Abstract: A sensing apparatus may be provided capable of detecting a hit by a projectile, such as a BB pellet. The sensing apparatus may include a surface and accelerometer to detect the acceleration of the surface. A processor may determine whether a projectile hit has occurred. The sensing apparatus may be mounted onto a vehicle. The vehicle may be a robot capable of participating in a game. The robot game may occur within a facility.

Abstract: A short-range wireless communication network may be established by direct communication between two or more wireless communication devices and/or communication via an access point to permit game play between a plurality of devices. A conventional cellular telephone includes an integrated short-range transceiver. The short-range transceivers of multiple wireless communication devices can be coupled together to form a short-range communication network without utilizing any wireless communication network supported by A Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). Data is disseminated between the wireless communication devices using a data message synchronization process. Messages may also be carried from one wireless network to another as the communication devices are carried by individuals.

Abstract: System and methods to guide interaction of characters with objects in a virtual space include determining how objects near a particular character are perceived by that character. Based on proximity, position, the manner of possible interaction, and/or other considerations, objects are ranked for interaction with the character.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and a method for visualizing synthetic objects within a real-world video clip. The embodiments allow interactive, synthetic objects or characters to appear as if they are “embedded” inside or form part of a video clip. These objects move independently of the environment within the video clip and are controlled by a user. In one embodiment the video frames are set as textures in the furthermost layer in a 3D environment viewer or 3D “engine”. In another embodiment separate layers of video frames are superimposed with the synthetic objects on an output screen and synchronizing the movements and the field of view settings to give the perception that only one camera is used.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for accessing a storage device are described. Techniques are described for vertically integrating the various software functions and hardware functions for accessing storage hardware. In some embodiments, the system is implemented using non-volatile memory.

Abstract: The disclosed game control device is a device executing a game that simulates a sport or an amusement in the real world. The device includes: a setter configured to set a situation in a sport or an amusement before an event on the game; an event generator configured to generate the event based on information of an operational input under the situation set by the setter; and a result generator configured to generate a game result based on the situation set by the setter and the event generated by the event generator.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a content providing system of a terminal in a content providing system, a content server is requested to provide specific content. The specific content and a reward item associated with the specific content are received from the content server. A reward item list representing reward items associated with content having content providers different from each other is generated. The reward item list is displayed. Multiple content are received from a plurality of content providers. A corresponding reward item is determined for each received content. A specific content provide request is received from the terminal. The requested content and a reward item corresponding to the requested content are then transmitted to the terminal.

Abstract: Virtual competitive group management systems and methods are provided herein. Exemplary systems may execute methods via one or more processors, which are programmed to compare one or more skill levels of a player to skill levels of a plurality competitors, wherein a skill level is associated with player competitiveness within the interactive game, determine at least one of the plurality of competitors who have at least one skill level that is greater than the skill level of the player, and place the player and the at least one of the plurality of competitors into a competitive group such that the player is at a competitive disadvantage to at least one of the plurality of competitors.

Abstract: Game client, game server, Web application server, and database server including database with data representative of a virtual world. Game client or server, or both, includes motifs, motif manager, character manager, scenes-a-faire manager, and display manager coupled to display, all in communication with game manager, and pseudorandomizer, which can instigate changing of a motif. Motifs are representative of a game character or environment. A user interface has mass sensor, accelerometer, haptic device, first device for visual input, output, or both, second device for audio input, output, or both, and tactile sensor, effector or both. Included may be automatic translator, or TTS/STT module. The online game can be virtual world representative of at least two of a northern continent, a western continent, a southern continent, a central continent, and an eastern continent. Methods provide game client, game server, and a database that manipulate character or environment motifs and scenes-a-faire.

Abstract: A method for coordinating interaction between one or more computing devices for users participating in an interactive activity is provided. A reference point is identified on a physical surface via a primary computing device. The primary computing device may include a mobile computing device. The physical surface is utilized to render an interactive activity for one or more users. The reference point is communicated to one or more secondary computing devices, via the primary computing device. An interaction between the primary computing device and the secondary computing devices is coordinated utilizing the reference point. A user perspective image of the interactive game relative to the reference point is rendered on the physical surface via the primary computing device and the secondary computing devices to the users.

Abstract: An example system includes an object controlling unit that controls operations of objects based on input manipulations, and a noncompetitive relationship setting unit that sets a noncompetitive relationship for two objects in the competition of the game when a predetermined operation is performed between these two objects. That system performs processing regarding the game in which plural objects compete in accordance with the input manipulations.

Abstract: Collaborative virtual business object (VBO) social sharing that may include generating a VBO responsive to an avatar performing a transaction, and providing access to the VBO to other avatars desiring access. Access to the VBO may be provided by registering information regarding accessing the VBO in an inventory of the avatar, registering information regarding accessing the VBO in a centralized registry, allowing some portions of the VBO to be searchable, or uploading a modified copy of the VBO to a centralized VBO data upload facility. Portions of the VBO may be identified as private or public and access provided to only the public portions. An apparatus for collaborative virtual business object (VBO) social sharing may include an interface configured to access virtual world and a processor configured to generate a VBO responsive to a transaction in the virtual world and provide access to the VBO.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a standup water slide allowing a user to slide lengthwise down the water slide on the user's feet. The standup waterslide may include at least one panel having a pair of flat edge portions and an arched hump positioned between the pair of flat edge portions. The arched hump may include a water shaft extending lengthwise therethrough, such that both the arched hump and the water shaft extend along a length of the panel; and the arched hump may also include a plurality of spray orifices extending from the water shaft to an external surface of the arched hump. In embodiments, as many panels as desired may be interconnected to create a slide of any desired length.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a theater ride system includes a processor, a center platform, actuation arms, and maneuverable seating areas. Each maneuverable seating area of at least a first subset of the maneuverable seating areas is coupled to a respective portion of the center platform via a respective actuator arm of the actuation arms. The processor is configured to control the actuator arms to position the maneuverable seating areas in a uniform theater configuration such that each of the maneuverable seating areas is adjacent to at least one other of the maneuverable seating areas and the center platform to resemble stationary seating sections of a theater at a beginning of a show, move the maneuverable seating areas into different configurations during the show, and position the maneuverable seating areas in the uniform theater configuration near an end of the show.

Abstract: Provided is a motion simulator with two degrees of freedom of angular motion that is capable of performing pitching rotation and yawing rotation. The motion simulator includes: a first rotation body (100) that a user boards; a second rotation body (200) located under the first rotation body (100); a first driving unit (300) for pitching the first rotation body (100); a second driving unit (400) for yawing the first rotation body (100) and the second rotation body (200) as one body; and a controller for controlling rotation of the first driving unit (300) and rotation of the second driving unit (400).

Abstract: A toy appendage assembly includes an elongated member, an offset shaft having a first end coupled to a coupling end of the elongated member, and a wheel coupled to a second end of the offset shaft. The offset shaft is coupled to the wheel at a location away from the center of the wheel. The coupling end of the elongated member is at least partially spherical in shape and is capable of rotating within a support structure. The elongated member has a first axis, and the offset shaft has a second axis, where the first axis is angularly offset from the second axis. The coupling end serves as a pivot point for the elongated member and the offset shaft.

Abstract: A toy racetrack having an obstacle that is moved into and out of the path of a toy vehicle travelling along the racetrack is provided. The racetrack includes a closed loop track and may include a booster mechanism for propelling a toy vehicle along the track. The obstacle may be formed by a movable web or net with an opening that can be used to catch a toy vehicle traveling along the track. A support tower is located adjacent the track, and an obstacle carrier, optionally including an action figure, is movably mounted to the support tower. The figure holds the net, and the figure and net are movable between a raised position and a lowered position. When the net is in its lowered position, a toy vehicle traveling along the track is captured by the net when the net is manually positioned in a capture position.

Abstract: The toy vehicle track system includes a first track section, a second track section, a third track section, a trigger configured to initiate a launch of a first toy vehicle and a second toy vehicle, and a toy vehicle launcher operatively coupled to the trigger and configured to launch the first toy vehicle onto the first track section and configured to launch the second toy vehicle onto the second track section upon operation of the trigger. The third track section is configured to receive the first toy vehicle from the first track section and configured to receive the second toy vehicle from the second track section such that the first toy vehicle and the second toy vehicle simultaneously travel on the third track section.

Abstract: A gear mechanism having a shuttle gear adjacent both an auxiliary gear and an action gear and a cam plate, having a shuttle lock adjacent the shuttle gear and including a cam follower riding back and forth along a first cam pathway with an action element in mechanical communication with the action gear. A motor operates the shuttle gear with rotation of the motor in a first direction rotating the shuttle gear into engagement with the auxiliary gear, activating the shuttle lock to maintain the engagement throughout a predetermined rotational range of the cam plate and rotating the cam plate back and forth driving controlled back and forth movement of the auxiliary elements, with rotation of the motor in a second direction rotating the cam plate beyond the predetermined range releasing the shuttle lock.

Abstract: Reusable piñata toys are presented including: an upper panel bounded by a collapsible frame member, where the collapsible frame member forms an upper edge; a lower panel bounded by a collapsible frame member, where the lower panel is disposed substantially parallel with the upper panel, and where the collapsible frame member forms a lower edge; a number of inner panels disposed substantially perpendicular with the upper panel and lower panel for mechanically coupling the upper panel and the lower panel, where the number of inner panels form a number of chambers, where the number of inner panels form a number of outer edges, and where the number of chambers are configured for receiving a number of small items; a number of holding flaps disposed along the lower edge; and a number of holding flaps disposed along the number of outer edges.

Abstract: Toy kits and methods of using toy kits including a light-up object and near-invisible tether are described herein. The light-up objects can be of any suitable size and shape, and includes a plurality of light sources disposed along its inner or outer surface(s).

Abstract: A portable inflatable race track comprising a base, at least one wall, and a race surface, wherein the base is at least partially inflatable from a collapsed position to an inflated position, the race surface is inclined relative to horizontal and includes at least one lane configured to accept a vehicle comprising wheels, wherein at least gravity causes the vehicle to travel down the race surface. The race track may include a starting section, a sloped section, a finish section, and a stopping section. The race track may be configured to allow two or more vehicles to simultaneously race down the race surface.

Abstract: A valve-tray assembly and method for lighter fluid heavier fluid contact towers. The active area of the tray is constructed with valves having multiple lighter fluid discharge areas facilitating improved mass transfer efficiency. The valves include first and second support legs oriented in line with the heavier fluid flow with both legs and the valve top constructed with apertures wherein the heavier fluid may flow into engagement with the lighter fluid passing from beneath the tray up, through and out of the valve.

Abstract: A device for decanting a supernatant includes a decanter which is pivotally attached to a clarifier and which includes a decanter head that has a water inlet opening, a pivoting device which is connected to the decanter via an actuator with an adjustable length for raising and lowering the water inlet opening relative to a floor of the clarifier, a first measuring device for measuring a fill level of the wastewater received in the clarifier, a device for determining a length of the actuator, an evaluating device with which a distance of the water inlet opening of the decanter to the floor of the clarifier can be determined from the length of the actuator, and a controller for controlling the pivoting device such that a water inlet opening immersion depth, which results from the difference between the fill level and the distance, is kept in a specified range.

Abstract: The system and method of the present application improves the efficiency of systems utilizing spiral membranes but can also be applied to systems using other types of membranes. The membrane vessels and membranes are configured in a vertical orientation and a clear path is provided for the removal of product and cleaning chemicals on the retentate and permeate sides of the membrane with hide or no dilution.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly for filtering a fluid includes a housing base portion having an axially extending tube, a housing cover that is connected to the housing base portion to define an interior space, a filter element, and an interface structure. The filter element is disposed within the interior space and in engagement with the axially extending tube, the filter element having a filter media, a bottom end cap, a top end cap, and a mounting member defined by the top end cap, the mounting member having an axial wall with a vent passage therethrough and a radial wall that encircles the axial wall. The interface structure is connected to the housing cover and engages the top end cap of the filter element.

Abstract: A particulate separator for a gaseous fluid is provided. The particulate separator includes a sealable collection container defining a collection volume therein. The particulate separator also includes a gaseous fluid conduit provided through the sealable collection container. The gaseous fluid conduit defines an inner channel therein. The gaseous fluid conduit includes an inlet and an outlet. The gaseous fluid conduit also includes an arcuate segment provided between the inlet and the outlet. The arcuate segment includes a plurality of slits formed therein. The plurality of slits is configured to provide fluid communication between the collection volume and the inner channel of the gaseous fluid conduit.

Abstract: An air filter has a filter housing and a filter element inserted in the interior of the filter housing. The filter element has an inflow surface and an outflow surface and a filter medium that extends between inflow and outflow surfaces. The filter element has a circumferentially extending seal arranged in the area of the inflow surface or outflow surface and interacting in the mounting position with the sealing surface of the filter housing to separate inlet and outlet of the air filter. A support device clamps the filter element transversely to the insertion direction in the filter housing by a transverse clamping action in a support area that is spaced from the seal. The transverse clamping action results by an insertion movement of the filter element into the filter housing by interaction of the filter element with inner sides of the filter housing.

Abstract: An air cleaner assembly, a main filter element, a safety element, combinations and methods for servicing an air cleaner assembly are provided according to the present invention. The air cleaner assembly includes an air cleaner housing and a main filter element. The air cleaner housing includes a safety liner that supports the main filter element, and can be configured to help reduce the tendency of the main filter element to rotate during use of the air cleaner assembly. A safety element having two open ends, for use with such an assembly is described.

Abstract: A flat filter element to be mounted in a filter housing has an inflow surface and an outflow surface downstream of the inflow surface in a flow-through direction. A filter medium extend between the inflow surface and the outflow surface. A sealing section extends circumferentially relative to the flow-through direction. A seal fastened to or interacting with the sealing section is provided, wherein the seal, when the flat filter element is mounted in a filter housing, separates an inlet of the filter housing for air to be purified from an outlet of the filter housing for purified air. A first functional element section is arranged on at least one circumferential side of the filter medium so as to be spaced apart from the circumferentially extending sealing section. The first functional element section is attached to a lateral strip and the lateral strip is attached to the filter medium.

Abstract: A flat filter element has a filter medium and a sealing section that seals the flat filter element relative to a filter housing. A support element section is arranged on a circumferential side of the filter medium outside of the sealing section and supports the flat filter element relative to an inner side of the filter housing, wherein the support element section projects past the filter element in at least one direction. The filter housing has a mounting opening through which the flat filter element is inserted into the interior where the flat filter element is arranged such that the inlet is separated from the outlet of the filter housing. A projection arranged on an inner side of the filter housing supports under mechanical tension the support element section of the flat filter element in a mounting position of the flat filter element in the interior.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing granules of, e.g., urea or ammonium nitrate, wherein the ejection of submicron dust to the atmosphere is reduced is described. The method contains an arrangement of three scrubbers wherein the gas withdrawn from the granulator is provided to a first scrubber, resulting in the formation of a first purified gas stream, which is provided to a third scrubber, with the operating temperature of the third scrubber being below than of the first scrubber. In preferred embodiments, the process comprises various recycle streams.

Abstract: The metal complex comprises a multivalent carboxylic acid compound, at least one metal ion selected from ions of metals belonging to Groups 2 to 13 of the periodic table, an organic ligand capable of multidentate binding to the metal ion, and a C1 or C2 monocarboxylic acid compound. The metal complex has excellent gas adsorption, storage, and separation performance as well as excellent durability. The metal complex is stably present under high temperature and high humidity, and can maintain high adsorption performance.

Abstract: A system for compressing and drying hydrogen is provided. The system may have a humidifier configured to receive and humidify a concentrated hydrogen stream and produce a first humidified hydrogen stream. The system may also have a compressor configured to receive and compress the first humidified hydrogen stream, and produce a pressurized humidified hydrogen stream. The system may further have a dryer including a first bed configured to in production mode receive the pressurized humidified hydrogen stream, adsorb at least a portion of the humidity, and produce a product hydrogen stream. The first bed may further be configured to in regeneration mode receive a portion of the concentrated hydrogen stream to regenerate the first bed, and produce a second humidified hydrogen stream.

Abstract: A compressed gas dryer is provided with a drying zone and a regeneration zone, and a drum rotatable in the housing containing a drying agent that is transferred successively through the drying zone and the regeneration zone, whereby said regeneration zone comprises a first subzone having a first inlet to supply a first regeneration gas flow, and a second subzone having a second inlet to supply a second regeneration gas flow of which the relative humidity is lower compared to that of the first regeneration gas flow; and that an outlet of said drying zone is connected via a connection conduit to the second inlet of the second subzone.

Abstract: Gas purifiers for removal of active and low activity contaminants from gas streams with the help of metal powder sorbent on the basis of binary, ternary and multicomponent alloys. The total mole fraction x of reactive metals like Li, Ca, Sr, Ba and others is in the range of 0.5?x?1.0.

Abstract: An absorption column 1 for separating CO2 and a second acid gas from a gas stream, the column comprising a first and second section (4, 5) for the absorption of CO2 and the second acid gas; a solvent inlet in the second section for the addition of liquid stream 3 including an absorbent liquid for CO2 and the second acid gas; a gas inlet (21) in the first section for the addition of a gas stream (2) containing CO2 and the second acid gas; a gas outlet (15) in the second section of the column; a first solvent outlet (22) for the removal of at least a portion of the solvent (6) from the second section of the column and a second solvent outlet (23) for solvent stream (11) from the first section of the column; and a liquid flow distributor arrangement (8) to allow a portion of the solvent to flow from the second section of the column to the first section. A method of operating the apparatus and method of solvent extraction is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for separating at least a portion of an acid gas from a gaseous mixture, said process comprising contacting the gaseous mixture with an absorption medium and/or adsorption medium, wherein said medium absorbs and/or adsorbs at least a portion of the acid gas to form a rich medium; and separating at least a portion of the acid gas from the rich medium to form a lean medium; wherein the separation step is performed in the presence of an acid catalyst.

Abstract: A system for removing undesirable compounds from contaminated air includes a biofilter having a fuzzy-logic based controller. A contaminant, such as hydrogen sulfide, is removed from contaminated air by passing the contaminated air through the biofilter.

Abstract: A process for removing sulfur from a gas containing sulfur compounds as H2S, SO2, COS, CS2 . . . , in a quantity of up to 15% wt; particularly gases emanating from the Claus process: A first hydrogenation of the sulfur compounds into H2S, the hydrogenation gas being used to regenerate a deactivated bed of oxidation catalyst, both being carried out at 200-500° C. After sulfur removal, the resulting gas undergoes a second hydrogenation step and then a direct oxidation step, said step being operated under the dew point of sulfur to trap the formed sulfur in the catalyst. In the further cycle, the gas streams are switched so as to regenerate the catalyst in run which is deactivated.

Abstract: A nitrogen oxide (NOx) abatement system is provided. The system includes a power generation device for generating power from a hydrogen-element containing fuel, an exhaust conduit in flow communication with an exhaust stream containing NOx which comes from the power generation device, a plasma reactor for reforming a portion of the hydrogen-element containing fuel with nitrogen to produce ammonia, and a NOx abatement reactor containing ammonia selective catalytic reduction (NH3-SCR) catalyst for receiving the exhaust stream and the ammonia and reducing NOx in the exhaust stream by causing the NOx to react with the ammonia to form nitrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed are, inter alia, methods of forming coated substrates for use in catalytic converters, as well as washcoat compositions and methods suitable for using in preparation of the coated substrates, and the coated substrates formed thereby, which in some cases use iron-exchanged zeolite particles that provide enhanced performance such as lower light-off temperatures and lower pollutant levels in exhaust gases. The catalytic material is prepared by a plasma-based method, yielding catalytic material with a lower tendency to migrate on support at high temperatures, and thus less prone to catalyst aging after prolonged use. Also disclosed are catalytic converters using the coated substrates, which have favorable properties as compared to catalytic converters using catalysts deposited on substrates using solution chemistry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of generating highly concentrated protein solutions, e.g., an antibody solution, a therapeutic protein solution, etc. The methods of the invention include membrane evaporation, such as evaporation of protein-free solvent from the protein solution, which concentrates the protein. The methods of the present invention result in protein solution concentrations not previously achievable by conventional ultrafiltration methods, e.g., protein solution concentrations of greater than about 260 grams of protein per liter of solution.

Abstract: A method comprises flowing process solution and electrode solution into a BPMED apparatus, applying a voltage such that the process solution is acidified and basified and dissolved CO2 is generated, flowing the process solution out of the apparatus, and desorbing CO2 out of the process solution. A method for desorbing CO2 from an ocean comprises flowing seawater and electrode solution into a BPMED apparatus, applying a voltage such that dissolved CO2 is generated, flowing the seawater out of the apparatus, and desorbing CO2 out of the seawater. A method for producing a desalted solution and CO2 gas comprises flowing process solution and electrode solution into a BPMED apparatus that includes one or more three-compartment cells, applying a voltage such that the process solution is acidified, basified, and desalted, flowing the process solution out of the apparatus, and desorbing CO2 out of the process solution.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite membrane comprising the steps: a) applying a radiation-curable composition to a porous support; b) irradiating the composition and thereby forming a gutter layer of cured polymer; and c) forming a discriminating layer on the gutter layer; wherein the radiation-curable composition comprises a partially crosslinked, radiation-curable polymer comprising epoxy groups and siloxane groups, a photoinitiator and is substantially free from mono-epoxy compounds. Composite membranes and gas separation cartridges are also claimed.

Abstract: A composite membrane comprising: a. a porous support; b. a polymeric layer comprising dialkylsiloxane groups and a metal, the polymeric layer being present on the porous support; c. a discriminating layer present on the polymeric layer; and d. optionally a protective layer present on the discriminating layer wherein the polymeric layer has a molar ratio of metal:silicon of at least 0.0005.

Abstract: An air-powered water circulation system for ponds, lakes, municipal water tanks, and other bodies of water having a draft tube extending along and about a vertical axis between upper and lower end portions and supported by a flotation arrangement with the upper end portion slightly below the water surface. A pneumatic, air flow arrangement is then provided to supply pressurized air from an aft pump to a plurality of submerged air pipes positioned within the draft tube below the upper end portion thereof and extending inwardly from a submerged manifold toward the interior of the draft tube. In operation, pressurized air is supplied from the air pump through an air delivery conduit to the submerged air manifold and into the submerged air pipes where it is discharged as air bubbles through series of discharge holes extending along the pipes to create an overall circulation pattern in the body of water.

Abstract: A mixer nozzle assembly for mixing fluid introduced into a tank having a tank volume therein. The mixer nozzle assembly includes a stationary body and a rotatable body mounted on the stationary body for rotation about an axis in a predetermined direction. The fluid flows through the stationary body to the rotatable body and exits into the tank volume via one or more outlet apertures, thereby causing the rotatable body to rotate in the predetermined direction about the axis. The mixer nozzle assembly also includes a governor subassembly for controlling a speed of rotation of the rotatable body in the predetermined direction about the axis.

Abstract: A machine and process for providing a gas liquid mixture are described. The process can include providing a pressurized fluid stream that includes a mixture of a gas and a liquid; and subjecting the fluid stream to a series of alternating flow regions that include a plurality of laminar flow regions and turbulent flow regions. The machine can include a pressure vessel that includes, above a mid-line, a gas nozzle adapted for the addition of a gas to an interior volume of the pressure vessel and a liquid atomizer adapted for the addition of a liquid to the interior volume of the pressure vessel; below the mid-line, a fluid outlet positioned above a bottom of the pressure vessel and a clean-out port positioned at or adjacent to the bottom of the pressure vessel; and a means for determining a fluid level within the interior volume of the pressure vessel; and a flow path fluidly connected to the fluid outlet, the flow path including a plurality of alternating flow characteristic regions.

Abstract: A mixing segment for an extrusion apparatus comprises a shaft and a plurality of plow elements aligned along a helical path extending about a rotation axis of the shaft. Each plow element includes an outer peripheral arcuate ramp extending radially outwardly along the helical path from a root to an outer tip of the plow element. Methods of manufacturing a mixing segment and methods of manufacturing a honeycomb structure with an extrusion apparatus are also provided.