Abstract: An optimized friend recommendation system is described. An active social network (ASN) of a player of an online game is determined based on a frequency of reciprocated communications between the player and friends of the player. The ASN of the player has friends of the player with a minimum number of closed-loop communications with the player within a predetermined duration. The social network of non-ASN friends outside the ASN of the player is identified. One or more non-ASN friends identified and suggested to socially engage with the player in an online game based on the social network of non-ASN friends of the player outside the ASN of the player are.

Abstract: After presentation target information for presenting information of a predetermined content to a user has been newly received from a predetermined server, a first notification that urges the user to check the newly-arrived presentation target information is displayed. Thereafter, while the presentation target information has not yet been checked, a second notification that urges the user to check the unchecked presentation target information is displayed periodically or according to a predetermined time schedule. The presentation target information is displayed when an operation to check the presentation target information is performed to the first notification or the second notification has been performed.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a light emitting diode (LED) array consisting of a plurality of LEDs. A controller individually controls each LED in the plurality of LEDs. A gaming app runs on a computing device that has a camera and display screen. The gaming app receives images from the camera. The image include an image of the LED array. The gaming app alters the image of the LED array to produce an altered image where one or more lit LEDs is replaced with a virtual object. The gaming app displays the altered image on the display screen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for generating an action selection policy for a software-implemented application that performs actions in an environment that includes an execution device supported by the application and one or more other devices. One method includes, for each action among possible actions in a state of the execution device in a current iteration, obtaining a regret value of the action in the state of the execution device in a previous iteration; and computing a parameterized regret value of the action in the state of the execution device in the previous iteration; determining a respective normalized regret value for each of the possible actions in the previous iteration; determining, from the normalized regret values, an action selection policy of the action in the state of the execution device; and controlling operations of the execution device according to the action selection policy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a program that causes an electronic device including a display unit and a processing unit to execute selecting, as candidate objects, objects related to game events from among objects to be rendered on the display unit; determining attention scores representing the degrees of attention that will be paid by a player to the individual selected candidate objects by determining weights relating to the occurrence of individual candidate events, which are events related to the candidate objects, on the basis of the candidate objects, an event or a sequence of events that occurred immediately before, and event history information; and determining resource allocation in the processing unit for rendering the individual candidate objects on the basis of the attention scores and depth distances of the candidate objects as viewed from the player.

Abstract: There is provided a game program causing a computer to realize a function of controlling progress of a game by imaging, with a virtual camera, a three-dimensional game space in which a plurality of objects including a player object are disposed, and displaying the game space on a display unit as a game image, the program causing the computer to execute a mode setting function of setting a display mode of a game image displayed on the display unit out of at least a normal mode and a scenery mode according to a predetermined condition, an imaging function of causing the virtual camera to perform imaging at a plurality of imaging positions in the game space in a case where the display mode is the scenery mode, and a display control function of displaying a game image captured by the virtual camera on the display unit.

Abstract: A virtual character controlling method and apparatus, an electronic device, and a storage medium are provided. The method includes: when detecting a first sliding operation on a shooting control, a virtual character is controlled to move according to the first sliding operation; when detecting a second sliding operation on an aiming area, an aiming direction of the virtual character is adjusted according to the second sliding operation; and when detecting the first sliding operation on the shooting control is ended, the virtual character is controlled to stop moving, and a shooting operation is performed toward a current aiming direction of the virtual control object.

Abstract: A method for controlling a scene sound effect and related products are disclosed. The method comprises: a monitoring service is enabled after electronic equipment is turned on; the electronic equipment monitors a newly created view in the electronic equipment by means of the monitoring service to determine whether there is the newly created view in the electronic equipment, a characteristic of the newly created view having a mapping relationship with an application in the electronic equipment; when the electronic equipment determines that there is the newly created view in the electronic equipment, the electronic equipment determines the application having the mapping relationship with the characteristic of the newly created view in the electronic equipment according to the mapping relationship; and the electronic equipment acquires a scene sound effect corresponding to the application and sets a sound effect of the electronic equipment as the scene sound effect.

Abstract: A system includes a display device, a memory storing 2-dimensional (2D) content and 3-dimensional (3D) game content associated with a content item, and a playback engine. The playback engine is configured to receive the 2D content, the 2D content including one or more reference identifiers (IDs), display the 2D content on the display device for a user and, during display of the 2D content, receive an indication of a transition event. The playback engine is also configured to determine a transition reference identifier (ID) from the one or more reference IDs, identify the 3D game content based on the transition reference ID, render a 3D game environment based on the 3D content, and transition the display device from the displaying the 2D content to providing the 3D game environment.

Abstract: A real world location information related video game. The video game utilizes real world location information derived from a player's mobile device to associate attributes and entities to game players. The associated attributes and entities may be useful in further game play on a player's mobile device or PC.

Abstract: Methods and systems to provide a user interface to access games available for a user account. Selection of a game for game play is detected at the user interface and, in response, a game play is initiated. Interactions provided by a user during game play are used to affect an outcome of the game. The interactions are analyzed to determine game behavior of the user. Behavior metrics are generated for different portions of the game, based on the user's game behavior. The behavior metrics for the user for the game are associated with a game icon of the game provided on the user interface, the association causes specific ones of the behavior metrics to be rendered for the different portions of the game during subsequent game play and are provided to help the user to improve the user's game play for the different portions of the game.

Abstract: Instructions recorded on a non-transitory recording medium cause an information processing device that executes a battle game to execute the steps of storing different attribute information in association with each of at least two players; displaying a field including a plurality of regions, a predetermined event being set for each region, and attribute information being associable with each region; upon a player selecting at least one region from among the plurality of regions, executing processing for the event of the selected region; based on a processing result for the event, determining whether newly to associate the attribute information of the player with the selected region; and determining victory and defeat for the plurality of players based on at least one of a count, a total area, and a total volume of regions with which each piece of attribute information is associated.

Abstract: To improve handheld controllers for game machines so that they hardly drop from the users' hand. A controller for game machines is held and manipulated with the left hand. The controller for game machines includes a main body 100 and a grip 120. The main body 100 is equipped with a first input device 130 that is manipulated with the thumb and a second input device 140 that is manipulated with the index finger and middle finger. To the main body 100, a loop-shaped band 200 is attached with both ends thereof secured to the main body 100. Users manipulate the controller for game machines while holding the grip 120 using the palm and the fingers other than the thumb of the left hand resting under the band 200.

Abstract: A system may include a virtual reality system configured to present one or more virtual objects via an electronic display. The system may also include one or more inflatable objects that correspond to the one or more virtual objects, such that the one or more inflatable objects matches one or more shapes of the one or more virtual objects. The system may also include a processor configured to cause at least one of the one or more inflatable objects to inflate based on feedback from the virtual reality system.

Abstract: The child car seat simulates the motions and sounds of a car seat being driven over a road in order to comfort and soothe an infant and to induce the infant to sleep. An infant may be placed on padding attached to the top interior of the seat body and restrained by a left blanket half and a right blanket half. A motion mechanism located in the base of the seat body may cause movement of the child care seat that resembles the movement that a car seat would experience in a moving vehicle. One or more speakers located within the shell of the seat body may play an audio program to simulate vehicular and traffic noises. The intensity and type of movement and the volume and specific audio program may be selected from controls located on the upper rear of the seat body.

Abstract: A method of forming a self-sealing balloon by applying an adhesive to a balloon form, then applying material to the balloon form to create the balloon. The adhesive is applied forming an annular adhesive ring. The adhesive can be applied using a fiberization process. The balloon form can be rotated during the adhesive application process. The adhesive can be encapsulated within an adhesive staging segment formed within a neck segment of the balloon. Airflow can be directed to the interface between an unfinished lip of the balloon material and the surface of the balloon form to aid in at least one of a forming process and a release process. The adhesive ring can be at least partially encapsulated within an adhesive staging segment of the balloon neck segment.

Abstract: A projectile launching apparatus and methods for use with an aerosol spray device containing a flammable liquid. The apparatus comprising a chamber and a tube, the tube fixedly attached to an opening in the chamber. Inside the chamber is a spark gap connected by an electrical cable to a spark power source, the cable having sufficient length to permit the spark power source to be located away from the chamber. A method comprising the steps of sliding the projectile over the tube; spraying some of the flammable liquid into the chamber; activating the spark power source, thereby igniting the mixture of air and flammable liquid, the ignition of the mixture of air and flammable liquid thereby propelling the projectile rapidly away from the projectile launcher apparatus.

Abstract: A handle structure comprises a left body including a left docking portion, a right body including a right docking portion configured to be docked with the left docking portion, and a connecting mechanism connecting the left docking portion and the right docking portion and configured to allow the left docking portion and the right docking portion to slide relatively to adjust an interval between an end of the left body and an end of the right body that are distal from each other.

Abstract: A collapsible play structure having a collapsed configuration and an opened configuration comprises: a left panel having a back surface, a front surface, a horizontal axis, and a vertical axis; a left fold out structure coupled to the left panel, the left fold out structure comprising one or more members rotatably coupled to the left panel to be rotatable about an axis parallel with the horizontal axis of the left panel; a right panel having a back surface, a front surface, a horizontal axis, and a vertical axis; a right fold out structure coupled to the right panel, the right fold out structure comprising one or more members rotatably coupled to the right panel to be rotatable about an axis parallel with the horizontal axis of the right panel; and a center panel having a back surface and a front surface, the center panel rotatably coupled to the left panel and the right panel in an orientation that aligns the vertical axes of the left panel and the right panel in a parallel alignment, wherein, in the opened

Abstract: The present invention provides a special effects device for simulating sparks generated by combustion, electricity, or other means. The device may include light-emitting devices mechanically connected to extendable structures that are spatially dispersed by an actuator during the operation of the special effects device. The special effects device may be coordinated with a device for simulating combustion to give the impression of sparks generated by a combustion source.

Abstract: A hurdle system and method. The hurdle system has a telescoping interior arm and a non-telescoping exterior arm. The telescoping interior arm has spaced-apart cylindrical apertures that allow the height of the telescoping interior arm to be locked. A hurdle cross bar support fixedly attaches to a distal end of the telescoping interior arm. A hurdle cross bar is supported by the hurdle cross bar support in a parallel relationship. A bottom cross bar is placeable on the ground as support base for the hurdle. A proximal end of the non-telescoping exterior arm and the bottom cross bar are fixedly attached. A pair of bottom cross bar extensions extend from opposite ends of the bottom cross bar to provide additional stability. A position adjustable counterweight at the bottom cross bar maintains the hurdle in an upright position.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating fluid and distilling fluid includes a main tank for containing fluid to be heated by a main gas heater and a pilot light for heating the main tank, a condensing tank for passing fluid to the main tank and having one or more heat conducting rods that allow heat to be conducted to the lower region of the condensing tank, an evaporator tank for vaporizing fluid and being heated by the pilot light, a condensing coil for exchanging heat between fluid vaporized by the evaporator tank and fluid in the condensing tank, a holding tank for receiving fluid from a main source, a delaying float bowl tank to receive fluid from the holding tank and including a first fluid flow regulator for regulating fluid flow to the evaporator tank according to an amount of fluid in the delaying float bowl tank, and a distillate tank.

Abstract: Liquid purification methods and apparatus are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a frame to define an interior space, the frame having an inner surface in contact with air of the interior space; a barrier positioned between a body of liquid and the interior space; and an absorber suspended from the frame to transfer liquid from the body of liquid into the interior space via an opening in the barrier.

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 dispersed mobile-phase countercurrent chromatography system is described in which solutes are carried by a stream of dispersed mobile phase solvent through a column, or array of serially-connected columns, of stationary phase solvent with which the mobile phase solvent is immiscible. Solutes carried along by the stream of dispersed mobile-phase solvent will be equilibrated between the mobile-phase solvent and the stationary-phase solvent. Because the mobile-phase is dispersed into mini-droplets much smaller in diameter than the column of stationary phase, the enhanced surface/volume ratio of the droplets expedites countercurrent equilibration of different solutes between the mobile-phase solvent and the stationary-phase solvent in accordance with the distribution-coefficients of the solutes between the two solvents.

Abstract: Method for the simulated moving bed separation of a feedstock (F), in which when a fluid/effluent (feedstock F, desorbent D, extract E, raffinate R) is injected/withdrawn into/from a chosen plate (Pi) using an external bypass line (Li?1/i, Li/i+1) connected to said chosen plate (Pi), the flow rate within the said external bypass line (Li?1/i, Li/i+1) is controlled in such a way that: a major proportion of the fluid/effluent (F, D, E, R) is injected/withdrawn into/from the chosen plate (Pi); and a minor proportion of the fluid/effluent (F, D, E, R) is injected/withdrawn into/from the adjacent plate (Pi?1, Pi+1) connected to the said external bypass line (Li?1/i, Li/i+1).

Abstract: A gas-liquid separator with enhanced performance and easy operation, capable of performing gas-liquid separation, such as advanced defoaming or degassing, and with a structural arrangement that facilitates easy CIP cleaning and disassembly cleaning, allowing to meet sanitary specifications. The gas-liquid separator for gas-liquid separation performed by centrifugal force includes an impeller, a suction inlet, a discharge outlet, an exhaust outlet, a separation impeller part, a discharge impeller part, and a vacuum device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a sulfur trap comprising an inlet, a first chamber, a divider, a second chamber, an outlet, and a float assembly. The float assembly may have many different configurations, but generally comprises a float and plug, is configured to float within liquid sulfur, and is operatively coupled to a seal seat in the divider for sealing and unsealing the first chamber from the second chamber. Generally, only liquid sulfur is allowed to pass from the first chamber into the second chamber. However, the sulfur trap may be configured to allow for pressure relief, such that during an overpressure event the plug and seal seat disengage and allow the liquid-gas mixture to flow into the second chamber to prevent damage within the system. In some embodiments a filter and/or the flow of liquid sulfur is directed to collect debris from the liquid sulfur.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided for a header conduit. The nozzle includes an inlet that is resistant to clogs caused by flat materials covering the inlet. The inlet generally includes multiple pathways to an elongated passageway through which waste liquid and sludge (“waste”) are guided and enter the header conduit. In one embodiment, the elongated passageway is oriented to guide the waste along a path that is tangential to at least the inner surface of the header conduit which such incoming waste first contacts. When the conduit has an inner surface of circular cross-section, the passageway may optionally be elongated enough that the incoming waste enters the header conduit along a path tangential to the circular surface. To better assure axial flow of the waste in the conduit to an outlet, in one embodiment the passageway provides both the tangential flow and is at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the conduit. The incoming waste is thereby provided with an axial component.

Abstract: Disclosed are a filter element and a filter device using the filter element. The filter element includes: a base, wherein the base is installed on the filter device, and a first passage and a second passage are disposed at least partially in the base; and a filter body, wherein the filter body is detachably connected to an upper part of the base, the filter body has a filter space therein, a first filter passage and a second filter passage are connected and arranged on the two ends of the filter space, and a filter material for filtration is provided in the filter space. When the filter element is in a working state, the first filter passage and the first passage are connected for fluid communication, and the second filter passage and the second passage are connected for fluid communication.

Abstract: A novel fluid filter includes a partially permeable elastic bag encapsulating a filtration medium, and providing pressure to prevent channeling. A receiver with one or more apertures fits at least partially within the filtration bag to receive treated fluid. A cover may be placed over a tube of the receiver to prevent filtration medium from exiting system. An upper portion of the filtration bag is impermeable, while the lower portion of the bag is permeable. The fluid path flows over the top and up through the lower section and through a major path through the filtration medium.

Abstract: A method for forming a filter for passing contaminated water using a device and one or more media. The device comprises of one or more elements that are capable of undergoing degradation. The increased area available for flow is obtained by adding a first media to predetermined areas of the device and allowing the elements to undergo degradation to bring about an increase in the area available for passing the contaminated water.

Abstract: A filtration filter device that enables the sealability of a fluid channel to be improved is provided. A filtration filter device according to the present invention includes a first channel-forming member that has a first channel through which a fluid flows inside thereof, a second channel-forming member that has a second channel through which a fluid flows inside thereof, and a filtration filter that extends across the first channel or the second channel and that filters an object to be filtered that the fluid contains. The first channel-forming member includes an external thread. The second channel-forming member includes an internal thread.

Abstract: A filter element assembly comprises a filtration media and an end fitting through which a sealing connection is made between the assembly and a housing so that the end fitting defines a flow path between the housing and the filtration media. The end fitting has first and second parts which can be separated axially, and the filter media extends axially away from the second part in a direction away from the first part. Each of the parts has an outer wall with an external threaded cylindrical surface, and each of the first and second parts has an axially facing edge surface which faces the other of the first and second parts, the facing edge surfaces shaped to define a pre-determined relative rotational alignment of the first and second parts, where the parts fit together so that the threads on the external surfaces of the parts form a continuous thread.

Abstract: A center tube for use with a filter element includes a unitary body having a standpipe that defines a length along the longitudinal axis and a central flow passage and a plurality of radially extending flow fins attached to the standpipe, the flow fins spaced axially from one another along the standpipe to define radial flow channels, wherein each of the fins further defines a first aperture between the fin and the standpipe, the apertures together defining a first outer axial flow passage and the standpipe defines a rectangular shape.

Abstract: A water filter is provided. The water filter includes a melt blown filter including a melt blown filter inlet. The melt blown filter inlet forms a water filter inlet. A carbon filter is in fluid communication with the melt blown filter. A thermoplastic polymer filter is in fluid communication with the carbon filter. The thermoplastic polymer filter includes a thermoplastic polymer filter outlet. The thermoplastic polymer filter outlet forms a water filter outlet.

Abstract: Water treatment apparatus, including: a ceramic filter; and a flow apparatus operable to pass water through the ceramic filter in a forward direction so as to filter the water, the flow apparatus also operable to pass water through the ceramic filter in a reverse direction so as to remove material from the ceramic filter, whereby material having been deposited by filtration of the water is removed.

Abstract: A filter assembly for fluid filtration having a push-activated lock and release mechanism. A push filter design activates a filter key lock upon insertion and extraction, where the filter key may be used simultaneously as a lock and as an identifier for particular filter attributes. The filter housing assembly may be attached to, and removed from, a filter base by a push-actuated release. Upon insertion, the filter key shifts the filter lock longitudinally to receive interlocking segments. Upon extraction, the same axial push shifts the filter lock further to align the interlocking fingers within gaps that allow for easy extraction. The specific key lock design allows a user to identify and match certain filter configurations received by the mechanical support, and reject other filter configurations.

Abstract: A filter pad for use in a dewatering container is presented. The filter pad is configured to fit within the interior cavity and substantially line the interior surfaces. Material, which is usually liquids and slurries, is added to the container with the filter in place and gravity is used to filter the sediment, while the water is released through a release nozzle. The solids are retained in the filter pad for later disposal. The filter pad has a portion that can be selectively opened and is configured for placement substantially adjacent the door to permit selective egress of contents of the interior cavity.

Abstract: A faucet filter system is connected to a water supply line, and includes a manifold connectable to the supply line and providing selective fluid communication with the supply line and a filter apparatus in fluid communication with the manifold, at least one remote actuated valve is associated with the manifold and configured for controlling water flow in the manifold to the filter apparatus when filtered water is desired. A wireless controller is disposed remotely from the filter apparatus and the manifold and is configured for actuating the valve between a first position, in which water flows from the water supply conduit through a faucet inlet, and a second position, in which water flows from the water supply conduit, to the filter apparatus, through the filter outlet and through the faucet inlet. Depending on the actuation of the valve, the either filtered or unfiltered water is emitted through a faucet spout.

Abstract: A filter device includes a hollow cylindrical filter element and a bypass valve, the valve body of which rests against an adapter piece that is arranged on the end face of the filter element. At least one bypass opening is integrated into the adapter piece.

Abstract: In a method for producing a filter medium, at least one substrate layer of a nonwoven comprising cellulose fibers and/or synthetic polymer fibers is provided and a fiber layer of polymer fibers is deposited on the at least one substrate layer. Prior to depositing the fiber layer, a solvent is applied to the at least one substrate layer, wherein a material of the substrate layer and/or a material of the fiber layer is soluble in the solvent. A filter medium produced by the method has material-fused connections at crossing points of the polymer fibers and/or cellulose fibers of the substrate layer with the polymer fibers of the fiber layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sterilization are presented. An exemplary embodiment includes a sterilizing cabinet assembly. The sterilizing cabinet includes a cabinet having an access port, a door connected to the cabinet, the door moveable between an open position permitting passage through the access port to an interior of the cabinet and a closed position precluding passage through the access port. The sterilizing cabinet assembly also includes at least one of the cabinet and the door having a vent port. The sterilizing cabinet has a primary filter overlying the vent port and forming a sealed interface with an adjacent portion of the one of the cabinet and the door and a secondary filter overlying at least a portion of the primary filter.

Abstract: An air cleaner is provided. The air cleaner may include a first air cleaning module including a first fan, a first filter, and a first inlet through which air is suctioned in a radial into the first filter; a second air cleaning module provided over the first air cleaner including a second fan, a second filter, and a second inlet through which air is suctioned in the radial direction to the second filter; and an air flow controller coupled with the second air cleaning module and including a third fan to control a flow of the air discharged from the second air cleaning module.

Abstract: Assemblies, features, and techniques for pulse jet air cleaner assemblies and their operation are described. Techniques described include methodology and equipment for preferred pulse jet sequencing and operation.

Abstract: A method for predicting the residual useful life of an air filter arrangement is described. The method includes the following steps: providing a plurality of predetermined reference degradation curves; measuring a degradation parameter of the filter arrangement; and estimating the residual useful life of the filter arrangement by comparing the predetermined reference degradation curves and an actual degradation curve defined by measured values of the degradation parameter.

Abstract: A V-bank filter apparatus and method for air filtration. The V-bank filter may include varying the downstream regions between adjacent V shaped filter elements. The V-bank filter may include a housing with one or more structural supports. The structural supports of the filter housing may include one or more through openings. The filter media elements may include one or more hinges and/or flaps.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to gas abatement apparatus and effluent management. The apparatus described herein include a high pressure process chamber and a containment chamber surrounding the process chamber. A high pressure fluid delivery module is in fluid communication with the high pressure process chamber and is configured to deliver a high pressure fluid to the process chamber. An effluent management module includes a muffler assembly to effluent pressure reduction and a plurality of scrubbers provide for treatment of effluent.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosure correspond to, for example, a system for scrubbing a mixture of gases and/or contaminants from indoor air from an enclosed space to remove at least one gas and/or contaminant from the mixture of gases and/or contaminants. The system may include one or more adsorbent materials configured to be cycled between adsorption and regeneration of at least one of gas and/or contaminant from the mixture of gases and/or contaminants via a temperature swing adsorption cycle (for example), regeneration means configured to regenerate one or more adsorbent materials. The regeneration means may be configured at a regeneration temperature to regenerate the one or more adsorbent materials.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device and a process for extracting water from the environment. The device comprises a means for capturing water from the environment by means of a liquid desiccant, an extraction chamber, a first duct through which liquid desiccant with water flows from the capture means to the extraction chamber, a second duct through which liquid desiccant flows from the extraction chamber to the capture means, a reservoir for depositing extracted water, a third duct through which water flows from the extraction chamber to the reservoir, a vacuum generator whose suction point and discharge point are operationally connected to the reservoir in order to suction the gas present in the reservoir and transfer gas into the reservoir, and a control device that controls the vacuum generator. The operation of the vacuum generator creates a pressure and temperature gradient that leads to evaporation of the water in the extraction chamber.