change in at least one of a relative position and a relative direction of the virtual camera with respect to the moving object, and at least one of a position and a direction of the moving object in the virtual three-dimensional space.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include presenting one or more browsers on a shared wagering game display and presenting a graphical image of an object on the shared display in a first area of the one or more browsers. The first area of the one or more browsers is assigned to a wagering game system user account. The operations can further include detecting a player input that initiates a movement of the graphical image of the object along a trajectory toward a second area of the one or more browsers on the shared display. The operations can also include causing the graphical image of the object to move along the trajectory across the shared display from the first area to the second area.

Abstract: A method of customizing offers for sales of combinations of virtual items at discounted prices is disclosed. A combination of virtual items of a computer-implemented game is selected such that the sum of the values of each of the combination of virtual items has a proportion to an amount of currency in an account of a user of the computer-implemented game, the selecting being performed by a processor. An offer for a sale of the combination of the virtual items at a discounted price is generated for the user of the computer-implemented game. The offer for the sale of the combination of virtual items at the discounted price is presented to the user.

Abstract: A swinging chair having a base seating portion composed of bungee cords and a suspension system that permits the base seating portion to hang or otherwise be suspended so it dually functions as a swing.

Abstract: A toy figurine is disclosed. The toy figurine includes a body to which one or more plates are coupled. The toy figurine includes a launching mechanism that is used to launch a projectile from the toy figurine. The plates cover the launching mechanism when the plates are mounted to the body.

Abstract: A figure includes a frame having a body portion and at least two appendages extending from and fixed relative to the body portion. The body portion has an aperture positioned therein. The figure also includes a casing, a motor coupled to the casing, and a crank rotatably coupled to the motor. The crank has a crank pin that is spaced from a center of the crank and engages the aperture of the frame. When the motor is activated, the crank moves the casing relative to the frame while the frame remains substantially stationary.

Abstract: A toy figure assembly including a footing assembly in combination with a dual action actuator employing first and second working surfaces accessible through underside openings of the footing assembly for driving action movements of the toy figure by both a user's fingers and a piston driven controller secured to the footing. Further alternative embodiments with various alternative mechanism appendage couplings with the torso assembly through the footing gears, bracket or channel elements facilitate driven for movements in relation to the torso assembly moved relative to the footing assembly. Battling action game play may be expanded with the controller to battle virtual robots, allowing users to play various interactive computer based games.

Abstract: A toy vehicle track set is provided including a pair of arm members including a first arm member and a second arm member. The pair of arm member are movably mounted to the track set for movement between a first position and a second position. A toy vehicle carriage is pivotally mounted at a distal end of each of the pair of arm members. Each of the pair of arm members is coupled to one another such that as one of the arm members moves from its first position to its second position, the other of the arm members also moves from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: A toy vehicle track section connector has a main body with opposing planar first and second surfaces defined by a central portion, first and second outer portions, and first and second end portions joining the central, first and second portions together. Two smaller posts and a third larger post project from the first surface at positions along the longitudinal centerline and on opposite sides of the transverse centerline of the connector. A plurality of ribs project outwardly from the second surface along the first and second outer sections and first and second end portions and form a frame sized to be received in a channel provided on the bottom side of each track section. A hole and cutout are provided at each end of each track section to receive either smaller post and half the larger post, respectively.

Abstract: Special multidimensional spacing for building elements of a toy construction system are described herein. Various coupling elements and configurations are described providing combinations of building elements in standard and offset alignments. In addition, special building elements provide various multidimensional alignments between standard building elements.

Abstract: A toy building block system and method involving a posable structure comprising a metal linkage, the structure having a plurality of ends and a Lego-like brick having means for coupling at least one of the plurality of ends of the posable linkage thereon.

Abstract: Construction kit including construction blocks (2) and connection parts (4, 4?, 4?, 4??, 6) for coupling the construction blocks. The construction blocks comprise openings (18) for the insertion of the connection parts formed by a pair of constituent elements (4a) pivoting with respect to one another. The rim (26) of the opening comprises eight or more teeth (22) distributed over the periphery of the opening. Some of the connection parts comprise teeth (68) arranged in a groove (66) which are configured to interlock with the teeth (22) of the rim when the connection part is in the locking position.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus comprising all apparatus, as well as a method that incorporates the apparatus. The apparatus includes an upper flying disk and a lower flying disk having an upper surface, and a cord connecting the two flying disks.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus or process for devolatilization of flowable materials (such as molten polymers with entrained or dissolved solvent or unreacted monomers or comonomers) using a plate heater having heating channels, the design or operation of which heating channels maintains the flowable material above its bubble point pressure during passage through a larger first zone and then induces flashing in, or downstream of, a smaller second zone of the heating channel. The apparatus enables a higher throughput per heating channel while achieving equivalent or better devolatilization, as compared to current devolatilization apparatus.

Abstract: A method for evaporation and possibly distillation of liquids by means of a heat pump is provided. By using a heat pump (2), energy is taken from energy reservoir(s) (1) such as rivers, sea water, air, or ground heat. However, it is difficult to obtain temperatures high enough to evaporate water at atmospheric conditions. According to the invention, low temperature heat is utilized by means of a heat pump by using the condenser of the heat pump to evaporate liquids in an evaporator (4?) at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, and thus at a lower evaporation temperature. Furthermore, the saturation of the evaporated liquids is eliminated before the evaporated liquids enter the compressor (10) by the further heating of the evaporated liquids leaving the liquids evaporator (4?) in a heat exchanger (11) that utilizes the peak temperature of the refrigerant that leaves the heat pump's refrigerant compressor (3).

Abstract: In a process, a portion of a liquid mixture flow is vaporized to produce a vapor and a depleted flow of liquid. The vapor is introduced to a brine which is adapted to exothermically absorb one or more components therefrom, and heat is withdrawn, to produce at least a flow of heat and a flow of brine which is enriched in the one or more components. The heat previously withdrawn is transferred, to drive the vaporization. This transfer can be associated with the change of a working fluid from a gaseous into a liquid state. In this case, the heat withdrawal involves the change of the working fluid from the liquid to the gaseous state. In the liquid state, the working fluid flows only by one or more of gravity, convection and wicking. In the gaseous state, the working fluid flows only by one or more of diffusion and convection.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for continuous distillative separation of a mixture comprising one or more alkanolamine(s) are described. The separation is performed in one or more dividing wall column(s) and the alkanolamine or the alkanolamines is/are withdrawn as a side draw stream or side draw streams (side fraction(s)).

Abstract: A drive mechanism for back pressure regulator used in liquid chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, or supercritical fluid extraction allows very fine automated control over a very wide range of pressures by combining a linear actuator compressing a spring, pushing a pin. The nozzle assembly of the regulator comprises a flow through chamber containing a diaphragm and a seat, in which the pin pushes the diaphragm against the seat, together with an upstream pressure sensor and electronic feedback control to the motor of the actuator. The BPR of the embodiments exhibits high pressure stability and extremely low pressure noise, even at moderate to high pressures. The exemplary BPR can be use at either constant pressure or to generate pressure programs where the pressure is varied versus time. Further, the nozzle assembly has a field-replaceable head, requiring no mechanical adjustment on replacement.

Abstract: A flow separation system for separating multicomponent fluids into components having different buoyancies. The system can deaerate fluids, and segregate solid particles into a channel for removal or real time particle analysis. The system can have, positioned axially within a housing, a cup shaped first member having an axial passageway and a concave inner surface, a second member with a surface that forms a gap with the first member, the gap directing the flow into at least one helical channel. The flow exits the helical channel into a separation chamber positioned between the second member and a third member and separates into spinning heavier flow portion and a more buoyant portion that is driven toward the central axis. The third member has central fluid passageway that collects the higher buoyancy fluid and least one other fluid passageway for carrying lower buoyancy fluid, with an inlet positioned radially outward of the central fluid passageway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a defoaming agent containing, as essential components, hydrophobic dry silica (S) prepared by hydrophobizing silica prepared using a dry process and having a primary particle diameter of 5 to 100 nm, water, and a hydrophobic liquid (Q) containing 1 to 25% by weight of an ester compound (E) represented by the following formula, (R1—COO)p-D, wherein R1 denotes an alkyl group or an alkenyl group; D denotes a residue resulting from the removal of a hydroxyl group contributing to an ester linkage from a compound (D?) containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms and 1 to 6 hydroxyl groups or a residue resulting from the removal of a hydroxyl group contributing to an ester linkage from an adduct prepared by adding an alkylene oxide to the compound (D?); and p denotes an integer from 1 to 3.

Abstract: A remote submerged chain conveyor system for separating particles from a coal ash/water slurry from one or more remotely located boiler units. A tank forms an ash holding section, a dewatering section, and an ash settling section. The ash holding section receiving the slurry with first and second opposite ends. The dewatering section dewaters the slurry. The settling zone is an elongated trough connected with the ash holding section at one end with a discharge drain trough at near an opposite end. The tank sections being oriented in a generally linear arrangement wherein a net flow of water from the ash/water slurry is in a direction from the settling zone toward the distal and. A drag chain moves along the ash settling conveying the particles settling from the slurry to the dewatering section.

Abstract: To provide a cleaning apparatus suitable for removing clogging substances trapped in a surface layer of a sand filtration layer. A cleaning apparatus equipped with drive wheels serving as a driving device configured to move across a surface of a sand filtration layer. A pump and a jet nozzle are provided as an agitation device configured to agitate a surface layer portion of the sand filtration layer only at a desired depth, and which blows the clogging substances upward into the seawater in a turbid water intake pit together with a filtration sand. A perforated pipe for suctioning turbid water, a pump, an ejector, and a discharge pipe for dilute turbid water are provided as a suction and discharge device configured to suction turbid water blown upward into seawater in the water intake pit by the agitation device, and discharge it to outside of the turbid water intake pit.

Abstract: A method of increasing efficiency of a Y strainer and Y strainer modified in accordance with the method. The Y strainer is of the type that has a filter cartridge receiving inflow through one end and outflow through apertures in a peripheral sidewall. The method involves slowing a velocity of fluids entering the filter cartridge of the Y strainer by having the fluids pass from a first bore of a first diameter into a second bore of a second diameter which is at least 50% larger than the first diameter prior to entering the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge also has the second diameter. This modification has been found to dramatically improve the performance of the Y strainer.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for operatively engaging a manifold having an ejection cam and an insertion cam. The filter cartridge includes a filter element and inlet/outlet portion in fluid communication with the filter element. The inlet/outlet portion extending from one end of the filter. A first lug protruding radially outward from the inlet/outlet portion having a curved surface facing shoulder surface of the filter.

Abstract: Described herein are filter assemblies for removing high molecular weight organic components from liquefied petroleum gas, as well as methods for removing high molecular weight components from liquefied petroleum gases. The filter assemblies include an upstream carbon-containing filter media pack and a downstream filter media pack.

Abstract: A polymer includes at least one pendant dioxirane moiety represented by Formula III or IV: In Formulas III and IV, R1 is absent or is alkylene, perhaloalkylene, cycloalkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclylene, amino, carbonyl, carboxyl, alkylcarboxy, carboxyalkyl or alkylcarboxyalkyl; R2 is an electron withdrawing group; R8 is —N+R4R5 or alkylene; R9 is —N+R4R5 or alkylene; each R4 is independently H, alkyl, or cycloalkyl; and each R5 is independently H, alkyl, or cycloalkyl.

Abstract: In this process, a gas stream containing the oil to be separated is circulated between an inlet zone and an outlet zone, and a calm vacuum zone is created where the oil is recovered and evacuated, after having been captured. According to the invention, the gas stream is passed in contact with a porous media, one face of which is in contact with the calm vacuum zone. The drops of oil are thus captured by the porous media and sucked through this media to arrive in the calm zone. This process is applicable to decanters of oil at impacters and also to cyclone separators, in particular in the automotive field.

Abstract: A filter retention system for releasably retaining a filter cartridge in an operable position within air supply and air exhaust systems is comprised of a filter cartridge, filter retainers, mounting frame with integral sealing knife edge and filter alignment brackets. The filter retainers allow for installation and removal of the filter cartridge without the use of tools. The retention system automatically aligns filter cartridges such that an airtight seal is created between the sealant containing groove in the filter cartridge and the sealing knife edge of the retention system.

Abstract: An air filter has a housing, a filter core, a resilient abutting element, a sleeve, a threaded rod bracket, a threaded rod and a nut. The axial sealing is achieved by axially compressing the resilient abutting element, such that the user does not have to apply much physical effort to compress the resilient abutting element. The user can easily push the filter core into the housing, and then rotates and tightens the nut, which can axially compress the resilient abutting element. It is easy to apply force on rotating the nut, and better still, the nut can be rotated by an electric tool, which further facilitates the convenience in assembling. Besides, the nut only abuts the sleeve, and the threaded rod bracket does not abut the filter core. Consequently, the filter core is not blocked, thereby making the air smoothly pass through the filter core.

Abstract: Air cleaner assemblies, features thereof and components thereof are described. Among the components described are a main filter cartridge and a safety cartridge.

Abstract: Crankcase ventilation filter assemblies, components thereof, features thereof, and methods of assembly and use are described. An example assembly is characterized in which the assembly includes a housing having an access cover and a base, and a filter cartridge is configured to sealingly engage both the access cover and the base, in preferred manners.

Abstract: There is provided a honeycomb structure 100 comprising partition walls 1 separating and forming a plurality of cells 2 functioning as fluid passages. The partition walls 1 are made of cordierite, and, when an average pore size of the partition walls 1 is x (?m) while a porosity of the partition walls 1 is y (%), a relation of x and y is y??8.33x+86.66 and satisfies 0.5?x?5 and 35?y?70. The honeycomb structure 100 can improve thermal shock resistance without sacrificing any of light-off performance, catalyst coatability, and strength.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a media construction comprising a corrugated sheet secured to a flat sheet rolled into a coiled construction. A frame and a first seal member are provided. The frame secures the first seal member to the coiled construction. The first seal member is preferably oriented to form a radial seal with a housing. A second seal member is secured to the outer annular surface of the coiled construction. The second seal member includes a gasket extension having first and second opposite ends; an attachment portion; and a protrusion extending from the attachment portion. The second seal member is preferably oriented to form an axial seal with a housing. Air cleaners preferably utilizing filter arrangements as described herein operably installed within housings. Methods of installing, filtering, assembling, and servicing preferably include arrangements as described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a gas stream includes a plasma abatement device that has a reaction chamber and a plasma torch for generating a plasma stream for injection into the chamber for treating the gas stream. A first inlet conveys a gas stream into the plasma abatement device for treatment, and a second inlet, in a normal condition of the apparatus, is in flow communication with a source of reagent for conveying a reagent into the plasma device for improving the efficiency of the treatment. In a back-up condition of the apparatus, the second inlet is in flow communication with a gas stream source for conveying a gas stream into the device for treatment.

Abstract: A filter device for venting a fuel tank on a motor vehicle may include a filter module attached to the filter device. The filter module may have a module housing having at least two series-connected filter chambers.

Abstract: Contemplated configurations and methods for flue gas treatment comprise a quench section and a scrubbing section that are configured and operated to avoid net condensation of water from the quenched flue gas in the scrubbing section. Consequently, the active agent in the scrubbing medium can be maintained at high concentration and will so allow continuous removal of SOX and NOX to very low concentrations. Moreover, as the scrubbing medium is not diluted by condensate, loss of active agent can be substantially reduced. Especially preferred systems will reduce SO2 concentrations in flue gas to less than 5 ppm, and more typically less than 3 ppm while substantially reducing water and reagent consumption.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing acid compounds (sweetening) and moisture (dehydration) from a hydrocarbon gas, in particular from a natural gas or from a refinery gas fraction or a gas of synthesis, by subsequent absorption operations using a sweetening liquid and a dehydration liquid. The method comprises a step of prearranging a sweetening chamber (51) and a dehydration chamber (52) within a vertical elongated container (50), each chamber defined by an inner partition wall (68) of said vertical elongated container (50), is wherein a gas transfer passageway (14) is provided between an upper outlet port of the sweetening chamber (51) and an inlet port of the dehydration chamber (52); the method also comprises steps of feeding the absorption liquid from the above into the two chambers and of feeding the gas from below into the sweetening chamber.

Abstract: A column structure is described for the containment of high surface area packing and absorbent liquid reagent for the removal of a target gas from a gas stream. The column structure comprises at least one vessel having an elongate upright wall structure to define an absorption process volume for the containment of high surface area packing and for the countercurrent flow of absorbent liquid reagent and target gas in use; and a column perimeter structure comprising an elongate upright wall structure disposed around the at least one vessel in such manner that an inner wall of the elongate upright wall structure and an outer wall of a vessel cooperably define and fluidly enclose at least one secondary fluid volume fluidly isolated from the absorption process volume(s). A method of assembly of such a column and to a method of removal of a target gas from a gas phase using such a column are also described.

Abstract: A liquid distributor and method for distribution of a liquid in a mass transfer column, the distributor includes at least one riser comprising at least one riser wall, the at least one riser wall extends from a first surface of the distributor in a first direction of the mass transfer column; at least one shield, the at least one shield extends from a second surface of the distributor opposite the first surface and extending in a second direction opposite the first direction; and at least one liquid distribution aperture extending from the first surface of the distributor through the second surface of the distributor, the at least one shield has a length extending in the second direction such that a gap is created between the at least one shield and a packing, the height of the gap between the shield and the packing is about 10 mm to 75 mm.

Abstract: A hollow fiber carbon molecular sieve membrane, a process for preparing the hollow fiber carbon molecular sieve membrane, and a process for effecting separation of an olefin from a gaseous mixture that comprises the olefin in admixture with its corresponding paraffin and optionally one or more gaseous components selected from hydrogen, an olefin other than the olefin and a paraffin other than the corresponding paraffin. The process and membrane may also be used to effect separation of the olefin(s) from remaining feedstream components subsequent to an olefin-paraffin separation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the concentration of nitrogen oxides in waste gases released dating the production of organic amino compounds, wherein an organic compound is first reacted with NOx and/or nitric acid to form an organic nitro compound with the formation of an NOx-containing waste gas stream and the organic nitro compound is converted to the organic ammo compound by means of hydrogen-containing reaction gas, the reaction of the organic nitro compound with the hydrogen-containing reduction gas taking place with the formation of a hydrogen-containing waste gas stream, the method being characterised in that the NOx-containing waste gas stream is combined with the hydrogen-containing waste gas stream and/or an externally supplied hydrogen stream and is reacted at a temperature of 800 to 1700° C. for the at least partial reduction of the NOx concentration. The invention additionally relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An integrated chemical looping air separation unit (5) in a large-scale oxy-fuel power generating plant takes a portion of recycled flue gas (6) via a recycling conduit (7) through a heat exchanger (8) to a reduction reactor (9). The reduction reactor (9) exchanges oxidized metal oxide with an oxidation reactor (11) via transfer means (10) which return reduced metal oxide from the reduction reactor (9) to the oxidation reactor (11). This enables the reduction reactor (9) to feed a mixture of oxygen and recycled flue gas into the boiler (13) of the power generating plant in a more energy efficient manner than conventional oxy-fuel power plants using air separation units.