Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the precise location of a target on a surface by utilizing a plurality of objects that are fixed in their position proximate to the location, thereby constituting a plurality of fixed reference points, upon which the target(s) resides or is otherwise located. The plurality of fixed references points are used either in conjunction with images of the target or certain distance measurements between the target and the fixed reference points to determine the precise location of the target(s) on the surface.

Abstract: An inclined support apparatus, integrated to an E-board, providing a rider stability during acceleration and/or deceleration as the apparatus more effectively compensates the forces from the motorization of the E-board, allowing the rider to distribute more normal force on a rear or front foot. The inclined support apparatus may be removably attached and adjustable to the board. The apparatus comprises a body having a plurality of inclined, contoured sections at the top surface of the body. The inclined sections may include at least a main inclined section along at least a length of the body. The support apparatus may comprise at least one contoured section in the top surface, such as a concave depression, so as to provide the rider a means to better react to longitudinal acceleration forces along the natural shape of the rider's foot and to have a more upright, athletic stance while riding.

Abstract: A playing card having a substrate entirely of a first predetermined colour overlaid with a removable surface coating entirely of a second predetermined colour contrasting with said first predetermined colour, said removable surface being sufficiently friable so as to be able to be scratched off by a player in a pattern predetermined by said player to reveal said substrate in said pattern. The scratched playing card uses the high contrasting colors (typically primary and secondary colors) to produce letters or image(s). These cards are interchangeably used in a strategic and non gambling card game often utilising the Stroop effect.

Abstract: A roulette game enables single-spin formation of meaningful character strings, which character strings may be coupled to tones for enhancing the gaming experience. The meaningful character strings may be defined by solfege-enabling letter groups, which letter groups may prompt underlying tones in solmization. The syllabic roulette game comprises a roulette wheel, a wager-enabling layout, and a plurality of balls. The wheel comprises alphabetic characters against a rainbow colored backdrop for enabling various payout schemes. A color-coordinated wager support surface is preferably disposed adjacent the roulette wheel for facilitating wager placement.

Abstract: A game tile shuffler may include a tile loader, a tile container, a belt, and a tile dispenser. The tile loader may be capable of holding a plurality of game tiles. The game tiles pass from the tile loader to the tile dispenser through the tile loader and the belt. The belt may be capable of capturing and carrying the game tiles. The tile dispenser may include a chute opening and a tunnel that may split into multiple directions. A tunnel door may direct the game tiles between the multiple directions. The tile dispenser may be capable of identifying individual game tiles prior to dispensing. The game tile shuffler may be operable between a shuffle mode, whereby game tiles are circulated through the device, and a dispensing mode, whereby game tiles pass through the tunnel.

Abstract: A system and method for a knot game. The game includes a weight coupled to a flexible line. The flexible line has an upstream end and a downstream end which his coupled to the weight. The game includes gripping the flexible line at a position upstream from the weight. Thereafter, the weight is dropped and allowed to remove the slack in the line. Then a force is applied to create slack in the line in an attempt to tie a knot in the flexible line.

Abstract: A gambling chip shield comprising an attachment section configured to removably attach to an outer rim of a gambling chip rack, and a shield section configured to extend from the attachment section in the direction of a chip storage section of the gambling chip rack and upward from an upper surface of the attachment section.

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

Abstract: A gaming support apparatus that includes a holster body is provided. The holster body receives a gaming controller disposed therein and includes a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall, in an operational configuration, partially encloses the gaming controller received by the holster body. The holster body further includes a support web that, in the operational configuration, supports the gaming controller received by the holster body. The holster body further includes at least one opening in the holster body that, in the operational configuration, allows access to one or more input elements of the gaming controller received by the holster body. In the operational configuration, the holster body supports the gaming controller such that a user may actuate the one or more input elements of the gaming controller without supporting the weight of the gaming controller.

Abstract: The present invention is a game controller. The game controller comprises a body. At least one recess is disposed on a surface of the body, the recess has a side wall. At least one actuating module comprises a base body and an operating portion forming from the base body, the actuating module is removably mounted in the recess. At least one ring is removably positioned around the actuating module. The actuating module is fixed in the recess through a rotation of the ring, the rotation of the ring causing the ring engages with the side wall of the recess.

Abstract: The present invention is a game controller, the game controller comprises a body, at least one socket, at least one fastening receptor, at least one actuating module, at least one fixed and at least one fastening member. The socket is formed in the body. The fastening receptor is formed in the body. The actuating module is removably mounted in the socket. The fixed frame is configured to receive the actuating module. The fixed frame comprises at least one first positioning hole. The actuating module is fixed in the socket by a combination of the fixed frame and the fastening member, wherein the fastening member passes the first positioning hole and fastens in the fastening receptor.

Abstract: Provided is a technology of allowing operation of four push buttons of a controller including the four push buttons provided in place of a cross key pad as if operating the cross key pad. The controller includes a third push-button input module (142) being a cylindrical recess including four push buttons (142A to 142D) on a bottom surface of the third push-button input module (142). A recessed portion (142E) is formed in the bottom surface. Meanwhile, the controller includes a cover member (200) having a circular plate portion (211) including a cross-key-pad portion (212). A column portion having a circular column shape is provided on a back surface of the cover member (200). The cover member (200) is fixed to the third push-button input module (142) through insertion of the column portion into the recessed portion (142E). When a user presses the cross-key-pad portion (212), freely selected one of the four push buttons (142A to 142D) positioned below the circular plate portion (211) can be pressed.

Abstract: A system (information processing device) is caused to determine at least one game medium from among a plurality of game media to be provided to a communication terminal, cause the communication terminal to display the at least one game medium, provide the communication terminal with a game environment to test the at least one game medium; and store the at least one game medium in association with an identifier of the communication terminal upon receiving a notification from the communication terminal indicating that the at least one game medium has been selected for possession.

Abstract: A collection of data corresponding to a player is assembled at a server from a data provider. A base value of the player based on at least the primary data is added as an attribute to an internal object stored at the server. A modifier is mapped to a second attribute of the internal object. The modifier is based on at least a portion of the secondary data and the tertiary data. A projected value is generated from the base value by applying a modifier and a rule converting the modified second attribute to a projected value. Internal objects are generated according to constraints including having a sum of limiting factors of the internal objects that does not exceed a maximum factor and a sum of projected values a maximum, subject to the first constraint. The server transmits application data including a list representing the internal objects.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards systems and methods of implementing multi-player online games using cloud computing. By using cloud computing (also known as a cloud network), hardware and/or software requirements for running the multi-player online game can be minimized as the game itself would be executed and run using resources available in the cloud network rather than based on local resources, such as a laptop or gaming console. Different users situated at different locations can all be provided access to the same game without the need for the specialized hardware, software, and resource levels.

Abstract: A game processing method that causes a computer to execute a game program includes displaying, with a touchscreen, a reference operation and a deck that comprises an item, receiving a first input operation to select the deck and second input operations, determining a matching degree between the reference operation and each of the second input operations, outputting, from a processor to a memory, a level of the matching degree based on the determination, counting, with the processor, a number of consecutive times that the level continuously exceeds a predetermined threshold level, calculating, with the processor, a score of the user based on the number, and outputting, from the processor to the memory, the score. When the item comprises a card having a predetermined effect and continuation of exceeding the predetermined threshold level is interrupted, the number is counted as if no interruption has occurred.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for controlling a simulated object in a video game using a rotatable reticle, which allows a player to control the precise angle of an action and to select from a variety of actions, and then adjusts the effectiveness of the selected action based on the quality of the player's use of the reticle. The Video Game Reticle invention comprises a method of generating a symbol comprising a pivot point and a directional pointer, wherein the symbol acts as a dial with directional keys. A left rotational direction control key causes the dial to swing left, and a right rotational direction control key causes the dial to swing right. One or more action keys allow a player to activate an action, once the player decides on the angle of the action; wherein the relative effectiveness of the action is determined by the angle selected by the player.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a virtual mapping system for using real world geographical locations to generate virtual environments within game applications. The virtual mapping system allows a game application to identify geographical information associated with real world locations. The geographical information can be used by the game application to recreate the selected geographical location using virtual assets from the game application.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems directed towards identifying player engagement to generate contextual game play assistance. User gameplay information is monitored so that the user can be provided assistance within the video game where the user may have problems. User gameplay information is monitored in order to identify what type(s) of assistance could be provided to the user. The information can be based on the current level of frustration of the user with the video game.

Abstract: Technology is described for surfacing contextually related resources to a player of a video game by way of a surfacing platform. In a method embodiment, an operation processes a query from a player of a video game that is related to completing an objective. The method includes operations for processing game data of the player for determining a current state and processing game data of other players that have completed the objective. The method further includes operations for identifying successful attempts of completing the objective by other players and the resources used in doing so. The method selects a resource that is usable by the player to complete the objective based on those resources by the other players in the successful attempts and presents the resource to the player for immediate use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer implemented method of controlling a display on a first computer device connected via a communication network to a plurality of other computer devices, the method comprising: receiving user inputs from the first and other computer devices during interaction with a game rendered on the display of each computer device, the game being played by users of the computer devices over the communication network; storing the user inputs in computer storage and generating user behaviour data based on the user inputs; accessing computer storage holding a plurality of contact identifiers of the users and controlling the display of the first computer device to display only a selected set of the stored contact identifiers, wherein the set of contact identifiers is selected to be displayed based on the user behaviour data.

Abstract: A game system comprising a game surface generator configured to generate a game surface having: a primary game surface with a first edge; an additional game surface with a second edge, wherein the primary game surface and the additional game surface are each divided into a plurality of game spaces and the first edge of the primary game surface is coupled to the second edge of the additional game surface, there being a bijective mapping between the primary game surface and the additional game surface; a game piece control module configured to position a plurality of game pieces on the primary game surface such that each game piece is positioned on one of the game spaces and a plurality of additional game pieces are positioned on corresponding game spaces of the additional game surface according to the bijective mapping.

Abstract: A system and method for timely delivery of water spray and/or drops to a video viewer's face, which includes an apparatus having a water-bottle attachment for creating pressure inside tubing to valves controlled by a CPU, and drip or spray nozzles attached to a headgear portion of the system and aimed to parts of the user's face. The CPU is triggered by timing relative to a distinct initiating sound from the video being watched to open and close valves at the appropriate time to coincide with events being viewed. Typically, a mobile wireless-connectable device will pick up the sounds with its microphone, correlate those with timing and events in a specific video, and send an appropriate signal to the CPU.

Abstract: A robot of one aspect includes a soft outer skin mounted so as to cover a first region (for example, a head portion) and a second region (for example, a trunk portion). The outer skin includes a base material having elasticity. Increased elasticity regions are provided between regions in contact with each of the first region and the second region in the base material (for example, between a head portion contact region and an abdominal portion contact region, or between the head portion contact region and a back portion contact region), and have an elasticity greater than that of the contact regions.

Abstract: A robot of one aspect includes an outer skin with which a main body is covered. The outer skin includes an engagement portion that engages with the main body by the main body being covered therewith, extended portions that extend from the engagement portion, and attachment members, formed of a hard material, attached to the extended portions so as to extend in a width direction. The outer skin is fixed to the main body by the attachment members being fixed to the main body.

Abstract: A motorized aquatic toy having a body with an attached articulated tail formed of pivotally connected hollow tail segments that maintain directional stability when water is flowing through and around them and having forward offset pivot points with mechanical stops that force contiguous tail segments to pivot in sequence from fore to aft in response to yawing of the body to simulate a life-like pattern of movement with a high level of realism.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a child-mother toy, including: a first assembly and a second assembly. The second assembly includes a supporting member, a triggering subassembly, a unfolding subassembly and an ejection subassembly, and the triggering subassembly, the unfolding subassembly and the ejection subassembly are disposed to the supporting member. Before the triggering subassembly is triggered, the unfolding subassembly is folded at the supporting member so as to define an accommodating cavity together with the supporting member, the accommodating cavity is configured to accommodate the first assembly therein; and after the triggering subassembly is triggered, the unfolding subassembly is unfolded to open the accommodating cavity, and meanwhile the ejection subassembly ejects the first assembly out of the accommodating cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a playhouse comprising a plurality of walls comprising a plurality of wall elements, configured to be connected to a gable roof; and a gable roof; comprising a plurality of gables, wherein the gable roof is configured to be attached to the plurality of walls; and a plurality of roof modules, wherein the first roof module is configurable to be connected and adjacent to the second roof module, wherein each roof module comprises a plurality of roof panels and at least one hinge, wherein the first roof panel is adjacent to the second roof panel and is connected by the at least one hinge, wherein the gable roof is configured to be mounted on a plurality of gables, and wherein the playhouse is configurable to a packed configuration or an assembled configuration.

Abstract: A multilayer thin film evaporator for steam heating includes a housing. A three-layer evaporation cylindrical core arranged in a nested manner with one layer placed inside the other is configured inside the housing. A limiting plate is configured to fix the three-layer evaporation cylindrical core. A feeding tube, a heating medium inlet tube, and a heating medium outlet tube are sequentially fixed under the limiting plate in a crosswise manner. A rotary rack spindle passing through a center of the three-layer evaporation cylindrical core, a rotary rack fixed on the rotary rack spindle and capable of rotating with the rotary rack spindle, and a motor component connected to a top end of the rotary rack spindle and capable of driving the rotary rack spindle to rotate are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distributor device (10000) for the even distribution of a fluid (10) into 2 or more fluid streams each containing gas (11) and liquid (12), with a falling film evaporator (100000), in which the distributor device according to the invention serves to distribute the 2 or more fluid streams onto the heating pipes of the evaporator, and to the use of the distributor device (10000) according to the invention and in particular the falling film evaporator (100000) according to the invention in the production and/or preparation of chemical products. The distributor device according to the invention is characterized, in particular, by a swirl breaker (600) for the gas phase (11) which arises from separating the fluid (10) into a gas phase (11) and a liquid phase (12) within the distributor device.

Abstract: A distillation/extraction insert may attach to a vessel containing liquid to be distilled, and may use heated water circulating through a heating coil, as well as draw a partial vacuum to induce boiling. A condensation coil may collect the vapor and condense the vapor into distillate. A controller may monitor various temperatures and vacuum level to precisely control the heated water being used to boil components in the liquid. The heated water may be created by a beer making machine, which may have a temperature controlled recirculating water system. The insert may be a self-contained unit that attaches to a vessel, where the vessel may also be used for fermenting brewer's mash for distillation. In some cases, an extraction chamber may be used for collecting essential oils from various materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a feed stream into product streams. The apparatus includes an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section. The middle section has a dividing wall separating it into two portions. A liquid barrier blocks the flow of liquid from the upper section into the middle section and allows vapor to flow from the middle section to the upper section. A vapor and liquid barrier blocks both the flow of both vapor from the lower section to the middle section and the flow of liquid from the middle section to the lower section. Vapor conduits allow vapor to flow from the lower section to each of the middle portions in varying amounts. Also processes for separating a feed stream.

Abstract: A drain valve (10) is described comprising a housing (11), a fluid inlet (12), a gas outlet (13) and at least one liquid outlet orifice (19) arranged in a liquid outlet member (20) of the housing (11). The drain valve (10) furthermore comprises a float (16) connected to a lever (17) on a first end (18). The float (16) is arranged in a float chamber (15) of the housing (11). The float chamber (15) is connected to the fluid inlet (12), the gas outlet (13) and the at least one liquid outlet orifice (19). The liquid outlet orifice (19) may be opened or closed by a closing member (21) that is connected to a second end (22) of the lever (17) and is rotatably connected to the liquid outlet member (20). If a liquid is arranged in the float chamber (15) a rise in the liquid level will result in a lift of the float (16) whereby the closing member (21) is rotated to a more open position of the at least one liquid outlet orifice (19) and vice versa.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of extracting metal ions using ionic liquids (ILs), IL complexes, and mixtures comprising an IL and a metal-chelating group. Also disclosed are IL complexes, and mixtures comprising an IL and a metal-chelating group.

Abstract: A system, module and method for continuous countercurrent spiral chromatography are disclosed. The module includes an input port for receiving an input solution, a first mixer for mixing the input solution with a recycled solution to produce a first mixed output, a stage I separator for concentrating the first mixed output to produce a stage I solid fraction, a second mixer for mixing the stage I solid fraction from the stage I separator and an optional buffer solution to produce a second mixed output, and a stage II separator for concentrating the second mixed output to produce a stage II solid fraction which exits the module. At least one separator is a spiral separator. The system includes a plurality of modules, and at least one of the plurality of modules includes a spiral separator. The method includes purifying an unpurified solution with the plurality of modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for chromatographic separation, comprising at least one step of elution of species held on a stationary phase by means of an eluent, followed by a step of moving the eluent in contact with the stationary phase by means of a compressed gas. Preferably, the movement step takes place after a step of elution of the product(s) of interest and/or after a step of regeneration of the stationary phase.

Abstract: Methods and systems for chromatography are disclosed that employ a flexible container configured to fit within a support structure and adapted to receive a filtration or absorptive medium. The flexible container can include at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and a separation barrier peripherally sealed within the container to separate the container into a resin containing portion and a drainage portion. The barrier can be configured to exclude the resin material from the drainage portion while allowing fluids to pass therethrough. The disposable chromatography system can further include one or more agitators disposed within the flexible container and adjustably configured to be raised or lowered in the flexible container. When the agitator is in the raised position, the resin packing material can operate in a settled, packed-bed configuration. Alternatively, the agitator in the lowered position permits the chromatography resin packing material to operate in a mixed, slurry configuration.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a turbine, a pump, and an oxygen removal unit. The turbine is adapted to receive and expel fuel at different pressures. The pump is in fluid communication with, and mechanically coupled to, the turbine, and is configured to expel and receive the fuel at about the respective different pressures. The turbine is configured to convert pressure energy of the fuel to kinetic energy to drive the pump. The oxygen removal unit is in fluid communication with at least one of the turbine and the pump, and is configured to remove oxygen from the fuel.

Abstract: A sludge dewatering tank that includes a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall and a bottom that cooperate to define a tank interior, a first interior wall and a second interior wall. The first interior wall cooperates with the first wall to define a first drainage compartment and includes at least a first filter member. The first drainage compartment includes at least a first drain that communicates the first drainage compartment with an exterior of the sludge dewatering tank. The second interior wall cooperates with the second wall to define a second drainage compartment and includes at least a second filter member. The second drainage compartment includes at least a second drain that communicates the second drainage compartment with the exterior of the sludge dewatering tank. The first interior wall cooperates with the second interior wall to define a sludge space therebetween.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for microbial sampling of foods. For example, a method may include providing at least one aggregating sampler at one or more sampling locations, and sampling a production lot of produce or other food items such as meat using the at least one aggregating sampler to create one or more samples that makes up a microbial sampling. Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for microbial sampling of foods. For example, an apparatus, such as a microbial aggregating sampler, may include a covering having a microbial sampling material with a pocket formed in the covering to receive an appendage or a tool for handling of the covering.

Abstract: A cleaning solution filter comprises a container body, at least one filter film and a delivering pipeline. One side of the container body is connected to a bottom of a cleaning tank for receiving a cleaning solution of the liner coater via a first pipeline. The at least one filter film is disposed in the container body, for filtering photoresists and photoresist additives in the cleaning solution. The delivering pipeline is for delivering the cleaning solution after filtering to the cleaning tank. The embodiments herein can filter the cleaning solution in the linear coater, extend the service life of the cleaning solution, and promote the coating effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device at least consisting of a housing (3, 5) and a filter element (23) that can be received in the housing in a replaceable manner and engages, with at least two key (53, 56, 58) or lock parts, in correspondingly embodied lock (57) or key parts of the housing (3, 5), which are associated with each other respectively in pairs in an engaged manner, as coding means and/or setting means and/or functional means and/or reproduction protection means.

Abstract: A household refrigeration apparatus (1) has a housing (2) with a receiving space (7) for food and a water line system (18). The water line system includes a line device (19) and at least one water filter (21). The water filter (21) has a filter head (22), and the water line system (18) includes at least one electrically switched water valve (25). The electrically switched water valve (25) is directly arranged at the filter head (22). At least one water consumer (17) is connected to the water line system (18).

Abstract: A leak detection system for a water filter includes a filter cartridge with an infrared graphical index on an outer surface of the filter cartridge. An infrared camera is configured for capturing an image of the infrared graphical index on the outer surface of the filter cartridge. A controller is configured for comparing the image of the infrared graphical index on the outer surface of the filter cartridge to a reference image and for determining that the filter cartridge is leaking when a difference between the image of the infrared graphical index on the outer surface of the filter cartridge and the reference image is greater than a threshold difference.

Abstract: A fuel filter has a separating device separating, from a medium flow comprising a first medium and a second medium, the first medium as a separated first medium contaminated with the second medium. The fuel filter has a cleaning device receiving a proportion of the second medium contained in the separated first medium. The cleaning device is arranged upstream of a discharge opening for discharging the first medium from the fuel filter. The cleaning device is provided with an absorbent/adsorbent cleaning material. The cleaning material contains or is made of an organoclay as an active component. The organoclay is a bulk material, wherein at least 50 wt. % of the organoclay has an average particle diameter of greater than 50 ?m and smaller than 1,000 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of woven filtration fabrics that include core-sheath spun yarns in either or both of the warp and weft directions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a filtration media with improved filtration, strength, tear resistance and air permeability in the form of a relatively thin and lightweight wet-laid fibrous web that has a wet Mullen ratio of 20% to 90% to ensure that the media is flexible enough to be formed into a fluted structure, and strong enough to retain the fluted structure when would into a roll and to permit further processing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a honeycomb filter for collecting fine particles that includes a wall portion formed from a base material containing ceria-zirconia composite oxide and an inorganic binder. The wall portion has a gas permeability coefficient of 1.0 ?m2 or greater and 3.0 ?m2 or less.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system that includes one or more layers, including a trapping layer and a reactive layer, connected to a frame. A method for fluid filtration that includes sorbing contaminants, trapping contaminants, and degrading contaminants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) and to a method for detecting filter soiling of a filter system consisting of at least an air filter (10) installed in an air duct (20) and an electrically controlled fan (30) for producing an air flow in the air duct (20), wherein the device (1) comprises at least a motor controller (40) for controlling the fan motor (31) by means of PWM control and an evaluating apparatus (50) for determining the actual rotational speed (ni) of the fan (30) in accordance with the actual degree of modulation (Ti) of the motor current for achieving the present rotational speed (ni), wherein, in the evaluating apparatus (50), setpoint value pairs (nsetpoint, Tsetpoint) for the setpoint rotational speed (nsetpoint) at a certain degree of modulation (Tsetpoint) are also stored, as well as a comparator (51) ins order to compare the actual value pairs (ni, Ti) with the setpoint value pairs (nsetpoint, Tsetpoint) and to obtain the degree of filter soiling of the air filter (10) therefrom.