Abstract: A computer system comprising a memory storing data and program instructions, the data representing a game environment including a character and a plurality of cover segments; a player interface; and a processor configured to execute the program instructions stored in the memory. Execution of the program instructions causes the computer to implement a method that comprises determining a selected subset of the cover segments; determining a curved path that passes through control points associated with the selected subset of the cover segments; and rendering images for display via the player interface, the images showing movement of the character along the curved path while the character is in cover mode.

Abstract: A method of multi-character interaction scenario may include identifying three or more game characters associated with a game and assigning the three or more identified game characters to one or more predefined animation roles associated with one or more interaction scenarios of the game. The method may further include selecting one or more interaction scenario animations that comprise the three or more identified game characters and corresponding assigned animation roles. The method may further include providing the identified game characters, the corresponding assigned animation roles, and the selected interaction scenario animations for display in the game.

Abstract: A control program for a game device having a storage unit configured to store points associated with players. The game device may receive a request by a player to designate at least a portion of the points associated with the first player as region points of the first player, which may in turn be correlated with a game region designated by the first player. When the first player has the most points for a particular game region, the game region may be set to be a region of the first player. When the first player disposes a first and second game region in a predetermined arrangement, such that the first and second game region has game regions between them, the game regions between the first and second game region may have their point values swapped to put the first player on top.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and devices for facilitating live fantasy sports platform, comprising obtaining primary metadata comprising a plurality of sets of statistics values, each value being associated with of one or more real-life players' performance metrics and one or more event factors; processing the primary data to generate secondary data, wherein secondary data additionally comprises a plurality of sets of incorporating users' decision-making characteristics and event factors comprising stochastic and/or probabilistically-determined values associated with each factor throughout the real-life sporting event, as it unfolds and changes in real-time; providing, using computer simulation techniques, the secondary data to a dynamic real-time platform having a physics engine to generate a computer-based data layer over the real-life sporting event wherein users compete against one another to win the event; and generating visual output to a user presenting a computer-based data layer

Abstract: A method for gaming. The method includes assigning a default game play profile to a user, wherein the default game play profile includes a default game play style that simulates human game play, and wherein the default game play profile is configured to control game play for the user based on the default game play style. The method includes monitoring a plurality of game plays of the user playing a plurality of gaming applications. The method includes generating a user game play profile of the user by adjusting the default game play style based on the plurality of game plays, wherein the user game play profile includes a user game play style customized to the user. The method includes controlling an instance of a first gaming application based on the user game play style of the user game play profile.

Abstract: A method for assisting game play. The method includes monitoring game play of the user playing a gaming application, wherein the user has a defined task to accomplish, wherein the task is associated with a task type. The method includes determining a task type proficiency rule for the task type based on results of a plurality of players taking on a plurality of tasks having the task type. The method includes determining a player proficiency score for accomplishing the task based on the task type proficiency rule. The method includes determining a user predictive rate of success in accomplishing the task based on the player proficiency score, the task type proficiency rule, and the task. The method includes determining a recommendation for the user based on the user predictive rate of success.

Abstract: Reducing fraud and collusion in an online multiplayer game having a virtual currency, such as poker chips, may include managing the distribution of virtual currency giveaways and limiting collusion among players likely to be using virtual currency obtain by the giveaways. In some embodiments, free chip distribution pools may be established to limit the amount of free chips distributed via (1) a particular distribution method, (2) to a particular player, (3) a combination of player and distribution method, and the like. Players also may be automatically assigned to a particular table and/or seat at the table based on a variety of factors that may indicate a likelihood that the player is using free chips, such as the player's level, the age of the player's account, the buy-in for a given table requested by the user, and the like. Other implementations also are described.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The disclosure relates to an electronic gaming system which allows a player to make one or more inputs via human gesturing, and associated methods.

Abstract: Features are described to use data from game play to construct social networks of users. For example determining that a user played a game with a certain player, a certain number of times, can indicate compatibility between the user and the player. The compatibility may suggest the potential for a social network connection between the user and the player. Social network connections could be within the particular game platform, or the connection may be outside the game such as via other social networking platforms. In addition, a type of connection via the service may be identified. For example, some services allow users to follow or friend other users, where each type of connection is associated with different data security features.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to multi-user online gaming systems, and more particularly to systems and methods that enable customizable teams for online active games. In an embodiment, the system includes an online game session server system communicatively coupled to a network for access by a plurality of users to establish a plurality of real-time interactive games sessions, wherein each game session includes at least one team and wherein the at least one team may be established in accordance with a preferred composition defined by a user.

Abstract: A method and system for a platform wide party system that may be deployed in a multiplayer gaming environment. Players may associate themselves with one or more parties, wherein players within a party may choose to automatically exchange messages associated with changes in state of the players in a gaming environment. The party system exposes an API providing a plurality of function calls that may be integrated seamlessly with game play. A first player may indicate desired notification events to be received from a second player associated with the same party as the first player. Upon detection of a desired notification event on the video game console of the second player, an event notification may be communicated to a video game console of the first player causing an action to be performed on the first player's video game console.

Abstract: In example embodiments, a method of rating skill levels of players of a game executing on a game networking system is disclosed. An event within a game is identified as corresponding to a combination of head-to-head mini games between a subset of a plurality of players of the game. For each of the combinations of head-to-head mini games, a result of the mini game is determined and a first rating and a second rating are updated, the first rating corresponding to a first player and the second rating corresponding to the second player. An aspect of the game networking system is adapted based on the updating of the first rating and the second rating.

Abstract: A system of determining winners of a contest through a progressive cascade of elimination sub-contests is provided. The system comprises means for a user to select a contest from a plurality of contests, means for a user to join a contest room of a contest so as to enable the user to participate the contest and join the contest room, means for the user to vote on other contestants' submitted contestant items, means for determining winners of a contest room, and means for enabling winners to move onto a higher level of the participated contest.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for processing replacements to a target array by a plurality of source arrays. Selected tokens in a target array may be replaced with corresponding tokens from a source array to generate a region of identical tokens, which may be processed or removed. Tokens in the target array may be shifted in a direction corresponding to the source array to fill empty cells within the target array and new tokens generated. Selections may be made from multiple source arrays iteratively, with shift directions dynamically modified.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for improving interactions with and between computers in content generating, searching, hosting and/or providing systems supported by or configured with personal computing devices, servers and/or platforms. The systems interact to identify and retrieve data within or across platforms, which can be used to improve the quality of data used in processing interactions between or among processors in such systems. The disclosed systems and methods provide systems and methods for automatic fantasy sports data analysis, including analysis of data to equalize player attractiveness in contestant composition of a fantasy sports team.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a video playback system for use within a game application and/or other interactive computing environments. The video playback system can be used to capture gameplay during execution of a game application. The captured gameplay video can be processed and stored within the game application or in a network accessible location.

Abstract: A removable, external peripheral holding device for a game-controller is disclosed. The device has left and right retaining annuli, each made to be a circumscribing, external fit to the respective left and right holding portions of a game controller, enabling the device to be removably attached to the game-controller. A receiving receptacle is connected to the retaining annuli by a cantilevered connecting element that extends forward of the game controller when the game controller is held in a playing orientation. This can accept a removable tab that is attached to a structural element. In one embodiment, the structural element is a lateral vision shield that may be foldable. In a second embodiment the structural element accommodates a smart phone.

Abstract: A system for a tilting amusement ride installed in a supporting structure and intended to bring a rider from a standing vertical position, to a tilted position while the rider remains prone, the ride comprising: a tilting platform comprising at least one cell to accommodate a rider; at least one actuator attached at its extending end to the platform by a pivoting attachment, wherein the actuator extends to tilt the platform and retracts to retract the platform; at least one back post attached to the at least one actuator at its fixed end by a pivoting attachment and securely attached to the structure; and a supporting frame attached to the platform by a rotational pivot, wherein the platform tilts about the pivot and wherein the frame is securely attached to the structure; wherein the platform has an angle of tilt between 15 and 45 degrees.

Abstract: A detachable garment or accessory is provided for a toy. The detachable garment or accessory includes at least a first front part and a second rear part pivotably or hingedly movable relative to each other via pivot or hinge means provided on or associated with the parts between an open position, wherein the garment or accessory can be attached to or removed from at least part of the toy, and a closed position, wherein the garment or accessory can be secured to the toy. Each of the at least first front part and second rear part include a top edge, a base edge and lateral edges. The pivot or hinge means provided between one or more of the lateral edges of said front and rear parts allow at least a portion of the lateral edges of the parts to be separated to form the open position and moved towards each other to form the closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are portable amusement apparatus and portable floating amusement apparatuses for ejecting fluid such as water. The portable amusement apparatus includes an upper portion configured to float above a fluid level. The upper portion is hollow within and includes a switch and multiple outlets for ejecting the fluid outwards. The portable amusement apparatus further includes a lower portion attached to the upper portion, the lower portion is hollow within and is configured to remain submerged under the fluid level. The upper portion includes at least one battery, a pump configured to eject fluid in a pre-defined direction through the outlets, and a fluid inlet connected to the pump. The fluid inlet is configured to supply the fluid to the pump from outside of the lower portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a household toy molding machine with adjustable wheel rollers comprising a frame, wheel rollers mounted on a frame, a transmission mechanism, a gear of the transmission mechanism connected to a gear of the upper roller and two gears occlusive together to drive the upper roller running then to drive the lower wheel roller for relative operation, wherein the two ends of the wheel roller are fixedly connected with the frame through a bearing; the lower wheel roller as an adjustable wheel roller is constituted by an outer roller, an adjustable wheel core and a bearing; the outer roller is arranged outside the bearing and the adjustable wheel core passes through the bearing center; both ends of the adjustable wheel core are connected to the frame with an adjustment knob connected with the adjustable wheel core arranged on the outside of the frame.

Abstract: A toy apparatus is operable between a disengaged position and a disengaged position. The toy apparatus has a stuffed body having a torso portion and first, second, third and fourth leg portions. A first bi-stable spring member is received within a channel formed along a length of the first leg portion, a first side of the torso portion and a second leg portion. A second bi-stable spring member is received within a second channel formed along a length of the third leg portion, a second side of the torso portion and a fourth leg portion. The first and second bi-stable spring members are each operable between an elongated rigid state and a coiled state. Actuating between the states of the first and second bi-stable spring members changes a shape of the stuffed body of the toy apparatus.

Abstract: A bubble generating device and a method for producing bubbles. In one aspect, the invention can be an apparatus for generating bubbles comprising: a housing; a motor; an air flow generator operably coupled to the motor; a trough containing a bubble solution; a cam; a follower member comprising a bubble generating device, the follower member in operable cooperation with the cam surface, and the motor operably coupled to the follower member to drive the follower member along the cam.

Abstract: The invented system used in wet cooling tower, restore outlet fog of cooling tower into collection basin and consequently cooling water cycle. This invention consists of three main components; pump and its pertaining piping, waterfall and micron fog eliminator. In the first stage, the air containing fog is passed through a waterfall before exhausting. This action causes some portions of fog to condensate and fall down, remaining droplets of the fog grow and together with air cross the fog eliminator blades. Fog's droplets are entrapped between blades, leave the air, and restore to the tower. Therefore, humidity of exhausted air from tower will be effectively reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant for removing C6-C11 hydrocarbons from methanol, comprising at least one reactor for the conversion of carbon monoxide and hydrogen to a crude methanol containing hydrocarbons, a distillation column with a head and a sump for the purification of the methanol, and at least one conduit for guiding the crude methanol from the at least one reactor into the distillation column. At its head, the distillation column includes a feed conduit for feeding in water.

Abstract: A solid-liquid separation device performs dehydration or deoiling from a treated object using a substance A that is a gas at normal temperature and pressure and is capable of dissolving water and oil when liquefied. The separation device includes a substance B that circulates while generating phase change in a closed system, a compressor that compresses the substance B, a first heat exchanger that condenses substance B and evaporates of the substance A, an expansion valve that decompresses the condensed substance B, a second heat exchanger that evaporates substance B and condenses substance A, and a treatment tank wherein substance A is mixed with the treated object, substance A is evaporated while separated from the liquid in the first heat exchanger, and condensed in the second heat exchanger. The center of gravity of the first heat exchanger is lower than the second heat exchanger in a vertical direction.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel multimodal chromatography sequence of short length alternating adsorption and size exclusion media operating with gradient elution. The novel multimodal chromatography in an oscillating series utilizes the alternating solvent exchange media to reposition the active region of separation back in phase with the target solutes. Each solvent exchange column bed length in the sequence is designed to achieve a subtle decrease or increase in the solvent gradient (or salt gradient) concentration associated with the two solutes of interest which results in an extension of the active separation or increasing differences in solute velocity for two solutes of interest. The novel oscillatory chronographic system demonstrates much improved separation capability as shown by a one dimensional model.

Abstract: A method for chromatographically separating a first saccharide from a liquid eluent comprising the first saccharide and a second saccharide by passing the liquid eluent through a bed comprising a gel-type strong acid cation exchange resin in calcium form, wherein the resin is provided in bead form and is characterized by comprising at least 20% whole cracked beads.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for a solid phase extraction comprising two or more of the sorbents to remove phospholipids and salts from a sample, to thereby eliminate matrix effects during mass spectrometry analysis. In particular, the sorbents includes at least one sorbent which is water-wettable and contains at least one hydrophobic component and at least one hydrophilic component and at least one of sorbent having a specific affinity for a matrix interference like phospholipids. Further disclosed is a method using the device of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for separating phases of a liquid mixture or dispersion from each other. The system includes a settler system, which includes a coalescing-enhancing plate comprising a front face and rear face and a plurality of openings. The openings are configured to selectively manipulate the flux of portions of the mixture to thereby increase phase separation of the mixture.

Abstract: A separation device, system and associated method are provided herein for separation of particulates form a base fluid. The separation device comprises a first microchannel comprising a fluid inlet and a mesofluidic collection chamber. The mesofluidic collection chamber has a first side and a second side, wherein the mesofluidic collection chamber is operatively coupled to the first microchannel on the first side, and wherein the mesofluidic collection chamber comprises a first fluid outlet at the second side, such that the fluid inlet, first microchannel, and first fluid outlet are in fluidic communication via the mesofluidic collection chamber.

Abstract: A device for producing a wet granulated substance for an electrode, the device including a storage tank in which a solid component is stored, liquid supply units configured to supply a liquid component, and a stirring member configured to stir the solid component and the liquid component together. The liquid supply unit includes a nozzle configured to allow the liquid component to drop, a pump configured to repeatedly switch between a first state in which a pressure is applied to the liquid component and a second state in which a lower pressure than in the first state is applied to the liquid component, and a rotating member that is provided between the nozzle and the storage tank, has a disk shape with irregularities formed on the edge, and rotates in a non-horizontal plane.

Abstract: A clip of the present application generally comprises a first clip member, a second clip member, and a retention feature. The first clip member and the second clip member are coupled together and capable of being placed in at least two positions. In the first position, the clip is capable of receiving a bag containing a fluid, and, in the second position, the bag is capable of being held between the first and second clip members. While the clip is holding the bag, two or more pockets are formed in the bag, and the fluid is generally restricted or prohibited from transferring from one pocket to another pocket while the clip is in this position. A retention feature retains the clip, which is holding a bag, to a centrifuge receptacle and allows the clip to be placed in a predetermined position on the centrifuge receptacle.

Abstract: A removal system is provided with a separating element for separating contaminants contained in a fluid and with a removal aid for removing the separating element from a housing. The separating element has an end disk arranged at an end face of the separating element. The end disk has a central recess. The removal aid has a grip section and at least two locking fingers. The locking fingers extend along a center axis of the removal aid away from the grip section. Each locking finger has a hook element that serves for engaging behind the end disk of the separating element radially outside of an end disk area that delimits in radial outward direction immediately the central recess. A removal aid for such a removal system is provided.

Abstract: A strainer is provided in an interior of an injection pipe serving as an injection opening through which a liquid containing a reducing agent is injected into a tank body. In the strainer, a front end portion, having a substantially triangular or substantially trapezoidal shape when a cross section is taken along a plane including an axis of a strainer body having a substantially cylindrical shape, is formed integrally with a front end of the strainer body.

Abstract: A filter element for the filtration of fluids can be manufactured from powdered metal using a laser manufacturing process. The powdered metal is deposited in a layer on fabrication platform and a laser beam is directed toward the layer of material so that the powdered metal granules fuse together to form a first component of the filter element. Successive layers of powdered metal can be deposited over the first component and also fused with the laser beam to form additional components. During the manufacturing process, the power or scan rate of the laser beam many be changed so that the formed layers of the filter element may have different porosity characteristics, for example, with certain portions being fluid permeable and other portions being fluid impermeable.

Abstract: A reusable fluid filter system is disclosed. The fluid filter system includes a reusable fluid filter unit that encloses two or more filter elements. The reusable filter unit is removably connected to a manifold. After removing the filter unit form the manifold, the bottom portion of each filter housing may be manually removed, and each filter may be manually replaced.

Abstract: A replacement filter element having a removable pin attached to the filter element is described. The removable pin is attached to the filter element via a first interference fit. When the replacement filter element is installed into a filtration system having a drain valve with an internal draft, the removable pin seals onto the drain valve and forms a second interference fit between the drain valve and the pin. The pin seals an opening in the drain valve. The second interference fit is stronger than the first interference. Accordingly, when the replacement filter element is removed from the filter housing (e.g., during a service event of the replacement filter element), the pin detaches from the replacement filter element and remains positioned within the drain valve thereby preventing fluid from leaking from the housing when the filter element is removed. The pin permanently plugs the drain valve once installed.

Abstract: A filter for a non-plumbed appliance is provided. The filter includes a filter housing defining a filter chamber. A filter inlet and a filter outlet are positioned along a bottom portion of the filter housing, and filter media is positioned within the filter chamber to remove contaminants from water flowing through the filter media. A divider wall is positioned within the filter chamber to direct the flow of water through a flow aperture at a top portion of the filter chamber, such that the filter chamber remains filled with water during operation. As a result, the filter media remains completely submerged, thereby improving filtration performance, reducing pressure drop, and more evenly depleting the filter media.

Abstract: A filter for a non-plumbed appliance is provided. The filter includes a filter housing having a sidewall extending along a longitudinal direction between a first end wall and a second end wall. A flow distribution channel is also defined by the sidewall of the filter housing, the flow distribution channel extending outwardly from the sidewall along the radial direction and along the longitudinal direction between the flow aperture and the first end wall of the filter housing. The flow distribution channel equalizes the pressure gradient on the outer surface of the filter media, resulting in an improved flow pattern, increased clogging resistance, and improved filter performance capacity.

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a removable filter. The filter cartridge includes housing that connects to a manifold at one end and has a removable cover at another end. The removable cover is held onto the housing by a removable connector. When one desires to change the filter, the cartridge is disconnected from the manifold, the removable connector is removed, then the removable cover is removed, and then the removable filter is replaced. Next, the removable cover is put back on, then the connector is connected, and the cartridge is reconnected to the manifold.

Abstract: Flexible housing filters for filtration of fluids and methods of making such filters are disclosed. The filters may include one or more peripheral seals in the flexible housing.

Abstract: A filtration sealing system is provided for sealing a filter element in a housing at a mating interface therebetween. The sealing system includes a keyed interface. A replacement filter element is provided for such filtration sealing system, with the replacement filter element including a keyed interface.

Abstract: Filter media for filtering gas streams (e.g., air) are described herein. In some embodiments, the filter media may be designed to have desirable properties such as stable filtration efficiency, high oil repellency, low instantaneous resistance, and/or stable service life. One or more layers of the media may have a certain value of thickness over instantaneous resistance (and/or a ratio of thickness over instantaneous resistance between two layers). The filter media described herein may be particularly well-suited for applications that involve filtering gas streams (e.g., face masks, cabin air filtration, vacuum filtration, respirator equipment), though the media may also be used in other applications.

Abstract: This device is intended to separate oil droplets from a gas stream and comprises an inlet wall (2) having at least one inlet opening in which there is disposed a propeller for accelerating and radially orienting the gas stream and at least one retaining wall (3) having at least one retaining medium disposed facing a propeller (8). Advantageously, the inlet wall (2) and the retaining wall (3) are linked by a hinge allowing the retaining wall (3) to be folded against the inlet wall from an unfolded production configuration to a folded use configuration.

Abstract: An internal oil filter is installed at least partially inside a crankcase and/or an oil sump of a compressor. The internal oil filter can receive oil from an oil pressure regulator and filter the oil via filter media. The received oil radially penetrates through the filter media and flow directly into the oil sump from an outside surface of the filter media. This can eliminate the need of fluid lines connecting an outlet of an oil filter to the oil sump and any sealing mechanism therebetween.

Abstract: Filter media for filtering gas streams (e.g., air) are described herein. In some embodiments, the filter media may be designed to have desirable properties such as stable filtration efficiency, high oil repellency, low instantaneous resistance, and/or stable service life. In certain embodiments, one or more layers of the media may have a certain value of basis weight over air permeability (and/or a ratio of a value of basis weight over air permeability between two layers). The filter media may optionally comprise a support layer with a relatively high air permeability (e.g., greater than or equal to 1100 CFM). In some cases, the filter media may have a relatively low initial resistance and/or may have a particular final E1 efficiency. The filter media described herein may be particularly well-suited for applications that involve filtering gas streams (e.g.

Abstract: An air cleaner is provided that may include a main body having at least one cylindrical filter and at least one filter frame that forms a mounting space for the at least one filter, and a cylindrical case coupled to an outside of the main body, the cylindrical case having at least one suction inlet through which air is suctioned toward the at least one filter, so that air may be suctioned in 360-degree directions. If the cylindrical case is opened, the at least one filter may be extracted to the outside in a radial direction from the mounting space, thereby facilitating attachment/detachment of the at least one filter.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, assemblies, devices and systems for removing pollutants from air within a space or an environment. Humidifiers introduce a pollutant trapping material into the air of the space or environment by evaporating the pollutant trapping material, wherein the pollutant trapping material adheres to pollutants in the air being purified. Dehumidifiers remove the pollutant trapping material, along with pollutants adhered thereto, from the air by dehumidifying it. The cooperation of the humidifier(s) and the dehumidifier(s) may be collaborated based on a combination of pollutant concentration level value(s) and relative humidity level value(s) measured in the air.

Abstract: Provided an air cleaning system, which includes: a first reactor which has a first inlet and a first outlet and in which a channel is formed; a first moisture adsorption filter and a first water-soluble gas pollutant adsorption filter that are provided inside the first reactor and are provided so that a gas passes therethrough sequentially while flowing along the channel from the first inlet to the first outlet; a plurality of first magnetrons that are provided at a lateral portion of the first reactor so as to correspond respectively to the first moisture adsorption filter and the first water-soluble gas pollutant adsorption filter and selectively apply microwaves to the first moisture adsorption filter and the first water-soluble gas pollutant adsorption filter; and a heat exchanger that receives hot air containing a water-soluble gas pollutant and moisture, both of which are desorbed from the first moisture adsorption filter and the first water-soluble gas pollutant adsorption filter and are discharged by