Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a real-time teaching aid device for a board sport, such as surfing, intended for a person engaging in such a sport. The teaching aid device includes a set of sensors capable of measuring the position, the speeds, and the accelerations of a surf board in a Cartesian coordinate system associated with the board; the set of sensors being connected to a measured data processing unit for determining a deterministic dynamic behavior model of the surf board; at least one signal for providing, in real-time, information relating to the deterministic dynamic behavior model of the board to the person engaging in such a sport and/or to a third party. The invention also relates to a surf board having such a device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a down-blow swing practice apparatus comprising: an object to be hit-part of which a portion protrudes from a curved part formed on a part spaced at a predetermined distance in the proceeding direction of a golf ball from the position, at which the golf ball is put, on the upper surface of an artificial turf mat and protrudes upwards from the artificial turf mat in correspondence to the strength of the force applied through a leading edge of a golf club head only when a person who is practicing takes a desirable down-blow swing; and a returning part formed in the direction opposite to the object to be hit-part so as to return the state of the object to be hit-part into the state before swing practice, wherein the object to be hit-part protrudes only when the person who is practicing takes an accurate down-blow swing, and thus the person who is practicing can practice the accurate down-blow swing.

Abstract: A virtual target system, for training multiple sports, and in an example, tennis, can include a projector system that can display a virtual target on a surface, like a tennis court. A sensor system can detect activity near the virtual target, for example, the movement or impact of a tennis ball. A processor can be linked to the projector system and the sensor system to collect activity data based on the virtual target and the activity. In one example, the display of the virtual target may or may not change in reaction to the collected activity data.

Abstract: A competition mat protection device includes an elongate body that has a length and a width that correspond to the length and width of a competition mat. The elongate body has a bottom surface that is positioned on a top surface of the competition mat when the competition mat is in a deployed configuration. When the competition mat is rolled up to a stowed configuration, the elongate body of the mat protection device is positioned between the top surface and a bottom surface of the competition mat to prevent the transfer of dirt and bacteria from the bottom surface onto the top surface of the competition mat. The elongate body has a length to extend around the competition mat in the stowed configuration to protect an outer surface of the mat.

Abstract: A fitness-equipment storage bench (10) for use in aiding or supplementing a physical activity in a physical-activity environment whilst enabling storage of fitness equipment, the fitness-equipment storage bench (10) comprising a cuboidal or substantially cuboidal body (12) having first and second ends (14, 16), two opposing sides (18,20) between the first and second ends (14, 16), a top (22) and a bottom (24); at least one recess (26) formed in one of the said sides (18, 20); at least one cantilevered bar support (52) in the recess (26) for supporting a dumbbell (50) such that a grip axis of the dumbbell (50) is received entirely within the recess (26); at least one rotatable element (130) at or adjacent to the first end (14) or the second end (16) to facilitate reorientation of the bench (10); a pivotable user back support (30) on the top of the cuboidal body (12); and a stay (32) associated with the back support (30) to hold the back support (30) in at least one raised condition.

Abstract: An extendable baseball glove ball catching device, including a handle, a telescopic pole connected to the handle at a first end of the telescopic pole, and a baseball glove removably attached to a second end of the telescopic pole.

Abstract: A dumbbell with revolving counterweight to keep upright a logo and weight-number includes a first side weight, a second side weight, a handle bar, a first spindle weighted assembly, and a second spindle weighted assembly. The first side weight and the second side weight are terminally connected to the handle bar as each side weight comprises a body, an outer surface, and a circular cavity. The circular cavity concentrically traverses into the body from the outer surface so that a rotatable body and a cover plate of the first and second spindle weighted assembly can be concentrically and rotatably mounted to the circular cavity by a shoulder bolt of the first and second spindle weighted assembly. A counter weight of the rotatable body maintains the upright orientation for the cover plate to outwardly display a logo section and a weight-number section that respectively displays the logo and the weight-number.

Abstract: A mixed-reality kick simulation system includes a ball-tracking sub-system configured to generate ball tracking data when the ball is kicked by a user, a near-eye display configured to display mixed-reality virtual objects displayed over physical objects within a user field of view, and a controller. The near-eye display may include a user input device and one or more sensors to determine the field of view of the user defining view vectors representing lines of sight of the. The controller may direct the near-eye display to display a mixed-reality environment including virtual objects within at least a portion of the user field of view, receive ball tracking data of a ball kicked by the user in real-time from the ball-tracking sub-system, and direct the near-eye display to display a virtual object representing a trajectory of the ball within the mixed-reality environment in real-time based on the ball-tracking data.

Abstract: A signaling device, and in particular a signaling device for a striking implement such as a tennis racket, a golf club or the like, for generating signals during a movement of the signaling device (10), including a resonant body and a holding device, wherein the resonant body and the holding device are to be connected to one another or connectable to one another, so as to attach the resonant body by way of the holding device to a striking implement or the like, wherein the resonant body furthermore includes a cavity for generating an acoustic signal during a movement, wherein the resonant body has a single opening which has a fluidic operative connection to the cavity and by way of which the cavity is fluidically connected to the surrounding area.

Abstract: A football helmet is disclosed that includes a shell constructed of fiber reinforced epoxy resin, a liner made from expanded polypropylene, an impact absorbing layer situated between the liner and the shell, and a face guard. The impact absorbing layer is constructed from either expanded polypropylene or a viscoelastic polymer encased in a suitable thin yet resilient and elastic membrane. An optional impact absorbing band is also shown disposed around the inner periphery of the liner and encircling the player's head. The impact absorbing band serves to reduce impact forces occurring from side helmet impact with objects or players.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein provide an apparatus for joining two skis to form a splitboard. The apparatus can comprise a first attachment portion configured to attach to a first ski and a second attachment portion configured to attach to a second ski. The first attachment portion and the second attachment portion can be configured to engage to prevent splitboard skis from moving up and down relative to each other, from moving apart in a direction perpendicular to a seam of the splitboard, from sliding relative to each other in a direction parallel to the seam, and from rotating about the seam of the splitboard.

Abstract: A method of changing a shape of a gliding surface of a gliding device may involve, in response to longitudinal deflection of the gliding device, causing at least one force transfer element to move longitudinally relative to the gliding device. Causing the at least one force transfer element to move longitudinally relative to the gliding device may involve causing the at least one force transfer element to deflect first and second laterally opposite side elements of the gliding device along a portion of the gliding device extending longitudinally along a binding region of the gliding device. Apparatuses and gliding devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a sliding instrument having a low frictional resistance to the snow surface, the ice surface, or the water surface and having excellent sliding performance and a method for manufacturing the sliding instrument. A sliding instrument to slide on snow, ice, or water includes a sliding surface (1) to come into contact with the snow surface, the ice surface, or the water surface, and the sliding surface (1) has a surface roughness Ra of 1.0 ?m or less. A method for manufacturing the sliding instrument includes polishing a sliding surface (1) using a polishing composition slurry containing abrasives to make the sliding surface (1) have a surface roughness Ra of 1.0 ?m or less.

Abstract: A heel unit apparatus for a ski touring binding is disclosed which comprises a body mounted on a support, the body being rotatable relative to the support on a vertical axis. The body comprises a resilient element movable within the body which when pre-loaded under compression or tension, exerts forces in opposing directions. The body also comprises at least one forward connector moveable between resting and release positions for releasably connecting the body to the heel of a footwear and a My linkage between the resilient element and the at least one forward connector configured such that force exerted in one of the opposing directions resists movement of the at least one forward connector from the resting position to the release position. The resilient element, the at least one forward connector and the My linkage cooperate to resist forward release.

Abstract: A memory or matching game is provided that can be expanded and customized, such that the memory game is an expandable memory based matching game. Players can add to their memory or matching game by collecting and obtaining additional cards or game pieces having the same backside depicting the game's theme. Some of the cards or game pieces can be limited edition cards or game pieces, thus creating unique games, of different cards of game pieces. One person's expanded game would be different from another's expanded game based on the individual's collection of cards or game pieces.

Abstract: A city capturing board game, including a board having a plurality of spaces imprinted thereon, the spaces being subdivided into territories representing neighborhoods, a plurality of vehicles to move about the spaces on the board based on a rolling of at least one die, and a plurality of figurines to each remain on one of the spaces on the board to represent a capture of the space.

Abstract: A novel method of game play and game components that, in one embodiment, is in the form of playing cards associated or representing phonetic sounds and a score wherein cards are arranged in sequences to form words and then a score is calculated. In alternative embodiments, the components used to play the game may take other forms, such as tiles, or the game may be played in different media, such as using electronic displays on a computer or electronic devices and on an interactive network. Further alternatives involve providing a game board that allows the player to advance a game piece along designated spaces to a finish line or goal.

Abstract: An interactive laser tag system for entertaining multiple play participants or players comprising: toy laser weapons for each of the players, capable of transmitting and detecting an IR beam of light for use in a game; a wireless module or data communication linked to communicate with software or apps on a mobile display device for instance, a handphone or a mobile computer, loaded with web-based software; a server for the login of the player of the game; and a Global Positioning System (GPS) use for providing locations of the players, of which the GPS data are made available to the players, wherein the web-based software operating on the mobile display device calculates and determines hit by a player being registered, and plays a sound and visual effects of the toy laser weapons on the mobile display device, and generates a Graphical User Interface that displayable on the mobile display device kept with the players so as to enhance the effects of the game.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus that provides an operation signal of an input part of a controller to a game. The information processing apparatus includes an acquisition part configured to acquire a detected value of a motion of the controller, a conversion processing part configured to convert the acquired detected value to the operation signal of the input part of the controller, and an output processing part configured to provide the converted operation signal to the game.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a personal interaction game platform and may include, in a human-controlling gaming platform comprising a first communication device and a second communication device, each comprising a user input mechanism and a display: receiving commands in the first device via its user input mechanism; communicating the received commands to the second device; relaying the communicated commands to a user of the second device; sensing data regarding actions taken by the user of the second device in response to the relayed commands; and communicating the sensed data to the first device. The commands may be relayed to the user of the second device via an audio output. The commands may be relayed to the user of the second device via the display. One or more tactile sensors may be operatively coupled to the second device for sensing the data regarding actions of the receiver.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing a location-based game performed by a first device, including: performing authentication between the first device and a second device; connecting the first device with the second device; receiving location information of the second device from the connected second device; setting the received location information of the second device as location information of the first device; transmitting the set location information of the first device to a game server; and receiving a game based on the location information of the first device from the game server, and the first device is a device without a GPS (Global Positioning System) function and the second device is a device with the GPS function.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture relating to calibration of a magnetometer in an electronic device suitable for use in an augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) video game. An electronic video game device includes a magnetometer. A prompt is displayed in the video game requesting a user-performed first gameplay motion using the electronic video game device where the first gameplay motion is a pre-defined motion used for calibrating the magnetometer. A first plurality of measurements is received from the magnetometer relating to a magnetic field in a physical gameplay environment, where the first plurality of measurements is taken by the magnetometer during the first gameplay motion. The first plurality of measurements is analyzed to detect a magnetic bias in the magnetometer. The magnetometer is calibrated to offset the magnetic bias.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to adjusting sensitivity of a control stick. In one example, a method comprises: receiving a dead zone inflection point defining a boundary of a dead zone region and a playspace region within a normalized two-dimensional movement space, receiving a sensitivity inflection point within the playspace region of the normalized two-dimensional movement space, transforming the sensitivity inflection point to a transformed sensitivity inflection point using a sensitivity scaling function that comprises the dead zone inflection point, receiving position data representing a current position of the control stick, and transforming the current position to a transformed position using a mapping function comprising the dead zone inflection point and the transformed sensitivity inflection point.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to game consoles including game controllers and connected to one or more computing device. Specifically, a game console may receive, via a game controller, a first input triggering an activation of a multi-mode controller switching application at the game console. Further, while a multi-mode controller switching application is active and the game controller is operating in the first controller mode, the game console may receive, via the controller, a second input representing a selection of the second controller mode different from the first controller mode, switch from the first controller mode to the second controller mode in response to receiving the second input, and controlling the computing device in communication with the game console in accordance with the second controller mode.

Abstract: A game controller includes an electronic input sensor and a mounting platform. The mounting platform includes an accessory-retention feature and a sensor-activation feature. The accessory-retention feature is configured to removably affix a selected removable controller accessory to the mounting platform. The selected removable controller accessory is one of a plurality of differently configured removable controller accessories removably affixable to the mounting platform. The mounting platform is configured to move from a default posture to an activation posture responsive to finger manipulation of the selected removable controller accessory when the selected removable controller accessory is affixed to the mounting platform. The sensor-activation feature interfaces with the electronic input sensor to generate an activate control signal in the activation posture.

Abstract: A game controller includes an electronic input sensor and a button-retention feature. The button-retention feature is configured to removably affix a selected button accessory to the game controller through a magnetic attraction between the button-retention feature and the selected button accessory. The selected button accessory is one of a plurality of differently configured button accessories removably affixable to the game controller. The selected button accessory is configured to translate a touch applied to the selected button accessory to an actuation of the electronic input sensor when the selected button accessory is affixed to the game controller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an information processing device that provides an operation signal of an analog stick to a game, including: a conversion processing unit configured to convert a detection value obtained by detection of a movement of a controller into an analog stick signal; and an output processing unit configured to provide the analog stick signal obtained by the conversion to the game. The conversion processing unit includes a first calculation unit configured to calculate a first signal from a detected angular velocity, a second calculation unit configured to calculate a second signal according to a deviation amount between a direction in which the controller is directed and a reference direction, an addition unit configured to add the first signal and the second signal to generate a motion operation signal, and an analog stick signal generation unit configured to generate an analog stick signal from the motion operation signal.

Abstract: An exercise therapy video game and monitor system for mentally and physically stimulating an individual. More specifically, the system includes a whole-body fitness program that integrates motion, motor-sensory learning, and vision using games and motion sensing technology to track video-directed body position and movements of the individual. The system includes at least a first gaming platform, interactive exercise software to provide movement instructions to the individual, a computing system, and one or more sensors, such as motion sensors or sensors associated with a mat, to track body positions and movements of the individual. The system can then provide instant feedback to improve the body positions and movements of the individual to better replicate video directions.

Abstract: A social game capable of adding or improving unexpectedness, dramatic impact, and taste when a reward is provided to a player, and hence capable of raising the player's motivation to participate in or continue the game. A unit for storing information related to a game in which multiple players can participate stores a reward providing condition, rewards, and reward box information, and a control unit for accessing information related to the game, performing computation on the game, and displaying images of the game on terminal devices operated by players allocates at least one reward out of the rewards to the reward box, determines whether the reward providing condition is met based on match-up situations or match-up results between players and first game characters in the game, and displays, on the terminal devices, a screen for providing the reward to players based on the determination results.

Abstract: A server device determines a selected game content from among the multiple game media base on a request from a user belonging to one team, and if the selected game content is a first selected game content whose associated attribute is of a specified content and a returnable condition is met, displays the first selected game content to the user in a state in which the user can select return or acquisition of the first selected game content. The server device, if the user selects return of the first selected game content, stores, in the memory and in association with the user, a game content that is different from the multiple game media, and if the user selects acquisition of the first selected game content, stores, in the memory and in association with the user, the first selected game content.

Abstract: A virtual character controlling method and apparatus, an electronic device, and a storage medium are provided. The method includes: when detecting a first sliding operation on a shooting control, a virtual character is controlled to move according to the first sliding operation; when detecting a second sliding operation on an aiming area, an aiming direction of the virtual character is adjusted according to the second sliding operation; and when detecting the first sliding operation on the shooting control is ended, the virtual character is controlled to stop moving, and a shooting operation is performed toward a current aiming direction of the virtual control object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering of a virtual content object in an augmented reality environment based on a physical marker are discussed herein. Virtual content objects may be rendered by a display device in an augmented reality environment based on the field of view seen through the display device and a position of a marker (and one or more linkage points associated with the marker) in the real world. When rendered in the augmented reality environment, the virtual content objects may be visualized from any angle, from the exterior or interior of the object, and manipulated in response to user input. Virtual content objects and/or user visualizations of virtual content objects may be shared with other users (local and/or remote), enabling multiple users to potentially build, modify, and/or interact with a virtual content object simultaneously and/or cooperatively.

Abstract: A method for displaying the relative positions of two players playing a game on a user device. The set of levels within an episode that a first player is playing are displayed on the graphical user interface of his computer device. These levels are set out in a predetermined order, wherein access to the next level is granted once the player has completed the preceding levels. Inputs from the player are received as the player plays each level. This enables the game to determine when the level has been completed, and to generate player data indicating the level the player is playing. In an episode race, the relative positions of the two players can then be displayed based on the time taken for the first and second players to complete one or more levels in their respective sets of levels. A player may compete against bots, created from historic user data, or against live opponents. In another feature, the user can select a specific theme from a group of themes to play an episode of the game in.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a visual display method and apparatus for compensating sound information, a storage medium, and an electronic device, and relates to the field of human-computer interaction technology. The visual display method includes: providing a mini-map on a graphical user interface, and rendering a first graphic identifier on the mini-map, wherein the first graphic identifier is used to indicate a current position and orientation of a virtual object in a game scene; detecting a sound in a first preset range of the game scene, and when the sound in the first preset range of the game scene is detected, acquiring orientation information of a sound source of the sound; and generating a second graphic identifier corresponding to the sound at a corresponding position on the mini-map according to the orientation information of the sound source of the sound.

Abstract: Techniques for emoji-based communications derived from facial features during game play provide a communication channel accessible by players associated with gameplay hosted by the online game platform and capture an image of a user using a controller that includes a camera. The techniques further determine facial features of the user based on the image, generate an emoji based on the facial features of the user, and transmit the emoji to the players associated with the online game platform over the communication channel.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes computer program instructions, which when executed by an information processing system, cause the information processing system to: store a plurality of game media in association with each of a plurality of players, the game media each having a plurality of parameters; place a first of the plurality of game media in a predetermined area among areas of a field, based on an operation by a first player, in association with a state of first parameter indicating that a first parameter among the plurality of parameters is valid; and specify one or more specific areas in which is placed a second game medium associated with a different state of parameter indicating that a different parameter, other than the first parameter, is valid.

Abstract: A spinnable handheld device. The device can include a handheld device, the handheld device having a flat surface and a center of gravity. A spinner can have a base joined to the flat surface of the handheld device and an external surface extending away from the handheld device, the external surface having an apex. The apex can be disposed at a distance perpendicular to the flat surface near the center of gravity.

Abstract: A toy for use in an environment, such as a bedroom of a child that has a horizontal floor or shelf, includes an enclosure, such as a plush toy, that has an outside surface defining an interior volume. An internal circuit is electrically connected to a battery, a timer function, a transducer such as an LED, a user input switch, and at least one environmental sensor such as a motion sensor. The circuit includes an off mode, a guard mode wherein the circuit actuates the at least one transducer for a first active time interval upon detection of an environmental change, and optionally a companion mode wherein the circuit activates the at least one transducer for a second active time interval upon detection of an environmental change by the at least one environmental sensor. Thereafter the circuit deactivates the at least one transducer after a second all-quite time interval.

Abstract: A box disposed within a wall of a home of a user, the box including a door disposed on at least a portion of a front of the box to open and close the front of the box, a light disposed within the box, a motion detector to turn the light on in response to detecting motion of at least one of the door and the user, and at least one of a picture disposed on a back wall of the box and an object disposed on a floor of the box.

Abstract: A robot includes a body, a wheel having a ground contacting surface when moving, and a wheel drive mechanism that drives the wheel so as to advance from a housing space provided in the body to an exterior and withdraw. The wheel drive mechanism causes the wheel to withdraw to the housing space in a non-ground contacting state when a housing condition is satisfied. The body has a ground contacting bottom face that comes into contact with the ground when the wheel is housed in the housing space in a non-ground contacting state.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to track layout identification techniques. As an example, a set of track segments may be arranged in a certain order to form a track. A variety of track segment types may be used to form the track, and different combinations of the track segments may yield a track having varying characteristics. In an example, each track segment may comprise of a shift register, which may provide information to a base track segment relating to the order of the track segments and the track segment types that comprise the track. In some examples, the base track segment may relay the information to a computing device. Accordingly, the information may be used to determine a track layout, which may in turn be used to provide, for example, the ability for someone else to reproduce the track configuration.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a race course system for remote controlled boat racing where the outer boundary of the race course is comprised of the exterior walls of a swimming pool enclosure and the internals walls of the race course is comprised of floating devices with connection point for interconnecting the floats and an anchoring device and adjustable length anchor tether attached to the bottom of a number of the floating devices. The floating devices can be attached to each other in various configurations to create various different race course layouts, such as an oval course, a figure “eight” course, or even an intricate “road course” configurations.

Abstract: A toy comprising a top portion having a releasable locking mechanism having flexible clamps and a bottom portion having a post with a head portion releasably engageable by the flexible clamps upon downward movement of the top portion onto the body portion, and a drive system comprising a pillar attached to the top portion having drive teeth and a gear system in the bottom portion, the drive teeth of the pillar operating the gear system in the bottom portion upon movement of the top portion away from the bottom portion by a spring positioned around the pillar such that the drive system operates after the releasable locking mechanism releases the head portion of the post from the flexible clamps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of toys or stage equipments, and provides a bubble machine comprising a housing; a liquid storage device provided at front of the housing for containing a bubble liquid; a chamber provided at rear of the liquid storage device, comprising an air inlet and a first air outlet; a film forming device provided above the liquid storage device, wherein the film forming device comprises a rotation center, a film forming unit connected with the rotation center, and a motor for driving rotation of the film forming unit about the rotation center, wherein the motor drives the film forming unit to rotate to successively pass the bubble liquid in the liquid storage device and the first air outlet; a blowing device provided in the housing for providing air flow from the air inlet to the first air outlet; and a control device provided at top of the housing for controlling the film forming device and the blowing device.

Abstract: A miniature magnetic theater apparatus provides an elevated surface supporting on its upper face (stage) one or more magnetic characters. The characters utilize magnets positioned under the stage for manipulation by a user in accordance with a stage play. Scenery elements may utilize magnets to attach to magnetically receptive drops, wings and a back wall. The drops and wings may be positioned in slotted side beams for positioning and support.

Abstract: A spray drying system for drying liquid into powder including an elongated body and a closure arrangement at opposite upper and lower ends of the elongated body for forming a drying chamber within the elongated body. One of the closure arrangements including a drying gas inlet for introducing drying gas into the drying chamber. A spray nozzle assembly is supported in one of the closure arrangements. The lower end closure arrangement including a powder collection vessel for collecting powder dried in the drying chamber. The powder collection vessel is configured such that a blanketing gas may be directed into the interior of the powder collection vessel to blanket the powder in the powder collection chamber and thereby protect the powder from exposure to the drying gas from the drying chamber.

Abstract: A distillation system having a plurality of chambers, an input conduit connected to each chamber to deliver an aqueous fluid to each chamber; a pressure reducing valve connected to the input conduit; a waste output conduit connected to a waste collection compartment of each chamber; and condensate output conduit connected to a condensate collection compartment of each chamber. An evaporation wall of each chamber is constructed to maintain an evaporation surface temperature that is greater than a condensation surface temperature of a condensation wall of each chamber. The aqueous fluid forms a fluid coating, which moves down the evaporation wall. A saturation pressure differential is created as water from the aqueous fluid evaporates from the evaporation wall and condenses on the condensation wall forming an aqueous condensate, which moves down the condensation wall and is collected as an aqueous distillate in the condensate collecting compartment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-speed counter-current chromatograph unreeled by a gear ring, including an upper disc, a middle disc and a lower disc, wherein an unreeling gear ring coaxial with the middle disc is fixed above the middle disc, the lower disc is driven by a driving shaft to rotate, the unreeling gear ring is fixed, gear teeth of the unreeling gear ring are distributed on the inner ring thereof, multiple groups of gears engaged with the unreeling gear ring are arranged along the circumferential direction of the inner ring of the unreeling gear ring, gears between the adjacent groups are not engaged with each other, each group of gears includes two gears that are engaged with each other, wherein one gear drives a separation column, the other gear drives an unreeling shaft, the separation column is installed on a separation shaft, the upper ends of the unreeling shaft and the separation shaft are connected with the upper disc, and the lower ends are connected with the middle disc; meanwhile,

Abstract: The present invention describes a device for distributing incoming fluid or for collecting fluid being discharged from a column forming part of an assembly of N columns in series intended to be used in a simulated moving bed separation process. The present device can be used to very substantially reduce the non-selective volumes at each column, while at the same time providing the flow with good synchronicity.

Abstract: An ion exchange resin for use as a stationary phase in an ion chromatography column. The ion exchange resin has a negatively charged substrate particle, a positively charged polymer layer bound to the negatively charged substrate particle, a linker, and an ion exchange group. The ion exchange group includes a sulfonamide group and an amine, in which the ion exchange group is coupled to the positively charged polymer layer via the linker. When the sulfonamide is in a neutral form, a positively charged amine group provides retention; while when the sulfonamide is in an anionic form, the sulfonamide anion becomes a counter ion to the positively charged amine group, forming a zwitterion that reduces retention at that site. Accordingly, the retention time is able to be controlled by adjusting the mobile phase pH.