Abstract: A user input device is provided that includes a button-based control mechanism. The button-based control mechanism includes a button, the button including a user-depressible button top and a button stem, and a button depression guide disposed within an internal cavity of the user input device that engages with the button stem to cause the button to move from a default position and along a substantially arc-shaped path when pressure is applied to the button top. The substantially arc-shaped path may be around an axis of rotation that is external to the user input device. The button-based control mechanism further includes a button biasing mechanism disposed within the internal cavity that returns the button to the default position when the pressure is removed from the button top and at least one sensor that detects actuation of the button responsive to the movement of the button away from the default position.

Abstract: A method is provided, including: receiving at a client device a first command to initiate a cloud video game; in response to receiving the first command, retrieving, by the client device, initial content from a client local storage; rendering the initial content to a display device; sending a first request from the client device to a cloud gaming service to access the cloud video game, the cloud gaming service being configured to assign the client device to a gaming machine configured to execute the cloud video game; receiving at the client device a second command to initiate interactive gameplay; in response to receiving the second command, sending a second request from the client device to the cloud gaming service, the cloud gaming service being configured to, in response to receiving the second request, initiate streaming of interactive gameplay content generated by the executing cloud video game to the client device.

Abstract: A video server is configured to provide streaming video to players of computer games over a computing network. The video server can provided video of different games to different players simultaneously. This is accomplished by rendering several video streams in parallel using a single GPU. The output of the GPU is provided to graphics processing pipelines that are each associated with a specific client/player and are dynamically allocated as needed. A client qualifier may be used to assure that only clients capable of presenting the streaming video to a player at a minimum level of quality receive the video stream.

Abstract: When a scene is generated, a content item may identify graphics object service requests associated with the scene. Each scene may have any number of associated graphics object service requests that may be sent to any number of different graphics object services. The graphics object services may be accessible over a network such as the Internet. By requesting object data from graphics object services, a content item may, for example, reduce at least part of the computational burden on a graphics processing unit of a client device.

Abstract: The present technology relates an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program capable of suppressing the transmission to others of information generated by inappropriate bodily movements or the like. An information processing device according to the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a recognition result indicating at least one of a user movement or state recognized by a recognition unit utilizing a detection result from one or a plurality of sensors; and a control unit that, in a case of determining that the recognition result indicates a specific user movement or state, controls a degree of reflection in which information related to the specific user movement or state is reflected in notification information that transmits the information related to the specific user movement or state to a target different from the user, in accordance with the target.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an object may include a communicator configured to communicate with a first user terminal and a second user terminal, and a processor configured to control a first object corresponding to a first user in a virtual world to be displayed, configured to control the first object to move in the virtual world in response to a movement control of the first user, configured to randomly select at least one candidate object in response to a morphing control of the first user, and configured to change the first object to a second object when the first user selects the second object from the at least one candidate object. Methods for controlling an object are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that simulates gameplay of non-player characters (NPCs) distributed across networked end user devices. The system may identify end user devices that are connected to the system through a network and are available to participate in a simulation in which each participating end user device is provided with one or more NPCs to be executed. An end user device may be available to participate when it has sufficient computing capacity, such as when in an idle or standby state. As such, the system may leverage spare computing capacity of networked end user devices to execute NPCs at networked end user devices during a simulation. In this manner, the behavior of an NPC may be tested using real-world conditions that may affect gameplay, such as a network connection quality, user-to-user game engine coordination and data exchanges, and/or other real-world conditions associated with networked end user devices.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. The System Tuner creates an optimal game model based on game-related data of a plurality of players. The optimal game model corresponds to a player segment in the plurality of players. The System Tuner generates one or more rules for building a game variant based on the optimal game model. The System Tuner detects a first player accessing the game. The System Tuner determines a particular player segment to which the player belongs. The System Tuner generates a game variant based on an optimal game model for the particular player segment and sends the game variant to a client device.

Abstract: Systems and methods to track users' progression through an activity simulation, which may resemble related sporting events, are provided. One or more performance levels with respect to one or more measurable parameters may be monitored during the same or different times. Physical activity may be monitored. Exceeding a first performance level may provide an option to join a sponsoring organization and exceeding a second threshold (for the same or different parameter of interest) may result in transmitting a redemption code to a contact point for an option to obtain a physical item. The physical item may mimic equipment used in a simulated activity.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a Clustering Engine that determines that respective actions, performed in a first instance of a virtual environment by a first user during a first time range, correspond with a first latent state. The Clustering Engine determines that respective actions, performed in a second instance of the virtual environment by a second user during the first time range, correspond with a second latent state. The Clustering Engine triggers a first virtual environment feature based on a first latent state parameter space for the first user. The Clustering Engine triggers a second virtual environment feature based on a second latent state parameter space for the second user.

Abstract: An exemplary posted information sharing system includes: a game processing unit configured to execute a multiplayer game application through a plurality of users each using a terminal; a group formation unit configured to form a playgroup for playing the game application, wherein the game processing unit includes: a group formation request unit configured to output, to the group formation unit, a playgroup formation request that specifies a group, according to input of the terminals, wherein the group formation unit is configured to form the users of terminals that specify the same group into a playgroup, based on the specified group.

Abstract: Personal characteristic may be identified by receiving, at a server, game data indicative of a plurality of games, determining a first comparative game performance associated with a first game of the plurality of games, deriving a personal character from the first comparative game performance, and providing an indication of the personal characteristic. Each game of the plurality of games is designed to assess at least one personal characteristic. The personal characteristics may comprise abilities, skills, and/or interests. The first comparative game performance is determined, for example, based on the game data and comparative game information that is indicative of a comparison between game performance associated with the first game and respective game performance associated with at least one other game of the plurality of games.

Abstract: A video game includes a peripheral device that senses the presence and identity of toys near or on the peripheral. Each of the toys includes an identification device such as an RFID tag. Each of the toys is also associated with a corresponding game character or object. A toy stores information about the status of the corresponding character or object in the game, for example, a character name, a score, and an owner of the toy may be stored in a character toy. The information about the toy is updated during game play. The toys may be sensed, read, and written concurrently.

Abstract: A boom coaster includes a passenger vehicle, a track, a bogie coupled to the passenger vehicle and the track and configured to move along the track, and a simulated ride surface positioned above the track and beneath the passenger vehicle. The simulated ride surface is configured to imitate a path of the passenger vehicle, the bogie is coupled to a surface of the passenger vehicle via a leg member extending around the simulated ride surface, and the leg member suspends the passenger vehicle above the simulated surface such that the bogie and the track are blocked from a passenger view perspective of the passenger vehicle.

Abstract: A floating amusement apparatus includes a base, at least one elevated platform secured to and supported above the base and a plurality of user-interactive amusement accessories secured to the base or the at least one elevated platform. The base includes a modular floating dock. The floating amusement apparatus is adapted to be mobile.

Abstract: A doll carrier is described. The doll carrier may include an elastic housing with a longitudinal slit and the width of the slit may be configured to expand widthwise upon pressing upon the top and bottom of the housing. The doll carrier may further include a clip allowing the carrier to be clipped to a backpack or another substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a convertible toy vehicle playset convertible from a first configuration to a second, altered configuration upon a predetermined interaction with a toy vehicle. A convertible track segment includes a tower, a base mounted atop the tower, and a platform rotatably mounted atop the base. The base includes a retractable support, and the platform includes a trigger operable to retract the retractable support into the base.

Abstract: A track toy for entertainment includes a tube that defines an internal space. A rail is coupled to the tube and is positioned in the internal space. The rail is configured to couple to a source of electric power. A vehicle is slidably coupled to the rail. A roller is coupled to a bottom of the vehicle. A motor is coupled to and is positioned in the vehicle. The motor is operationally coupled to the rail and the roller. The roller is positioned on the vehicle such that the roller is positioned to rollably couple the vehicle to the tube. The motor is positioned to motivate rotation of the roller such that the vehicle is compelled along the rail within the internal space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motion chair included in a 4D theater and a motion chair control system for controlling a plurality of the motion chairs. More specifically, the present invention relates to a motion chair, including a control unit configured to receive control data from an operating server and selectively control some or all of effect device control units, the effect device control units configured to correspond to one or more effect devices and to independently control corresponding effect devices under the control of the control unit, and the effect devices for implementing special effects, and a system for controlling the motion chairs.

Abstract: A system for molecular targeting and separating includes a microwave energy source; a vapor source; a column configured and positioned to receive microwave energy from the microwave energy source and vapor from the vapor source; and a condenser, the condenser in communication with the column, the condenser configured to condense the vapor after the vapor receives the microwave energy.

Abstract: A pot distillation system, in particular for whiskey, includes a distillation bubble with a base equipped to heat an alcoholic liquid, and a top removing alcohol vapors. The alcoholic liquid in the base is heated by a heating unit having a heat exchanger which is in thermal contact with the alcoholic liquid and heated by water vapor. A condenser having a cooling water circuit recirculating cooling water across the condenser condenses the alcohol vapor supplied from the top. The cooling water circuit includes a separator which removes water vapor from the cooling water circuit. The water vapor removed by the separator is pre-compressed in a mechanical compressor and supplied to an intake port of a steam jet pump which is driven by water vapor from a water vapor source and which further compresses the pre-compressed water vapor, and the steam jet pump supplying the further compressed water vapor to the heat exchanger for heating same.

Abstract: A dephlegmator is provided comprising two stages connected in series wherein a first stage includes an air-cooled reflux condenser and a second stage includes a generally horizontal tube bundle of smooth or finned tubes that can be operated selectively in either an air-cooled (dry) mode under selected ambient conditions or in a wet evaporatively cooled mode under other selected ambient conditions including that of elevated ambient temperature. Spray nozzles may be installed above the tube bundle whereby water can be sprayed onto the tube bundle. One or more collection troughs are preferably provided beneath the tube bundle for collecting run-off water and enabling recycling of excess deluge water. Preferably, the tube bundle comprises at least two, and preferably three groups of tubes communicating with each other wherein the second group of tubes has appreciably fewer tubes in it than the first group of tubes and any third group of tubes has appreciably fewer tubes in it than the second group of tubes.

Abstract: A method for extraction of desirable compounds from cannabis provides for high-cannabinoid full spectrum (HCFSE) extractions, using CO2 at low temperature to extract the compounds in an extraction vessel. The CO2 with extracted compounds is transferred to a heated vessel which converts the CO2 to a gas, allowing the desired compounds to drop out and be removed.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices for phytochemical extraction. One example extraction system includes two solvent columns, a material column, and a dewaxing column. The solvent columns store and provide solvent for stripping target chemicals from plant material in the material column. The solvent mixed with target chemicals passes into the dewaxing column, where the target chemicals are separated from waxes and lipids. Cooling is applied to elements of the system by way of an open-loop CO2 refrigeration method. Solvent is moved from the solvent columns to the material column by creating a pressure differential between the two solvent columns.

Abstract: A method for preparing a crude oil solution for analysis, including adding water to a porous adsorbent to obtain a supported water substrate, having a plurality of water monolayers disposed on the porous adsorbent. The method further includes exposing the crude oil solution to the supported water substrate for a period of time; separating the supported water substrate from the crude oil solution; washing the supported water substrate with a water immiscible solvent to remove at least one hydrocarbon; displacing water from the plurality of water monolayers and the at least one interfacially active compound from the porous adsorbent with an alcohol and a co-solvent to obtain a displaced phase. The displaced phase can include the water, the at least one interfacially active compound, the alcohol, and the co-solvent. Finally, the method can include drying the displaced phase to isolate the at least one interfacially active compound.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for separating xylenes in simulated counter-current (simulated moving bed, SMB) for the treatment of feeds including oxygen-containing aromatic impurities of the phenol type and/or derivatives thereof, by controlled injection of water in the ingoing streams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating viruses from a contaminant-containing liquid medium using two adsorbents having cationic groups, wherein the viruses are adsorbed to the first adsorbent and subsequently eluted and wherein the contaminants present in the resulting eluate are subsequently adsorbed to the second adsorbent. The yield and purity of the viruses obtained as per the method according to the invention is increased by the addition of multivalent anions during the adsorption of the contaminants to the second adsorbent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chromatography column assembly that offers an affordable self-packed column for performing chromatographic separation. The chromatography column assembly comprises a column tube having a first and a second opening at substantially opposite ends, and an end cap of either a snap fit design or a bolted design. The column assembly may further include an adaptor shaft inserted into the column through the end cap for achieving a desired bed volume. The column assembly may also include a second end cap enclosing the second opening, and an optional adaptor shaft may be inserted into the column through the second end cap, enabling further adjustment of the bed volume.

Abstract: A conduit assembly of a gravity separation device having specialized joint structure for mating first and second conduits to permit easier removal of the first conduit. The first conduit may include a snout having a tube and a collar positioned at an end of the tube. The collar may include a flange extending outward from a center of the tube. The second conduit may have a main body and a saddle at an end of the main body. The saddle may include a track shaped to receive the flange of the collar of the first conduit. The saddle may also have a resiliently separable gateway comprising two opposing projections configured for receiving therebetween and partially enclosing the tube of the snout.

Abstract: A self-clearing filter for filtering a fluid, the self-clearing filter comprising a filter wall having a lumenous side and an external side and a pump for creating a flux of the fluid to impinge against the external side of the filter wall. Methods for filtering a fluid by diverting a portion of the fluid flux to impinge against the filter.

Abstract: A sensing system for detecting degradation of a machine fluid is disclosed. The sensing system may comprise a tag having electrical contacts. The tag may be configured to transmit a wireless signal when the electrical contacts are in electrical communication. The sensing system may further comprise a dissolvable element separating the electrical contacts and obstructing electrical communication between the electrical contacts. The dissolvable element may be configured to dissolve and allow electrical communication between the electrical contacts when an acid content of the machine fluid reaches a level indicative of the degradation of the machine fluid.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus includes a filtering screen removably positioned within an inner cavity of a screen chamber. The screen includes a frame portion at a first end and a screen portion extending from the frame portion to a second end. The frame portion includes an end block and frame members extending from the end block to the screen portion, with the frame members defining an aperture. The screen portion includes an outer wall extending from a fluid inlet to an end cap at the second end. The outer wall includes a plurality of openings therethrough. The screen chamber includes a removable end cover with a key configured to engage a notch of the screen to rotationally lock the screen and the end cover. A screen manifold may include a first fluid path including the screen chamber, and further including a bypass fluid path having a bypass valve.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fuel filter assembly, a filter element, and a method of draining water from a fuel filter assembly. The fuel filter assembly comprises a filter element with a water collecting space; the filter element being connected to a fuel pipe for feeding an upstream side of the filter element with fuel and for providing filtered fuel from a downstream side of the filter element to a combustion engine or parts thereof; a fuel pump arranged downstream from the filter element, wherein the fuel pump can be operated in a first mode for drawing fuel through the filter element and in a second, reverse mode for feeding fuel back to the filter element; a one-way fuel valve arranged upstream of the filter element allowing for flow towards the upstream side of the filter element; a pressure-actuated one-way drain valve in communication with the water collecting space.

Abstract: A substrate for use in a filter media including, for example, in a hydrocarbon fluid-water separation filter; methods of identifying the substrate; methods of making the substrate; methods of using the substrate; and methods of improving the roll off angle of the substrate. In some embodiments, the substrate includes a hydrophilic group-containing polymer or a hydrophilic group-containing polymer coating.

Abstract: A filter formed essentially from a staple fiber is provided. A nonwoven staple fiber is compressed in to a mat or sheet of selected porosity. The mat or sheet does not include a binder or bicomponent fibers. The staple fibers may be heat treated. The sheet is formed into a selected geometric shape and the staple fibers are thermally fused to bind the staple fibers into a porous filter element. The preferred shape is a helically wound tube or plural sheets, each sheet being self-overlapped and compressed to overlap another sheet. Each sheet is preferably heated and compressed individually and the sheets may be selected to have different porosities and densities.

Abstract: Separator column (1) with at least one demister, such as a swirl deck (17), crossing the flow path, and a coalescer deck (7) crossing the flow path upstream the demister. The coalescer deck carries at least one coalescer (8) comprising an uninterrupted coalescer tube (9) with an upstream open end (11), a downstream open end (12), and a swirler (13) between the two open ends. A direct flow path extends between a downstream edge of the coalescer tube and the demister.

Abstract: A method for producing a filter element provided with a sealing part in which the sealing material is introduced into a casting chamber between two tundish parts when in the non-cured state, and a compensation space connected to the casting chamber for the expansion of the sealing material.

Abstract: Air filter cartridges are disclosed. Also described are air cleaners including the filter cartridges. Methods of assembly and use are also provided. Also, systems of use are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter for filtering a liquid or a gas, with a pocket-shaped filter element which has a sleeve-shaped circumferential region, a closed head region and an open foot region, and with a frame element which has an annular base, in which the foot region of the filter element is accommodated, and at least one supporting strut which extends away from the base along the circumferential region of the filter element. An advantageous design of the filter is achieved by forming the head region of the filter element with a saddle shape, wherein two lateral tips are provided between which a channel-shaped recess is formed.

Abstract: Filter medium, comprising at least one acid-functionalized layer, characterized in that the acid-functionalized layer has a first acid with a pks 1 value of 0 to 7 and a C8 to C18 fatty acid as the second acid.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, features, components and techniques useable for providing air cleaner arrangements are provided. Many of the features relate to an axial seal arrangement provided on a filter cartridge. A typical filter cartridge, for use with these features, is a filter cartridge having opposite flow ends. Example media arrangements that fit this characterization are described. Seal arrangements provided with an axial housing sealing engagement surface are shown. A seal arrangement is provided. Also, air cleaner assemblies having advantageous features therein are provided. Further, air cleaner housings are described, with selected, preferred features for engagement with filter cartridges.

Abstract: A fluidic filter for filtering a fluid includes a filter housing having an inlet part, an outlet part and a housing part, and a filter element having an inlet side and an outlet side. The filter element is housed inside the housing part of the filter housing and includes a first flow passage that extends along a longitudinal direction of the filter element and is connected to the outlet part, and a plurality of ridges extending along the longitudinal direction. A plurality of second flow passages respectively are formed between ridges and an inner surface of the housing part, allowing the fluid to flow from the inlet side of the filter element along the longitudinal direction. At least a portion of the plurality of ridges facing the second flow passages is permeable to the fluid so as to allow passage of the fluid from the second flow passages to the first flow passage.

Abstract: A gas inlet system for a wet gas scrubber includes a weir configured to deliver liquid to a scrubbing passage to wet the interior surface of the scrubbing vessel during operation of the gas inlet system. The weir include a weir duct and a weir trough extending at least partially around the weir duct to receive and at least partially fill with liquid during operation of the gas inlet system. The weir trough has an upper trough outlet in liquid communication with the upper weir duct inlet to deliver liquid from the weir trough into the upper weir duct inlet during operation of the gas inlet system. The weir trough also has a lower trough outlet below the upper trough outlet. The lower trough outlet is in liquid communication with the scrubbing passage to deliver liquid from the weir trough toward the scrubbing passage during operation of the gas inlet system.

Abstract: The present techniques are directed to a system and method for recovering carbon dioxide (CO2). The method includes recovering the CO2 from a gas mixture including the CO2 via a CO2 separation system. The CO2 separation system includes a rotating freezer/melter.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment apparatus includes a casing having an inlet port for allowing an exhaust gas to flow into the casing and an outlet port for allowing a purified exhaust gas to be discharged from the casing, an exhaust fan provided in the casing for sending the exhaust gas from the inlet port to the outlet port, and chemical filters provided in two or more stages between the exhaust fan in the casing and the outlet port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recovering a volatile organic compound (VOC) using pressure swing adsorption carried out with two beds that includes feeding the VOC to the first bed for adsorption and, while the VOC is being adsorbed by the adsorbent material in the first bed, simultaneously extracting the VOC adsorbed by the adsorbent material in the second bed through executing a desorption step by reducing the pressure of the second bed to cause desorption of the VOC in the adsorbent material of the second bed, executing a reflux step by transferring gas to the second bed and removing the transferred gas from the second bed, and executing a repressurization step by increasing pressure of the second bed to a pressure suitable for adsorption of the VOC by the adsorbent material in the second bed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing hydrogen sulfide from an ammonia stream in the NH3 purification and liquefaction stage of a conventional two-column sour water stripping system using an adsorbent bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recovering carbon dioxide from an absorbent rich on gaseous carbon dioxide, in which the energy used for separation of absorbent and carbon dioxide in a stripping column is reduced by using two stripper columns having different operating pressures and recycling heat transfer fluid from the stripper off gas in an energy efficient manner.

Abstract: Membranes are provided for filtering a gas, in some cases air. Membranes using a highly porous cellulose nano fibrous barrier layer with a highly porous (surface-charged) substrate can exhibit high flux, high retention, and low pressure drop in air filtration of toxic aromatic gases, fumes, bacteria, viruses, dusts, and particulate matters.

Abstract: Provided is a method for separating a specific gas from a raw gas using a gas separation membrane module that includes a gas separation membrane element enclosed in a housing. The element includes a gas separation membrane including a hydrophilic resin composition layer. The method includes: preparing the module; increasing pressure in an interior of the module; increasing a temperature in the interior; and feeding a raw gas to the interior. The layer of the module prepared is adjusted to contain moisture, and a moisture content thereof is an amount that allows an equilibrium relative humidity at a temperature of 23° C. of a gas phase portion in the housing to be 10% RH or more. The raw gas feeding step is performed after the preparation step. The pressure increase step and the temperature increase step are performed after the preparation step and before the raw gas feeding step.