Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling access to wireless gaming devices and networks are provided. For example, access is controlled through one or more levels of security checks, such as a hard security check instead of or in addition to a soft security check. In a hard security check, the user employs an apparatus such as a card or other physical token that can be used to access the wireless gaming device. Such an apparatus may communicate information that identifies the user to the device or may simply be used to produce a signal without which the device is locked to users.

Abstract: The systems and methods discussed herein further provide for electronic simulation of sports-based card and board games with greater realism than conventional simulations of card and board games, with an intuitive user interface less complicated than user interfaces provided with electronic simulations of sports games. The simulation may be local to a computing device, or may utilize multiple computing devices in communication. Resources associated with a user of one computing device may be not associated with the user of another computing device, representing ownership of game tokens or entities. Resources associated with the user and resources not associated with the user may be stored separately in local databases, reducing bandwidth required for transfer of unassociated resources during multi-user simulations.

Abstract: According to other aspects, a real-time system may be provided that is capable of scaling to hundreds of thousands of real-time clients (or more) to conduct a single-program instance in an interactive manner that combines video elements with interactive program elements. To provide such capabilities, a system and client software is provided that allows real-time distribution of video, and scripted rendering of interactive elements in relation to the video. Such systems may include, for example, cluster-based systems that are capable of scaling horizontally based on the number of clients involved in a particular program instance.

Abstract: A method of providing virtual items based on location-based action is disclosed. An indication is received of a performance of a location-based action by a player of a computer-implemented game. A virtual item is provided based on the receiving of the indication of the performance of the location-based action by the player of the computer-implemented game. The virtual item may be usable within the computer-implemented game.

Abstract: A network game system includes a server apparatus and a plurality of video game apparatuses connected to the server apparatus. A party includes player characters of a plurality of players. When the party battles with an opponent character, the server apparatus simultaneously transmits movie playback information to each video game apparatus for starting playback of a movie. Each of the players can skip the movie at a desired timing. A screen is displayed on each video game apparatus that has skipped the movie until the battle starts. When information is received from each video game apparatus that indicates playback of the movie has ended, the server apparatus simultaneously transmits battle start information to each video game apparatus.

Abstract: A simulation system includes a processor including hardware. The processor performs: a virtual space setting process of setting a virtual space in which a plurality of objects are arranged; a virtual camera control process of controlling a virtual camera corresponding to a point-of-view of a user wearing a head mounted display; and a display process of generating an image as viewed from the virtual camera in the virtual space as a display image on the head mounted display. In the virtual space setting process, the processor arranges at least one information display object controlled to follow a change in the point-of-view of the user in the virtual space. In the display process, when the information display object and an object in the virtual space have entered into a given positional relationship, the processor performs a change process of a display mode of the information display object or the object.

Abstract: A system and a computer-implemented method are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: receiving, from a golfer mobile device, a request to conduct a round of golf, the request comprising round information and identification of a validator mobile device, receiving, from the validator mobile device, confirmation of validator status, receiving, from the golfer mobile device, score data and location data of the golfer mobile device. The method further comprises receiving, from the validator mobile device, location data of the validator mobile device, determining whether the received score data is valid by comparing the location data of the golfer mobile device to the location data of the validator mobile device, and determining and recording a score based on the score data for the golfer if the received score data is determined to be valid.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems for and methods of playing a video game that includes providing a game character having a virtual appearance characteristic, receiving an input signal indicative of a user exercise performance level, and altering the virtual appearance characteristic in response to receiving the input signal. Numerous other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention broadly contemplate a location based rewards distribution system. Various embodiments of the invention provide rewards, for example video game unlock codes, based on a user physically visiting a specific physical location.

Abstract: Competitions involving video game players may include competitions subsidiary to a purpose of video game play, and may be bounded in time, either across play of multiple video games or within play of a particular video game.

Abstract: An interactive sport coaching system is disclosed herein. The interactive sport coaching system includes a server, a software-application, and a communication network. The interactive sport coaching system is useful for providing a user with a means to communicate with a coach of a sports team, and have real time input in the coaching of a sports game as a tangible end result.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a platform that allows individual users to compete against other users in a virtual league. The platform allows individual users to maintain personal performance statistics, which, collectively, are used to determine a projection result of the user's performance in a competition within the league. The platform employs projection result, in combination with, or as a substitute for, results associated with a real race completed by the user, in the scoring of the user against other competitors in the league.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combat game providing device comprising: a receiving unit for receiving input information from a player; a player vs environment (PvE) game providing unit, which primarily requests a PvE player to arrange one or more player characters (PCs) among a plurality of PCs possessing preset actions in a plurality of preset cells when input information corresponding to a PvE game is received, and secondarily requests the order, in which actions possessed by the arranged PCs are executed, to be set, thereby providing, to the PvE player, a PvE game for fighting with one or more non-player characters (NPCs) among a plurality of preset NPCs; and a player vs player (PvP) game providing unit, which requests a PvP player to arrange PCs one by one, among the plurality of PCs in the plurality of cells, according to the order determined by preset rules, and provides, to the PvP player, a PvP game for fighting by executing actions possessed by the arranged PCs according to the arranged order th

Abstract: A bowl-type waterslide assembly includes a sliding lane, an inlet having a first radial form and allowing a rider to access the bowl-type waterslide assembly, an outlet having a greater slope than the inlet and having a second radial form, a path allowing the rider to slide, and having a curved form and configured to provide a non-stop travel between the inlet and the outlet, a wall element in an omega form configured for partitioning the path into a plurality of separate sections. A water distribution part is configured to provide water to the bowl-type waterslide assembly, the water distribution part is provided above the omega form of the wall element and extends through the wall element in a groove form.

Abstract: The interactive toy has a body and means for attaching the body to an object including a part of the user's body, clothing or the like. The body includes a rigid hollow plastic shell with a variety of external touch sensors. The shell contains and protects the electronic components, including a micro-controller connected to the sensors, and to a speaker, vibrator and LED light sources. A fabric layer covers the shell. The attaching means takes the form of a tail. The tail includes a pliable wire encased in a fabric layer. One end of the wire is fixed to the shell such that the tail extends from the back of the body and can be configured to engage an object to support the toy. The toy generates various sounds and lights in response to the sensor outputs.

Abstract: A customizable toy figure with articulating ball-and-socket joints. Also disclosed is a kit for customizing the toy figure with action accessories, such as weapons.

Abstract: A toy figurine comprising a projectile and an appendage pivotable along a range of positions. The pivotable appendage comprises a projectile launching unit having a catch for releasably engaging the projectile and a biasing member for providing a propulsion force to the engaged projectile. Pivoting the appendage to a launch position causes a joint to trigger the catch and release the engaged projectile, thereby allowing the biasing member to launch the engaged projectile.

Abstract: A toy glider includes a nose section having a flat circular shape. A hook projects from a first surface of the nose section proximate a front edge of the nose section. A circular left wing is formed at a left side of the nose. A circular right wing formed at a right side of the circular nose section.

Abstract: An adventure kit comprising: (a) one or more treasure receptacles; (b) child instructions; (c) one or more parent packages including parent instructions, which differ from the child instructions.

Abstract: A system for easy, quick and inexpensive coupling of the shells of a toy housing, without screws fasteners, comprising a first shell having an inside T-shaped projecting member with side edges of the arms of the T being captured between a set of apertures located in a pair of parallel, opposed and resilient walls of the other housing shell, such that pressing the two shell pieces together causes the edges of the arms of the T shaped member to cam outwardly the otherwise parallel walls of the other shell until the edges are captured in apertures in the side walls of the second shell member.

Abstract: Processes and systems for separating a mixture of three or more chemical components into multiple product streams each enriched in one of the components are provided herein. In some aspects, the present invention relates to processes for the separation of a chemical mixture including at least a heavy key component, an intermediate key component, and a light key component to form a product stream enriched in the light key component, a product stream enriched in the intermediate key component, and a product stream enriched in the heavy key component. Systems described herein may include one or more thermally coupled distillation columns including, for example, a dividing wall column, or a plurality of distillation columns arranged in a thermally integrated configuration.

Abstract: A distillation column and tray assembly is disclosed herein. The distillation column includes a removable inner tray assembly with adjustable downcomer tubes. The removable tray assembly enables the user to selectively change distillation plates when so removed. When removed, a distiller or brewer may adjust the downcomer tubes to change the fluid level on the distillation plates, or bypass certain distillation plates completely. Certain embodiments of the invention include a feature of an O-ring recessed around a perimeter of the plates permitting a tight seal and reducing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A system and method removes thermal decomposition components from biphenol and/or diphenyl oxide heat-transfer fluids. Light, volatile decomposition components such as benzene, water, hydrogen and phenol are passed out of the system for vapor recovery, chemical adsorption or thermal decomposition. Dimerized and polymerized heavy components such as biphenyl phenyl ether, terphenyl and isomers of each are concentrated and recovered for reprocessing and purification for reuse. The system can be operated as either a continuous, semi-continuous or batch operation. Solar electric plants employing the system can use solar field fluids and heating to operate the system during generator operation hours. A wash system operating at or near atmospheric pressure concentrates heavy thermal decomposition components while allowing light, volatile decomposition components to be removed for separation from the majority of the thermal fluid components.

Abstract: Chromatographic processes are provided which utilize fiber conduit contactors to effect separation of chemical substances from a mixture. In particular, processes are provided which constrain a substance on the fibers and move a mixture of chemical substances and another fluid through the coated fibers to effect separation of a substance from the mixture. In addition, fiber conduit contactors configured to affect such processes are disclosed. Some apparatuses include a sample injection mechanism for selectively inserting an analytical or preparative chromatography mixture into a fluid being supplied to the conduit. Additional or alternative apparatuses include fibers positioned longitudinally within a conduit with their opposing ends respectively bundled into a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet at opposing ends of the conduit. The portions of the fibers between the bundled ends are sufficiently slack such that larger spaces exist between individual fibers along the slack portions than at the bundled ends.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for evaluating performance, performing process control, optimization and design of gravity separation process systems that are used to separate immiscible liquid dispersions (e.g., water-in-oil, oil-in-water mixtures) and emulsions for two-phase (liquid-liquid) or three-phase (gas-liquid-liquid) systems. According to one aspect, the design, simulation and control of such systems is performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software that is configured for determining the separation efficiency of separators on the basis of the true geometry and multidimensional flow field and for a distribution of droplet sizes with the influence of the emulsion concentration on the rheology of the oil-in-water or water-in-oil dispersion.

Abstract: A liquid cleaning element has a cleaning medium and a carrier medium connected to each other. The carrier medium is provided with a liquid connector to connect to a line for liquid to be cleaned or cleaned liquid. The liquid cleaning element has a bend in a section provided with the cleaning medium and the carrier medium. The carrier medium, prior to connection to the cleaning medium, is pre-manufactured in a final shape of the liquid cleaning element. The liquid connector has a cylindrical suction socket and is arranged at or integrated in the carrier medium. A liquid cleaning system is provided with the liquid cleaning element and a holder holding the liquid cleaning element. In a method for producing the liquid cleaning element, the carrier medium is pre-manufactured in a final shape of the liquid cleaning element and the cleaning medium is connected to the pre-manufactured carrier medium.

Abstract: Provided is a filter module for a gravity-type water purifier. The filter module for a gravity-type water purifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of filter members which are plate shaped, and which are fixed to each other via one or more fastening bars while arranged spaced apart from each other in parallel having gaps therebetween; and a common water collecting member coupled to the respective water collecting holes formed in the filter members, and in which filtered water produced from the filter members is collected.

Abstract: A multilayer filter of a sterilization container or a sterile packaging includes a core layer made of an aramid fabric, which is covered by or is fully enclosed by at least one outer layer made of at least one other material, preferably PTFE.

Abstract: A device for supplying process air to a treatment station, the device comprising an air conducting system for delivering fresh air to the treatment station and discharging particle-loaded waste air from the treatment station, a separation system for separating the particles from the waste air, and a control unit. The separation system includes at least one filter module with at least one replaceable filter element for accepting the separated particles. The filter element includes an RFID tag and the device includes an RFID reader which is positioned in such a way that an RFID reading process can be initiated when a filter element is removed and/or inserted, and said RFID reading process can be communicated.

Abstract: A filter media layer and a filter support layer are generally parallel and coextending. A frame holds the filter media layer and the filter support layer. Salt is deposited on at least one substrate in the airflow, where the substrate is at least one of the filter media layer, the filter support layer, a portion of the frame that is exposed to the airflow, or a separate receiving structure.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a filter cartridge for removing impurities from a stream of raw gas to be filtered, including a cylindrical filter element which is made of a filter material and in which a filter insert is inserted, an interior space being formed between the filter element and the filter insert, the filter material being designed to be cleaned when a stream of compressed air is applied against a flow direction of the stream of raw gas, a cap designed as a flow guiding device being provided for guiding the stream of compressed air, wherein the cap is arranged such that it projects beyond an axial length of the filter element in the axial direction. The disclosure further concerns a filter system for removing impurities from a stream of raw gas to be filtered. In addition, the disclosure relates to a method for cleaning such a filter cartridge.

Abstract: A filter apparatus and method having a test port member in combination with a filter media. The test port member may be positioned adjacent the outer periphery of the outer peripheral frame and may be attached to a truncated portion of the filter media. One or more scrim layers may be disposed across one or more sides of the test port member and/or the truncated portion of the filter media. A plug may be inserted into a through port of the test port member.

Abstract: The present application relates to a filter cartridge for removing impurities from a dirty gas flow to be filtered, including a cylindrical filter element made from filter material, a filter insert inserted in the filter element, an inner space formed between the filter element and the filter insert, with the filter material being designed for being cleaned when a compressed air flow is applied against a flow direction of the dirty gas flow, and a base body of a flow guiding device having a surface designed for guiding the compressed air flow, wherein the base body has a distal end zone which is prepared for being completed by an end piece separate from the filter cartridge and mountable to an external housing for flow guiding the compressed air flow. Further, the present application relates to a kit, a filter unit, and a method for cleaning the filter cartridge.

Abstract: A filter apparatus and method having a test port member in combination with a filter media. The test port member may be positioned adjacent the outer periphery of the outer peripheral frame and may be attached to a truncated portion of the filter media. One or more scrim layers may be disposed across one or more sides of the test port member and/or the truncated portion of the filter media. A plug may be inserted into a through port of the test port member.

Abstract: A quick change filter which allows changing an air filter from an exterior of the vehicle. A portion of the air filter extends outside the plane of the vehicle body, and can be removed to remove the filter. A new filter can then be inserted. The filter is held in place with tabs. One embodiment uses a cylindrical air filter where the air is input to the center of the filter and passes through the filter into an air chamber that holds clean air. The air chamber provides air to a manifold which drives the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering hydrogen (b) from crude gas (a) from a coke oven (110) in which the crude gas (a) produced in the coke oven (110) is initially compressed and in which impurities are subsequently removed from the crude gas (a) by pressure swing adsorption, wherein oxygen is depleted from the crude gas (a) using nonthermal plasma prior to the pressure swing adsorption, and to a plant for recovering hydrogen from crude gas.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a multistage scrubber that includes a plurality of stages, each stage comprising one or more scrubbing modules having adsorbents configured to adsorb and remove molecules from a flowing mixture of gas traversing the multi-stage scrubber is disclosed. The sorbents may be used in repeatable adsorption-regeneration swing cycles including concentration swing adsorption (CSA) cycle, temperature swing adsorption (TSA) cycle and pressure swing adsorption (PSA) cycle.

Abstract: Provided are a membrane separation method and a membrane separation device that enable membrane separation of a hydrocarbon mixture with high separation efficiency. The membrane separation method includes a step (A) of exposing a zeolite membrane to an atmosphere having a dew point of ?20° C. or lower and a step (B) of using the zeolite membrane to perform membrane separation of a hydrocarbon mixture after step (A). The membrane separation device includes: a membrane separation module including a housing and a zeolite membrane that is housed in the housing and is configured to perform membrane separation of a hydrocarbon mixture; a feedstock supply mechanism configured to supply the hydrocarbon mixture into the membrane separation module; and a gas supply mechanism configured to supply a gas having a dew point of ?20° C. or lower into a space in which the zeolite membrane is housed in the membrane separation module.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cross-linked thermally rearranged polymer membrane and a method for preparing the same. The cross-linked thermally rearranged polymer membrane prepared according to the present disclosure has fluorine atoms distributed in a cross-linked thermally rearranged polymer membrane so as to have a concentration gradient from the surface and is formed into a three-layer structure consisting of a fluorine deposition layer, a transition layer and a thermally rearranged polymer base layer, thereby having remarkably increased selectivity as compared to the existing commercialized gas separation membrane and, particularly, enabling helium to be separated with high purity and recovery rate from a natural gas well, etc. even with a small membrane area, and thus being commercializable.

Abstract: Methods of recirculating clean air in an atmosphere of an enclosure comprise directing an input air stream from the atmosphere of the enclosure through a coiled duct at a rate sufficient to stratify the input air stream within the coiled duct according to a molecular weight of components of the input air stream and to form a heavy fraction stream and a light fraction stream, wherein the heavy fraction stream is relatively enriched in carbon dioxide as compared to the light fraction stream; withdrawing the heavy fraction stream from the coiled duct; and returning the light fraction stream from the coiled duct to the atmosphere of the enclosure.

Abstract: Methods for forming thin wall tubing into a tightly-coiled helical duct comprise selecting a thin wall tube with an outside tube diameter and a wall thickness that is less than 15% of the outside tube diameter; and bending the thin wall tube to form the tightly-coiled helical duct so that an outside duct diameter of the tightly-coiled helical duct is less than four times the outside tube diameter.

Abstract: A device for the production of water on board a vehicle comprising a duct, where an air flow flows; a tank, which contains a quantity of adsorbing material and is arranged along the duct; a first and a second adjustment valve for the adjustment of the duct, which are arranged upstream and downstream, respectively, of the tank and are movable between an opening position, in which the air flow can flow towards the tank, and a closing position, in which the air flow cannot flow towards the tank, and vice versa; wherein the first and the second adjustment valve are controlled in a synchronous and concordant manner; and a heating element, which is designed to heat the adsorbing material when the first and the second adjustment valve are in the closing position.

Abstract: Block apparatus for use with oxidizers are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a converter including a block having a plurality of channels extending therethrough. The channels define a cellular pattern including at least one central channel and a plurality of surrounding channels. Protrusions extend into the channels from respective inner surfaces of the channels. The inner surfaces are defined by respective peripheral walls.

Abstract: A process for removing impurities from a flue gas, comprising treating the flue gas with a liquid absorbent comprising (i) a precursor of chlorine dioxide and (ii) an organic ionic liquid, and releasing a purified flue gas into the atmosphere. The process is useful for removing Hg, SO2 and NOx.

Abstract: In one aspect, structural catalyst bodies are described herein having cross-sectional flow channel geometries and surface features for enhanced catalytic activity. A structural catalyst body comprises an outer peripheral wall and a plurality of inner partition walls defining individual flow channels of rectangular cross-section, wherein one or more of the inner partition walls comprise surface protrusions, surface indentations or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for removing residual hydrogen peroxide or hydrazine from an effluent gas stream which includes a metal oxide scrubber material configured to react with residual process gases under increased temperatures. Also provided are systems and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction filter (SCRF) including a wall-flow substrate having inlet channels and outlet channels is provided. A first selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst zone is present in the inlet channels, and a second SCR catalyst zone is present in the outlet channels. The first SCR catalyst zone includes an iron-exchanged zeolite catalyst, and the second SCR catalyst zone includes a copper-exchanged zeolite catalyst. Exhaust gas treatment systems including the SCRF and methods of reducing production of nitrous oxide (N2O) during selective catalytic reduction of an exhaust gas stream using the SCRF are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to ultrafiltration membranes based on bacterial nanocellulose and graphene oxide. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to the novel design and incorporation of membranes for realizing new, highly efficient, and environmentally-friendly anti-biofouling membranes for water purification.

Abstract: A spiral membrane element is provided which has a restricted outer diameter but is heightened in effective membrane area, and further which can be decreased in operation energy therefor. The spiral membrane element is an element including plural membrane leaves L in each of which a permeation-side flow-channel member 3 is interposed between opposed separation membranes 1; a supply-side flow-channel member 2 interposed between any two of the membrane leaves L; a perforated central pipe 5 on which the membrane leaves L and the supply-side flow-channel member 2 are wound; and sealing parts that prevent a supply-side flow-channel from being mixed with a permeation-side flow-channel. The sealing parts include both-end sealing parts 11 in which an adhesive is used to seal two-side end parts of each of the membrane leaves L on both sides of the leaf in an axial direction A1 of the leaf. The thickness T1 of the both-end sealing parts 11 is 390 to 540 ?m.

Abstract: A sea water desalination system and reverse osmosis element for use in a desalination system are provided. The reverse osmosis element includes a body of media material having opposed first and second ends. First and second end cap assemblies are adjacent the first and second ends of the body. A shell of wound composite material encapsulates and retains the body and first and second end cap assemblies together to define an integrated pressure vessel. Methods of assembling are also provided.