Abstract: A system for correcting alignment of a golf club is provided. The golf club includes a shaft, a golf club head mounted on a first end of the shaft, a camera embedded in the golf club head. A display module is adapted to display at least a partial view of the camera. Substantial alignment of a face of the golf club head with a target location will be observable in the display as substantial alignment between the target location with an alignment guide. Misalignment of a face of the golf club head with the target location will be observable in the display as a misalignment between the target location with the alignment guide, for which a position of the golf club can be adjusted to bring the face of the golf club head into substantial alignment with the target location.

Abstract: An apparatus for playing games is envisaged. It includes a structure that defines boundary of the apparatus. There are multiple elements placed on the apparatus that define player locations. The apparatus can of any size and shape and can be used by players for playing various games. The players can use movable devices separately or the devices can be associated with players for the purpose of playing different games. Multiple lanes are placed at pre-defined positions on the structure for forming junctions in order to control and guide movement of players or moveable devices or movable devices associated with players. These junctions and lanes together form a number of turns that change direction of movement of players during the game play. The apparatus includes transparent bodies, speed regulators, marking units for marking the players and counters for counts number of markings for the purpose of playing different games.

Abstract: Improved skateboards and methods of obtaining or providing skateboards with improved trucks. Trucks have two axles or axes, two primary wheels, and two secondary wheels, and skateboards have eight wheels, four in front and four at the rear portion of the skateboard. The four primary wheels support most or all of the weight of the skateboard when the skateboard is on a flat surface, and the two secondary wheels support the weight of one portion of the skateboard (e.g., front or rear) when the primary wheels cross a crack (e.g., a sidewalk contraction joint). In various embodiments, the secondary wheels are located outboard of the primary wheels. Further, in a number of embodiments, the axis of rotation or axle of the primary wheels remains parallel to that of the secondary wheels, whether the skateboard is going straight or turning.

Abstract: A motorized personal transportation article is provided to transport a person by wearing a pair of power-assisted motorized shoes, used in a normal forward walking action that provides a supplementary walking speed adjusted based on a user intended walking speed, even the intended speed changes during a mid-step. The sole of each of the shoes houses a relatively stiff plate coupled with conveyor assemblies in the toe and heel sections, respectively, which are connected by a relatively flexible portion. The assembly is designed to neutralize forces acting to disrupt its operation during walking while the flexible portion assists in bending the shoe naturally to maintain the natural walking balance and movement. Further, the flexible portion may equip with ribs or hinges for easier bending than twisting. The front and rear relatively stiff plates may make of twistable and bendable materials but to a lesser extent than the flexible portion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base and a coupling member. The base is configured to position a game piece with respect to a gaming area, and the coupling member is configured to couple the game piece to the base. A status selector is provided to select a status of the game piece with respect to the gaming area, using an indicator extending from a first side to a second side of the base. A set of indicia are configured to be selectively displayed by positioning the indicator with respect to the first and second sides of the base, so that the selected status of the game piece is indicated.

Abstract: A roulette game enables single-spin formation of meaningful character strings, which character strings may be coupled to tones for enhancing the gaming experience. The meaningful character strings may be defined by solfege-enabling letter groups, which letter groups may prompt underlying tones in solmization. The syllabic roulette game comprises a roulette wheel, a wager-enabling layout, and a plurality of balls. The wheel comprises alphabetic characters against a rainbow colored backdrop for enabling various payout schemes. A color-coordinated wager support surface is preferably disposed adjacent the roulette wheel for facilitating wager placement.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for game play having a base with a first planar conductive pattern of a plurality of conductive touch points and a programmable electronic device with a touch screen that registers contact with the conductive touch points and outputs location data for where the conductive touch points contact the touch screen surface are disclosed. An application in communication with the touch screen interprets the location data, identifies the base, and, depending on the identity of the base, juxtaposes one or more computer graphics and animations with the base to form a single manipulatable object having co-operable physical and virtual components. A physical object may be movably or spinnably coupled to the base.

Abstract: A user-replaceable thumbstick top for a user input device is described. The thumbstick top comprises one or more first mating elements that are adapted to mate with one or more second mating elements of a thumbstick base of the user input device. The first and second mating elements are configured to enable the thumbstick top to be removably connected to the thumbstick base. The manner of interconnection between the thumbstick top and the thumbstick base is such that a user can connect and disconnect the two components without having to disassemble the game controller and without having to use any tools.

Abstract: Introduced herein are various systems and techniques for dispensing scents from a scent delivery system. The scent delivery system could be a self-contained unit that is attachable to a head-mounted display (HMD) or could be integrated into the HMD itself. The scent delivery system can be used to improve the realism of content (e.g., visual content, audio content) experienced via the HMD. More specifically, the scent delivery system can be configured to dispense one or more scents in response to determining a particular scene is being experienced by the user. Different scents can be dispensed based on characteristics of the content. In some embodiments, the scent(s) are held in capsules that are housed within the scent delivery system. The capsules may be readily replaceable by the user, which enables the scent(s) to be customized based on what content is to be shown or projected in the future.

Abstract: Detection and prevention of false positives associated with a handheld controller are provided. Information is stored in memory regarding indicia of false positive input associated with a handheld controller used to control media usage. Sensor information is monitored at the handheld controller. It may be detected that the monitored sensor information matches one or more indicia of false positive input. Subsequent input received from the handheld controller may then be nullified, such that the nullified input is not registered and does not result in control changes to the associated media. It may then be detected that the monitored sensor information no longer matches one or more indicia of false positive input. Subsequently, nullification is ended, and subsequent input received from the handheld game controller is registered normally and results in control changes to the associated media.

Abstract: An example image processing system and method uses a control device including a movement detector. Gesture inputs corresponding to a gesture made by moving the control device are used for animation. An animation begins based on at least one gesture input received prior to completion of the gesture and the animation is modified based on at least one gesture input received after the beginning of the animation.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for providing full-motion animation-as-a-service. In some examples, short motion-capture segments may be captured from user motion user interface devices and stored in a database. When a full-motion animation is desired, a start pose and a target pose may be provided, and a multiple-path, multiple-iteration search through the database may be used to assemble the full-motion animation. Motion retargeting may be used to further refine the assembled full-motion animation.

Abstract: A drill unit 111 expands a dungeon based on a parameter in two directions from the starting point X and selects a start S and a goal G from each area expanded in two directions. Thus, it is possible to generate a path from the start S to the goal G passing through the starting point X. Moreover, it is possible to determine a board form of the whole dungeon by determining expanding directions with the parameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming system which can eliminate obstacles and drawbacks which may arise at the time of purchasing or using plural kinds of gaming machines which have different platforms thus reducing a risk and a development cost at the time of developing game software. The gaming machine includes a first unit for transmitting game result information on a game result when a game is paused or finished to the portable terminal, and the server includes a second unit for receiving the game result information transmitted from the portable terminal and identification information which the portable terminal possesses, and a third unit which allows a storage unit provided to the server to store the game result information which the server receives from the portable terminal corresponding to the identification information of the portable terminal.

Abstract: An attitude of an object arranged in a virtual world is controlled based on attitude data outputted from a portable display device. Further, the object is caused to move in the virtual world, based on data based on a load applied to a load detection device. Then, a first image showing the virtual world including at least the object is displayed on the portable display device.

Abstract: A method including generating, by a terminal, a creation request containing game information, sending, by the terminal, the creation request to a game server, receiving, by the terminal, a graphic information code generated by a management server according to the game information, and displaying the graphic information code on the terminal.

Abstract: A method of managing an on-going interactive event. The method includes transferring statements between participants over a computer network, during a live interactive event, analyzing, by a computer, at least some of the transferred statements, so as to generate feedback on said event and controlling the event responsive to the generated feedback.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile terminal with a call function or a texting function. The present invention controls the use of a mobile terminal by a manual operation because of an incoming call during movement. Location information indicating movement of a mobile terminal with a call or a message data exchange function is received by a GPS receiver, the distance and the movement speed are determined by using the measurement information of the two locations at every predetermined time, and whether or not the mobile terminal is moving in accordance with the movement speed is determined by a movement determination unit. When it is determined by the movement determination unit that the mobile terminal is moving, the display of incoming call information indicating an incoming call is set to non-displayed on the display unit, and at the same time, a notification sound from a speaker, etc. is invalid.

Abstract: A snapshot of an emulated game may be generated by a client. At some point during the emulation of the emulated game, a snapshot initiator delivers a suspension request to an emulator. Once the suspension request is received, the emulator will suspend the emulated title. The emulator generates a snapshot of the emulated game by recording the current state of all devices being emulated. The snapshot is then delivered to the client. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A track switching element for providing a ride experience in an amusement ride that includes a pivotable track section that has a longitudinally extending support beam with a longitudinally extending upper surface, a first end and a second end, the support beam includes a pivot element located between the first end and the second end, and a longitudinally extending rail that is adapted to receive a vehicle and that is located adjacent the upper surface. The rail communicates with an entry rail section when the pivotable track section is in a first position. A support structure cooperates with the pivot element such that the pivotable track section is pivotable about the pivot element from the first position to at least a second position such that the rail communicates with an exit rail section in the second position.

Abstract: An urn holding device comprises a body encasing plush fill and a compartment disposed within in an interior of the body. The compartment has at least one opening in communication with the body. The plush fill surrounds all sides of the urn within the body.

Abstract: A toy includes a rotational lift mechanism having a rotatable drive shaft, a helical guide track positioned about the drive shaft, a receiver basin positioned atop the drive shaft, an upper track, a tilted panel, a chute having an opening formed therein and a lower track. In example forms, one or more balls traverse a closed-loop pre-defined path including along the guide track and within the basin, along the upper track, through an airborne trajectory into contact with the tilted panel, bouncing into the opening of the chute, and back along the lower track.

Abstract: A track for a toy vehicle and a track section for forming the same. Each of the track sections has first and second edges and an upper surface extending therebetween. Furthermore, the track sections have a first connector extending from the first edge and a second connector extending from the second edge. The first connector of one of the track sections receives the second connector of another one of the track sections to detachably couple two of the track sections together to form the track. Furthermore, when coupled together the first and second track sections are movable relative to one another to adjust the inclination of the upper surfaces so that the track created using the track sections is modular and adjustable.

Abstract: There is disclosed a balloon holder for holding a balloon having a tail and a tapered self-closing bladder. The balloon holder comprises a main body having a tail locking mechanism, an elongated member protruding from a bottom extremity of the main body, a support element configured to slide over the elongated member and be positioned on the main body, and a position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the support element on the main body. In use, the tail of the balloon is secured to the main body by the tail locking mechanism and the support element is slid over the elongated member and positioned on the main body using the position adjustment mechanism so as to support the balloon in an upright position.

Abstract: A toy includes a body and a first flap coupled to the body movable between a first position, in which a first surface of the first flap is visible, and a second position, in which a second opposite surface of the first flap is visible. The toy also includes a second flap coupled to the body movable between a first position, in which a first surface of the second flap is visible, and a second position, in which a second opposite surface of the second flap is visible. When the first and second flaps are both in the first positions, the toy defines a first configuration, and when the first and second flaps are both in the second positions, the toy defines a second configuration different in appearance from the first configuration.

Abstract: A wind chime assembly with traditional chiming functions actuated by outside wind currents knocking a striker into an array of metal pipes but additionally incorporating bubble making acquisition through a coupling of a bubble making apparatus with integrated wind vanes joined to a plurality of bubble producing apertures rotatablely dipped into a supply of contained bubble solution to simultaneously manifest a flotilla of entrancing bubbles drifting airily about to the soothing tones of the wind chimes actuated by the same outside wind currents. Disengagement of the primary components also allow for each be operated separately.

Abstract: Processes and systems are provided to compress vapors produced in distillation and recover the heat of condensation through mechanical vapor compression and to derive mechanical and electrical energy from a combined heat and power system, while maintaining the plant's original ability to operate. The plant's existing distillation system, steam generation, and electrical demand determine the design basis for the retrofit system that is targeted at an optimized combination of energy usage, energy cost, and environmental impact. Mechanical vapor compression minimizes the total energy usage. Combined heat and power provides a means of converting energy between fuel, electricity, and thermal energy in a manner that best complements plant requirements and energy economics and minimizes inefficiencies and energy losses.

Abstract: Processes and systems are provided to compress vapors produced in distillation and recover the heat of condensation through mechanical vapor compression and to derive mechanical and electrical energy from a combined heat and power system, while maintaining the plant's original ability to operate. The plant's existing distillation system, steam generation, and electrical demand determine the design basis for the retrofit system that is targeted at an optimized combination of energy usage, energy cost, and environmental impact. Mechanical vapor compression minimizes the total energy usage. Combined heat and power provides a means of converting energy between fuel, electricity, and thermal energy in a manner that best complements plant requirements and energy economics and minimizes inefficiencies and energy losses.

Abstract: Methods for purifying nanocrystals via gel permeation chromatography are provided. The method can include: loading a sample solution into a chromatography column, wherein the sample solution comprises nanocrystals coated with a layer of organic ligands; using an eluent, passing the nanocrystals coated with the layer of organic ligands through a stationary phase of the chromatography column, wherein the eluent is an organic solvent in which the nanocrystals coated with the layer of organic ligands remain miscible to form a mobile phase; and collecting the mobile phase passed through the stationary phase of the chromatography column. The surface ligands of the purified nanocrystals can then be, in one embodiment, replaced with a second type of ligand.

Abstract: This invention, methods and apparatus for filtration provides the fluid filtration through the flowing granular material or filtration of the flowing granular material through the flowing fluid. The improved apparatus comprises a body including a substance inlet tubular member for passage of substance into the body, a substance outlet tubular member for passage of substance out of the body, a fluid inlet tubular member for passage of fluid into the body, a fluid outlet device for passage of fluid out of the body, a fluid distribution member comprising a plurality of apertures (perforation), and a diaphragm.

Abstract: Provided is a filter assembly including at least one end cap and at least one retainer mechanically locked to the end cap in a cavity and defining a region into which the bonding agent can flow to form a mechanical interlock with the retainer. Even if the bonding agent does not fully adhere to the end cap, the filter media will be secured in the end cap via the mechanical interlock of the bonding agent and retainer, thereby preventing end cap separation from the element.

Abstract: A filter cartridge endplate (12) is described herein that has an integrated flow structure. For example, the integrated flow structure has concentric flow portions disposed at a center of the endplate (12), where a separator (10) is built into the endplate (12) that separates fluid flow. The endplate (12) includes a plate with a major surface, a separator (10) that protrudes axially away from the major surface. The separator (10) includes a first flow portion (14) and a second flow portion (16), where the first flow portion (14) is disposed radially inward relative to the second flow portion (16). The first flow portion (14) includes a channel (22) and the second flow portion includes a channel (24). The respective channels (22,24) are configured to allow axial fluid flow relative to the plate, and configured to allow fluid flow that is localized toward the center of the plate (12).

Abstract: The present invention in one or more embodiments provides an oil filter adaptor to engage an oil filter, where the oil filter adaptor includes a base and a neck extending from the base in a first direction and to engage the oil filter, the neck including a wall defining therein a passageway extending at least partially in the first direction, the wall defining thereupon a through-aperture extending in a wall thickness direction. The oil filter adaptor of the present invention may pre-discharge oil flowing out thereof when the oil filter is removed, avoiding oil splashing due to an otherwise large efflux of oil in a very short period of time.

Abstract: A blow-by gas inlet structure of an oil separator adapted to be placed above a cam chamber of an internal combustion engine, comprises a plate that forms a bottom wall of the oil separator; a blow-by gas inlet opening that is formed in the plate; an oil blocking structure that is provided below the blow-by gas inlet opening in a manner to divide the blow-by gas inlet opening into front and rear inlet openings through which the blow-by gas is led into the oil separator, the front and rear inlet openings being arranged in a first direction; and a transverse rib that is provided on the oil blocking structure and extends in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A method for separating solid and liquid components from gas components in a hydrocarbon production stream. The method includes the steps of: conveying the production stream into a cylindrical vessel having an inner cavity; creating an initial drop in velocity of the production stream; directing the production stream to flow around the inner cavity; collecting the gas components from the production stream at a top end of the vessel; and collecting the solid and liquid components at a drain in a bottom end of the vessel.

Abstract: Filter cartridge arrangements, features thereof and assembly for use therewith, are provided. Selected filter cartridge features disclosed are particularly well adapted for use with a safety or secondary filter cartridge, usable with media thereof projecting into an open interior of a main filter cartridge, in use. An example filter cartridge is described, with a non-pleated end and a pleated end, although variations are also described. Advantageous main cartridges are also described. Methods of assembly and systems for use are described.

Abstract: Implementations of a filter holder may include: a mounting bracket having two or more T-shaped brackets slidably coupled with each other each with a first part and a second part, the first part being substantially perpendicular to the second part. A disc may be included. Two or more clamps, each coupled to the second part of each of the two or more T-shaped brackets may be included which couple to a filter. The disc may be slidably coupled to the first part of each of the two or more T-shaped brackets. The slidable coupling of the two or more T-shaped brackets may allow the T-shaped brackets to accommodate a dimension of two or more differently sized filters.

Abstract: A filter system is configured to filter a particulate matter from air blown from a liquid storage tank having a manway neck. The filter system includes a filter bag, configured to filter the particulate matter from the air. A flange plate is operatively connected to the filter bag and the manway neck. The air blown from the liquid storage tank through the manway neck is filtered by the filter bag.

Abstract: A system for removing carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide laden gas mixture, the system comprising two groups of carbon dioxide removal structures, each removal structure within each group comprising a porous solid mass substrate supported on the structure and a sorbent that is capable of adsorbing or binding to carbon dioxide, to remove carbon dioxide from a gas mixture, the sorbent being supported upon the surfaces of the porous mass substrate solid; an endless loop support for each of the groups of the removal structures, the endless loop support being so arranged as to move the support structures of each group along a closed curve while being exposed to a stream of the gas mixture; and a sealable regeneration box at one location along each of the endless loop supports, in which, when a porous solid mass substrate is sealed in place therein, carbon dioxide adsorbed upon the sorbent is stripped from the sorbent and the sorbent regenerated; each removal structural supporting a porous substrate in a position

Abstract: A method is provided for fractionating a feed gas containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide, from which feed gas carbon dioxide is largely selectively removed by scrubbing in a first gas scrubber using a sulphur-free scrubbing agent, wherein a scrubbing agent stream laden with carbon dioxide and co-absorbed hydrogen is obtained which is subsequently expanded in an expansion vessel in order to convert co-absorbed hydrogen into the gas phase. The characterizing feature of the method is that the hydrogen-containing gas phase is drawn off from the expansion vessel and admixed with a sulphur-free gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide, which gas mixture arises in a second gas scrubber operated in parallel to the first as a product at a pressure which is lower than the pressure of the feed gas.

Abstract: Provided are: an NOx removal unit to remove nitrogen oxide; an air preheater on a downstream side of the NOx removal unit to recover heat; a precipitator on a downstream side of the air preheater to remove ash dust; a gas-liquid contact type desulfurization unit on a downstream side of the precipitator to remove sulfur oxide; an SO3 removing agent supply unit to supply an SO3 removing agent at a supply unit on an upstream side of the precipitator; and a wet state processing unit between the air preheater and the supply unit to supply water to a flue gas to be made into a wet state; the wet state processing unit having a stand-up portion, a partition unit and a droplet supply unit.

Abstract: Waste treatment comprises heating it in a chamber to effect pyrolysis of the waste, introducing oxygen into the chamber to effect combustion of the pyrolyzed waste, and contacting off-gas from the pyrolysis and/or combustion steps with an oxidation catalyst to convert carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the off-gas into carbon dioxide and water and with a reduction catalyst to convert nitrous oxides to nitrogen and oxygen. Thus, domestic waste is treated in a batch process using catalytic converters to reduce the level of toxic components before off-gas reaches the atmosphere.

Abstract: Remote transactions using transactional memory are carried out over a data network between an initiator host and a remote target. The transaction comprises a plurality of input-output (IO) operations between an initiator network interface controller and a target network interface controller. The IO operations are controlled by the initiator network interface controller and the target network interface controller to cause the first process to perform accesses to the memory location atomically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing and delivering a liquid additive for catalytic exhaust gas NOx removal in a motor vehicle, the device comprising a storage vessel (2), in which a delivery line (5), heated filter elements (7) and a combined sensor (12) are arranged. A delivery pump (8) is arranged outside the storage vessel (2). The filter elements (7), the combined sensor (12) and the delivery pump (8) are configured as subassemblies which are connected electrically and/or hydraulically to one another and are separated from one another spatially.

Abstract: Concentration control in filtration systems and associated methods are generally described. Streams originating from upstream filters and having similar concentrations of a target minor component and/or similar osmotic pressures can be mixed and subsequently filtered within additional filters. Certain embodiments comprise recycling an output stream produced by a filter to a filter feed stream, wherein the output stream and the filter feed stream have similar concentrations of a target minor component and/or similar osmotic pressures. Such strategic mixing and/or recycling can reduce the amount of energy and/or the amount of filtration medium surface area required to achieve a desired concentration of the target minor component in a final product stream.

Abstract: An electrolyte-separating membrane includes a carrier made of a porous and permeable synthetic thermoplastic material that is larger than 0.8 mm in thickness and an active layer made of a material able to induce insertion and deinsertion reactions for selective transfer of cations through the membrane. The active layer is deposited on the carrier and is hermetic. The material of the active layer may in particular be a molybdenum cluster chalcogenide. The invention aims to provide an electrolyte-separating membrane that is able to transfer cations selectively and that may be manufactured with large dimensions. The invention also relates to a cation transfer method employing this membrane and to a process for manufacturing said membrane, in particular by selective laser sintering of a powdered polymer.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. Systems, methods and equipment are described for upgrading process streams using electrodialysis or electrodialysis reversal.

Abstract: An air separation module includes a shell configured to house an air separation membrane, an inlet configured to receive supply air, an oxygen-enriched air outlet configured to exhaust oxygen from the air separation module, and a nitrogen-enriched air outlet configured to supply a stream of nitrogen-enriched air to a fuel tank of an aircraft. The air separation module also includes a condition monitoring sensor integral with the air separation module and configured to measure at least one of a plurality of conditions; and a connector integral with the air separation module and configured to join the condition monitoring sensor with an electrical system of the aircraft.

Abstract: A gas separation module comprising: (a) a permeate collection tube; (b) a membrane envelope wound spirally around the tube to provide a wound membrane structure comprising two end faces; and (c) an anti-telescoping device (ATD) secured to the permeate collection tube, the ATD comprising: (i) an inner peripheral part, (ii) an outer peripheral part which surrounds the inner peripheral part, (iii) one or more connection parts which connect the inner peripheral part and the outer peripheral part and which contacts with one of said end faces; (iv) vents which allow gas to flow through the ATD; wherein the ATD satisfies Formula (1): (L CP?L contact)/(L VENT)=R Formula (1) wherein: R is from 1.47 to 1.88; L VENT is the cross sectional area of the vents which allow gas to flow through the ATD; L CP is the total area inside the outer peripheral part; and L contact is the contact area of the connection parts and the end face of the wound membrane envelope. Clamps are also claimed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for isolating a filtration module are provided. The systems and methods may utilize a removable end cap comprising an isolation valve. In certain systems and methods, the isolation valve may be configured to selectively allow fluid communication between a port and a filtrate passageway of one filtration module in a plurality of filtration modules.