Abstract: A device is provided for receiving projectiles and creating a pattern. The device includes a plurality of hoops arranged in parallel and configured to receive the projectiles. A two-dimensional grid could be provided—across a plurality of channels of the device, or on a display of the device—in order to display the projectiles received by the plurality of hoops. In some examples, projectiles may be received by a plurality of channels, and the pattern is created within the channels and is viewable through apertures across the channels. In other examples, sensors may be used to determine when a projectile has passed through one of the hoops, and indicators may be displayed in corresponding vertical columns of a two-dimensional grid on a display.

Abstract: An operation information measurement apparatus having a detection unit that detects information corresponding to a motion of a user includes: an operation information measurement unit that measures operation information of a user based on the information detected by the detection unit; a communication unit for performing near-field wireless communication with another apparatus; and a control unit that judges whether or not a first operation based on the detection information detected at a certain time by the detection unit of the operation information measurement apparatus matches a second operation based on detection information of a detection unit received from the other apparatus via the communication unit in a period from the certain time to a time when an amount of time corresponding to a first threshold elapses, and based on the result of that judgment, the control unit determines whether or not to output a command signal to the control unit.

Abstract: A removable joystick for use with a video game controller includes a base shaft that is coupled to a joystick unit in the housing of the video game controller so that the proximal end of the base shaft extends to a location at or below an outer surface of the housing. A top shaft assembly is removably coupleable to the base shaft via a quick disconnect assembly. The top shaft assembly includes a top shaft with a proximal end that removably couples to a joystick ball, and a collar that is spring loaded and movably coupled to the top shaft and has a flange that extends outward from the outer surface of the collar. When the top shaft assembly is disconnected from the base shaft, the flange of the collar engages and retains a dust cover disposed over the collar to inhibit misplacement or loss of the dust cover.

Abstract: A method to allow participation with multiple other players in a virtual reality (VR) board game includes steps of generating a board game scenario after a player with a mobile terminal logs in to a server and sending the VR scenario to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal can transmit first and second signals, the first signal defining movement and track of a player piece being moved, and the second signal defining verbal expressions or commands by the player to trigger a preset event in the game. The first and second signals are analyzed and the player pieces in the VR scenario are moved accordingly. The method and system can also determine at least one player piece in the scenario that matches a condition for triggering a preset event or move in the VR game and make suggestions to the player accordingly.

Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) system allows for providing AR in video games. The disclosed AR system allows for layering AR content on top of the built-in features of video games to provide a unique “in-game” AR experience for gamers. A remote computing system provides a central data warehouse for AR content and related data that may be accessed by select client machines to render augmented frames with AR content during execution of video games. The AR content may be spatially-relevant AR content that is rendered at appropriate locations within a game world. The AR content may be event specific such that the AR content is added in response to game-related events. The disclosed AR system allows for adding multiplayer aspects to otherwise single player games, and/or sharing of AR content in real-time to provide augmentative features such as spectating, mixing of game worlds, and/or teleportation through AR objects.

Abstract: A tactile feedback system for use with a virtual reality system comprises a support structure and tactile feedback units coupled to and spaced apart around the support structure. A microcontroller is coupled to the tactile feedback units to independently control their activation. The microcontroller has a communication interface configured to communicate with the virtual reality system to receive control signals for controlling operation of the tactile feedback units. The microcontroller activates the tactile feedback units in response to control signals received from the virtual reality system to indicate aspects of the virtual reality experience. In another aspect, a haptic gun for use with a virtual reality system has tactile feedback units and a linear actuator for simulating a recoil of firing the gun. In another aspect a video game system provides a single game play instance for multiple clients utilizing different game platforms.

Abstract: A user input device includes a housing, a user input element adapted to be operated by a user and configured to send a signal to a processor when operated by the user, and an actuator coupled to the user input element. The actuator is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and output a haptic effect to the user input element in response to the control signal from the processor. A vibration isolation barrier is disposed between the user input element and the housing, wherein the vibration isolation barrier substantially mechanically isolates the user input element from the housing. The user input element may be a joystick, button, or trigger.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure a system for providing feedback in response to a video game is provided. The system includes: a game controller configured to receive signal(s) from a video game indicating first and second feedback response(s) and a vest configured to provide feedback in response to receiving a communication from the game controller. The game controller includes a first and a second transmitter configured to transmit a first and a second signal indicating the first and second feedback response, respectively. The vest includes: a first and a second receiver configured to receive the first and second signal from the first and second transmitter, a first feedback and second device that provides feedback in response to the first and second signal, the first and second feedback device being disposed on a first and second portion of the vest, respectively.

Abstract: A non-limiting example of a first information processing apparatus controls a first object in a virtual space according to an input by a user of the first information processing apparatus, and sends object information about the first object to a second information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus receives the object information from the first information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus controls a second object in the virtual space according to an input by a user of the second information processing apparatus, and controls the first object on the basis of the object information. The second information processing apparatus causes a display device to display an image containing at least the first object. The second information processing apparatus, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, skips a portion of an action that is performed by the first object on the basis of the object information.

Abstract: Data processing method and apparatus for a network system are provided. The method includes collecting, by a recording module at a socket interface of a front apparatus of the network system, data packets transmitted between the front apparatus and a server, sequentially recording the collected data packets in a binary file in chronological order, and saving the binary file; and disconnecting, by a playback module, transmission communication between the front apparatus and the server, sequentially parsing the data packets in the binary file in chronological order, and sending the data packets to an upper-layer logic processing module of the front apparatus without using the socket interface. The present disclosure can implement a demonstration (Demo) technology of a network system in a simple processing manner, thereby reducing system complexity and storage space occupied, and improving universality.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a system for playing a video game is provided that includes (1) one or more sensors adapted to monitor one or more biometric parameters of a user and communicate the one or more monitored biometric parameters (MBPs); (2) a computing device adapted to communicate with the one or more sensors and to receive the one or more communicated MBPs; and (3) a video game having an avatar adapted to move an object on an incline, the video game adapted to execute on the computing device. The video game is adapted to control the avatar to perform an action in the video game based in part on the received one or more communicated MBPs. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for unlocking in-game content for a video game application. In one embodiment, the video game application may be operated by a user that is concurrently viewing media content. The video game application captures an audio signal from the concurrently-playing media content, performs content recognition on the captured audio signal, and determines whether to unlock one or more portions of in-game content based on the identified media content.

Abstract: A method of controlling a virtual camera comprising displaying, when a device is in a first orientation, a view of a scene on the device. A location in the scene is determined while the device is in the first orientation, based on user input detected on the device. Controls for the virtual camera on the device are configured to control the virtual camera in response to detecting that an orientation of the device has changed from the first orientation to a second orientation, the configuration of the controls being based on the determined location. Commands for the configured controls are received to control the virtual camera.

Abstract: In an example of a system, in a virtual space, a player camera that follows each player in a multiplay game, a bird's-eye camera that views the virtual space from a bird's-eye view, and an object camera that follows a predetermined object are set. A watcher watches the game by switching the player camera, the bird's-eye camera, and the object camera. In accordance with an operation of the watcher, the bird's-eye camera moves in the virtual space, and a height of the bird's-eye camera is determined in advance in accordance with a position. When virtual cameras are switched by the watcher, a game image from the virtual cameras during the switching is displayed.

Abstract: A system is configured to implement a graphical overlay in a streaming game based on a current game state. Game data generated by a video game is received including game video in the form of a video stream containing game video frames. The game video is displayed on a display screen of a computing device to represent the video game to a user playing the video game at the computing device. At least one feature of the video game is identified at least in the game data. A user interface (UI) control configuration associated with the identified at least one feature is selected from among a plurality of UI control configurations for the video game and a graphical overlay corresponding to the selected UI control configuration is implemented on the video game in the display screen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing and utilizing multimedia-based analytics to generate predictions about game-play in computer-based games and contests. In an embodiment, a video feed analyzes one or more video feeds frame by frame to determine one or more features within each video frame. Each feature may be collected in a central data collector and converted to one or more metrics about each collected parameter or feature. These metrics may be used to analyze and predict various aspects of the underlying game or contest, such as probability of winning by one side or the other. Further, the predictive data and analytical data may be displayed on a display separate from actual gameplay or may be overlaid upon the game play video feed. In this manner, the overlay video may be synchronized with the original video feed to present predictive data in conjunction with the video data used to influence the predictive data at the time.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards providing video game gameplay incorporating nuanced character movements and context indicators. In a preferred embodiment, the context indicators include movement indicators programmed into a game world to dynamically interact with characters in order to provide real time information about character movements. The character movements and corresponding movement indicators are important to the combat and landscape navigation aspects of the gameplay design. By providing elements that make gameplay more challenging and engaging, the systems and methods described herein make video games more entertaining for players and profitable for game developers and publishers.

Abstract: An avatar or avatar environment to visualize data may be provided within a social networking system or service, for example as part of the Internet, and/or within a desktop widget, panel, gadget, or the like. The avatar may further evolve or alter its appearance, animation, or other visual or audio characteristics in response to the data or other input such as athletic activity performed by a corresponding user. In particular, the avatar of an embodiment may respond to and provide visualization of athletic or sport performance data.

Abstract: A game includes player characters in a virtual space. The game is progressed in accordance with game progress information, which is useable for generating a game screen. The game screen is configured to be displayed on a display device. An instruction for registering a player character, which is manipulated in the game by a first player, is received, and the player character of the first player is registered as a copy non-player character. The copy non-player character is configured to be manipulated in the game by a second player. The game progress information is updated, and data of the player character of the first player is updated in accordance with a manipulation of the copy non-player character by the second player during a period in which the first player is in an off-line state.

Abstract: A data collection apparatus (10) includes: a template distribution unit (11) that distributes, to a quiz provider who provides a quiz composed of a plurality of descriptions of a topic, templates that are used in generation of the quiz and that each serve as a basis for a different one of the plurality of descriptions; a quiz distribution unit (12) that obtains the quiz that has been generated by the quiz provider using the templates, and distributes the obtained quiz to a respondent; a data analysis unit (13) that obtains a response from the respondent and applies statistical processing to the obtained response; and a template updating unit (14) that, based on a result of the statistical processing applied by the data analysis unit (13), updates the templates targeted for distribution by the template distribution unit.

Abstract: A fantasy sports visual simulation system providing an audiovisual experience that allows contest participants and spectators to view a videogame-like model of a virtual fantasy sports contest. These simulations can occur at any time between any two or more contest participants, like mini-contests within the context of a broader league. Once a league is formed and team rosters are created, numerical calculations are performed based on real-athlete statistics to determine a current “state” of performance for all virtual athletes in gameplay. This statistical analysis is the basis for assigning performance variables to each virtual athlete, which allows the system to calculate numerical point values based on the performance of each virtual athlete and team in this fantasy sports visual simulation system.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention providing a butterfly emulation by a structure including a body and attached wings that are folded, covered, and initially contained in cocoon-like structure, and the user participates in unfolding and establishment of an emerged butterfly. Moreover, the emerged and unfolded butterfly (or other phenomenon of nature) is movable in a life-like motion by the user. Further novel embodiments include different hard and soft covering or containing structures. Such containing structures may also include devices and systems to allow the amusement device to emulate natural phenomenon changes such as the emergence of the butterfly in response to cycles or conditions (e.g. light, sound and/or temperature) sensed from the environment surrounding the butterfly structure, and containing structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an information processing system. The system includes at least two toy battle devices and control devices corresponding to the toy battle devices. A first control device is configured to send attack information to a first toy battle device. The first toy battle device is configured to modulate the attack information into a laser signal, and emit the laser signal. A second toy battle device is configured to receive the laser signal by using a laser receiving component, and obtain the attack information by demodulating the laser signal by using a demodulation circuit; and send the attack information to a second control device; determine an attacked status of the second toy battle device according to the attack information; and send a feedback instruction to the second toy battle device, the feedback instruction indicating the attacked status of the second toy battle device.

Abstract: A self-propelled toy glider includes a flexible frame and a flight surface. The flexible frame may be deformed and held within the user's hand. When deformed, the flexible frame stores spring energy. This spring energy is subsequently used to propel the self-propelled toy glider forward as it returns to original shape.

Abstract: A geometric art toy (10) comprises a plurality of first toy members (312A) and a plurality of second toy members (312B). Each first toy member (312A) includes a plurality of first magnets (314A) that are oriented to exhibit a first polarity. Each second toy member (312B) includes a plurality of second magnets (314B) that are oriented to exhibit a second polarity that is substantially opposite to the first polarity. Each first toy member (312A) is movably coupled to another first toy member (312A) and one of the plurality of second toy members (312B). Each of the first toy members (312A) and the second toy members (312B) are formed in a shape of a tetrahedron. The first magnets (314A) and the second magnets (314B) enable the geometric art toy (10) to be alternatively and stably positioned in a first configuration and a second configuration that is different than the first configuration.

Abstract: Methods for recovering manganese etchant solutions are provided wherein a process solution used to rinse or neutralize a nonconductive substrate after etching the substrate is collected and evaporated to provide a concentrated process solution that is fed back into the manganese etchant solution or acid rinse.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an external mixing pressurized two-fluid nozzle for atomising a liquid by means of liquid pressure and gas, comprising an inner feed liquid pipe (1) extending axially between an upstream end and a downstream end, having a feed liquid conduit (2), a feed liquid inlet (3) positioned at the upstream end and a feed orifice (4) positioned at the downstream end, and a co-axial first gas pipe (5) extending radially outside the inner feed liquid pipe (1) and forming a first gas conduit (6) between the first gas pipe (5) and the inner feed liquid pipe (1), the first gas pipe (5) having a gas outlet slit (7) positioned at the downstream end. Said external mixing two-fluid nozzle provides a swirling motion of the gas, which combined with a pressurized feed liquid enables the production of spray dried powder at industrially applicable capacities with low energy consumption and a small particle size.

Abstract: A low-temperature distillation facility for distilling a mixed fluid into a pure fluid. An aggregation device has an inlet connected to the vapour space of a supercooling chamber, wherein captured mixed fluid from an evaporator enters the supercooling chamber. The aggregation device's outlet is connected to the vapour space of a superheating chamber, wherein captured pure fluid from a condenser can be sprayed into the superheating chamber. An energy source cools the temperature in the supercooling chamber and heats the temperature in the superheating chamber. A heat exchanger is arranged between the exits of the supercooling chamber and of the superheating chamber. During the process, vapour flows from the supercooling chamber via the aggregation device to the superheating chamber.

Abstract: A process for producing THC-O-acetate using a succession of distillation, salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extractions (SALLEs), and solvent recovery techniques. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis oil reacts with acetic anhydride under reflux to produce THC-O-acetate and acetic acid. The resulting crude product is distilled and subjected to a SALLE with hexane followed by a SALLE with petroleum ether, before being distilled again in order to obtain a refined, THC-O-acetate product.

Abstract: Provided is a packed column capable of achieving sufficiently high distillation performance even with the height of its gas-liquid contactors reduced. The packed column is a packed column which includes a gas-liquid contactor 17, 18 inside a tubular body 16 and a liquid distributor 19 in the upper most portion and causes descending liquid and ascending gas to contact each other in the gas-liquid contactor. The operation pressure is in the range of 200 to 1500 kPaG. The relative volatility is in the range of 1.9 to 3.1. The gas-liquid contactor is vertically divided into at least two parts. A gas disperser 20 is provided at at least one position between a lower one of the gas-liquid contactors and an upper one of the gas-liquid contactors, the gas disperser uniformly dispersing the composition of the ascending gas rising from the lower gas-liquid contactor toward the upper gas-liquid contactor.

Abstract: A distillation head of embodiments of the disclosed technology has a vertical tube which extends to and partially through a fraction collector. The vertical tube is mostly filled with a distillation key which is attached to a top side of the fraction collector and extends downwards through the vertical tube without coming into contact with same. A class housing or shell surrounds the vertical tube, which in turn, surrounds the distillation key or, at least a majority of each while the vertical tube extends past an area circumscribed by the shell and the distillation key extends past an area circumscribed by the vertical tube in some embodiments of the disclosed technology.

Abstract: A distillation device comprising a column for separating a feed stream into a head product stream, a bottom product stream and optionally one or more side extraction streams, having three or more cells in 5 series through which fluid flows, wherein at least the first cell is integrated into the bottom of the column, for multi-stage heating and partial evaporation of the liquid flowing through the cells with the exception of the liquid from the last cell in an evaporation stage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular distillation system incorporating a removable capsule for containing source material for extraction. Through the action of the invention, the steam distillation process described herein produces a substantially larger amount of volatile oil than a distillation system that does not use an enclosed, modular system. The present invention provides for an apparatus that allows for greater contact between the steam and plant matter during the distillation process through the use of a closed removable capsule containing relatively small amount of plant matter. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a system that allows the generation of higher quality distillate and considerably higher quantity of volatile oil extracts by forcing the steam to evenly disperse through a removable capsule, and by preventing the condensed liquid to return back to the boiling water within the vessel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to luterion, which is a mitochondrial-like micro-material, and separating and culturing methods for same and, more particularly, to a method for separating luterion by means of a filter having a pore of a particular size, luterion which is separated by means of the method thereof and has unique properties, and a culturing method for proliferation of the luterion.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of adjusting the composition of a chromatography product to achieve a target enriched proportion of a desired component from an input feed having a lower proportion of the desired component using simulated moving bed (“SMB”) chromatography wherein the eluent for the SMB apparatus may comprise the very input feed being enriched. The method is exemplified by enriching a high fructose corn syrup from a 42% fructose syrup to a 55% fructose syrup without substantially reducing the dissolved solids concentration of the 55% syrup relative to the input 42% syrup. The 42% syrup is also used as the eluent for the SMB apparatus and may be reconstituted from the raffinate stream by passing the raffinate stream over a glucose isomerase column alone or in combination with a dextrose feed. The method reduces water usage and saves energy by minimizing the need for evaporation to obtain a 55% fructose syrup with a high dissolved solids content.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for treating a feed stream for a flotation device comprising a mechanical agitator in a tank, the feed stream comprising solid particles. The method comprises generating microbubbles in a diluation water stream, mixing the diluation water stream with the feed stream to facilitate attachment of the microbubbles to the solid particles in the feed stream and generate bubbles for attachment to microbubble-attached solid particles, and fluidly connecting the feed stream to the flotation device. The apparatus comprises a feed stream conduit fluidly connected to the flotation device, a diluation water stream conduit fluidly connected to the feed stream conduit for conveying the diluation water stream to the feed stream, and a microbubble generator connected to the diluation water stream conduit for generating microbubbles in the fluid stream.

Abstract: A method of separating carbon nanotubes by electronic type includes centrifuging a carbon nanotube composition in contact with a first fluid medium comprising a first density gradient; and separating the carbon nanotube composition into two or more separation fractions. The carbon nanotube composition comprises two or more non-ionic amphiphilic surface active components and a carbon nanotube population comprising double-walled carbon nanotubes having a semiconducting outer wall (s-DWCNTs), and double-walled carbon nanotubes having a metallic outer wall (m-DWCNTs). The two or more separation fractions comprise a first separation fraction comprising a carbon nanotube subpopulation comprising a higher percentage of s-DWCNTs than the carbon nanotube population, and a second separation fraction comprising a carbon nanotube subpopulation comprising a higher percentage of m-DWCNTs than the carbon nanotube population.

Abstract: A fluid separator includes a body, an inlet, a first outlet and/or a second outlet. The first outlet may include a vortex finder that may have a convergent-divergent configuration. The second outlet may include or may be connected to a pressure relief valve. At least a portion of the pressure relief valve may be disposed in the vortex finder. The pressure relief valve may be disposed entirely outside of the vortex finder. The vortex finder may include a divergent section and a convergent section. In embodiments, the divergent section may be at least twice as long as the convergent section, a taper angle of the convergent section may be at least twice as large as a taper angle of the divergent section, and/or an axial length of a portion of the vortex finder extending into the body may be at least 1.5 times a diameter of the inlet.

Abstract: A filter frame, a filter cartridge, and an assembling method of the filter cartridge are provided. The method has the following steps. A filter core and a filter frame are prepared. The filter frame has a glue-cutting segment. Glue is coated around an outer wall of the filter core, and then the filter frame, which is mounted around the filter core, is pushed toward the glue to make the glue-cutting segment press the glue until the glue is cut into two parts. The inner glue part disposed between the filter core and the filter frame seals the filter cartridge. The outer glue part is disposed on an outer side of the filter frame, and is superfluous and removed. The glue-coating is combined with the mounting of the filter frame, thereby saving time and effort.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes first and second media packs with a support core in between. The support core includes a first ring at one end and, optionally, second ring at an opposite end. In some arrangements, at least a first member and second member extend from the first ring while being engagement-free to each other. In some arrangements, no more than a first member extends from the first ring, while being engagement-free relative to itself.

Abstract: A sock or bag-type liquid filtering device for use in filtering liquids such as water to remove debris includes a sock or bag of disposable filter material having a rim releasably secured to a two part filter holder. In one embodiment, the holder is designed to engage in an opening of a fish tank filter plate with the filter bag extending through the opening. A first holder part or flanged ring engages inside the rim of the bag and a second holder part or retainer ring engages over the flanged ring and bag rim. In one example the retainer ring is designed for snap engagement over the flanged ring with gripping formations on at least one of the parts, and the bag rim is gripped between the rings.

Abstract: A transmission filter includes a baffle with a valve. The baffle defines front and rear openings. When a vehicle climbs or descends a hill, the valve moves in response to the weight of fluid on a higher side of the baffle. The valve prevents flow from the higher of the front and rear openings preventing air ingestion into the filter.

Abstract: A filtration filter device that enables an object filtered and left on a filtration filter to be more readily observed is provided. The filtration filter device includes a filtration filter that filters an object contained in a fluid, a holding member that holds an outer circumferential portion of the filtration filter, and a tubular member that is removably mounted on the holding member such that a hollow portion that serves as a channel through which the fluid flows faces at least a part of a main surface of the filtration filter.

Abstract: A separator for a separator device, for example a final separator for a final separator device for separating water from a liquid such as oil and/or fuel, may include a filter body including at least one filter material through which the liquid can flow. The filter body may have a first side and a second side. A nanofibre layer may be disposed on the first side in at least one region. The nanofibre layer may be configured hydrophobic. According to an implementation, the nanofibre layer is treated to produce the hydrophobic property. The filter body may have a porosity on the first side that is smaller than on the second side.

Abstract: In an oil separator that separates mist oil contained in target gas from the gas, the present disclosure is aimed to easily mount the oil separator to various targets and to increase its versatility. An oil separator according to the present disclosure includes: a nozzle that injects oil from an injection hole to rotate a spindle around an axis; a housing having a gas communicating portion and an oil communicating portion on its bottom; and a joint member that is removably mounted to the housing, and that includes a gas introducing portion and an oil discharge portion, the gas introducing portion introducing blow-by gas and transferring the gas to the gas communicating portion, the oil discharge portion receiving oil from the oil communicating portion and discharging the oil to outside.

Abstract: An exhaust gas filter purifies exhaust gas containing particulate matter emitted from an engine. The filter has cell walls and cells surrounded by the cell walls. Through pores formed in the cell walls, adjacent cells are communicated. The cells have open cells opening along an axial direction of the filter, and plugged cells. An upstream end part of the plugged cell is plugged by a plug member. On a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, a flow-passage sectional area of the plugged cells is larger than a flow-passage sectional area of the open cells. A total length of the filter is not less than a first standard value and is not more than a critical length Lm determined by respective predetermined equations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for customizing a removable filter in an air purifier. The removable filter may comprise multiple filter types, and the combination and characteristics of the filter types can be varied based on air-quality requirements. In some instances, the composition of a new filter can be determined based on data obtained from analysis of used filters. Additionally, filters can be personalized based on an individual user's health data, geographic location, and regional and local air-quality characteristics.

Abstract: A flat filter element for filtering a fluid may include a filter body made up of a folded filter material. The filter element may also include a circumferential edge and a side edge running in a circumferential direction along the circumferential edge. The side edge may have at least one strip portion, running along the side edge, with a side strip that may be separate from the filter body and arranged on the filter body. The side edge may also have at least one adhesive portion running along the side edge for sealing the filter body. The at least one adhesive portion may be formed by gluing of least two folds, adjacent along the side edge, in a region of the side edge.

Abstract: A filtration media pack including a plurality of layers of filter media is disclosed. The media pack includes fluted sheets and a facing sheet, with a plurality of flutes extending between the fluted sheets and the facing sheets. In an embodiment, the fluted sheet includes a plurality of protrusions that contact the facing sheet.