Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method are described for performing video compression. For example, a method according to one embodiment comprises: encoding a plurality of video frames or portions thereof according to a first encoding format; transmitting the plurality of encoded video frames or portions to a client device; receiving feedback information from the client device, the feedback information usable to determine whether data contained in the video frames or portions has not been successfully received and/or decoded; in response to detecting that a video frame or portion thereof has not been successfully received and/or decoded, encoding a video frame or portion thereof according to a second encoding format; and transmitting the video frames or portions thereof to the client device.

Abstract: An object arranged in a virtual world is caused to move in accordance with data based on a load applied to a load detection device. Then, based on attitude data outputted from a portable display device and a position of the object in the virtual world, a first virtual camera for generating an image of the virtual world is controlled, and a first image representing the virtual world viewed from the first virtual camera is displayed on the portable display device.

Abstract: In a video game or simulator, suggested speed indicators are computed along a suggested driving line on a path (e.g., a race track) and displayed in a simple, progressive, and user-friendly format. The displayed speed indicators are based on a racer's current speed and target speeds attributed to individual locations along the suggested driving line on the path. The speed indicators provide a dynamic indication of where and how the player should slow down or speed up relative to their current speed as their racer travels along the path. The speed indicators are displayed (e.g., using color to represent different magnitudes of suggested acceleration and deceleration) along the suggested driving line in front of the racer so that the player can anticipate braking and acceleration actions as the path and the racer's speed change.

Abstract: A game system is designed so that, when an operation input that sequentially selects a plurality of player characters from a plurality of player characters placed in a character selection area has been performed, and it has been determined that the sequentially selected player characters satisfy a selection allowance condition that is set based on an attribute, each of the sequentially selected player characters attacks an enemy character, and the player character that has attacked the enemy character is deleted from the character selection area. The same number of player character as the player character deleted from the character selection area is additionally placed in the character selection area, and an attribute of each player character that is additionally placed in the character selection area is determined according to a given rule.

Abstract: A method for use in presenting content includes the steps of generating an event in a software program and presenting content to a user in response to the event. The content may reflect one or more real-world events occurring after the software program has been released.

Abstract: The advancing of a game is made possible using the travel in the real world of a vehicle such as an automobile, as well as advancement of the game without entirely wasting travel of the vehicle. A game system (50) includes a probe device (21) that collects and transmits travel data of a vehicle and a game device (1), in which the game device (1) is provided with an travel data acquisition unit (31) that acquires travel data from the prove device (21), a distance calculation unit (33) that calculates a travel distance in virtual space based on the travel data thus acquired, and a display control unit (34) that displays a sight-seeing area unique image to a user when travelling on a route in virtual space according to the travel distance thus calculated, and as a results of this travel, reaching a set sight-seeing area.

Abstract: A system and method for user activity and preference analysis in a multi-user, multi-location digital environment that analyzes each user's state at each location where the user is present. If the user is present at multiple locations, the system and method also identify users that have mixed states, i.e., active at one or more locations and inactive at one or more second locations. If a user does not have a system-acceptable exception for its inactive state, the system and method may take action with respect to the user, which action may include warning the user or removing the user from the location.

Abstract: A personal items network, comprising a plurality of items, each item having a wireless communications port for coupling in network with every other item, each item having a processor for determining if any other item in the network is no longer linked to the item, each item having an indicator for informing a user that an item has left the network, wherein a user may locate lost items. A method for locating lost personal items, comprising: linking at least two personal items together on a network; and depositing one or both of time and location information in an unlost item when one of the items is lost out of network.

Abstract: A device includes circuitry configured to receive, from a position sensor, a geospatial position of the device. The circuitry is configured to receive, from a memory, image data corresponding to one or more golf courses, wherein the image data is received when the circuitry determines that the geospatial position of the device corresponds to a current golf course, of the at least one golf courses. The circuitry is configured to control a display such that the image data corresponding to the current golf course is output on the display. The circuitry is configured to receive a simulated shot input representing a simulated golf stroke taken at the geospatial location of the device. The circuitry is configured to calculate a simulated shot trajectory based on the simulated shot input. The circuitry is configured to control the display to output a result of the simulated golf stroke.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods concern managing the encoding and storing of game clips that are automatically generated to record video game highlights. Encoding game clips for smooth streaming using adaptive bit rates requires significant processing resources and storing the multiple bit rate encodings consumes significant storage. Therefore, example apparatus and methods compute a predicted popularity for a game clip based on user factors (e.g., status), video game factors (e.g., popularity), game clip factors (e.g., importance of event, uniqueness of event), or other factors. Predicted popularity may differ from actual popularity, therefore the popularity score may be recomputed using actual observations (e.g., number of views of the game clip). Additionally, actual observations may identify correlations between the factors used to predict popularity and the factors that actually determine popularity.

Abstract: A flying simulator ride in accordance with present embodiments may include a suspended rotator ring capable of motion in six degrees of freedom. The flying simulator ride may also include a passenger support system suspended from the rotator ring wherein the passenger support system includes a first passenger support unit; and a second passenger support unit, wherein at least one of the first passenger support unit or the second passenger support unit are configured to move relative to one another to assume a stacked configuration and a loading configuration, wherein a distance between the rotator ring and the first passenger support unit is decreased in the stacked configuration relative to the loading configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinning top employing a gyroscope to enhance the amusement at spinning top play, and a spinning top play device using the same such that, since a rotor of the spinning top is not exposed to the outside, an angular momentum of the rotor can be advantageously maintained for a long period of time even when collision occurs.

Abstract: In an aspect, a toy assembly is provided, and includes a housing, an inner object, at least one sensor and a controller. The inner object is positioned inside the housing and includes a breakout mechanism that is operable to break the housing to expose the inner object. The at least one sensor detects interaction with a user. The controller is configured to determine whether a selected condition has been met based on at least one interaction with the user, and to operate the breakout mechanism to break the housing to expose the inner object if the condition is met. Optionally, the condition is met based upon having a selected number of interactions with the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are toy robots having a frame, base and building accessories and kits therefor. The toy has a system of blocks, gripping appendages, gears and pop-up joints threaded together by an elastic cable held in tension. This configuration allows the toy to stand tall or short, be configured in myriad poses In or outside its frame, on or off its accessories, and can allow for the discovery of a secret cavity.

Abstract: The toy vehicle with a chassis, on which a vertical shaft with a seat is rotatably arranged, wherein the shaft is rigidly connected to a cantilever arm, pivotally connected to which is an end section of a digger arm, which is provided with a handle and whose other end section is connected to a pivotable bucket arm, which carries a pivotable bucket, is characterised in that tensioned between the cantilever arm and the digger arm there is a spring device, which biases the digger arm into a raised position and is increasingly tensioned when the digger arm is lowered.

Abstract: A balloon that is operable to facilitate a sealing thereof subsequent being filled with a substance wherein the sealing does not require a knot or external clamp. The balloon includes a body having a contiguous wall being formed in a desired shape. Proximate the first end of the body a neck is contiguously formed. The neck includes a hollow passage and an opening so as to facilitate the filling of the interior volume of the balloon. Circumferentially disposed in the neck proximate the opening is an adhesive layer. Superposed the adhesive layer is a protective layer that is rectangular in shape, The protective layer further includes a first tab and a second tab that extends outward from the opening and functions to provide an interface to facilitate the removal of the protective layer so a user can utilize the adhesive layer to seal the opening.

Abstract: A magnetic toy apparatus and method, an embodiment including a plurality of bodies, at least one of which is rod-shaped, the bodies each having voids adjacent to its corners or ends, a plurality of magnets each disposed in one of the voids so as to be freely rotatable to facilitate connecting the bodies to each other by magnetic force.

Abstract: A construction system uses a comb connector element in combination with flat or generally planar polygonal shapes of various types. The comb connector elements connect to the edges of the planar polygonal shapes. Each comb connector has at least one pair of connector members. Each connector member has a proximal end connected to the polygonal member, and a distal end. Each connector member having a face portion that includes a recess extending from a central region of the face portion. The recess extends to the distal end of the face member.

Abstract: The humidification-dehumidification desalination system includes a humidifier, a dehumidifier, and a carrier gas that is humidified in the humidifier and condensed in the dehumidifier to produce purified water. The humidifier preferably includes multiple stages in a staircase configuration in which at least one stage has a perforated or porous plate and the carrier gas is bubbled through the bottom of the plate into the “liquid to be purified” atop the plate. The dehumidifier may also include multiple stages in a staircase configuration in which at least one stage has a perforated or porous plate and the carrier gas is bubbled through the bottom of the plate into the purified liquid atop the plate. In both the humidifier and the dehumidifier, the liquid travels downward from one stage to the next stage. The system may be operated in a closed loop, so that the carrier gas is recirculated from the dehumidifier to the humidifier.

Abstract: A method of preparing a liquid mixture for use in a liquid chromatography system is provided. The mixture comprises one or more acids, one or more bases, one or more salts, and one or more solvents, and the method comprises the steps of: i) calculating pH and/or salt concentration at a particular time t from a user-determined gradient function; and ii) based on the values obtained in step (i), calculating percent acid, percent base, percent salt and percent solvent in the liquid mixture at time t. A liquid chromatography system incorporating such method is also provided.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography device includes an adsorption portion that adsorbs one or more analysis components in a specimen, an analysis device that analyzes an analysis component eluted by an eluent, a main feeding device that feeds a first eluent to the adsorption portion, the first eluent eluting an analysis component, a feeding channel in fluid communication with the main feeding device and the adsorption portion, a first retention channel that retains a second eluent, the second eluent differing from the first eluent, an auxiliary feeding device that feeds the second eluent to the first retention channel, and a first switching device that switches the feeding channel to either a first channel or a second channel, the first channel allowing the first eluent to flow from the main feeding device to the adsorption portion, and the second channel allowing the second eluent to flow from the first retention channel to the adsorption portion.

Abstract: An inlet diverter is provided for separating multiphase mixtures. The inlet diverter has curved vanes which define flow passages between adjacent vanes. The passages are arranged such that the inlet diverter discharges flow from the passages toward the inlet.

Abstract: A screen decanter for screening solids from waste water in a waste water treatment system comprising a drain manifold and a plurality of cylindrical cartridges mounted to the drain manifold, each of the cylindrical cartridges having an outer screen defining a cavity. Each of the cartridges includes a drain standpipe disposed within the cavity in communication with the drain manifold. Each drain standpipe includes a plurality of patterned openings arranged in at least one row along the length and partial circumference thereof and preferably comprises three rows of patterned openings, each row being disposed at a 120° rotational angle from the adjacent row of patterned openings. Each drain standpipe is disposed at a 30° rotational angle from its neighbor drain standpipe such that no row of patterned openings in any of said drain standpipes faces directly at any other row of patterned openings in any other drain standpipe.

Abstract: A system to separate solids from liquids is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a series of alternating baffles disposed along a length of a tank, where the series of alternating baffles define a vertical tortuous flow path of the fluid from a first end of the tank to a second end of the tank to cause solids to settle out of the fluid. The alternating baffles each have a sloped planar surface disposed between a lower horizontal planar surface and an upper horizontal planar surface to cause at least one eddy in a vertical plane as the fluid flows through the tank. The system may also include a series of tanks in fluid communication with the at least one tank and secured side by side, where the solids progressively settle out from the fluid in stages as the fluid passes from one tank to another in series.

Abstract: A sedimentation device for separating a material mix, preferably plastic flakes, including a sedimentation basin configured to receive the material mix and a liquid, for example water; an inlet configured to introduce the material mix and/or the liquid into the sedimentation basin; an outlet configured to remove sediment from the sedimentation basin; at least one stilling plate within the sedimentation basin configured as an ultrasonic oscillating element. The invention moreover relates to a method for removing sediment from a sedimentation device.

Abstract: A filter device has a filter element (3) received in a filter housing (1) and has a holding device (19) for detachably fixing the filter element in the filter housing (1). Corresponding threads (23, 33) form a screw connection between a housing cover (5) of the filter housing (1) and the filter element (3). A sealing device (29, 35) imparts a sealing action between the filter element (3) and the housing cover (5). The screw connection is formed by threads (23, 33) situated in the interior (22) of the filter element (3). The thread (33) assigned to the filter element (3) is situated on a connecting pipe piece (31) that, as a constituent part of an end cap (17) of the filter element (3), extends into the inner filter cavity (22) of the filter element (3). The thread (23) assigned to the housing cover (5) is situated on a receiving pipe piece (21), which can be screwed to the connecting pipe piece (31) of the filter element (3).

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid/liquid separation apparatus including an extruder press combined with a solid/fluid separation module for separating fluid from a mass of solids compressed by the extruder at elevated pressures. The extruder includes two or more extruder screws with flighting intercalated at least along a part of the extruder barrel. The separation module forms a continuation of the barrel, receives the pressurized mass and at least a portion of the twin screws, and includes a filter pack consisting of a filter plate and a backer plate. The filter plate has a throughgoing filter slot extending away from a core opening and into the filter plate for directing fluid away from the core opening. The backer plate has a core opening shaped and sized equal to the barrel and defines a passage for guiding fluid collected in the filter slot to an exterior of the filter pack.

Abstract: A screen panel assembly includes a screen panel and one or more raised screen components, wherein at least one of the raised screen components is disposed on the screen panel. Furthermore, each of the one or more raised screen components includes at least one inclined screen surface that defines a first plane that is oriented at a first angle relative to said screen panel. Additionally, the first plane is substantially aligned with a second plane that is oriented at a second angle relative to a third plane that is perpendicular to a displacement vector along which the screen panel assembly is accelerated by a vibratory separation device.

Abstract: The invention relates to sector part of a filtering, preferably rotating disk. The sector part includes a centrally located, relatively stiff and rigid support 1; 12 for transport of liquid therethrough and a substantially sealing edge with the exception of one or more fluid discharges 6. The sector part further comprises on both sides of sector support 1; 12 applied, filtering set ups of fine meshed nets, or made of other finely perforated materials performed or equivalent separating means 3, 4; 32, 42 for capturing and separating of fibers and/or particles from a mixture of fibers and/or particles and fluid. The aims of the invention are to capture and separate the fibers and/or particles from a mixture of fibers and/or particles and fluid. One important aspect of the invention characteristic is that each of said separating means 3, 4; 32, 4 is applied loosely and is movable held relative the support 1; 12 and relative to the sealing edge 2; 22.

Abstract: A drain cover includes a base portion including an outer rim and defining a collection area. The drain cover also includes a central portion coupled to the base portion and extending upward from the base portion, wherein the collection area tapers from the central portion toward the outer rim, and wherein the collection area is vertically lower adjacent the central portion relative to an outer periphery of the collection area.

Abstract: An apparatus having a bottom assembly with a fitting for interfacing to connect the bottom assembly to a second structure, having an elastic element that, when sufficient force is applied via the process of mating the bottom assembly to the second structure, and at an appropriate pressure value, passes from a first stable position, through a threshold, and to a second position, creating a tactile or audible indication that the apparatus has been properly installed.

Abstract: A vibrating screen is provided for separating excess water from particulate materials such as sand, gravel, iron ore, sludge or other particulate material and/or for grading, classifying or sorting particulate material by size. The vibrating screen includes a frame upon which is mounted a deck having a plurality of apertures therein, the frame being mounted on a base and being provided with vibration generating means for imparting vibration to the deck, wherein the frame includes pair of substantially parallel side walls between which the screen is mounted, each side wall including a pair of spaced apart side members defining outer faces of the side wall, at least one intermediate member being located between the side members, wherein the at least one intermediate member incorporates a plurality of apertures and/or cut-outs therethrough.

Abstract: Cyclones for gas-solid separators are provided, which are especially applicable for use in a downflowing third stage separator (TSS) for the removal of dust particles, such as solid catalyst fines, from the flue gas streams exiting the catalyst regenerator in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes. A cyclone comprises a barrel and a central hub disposed within the barrel to provide an annular section between the outer diameter of the central hub and the inner diameter of the barrel. Swirl vanes extend radially into the annular section. A shield is disposed at least partially within the annular section and at least partially within the swirl vanes. The shield radially divides the annular section into an inner annular portion and an outer annular portion.

Abstract: An air quality control system (AQCS) 14 useful for treating flue gas FG, such as flue gas FG produced by a fossil fuel fired boiler 12 is described. The AQCS 14 is equipped with a dust separator 37. The dust separator 37 is useful under relatively high dust load conditions downstream from a dry scrubber reactor 36 with limited equipment wear and limited space requirements. As such, the dust separator captures particulate matter with a dust trap that intercepts the flow of particulate matter for collection of the particulate matter in a hopper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for removing wet paint overspray from an outgoing air flow (120) containing over-spray particles. The device separates wet paint over-spray from an over-spray particle contained in an exhaust air stream (120). The overspray particles in the exhaust air stream (120) are formed during the painting at an application area (108) of a painting installation (100). The device (126) comprises of at least one separation apparatus for separating the over-spray from the exhaust air stream (120). The separation apparatus includes a regeneratable surface filter (146) and the flow path of the exhaust air stream (120) from the application area (108) to a separating device (145) having at least one narrowed area (146). The central direction of flow of the exhaust air stream (120) remains essentially preserved in passing by the narrowed area (140).

Abstract: In order to provide a surface treatment device for treating a surface of a workpiece which is operable simply and safely, it is proposed that the surface treatment device include the following: a work region in which the surface of the workpiece is treatable; a flow guiding device by means of which a gas stream is guidable through the work region; a solvent separating device for separating off solvent from the gas stream that is guided through the work region, wherein the solvent separating device is configured to be put selectively in a separating condition or in a rest condition, wherein, in the separating condition, the solvent separating device separates off solvent from the gas stream.

Abstract: Gas chromatography column comprising a substrate, a channel formed in said substrate, a cover closing said substrate and a stationary phase covering the walls of said channel, wherein said stationary phase is made of SiOxCyHz with x between 1.6 and 1.8, y between 1 and 2.2 and z between 3 and 4, wherein said stationary phase is porous with a porosity of between 10% and 40%.

Abstract: A rotary adsorbent dryer is provided which includes a stationary outer housing having spaced stationary end walls, and a rotor mounted for rotation within the outer housing. A plurality of compressed gas passages pass through the end walls to provide compressed gas flow to or from a respective substantially open end of the rotor. A drive arrangement is provided which is cooperable with an outer circumferential region of the rotor so that it is not necessary to provide a drive shaft which extends axially through desiccant material within the rotor.

Abstract: A device and method for separating off carbon dioxide is provided, including an absorption unit, desorption unit assigned thereto and a separation unit for separating off salts from a scrubbing solution. The absorption and desorption units are connected to each other via a first conduit for a regenerated scrubbing solution and a second conduit for a loaded scrubbing solution. The separation unit includes a crystallizer for forming salt crystals and a first separator unit on the downstream side for separating off salt crystals. A separation unit is provided for separating off salts from a scrubbing solution, having a crystallizer and a first separator unit downstream thereof. The crystallizer has a crystallization chamber for forming salt crystals and a countercurrent classifier for separating salt crystals according to particle size. A first branch conduit is connected to the crystallization chamber, which opens out into the countercurrent classifier via a second separator unit.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful, for example, for physical solvent carbon capture. A method comprising: contacting at least one first composition comprising carbon dioxide with at least one second composition to at least partially dissolve the carbon dioxide of the first composition in the second composition, wherein the second composition comprises at least one siloxane compound which is covalently modified with at least one non-siloxane group comprising at least one heteroatom. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) materials and ethylene-glycol based materials have high carbon dioxide solubility but suffer from various problems. PDMS is hydrophobic but suffers from low selectivity. Ethylene-glycol based systems have good solubility and selectivity, but suffer from high affinity to water. Solvents were developed which keep the desired combinations of properties, and result in a simplified, overall process for carbon dioxide removal from a mixed gas stream.

Abstract: A process for separating components of a gas mixture using gas-separation copolymer membranes. These membranes use a selective layer made from copolymers of partially fluorinated or perfluorinated dioxolane monomers and a second monomer, such as dioxane or a partially fluorinated dioxolane. The resulting membranes have superior selectivity performance for gas pairs of interest while maintaining fast gas permeance compared to membranes prepared using conventional perfluoropolymers, such as Teflon® AF, Hyflon® AD, and Cytop®.

Abstract: Systems and processes for reducing carbon capture emissions are described. The process involves introducing a radical species into a decarbonized combustion gas. The radical species react with residual amines or unwanted compounds in the decarbonized combustion gas, thus reducing the concentration of residual amines or unwanted compounds in the exhaust gas. The system includes a carbon capture absorber with non-thermal plasma generator configured to provide radical species reducing the concentration of residual amines or unwanted compounds in the exhaust combustion gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for the concentration of slurry, especially mineral containing slurry. The invention provides a system comprising an electrophoresis unit and a separation unit, where the separation unit comprises a recipient, preferably of half cylindrical form, with adjusted flanks for separating the solid material or cake from the rotating anodes and a sliding carriage suitable for closing the recipient and stripping resting solid material from the flanks into the recipient before the solid material or cake is pressed out of the recipient by a piston.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for removing oil from a oil-containing liquid comprising oil and gas comprising: a source of oil-containing liquid; and a membrane contactor system in fluid communication with the source of oil-containing liquid, the membrane contactor system comprising one or more membrane contactors having a first and a second surface, wherein the first surface coalesces oil and removes gas from the oil-containing liquid, and the oil and gas are collected on the second surface from the oil-containing liquid.

Abstract: A method for making a composite polyamide membrane including a porous support and a thin film polyamide layer, wherein the method includes the step of applying a polyfunctional amine monomer and a tetraacyl acyl halide monomer represented by Formula (I) to a surface of the porous support and interfacially polymerizing the monomers to form a thin film polyamide layer; wherein A is selected from: oxygen (—O—); carbon (—C—); silicon (—Si—); each of which may be unsubstituted or substituted, e.g. with alkyl groups of 1-4 carbon atoms; or a carbonyl group (—C(O)—), X is the same or different and is selected from a halogen, and Y is selected from halogen and hydroxide.

Abstract: Various methods of making a reinforced membrane, devices for making the membranes, and the resulting membranes are described. The methods typically provide a reinforcing structure that includes filaments extending around the circumference of the membrane but without the filaments being part of a braided or woven structure. Some of the reinforcing structures also include longitudinal filaments. The methods and devices can be used to make a supporting structure in line with membrane formation steps, and also allow for a reinforced membrane to be produced that has a ratio of inside-to-outside diameters of 0.5 or more.

Abstract: Disclosed are copolymers which are useful in hydrophilically modifying fluoropolymer membranes. An example of the copolymers is: Also disclosed are a method of preparing such copolymers, a method of modifying fluoropolymer membrane surfaces, and hydrophilic fluoropolymer porous membranes prepared from the copolymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrophilic porous PTFE membranes comprising PTFE and an amphiphilic copolymer, for example, a copolymer of the formula: wherein m and n are as described herein. Also disclosed are a method of preparing hydrophilic porous PTFE membranes and a method of filtering fluids through such membranes.

Abstract: Present application relates to a mixing device (10) for mixing a first gas with a second gas, the second gas being corrosive to the mixing device. The mixing device comprises a first gas guiding part (12) having a first gas guiding inlet part (14) and a first gas guiding outlet part (16), a second gas guiding part (18) having a second gas guiding inlet part (20) and a second gas guiding outlet part (22), the second gas guiding outlet part arranged in the first gas guiding part so that the first gas and the second gas are mixed and a guide vane configured to establish a swirling motion in the first gas. Further disclosed is a related method.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a flexible bag having an interior surface bounding a chamber and an opposing exterior surface, the bag having a top end wall, a bottom end wall, and an encircling sidewall extending therebetween, the bottom end wall including a first polymeric sheet overlying a second polymeric sheet. A first weld line welds the first polymeric sheet to the second polymeric sheet, the first weld line bounding a first sparging area formed between the first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet. A plurality of first perforations are formed through a portion of the first polymeric sheet that overlies the first sparging area so that gas can pass from the first sparging area, through the first perforations and into the chamber of the bag.