Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods are described for identifying a preferred sporting event. A receiving device receives fantasy league data, sports data, and programming information for candidate sporting events. The receiving device then analyzes the programming information for one or more preferred sporting events based at least in part on the fantasy league data and the sports data. The user may then be notified of the preferred sporting event.

Abstract: A system and method implemented as computer-based, computer-executable instructions employing a computation engine with digital storage provide a virtual environment with personalized user profiles specifically adapted to cognitive abilities of the user to train the user for specified tasks, herein called microtasks. The set of microtasks include achievement criteria. The virtual environment is controlled through an engine that automatically adapts the set of user-profile-specific microtasks to achieve a set of learning goals. The engine may calculate and/or measure a set of qualities associated with one or more sub-profiles associated with a given user based on game-type performance by that user either in isolation or among a group of users. Sub-profiles may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: a personality profile, a neural link profile, and/or a motivation profile.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to adjusting individualized content made available to users of an online game based on user gameplay information. In implementations, information relating to prospective usage of the online game is used to classify users according by user type, and content made available to the users is customized accordingly. Information relating to prospective usage may include predictive information such as demographic and geographic information, as well as game usage information for the users. User types may include resource collection, player versus player, and player versus environment. Customized content may include content made available to the users through the users in-game actions, such as exploring a map, researching a technology or skill, purchasing an in-game item, and completing an in-game achievement, including in-game items, in-game powers, in-game skills, in-game technologies, in-game pets, in-game transportation units, in-game units, and in-game buildings.

Abstract: A matchmaking system and method is provided that facilitates optimization of player matches for multiplayer video games. The system may provide a generalized framework for matchmaking using historical player data and analytics. The framework may facilitate automatic determinations of an optimal mix of players and styles to produce the most satisfying user experiences. The system may dynamically update analytical processes based on statistical or otherwise observed data related to gameplay at any given time. In this manner, the system may continually tune the matchmaking process based on observations of player behavior, gameplay quality, and/or other information.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adaptively modifying audio during online multiplayer games. In an audio system that outputs audio to and receives audio from a use, when participating in an online multiplayer game, one or more voice control settings, for adjusting voice of the user, may be determined based on the online multiplayer game, and at least user audio received from the user may be modified based on the voice control settings. The voice control settings may include parameters relating to one or more of audio pitch, audio intensity, and audio tone. The voice control settings may be determined based on a role of the user in the online multiplayer game, which may correspond to a particular character in the online multiplayer game. The voice control settings may be determined based on data obtained from a database associated with online gaming. The data may include a reference audio.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed toward a dynamic control system for an amusement park ride. The system includes a game server that generates game data describing movement of a virtual vehicle through a virtual environment; a programmable logic controller (PLC) configured to conditionally execute instructions of a dynamic ride profile relative to one or more stored limits to operate physical actions of the ride vehicle; and a dynamic ride profile server communicatively coupled to the game server and the PLC. The dynamic ride profile server is configured to: receive input data, sensor data, and the game data; provide the received data as inputs to one or more physical models to generate a portion of a dynamic ride profile based on the movement of the virtual vehicle through the virtual environment; and provide the portion of the dynamic ride profile to the PLC for conditional execution.

Abstract: A balancing device which includes a plate which can be affixed to an object to be balanced, a balance member to be removably affixed to the plate, a support, and both the balance member and support having each one of a pointed spike and concave depression which receives the pointed spike. A user affixes the plate to an object to be balanced and attaches the balance member to the plate. Thereafter, a user places the object on top of the support resting on a surface so that the pointed spike is inserted into the concave depression. The object balances upon the support at an angle which can be adjusted by moving where the balance member is attached on the metal plate.

Abstract: A portable toy gun capable of being quickly assembled and dismantled, including a first gun barrel and a second gun barrel, a gun stock mounted at one end of the first gun barrel, a trigger component connected to one side of the first gun barrel, and a handle and a magazine mounted at two opposite ends of the trigger component respectively. The first gun barrel includes an outer sleeve, a first bore, and a locking mechanism mounted on the outer side of one end of the outer sleeve. A plug is mounted at one end of the first bore, and a guiding locating protrusion is disposed on one side of the plug. The second gun barrel includes a second outer sleeve and a second bore. One end of the second outer sleeve defines a locking hole corresponding to the locking mechanism and a slot corresponding to the plug.

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

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to humidification-dehumidification desalination systems, including apparatuses that include a vessel comprising a humidification region (e.g., a bubble column humidification region) and a dehumidification region (e.g., a bubble column dehumidification region), mobile humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination systems (e.g., systems having a relatively low height and/or a relatively small footprint), and associated systems and methods. Certain embodiments generally relate to methods of operating, controlling, and/or cleaning desalination systems comprising a plurality of desalination units (e.g., HDH desalination units).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and also to a method for separating and recovering a cyclic diester, in particular dilactide or glycolide from polymer melts which include the cyclic diester as impurity. The device and also the method according to the invention allow recovery of the cyclic diester with a high yield and at the same time high purity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for draining water from a tank (22), more particularly a clarification tank, wherein water is optionally drained via a draining apparatus while maintaining a substantially constant liquid level (23).

Abstract: A coated granular filtration medium is formed by the deposition of an electrolyte layer onto core particles. The electrolyte layer comprises a cationic polyelectrolyte. The coated granular filtration medium provides a synergistic combination of filtration and in situ coagulation that enables efficient, effective, and economical decontamination of industrial and other wastewaters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a water purifying system, including: a raw water tank configured to store raw water; a filter unit configured to include a plurality of filtration modules for purifying the raw water and a plurality of valves for feeding or cutting off the raw water; a raw water pump configured to feed the raw water from the raw water tank to the filter unit; and a backwash module configured to feed backwash water to the filter unit, in which some of permeate water permeated by the filter unit is fed to the backwash module to be used as the backwash water and a feed pressure of the backwash water is fed by the raw water pump.

Abstract: An oil separator includes a cylindrical housing that accommodates a rotor and is provided with a gas discharge portion (first exhaust portion), the oil separator being configured to introduce target gas from a rotation center side of the rotor to condense oil mist and emit condensed oil from an outer peripheral edge of the rotor and further being configured to discharge from the housing through the gas discharge portion the blow-by gas (target gas) after having the oil mist separated. The oil separator includes a dome portion (sectioning member) that covers from an outside of the housing the gas discharge portion and sections a closed space around the gas discharge portion and an outlet pipe (second exhaust portion) that is provided to the dome portion and that discharges the blow-by gas from the closed space that is sectioned by the dome portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, is an improved filter media construction that comprises multiple layers for improved odor control that can be used for vacuum cleaner air filtration cartridge applications. The filter media comprises anti-microbial ePTFE HEPA filter media to prevent mold growth. The filter media may also be used for air cleaner filtration, central air filtration for home and industrial buildings (HVAC), cleanrooms, and microelectronic devices. In an embodiment, the improved filter media construction comprises at least a PTFE layer, a bi-component layer, and a base layer. In an embodiment the PTFE layer comprises ePTFE. In an embodiment, the bi-component layer comprises non-woven polyethylene/polyethylene terephthalate (PE/PET). In yet another embodiment, the base layer comprises activated carbon. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A packed bed for a heat exchanger may comprise a frame and a first fin layer disposed within the frame. A second fin layer may be disposed within the frame. A first perforated sheet may be disposed between the first fin layer and the second fin layer. A sorbent material may be disposed within a volume of at least one of the first fin layer or the second fin layer.

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 may include additional space for the valves on the head of the adsorbent bed unit.

Abstract: Wet-type carbon dioxide capturing equipment includes a CO2 absorption tower where CO2 of an exhaust gas reacts with an absorbent, a CO2 stripping tower where CO2 is separated from a rich solution absorbed the CO2 in the CO2 absorption tower, a reboiler for supplying thermal energy to the CO2 stripping tower to separate the CO2 from the rich solution in the CO2 stripping tower, a first heat exchanger for heating the rich solution by exchanging heat between a lean solution having the CO2 separated therefrom in the CO2 stripping tower and the rich solution, a mechanical vapor recompressor (MVR) for compressing a CO2 gas separated in the CO2 stripping tower, and a second heat exchanger for separating a portion of CO2 from the rich solution by heating the rich solution by exchanging heat between the CO2 gas compressed in the MVR and the rich solution passing through the first heat exchanger, in which the rich solution having CO2 that is not separated in the second heat exchanger is input to the CO2 stripping tower

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving carbon capture using entrained catalytic-particles within an amine solvent. The particles are functionalized and appended with a CO2 hydration catalyst to enhance the kinetics of CO2 hydration and improve overall mass transfer of CO2 from an acid gas.

Abstract: Tightly-coiled helical ducts for centrifugal air separators may be formed with the tools and methods disclosed herein. A helical coil toolset includes a helically grooved mandrel and an entry block. The helical groove of the mandrel has a small helix inside diameter relative to a width of the helical groove. The entry block has a guide channel to guide a tube to the helical groove and a mandrel channel to receive the mandrel. Methods include forming tubing into a tightly-coiled helical duct by filling a tube with fine particles, positioning the tube in the helical groove of a helically grooved mandrel, fixing the tube relative to the mandrel, assembling an entry block around the tube and around the mandrel, and bending the filled tube around the helically grooved mandrel into the tightly-coiled helical duct by rotating the mandrel relative to the entry block.

Abstract: A dryer is provided with a pressure vessel with a drying zone and regeneration zone. The regeneration zone comprises a first subzone and a second subzone. The dryer comprises a rotatable drum in the pressure vessel with a drying agent, and the outlet of the regeneration zone is connected to the drying zone via a connecting pipe with a cooler and condensate separator. A tap-off pipe is connected to the outlet of the drying zone and is also connected to the inlet of the second subzone. A blower is provided to realize a regeneration flow from the drying zone to the second subzone.

Abstract: Provided is an absorber that removes sulfur oxide in a flue gas with an absorbent, an absorbent storing unit that stores the absorbent that has absorbed the sulfur oxide, an oxidation-reduction potential meter that measures an oxidation-reduction potential of the absorbent in the absorbent storing unit, a reducing additive supplying unit that supplies a sulfur oxoacid reducing additive into the absorbent storing unit, and a control device that controls the reducing additive supplying unit based on a measured value of the oxidation-reduction potential of the absorbent measured with the oxidation-reduction potential meter, wherein the reducing additive supplying unit supplies the sulfur oxoacid reducing additive when the measured value of the oxidation-reduction potential has exceeded an upper limit of an appropriate range of the oxidation-reduction potential.

Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include contacting an aqueous capture ammonia with a gaseous source of CO2 under conditions sufficient to produce an aqueous ammonium carbonate. The aqueous ammonium carbonate is then combined with a cation source under conditions sufficient to produce a solid CO2 sequestering carbonate and an aqueous ammonium salt. The aqueous capture ammonia is then regenerated from the from the aqueous ammonium salt. Also provided are systems configured for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: Catalysts having a blend of platinum on a support with low ammonia storage with a Cu-SCR catalyst or an Fe-SCR catalyst are disclosed. The catalysts can also contain one or two additional SCR catalysts. The catalysts can be present in one of various configurations. Catalytic articles containing these catalysts are disclosed. The catalytic articles are useful for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx in exhaust gases and in reducing the amount of ammonia slip. Methods for producing such articles are described. Methods of using the catalytic articles in an SCR process, where the amount of ammonia slip is reduced, are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling an exhaust gas treatment system, wherein the system includes an exhaust gas stream supplied by an exhaust gas source to a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device and a particulate filter device. The method comprises detecting a threshold level of reductant deposits proximate the SCR device, and initiating a selective catalytic reduction device service in response thereto. A threshold level of reductant deposits is detected using a reductant deposit model comprising determining an actual SCR NOx conversion using measured process variables; and comparing the actual SCR NOx conversion to a calibrated NOx conversion value. The calibrated NOx conversion value is determined using exhaust gas flow and system temperature values which substantially correspond to the process variables under which the actual SCR NOx conversion was determined. The device service can include increasing the exhaust gas temperature or initiating an active regeneration of the particulate filter device.

Abstract: In a process for the removal of soot from a sulfurous gas stream, a process gas containing O2 and more than 500 ppm SO2 and/or SO3 together with soot is brought into contact with a VK type catalyst in a reactor, said catalyst comprising vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), sulfur in the form of sulfate, pyrosulfate, tri- or tetrasulfate and one or more alkali metals, such as Na, K, Rb or Cs, on a porous carrier, preferably a silicon dioxide carrier.

Abstract: An aeration device configured to be fitted to a membrane filtration module having membranes mounted therein. The aeration device comprises a sleeve configured to at least partially surround the membrane filtration module. The sleeve has one end adapted to engage with the membrane filtration module and another end adapted to engage with a filtrate collection conduit or manifold.

Abstract: A laminate is provided comprising at least one polysulfone and/or polyethersulfone porous membrane heat bonded to a polyvinylidene fluoride substrate.

Abstract: Provided herein are filtration membranes for water treatment, and methods for preventing fouling of such membranes. The method described herein comprises grafting the membrane surface with an organic moiety, by reacting the surface with an organometallic reagent, a phosphonate, a phosphinate, or an organosilane.

Abstract: Membranes, methods of making the membranes, and methods of using the membranes are described herein. The membranes can comprise a gas permeable support layer, an inorganic layer disposed on the support, the inorganic layer comprising a plurality of discreet nanoparticles having an average particle size of less than 1 micron, and a selective polymer layer disposed on the inorganic layer, the selective polymer layer comprising a selective polymer having a CO2:N2 selectivity of at least 10 at 57° C. In some embodiments, the membrane can be selectively permeable to an acidic gas. The membranes can be used, for example, to separate gaseous mixtures, such as flue gas.

Abstract: Fiber webs which are used in filter media are described herein. In some embodiments, the fiber webs include fibrillated fibers and optionally non-fibrillated fibers, amongst other optional components (e.g., binder resin). In some embodiments, the fiber webs include limited amounts of, or no, glass fiber. The respective characteristics and amounts of the fibrillated fibers are selected to impart desirable properties including mechanical properties and filtration properties (e.g., dust holding capacity and efficiency), amongst other benefits.

Abstract: Hollow fiber membranes having improved toughness and durability are prepared using a vinylidene fluoride polymer-containing component, such as Kynaro resins, having relatively low crystallinity. One aspect of the invention provides a membrane in the form of a fiber, wherein i) the fiber has a porous wall of a polymeric component enclosing a central hollow space extending the length of the fiber, ii) the polymeric component has a crystallinity as determined by wide angle x-ray diffraction of less than about 35%, iii) the polymeric component is comprised of at least one homopolymer or copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and iv) the membrane has an energy to break of at least about 0.5 J per square mm of membrane cross section.

Abstract: A high performance facilitated transport membrane comprising a metal cation exchanged/chelated carboxylic acid functional group containing functional polyimide, a method of making this a membrane, and the use of this membrane for olefin/paraffin separations, particularly for propylene/propane and ethylene/ethane separations. The facilitated transport membrane has either an asymmetric integrally skinned membrane structure or a thin film composite membrane structure, wherein the top selective layer of the membrane comprises a metal cation exchanged/chelated carboxylic acid functional group containing functional polyimide.

Abstract: A liquid treatment apparatus (10) for processing a liquid includes an inlet nozzle (12) having an orifice (16) for directing a flow of liquid through the orifice (16) to define a fluid jet, and a concial diffuser (18) including a tip (20), a base portion (22), and a curved surface (26) therebetween. The conical diffuser (18) is generally aligned with the orifice (16) such that the fluid jet impacts upon the tip (20) of the conical diffuser (18). Moreover, the curvature of the curved surface (26) is selected to maintain a substantially constant Froude number of the liquid along the conical diffuser (18).

Abstract: A counterflow mixing device for a process chamber is disclosed, comprising an injection tube that introduces a fluid in a manner counter to a flow of a post-plasma gas mixture traveling downward from a plasma source. The invention allows for proper mixing of the fluid as well as avoiding recombination of generated ions and radicals.

Abstract: A mixing device (10) containing a housing (20) that defines a mixing chamber (30), an A-component feed channel entrance opening (40), a B-component feed channel entrance opening (50), and air feed channel entrance opening (60), and an exit opening (70) where the feed channel entrance openings and exit opening provide fluid communication into and/or out of the mixing chamber, and a static mixing element (80) housed within the mixing chamber between the three entrance feed channels and the exit opening, wherein the air feed channel entrance opening having a cross sectional area that is 0.7 square mm or greater and 7.7 square mm or less.

Abstract: The invention discloses an agitation device comprising an impeller, an agitating shaft and a power device. The impeller includes a disc, a hub and concave blades. Each blade consists of a concave surface which extends radially and has an annular sector-like shape, the projections of the upper and lower portions of the blade in the horizontal plane are two annular sectors, and the radian of the annular sector obtained by the projection of the upper portion is larger than that of the lower portion, and the annular sector-like shape and the rotation direction of blades are the same, so that each portion of the blades directly faces an incoming flow, the utilization efficiency of blades is increased and the impeller has low energy consumption and high gas-liquid dispersion efficiency. The device is efficient and energy-saving, has low power consumption, high mixing performance and high gas holdup and mass transfer performance.

Abstract: A system for driving a reel mixing tool, including a unit structure, a bottom output shaft, an output gearbox, a reel mixer driveshaft, a reel mixer gearbox, a flexible coupling, and a reel mixing tool, is provided. The unit structure supports the bottom output shaft which is connected to the output gearbox, the output gearbox is connected to the reel mixer driveshaft, the reel mixer driveshaft is connected to the reel mixer gearbox, the reel mixer gearbox is directly coupled to the reel mixing tool by the flexible coupling, allowing the bottom output shaft to transfer power through to the reel mixing tool.

Abstract: Container system with one container (1) with a flexible partition, in particular a disposable container, that can be inserted into a carrying container that supports its lateral container partition (10) and in which liquid medium (8) that has been poured in can be mixed, with the carrying container (4) featuring at least one baffle (15, 15?, 15?, 15??) on the internal support partition (11) that forms the lateral container partition.

Abstract: Biochars and methods for producing biochar aggregate particles where the method for producing the aggregate particles comprise the steps of (i) producing or collecting biochar fines; (ii) adding a binding agent to the biochar fines; and (iii) forming the biochar fines and binding agent into solid aggregate particles.

Abstract: A biomass cake pressure-feeding apparatus includes: a screw pump including a first screw with a helical first conveying thread, a second screw with a helical second conveying thread, and a casing accommodating the first screw and the second screw such that the first screw and the second screw are parallel to each other, the screw pump being configured to feed biomass cake to a high pressure reactor, the biomass cake being obtained by adding water to powdery biomass; and a throttle part positioned downstream of the screw pump and configured to form a material seal made of the biomass cake by restricting a flow of the biomass cake.

Abstract: A reactor device for the release of a gas from a starting material includes a reactor housing having a longitudinal axis and at least one single reactor arranged in the reactor housing, the single reactor including a base plate oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, a starting material flow channel defining a starting material flow direction, a catalyst arranged in the starting material flow channel, a heating unit for heating the catalyst and/or the starting material and a gas collection chamber arranged above the starting material flow channel for collecting the gas released from the starting material.

Abstract: A system for promoting endothermic conversions includes a first and a second portion, a first and second supply, a first outlet and a heat exchanger. The first portion defines a first inner volume containing an oxygen transfer agent. The first supply contains one or more of hydrogen and a saturated hydrocarbon and is fluidly connected to the first inner volume. The first outlet conveys one or more of carbon dioxide, water, and an unsaturated hydrocarbon from the first inner volume. The second portion and the heat exchanger positioned within the second portion define a second inner volume containing reduced oxygen transfer agent. The second supply contains an oxidizing agent fluidly connected to the second inner volume. The heat exchanger also defines a third inner volume segregated from the second inner volume, and the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat resulting from the oxidation of the reduced oxygen transfer agent to the third inner volume.

Abstract: A method of operating a slurry phase apparatus includes feeding one or more gaseous reactants into a slurry body of solid particulate material suspended in a suspension liquid contained inside a vessel. The one or more gaseous reactants are fed into the slurry body through a gas distributor having downward facing gas outlets and are fed towards a fluid impermeable partition spanning across the vessel below the gas distributor. The partition divides the vessel into a slurry volume above the partition and a bottom volume below the partition. A differential pressure is maintained over the partition between predefined limits by manipulating or allowing changes in the pressure in the bottom volume by employing a pressure transfer passage establishing flow or pressure communication between the bottom volume and a head space above the slurry body.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a Ziegler-Natta catalyst composition comprising a procatalyst, a cocatalyst and a mixed external electron donor comprising a first selectivity control agent, a second selectivity control agent and an activity limiting agent. A polymerization process incorporating the present catalyst composition produces a high-stiffness propylene-based polymer with a melt flow rate greater than about 50 g/10 min. The polymerization process occurs in a single reactor, utilizing standard hydrogen concentration with no visbreaking.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an industrial system for processing various plant materials to produce marketable materials. Particularly, the system integrates subcritical water extraction technology and includes a pre-processing module and a two-stage extractor (processing module) with constant control of temperature, pressure, and/or residence time. In some embodiments, the final product of the disclosed system can include feedstock constituents for biofuel production (sugars and/or oil), biochar, raw materials for various industries (such as pulp for manufacturing paper or cellulose for use in various industries). The disclosed system can be modular or non-modular, stationary or mobile, and can include prefabricated elements with programmed automatic or manual operation so that it can be easily moved and/or assembled on site.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a circulating magnetoelectric-induction reaction system and application thereof. The system comprises an alternating induction voltage unit, an alternating induction magnetic field unit, a low-frequency power supply, and a feed liquid container. The alternating induction voltage unit is mainly composed of a closed iron core, a primary coil, a secondary coil, and an induction voltage cavity. The alternating induction magnetic field unit is mainly composed of a C-shaped iron core, a primary coil, and a magnetic field cavity. The low-frequency power supply is connected to the primary coils in the alternating induction voltage unit and the alternating induction magnetic field unit and provides excitation voltage for the primary coils. The secondary coil comprises an insulating pipeline, which serves as a feed liquid circulating pipeline, and has both ends exposed out of the induction voltage cavity, with one end as a feed inlet and the other as a discharge outlet.

Abstract: A method for forming poly(dimethoxymethane) includes a step of separating a formaldehyde-containing blend into a first bottom stream and a first top stream. The first formaldehyde-containing blend includes methanol, formaldehyde, and water while the first bottom stream includes water. The first top stream includes dimethoxymethane that is produced from the reaction between methanol and formaldehyde. The first top stream is separated into a second bottom stream and a second top stream. The second bottom stream includes poly(dimethoxymethane) while the second top stream includes dimethoxymethane, methanol, and ethanol. The second top stream is separated into a third bottom stream and a third top stream. Third bottom stream includes methanol and ethanol while the third top stream includes dimethoxymethane. The third top steam can be recycled to form additional poly(dimethoxymethane). A system that implements the method is also provided.

Abstract: A novel one-pot solvothermal reaction based on urea hydrolysis to synthesize single crystals of the Zn(NH3)(CO3) inorganic helical framework and its applications in selective CO2 separation.