Abstract: In some cases, one or more tasks may be selected for inclusion within a content item or portions of a content item such as different story arcs. Each such task may be completed based, at least in part, on an associated set of one or more actions and an associated set of one or more parameters. Also, in some cases, one or more node layouts may be generated in association with a content item or portions of a content item. Each node within a node layout may, for example, have at least one associated task within a respective content item or content item portion.

Abstract: A display device is caused to selectably display panels in a predetermined area of a display screen in a predetermined arrangement pattern. When selection of at least one displayed panel is received from a user of a video game processing apparatus, the selected panel and the number of panels are specified. It is determined whether the number of panels satisfies a skill activating condition of a player character or not by referring to skill related information. The skill related information is stored in a skill related information memory. The skill related information contains player character information indicating the player character, skill information indicating a skill, and the skill activating condition indicating an activating condition of the skill. In a case where it is determined that the number of panels satisfies the skill activating condition, action processing for the skill by the player character is carried out.

Abstract: Technologies related to cache-influenced video games are generally described. In some examples, the content of video game outputs as experienced by players of a video game may be adaptively modified to make more effective use of digital assets that are loaded in a computing system cache. Cache-influenced video games may increase cache use by increasing use, within a video game, of digital assets in a cache relative to assets not in the cache, e.g., assets that are on disk or in database storage. Cached digital assets can be retrieved more efficiently than assets stored elsewhere, and therefore video game performance may be improved.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a load balancing scheme. In some examples, a method performed under control of a load balancing system may include associating a candidate client device with a lower-resolution client device; measuring resource usage of a game server; determining that the measured resource usage has exceeded a predetermined threshold; and transmitting, to the candidate client device and/or the associated lower-resolution client device, a message that instructs a user of the candidate client device to perform a predetermined task using the associated lower-resolution client device.

Abstract: Techniques are described for detecting script-controlled avatars in a virtual environment engaging in certain pattern formation behaviors. In particular, a virtual environment server may select a group of avatars and determine a pattern formed by the selected group. The virtual environment system may further search for a match of the pattern from a library of prohibited words or symbols. In the event the pattern formed by the selected avatars matches one of the prohibited patterns, some form of remedial action may be performed to disrupt the pattern.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an inter-sport fantasy sports challenge. According to one aspect, a set of players is provided to each user, where each player competes in one of a plurality of sports. A roster selected from the set of players is received from each user. Rosters include players selected without regard to a respective sport and a respective position, and can include players from multiple sports. In another aspect, rosters include prescribed numbers of players and positions, and the respective rosters as between at least two users include players from multiple sports. Performance data for each player is received. A player point value for each player is calculated and converted into normalized values using one or more piecewise-defined non-linear functions for each sport. A roster score is calculated by aggregating normalized values for each player on the roster, and users are ranked based on roster scores.

Abstract: An integrated gaming and media experience is disclosed, including television viewing on a gaming console. A client component is installed via a bootstrap process that uses authentication information to accomplish this task. Once installed, it integrates itself into a typical gaming display. Various console hardware details are used to enable communication between the client component and downstream servers providing the content. Once up and running, the client component allows users to watch television as if they were interacting with a set-top box. Users may switch between various applications on the gaming console, including but not limited to game titles, DVR, VOD, DVD programs, and so on.

Abstract: External notifications related to virtual spaces, such as virtual game spaces may be provided to users. The notifications may provide an indication of events that have occurred in the virtual game spaces, offers of virtual goods, and/or other information related to the virtual game spaces. External notifications may be sent, for example, via email, text message, instant message (external from the virtual space), and/or through other external communication media. This may provide centralized and/or coordinated distribution of notifications for a plurality of different virtual game spaces.

Abstract: A amusement ride feature comprises a waterslide sliding surface, a vehicle having a vehicle bottom surface adapted to slide on said sliding surface and to convey at least one rider thereon, and at least one reaction plate and at least one permanent magnet each mounted to one of said vehicle and said sliding surface. The at least one reaction plate and the at least one permanent magnet are positioned to affect motion of the vehicle when the motion of the vehicle brings the reaction plate under the influence of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: An interactive amusement attraction includes a track arranged inside a building and a transportation system having ride vehicles configured to move along the track. There are screens secured inside the building and projectors configured to display video content along the track on the screens. There are also input devices associated with passenger seats of the ride vehicles, which are configured to receive visitor inputs. The attraction also includes a controlling system configured to determine a location of the ride vehicle or visitors on the track, receive the visitor inputs from the input devices, and cause modifying and displaying of the video content based on the visitor inputs and the location of ride vehicle or visitor. The controlling system further causes the transportation system to move the ride vehicle based on the visitor inputs and the location of ride vehicle or visitor.

Abstract: A flying toy figure is provided which may include a doll body extending in a longitudinal direction and may have a longitudinal axis which is substantially vertical. A first propeller assembly may be mounted to rotate in a first direction about the longitudinal axis of the doll body and may be positioned longitudinally along a mid-portion of the doll body. A second propeller assembly mechanically linked to the first propeller assembly may be mounted to rotate in a second direction about the longitudinal axis of the doll body and is positioned below the first propeller assembly. A rechargeable power source may be in communication with a motor to drive the first and second propeller assemblies. One or more sensors may be included with the figure to detect a surface external to the doll body and may be configured to provide a surface detection signal.

Abstract: A robot is disclosed. The robot can comprise a body comprising a curved base and a multi-directional center of mass shifter assembly positioned within the body. The multi-directional center of mass shifter assembly can comprise a weight, a first actuator drivingly coupled to the weight, and a second actuator drivingly coupled to the first actuator. Actuation of the first actuator can be configured to rotate the weight relative to a first axis, and actuation of the second actuator can be configured to rotate the weight relative to a second axis, which is transverse to the first axis. The robot can comprise an inertial measurement unit, a controller, and/or an eye movable relative to the body. The position of the eye can be adjusted by an eye actuation assembly.

Abstract: To provide a block having a simple shape by itself with which various three-dimensional structures can be obtained by devising connection states, the invention is directed to a regular hexahedral block connectable with at least another block by fitting a protrusion provided on a surface of one of the blocks into a recessed portion provided in a surface of the other block, in which one protrusion having a square cross-sectional shape is formed at the center in one quarter section of a surface of the regular hexahedron, and in which a recessed portion into which the protrusion is fittable is formed at the center in each of two to four quarter sections of any other three surfaces of the regular hexahedron.

Abstract: A fixed support includes an elevated foot platform and one or more handles allowing a live person to stand on the elevated foot platform, and a background member configured to receive a portion of the fixed support and support a cutout image of a person substantially orthogonal to the live person standing on the foot platform. A picture of the live person standing on the foot platform along with the background creates the illusion in the photograph that the cutout image of the person is levitating the live person standing on the foot platform.

Abstract: A spray-drying apparatus includes a drying chamber that has a first end, a second end, and at least one side wall extending between the first and second ends to define an interior of the drying chamber having a center axis. A nozzle can be positioned at the first end of the drying chamber and be configured to atomize liquid and spray the atomized liquid into the interior of the drying chamber at a maximum spray pattern angle relative to the center axis. A heating device can be provided to heat the liquid prior to introduction into the drying chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat-integrated distillation comprising an evaporation chamber (1) with an inlet for feed, an outlet 6 for vapor and an outlet (9) for remnants and a condensation chamber (2) divided into a number consecutive sections (2.1; 2.2; 2.3). The apparatus further, comprises a wall (3) separating the evaporation chamber (1) from the condensation chamber (2), and a compressor (10, 13, 16) for each section of the condensation chamber, at first compressor (10) being arranged in a line connecting the evaporation chamber (1) and the first section (2.1) if the condensation chamber (1) and the additional compressors (13, 16) being arranged in respective lines connecting consecutive sections.

Abstract: A modular water filter system includes a plurality of media filter tank modules including an underdrain disposed within the filter tank module at the bottom side of the filter tank module, a controller, and a plurality of back flush valves associated with corresponding ones of the plurality of media filter tank modules, respectively.

Abstract: A filtration assembly is provided for a liquid flowing in an engine or hydraulic equipment, of the type including a body with a head on top thereof, and a cylindrical member for holding a filtration cartridge containing a filtration medium defined by an upper flange and a lower flange. The upper flange is coupled to the head by a first longitudinal retainer. The cartridge includes a second longitudinal retainer interacting with the body. The first retainer having a longitudinal tensile strength lower than the longitudinal tensile strength of the second retainer.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus which has a filtration chamber, and the filtration chamber has a fluid inlet, a filtered fluid outlet, a residue outlet, and a filtering element. The filtering element is situated between the fluid inlet and the filtered fluid outlet. The apparatus also includes a wiping member which is situated within, or about, the filtering element and which is adapted to wipe the surface of the filtering element. The wiping member also wipes any residue toward the residue outlet when the apparatus is in use. The filtration apparatus includes a first pumping configured to create a flow toward the filtering chamber, and a second pumping situated within the filtering chamber and configured to induce a counter-flow back toward the first pumping.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sieve cloth and a method of connecting the sieve cloth to a sieve apparatus having an endless sieve cloth supported by a support belt which, in operation, is structured to rotate around at least two spaced-apart turning rollers. The method includes the steps of providing at least one sieve cloth sheet having an upper side, a lower side, two side portions and a first end portion and a second end portion extending between the side portions; bringing at least a portion of the sieve cloth sheet into engagement with a portion of the support belt; positioning the sieve cloth sheet against the support belt by moving the support belt around the turning rollers; bringing at least two adjoining end portions into engagement with each other until the at least one sieve cloth sheet forms an endless sieve cloth.

Abstract: A separator for separating solids from a slurry has a vibrating rotating container, rotatably connected to a support. The rotating container is provided with at least a first inlet and at least a first outlet and has at least one opening. A screw press is at least partly provided inside said rotating container. The screw press is arranged through said first outlet. The screw press has at least one hole. The at least one hole and a feed screw are provided inside said rotating container in continuation of said screw press. At least one lift paddle is provided inside said rotating container. A first part of the lift paddle is arranged along an inner surface of a side wall of said rotating container. A second part of said lift paddle is in contact with a part of the feed screw. A new method for separating slurry uses a separator.

Abstract: A filter element is provided. The filter element is removably engaged with a filter head having an inlet and an outlet. The filter element includes an outer housing, a filter cartridge, and a baseplate. The filter element further includes a plurality of seals adapted to seal between the baseplate and the filter head, and between the baseplate and the filter cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of characterizing a fiber sample comprising standard fibers and identification fibers which can be used for tracking and tracing fibers through at least part of the supply chain. Each identification fiber exhibits at least one distinct feature. Each group of distinguishable identification fibers can exhibit a taggant cross-section shape, a taggant cross-section size, or combination of the same taggant cross-section shape and same taggant cross-section size. The distinct features and the number of fibers in each group of distinguishable identification fibers can represent at least one supply chain component of the fibers. The fiber sample can include a portion of an acetate tow band or a filter made from the acetate tow band, and the supply chain information can include the manufacturer of the acetate tow band and the customer of the acetate tow band.

Abstract: A sealed honeycomb structure which can suppress increase of pressure loss and improve durability favorably is disclosed. A sealed honeycomb structure 100 including includes a honeycomb structure having porous walls dividedly forming inlet cells and outlet cells, an outlet side sealing portion, and an inlet side sealing portion, wherein an opening area of the inlet cell is larger than an opening area of an outlet cell on a cross-section of the honeycomb structure, wherein at least one outlet cell is a reinforced cell where a reinforcing part for reinforcing the outlet cell is formed at at least one corner portion at which the walls on a cross-section vertical to an extending direction of the cell cross each other, and wherein the inlet cell is a non-reinforced cell where the reinforcing part is not formed at all the corner portions at which the walls on the cross-section vertical to the extending direction of the cell cross each other.

Abstract: The present application provides a filtration system for a gas turbine engine. The filtration system may include a holding frame with a positioning element extending therefrom and a filtration unit for mounting within the holding frame. The filtration unit may include a positioning slot therein such that the positioning element extends through the positioning slot when the filtration unit is mounted within the holding frame.

Abstract: A filter (1) for filtering air, in particular an air filtering element (30), is provided for releasably fitting into a housing (10) which has a housing upper part (11) and in particular a central tube (20) fastened to the housing upper part (11), and also the housing for the filtering element (30) is provided. The filtering element has a seal (33, 34) for holding the filtering element (1) on the housing upper part (11) and the central tube (20) and for sealing the space (111) between the filtering element (30) and housing upper part (11) when the filtering element (30) is releasably fitted in the housing (10). The seal (33, 34) is connectable in a form-fitting manner to a sealing receptacle (111) of the housing upper part (11) and/or of the central tube (20).

Abstract: An air washer includes a contamination removal membrane and a nozzle rack. The contamination removal membrane purifies an outdoor air for a clean room. The nozzle rack sprays water on the contamination removal membrane. The nozzle rack includes a supply pipe, a plurality of spray pipes connecting to the supply pipe and a plurality of nozzles fixed on the spray pipes to spray the water on the contamination removal membrane. The contamination removal membrane is a cellulose paper sheet, an agglomeration ceramic pad, a stainless steel filter or the combination thereof. In addition, a make-up air unit having the air washer is also disclosed therein.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide sequestering and power generating device. The carbon dioxide sequestering and power generating device can include a bladed turbine driving a dynamo, a CO2-absorbing portion, and dielectric cushions. Air may flow into the device through one or more openings, simultaneously generating power while CO2 is drawn out of the air through passive processes. Generated electricity may be stored or transferred to a grid. Sequestered CO2 may be stored to be recycled or otherwise disposed of.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide for an intelligent method and system with carbon nano tube filters for adsorbing and removing toxic and hydrocarbons in exhaust and in industrial soot. The carbon nano tube filter comprises two nano catalysts and monolith cylinders. The carbon nano tubes are single or multi walled. The nano catalysts are optimized carbon nano tubes coated with adhesive material, cobalt oxide and nano oxides of specific metals. The monolith cylinders are covered by palladium and rhodium oxides. The process of making the carbon nano tube based filter involves synthesis of highly purified carbon nano tube, surface modification of carbon nano tube with catalyst nano particle and optimization and deposition of nano metal oxides on the surface of nano catalyst. Further the nano-materials are coated on the internal surface of monoliths and the entire structure in subjected to sintering in a vacuum furnace.

Abstract: Provided are encased parallel channel adsorbent contactor apparatus and systems and swing adsorption processes related thereto. Encased parallel channel adsorbent contactors are useful in swing adsorption processes. A plurality of the encased adsorbent contactors are loaded and sealed together in a swing adsorption vessel such that substantially an entire feed stream must pass through the channels of the contactors and not through stray gaseous stream paths between contactors.

Abstract: Layered filtered cartridge systems with an End of Service Life Indicating system include a filter cartridge that includes filter media. The filter media includes a multi-layer construction, of a first sorbent layer, a second sorbent layer, and a sensing element adjacent to the first and second sorbent layers such that an indicating element of the sensing element is located at the interface between the first and second sorbent layers. The second sorbent layer has a higher adsorption capacity and/or higher adsorption rate than the first sorbent layer. The sensing element indicates the passage of an adsorption wavefront through the filter cartridge.

Abstract: TSA method for purification by means of adsorption of a synthetic gas including hydrogen, CO and/or methane, implementing at least one adsorber having at least one adsorbent and subjected to a pressure cycle comprising at least an adsorption step, a step of producing a flow enriched with a main component and a regeneration step, characterized in that the regeneration step includes: regenerating the adsorbent using a regeneration gas including more than 95 mol of nitrogen; and scavenging the adsorbent using a scavenging gas corresponding to a fraction of the synthetic gas to be purified or a fraction of the purified synthetic gas.

Abstract: An adsorbent bed structure and process is disclosed for use in an adsorption based gas separation process. A conventional adsorbent bed in a gas separation process is replaced with a one or more modular compact adsorbent bed units which are connected to make an adsorbent bed structure. The modular design requires lower fabrication and maintenance costs; is easier to transport; and is easier to load with adsorbent material.

Abstract: An ionic liquid solvent and gas purification method using the same are provided. The ionic liquid solvent consists of a main absorbent, a regulator for the main absorbent, an auxiliary absorbent, an activator, an antioxidant and water. The ionic liquid involves a low synthetic cost, low viscosity and high absorption capacity, and can be easily regenerated and recycled. The method, compared with traditional processes, has advantages such as a greater absorption capability and lower operation cost.

Abstract: A device for automatically detecting and removing air from a gas mixture of an organic gas and air includes calculating a saturation pressure value based on a temperature of the gas mixture in a reservoir 1, and obtaining a pressure threshold value by adding a margin value to the saturation pressure value. When the pressure value inside the reservoir 1 is higher than the pressure threshold value, air is detected to be in the gas mixture. After this detection, a controller 5 pressurizes and introduces the gas mixture into a pressure container 2 to condense the organic gas in the gas mixture, thus producing a diluted gas mixture. Subsequently, the diluted gas mixture is introduced to a supply side of a membrane unit 3, the organic gas in the diluted gas mixture is recovered at a permeation side thereof, and a residual gas is discharged outside of the device.

Abstract: A dispensing device is improved through the inclusion of modular components, for example, mechanical interfaces to couple to a container and a base. The modular dispensing device may also include communication systems related to the container and the base. Specifically, the modular dispensing device may receive information such as the contents of the container (e.g., quantity, identity, etc.) and a schedule for dispensing the contents. Using this information, the modular dispensing device may control the dispensing of the contents of the container.

Abstract: A dispensing cartridge may be improved by the inclusion of an actuator and an agitator. Specifically, activation of the actuator may move the agitator within the cartridge to agitate the items and to direct one of the items into a position for dispensing. Concurrently, activation of the actuator may move a cap of the cartridge to align a dispensing hole with the position for dispensing, thereby allowing for the dispensing of a single item.

Abstract: An oxygen pump can produce high-purity high-pressure oxygen. Oxygen ions (O2?) are electrochemically pumped through a multi-stage electrolysis stack of cells. Each cell includes an oxygen-ion conducting solid-state electrolyte between cathode and anode sides. Oxygen dissociates into the ions at the cathode side. The ions migrate across the electrolyte and recombine at the anode side. An insulator is between adjacent cells to electrically isolate each individual cell. Each cell receives a similar volt potential. Recombined oxygen from a previous stage can diffuse through the insulator to reach the cathode side of the next stage. Each successive stage similarly incrementally pressurizes the oxygen to produce a final elevated pressure.

Abstract: De-polluting, self-cleaning coating compositions are disclosed which comprise an organic binder having dispersed therein photocatalytic titanium dioxide particles substantially in anatase form which have an average crystallite size between about 1 nm and about 150 nm and which preferably have photocatalytic activity in the presence of visible light. Advantageously, the coatings of the invention do not require pre-activation to achieve high initial photocatalytic activity against pollutants in the air, such as NOx compounds.

Abstract: Provided are emissions treatment systems for an exhaust stream having an ammonia-generating component, such as a NOx storage reduction (NSR) catalyst or a lean NOx trap (LNT) catalyst, and an SCR catalyst disposed downstream of the ammonia-generating catalyst. The SCR catalyst can be a molecular sieve having the CHA crystal structure, for example SSZ-13 or SAPO-34, which can be ion-exchanged with copper. The LNT can be layered, having an undercoat washcoat layer comprising a support material, at least one precious metal, and at least one NOx sorbent selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth elements, rare earth elements, and combinations thereof and a top washcoat layer comprising a support material, at least one precious metal, and ceria in particulate form, the top washcoat layer being substantially free of alkaline earth components. The emissions treatment system is advantageously used for the treatment of exhaust streams from diesel engines and lean burn gasoline engines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-PGM catalyst for burning carbon soot without using a noble metal, the non-PGM catalyst comprising: a cerium-praseodymium complex oxide and an iron oxide, the cerium-praseodymium complex oxide impregnated with silver (Ag). The cerium-praseodymium complex oxide illustratively consists of 60 to 95 wt % of cerium oxide and 5 to 40 wt % of praseodymium oxide, and silver (Ag) impregnated in the complex oxide is 1.5 to 3.0 parts by weight of the total weight of the complex oxide. The iron oxide may be an oxide in a form of particles separate from the cerium-praseodymium complex oxide in which silver is impregnated, and may be 0.5 to 2 parts by weight of the total weight of the cerium praseodymium complex oxide.

Abstract: A gas sparger produces an intermittent flow of bubbles even if provided with a continuous gas flow. The sparger has a housing to collect a pocket of gas and a conduit to release some of the gas from the pocket when the pocket reaches a sufficient size. Optionally, a cover over an outlet from the conduit may break up or distribute the released gas. A large sparger for use with a commercial membrane module can comprise a plurality of smaller units.

Abstract: A hydrogen separation system and membrane is described for extracting hydrogen from gasifier streams at near atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature conditions. The system can be inserted between a small gasifier and an internal combustion engine which runs a genset to optionally co-produce hydrogen and electricity.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a composite membrane excellent in both durability and moisture permeability. The present invention provides a composite membrane formed by laminating a layer of a moisture-permeable resin on one surface of a hydrophobic porous membrane, the composite membrane being characterized in that the layer of the moisture-permeable resin is included in a reinforcing porous membrane.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for removing water vapor from a gas stream and for providing water purification, recovery and/or concentration. The apparatuses and systems employ a graphene oxide or a perforated graphene monolayer membrane to separate liquid water molecules and/or water vapor molecules from gasses, liquids, and other substances such as a wet muck or an aqueous sample. In one embodiment, an apparatus for removing water from a gas or liquid stream includes a first lumen, a second lumen, and a graphene oxide membrane separating the first lumen from the second lumen. Water molecules within a humid gas or liquid stream introduced into the first lumen pass through the graphene oxide membrane into a dry gas stream introduced into the second lumen.

Abstract: A mixer of the rotor-stator type that includes a stator having a plurality of openings and a rotor disposed on the inner side of the stator and spaced by a predetermined gap away from the stator is described, wherein the mixer that is capable of improving the shearing stress applied upon the liquid being processed and provides the higher performance is proposed. The stator includes a plurality of stators each having a different circumferential diameter, and the rotor is disposed on the inner side of the plurality of stators and spaced by the predetermined gap away from the stators so that the stators and the rotor can be brought closer to or farther away from each other in the direction in which the rotary shaft of the rotor extends.

Abstract: A planetary mixer includes frame-shaped blades configured to undergo planetary motion within a tank having a generally cylindrical inner surface and a plate-shaped bottom surface including corners formed with a curved face throughout an entire circumference of the bottom surface. Each of the blades has a vertical side portion extending along the inner surface of the tank and a bottom side portion extending along the bottom surface of the tank and connected at generally right angles to lower ends of the vertical side portion to form blade corners each formed with a curved face.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a reagent vessel, comprising: at least one first tube and at least one second tube, wherein second tube has a section area of the opening greater than one of the bottom. A kit for a reagent vessel is also provided herein, comprising: the reagent vessel and a stirrer jacket, wherein the section area ratio value for the bottom of the second tube to the stirrer jacket is 1.1 to 3.5. According to the present invention, an optimum efficiency for the stirrer jacket will be achieved, and a high capacity of the operational volume will be maintained thereby.

Abstract: A fluid control device for mixing liquids, includes at least: a monolithic base body; and a plurality of micro holes disposed in the base body. Also, the micro holes in a flow channel group ? that configures a specific group have opening portions in a region A and a region B on surfaces being outer surfaces of the base body, the micro holes in a flow channel group ? (n) that configures the other specific group have opening portions in the region A and a region C (n) on the surfaces being outer surfaces of the base body, and in the base body, the micro holes are disposed apart from the micro holes belonging to the different flow channel group throughout entire lengths. Here, the n refers to a natural number.

Abstract: A method and system for magnetic actuated mixing which use magnetic particles and electromagnetic field to facilitate the mixing. The method and system use magnetic particles and a generated electromagnetic field to facilitate the milling as well. The method and system can be used in any application that requires the preparation of small-sized particles at either the micro or nano scale, including for example, preparing toners, inks, wax, pigment dispersions and the like.