Abstract: A toy apparatus includes a base piece having a distal end, a movable elongated member having a first end and a second end, and a tether coupled to the first end of the movable elongated member. Tension applied to the tether moves the movable elongated member from an open first position to a closed second position. The toy apparatus is configured to freely slide on a surface due to momentum generated when an initial pushing force is applied to the toy apparatus. The tension applied to the tether causes the tether to become taut, without other human contact to the toy apparatus. In the closed second position, the second end of the movable elongated member is closer to the distal end of the base elongated member, and the base elongated member and the movable elongated member are capable of retaining a target piece.

Abstract: A computer device has a display which displays game elements. The game element being one of a plurality of different types and having a weight. A user interface detects when a user engages with a game element. If there is a match associated with the game element, the weights of the all the match game elements is summed. If the weight is above a threshold, the engaged game element is removed from the game board. The weight is distributed to other game elements.

Abstract: An operation information measurement apparatus having a detection unit for detecting information corresponding to a motion of a user includes: an operation information measurement unit that measures operation information of the user based on the information detected by the detection unit; a communication unit for performing near-field wireless communication with another operation information measurement apparatus; a determination unit that, based on a communication record of the communication unit, determines an interaction period in which the user and another user were active at the same location; and a transfer unit that transfers information relating to the interaction period determined by the determination unit to a game control unit that controls a parameter of an electronic game according to at least whether or not the interaction period exists.

Abstract: A method includes acquiring media content of a wagering game table at a wagering game establishment with a camera of a mobile device. A location of the mobile device is determined when the media content is acquired. A direction that a lens of the camera is facing when the media content is acquired is determined. The wagering game table is identified based on the location and the direction. Overlay imagery derived from wagering game activity of the wagering game table is downloaded into the mobile device from a server. The overlay imagery is composited onto the media content to create a composited media content. The composited media content is displayed on a display of the mobile device.

Abstract: Apparel is disclosed that can be worn to assist an interactive game in tracking the movement of the wearer. The apparel may include one or more tracking marks formed of designs, patterns, or reflective materials that can be easily tracked by an interactive game. By providing tracking marks on apparel, rather than using a special-purpose device that must be separately worn, a player may enjoy a more natural feel when playing the interactive game. A user can wear the apparel for everyday purposes, and then simply begin playing the game wearing the apparel without having to put on any additional equipment. The apparel may use reflective materials, and the interactive game can employ a camera and a light source configuration where the camera is located within the observation angle of a player employing retroreflective materials reflecting light from the light source.

Abstract: A game controller for controlling electronic games comprising a controller chassis and an actuator system including: an actuator body pivotally mounted to the controller chassis; a strike plate coupled to the actuator body; a trigger adjustment system having an arm; and an actuator adjustment control screw received in a screw thread disposed within said arm. A portion of the actuator adjustment control screw may engage with a portion of the strike plate and said portion of the actuator adjustment control screw creates an end stop to limit movement of the actuator body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing content in a virtual space are presented herein. The content may be generated in the virtual space by a non-player game entity. The non-player game entity may be associated with generating a particular type of content in the virtual space. The users may deploy the non-player game entities in the virtual space in order to generate the corresponding non-player game entity-generated content in the virtual space. The non-player game entity-generated content may be implemented through procedural placement of elements of the content within the virtual space. The non-player game entity-generated content comprise one or more of static content, moving content, interactive content (e.g., a game), and/or other types of content.

Abstract: A system and method for making one or more toy more user interactive. The system comprises a low energy signal emitting chip such as a Bluetooth® for each toy, a portable computing device such as a smart phone, tablet or laptop and software that sends a plurality of different commands to each toy depending on two or more of: a chronological event; relative strength of the signal received and frequency of occurrences the first toy has received one or more signals in a given time period.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a highlight video of a critical gaming moment from a source computer game running on a game server are disclosed. The method, when executed by a processor accessible by a processing server, comprises receiving video recordings recorded using at least two game virtual cameras positioned at predetermined locations during a source game play, wherein at least one of the game virtual cameras was inserted into the source computer game using a SDK or a game connector module. Next, analyzing the received recordings to extract visual, audio, and/or metadata cues; generating highlight metadata; and detecting the critical gaming moment based on the highlight metadata. Finally, generating a highlight video of the critical gaming moment from the received video recordings based on the highlight metadata. In some embodiments, the highlight videos can be used to drive additional traffic to the game tournament and/or streaming platform operator.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include an apparatus comprising a recognition unit configured to recognize real object in an image. The apparatus may further comprise a determining unit configured to determine a stability indicator indicating a stability of the recognition, and a display control unit configured to modify a display of a virtual object according to the stability indicator.

Abstract: A condition ascertainment unit accurately ascertains the condition of an opponent in a remote location while considering an opponent's privacy. The condition ascertainment unit for ascertaining the condition of the opponent in a remote location includes a staging device configured to perform a staging operation different from the operation of reproducing a video image and voice of the opponent, and a control device configured to control the staging device to perform the staging operation and to communicate with an opponent side terminal. The control device obtains data on at least one of opponent's position and state, atmosphere in the space where the opponent is present, voice emitted from the opponent, and vibration generated by action of the opponent; specifies, from the obtained data, contents on the above-described item; and causes the staging device to perform the staging operation in a staging mode corresponding to the specified contents.

Abstract: A computer executing a game program performs operations such as providing a game space shared by at least a first user and a second user through a network; arranging at least a first object associated with the first user and a second object and a third object associated with the second user in the game space; operating a first character having a first number associated with the first object to advance from the first object toward the second object and displaying the first character; operating a second character having a second number associated with the third object to advance toward the first character, and reducing the first number on the basis of the second number according to the advance of the second character; and operating the first character having the reduced first number to reach the second object and displaying the first character.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a system and method for managing word games. The computing devices of the players host a software application that presents a grid layout with squares for playing the word game. The player invites other set of players and initiates a new game. At the start of the game the bonus squares are randomized. Each player is assigned with same inventory of alphabets. Each player places the alphabets on the squares to form the words. During the game, the player uses strategic tools to score more points or block opponents. Every move by a player is communicated to other players of the game by updating the alphabet placements on the board game. At the end of the word game, the score is calculated for each player based on score points of the alphabets used by the player in forming all the words and a rank is assigned.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method assigns one or more trophies to a user. A game is emulated in response to a request from a client device. A trophy trigger is detected during emulation of the game by comparing a current program counter value to a predetermined value and comparing a stored instruction in an instruction storage location to a predetermined instruction when the current program counter value matches the predetermined counter value. The one or more trophies are assigned to a user account that is associated with the user when the current program counter value matches the predetermined value and the instruction in the instruction storage location matches the predetermined instruction.

Abstract: Dynamically balancing imbalanced teams in a multiple team game, including: generating at least three teams, each team comprising members belonging to a first type or a second type; applying a first growth pattern to members of the first type and a second growth pattern to members of the second type, converting at least one member of the first type to the second type; and adjusting the first and second growth patterns based on the conversion of the at least one member.

Abstract: A game system including a server device connected to a network and one or more terminal devices operated by users and executing a video game that a player character plays a quest in a game space which has a quest data storing unit which stores quest data, a playing status storing unit which stores playing status of the quest, a quest control unit which permits the start of the quest, and a hint control unit which notifies the information for the starting conditions. The playing status storing unit acquires the playing status from the quest control unit and updates the playing status, and the hint control unit determines the information for the starting conditions based on the playing status.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a water slide system including an at least partly translucent or transparent slide tube which may be circumferentially closed and in which a slide surface that can be wetted with liquid extends in a slide direction. Lighting features that are visible from the interior of the slide tube are arranged on the outside of the slide tube in order to achieve optical effects in the interior of the slide tube. According to an aspect, the lighting features are pixels, for example LEDs, which are arranged in a matrix of at least one screen module. The screen module may be in the shape of a shell that extends on the outside of the slide tube and over a circumferential portion of the slide tube and which can be actuated in order to display movable two-dimensional or stereoscopic images, which may be curved in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A system for controlling ride experiences through a ride space of an amusement park ride based on a passenger's present state. The system includes a sensor mounted on an automated trackless vehicle, being controlled to travel along a first ride path, sensing passenger data for a passenger. The system includes a controller processing the passenger data to determine a passenger state at a particular point in time during the ride experience. The controller determines a location of the automated trackless vehicle on the first ride path. The controller, based on the passenger state and the location of the automated trackless vehicle on the first ride path, determines a second ride path for the automated trackless vehicle for the ride space. The controller then controls the automated trackless vehicle to move from the first ride path to the second ride path to alter the passenger's state to enhance their ride experience.

Abstract: An expandable play set as well as associated methods, communication protocols, and tangible computer-readable media are disclosed. The play set may generate interactive responses based upon which characters are coupled to a base unit and to which connectors of the base unit the characters are coupled. A character may include circuitry that permits the character to identify to which connector of the base unit the character is coupled. Such circuitry may also permit the character to identify and communicate with other characters that are also coupled to the base unit. Based upon obtained identifiers, the character may generate or otherwise cause suitable interactive responses such as activating a load in the base unit, turning on a light in the base unit and/or character, and/or generating a suitable audible response via an audio speaker of the character.

Abstract: A construction set consisting of a sequence of subsets of mating blocks each subset having blocks of a smaller size than the preceding subset, all blocks being of the same general shape and enabling the construction of naturally occurring shapes such as fractal shapes. Each block has an attachment site to the next larger size blocks and at least two attachment sites to blocks of the next smaller size. The blocks can attach to each other by a variety of means including pin and hole pairs or magnets.

Abstract: A built-in self-test (BIST) parallel memory test architecture for an integrated circuit, such as a system-on-a-chip (SoC), is disclosed. A BIST controller generates a test data pattern for memories of a common memory type, with this test data pattern forwarded to the memories, with pipeline delay stages inserted in the data path according to the operational speed of the memory in its normal operation. The expected data response of these memories, when read, and corresponding to this test data pattern is delayed for a group of memories by a local delay response generator shared by those memories. For example, the memories in the group of memories may be physically near one another. The local delay response generator delays the expected data response by a delay corresponding to the memory latency of those memories in the group, before applying the expected data response to local comparators associated with the memories in the group.

Abstract: A basketball goal stand that utilizes a bubble generating device that is housed within an upper portion of a basketball backboard to emit soap bubbles from the upper perimeter of the backboard when a basketball goal is made. It utilizes a tractor fed belt that is passed through a soap mixture filled vessel, and a dynamic air source that dispels air bubbles from loaded soap bubble orifices on the tractor fed belt. Optionally, it may use a bubble venture nozzle to created the bubbles that are emitted fro the backboard. A second embodiment utilizes a floating platform for use in a pool that supports a toroidal ring that houses the bubble generating components. There is no backboard utilized in the pool version.

Abstract: An apparatus for making artificial snow comprises: a) a reservoir for an evaporative snow solution; b) a fluid line with an upper end and a lower end; c) a pump to deliver the evaporative snow solution through the fluid line to a fan at or near the upper end of the fluid line; d) a sock; e) an illuminating means which is configured to illuminate the artificial snow once produced and falling; and f) a ventilated protective membrane around the illuminating means to prevent ingress of fluid; wherein the entire apparatus is contained within the body of a decorative device, and wherein the sock is disposed at or near an upper area of said device, and wherein the fan is capable of blowing the evaporative solution from the upper end of the fluid line through the fabric of the sock so as to create a foam-like snow.

Abstract: Supplied humidification steam is dispersed through tubes and a header. Condensate is collected from the header into a tank. A controlled steam supply valve pumps condensate from the tank to a return line by application of sourced steam. A non-mechanical electronic level sensor (ELS, sensing temperature, resistance, capacitance, inductance, luminance or sonic condition of condensate) signals a controller using the ELS and/or a timed pumping/evacuation cycle to push condensate from the tank to the return. The method removes condensate by isolating the collection tank from the tubes and header and pumps condensate from the tank based upon a sensed conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cocrystal of at least two compounds by means of instantaneous evaporation or flash evaporation, for example for the production of cocrystals in the fields of energetic materials, pharmaceutical compounds, phytopharmaceutical compounds, ferroelectric materials, non-linear response materials or bioelectronic materials.

Abstract: A CO2 extraction system which is capable of being used for extracting compounds, such as oils, from various materials including plant material and botanicals. The extraction system includes a means for supplying CO2 to a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is substantially comprised of two distinct portions; a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion includes a separation zone, while the bottom portion contains a collection zone. Affixed to the bottom portion of the pressure vessel is a drain valve which is capable of allowing extracted material to exit the system. When introducing CO2 into the extraction system, the CO2 may be liquefied and further saturated with additional compounds. By maintaining each of the respective top and bottom portions of the pressure vessel at differing temperatures and/or pressures, the various additional compounds may be separated from the CO2.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oxidation process to produce a crude carboxylic acid product carboxylic acid product. The process comprises oxidizing a feed stream comprising at least one oxidizable compound to generate a crude carboxylic acid slurry comprising furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and compositions thereof. Also disclosed is a process to produce a dry purified carboxylic acid product by utilizing various purification methods on the crude carboxylic acid.

Abstract: An extracting method includes: an extracting step of extracting a specific component from a material fluid to an extraction agent while allowing the material fluid and the extraction agent to flow in a channel of the extraction unit for each stage; an outflowing step of outflowing a mixture fluid from the channel of the extraction unit for each stage before the extraction of the specific component reaches an extraction equilibrium; and a pH regulating step of regulating the pH of the material fluid separated in a separating step after flowing out of the channel of the extraction unit for a predetermined stage so as to cause a reverse change from a change caused in the pH of the material fluid in the extracting step, before the material fluid is introduced into the channel of the extraction unit for a stage succeeding to the predetermined stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating one or more carbohydrate from a composition wherein separating is done through radial chromatography. Preferably, the invention relates to a process for separating at least two carbohydrates from a composition wherein separating is done through radial chromatography, and wherein each of the at least two carbohydrates are collected in a purified form. The present invention relates to the use of radial chromatography for the separation of one or more carbohydrate from a composition and obtaining the one or more carbohydrate in a purified form.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of neutralizing apatite surfaces, for example after a flow-through collection of a target and prior to cleaning the chromatography solid support.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a contaminant from a liquid includes a tension element extending along a length of the liquid and may be near a bottom of the liquid. A plurality of buoyant strips having a polymer defining an open-cell foam are attached to the tension element and extend to a surface of the liquid, with at least a portion of the strips floating on the surface. The polymer may include ethylene alkyl acrylate copolymer (e.g., 100% EMA copolymer).

Abstract: A reverse flow settling apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating water from an oil-water influx are provided. The apparatus includes a separation vessel having an inlet, an oil collection portion at its upper end, and a water collection portion at its lower end. Multiple high voltage tubes, each containing an electrode, are located within the oil collection portion. These high voltage tubes are staggered in length and held in place by perforated plates. The oil-water influx flows through the inlet of the vessel into the high voltage tubes, where it is subjected to an electrostatic field. The electrostatic field causes water droplets in the influx to coalesce and form a water out-flux which flows downwardly into the water collection portion of the vessel. The remaining stream of dehydrated oil flows upwardly to the upper outlet end. The oil collection portion of the separation vessel may be oriented vertically or at an angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating a phase (A) comprising at least one ionic liquid from a phase (B), where the phase (A) has a higher viscosity than the phase (B), which comprises the following steps: a) provision of a stream (S1) comprising a dispersion (D1) in which the phase (A) is dispersed in the phase (B), b) introduction of the stream (S1) into a coalescing device (KV), where the inflow rate of the stream (S1) is from 0.05 to 150 kg/(cm2*h) based on the average cross-sectional area of the coalescing device (KV), c) separation of the disperse phase (A) from the phase (B) in the coalescing device (KV), d) discharge of a stream (S2) comprising at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 90% by weight, of phase (A) from the coalescing device (KV) and e) discharge of a stream (S3) comprising at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 90% by weight, of phase (B) from the coalescing device (KV).

Abstract: A method of recovering a bead support from an emulsion includes supplying an aqueous surfactant solution into a centrifuge tube; supplying a hydrophobic liquid over the surfactant solution in the centrifuge tube, wherein a ratio of the volume of the aqueous surfactant solution to the volume of the hydrophobic liquid is not greater than 0.5; and applying an emulsion over the hydrophobic liquid while centrifuging, the emulsion comprising a dispersed aqueous phase including the bead support, the emulsion breaking and material of the dispersed phase preferentially partitioning to the surfactant solution.

Abstract: Separating apparatus, comprising a sedimentation settler and a collection vessel disposed underneath and being in fluid communication with the sedimentation settler, the collection vessel forming a receiving chamber having an outlet at or adjacent to the chamber bottom and having an inlet opening, wherein the collection vessel is arranged such the flow direction of the fluid in the area underneath the sedimentation settler is substantially in line with the direction of the channels of the sedimentation settler.

Abstract: A disc filter includes a filtrate holding tank disposed below a series of disc-shaped filter members supported on a drum. Filtrate from the holding tank is used to backwash filter media on the disc-shaped filter members. Filtrate is discharged from the holding tank via a filtrate conduit. Bypass water is directed through a bypass conduit in the disc filter and mixed with the filtrate downstream of the filtrate holding tank. This assures that the filtrate used to backwash the filter media does not include bypass water.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method and vibratory apparatus for the improved solid-liquid filtration of filter cakes, especially for dewatering finely divided thixotropic filter cakes, with the aid of a vibratory apparatus. Further, the invention relates to a filtration apparatus having a vibratory apparatus as described herein, and to the use of the vibratory apparatus for the solid-liquid filtration of filter cakes.

Abstract: A water separator element (14) for a fuel filter (10) having two water level electrodes (34, 36) for detecting backed-up water in a water collection chamber (32) of the fuel filter (10). The water level electrodes (34, 36) can be electrically contacted by means of two contact electrodes (40, 42), said contact electrodes (40, 42) being connected in an electrically conductive manner to the water level electrodes (34, 36). The disclosure further relates to a fuel filter comprising a water separator element of this type.

Abstract: A fine fiber can be made having a structure with an axial core and a coating layer. The fiber can have a polymer core and one or two layers surrounding the core. The fine fiber can be made from a polymer material and a resinous aldehyde (e.g., melamine-aldehyde) composition such that the general structure of the fiber has a polymer core surrounded by at least a layer of the resinous aldehyde composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions for use in biological and chemical separations, as well as other applications. More specifically, the present invention relates to hybrid felts fabricated from electrospun nanofibers with high permeance and high capacity. Such hybrid felts utilize derivatized cellulose, and at least one non-cellulose-based polymer that may be removed from the felt by subjecting it to moderately elevated temperatures and/or solvents capable of dissolving the non-cellulose-based polymer to leave behind a porous nanofiber felt having more uniform pore sizes and other enhanced properties when compared to single component nanofiber felts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a louvered separator for separating water from an air flow. The louvered separator comprises a number of vertical slat structures having a constant profile, horizontally spaced from each other so as to form horizontally tortuous separating channels (1) in the spaces between the slats. The slat structures are provided with water-collecting troughs (2,3). The slat structure comprises two separate slats having differing constant profiles; in the air flow direction (4) a foremost front slat (5) and a following back slat (6). The front slat comprises, in the flow direction, a leading edge (7), a middle area (8) and a trailing edge (9), and the back slat comprises, in the flow direction, a leading edge (10), a middle area (11) and a trailing edge (12).

Abstract: A steam separation unit for separation of steam from lignocellulosic biomass material in a hydrolysis process includes a treatment vessel including a separation section and a biomass collection section. The separation section is arranged with at least one inlet for receiving at least partly hydrolyzed biomass material mixed with steam and at least one control outlet for discharging the steam from the vessel. A biomass collection section arranged to be filled at least partly with liquid during operation and coupled to the separation section to collect the biomass material after separation from steam, wherein the biomass collection section includes a mixing element for mixing the biomass material with liquid and at least one control valve for discharging biomass material mixed with liquid. A system for hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass material including such a separation unit is also presented.

Abstract: An air conditioning filter cleaner for use with an air conditioning system of multiple units. The filter cleaner comprises a brush configured to clean dust from an air filter. The brush is in moving contact with the air filter and driven by a motor. A conduit is connected between the brush and a vacuum source that provides a suction force through the conduit to the brush. The conduit is remotely opened and closed by way of a solenoid or remotely controlled valve. A system controller oversees filter cleaners each connected to a network of ducts, each filter cleaner has an associated valve which opens a duct to which the filter cleaner is connected. A control system selectively actuates the filter cleaner and actuates the associated valve so that dust from the filter is removed to a remote dust collector. Optionally a HEPA filter is provided at a remote collection location.

Abstract: Honeycomb monolith structure, especially for use as catalyst or support for a catalyst in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides, comprising: a plurality of cell walls defining a plurality of polygonal channels, the plurality of cell walls and channels extending in parallel along a common direction from an entrance end to an outlet end of the structure in the fluid flow direction. The transversal cross section of a polygonal channel has the shape of a convex polygon in closest packing, wherein more than 50% of the internal angels between two adjacent walls of the convex polygon are above 90 degrees and wherein the cell aspect ratio LL/LS is greater than 1.5. The monolith structure has an outer row of polygons in shifted direction perpendicular to each other at the two side edges of the monolith which are parallel to the longest direction of the cells/channels.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, arrangements, systems, components, features and methods for filtration are described. The components specifically described include a filter cartridge with preferred features for interaction with a filter housing, and a filter housing with preferred features for convenient installation. Methods of assembly and use are also characterized.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a filter media pack as well as a reinforced media pack is provided. The method includes forming a media pack to have an inlet face and an outlet face. The method includes applying a reinforcing agent to the media pack. The reinforcing agent is applied in a flowable state. The method also includes hardening the reinforcing agent to form a reinforcing structure to reinforce the media pack. Filter element having such a reinforcing structure is also provided.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing manganese oxide nanocorals comprises the steps of a) heating a potassium permanganate solution; (b) providing manganese sulfate in a basic solution; (c) combining the manganese sulfate basic solution drop-wise with the heated potassium permanganate solution until a brown precipitate is formed; (d) stirring the brown precipitate for a period of about 12 hours at a temperature greater than 300 K; (e) isolating the precipitate; and (f) drying the precipitate inside an oven at a temperature greater than 300 K to provide manganese oxide nanocorals. The manganese oxide nanocorals include nanowires having a diameter typically ranging from about 20 nm to about 40 nm.

Abstract: The storing and destocking of hydrogen in a hydride tank (10) comprises purification performed in at least one trap (1, 1A, 1B) filtering the impurities contained in the hydrogen entering the tank to be stored and regeneration of said at least one trap, using the heat carried by the hydrogen exiting the tank after it has been destocked.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating CO2 and H2S from a natural gas stream are provided herein. The system includes a first loop of co-current contacting systems configured to remove H2S and CO2 from a natural gas stream and a second loop of co-current contacting systems configured to remove the H2S from the CO2.