Abstract: A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a sketching routine in a video game, wherein, in the sketching routine, a character controlled by a user produces a sketch of one or more features in the character's field of view. A computer-readable medium having such a computer program stored thereon is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an in-game advertising system may comprise a game that comprises one or more adaptable game environment elements and an advertising content system that is configured to store a plurality of advertising elements that can be inserted into the adaptable game environment elements during gameplay. The advertising content system may select which advertising element is inserted into a given adaptable game environment element based on criteria such as unique player information, a type of adaptable game environment element within the game itself, or a pre-defined content type.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining an abnormal game play. Operations stored in a computer program for processing the method include: computing a game play scene of a player using an abnormal game play determination model which includes one or more network functions; determining whether an abnormal pattern exists in the game play scene based on an output of the abnormal game play determination model; and determining whether a play of the player is abnormally performed based on whether an abnormal pattern exists in the game play scene.

Abstract: A block chain system allows mining for new valid values in a system such as a computer game or computer-based trading card system. Instead of each new value being added to the block chain being equivalent, each new value is one of a plurality of possible choices.

Abstract: An example information processing device chooses a subset of game objects as candidate game objects from among available game objects; selects a candidate game object as a selected game object according to the user's instruction; updating, when an update condition is satisfied, possession data in the memory so that the selected game object is set as a possessed game object possessed by the user; on a condition that the remaining time has been expired, replacing the candidate game object on the selection screen with a game object newly chosen from among the available game objects; and on at least one of a first condition that the candidate game object has been selected as a selected game object and a second condition that the update condition is satisfied, replacing the selected game object with a game object newly chosen from among the available game objects.

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

Abstract: Provided is a social game capable of, when a new group is created, allowing such a group to progress a game smoothly. A server device that provides a game, in which a plurality of players can participate, is connected to terminal devices operated by the players via a communication line, and comprises: an information storage unit; and a control unit. The information storage unit stores information on a first group, in which the players participate, and information on a second group, in which the players are supposed to participate; the control unit receives notification on acceptance of participation in the second group from the terminal devices, and when it is determined that the number of players in the second group reaches a certain number, stores the second group as a new first group at the information storage unit.

Abstract: A system for waterparks or other uses wherein the system combines an electric pump system that can draw water from a lake, a pool or the sea, and pump it through a hose system and sprinklers that can wet objects on or in the water such as a waterpark. It can be connected to floating platforms or other structures that can elevate the sprinklers off the water. The system features an inflatable platform that has an inflatable tower that allows a hose to extend from underwater, through the center of the tower, to a spray nozzle atop the tower that sprays water in any direction. The system can also be attached to any other waterpark structure with various fittings. This will allow a slow drip of water on some items so as to keep them slippery and wet.

Abstract: A spinning top toy includes a body, a shaft part. The body is arranged to collide with an opponent's spinning top toy, and the shaft part is arranged under the body to contact a play board surface. The shaft part includes a base component including a recessed part, a rotation component, a shaft body component, and a shaft. The rotation component is inserted into the recessed part of the base component. The shaft body component is configured in the rotation component. The shaft body component is movable in the vertical direction by rotating the rotation component. The shaft is configured in the shaft body component. The shaft includes a terminal end. The terminal end is retractable in the shaft body component by rotating the rotation component. A lower end of the shaft body component is always lower than a lower end of the rotating component in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A spinning top toy for spinning on a floor includes a body, an urging member, and a shaft mart. The body includes a first flange, a first sliding element, a main body forming an outer circumference of the body, and a chip being detachable attached to the many body, the first sliding element being configured in the chip. The shaft part is detachably attached to the body. The body includes a second flange and a second sliding element. The shaft extends in a vertical direction. The first flange and the second flange overlap in the vertical direction. The urging member urges the body away from the shaft part. The shaft part is configured to be detached from the body by relative rotation with respect to the shaft part. The first and second sliding elements abut each other in the vertical direction to provide friction against the relative rotation.

Abstract: A spinning top toy includes a body and a shaft part. The body includes a first flange and a first sliding element. The shaft part is detachably attached to the body. The shaft part includes a second flange, a pressing member, a second sliding element, an urging member urging the pressing member upwardly towards the body, and a grounding part. The urging member urges the pressing member away from the grounding part. The first flange and the second flange overlap in the vertical direction. The shaft part is configured to be detached from the body by relative rotation with respect to the shaft part.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.

Abstract: A ride-on vehicle has a vehicle body, a plurality of wheels, at least one passenger seat, a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a rear panel, first and second crossing legs and a spare tire. The rear panel has a table top section and a base support, the table top section having a table top surface and a bottom surface. The rear panel can be positioned in a driving mode position and a stationary mode position, with the table top surface positioned against the passenger seat when in the driving mode position, and the table top surface is positioned horizontally when in the stationary mode position. The crossing legs and the spare tire can be secured against the bottom of the rear panel when the rear panel is in the driving mode position, and the crossing legs and spare tire can be assembled into a portable stool when removed from the rear panel, with the crossing legs intertwined and the spare tire removably secured on top of the crossing legs.

Abstract: A passive solar water distiller is an apparatus that utilizes sunlight to maximize the output of clean water with increased surface area for evaporation and condensation and effective means to retain and store heat. The apparatus includes a retaining basin, a plurality of evacuated tubes, a vapor-enhancing system, a plurality of transparent condensing covers, and a gutter system. The retaining basin houses contaminated water. The plurality of evacuated tubes heats the contaminated water within the retaining basin with solar energy. The vapor-enhancing system facilitates the vaporization of the contaminated water, leaving the contaminants within the retaining basin. The vapor-enhancing system also stores heat so that the apparatus is able to release heat and operate during nighttime hours or while there is a lack of direct sunlight. The plurality of transparent condensing covers increases the surface area for condensate of clean water to drip into the gutter system for collection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous crystallization method under control of the multistage membrane modules, and belongs to the technical field of crystallization engineering. A crystallization solution is added to a crystallizer, and a stirring apparatus and a temperature control apparatus are started. After the system running stability, the loop of crystallization is started. Meanwhile, the coolant or antisolvent feed liquid loop is also started. The crystallization solution can respectively conduct crystal nucleation, growth and ripening in the multistage membrane modules, and then the crystallization solution is transported into a filter device and a drying apparatus to obtain the final crystal products. The desired crystal products can be obtained by the systematical control of the nucleation and crystal growth through the flow and the temperature of the crystallization solution, coolant or antisolvent feed liquid, and the contact time between two liquid phases.

Abstract: A chromatographic cassette includes a cassette including a chamber, chromatographic media disposed within the cassette chamber, a distribution network fluidly coupled to the chromatographic media and an inlet port and an outlet port coupled to the distribution network. A hyper-productive chromatography technique includes providing a scalable and stackable chromatographic cassette, loading a sample to be processed, operating the scalable chromatographic cassette having an adsorptive chromatographic bed having a volume greater than 0.5 liter by establishing a flow at a linear velocity greater than 500 cm/hr with a residence time of the loading step of less than one minute.

Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.

Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.

Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.

Abstract: A separation system for separating the components of a multi-phase fluid includes at least three tanks coupled together in series, with each tank enclosing a column of multi-phase fluid and having a tubular center riser that is divided into a distribution section and a gathering section, and with each center riser being configured to established a fluid circulation pattern having a radially-outward travel first leg, a vertical travel second leg, and a radially-inward travel third leg within the corresponding column of multi-phase fluid that is configured to separate at least one of a gas component, an oil component, and a particulate matter component from a water component of the multi-phase fluid, and with the height of the columns of multi-phase fluid in the first tank and the second tank being substantially equal to each other and determined by the height of a pour-over opening in the center riser of the third tank.

Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure provide a liquid treatment apparatus. The liquid treatment apparatus comprises: a housing which is of a cylindrical shape and comprises an accommodating space; an inlet for a liquid to flow into the accommodating space; an outlet for the liquid to flow out of the accommodating space; a treatment medium used for treating the liquid contacting the treatment medium; and a spiral flow-guiding device making the liquid in the accommodating space flow in a spiral direction around an axis of the cylindrical shape at least before contacting the treatment medium or in contacting the treatment medium. An advantage of this disclosure exists in by making the liquid in the liquid treatment apparatus flow in a spiral direction before contacting the treatment medium, natural energy in the liquid is increased, thereby improving a capability of the treatment medium in treating the liquid.

Abstract: Devices and methods associated therewith for facilitating movement, removal and/or installation of components from treatment units (e.g., water treatment units and wastewater treatment units). The treatment unit can take the form of a granular media filter (e.g., upflow filter, downflow filter or bi-flow filter) or a sludge collection basin. One preferred device is one or more floats facilitating safe removal of components of a treatment unit. The float(s) can be operably associated with an air scour system of a water filter to remove the air scour system from a granular media filter bed. The float(s) can be operably associated with a collection grid of a sludge collection container facilitating safe removal of the collection grid from the sludge collection container. Another preferred device is a flexible piping/conduit operably connected to a pressurized air source and an air scour system to assist in removal/installation of the air scour system.

Abstract: A water filter assembly for filtering water, adapted to be coupled to piping of a piped water system, the water filter apparatus comprising: a housing having first and second housing ends, the housing having an inlet and an outlet located at the first housing end, the second housing end having an opening, the housing being for removably receiving a filter element assembly through the opening in the second housing end, and a housing bottom cover releasably mountable over the opening in the second housing end. Preferably the assembly further comprises a filter head adapted to be coupled to piping of a piped water system and means for removably securing the first housing end to the filter head. Preferably the housing bottom cover is adapted to be secured to the housing via an interference fit.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a cylindrical filter housing, a filter element housing plate positioned between a high pressure and a low pressure side of the filter housing, the filter element housing plate having a plurality of one female cavities, and a plurality of replaceable filter elements within the filter housing. Each replaceable filter element has an endcap with an external rounded polygon shaped sealing surface engaging peripheral surfaces of an associated female cavity of the filter element housing plate and sealing against peripheral surfaces of the female cavity of the filter element housing plate.

Abstract: A key structure includes a main body and a resilient arm. The main body extends along a horizontal direction and includes a combining portion for combination with a filter cartridge. The resilient arm is connected to the main body and extends along a vertical direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal direction downwardly. An engaging hook is formed on an end of the resilient arm for engaging with a positioning recess on the cylinder. Therefore, the filter cartridge can be installed on the cylinder easily by engagement of the engaging hook and the positioning recess.

Abstract: A filter assembly with an authenticating filter element coupling, formed of the combination of a keyed bushing and locking guide, and replaceable drop-in twist locking filter element therefor. The keyed bushing is coupled a housing of the filter assembly and provides an authenticating mechanism for a replaceable filter element suited for the specific housing wherein the keyed bushing forms ½ of the authenticating coupling for the filter assembly. The locking guide is coupled to an endcap of a filter element and has a sleeve with slots in an end thereof that match keys of the associated keyed bushing on a filter housing. The locking guide forms ½ of the authenticating coupling for the filter assembly.

Abstract: An improved filter apparatus for a cryogenic fluid includes a filter and a support. The filter includes a mesh having an internal space and an open end. The support is associated with the mesh for maintaining a volume of the internal space above a predetermined value. In operation cryogenic fluid enters the internal space through the mesh and exits the open end thereof.

Abstract: A water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a housing accommodating components for generating cold water and/or hot water; a water cock which protrudes from a front surface of the housing, the water cock being configured to discharge the cold water or the hot water; a control panel which is provided so as to input a command for discharging the cold water or the hot water; a sterilization module which is detachably mounted on the water cock, the sterilization module being configured to emit ultraviolet rays for sterilizing the inside of the water cock; and a fastening part which is formed on the water cock and the sterilization module, respectively, so that the sterilization module can be attached to and detached from the water cock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite filler media. The composite filter media is formed from multiple layers of media material including a nanofiber media layer, where the layers are laminated, bound, or otherwise composited to each other. The composite filter media can comprise at least one nanofiber layer comprising polymeric media material having a geometric mean fiber diameter of about 100 nm to 1 ?m, and fibers configured in a gradient such that ratio of the geometric mean diameter of fibers at the upstream face of the nano fiber layer to the geometric mean diameter of fibers at the downstream face of the nano fiber layer is about 1.1 to 2.8, preferably about 1.2 to 2.4.

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

Abstract: The pocket channel frame provides a means for attaching the distal ends of a pocket frame without the need of any tools. The pocket channel frame is formed from a longitudinal member having an elongated “C” shaped cross section. One end comprises is a flared out female end with a rectangular slot or 5 hole in it. The opposing distal end of the longitudinal having a C shaped cross section is swaged down into a projecting male end including a lance punched in the web. When the male end is swaged, an edge is created in the transition area from male to female which acts as a stop means for cooperatively engaging the female receiving distal end and sets the length of a short side of the pocket channel frame. During assembly, the lance snaps into the hole cooperatively engaging the slot on the 10 female side preventing the channel frame from coming back apart.

Abstract: A valve filter used for inflatable having infill inside. The valve filter has a filter body to stop the infill from escaping from the inflatable, and a patching sleeve to be attached on the inflatable or air valve of the inflatable.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an air processing module and an air conditioner. The air processing module includes a housing and an air processing assembly. The housing includes a base plate and a coaming formed by a periphery of the base plate extending upwardly, the coaming comprises an air inlet. The air processing assembly is mounted in the housing. The air processing assembly includes a filter canister, a support plate, and a mounting board, the filter canister is detachably mounted to the support plate, the support plate is rotatably mounted to the mounting board, the mounting board is slidably mounted in the housing along the inside and the outside of the air inlet.

Abstract: An air filter media construction or arrangement is disclosed. The air filter media construction or arrangement includes facing media secured to fluted media. A preferred projection/receiver arrangement is described. Also, a useful seal arrangement is described. Air cleaner assemblies, methods of assembly and use are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for metal-organic materials (MOMs), systems that exhibit permanent porosity and using hydrophobic MOMs to separate components in a gas, methods of separating CO2 from a gas, and the like.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for an integrated, dual-chamber, gas separator-receiver. The integrated, dual-chamber, gas separator-receiver can comprise a first and second column, which is integrated, and plumbed together. A source gas can be input through an inlet in the first column, and a target gas, separated from the source gas, can be output through an outlet in the second column. The first column can contain agents that dry the source gas, and separate the target gas from the source gas. The source gas can then be fed into the second column, where it is stored under pressure, at least until needed by some target operation that utilizes the target gas.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing and using a self-supporting structure in processing unit for adsorption or catalytic processes. The self-supporting structure has greater than 50% by weight of the active material in the self-supporting structure to provide a foam-geometry structure providing access to the active material. The self-supporting structures, which may be disposed in a processing unit, may be used in swing adsorption processes and other processes to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device configured to provide three-way switching or switching between three or more inputs or outputs. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to one or more switching valves to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a method of capturing chemical species from a fluid composition comprising providing a metal-organic framework characterized by the formula MaMbF5(O/H2O)(pyrazine)2.x(solv), wherein Ma is Ni2+; Mb is Nb5+, Al3+, or Fe3+; x is from 0 to 10 and solv is one or more of H2O, CO2, DMF, EtOH, NMP, MeOH; contacting the metal-organic framework with a fluid composition including H2O, CO2, and one or more other chemical species; and capturing H2O and CO2 simultaneously from the fluid composition.

Abstract: A reclaiming apparatus includes: a container in which a reclaiming process of an absorption liquid is performed; an absorption liquid supply line for supplying the container with the absorption liquid; a heat exchange device, installed inside the container, for heating a liquid inside the container; a circulation line for extracting the liquid inside the container, circulating the liquid and returning the liquid to the container; and a circulation pump installed in the circulation line.

Abstract: A reclaiming apparatus includes: a container in which reclaiming process of an absorption liquid is performed; a waste liquid line configured through which a waste liquid from the container flows; a waste liquid cooler, installed in the waste liquid line, for cooling the waste liquid from the container; and a cleaning-water supply line for supplying the waste liquid cooler with cleaning water for cleaning the waste liquid cooler.

Abstract: A reclaiming apparatus includes: a container; an absorption-liquid supply line for supplying the container with an absorption liquid containing an absorption agent; a water supply line for supplying the container with a water; a steam discharge line for discharging steam from the container; a heating device for heating a liquid containing at least one of the water or the absorption liquid; and a control device configured to determine, on the basis of a temperature of the liquid stored in the container, an ending timing of an absorption-agent recovery process of recovering steam containing the absorption agent via the steam discharge line by heating of the liquid with the heating device.

Abstract: An absorption liquid regeneration apparatus includes: a regeneration tower for regenerating a CO2 absorption liquid; a reflux water drum configured to separate released gas from the regeneration tower into CO2 gas and condensed water, and return the condensed water to the regeneration tower; and a cleaning part installed in a gas-phase part of the reflux water drum or in a CO2 flow passage through which the CO2 gas having flowed from the gas-phase part flows, and configured to remove a CO2 absorption agent contained in the CO2 gas by using a cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid has a lower concentration of the CO2 absorption agent than the condensed water stored in a liquid-phase part of the reflux water drum.

Abstract: A CO2 recovery apparatus includes: an absorption tower configured to remove CO2 in an exhaust gas by contacting with a CO2 absorption liquid containing an absorption agent; a regeneration tower for regenerating the CO2 absorption liquid from the absorption tower; a reflux water drum for separating CO2 gas released from the regeneration tower into CO2 gas and condensed water; a first cleaning device installed in a gas-phase part of the regeneration tower and configured to remove the absorption agent contained in the CO2 gas flowing through the gas-phase part, by using a first cleaning liquid containing at least the condensed water from the reflux water drum or a water obtained from the condensed water; and a control device configured to adjust a supply amount of the first cleaning liquid to the first cleaning device so that a concentration of the absorption agent in the condensed water is maintained to be not greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Provided is a method for separating ammonia gas using zeolite membrane having excellent separation stability at a high temperature capable of separating ammonia gas from a mixed gas composed of multiple components including ammonia gas, hydrogen gas, and nitrogen gas to the permeation side with high selectivity and high permeability. Also provided is a method for separating ammonia by selectively permeating ammonia gas from a mixed gas containing at least ammonia gas, hydrogen gas, and nitrogen gas using a zeolite membrane, wherein the ammonia gas concentration in the mixed gas is 1.0% by volume or more.

Abstract: Mixed adsorbent/desiccant beds comprising in some embodiments from about 20 vol % (volume percent) to about 90 vol % of one or more adsorbents and from about 10 vol % to about 80 vol % of one or more desiccants, based on the total volume of the adsorbent/desiccant mixture, prevent water reflux during thermal regeneration of adsorption beds in gas processing plants and methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated set of equipment and a process for treating and refining highly contaminated biogas for the purpose of producing biomethane and to the supply thereof in small volumes of up to 10 m3/h to vehicles, such that the refining unit produces small quantities of biomethane per day to supply motor vehicles operating on the same premises as those where the biogas is produced, such as rural properties and small effluent treatment stations. The unit for refining biogas and supplying biomethane, referred to herein as a “biomethane microstation”, is an innovative technological concept wherein the microstation comprises the generation of the fuel and the distribution thereof for consumption on the same premises, using a compact biogas refining unit.

Abstract: Filter media and filters for the sequestration of carbon dioxide are disclosed. The carbon dioxide sequestering filter media incorporate silicate minerals, and the carbon dioxide sequestering filters incorporate carbon dioxide sequestering filter media. Filters using only carbon dioxide sequestering media and filters combining carbon dioxide sequestering media with traditional air filter media are disclosed. The carbon dioxide sequestering filters may be used instead of traditional air filters in residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Abstract: A sorbent composition that is useful for injection into a flue gas stream of a coal burning furnace to efficiently remove mercury from the flue gas stream. The sorbent composition may include a sorbent with an associated ancillary catalyst component that is a catalytic metal, a precursor to a catalytic metal, a catalytic metal compound or a precursor to a catalytic metal compound. Alternatively, a catalytic metal or metal compound, or their precursors, may be admixed with the coal feedstock prior to or during combustion in the furnace, or may be independently injected into a flue gas stream. A catalytic promoter may also be used to enhance the performance of the catalytic metal or metal compound.