Abstract: The following discloses using avatars to provide feedback to users of a gesture-based computing environment about one or more features of the gesture-based computing environment. Gesture-based computing environments may not, in some circumstances, use a physical controller that associates a player with the computing environment. Accordingly, a player may not be provided with a player number. Thus rights and features typically associated with a particular controller may not be available to a user of a gesture-based system.

Abstract: In an aspect, fantasy sports data is analyzed to generate and/or manage the delivery of and user experience of fantasy sports games and contests, including timing and payout structure(s) for short-term fantasy contests, such as daily, weekly, etc. fantasy sports contests, that motivate and appeal to contestants and is/are reasonably structured and concisely represented. In yet another aspect, a daily fantasy contest system is provided to automatically adjust to user demand without overshooting profitable levels and offer a variety of different contests, as well as offer contests with guaranteed and non-guaranteed payouts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of Internet technologies, and disclose an application control method and a terminal device. The method includes: determining whether a currently running application meets a condition for casting a skill, and if the currently running application meets the condition for casting a skill, outputting a skill name corresponding to at least one castable skill; detecting a target skill name input by a user in voice mode; recognizing the target skill name and determining whether the target skill name belongs to the output skill name corresponding to the at least one castable skill; and if the target skill name belongs to the output skill name corresponding to the at least one castable skill, casting a skill corresponding to the target skill name in the application. By implementing embodiments of the present invention, applications may be controlled easily.

Abstract: Methods for sharing mini-games over a game cloud system include receiving a request from a first user to access a user account managed by the game cloud system. Access to the user account is provided, in response to the request. Providing access includes presenting a user interface with a plurality of mini-games available to the user account for user interaction, on a client device of the first user. The plurality of mini-games includes mini-games that have been shared and mini-games that have not been shared with other users. The method further includes detecting selection of a particular mini-game at the user interface. In response to detecting selection, an option to share the particular mini-game with other users, is provided. The option allows the first user to post the particular mini-game to a social stream of the other users.

Abstract: A ride system includes a tunnel, a vehicle ride path in the tunnel, an entrance disposed at a first end of the tunnel, a second end of the tunnel, one or more walls of the tunnel, and a projection system to project images onto the one or more walls of the tunnel. The tunnel is curved such that the second end of the tunnel is not visible at an intermediate position between the first end of the tunnel and the second end of the tunnel.

Abstract: A portable zip line tower is provided. The portable zip line tower comprises a tower structure having a major longitudinal axis. The tower structure is configurable into a first configuration wherein the major longitudinal axis is generally parallel to ground and a second configuration wherein the major longitudinal axis is generally perpendicular to ground. At least one platform mounted at least partially within an interior space of the tower structure and the tower structure is configured for mobile transportation in the first configuration.

Abstract: A line of plush and collectible animals that have heads, arms, legs, tails, ears and other accessories that connect to their bodies with magnets. The pieces can be interchanged with others to make unique creatures with poseable parts. Children will want to spend hours playing with the creatures they have created.

Abstract: A double-sided toy car capable of vertical turning within a sealed track, including: a car body (1); a front wheel (2); and a rear wheel (3) including a pair of upper driving wheels (32) and a pair of lower driving wheels (31)), a maximum distance between an upper end and a lower end of the front wheel (2) is less than or equal to a maximum distance between the upper and lower driving wheels after the rear wheel (3) is maximally elastically contracted, the maximum distance is less than or equal to a height of a sealed track (4), therefore ensuring that the double-sided car can smoothly pass through a vertical turning segment, however a maximum distance between the upper and lower driving wheels before the rear wheel (3) is elastically contracted is greater than the height of the sealed track (4), therefore achieving a crawling on the vertical track.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block toy. Provided is a technology in which a block toy includes a finishing block or a control block together with general blocks having their own information so that a user can freely define a completion step, can express completion, and can check configuration information during a process of combining and arranging the blocks, and thus the technology is effective in understanding a structure, a principal and a concept for language or operation learning, the acquisition of knowledge or information, or the like. Furthermore, principal components, such as a memory device, a control device, a speaker, a screen, a power source, a communication module and a recording module, are provided, and thus the configurations of combinations of general blocks can be checked and notification of the configurations can be provided using only a small number of blocks, thereby considerably reducing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A block toy kit is composed of a plurality of magnetic construction units magnetically connectable to each other, wherein at least one of the units comprises a hollow block main body having at least one flat surface portion with at least one magnet holds corresponding to the plural flat surface portion, arranged on inner sides of the respective flat surface portions and having magnet holding portions extending in parallel with said corresponding flat surface portions Permanent magnets are accommodated within the magnet holding portions of said magnet holders for rotation about an imaginary “X-axis” extending at parallel relative to the flat surface portion corresponding to the magnet holding portion.

Abstract: A flying disc includes a substantially circular body having a top and a bottom and a groove extending around a perimeter of the body between the top and the bottom. The top of the body has an edge member around the outer perimeter of the top, and a domed portion in a central area of the top. A portion of the top between the edge member and the domed portion is inwardly curved. The bottom has an edge member around the outer perimeter of the bottom, a substantially planar portion in a central area of the bottom, and an inwardly curved portion between the edge member and the substantially planar portion.

Abstract: An electrically heated still is provided. The still includes a still pot that is filled with fermented mash to be distilled. The still pot is heated by a heating element assembly that wraps around the outer surface of the side wall of the still pot (e.g., around the circumference of the mid-section of the still pot). The heating element assembly contains one or more heating elements. The heating elements include flexible conductive elements (e.g., “rope” heaters) that conform to the shape of the still pot to efficiently transfer heat thereto.

Abstract: A method of treating a material to recover an oil from the material comprises heating the material to evaporate the oil, removing gas phase fluids from the material, and separating the oil from the gas phase fluids removed from the material, wherein the method includes mixing hot vapour with the material. The material being treated in the chamber is heated by friction within the chamber generated by a rotating shaft and flail. Injection of hot vapour improves the efficiency of the process to separate oil and any other evaporable liquids at lower temperatures. The thermal energy generated within the chamber is not consumed in changing the phase of large quantities of liquids in the material, and more of the energy generated is available to heat up the material and evaporate the oil fractions from the solids.

Abstract: A vacuum filter press system may comprise: a frame; a liquid injection system for controllably injecting liquid directly into each of a multiplicity of chambers; a plurality of filter plates configured to form a stack of parallel plates, each of the filter plates being movably attached to the frame and configured to form the multiplicity of chambers, each of the chambers being formed by adjacent filter plates, each of the chambers being lined by filter cloths, wherein the plurality of filter plates, the multiplicity of chambers and the filter cloths are configured to allow water vapor to escape from the chambers while retaining solids from the liquid to form a filter cake; and a vacuum pump connected to the multiplicity of chambers. Furthermore, wherein each filter plate has spacers attached to both sides, for enlarging the width, and hence capacity of the filter chambers.

Abstract: A modular sub-unit 1 for the production of crystals in a suspension crystallization system 10 is disclosed comprising: a first crystallization segment 100, at least one further crystallization segment 110, a first mixing segment 200, optional further mixing segments 210, an inlet cap 300, an outlet cap 400, wherein the inlet cap 300 and outlet cap 400 are in fluid communication with any crystallization segments (100, 110) and any mixing segments (200, 210) present within the sub-unit 1; and a central rotating axis 500 for providing mechanical energy to the crystallization segments (100,110) and preferably the mixing segments (200, 210). The crystallization segments present in the sub-unit 1 are separated from each other by means of a mixing segment. The present invention also relates to a suspension crystallization system 10 comprising said sub-unit 1 and a suspension crystallization process making use of said sub-unit 1.

Abstract: A cyclone type liquid-vapor separator includes a chamber including: an internal space wherein the treatment liquid introduced into the internal space is depressurized and evaporated; a vapor outlet formed on a top of the chamber and through which vapors generated through the evaporation is discharged; and a concentrated liquid outlet formed on a bottom of the chamber and through which the concentrated treatment liquid is discharged; an inlet part coupled to a side surface of the chamber in a tangent line direction of an inner peripheral surface of the chamber, the treatment liquid introduced into the chamber is turned in the form of vortexes along the inner peripheral surface of the chamber; and at least one partition wall disposed in an area between the inlet part and the vapor outlet of the internal space of the chamber and protruding from the inner peripheral wall of the chamber to prevent mist contained in the vapors from moving upwardly.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of extracting water from a composition of an organic liquid and water, using a polyol which causes a phase separation.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for conditioning fluid, for example, to reduce the concentration of a contaminant in a fluid are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises: introducing a contaminated fluid and a first stripping gas into a first vessel; contacting the contaminated fluid with the first stripping gas to reduce the concentration of a contaminant in the contaminated fluid; transferring the contaminated fluid into a second vessel; introducing a second stripping gas into the second vessel; and contacting the contaminated fluid with the second stripping gas to further reduce the concentration of the contaminant in the contaminated fluid.

Abstract: An oil filter assembly includes an oil filter that may be fluidly coupled to an internal combustion engine thereby facilitating the oil filter to filter oil within the internal combustion engine. A cap is removably coupled to the oil filter. The cap inhibits the oil from spilling from the oil filter when the oil filter is removed from the internal combustion engine. A drain is removably coupled to the oil filter. The drain facilitates the oil to be drained from the oil filter after the oil filter is removed from the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A filter manifold is provided for processing fluid being provided to a fluid dispenser, featuring a new and unique combination of a mounting bracket, a filter cartridge and an accumulator cartridge. The mounting bracket is configured with porting connections. The filter cartridge may include a filter cartridge porting connection configured to plumb into one of the porting connections on the mounting bracket and also configured to filter the fluid being provided to the fluid dispenser. The accumulator cartridge includes an accumulator cartridge porting connection configured to plumb into another one of the porting connections on the mounting bracket and also configured to receive, accumulate and provide the fluid to the filter cartridge to be filtered before being provided to the fluid dispenser.

Abstract: A filter device including a probe where a filter element probe first end selectively engages with a sensing unit located in a filter head and a filter element probe second end is located in a contaminant portion of a filter canister. The probe fixedly engages through the filter element utilizing a sealing component. The filter element is disposed in the filter canister that engages with the filter head.

Abstract: A filter unit includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and a filter medium. The top plate is disposed at a first end of the filter unit. The bottom plate is disposed at a second end of the filter unit. The bottom plate includes a threaded filter portion and a valve shaft. The threaded filter portion has external threads and the valve shaft extends from the threaded filter portion along an axis of elongation of the filter unit. The filter medium is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate.

Abstract: A filtration material is disclosed that may include a first layer comprising a first three-dimensional network of fibers including a first plurality of cells, including an extracellular matrix comprising ?-glucan and chitin. The filtration material may include a second layer fluidly downstream of the first layer comprising a second three-dimensional network of fibers including a second plurality of cells, including an extracellular matrix including ?-glucan and chitin and the second layer may be adhered to the first layer. The first layer and the second layer may be coated with a polymer mixture including a polymer configured to mitigate exposure of the first and second three-dimensional network of fibers to glucanases and chitanases and further resist thermal degradation below a predetermined temperature. The polymer mixture may further include an antioxidant at an amount sufficient to mitigate the polymer from thermally degrading below the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A filter assembly may include a housing and a cover movably connected to the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position. The filter assembly may also include at least one projection extending from the cover towards an interior of the housing and a filter element that fits at least partially within the housing. When the cover is moved from the open position to the closed position, at least one projection interfaces with the filter element and causes the filter element to pivot within the housing, such that the at least one projection seals the filter element and the housing together when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: A system comprising a sensor coupled to a filter having a filter type. The sensor measures pressure drop across the filter and communicates with the controller. An air handler pushes air through the filter and communicates with a controller. The controller comprises an interface connection, a memory, and a microprocessor. The interface connection receives the air flow rate of the air handler and the pressure drop across the filter. The memory stores the relationship between pressure drop and air flow rate for a filter of the same filter type when the filter is clean and when the filter is exhausted. The memory also stores the relationship between pressure drop and the life of a filter of the filter type. The processor determines the remaining life of the filter using the received and stored information. The display receives information from the controller and displays the information.

Abstract: A bag filter arrangement for being arranged in a bag filter holder, comprising a bag filter having an end portion encompassing an open end of the bag filter, a bag filter seal for sealing against the bag filter holder, the bag filter seal being arranged to hold the bag filter, the bag filter seal comprising a bag filter facing surface, and wherein the bag filter seal comprises a recess on the bag filter facing surface, the recess being arranged to receive the open end portion of the bag filter.

Abstract: By, according to the invention, manufacturing a filter cloth (5, 6) especially to be used in filtering of gas flows, which filter is manufactured in a rolling mill where the individual layers are laminated with a membrane layer (1), to which by the use of a binder (2), such as thermoplastic sheeting, is glued a filter layer (4) with at least one metal layer (3, 13). Hereby is achieved a robust laminate (5, 6), which is, in addition, easy to manufacture in a rolling mill with heated rollers for melting of the binder (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides an air purification device which cleans and purifies pollutants contained in air by using a spray liquid sprayed when air is transferred and, particularly, the air purification device can control the transfer speed of the air transferred in a transfer space so as to increase air purification efficiency.

Abstract: A railway air dryer that switches the flow and counter flow of air through each of two desiccant towers in response to the actual humidity of air being dried by the air dryer. The air dryer includes a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor in the outlet air, and a temperature sensor in the inlet air stream to determine when to initiate the regeneration of the desiccant. The air dryer system is generally specified to provide some minimum drying performance, for example 40° C. dew point suppression.

Abstract: An air dryer includes a first flow path through the air dryer and a second flow path through the air dryer in parallel with the first flow path. A diverter valve has a first position that provides fluid communication to the first flow path and a second position that provides fluid communication to the second flow path. A system parameter signal is reflective of fluid flow through the air dryer, and a controller receives the system parameter signal and produces a first control signal based on the system parameter signal. The first control signal controls the position of the diverter valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is an asymmetric gas separation membrane made of a soluble aromatic polyimide having a specific repeating unit, the soluble aromatic polyimide including: as a tetracarboxylic acid component, a biphenyl structure and a phenyl structure; as a diamine component, a 3,3?-diaminodiphenyl sulphone and a diaminodibenzothiophene, a diaminodibenzothiophene=5,5-dioxide, a diaminothioxanthene-10,10-dione, or a diaminothioxanthene-9,10,10-trione. Disclosed is a method for selectively separating and recovering a specific gas species from a mixed gas composed of a plurality of gas species using the asymmetric gas separation membrane, a method for selectively separating and recovering a nitrogen-rich gas from air using the asymmetric gas separation membrane, and a method for selectively separating carbon dioxide gas from a mixed gas containing carbon dioxide and methane and recovering methane-rich gas using the asymmetric gas separation membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a porous silica aerogel composite membrane. The porous silicon oxide aerogel composite membrane includes a porous aluminum oxide membrane having a plurality of macro pores with an average diameter larger than 50 nm and a porous silica aerogel membrane formed on at least one side of the porous aluminum oxide membrane and the macro pores of surface layers of the porous aluminum oxide membrane where the porous silica aerogel membrane has a plurality of meso pores with an average diameter of 2˜50 nm and is derived from methyltrimethoxysilane precursor by a sol-gel synthetic method.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system remove contaminants from a vapor. In an embodiment, a contaminant removal apparatus includes a vacuum box. The vacuum box is a vessel. The apparatus also includes a demister pad disposed in the vacuum box. A vapor is introduced to the vacuum box on an opposing side of the demister pad from a vapor exit from the vacuum box.

Abstract: System and method for removing molecular contaminants from an air stream are disclosed. The system includes first, second and third filter. The first filter removes organic contaminants from an air stream passing through the first filter. The second filter is downstream of the first filter, is physically and chemically exchangeable with the first filter and removes organic contaminants from the air stream output of the first filter. The third filter, downstream of the second filter, is not exchangeable with the first filter or the second filter. The first position filter can be replaced by the second filter in the second position when the first filter in the first position becomes depleted as detected. A new filter in the second filter position is inserted. Replacing the depleted first filter with the second downstream filter reduces costs and waste while inserting the new filter in the second position ensures removing organic contaminants.

Abstract: Methods and systems for filtering of biological particles are disclosed. Filtering membranes separate adjacent chambers. Through osmotic or electrokinetic processes, flow of particles is carried out through the filtering membranes. Cells, viruses and cell waste can be filtered depending on the size of the pores of the membrane. A polymer brush can be applied to a surface of the membrane to enhance filtering and prevent fouling.

Abstract: A method of operating an immersed microporous membrane module includes a step of monitoring membrane performance to sense the onset of sludging in the module. Differences in permeability between permeation in backwashes, or trends in permeability during backwashing and permeability during permeation, or both, are monitored. Solid deposits formed during the onset of sludging may be removed with an in situ de-sludging process. For example, the deposits may be removed by stopping permeation while aerating the module, optionally at an increased rate. At other times, the module is optionally aerated while permeate is withdrawn at an aeration rate correlated to flux. The method may be used in particular with a membrane module having parallel textured flat sheet membranes suspended between a pair of vertically oriented headers. An aerator may be made from an open bottomed channel having an array of holes rising and concentrated towards the center of the channel.

Abstract: A cycling ultra-thin channel filtration (cUTF) method, system and module are disclosed for concentration and purification of biomolecules. In one embodiment, a cUTF system includes a cUTF module and a cycle controller to load a feed aliquot of a feed stream into the cUTF module inducing permeation of the feed stream to build a boundary layer by pressurizing the feed stream, to stop permeation and to recover a retentate aliquot in a repeating cycle.

Abstract: This invention provides a polymeric separation membrane that has excellent durable antibacterial effect and stain resistance, and a preparation method thereof. The polymeric separation membrane can be widely applied for water treatment, which belongs to the field of water treatment and membrane separation science and technology. The polymeric separation membrane containing quaternary ammonium salt is prepared by the immersion precipitation phase inversion method, using quaternary ammonium salt mixed with polymer and additives. This modification method effectively improves the antibacterial and antifouling ability of the polymeric separation membrane prolongs the service life of membranes and significantly inhibits the reproduction of bacterial and microbial. The preparation method has the advantages of simple process, easy operation, easy for promotion, and also avoids expensive equipment.

Abstract: A filter module of an extracorporeal blood treatment machine with a filter casing in which a hollow fiber bundle is attached whose hollow fibers comprise a hollow fibre wall made of a semi-permeable membrane, and whereby in their longitudinal extension the hollow fibers comprise a number of changes in their diameter. An amplitude of 0.1 to 1 mm is achieved for the exterior diameter of the respective hollow fiber starting from the hollow fiber's axis, whereby the periodicity provided in the axial direction of the hollow fiber is within a range of 1 to 10 cm and on the inside of the filter casing at least one radial constriction is configured or provided by which the fiber bundle is locally constricted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a filtration membrane having an average molecular out-off of <1000 g/mol.

Abstract: A conditioning module (1), for regulating the temperature of and humidifying a flowing gas (60), has a flowthrough body (10) with an inflow opening (11) and with an outflow opening (12). The inflow opening (11) is connected to a gas feed line (2) in a fluid-communicating manner and the outflow opening (12) is connected to a gas outflow line (3) in a fluid-communicating manner. A lower inner area (13) of the flowthrough body (10) is configured as a collecting tank (14) for collecting water (62).

Abstract: A bubble atomizer includes a cartridge having an open end, a liquid absorbing member provided inside the cartridge, a firing chamber covering the open end and formed with liquid outlets and liquid inlets through which liquid enters the firing chamber from the cartridge, and heaters mounted inside the firing chamber. The heaters are connected with a power electronics unit through a cable. Each heater has a thickness in micron to sub-micron scale. When a pulse signal generated is applied to the heaters, current generated heats up the heaters and vapor bubbles are formed on the heaters that generate pressure and push the liquid out of the firing chamber through the liquid outlets to thereby form droplets.

Abstract: One or more embodiments relate to systems and methods for mixing of two or more fluids using a multi-chamber manifold. One or more embodiments relate to optimal mixing.

Abstract: The boundary layer drum mixer is an apparatus which can pass through the narrow top port of a standard chemical drum or bulk container without the need to disassemble any part of the mixer or the vessel. The invention is an enclosed system with an internal arrangement of impellers and stators which draw liquid-based media from the adjacent vessel and strategically distributes it throughout the vessel through an array of outlet ports. The strategic mixing requires low energy input, minimizes the risk of media aeration and works with a wide range of fluid levels. The apparatus imparts no net external torque, and therefore, requires no rigid mounting. The upper impeller flow positively entrains particles or liquid phases that tend to float. The lower impeller flow positively entrains particles or liquid phases that tend to sink and/or remain static in boundary layers against or near the vessel walls and base.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are powder mixing apparatuses and methods that utilize the deagglomerizing and mixing effects of an air flow that impacts a flowing powder. The resulting powder can have smaller particle sizes and/or exhibit a more homogenous mixture than the premixed powder.

Abstract: A pulsed gas mixing apparatus is provided. The pulsed gas mixing apparatus may include a mixing plate having a top side that is substantially smooth, and a bottom side that includes a plurality of ribs. The pulsed gas mixing apparatus may also include a supply tube configured to be coupled to the mixing plate and supply a mixing gas that is used to mix the contents a container in which the pulsed gas mixing apparatus is installed.

Abstract: A laminate of layered substances each containing two or more kinds of elements as constituent elements is contained in an ionic liquid containing a specific cation, and the ionic liquid containing the laminate is irradiated with one or both of sonic waves and electric waves.

Abstract: De novo synthesized large libraries of nucleic acids are provided herein with low error rates. Further, devices for the manufacturing of high-quality building blocks, such as oligonucleotides, are described herein. Longer nucleic acids can be synthesized in parallel using microfluidic assemblies. Further, methods herein allow for the fast construction of large libraries of long, high-quality genes. Devices for the manufacturing of large libraries of long and high-quality nucleic acids are further described herein.

Abstract: A precision volumetric liquid dispensing instrument is disclosed that includes two pressure sensors and a fluid passageway with a defined volume portion in communication with the two sensors for receiving and distributing liquid in relatively small volumes. One of the pressure sensors is positioned to measure pressure at one portion of the defined volume portion of the fluid passageway and the other of the gas pressure sensors is positioned to measure gas pressure at a different portion of the defined volume portion of the passageway. At least one valve is in communication with the passageway for moving fluids into or out of the defined volume portion of the fluid passageway, and a processor carries out a step selected from the group consisting of (i) calculating the volume of the liquid based upon the measured pressure and (ii) metering a liquid into the defined volume portion of the fluid passageway until the measured pressure indicates that a desired volume of fluid is in the fluid passageway.

Abstract: There is provided a microwave plasma torch system comprising: a plasma generator; a microwave generator; and at least one plasma source gas injector, wherein the microwave generator includes a waveguide, wherein the plasma generator includes a discharge tube, wherein the discharge tube passes through a waveguide in a perpendicular to the waveguide, wherein the waveguide has a width na, where n is an integer equal to or larger than 2, wherein a is defined as a width of a waveguide having a dominant mode for propagating a microwave, wherein the discharge tube is positioned relative to the waveguide such that a diameter center of the tube encounters a longitudinal null line of an electric field distribution, wherein the discharge tube is further positioned relative to the waveguide such that a diameter center of the tube encounters a transverse null line of an electric field distribution, wherein the transverse null line is perpendicular to the longitudinal null line.