Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of synchronizing an online game, and a server device, that do not require centralized information management, reduce the processing burden on each device during online communication, and allow for continuation of processing in an offline environment. A method, according to the present disclosure, of synchronizing an online game that allows for transmission and reception of information related to game processing between a first client terminal and a second client terminal via a server includes: receiving, from the first client terminal connected online, first information related to game processing on the first client terminal; determining whether the first information is information that determines a game status; and storing the first information on the server and transmitting the first information to the second client terminal when the first information is determined to be information that determines the game status.

Abstract: A game system 100, which is an example of a matching system, includes a game server 500 and a plurality of game devices 300 that are connected to the game server 500 over a network. The game system 100 includes a related player presenting section 331 for presenting, to a participating player who is attempting to join a game and for whom matchmaking is to be performed in any of matching rooms that are matching ranges, a related player related to the participating player, a matching room identification section 54 for identifying a matching room that is associated with the related player presented by the related player presenting section 331, and a matching processor 55 for performing matchmaking in the matching room identified by the matching room identification section 54.

Abstract: A game system has one or more network-connected servers executing system software (SSW) on one or more processors from a non-transitory medium, providing virtual reality games for players logged in to the system to select and play, and a plurality of mobile digital devices in use by players logged in to the system, associated by the system with individual player identity, executing a mobile application (MA) enabled to interact with the SSW, and equipped with GPS tracking. The MA reports GPS coordinates for individual ones of the plurality of players to the SSW periodically, and the SSW identifies clusters of players based on pre-programmed geography limitations, and uses cluster data for various interactions between players and the system, and between players and other players.

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

Abstract: A system and method for varying the distribution probabilities of individual potential awards associated with probability item bundles depending on a purchase history of a user activating a probability item bundle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for online gaming including virtual placeholder items that can be exchanged for virtual items of value based on a quantitative performance of the users relative to other users in events that take place in the online game.

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: The present invention relates to an improved spinning top toy capable of being movable while the top is spinning, and easily coupling a launcher for rotating and launching the top and a winder for providing the top with a rotational force.

Abstract: A toy comprising a rotor, an actuator means, and a launch device, wherein the rotor comprises an actuator mechanism, and wherein a toy building element comprises a launch device in the form of a cavity configured for receiving the actuator mechanism, and wherein the actuator means can be inserted into a through-going slit opening to cooperate with the actuator mechanism to transfer momentum from the actuator means to the rotor, whereby the rotor can be rotated and launched from the launch device. The toy comprises at least two toy building elements, a first toy building element comprising the launch device and one or more of a first type of coupling means, and a second toy building element provided with one or more of a second types of coupling means that are geometrically configured to relative to the first type of coupling means, whereby the first and second types of coupling means can be releasably interconnected to form a spatial structure comprising the launch device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a magnetic module assembly having opposing geometric frames and a plurality of connector struts that connect and extend between the geometric frames. Each of the geometric frames has a plurality of segments, with each segment having a magnet enclosure integrated in the segment. The segments are interposed between attachment points formed in the geometric frame, each attachment point having a pair of receptacles that are sized and shaped to receive a corresponding pair of connector pins from a connector strut. The segments of a geometric frame have a larger thickness compared to that of the attachment points, making the attachment points of the frame frangible.

Abstract: An illumination stacker game is described having audiovisual signals for placing rings of different colors onto a central core. Upon placement, sensors determine which ring has been placed and provide audiovisual feedback as to whether the ring placed is the one which was requested in the game sequence. Different levels of difficulties and different audiovisual modes of communication are involved including multiple languages.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for a mold system for molding structures (e.g., sand castles) from one or more various types of molding substances (e.g., sand, clay, snow). In one embodiment, a mold system comprises a split mold comprising at least two mold sections. In one embodiment, a modular mold system allows for different types of mold sections with corresponding joining elements to be joined together to create forms for molding various types of structures. In some embodiments, mold sections are configured to facilitate the breaking of a vacuum created when molding substances are packed into the mold system, thus making it easier to separate a mold from the formed structure.

Abstract: Method for separating the diamondoids by liquid chromatography from a sample of iso-alkanes and cycloalkanes, or from a mixture of organic compounds, this method comprising introducing the sample into a column comprising a stationary phase comprising a material capable of forming inclusion complexes with the diamondoids, eluting with an eluent, and collecting the eluted fraction.

Abstract: Systems for removing gas from a sealant and transferring gas-less sealant to an applicator are provided. The system may comprise: a rotatable chamber including: a first opening for receiving sealant; a hollow conduit arranged such that when gas accumulates in the center of the rotatable chamber when the rotatable chamber is rotating, the gas is ventable from the rotatable chamber; a second opening for receiving gas-less sealant from the rotatable chamber after the gas is vented from the hollow conduit; and a motor operatively configured to rotate the rotatable chamber; and a gas-less sealant applicator in fluid communication with the second opening of the rotatable chamber such that gas-less sealant released by the second opening is flowable into the applicator. The system may also include a robot arm including an end effector with a sealant dispensing nozzle. A method for applying sealant to an aircraft structure is also provided.

Abstract: An assembly forms a seal between components (11, 33) having sealing zones (37,51). The sealing zones face each other in a functional position of the components. A sealing element (43, 57) is on the sealing zone (37, 51) of one component (11, 33). A sealing surface (51) is on the sealing zone (37, 51) of the other component (11, 33) to form a radial seal. The components (11, 33) can be brought into the functional position by a relative movement in the axial direction. The sealing element (43, 57) sealingly interacts with the sealing surface (51) in the functional position. A third component (61) associated with an actuating part (62) acts on the sealing element (43;57) in the functional position of the components (11, 33) to deform the element to increase the sealing force.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for self-cleaning filters without having to open the filter housing. Wash nozzles are integrated with the filter housings such that when the filters are clogged, both back-wash and regular washing can be performed with practically no down time. Moreover, without opening the filter housing, the hazardous components of the fluid to be filtered can be contained and dealt with before they escape the filter housing, thereby significantly reduces the environmental impact and harm to the working crew.

Abstract: A filter device for filtering fluids such as fuels, including diesel fuel, has a filter housing (1), within which a filter element (17) can be fastened and exchanged. The filter element has a filter medium that surrounds an inner filter cavity (25). A fluid inlet leads to the unfiltered side (27) of the filter element (17). A fluid outlet outflows filtered fluid from the filtered side (25). An equalizing tube (49) extends in the filter housing (1) up to a maximum filling level height for the filtration operation. The equalizing tube is connected to a tank return connection at a lower end of the equalizing tube and is open at an upper end (51) of the equalizing tube. The tube (49) has, at distances from the upper and lower ends of the tube, an inner control part (60) with a passage opening (61) forming a throttle point.

Abstract: Fiber webs that may be used as filter media are provided. In some embodiments, the filter media may include multiple layers. Each layer may be designed to have separate functions in the filter media. For example, a first layer may be provided for improving dust holding capacity, a second layer for improving efficiency, and a third layer for providing support and strength to the media. By designing the layers to have separate functions, each layer may be optimized to enhance its function without negatively impacting the performance of another layer of the media.

Abstract: A “bolt on” static separator is disclosed for use in conjunction with a rotating separator to handle higher liquid volumes that are not able to be effectively separated by the rotating separator alone. The static separator may be positioned upstream of the rotating separator, generally right in front of the rotating separator, i.e., immediately ahead of the inlet to the rotating separator and generally attached directly to the front end of the rotary separator. The static separator may include a significant change in flow path direction that is sufficient to cause coarse fluid separation. The output of the static separator is in communication with the input of the rotating separator. Additionally, the drain of the static separator is in communication with the drain of the rotating separator and is at the same pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved system and process for the production of Hot Mix Asphalt containing High Recycle/Reclaimed Asphalt. Unlike conventional processing systems, the presently disclosed system utilizes a combination of dryer design and cyclone and wet scrubber technology to remove dust, particulate matter and oil residue from hot gas emissions produced during the process and recycles it back into the system.

Abstract: An air filter assembly having a primary filter element, a secondary filter element, and a housing with an outlet tube is disclosed. The primary filter element is operably installed within the housing and has an interior volume. The secondary filter element is operably installed within the primary filter element interior volume and has an interior volume defined by a first wall extending between a closed end cap and an opposite open end cap. The open end cap of the secondary filter element defines a sealing structure having a first portion extending into the secondary filter interior volume. The outlet tube is operably connected to the housing air outlet opening and includes an inset collar being at least partially disposed within the secondary filter interior volume and extending over at least a part of the sealing structure first portion.

Abstract: A dust collector including a housing including an upper wall, at least one housing wall defining an inlet, and one of the upper wall and the at least one housing wall defining an outlet; a separating plate connected above the inlet and below the outlet, and defining at least one aperture; at least one vertically extending filter connected to and extending below the plate, and fluidly communicating with the at least one aperture; at least one pipe connecting the at least one vertically extending filter to the plate and extending below the plate; at least one expandable sleeve surrounding the pipe, the pipe defining at least one side aperture fluidly communicating an interior of the pipe with a space between the pipe and the sleeve; and an air injector system fluidly communicating with the aperture for injecting air into the space through the aperture to expand the sleeve.

Abstract: An air dryer includes a first flow path through the air dryer and a second flow path through the air dryer in parallel with the first flow path. A diverter valve has a first position that provides fluid communication to the first flow path and a second position that provides fluid communication to the second flow path. A system parameter signal is reflective of fluid flow through the air dryer, and a controller receives the system parameter signal and produces a first control signal based on the system parameter signal. The first control signal controls the position of the diverter valve.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and systems for performing a swing adsorption process. This swing adsorption process may involve passing streams through adsorbent bed units to remove contaminants, such as water, from the stream. As part of the process, the adsorbent bed unit is purged with a purge stream that is provided at a temperature less than 450° F. The de-contaminated stream may be used with a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant or other subsequent process requiring a de-contaminated stream. The swing adsorption process may involve a combined TSA and PSA process, which is utilized to remove contaminants from the feed stream.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and systems for performing a swing adsorption process. This swing adsorption process may involve passing streams through adsorbent bed units to treat the feed stream to form a stream that complies with nitrogen rejection specifications. The process may involve using at least a portion of the nitrogen rejection process product streams as a purge for the swing adsorption process.

Abstract: Continuous fuel flow enhancer device for internal combustion engines has two internal solid phases in the fuel circulation where the following components intervene: silica gel (SiO2 nH2O) which performs a dehydration process, and in a second phase, activated carbon for organic compounds intervene, which performs an adsorption, purification and dehydration process.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for cleaning filters, such as membrane filters. More particularly, a method and system are disclosed for retaining a plurality of small particulates, preferably in the shape of beads, which contact sludge or other despots on the membrane filters to remove unwanted debris that would otherwise form on the cleaning filters. In various embodiments, the plurality of small particulates are retained in a permeable enclosure formed of wedgewire.

Abstract: A membrane support material is support material for adhering a membrane to a membrane attachment surface. A plurality of non-woven fiber sheets, which are three-dimensional fiber aggregates, are layered together and thermal and pressure processed to bond fibers of the non-woven fiber sheets and form a single sheet of support material. Each layer of non-woven fiber sheet has a different longitudinal-to-lateral tensile strength ratio (k), which is the ratio (f2/f1) of the tensile strength in the lengthwise direction (f2) to the tensile strength in the width direction (f1), and in the thermal and pressure processed state, the support material membrane attachment surface has curvature in the lateral (width) direction with an outward protruding (convex) center region.

Abstract: An asymmetric membrane having a substantially non-porous surface layer is made by a method including: dissolving a poly(phenylene ether) copolymer in a solvent mixture including a first solvent and a second solvent to provide a membrane-forming composition; and phase-inverting the membrane forming composition in a first non-solvent to form the membrane comprising a substantially non-porous surface layer. The first solvent is a water-miscible polar aprotic solvent, and the second solvent is a polar solvent having two to eight carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating droplets with a high level of uniformity in liquid systems that present a low interfacial tension. This method and apparatus utilize the breakup of the dispersed phase in a controlled fashion by periodically varying the pressure that drives the fluids so as to successfully generate emulsions with a good control over the size. The method and apparatus can be used for the formation of simple emulsion or double emulsion where a larger droplet contains one or more smaller droplets.

Abstract: A machine and process for providing a gas liquid mixture are described. The process can include providing a pressurized fluid stream; and subjecting the fluid stream to a series of alternating flow regions that include a plurality of laminar flow regions and turbulent flow regions. The machine can include a flow path from a pressure vessel to an ejection point, where the flow path includes a plurality of alternating flow characteristic regions.

Abstract: An agitation device for agitating products held in wells of sample vessels or a laboratory microplate is disclosed. The device is arranged to retain a microplate and to agitate an agitation member comprising an array of agitation projections which enter the wells of the microplate. The agitating motion can be horizontal and damping means can be provided between an actuator and parts of the device to reduce overall vibrations. A related method of agitation of microplate or sample vessel contents is described. A novel arrangement for receiving a replaceable agitation member for the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments provide mixing methods, systems, apparatuses, devices and assemblies that enable high-accuracy mixing of two or more substances in a manner that controls the concentrations of one or more substances in the resulting mixture. A mixing apparatus (100) may enable mixing of two or more substances at a mixing zone or conduit (112). The mixing apparatus may include one or more sensors (120) for detecting one or more characteristics of the mixture during the mixing process. The sensors may detect the mixture characteristics continuously, at intervals or as prompted by a user. The mixture characteristics may be used, in the sensors or in control circuitry, to generate an indication of the concentration of a first constituent substance in the mixture. Based on the detected concentration, the mixing apparatus may automatically adjust a supply of the first substance to the mixing zone or conduit (112).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a high-performance polymer dispersant that can be applied to cellulose being a hydrophilic substance, and another object of the present invention is to provide a technology for practical application of obtaining a cellulose-dispersed resin composition that realizes stable dispersion of cellulose in a simpler manner and in an environmentally conscious manner that never uses a large amount of organic solvents when the polymer dispersant for cellulose is applied to cellulose and disperses the cellulose in a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous manufacturing apparatus for a carbon nanotube having gas separation units and a continuous manufacturing method for a carbon nanotube using the same. According to the present invention, the present invention has an effect to provide the continuous manufacturing apparatus of the carbon nanotube and continuous manufacturing method using the same, in which it makes possible to perform a rapid processing; has excellent productivity and excellent conversion rate of carbon source; can significantly reduce the cost of production; can reduce energy consumption because a reactor size can be decreased as compared with capacity; and a gas separation unit that not generate a waste gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluidized bed reactor, comprising a reaction tube, a distributor and a heating device, the reaction tube and the distributor at the bottom of the reaction tube composing a closed space, the distributor comprising a gas inlet and a product outlet, and the reaction tube comprising a tail gas outlet and a seed inlet at the top or upper part respectively, characterized in that the reaction tube comprises a reaction inner tube and a reaction outer tube, and the heating device is an induction heating device placed within a hollow cavity formed between the external wall of the reaction inner tube and the internal wall of the reaction outer tube, wherein the hollow cavity is filled with hydrogen, nitrogen or inert gas for protection, and is able to maintain a pressure of about 0.01 to about 5 MPa; and also to a process of producing high purity granular polysilicon using the reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining a magnesium fluoride (MgF2) sol solution, comprising the steps of providing a magnesium alkoxide precursor in a non-aqueous solvent and adding 1.85 to 2.05 molar equivalents of non-aqueous hydrofluoric acid, characterized in that the reaction proceeds in the presence of a second magnesium fluoride precursor selected from the group of salts of strong, volatile acids, such as a chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate or triflate of magnesium, or of a catalytic amount of a strong, volatile acid; and/or an additive non-magnesium fluoride precursor selected from the group of salts of strong, volatile acids, such as a chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate or triflate of lithium, antimony, tin calcium, strontium, barium, aluminum, silicon, zirconium, titanium or zinc. The invention further relates to sol solutions, method of applying the sol solutions of the invention to surfaces as a coating, and to antireflective coatings obtained thereby.

Abstract: An automated radiosynthesizer device includes a plurality of reactor assemblies, each reactor assembly being operatively connected to a horizontal actuator for moving the reactor assembly in the horizontal direction and a vertical actuator for moving the reactor assembly in the vertical direction. A plurality of disposable cassettes are disposed above each of the plurality of reactor assemblies, each cassette comprising a lower surface comprising a plurality of sealed and un-sealed gaskets, wherein the un-sealed gaskets are connected to internal fluid paths within the cassette. The device includes a three-axis reagent and gas handling robot disposed above the plurality of cassettes and terminates in a vial gripper and a gas manifold having an inert gas port and a vacuum port. The device includes a control system configured to control the horizontal actuator and vertical actuator of each reactor assembly and the three-axis reagent and gas handling robot.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for removing sulfur-containing compounds from a fluid. The method involves adding manganese oxide to the fluid; doping the manganese oxide in situ with iron, cobalt, or combinations thereof to give a doped manganese oxide adsorbent; and contacting the fluid with a selected amount of the doped manganese oxide adsorbent and at a selected temperature and pressure sufficient for the doped manganese oxide adsorbent to preferentially adsorb the sulfur-containing compounds in the fluid. The disclosure also relates to a process for preparing a doped manganese oxide adsorbent, and a doped manganese oxide adsorbent prepared by the process. The disclosure further relates to a method for tuning structural properties (e.g., surface area, pore size and pore volume) of a doped manganese oxide adsorbent.

Abstract: A zero-valent metal polymeric complex supporter (ZVM-PCS) is disclosed. PCS possesses porous surface and internal coralloid-like channel structure that can accommodate high amount of iron-containing materials and derivatives thereof. The surface pore size, porosity, hydrophilicity and internal coralloid-like channel structure of PCS can be tailored through the manufacturing process, with which PCS can be functioned as a regulator for the releasing of produced hydrogen, and also control the adsorption and reactions toward heavy metals and chlorinated volatile organic compounds in water. The released hydrogen from the ZVM-PCS can be applied to anaerobic bioremediation. Moreover, the ZVM-PCS can be developed as the filter materials that can be installed in a column or any storage for water and wastewater treatment, or even in a groundwater cut-off barrier for the cleanup of contamination.

Abstract: The present invention provides an iron-carbide/silica composite catalyst that is highly reactive to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis by firstly forming an iron-silicate structure having large specific surface area and well-developed pores through a hydrothermal reaction of an iron salt with a silica particle having a nanostructure, and then activating the iron-silicate structure in a high temperature carbon monoxide atmosphere. When using the iron-carbide/silica composite catalyst according to the present invention in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction, it is possible to effectively prepare liquid hydrocarbon with a high CO conversion rate and selectivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrocracking catalyst for hydrocarbon oil comprising a support containing a framework-substituted zeolite-1 in which zirconium atoms and/or hafnium atoms form a part of a framework of an ultrastable y-type zeolite and a hydrogenative metal component carried thereon and a method for producing the same. The hydrocracking catalyst of the present invention makes it easy to diffuse heavy hydrocarbon oils such as VGO, DAO and the like into mesopores, is improved in a cracking activity and makes it possible to obtain a middle distillate at a high yield as compared with catalysts prepared by using zeolite comprising titanium and/or zirconium carried thereon.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of a metal-exchanged zeolites or mixtures of metal-exchanged zeolites, such as Cu-SSZ-13, Cu-ZSM-5, Cu-beta, or Fe-beta, comprising the steps of providing a dry mixture of a) one or more microporous zeotype materials that exhibit ion exchange capacity and b) one or more metal compounds; heating the mixture in a gaseous atmosphere containing ammonia to a temperature lower than 300° C. for a time sufficient to initiate and perform a solid state ion exchange of ions of the metal compound and ions of the zeolite material; and obtaining the metal-exchanged zeolite material.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for efficiently sulfiding metal catalyst resident in a reactor vessel comprises a sulfiding module and a hydrogen sulfide detection module and a remote computer all arranged and configured to communicate wirelessly and to allow remote control and monitoring of the modules and sulfiding process.

Abstract: A high capacity hybrid ion exchange material with enhanced ability to selectively remove molecular (organics) and anionic (fluoride ion and oxyanions of phosphorus and arsenic) species from drinking water, industrial streams, and wastes, for applications predominantly in the medical and food industries, and a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: A well plate includes a including a top portion, a bottom portion and a membrane disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion. The top portion defines a sample well in fluid communication with an opening defined by the membrane and in fluid communication with a reservoir defined by the bottom portion. The well plate is configured to be used in a centrifugation process of a test sample including a sample material and a wash liquid. The test sample configured to be received within the sample well and the reservoir. The membrane configured to filter the wash liquid from the test sample during the centrifugation process such that the wash liquid can pass from the reservoir, through the membrane and can be captured within a collection chamber while the sample material remains within the reservoir.

Abstract: Methods for separating cells from a sample (e.g., separating fetal red blood cells from maternal blood) are described. The method begins with the introduction of a sample including cells into one or more microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the device includes at least two processing steps. For example, a mixture of cells is introduced into a microfluidic channel that selectively allows the passage of a desired type of cell, and the population of cells enriched in the desired type is then introduced into a second microfluidic channel that allows the passage of the desired cell to produce a population of cells further enriched in the desired type. The selection of cells is based on a property of the cells in the mixture, for example, size, shape, deformability, surface characteristics (e.g., cell surface receptors or antigens and membrane permeability), or intracellular properties (e.g., expression of a particular enzyme).

Abstract: A device for trapping at least one microparticle in a fluid flow is suggested. The device comprises a trapping element and an electrode. The trapping element is configured for trapping the at least one microparticle and has at least one recess for receiving the at least one microparticle. The electrode is configured for generating an asymmetric electric field. In operation, at least one microparticle of a plurality of microparticles passing through the asymmetric electric field is forced into the at least one recess of the trapping element.

Abstract: A molecular testing device comprises a heating and cooling module having a thin-film thermoelectric heating and cooling device, and a removable test module having a combined amplification and hybridization reaction chamber. The reaction chamber comprises a thermo-conductive exterior surface and a microarray on an interior surface. The thin-film thermoelectric heating and cooling device has a heat transfer surface that is adapted to make contact with the thermo-conductive exterior surface of the reaction chamber. The molecular testing device may be used to perform a PCR in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method of quantifying nucleic acids in a sample includes generating a plurality of droplets in oil within a microfluidic device, wherein at least some of the droplets comprise a nucleic acid, amplification reagents, and a fluorescent probe or dyes contained therein. The droplets are delivered to a collection chamber to form an array of droplets. The droplets are subject to thermal cycling within the collection chamber a plurality of times to perform nucleic acid amplification within the droplets. The array of droplets is imaged during the plurality of thermal cycles as well as at a thermal cycle endpoint. An initial concentration of nucleic acid in the sample is calculated based on at least one of: a ratio of aqueous phase droplets exhibiting fluorescence within the array at the thermal cycle endpoint or a cycle threshold (Ct) of one or more aqueous phase droplets within the array.