Abstract: A card-connector is provide for the construction 3-dimensions objects with cards, such as playing cards. The card connector can include a card receiving portion and an interconnection portion. The card receiving portion can be bifurcated to define a first side portion, a second side portion, and a slot. The interconnecting portion can have at least one of a ball portion or socket portion of a ball and socket joint, where two interconnecting portion can be connected to form a ball and socket joint. Multiple card connectors can be joined together with the interconnecting portions to create 3-dimensional objects with the cards.

Abstract: A game comprising a disk and a board, where the board is elongate such that the board has a long axis and where the board comprises at least one goal, where the goal is oriented parallel to the long axis of the board along a side of the board. The game is played by placing the disk on its edge at a first end of the board; rolling the disk forward while simultaneously spinning the disk backward; and allowing the disk to arch sideways through the goal at the second end of the board. The game replicates the excitement of the corner kick in soccer in a tabletop game, suitable for use at home or in a bar or pub. The game may be decorated with a soccer, basketball, or hockey theme.

Abstract: Supported two handed controllers usable with video games are disclosed that include a controller body with a back, a front, a lanyard and a joining structure. The joining structures may attach to the controller body at a body joining point near the controller body center of gravity and near a controller symmetry plane such that the controller body is able to freely hang from the lanyard by the joining structure with the controller back above the controller front and with the controller at a distance from the user that is comfortable for both play and short term retention when not actively engaged in play.

Abstract: A thumbstick for a user input device comprises an adjustable tensioning mechanism configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post. The tiltable post is operable to output a control signal based on a position of the tiltable post relative to a default position. The thumbstick comprises a cap with a cylindrical stem that defines a cavity. An engagement body is located within the cavity and contacts an engagement surface of the adjustable tensioning mechanism. The engagement body includes a cam surface disposed around an axis of the tiltable post. An adjustment body within the cavity of the stem comprises a follower that contacts the cam surface. The follower is configured to traverse the cam surface when the cap is rotated to thereby translate the engagement body along the axis of the tiltable post and adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.

Abstract: A thumbstick for a user input device comprises an adjustable tensioning mechanism configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post. The thumbstick comprises a cap with a cylindrical stem that defines a first cavity. Abase is moveable with the tiltable post and comprises a cylindrical portion extending into the first cavity. The cylindrical portion defines a second cavity and comprises a protuberance projecting into the second cavity. An adjustment body within the second cavity comprises a recessed slot and a contacting surface at a distal end. The slot is configured to engage the protuberance to adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting user interaction or another input with a projected display includes a boundary definition mechanism and a scanning mechanism. The boundary definition mechanism is capable of defining at least one input region. The scanning mechanism is capable of scanning the at least one input region for any objects therein. An input identification mechanism may identify the input identified by the object, movement of the object, or a change in the object's position. That information may be used to alter the projected display.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for controlling online video games are disclosed. For example, a controller system can receive first data associated with a game played at a player platform. Second data can be generated based on the first data, where the second data enables a viewer platform to provide a game participation feature(s) associated with the game. The second data can be transmitted from the controller system to the viewer platform. Third data based on the second data can be received at the controller system, where the third data is based on an interaction of a viewer with the game participation feature(s). Fourth data can be generated based on the third data, where the fourth data enables the player platform to alter the game based on the interaction of the viewer with the game participation feature(s). The fourth data can be transmitted from the controller system to the player platform.

Abstract: A user device provides a computer implemented game with different levels. The device has a user interface. A player selects a level via the user interface. When a level is selected, the associated game board in displayed. Information about the number of attempts made by the user to complete the level is displayed as is information about the number of attempts made by a group of user to complete the level.

Abstract: A computing device includes a processor is programmed to determine that communications from users relate to the same subject included in a stored list of subjects. Each of the communications includes an audio portion. The computing device is further programmed to determine a score for each of the communications based at least in part on one or more of tone data, speed data, duration data, and volume data extracted from the respective audio portion, and allow one of the users, based on a respective user score, to assign the subject to a group.

Abstract: A computer system creates, stores, transmits, modifies, and enables users to exchange units of social currency, referred to as “social currency events” (SCEs). Each SCE represents social approval and/or disapproval of a behavior of one or more users by the same user or one or more other users. The users who send and receive an SCE may each assign their own distinct values to it. The computer system may generate various metrics based on one or more SCEs. For example, the computer system may generate a single SCE score for a user based on variables such as the number and value of SCEs the user has sent and received. SCEs may be used to recognize positive and/or negative social behaviors by users of the system, to encourage such users to engage in additional positive social behaviors, and to discourage such users from engaging in additional negative social behaviors.

Abstract: Provided are a method of recording and replaying a game video by using an object state recording method, in which recording and replaying of the game video may be performed by remarkably reducing a data capacity of the game video. According to the method of recording and replaying a game video by using an object state recording method, a game play video having a small data capacity may be provided at a high image quality. In addition, according to the method of recording and replaying a game video by using an object state recording method, a calculation load of a game play terminal may be remarkably reduced by recording a game video based on the latest game development environment.

Abstract: Ambient light control and calibration systems and methods are provided herein. According to some embodiments, exemplary systems may include a console that includes a processor that executes logic to control a plurality of nodes to reproduce a virtual lighting scheme of a virtual environment in a physical user environment. Additionally, the system may include a plurality of nodes that each includes a light emitting device, a receiver that communicatively couples the node to the console, and a processor that executes logic to control the light emitting device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing customized camera views of virtualized environments are provided herein. In one embodiment a method includes detecting a gameplay event of interest within a virtual gaming environment and displaying a customized camera view of the gameplay event of interest based on user input receiving during traversal of a projectile from a weapon to a target. The customized camera view has a focal point of the projectile.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing customized camera views and customized objects within virtualized environments are provided herein. In one embodiment a method includes detecting a gameplay event of interest within a virtual gaming environment and displaying a customized camera view of the gameplay event of interest based on user input receiving during traversal of a projectile from a weapon to a target. The customized camera view has a focal point of the projectile. In some embodiments the projectile has a virtual wrapper that can include a user-provided image.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to providing an online shooting game by a game server communicatively connected to a player terminal. The player terminal may display a virtual online shooting game environment based on information received from the game server. Providing an online shooting game may include: selecting a basic identification range within a virtual online shooting game environment displayed on the player terminal; detecting one or more enemy characters that are within the basic identification range; determining one of the detected one or more enemy characters as an automatic tracking object; and allowing an aiming point to automatically track movement of the automatic tracking object within the basic identification range.

Abstract: Described herein is a portable outdoor water and snow activity station used as a game or a toy. The activity station is a mesh screen panel PVC structure with supports that has a detachable water hose, which connects to a standard water spigot; the detachable hose has on/off nozzles for filling water balloons and other water toys and may be removed during non-use. The activity station has multiple slingshot launchers that may be used for launching both water balloons and snowballs. The activity station's adjoined mesh screen panels shield players as they propel objects with the slingshot launchers. The activity station contains rear storage pouches to hold water balloons and snowballs while in use. The activity station's foldable design allows for easy set up, take down, portability, and storage. The object of the game is for players at opposing stations to launch water balloons and snowballs at each other.

Abstract: A play apparatus has a gas filled balloon and an opening through which fluid is squirted or otherwise released. Fluid is delivered to the opening from an adjacent or nearby reservoir which is connected to at least one hollow tube whereby liquid is transferred from the reservoir to the release point on or adjacent to the balloon, such that the buoyancy of the balloon is unimpeded, for the purposes of play and amusement.

Abstract: A modular toy assembly. The modular toy assembly includes sliding play modules defined by a channel extending through each slidable play module. Each channel has at least one flat inner side that permits sliding of each slidable play module and prevents rotation of the slidable play module. A module support shaft extends through each channel to hold the sliding play modules. The module support shaft has a flat outer side having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to that of each channel of the play modules, so that the play modules are restricted from rotating about the axis of the module support shaft. A pair of side mounts support the assembly. The module support shaft detachably couples to the side mounts. The module support shaft can be removed from one end to interchange play modules. A first and second leg may attach the assembly to a surface. A travel adaptor end might include pieces/Velcro/hook and loop pieces that allow the contraption to be attached to other surfaces.

Abstract: A writing instrument, comprising a tubular body having a longitudinal axis with a first and a second end, and with an opening arranged in the first end; a first building block having a body part with a substantially plane surface and one or more coupling knobs extending from the substantially plane surface, and where the first building block is fixed onto the outside of the tubular body so that the coupling knobs extend away from said longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A toy system includes at least one piece having a first shape defined by a central body and three sets of two protrusions extending outward from the central body, and at least one piece having a second shape defined by a central body and four sets of two protrusions extending outward from the central body, the pieces respectively defined by at least one flat surface and at least one flat sidewall, the sets of the two protrusions defining a respective cavity having a width substantially equivalent to the width of one of the protrusions, at least some of the protrusions respectively having at least one end that is rounded at a geometry that minimizes any potential harm if the protrusion came into contact with a human body.

Abstract: A system and method to vaporize a process or feed water stream does so in a liquid pool zone of a vessel as the stream comes into contact with a heating medium that is less volatile than the process stream. To keep the pool hot, the heating medium can be recirculated through a heater of a pump-around loop or a heater can be placed in the liquid pool. As the process stream is vaporized, any solids present in the process stream come out of the process stream and move into the heating medium. These solids may be further removed from the heating medium in the pool or in the pump-around loop. The vaporized process stream can be further condensed. Any heat recovered can be used to pre-heat the process stream or used in the pump around loop's heater in case of mechanical vapor recovery.

Abstract: A system and method to partially vaporize a process or feed water stream does so in a liquid pool zone of a vessel as the stream comes into contact with a heating medium that is less volatile than the process stream. To keep the pool hot, the heating medium can be recirculated through a heater of a pump-around loop or a heater can be placed in the liquid pool. As the process stream is partially vaporized, any solids present in the process stream together with the unvaporized process or feed water stream move into the heating medium. These solids and unvaporized liquids may be further removed from the heating medium in the pool or in the pump-around loop. The vaporized process stream can be further condensed. Any heat recovered can be used to pre-heat the process stream or in the pump-around loop's heater in case of mechanical vapor recovery.

Abstract: A system and method to desalinate a feed water stream does so in a liquid pool zone of a vessel as the stream comes into contact with a heating medium that is less volatile than the feed water stream. To keep the pool hot, the heating medium can be recirculated through a heater of a pump-around loop or a heater can be placed in the liquid pool. As the feed water stream is vaporized or partially vaporized, any solids and unvaporized water present in the feed water stream come out of the stream and move into the heating medium. These solids and unvaporized water may be further removed from the heating medium in the pool or in the pump-around loop. The heat exchange surface does not contact the feed water.

Abstract: A system and method to reboil a process or feed water stream in a distillation system does so in a liquid pool zone of a vessel as the stream is removed from a distillation column and comes into contact with a heating medium that is immiscible with and less volatile than the process stream. To keep the pool hot, the heating medium can be recirculated through a heater of a pump-around loop or a heater can be placed in the liquid pool. As the process stream is partially vaporized, any solids present in the process stream together with the unvaporized process or feed water stream move into the heating medium. These solids and unvaporized liquids may be further removed from the heating medium in the pool or in the pump-around loop. The vaporized stream is returned to the distillation column.

Abstract: A mechanical vapor recompression evaporation system wherein a fluid stream from a fluid source is compressed in a compressor and used to transfer heat to an incoming stream of liquid, the system comprising a combustion engine mechanically coupled to the compressor to drive the compressor, and having a combustion exhaust gas conduit; and a mixing chamber or heat exchanger in fluid communication with the combustion exhaust gas conduit and the fluid to transfer heat from the hot exhaust gas to the fluid stream.

Abstract: A process for the construction of a second chemical plant, which second chemical plant is suitable for the separation of cyclohexanone from a second mixture, which second mixture comprises reaction products from the hydrogenation of phenol, said process comprising: a) providing a first chemical plant, which first chemical plant is suitable for the separation of cyclohexanone from a first mixture, which first mixture comprises reaction products from the oxidation of cyclohexane, and which first plant comprises: i) a distillation column (C) suitable for distilling overhead cyclohexane; ii) a distillation column suitable for distilling overhead cyclohexanone; iii) a cyclohexane oxidation unit (A) suitable for the oxidation of cyclohexane; and iv) a heat recovery unit (B) suitable for the recovery of heat from off-gas from the cyclohexane oxidation unit suitable for the oxidation of cyclohexane; b) disabling in said first chemical plant, said distillation column (C) suitable for distilling overhead cyclohexane, s

Abstract: A method and device for extracting oil from food waste is disclosed. Food waste is introduced into an elongated cylinder that is immersed under hot water. A drive shaft is actuated that simultaneously presses the food waste against an interior wall and moves the food waste through the cylinder. The content of the cylinder is subjected to steam treatment using a steam inlet in the cylinder. The combination of hot water, steam treatment and pressing recovers a high content of oil from the food waste.

Abstract: A system for the production of a polycrystalline silicon product is disclosed. The system includes a reaction chamber, a susceptor, an induction unit, and a plurality of energy sources. The reaction chamber has a reactor wall, and the susceptor encircles the reactor wall. The induction heater surrounds the susceptor, and has multiple induction coils for producing heat in the susceptor. The coils are grouped into a plurality of zones. The plurality of energy sources supply electric current to the coils. Each energy source is connected with the coils of at least one zone.

Abstract: A method includes supplying a supersaturated brine stream having a plurality of minerals and anti-scalant from a water treatment system to a gypsum removal system disposed within a mineral removal system. The gypsum removal system includes a gypsum reactor that may receive the supersaturated brine, may deactivate the anti-scalant such that gypsum precipitates from the supersaturated brine, and may generate a gypsum slurry having a mixture of desupersaturated brine, precipitated gypsum, and the anti-scalant in solution with the desupersaturated brine. The method also includes supplying gypsum seed crystals to the gypsum reactor. The gypsum seed crystals may precipitate the gypsum from the supersaturated brine to generate the gypsum slurry. The method also includes directing a first portion of the gypsum slurry from the gypsum reactor to a gypsum settler.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for depleting fluids of immunoglobulins and leukocytes are disclosed.

Abstract: A solvent diluted bitumen is produced by a method that includes adding paraffinic solvent to bitumen froth to form a solvent diluted bitumen froth, and discharging the solvent diluted bitumen froth into a vessel, such that settlement of the solvent diluted bitumen froth in the interior of the vessel establishes a heavier phase zone, a lighter phase zone, and an interface. A discharge point is located above the interface and within the lighter phase zone. Lighter phases separate up toward an overflow outlet of the vessel while heavier phases separate down toward an underflow outlet of the vessel. The solvent diluted bitumen is collected from the overflow outlet, and a solvent diluted underflow stream is collected from the underflow outlet.

Abstract: The liquid recovery filter includes several embodiments, each of which provides for the recovery of liquid otherwise trapped within the filter housing and element. Each embodiment includes a series of vents, purge ports, and passages that communicate fluidly with the filter housing and filter core. Certain vents and purge ports are initially opened following filtration operations to allow pressurized gas to flow into the housing, thereby forcing residual unfiltered liquid through the filter. When this has been accomplished, another vent is opened to the filter core to allow filtered liquid to flow from the downstream or outlet passage from the filter core. Some embodiments have the filter outlet located above the filter, and include a downstream drain port extending from the filter core. The downstream drain port provides for the recovery of filtered liquid when the vent or purge port is opened in these embodiments.

Abstract: Selective flocculants comprise a polymer comprising recurring units of one or more acrylamide monomers; recurring units of one or more monomers selected from hydroxyalkyl alkylacrylate, allyloxyalkyldiol, allyloxyethanol, trimethylolpropane allyl ether, and 2-hydroxy ethyl acrylate; and optionally, recurring units of one or more acrylic acid monomers. Also disclosed are processes for enriching a desired mineral from an ore comprising the desired mineral and gangue, wherein the process comprises carrying out a selective flocculation process in the presence of one or more of the selective flocculants.

Abstract: A filter assembly including a filter screen (27) comprising a band (27?) of porous material extending between two axially aligned opposing ends (38, 38?) and defining a cylindrical periphery (29), wherein the ends (38, 38?) are each secured to a dynamic tensioning mechanism (46) that permits the ends (38, 38?) to move bi-directionally relative to one another about the periphery (29) of the filter screen (27).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multistage fiber filtering apparatus capable of selectively filtering depending on turbidity of raw water, in which a first filtration mode where the raw water passes through a fiber ball medium, a second filtration mode where the raw water passes through a fiber yarn medium, or a third filtration mode where the raw water passes through both of the fiber yarn medium and the fiber ball medium may be selectively operated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-alarm multi-stage complex screen filter for micro-irrigation and the assembly method thereof. The filter comprises a housing, an alarm, a multi-stage screen filtering element, and a segmented brush. The housing comprises a left housing, a middle housing, and a right housing. The multi-stage screen filtering element comprises a plurality of screen filter cylinders. The segmented brush comprises a plurality of bristle frames, a plurality of connecting rods, a connector and a power device. The middle housing is provided with a water inlet. The left housing is provided with a discharge pipe. The installation, disassembly, repair, maintenance of the filter of the present invention can be done more conveniently.

Abstract: A Filter for the removal of water from oil, the filter includes a distillation element having an inlet pipe that in one end is to be fluidly connectable to a reservoir of oil to be filtered, and in the other end being fluidly connected to a distillation head, said distillation head including a plurality of compressing tubes for injecting under pressure said oil into an evaporation chamber, whereby eventual water within the oil droplet evaporates from said decompressed oil, the filter further including a tubular core with a plurality of apertures and a hollow interior, said core having an open end for fluid communication with the hollow interior, a length of yarn wound around an outer surface of the core, wherein the filter further includes a device for blowing air or an inert gas into the evaporation chamber for removal of the water vapor during use of the filter. A method of manufacturing such a filter, as well as a method of removing water of is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water treatment system comprising a pre-filtering device receiving water, such as waste water, to be treated and providing a filtrate, and a biological treatment device being fluidic connectable to or in fluidic connection with the pre-filtering device for receiving the filtrate from the pre-filtering device. The biological treatment device is adapted to perform a biological treatment of the filtrate and to provide sludge solids. The pre-filtering device is a cake filtration device having a filtration cake wherein the filtration cake is being provided by deposition of solids from the sludge formed in the biological treatment device. A water treatment process employing the system and a method of forming a filter cake are also described.

Abstract: A powdered composite filtration medium includes composite particles that include at least one diatomite particle and at least one expanded perlite particle sintered together. The composite powdered filtration medium may include from about 7 wt % to about 90 wt % diatomite, from about 93 wt % to about 10 wt % expanded perlite. Less than about 1% total crystalline silica may be present in the medium. The medium may have a permeability of at least 0.25 darcy. The diatomite and expanded perlite may be sintered or calcined with or without a fluxing agent.

Abstract: A filter element including a filter media, an end cap, and a baffle. The filter media is configured to be secured within a housing. The housing includes an inlet configured to accept a fluid for filtering and the filter media including a circumferential outer surface. The end cap is positioned at and coupled to one end of the filter media. The baffle is positioned relative to the filter media at a position such that, when the filter element is correctly installed within the housing, the baffle is proximate the inlet of the housing. The baffle extends around only a portion of the circumferential outer surface of the filter media in a radial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) air filter to remove airborne molecular contaminants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air within building spaces. The air filter comprises a support frame having a shape and size suitable to orient the air filter within a HVAC system. A compound filter medium is retained within the support frame to remove the airborne molecular contaminants and VOCs from air flowing through the HVAC system. A portion of the first media layer is pleated and may comprise a combination of media layers configured to exhibit a relatively high filtration efficiency and a low air pressure drop across the filter medium. A second portion of the filter medium is coupled to the first portion and maintains a uniform distribution of the pleats with the first portion.

Abstract: Pulse jet air cleaner systems, components and methods are described. The features relate to air cleaner housings that include a cartridge receiving section. Features described relate to a possible two-stage construction, a possible pulse jet accumulator section, pulse jet equipment for cleaning a filter cartridge positioned within the air cleaner; possible evacuation valve arrangements for projection of dust from the air cleaners; and other example features. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.

Abstract: Compound air filters and methods thereof are provided for sequestering airborne contaminants including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air streamed through the air filters. An air filter can include a support frame having a shape and size suitable for seating the air filter within an air-filtering system. A compound filter medium can be retained within the support frame to remove the airborne contaminants and VOCs from air flowing through the air filter and the air-filtering system containing one or more of the air filters. A first media layer of the compound filter medium can be pleated with pleats and configured to exhibit a relatively high filtration efficiency and a low air pressure drop across the filter medium. A second media layer of the filter medium can be coupled to the first media layer and configured to maintain a uniform distribution of the pleats with the first media layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for an air filter that includes a filtration material having at least one surface, an enclosed frame surrounding said filter material but exposing said one surface, said filter material having intermittent geometric shapes of latex on said at least one surface, said latex containing an enhanced additive.

Abstract: A dehumidifier apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a housing having an interior space and a vent for permitting airflow into the interior space. The apparatus also includes a cartridge sized for removable insertion into the interior space of the housing. The cartridge includes a tray defining a first pocket, a second pocket, and a channel extending from the first pocket to the second pocket. The cartridge also includes a cover coupled to the tray over the first pocket such that the first pocket is in fluid communication with the second pocket via the channel. The cover has a first layer and a second layer detachable from the first layer. The first layer is gas permeable and liquid impermeable. The second layer is gas impermeable and liquid impermeable. The cartridge further includes a desiccant material contained in the first pocket by the cover.

Abstract: A method for separating N2 from a hydrocarbon gas mixture containing N2 comprising the steps of: i) providing a bed of adsorbent selective for N2; (ii) passing the hydrocarbon gas mixture through the bed of adsorbent to at least partially remove N2 from the gas mixture to produce: (a) N2-loaded adsorbent and (b) N2-depleted hydrocarbon gas mixture; iii) recovering the N2-depleted hydrocarbon gas mixture; iv) regenerating the N2-loaded adsorbent by at least partially removing N2 from the adsorbent; and v) sequentially repeating steps (ii) and (iii) using regenerated adsorbent from step (iv); wherein the adsorbent comprises a pyrolized sulfonated macroporous ion exchange resin.

Abstract: A method for separating natural gas liquids (NGLs) from a hydrocarbon gas mixture containing natural gas liquids and methane, comprising the steps of: i) providing a bed of adsorbent selective for NGLs over methane; ii) passing a hydrocarbon gas mixture containing methane and NGL through the bed of adsorbent to at least partially remove NGLs from the gas mixture to produce: (a) NGL-loaded adsorbent and (b) NGL-depleted hydrocarbon gas mixture; iii) recovering the NGL-depleted hydrocarbon gas mixture; iv) regenerating the NGL-loaded adsorbent by at least partially removing NGLs from the adsorbent; and v) sequentially repeating steps (ii) and (iii) using regenerated adsorbent from step (iv).

Abstract: A method for separating carbon dioxide from a flue gas stream wherein the flue gas stream is fed to an absorber column thereby producing a carbon dioxide depleted flue gas stream and wherein carbon dioxide absorbed from the carbon dioxide rich flue gas stream in the solvent is fed from the absorber column to a stripper column as a carbon dioxide rich solvent blend. The method is an improvement over prior carbon dioxide separation process by feeding the flue gas stream to a gas pre-treatment device prior to feeding into the absorber column preferably for decreasing the oxygen content in the flue gas and recycling a carbon dioxide product from the stripper column to the absorber column to increase the carbon dioxide content in the flue gas.

Abstract: A fuel tank system is disclosed that includes a fuel tank and a first fluid flow path between a gas space in the fuel tank and outside of the fuel system. A gas separation membrane is disposed with a first side in communication with the first fluid flow path and a second side in communication with a second fluid flow path. A fluid control device is in communication with the second fluid flow path and is configured to provide fluid flow from the second fluid flow path to a liquid space in the fuel tank or to outside of the fuel system. A prime mover is disposed in communication with the second fluid flow path, and is configured to move fluid on the second fluid flow path from the second side of the separation membrane to the fuel tank liquid space or to outside of the fuel system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a specific process and apparatus for separation of gas mixtures with reduced maintenance costs.