Abstract: A virtual object control method includes controlling a first virtual object in a virtual environment through a first behavior tree, the first virtual object being a Non-Player character (NPC) in the virtual environment, and obtaining a first distance between the first virtual object and a second virtual object controlled by a player in the virtual environment, the second virtual object being a closest virtual object controlled by a player to the first virtual object. The method further includes selecting, based on the first distance, a behavior tree among plural behavior trees for controlling the first virtual object. The first distance inversely relates to an amount of computing resources consumed during use of the selected behavior tree.

Abstract: In a stadium designation process, a first stadium associated with a first team and a second stadium associated with a second team are designated. In a competitive game process, the first team and the second team are caused to compete against each other in a combined stadium object including a first stadium portion based on the designated first stadium and a second stadium portion based on the designated second stadium, in a virtual space.

Abstract: A system and methods for identifying and certifying a game item in a sports game is disclosed. The method including storing a plurality of unique identifiers corresponding to a plurality of game items, each unique identifier corresponding to a unique game item in the plurality of game items, generating a record for each of the plurality of unique identifiers, determining a game event and the involvement of at least one event item, receiving a message indicating the game event, the message comprising the unique identifier of the event item, identifying the event item based at least in part on the unique identifier of the event item, and updating the record of the event item to indicate that the event item is the game item involved in the game event.

Abstract: A system of classifying game styles may track a play of a user of one or more media content. The tracked play of the user of one or more media content may be analyzed to characterize the play of the user based on one or more categories of user gameplay style. A plurality of categories of user gameplay style may be selected to be displayed as a visual display of the user gameplay style. The visual display of the user gameplay style may be compared to one or more visual displays of characteristics of other media content. A recommendation for other media content that share similar characteristics to the user gameplay style may be generated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispersing gains derived from ownership of user-generated content among users of a gaming platform are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: execute an instance of a game and implement in-game actions in the instance of the game as requested by the users; assign ownership of a first item of user-generated content to a group of users; record the ownership of the first item of user-generated content by the group of users; determine a first quantity of gains that have been gained within the gaming platform through use of the first item of user-generated content; and disperse at least a portion of the first quantity of gains to individual ones of the group of users.

Abstract: During play of a multi-player competitive game, a specified number of sets of play is performed on the basis of an operation input by a player, and a score based on a play result and a total score of the scores calculated so far are calculated for each play. Player information regarding each player of the multi-player competitive game is updated as necessary and displayed, regardless of whether all players have completed play in a predetermined set, such that the player information is displayed in a display order corresponding to rankings based on total scores obtained so far. Furthermore, final rankings are displayed on the basis of the total scores after completion of the specified number of sets of play by all the players.

Abstract: This disclosure provides techniques of implementing online somatosensory dance competitions. The techniques comprise assigning a room to one or more players in response to receiving one or more requests of starting a game sent by the one or more players, wherein all players in a same room share a same dance video; outputting a plurality of standard movement images corresponding to the same dance video in a chronological order, wherein the plurality of standard movement images each indicate position coordinates of different skeleton nodes at a corresponding moment; receiving dance movement signals associated with each of the one or more players, and determining scores for each player based on a similarity between the dance movement signals and standard movement parameters, wherein the standard movement parameters correspond to the standard movement images; and collecting and outputting statistics on an overall score and ranking of each of the one or more players.

Abstract: The present specification describes systems and methods that enable non-players to participate as spectators in online video games and, through a collective voting mechanism, determine the occurrence of certain events or contents of the gameplay in real time. Game event options are generated and presented to non-players. A specific one of the game event options is then selected based on a collective vote of the non-players. Once selected, the specific one or more of the game event options are then generated as actual gaming events and incorporated into a video game stream that is transmitted to the players as part of the gameplay session. In this manner, non-players may be able to directly affect the course of gameplay.

Abstract: A voice playing method, a voice transmission method, a voice playing apparatus, and a voice transmission apparatus are provided. The voice playing method includes displaying a game image of a game and a voice playing object on a first user equipment to which a first account in an online game system logs on; controlling, based on the first account selecting to spectate in the game, the voice playing object to be in an on state, in which the first user equipment is enabled to play a second voice generated in association with a second account participating in the game in the online game system; and playing the second voice in the first user equipment, based on the voice playing object being in the on state and based on setting information of the second account indicating that the first account is allowed to listen to the second voice.

Abstract: A method for assembling an overhead display assembly includes providing a plurality of display segments, each display segment of the plurality of display segments configured to mate with at least one other display segment. The method also includes coupling each display segment to a support stanchion of a plurality of support stanchions and coupling a first display segment to a second display segment to form the display assembly. The display assembly is then raised on the plurality of support stanchions, after coupling the first display segment to the second display segment. The display assembly is also coupled in communication with an electronic gaming machine.

Abstract: An entertainment system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, the entertainment system includes an at least partially enclosed structure configured to receive an on-road vehicle, where the structure defines a path along which the on-road vehicle is configured to move autonomously; a content output system configured to generate content based on one or more characteristics of the on-road vehicle; and a guide system configured to guide the on-road vehicle along the path.

Abstract: In some implementations, a controller may cause a robotic arm connector, of the robotic arm, to be connected to a first compartment connector of a passenger compartment of an amusement ride. The controller may cause a second compartment connector, of the passenger compartment, to be disconnected from a first structure connector of a first support structure. The controller may transport the passenger compartment from the first support structure to a second support structure after causing the second compartment connector to be disconnected from the first structure connector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an entertainment system for a vehicle. In one embodiment, the entertainment system includes a display external to the vehicle and viewable by an occupant of the vehicle. The entertainment system includes a communication module to receive occupant preferences from an occupant, and a processor configured to generate or modify content to be presented on the display based on the occupant preferences.

Abstract: A squirting toy including a cap and a body. The body includes a reservoir and a neck, enclosed by an outer wall of varying thickness. Closures are provided on the neck to engage complementary closures on the cap. The cap includes a wall of varying thickness and one or more apertures. The coupling between the body and cap facilitates maintaining the cap coupled to the body under pressure and impact. Segments of the outer walls having increased thickness improve impact resistance and decrease distortion, further facilitating a secure coupling between the body and cap.

Abstract: An inflatable globe has a generally round shape and an attachment pin, plug or other closure mechanism coupled to the top of the inflatable globe. A topper is configured to fit over the attachment pin, plug or other closure mechanism. A hanger is threaded through the attachment pin, plug or closure mechanism and then through the topper. An electric light coupled to the plug is suspended inside the globe. The inflatable globe is made of a resilient polymer material and can be monochromatic or comprise a plurality of colors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved fidget spinner toy and device.

Abstract: A toy comprising a frame and an inverting toy. In some embodiments, the inverting toy includes an invertible shell having a first surface and a second surface, the invertible shell configured to protrude outward in a first direction with respect to the frame until a depressing force on the first surface or the second surface in a second direction causes the shell to invert and protrude in the second direction with respect to the frame, wherein the first direction and the second direction are substantially opposite, an edge member formed at an edge of the invertible shell and configured to secure the invertible shell to the frame, and a pulling member formed on and protruding outward from the first surface of the invertible shell.

Abstract: A wooden construction assembly is disclosed. The wooden construction assembly includes a first set of construction units comprising a first plurality of apertures, wherein the first set of construction units is elongated and comprises at least three different lengths. The wooden construction assembly includes a second set of construction units comprising a second plurality of apertures, wherein the second construction unit is triangular and comprise of at least two different area sizes. A first construction unit of the first set of construction units is configured to be placed in the aperture of a second construction unit.

Abstract: A method for removal of host cell DNA from a sample containing a species of desired protein, virus, or extracellular vesicle comprising the steps of: Loading a substrate bearing an anionic metal affinity ligand with a metal ion, Equilibrating the substrate with a buffer having a pH in the range of pH 6 to pH 10, and a salt concentration in a concentration range up to 1 M which salt is not forming a chemical complex with the anionic metal affinity ligand, Contacting the sample with the metal-loaded anionic metal affinity substrate, Separating the substrate from the sample, wherein the sample has reduced content of contaminating DNA.

Abstract: A filtration device that includes: a passage member defining a passage including an inlet and an outlet; and a filter disposed in the passage between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet has an inlet passage sectional area. The passage includes a first passage having a first passage sectional area that increases from the inlet toward the filter on an upstream side of the filter, and a second passage having a second passage sectional area that is uniform from the first passage toward the filter. The second passage sectional area is greater than the first passage sectional area, and a second passage length of the second passage is greater than a first passage length of the first passage.

Abstract: Anapparatus for continuously filtering a sludge suspension, having a hollow shaft (2) that is rotatably mounted in a housing (1) and which that is fluidically connected to an inner chamber (6), which is surrounded by a filter membrane (5), of a discoid filter element (3) that radially protrudes from the hollow shaft (2), for removing a filtrate. A higher throughput of the filtrate, independently of the solids content of the sludge suspension to be filtered, is provided by the filter cake thickness and the filtration duration. The the radius (r) of the filter element (3) increases in the circumferential direction from a low pressure radius ri to a high pressure radius rh,reducing the free housing cross section.

Abstract: A rotary drum filter includes a drum shell configured to rotate through a slurry, the drum shell having areas defining a plurality of drainage holes, at least one divider plate a first end and a second end, the at least one divider plate disposed on an outer surface of the drum shell and extending longitudinally and laterally along the drum shell, the first end being disposed near a drainage hole, and a filter medium disposed on one or more grids that are disposed on the outer surface of the drum shell above the at least one divider plate. The at least one divider plate is configured to direct filtrate on the outer surface of the drum shell filtered through the filter medium into the drainage hole.

Abstract: A downspout drain filter includes a housing and a filter media. The housing defines an internal cavity, an inlet to the internal cavity along a top of the housing, and an outlet from the internal cavity along a bottom of the housing. The filter media is disposed within the internal cavity. The filter media divides the internal cavity into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The filter media is configured to trap debris in the upper chamber from fluid flowing downward through the internal cavity. The filter media is permeable such that the fluid flows from the upper chamber to the lower chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positively charged filter material with excellent ability for removing charged particles efficiently, and a method for producing the same, and more specifically to a positively charged filter material having the ability to selectively remove efficiently, in water, negatively charged organic/inorganic particles, heavy metal ions and pathogenic microorganisms, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A metal porous body includes a three-dimensional mesh-like skeleton. The metal porous body has a bottom surface having a polygonal shape and has a curved shape from the bottom surface toward an apex. The bottom surface has a side having a length of 2 mm to 10 mm, and a height from the bottom surface to the apex is 1 mm to 5 mm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adapter element (11) for a holding device for an air de-oiling element of a vacuum pump (1), comprising a first cylindrical portion (11a) having a first diameter and a second cylindrical portion (11b) having a second diameter and adapted to receive the air de-oiling element (2), whereby the first diameter is equal to or smaller than the second diameter and whereby the second cylindrical portion (11b) has circumferential recesses which form at least three fixing fingers (11e) aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adapter element and distributed uniformly or non-uniformly over the circumference of the second cylindrical section (11b), wherein at least two fixing fingers (11f) are mounted so as to be elastically radially displaceable. The present invention also relates to a holding device (10) for an air de-oiling element (2) of a vacuum pump (1), in particular an oil vacuum pump.

Abstract: A refillable air filter system, including: a reusable and collapsible frame; and a disposable filter that is releasably securable within the collapsible frame, wherein the filter is convertible between a storage/collapsed configuration and a functional/expanded configuration.

Abstract: An air filter housing includes an inner housing space adapted to receive an air filter element.

Abstract: A filter element has a filter medium with a plurality of successive folds arranged in a longitudinal direction from a first transverse side of the filter medium to a second transverse side of the filter medium. A fold height of the successive folds continuously decreases in the longitudinal direction. A fold width of the successive folds continuously decreases in the longitudinal direction. A filter device such as an air filter is provided with such a filter element.

Abstract: A cyclonic chiller-separator, including a vertically oriented treatment tower defining an interior space and having an exhaust inlet disposed in an upper portion, and a chimney with an exhaust outlet; an exhaust stream conduit in fluid communication with said interior volume of said treatment tower through said exhaust inlet, wherein said exhaust inlet is configured to induce cyclonic fluid motion in an exhaust stream entering said interior volume; a coolant water source; and a plurality of nozzles disposed about interior walls of said treatment tower and in fluid communication with said coolant water source for spraying cooling water into said interior volume above and into an exhaust stream introduced into said interior volume so as to cool, condense, and precipitate volatile organic compounds and organic acids, and to entrain and remove particulates from the exhaust stream.

Abstract: A direct air capture of CO2 system and method including a chamber defining a microwave cavity, a microwave heating unit coupled to the chamber in electromagnetic communication, and a sorbent structure carried within the chamber. The sorbent structure includes one or more porous support structures each having a plurality of pores and channels formed therethrough providing a large area of surfaces coated by nanoparticles of CO2 adsorbent material. A motor fan creates an air flow through the chamber and the sorbent structure carried therein. CO2 in the air is adsorbed by the CO2 adsorbent material. The microwave heating unit heats the CO2 adsorbent material to desorb the CO2 for further sequestration or value-added utilization.

Abstract: Provided herein are water and carbon dioxide harvesting systems, as well as methods using such systems, for capturing water and carbon dioxide from surrounding air. The systems and methods use water capture materials to adsorb water from the air and carbon dioxide capture materials to adsorb carbon dioxide from the air. For example, the water and carbon dioxide capture materials may be metal-organic-frameworks. The systems and methods desorb the water in the form of water vapor and the carbon dioxide. The water vapor is then condensed into liquid water. The water and carbon dioxide generated can be used in farming systems, including hydroponics and vertical farming systems.

Abstract: A membrane-based desorption cooling method for passive thermal management is presented. The module includes: (i) a covering layer for thermally conducting and transferring heat from a device to a solution; (ii) a solution layer for confining H2O/absorbent mixtures in a multi-compartment frame; (iii) a membrane layer configured to act as an interface between the solution and air; and (iv) a supporting layer configured to increase the mechanical strength and including apertures to permit mass transfer from the membrane through the supporting layer. The present membrane-based desorption cooling module is able to be used for thermal management of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, electronics, batteries, or any other devices that require heat removal.

Abstract: A carbon capture system includes: (a) an absorber having an inorganic solvent carbon dioxide capture section, a water wash section between the organic solvent carbon dioxide capture section and the inorganic solvent carbon dioxide capture section, a flue gas inlet at the organic solvent carbon dioxide capture section and a treated flue gas outlet at the inorganic solvent carbon dioxide capture section, (b) a stripper, (c) a polishing circuit, and (d) a water wash circuit. A related method of carbon capture includes sequentially subjecting the flue gas to (i) organic solvent carbon dioxide capture, (ii) water washing and (iii) inorganic solvent carbon dioxide capture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from solvents. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and a system for the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from carbon dioxide (CO2) rich solvents.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method of magnetic swing absorption, which may include contacting a fluid mixture including one or more gases and a liquid absorbent in a separation chamber; absorbing at least one of said gases using the liquid absorbent, optionally in the presence of a constant inhomogeneous magnetic field; and desorbing the at least one absorbed gas from the liquid absorbent, optionally in the presence of the constant inhomogeneous magnetic field. Embodiments further include other related methods, related systems and apparatuses, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for capturing CO2 using an optimized mixture of water and alcohols with alkali hydroxides, such as KOH and NaOH, for absorption of CO2 from gaseous mixtures. The process shows high efficiency and low volatility and corrosivity rate of the solvent, in addition to allowing cost reduction for installation and maintenance of reactors and reducing solvent loss. The present invention also describes a process for regenerating solvent or its reuse, carried out by chemical precipitation, continuously and not in batch, through the reaction with alkaline earth oxides, such as CaO and MgO, and/or alkaline earth hydroxides, such as Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2, for the formation of carbonates, such as CaCO3 and MgCO3, which can be discarded in nature without any environmental issue or can be used commercially in industry or agriculture.

Abstract: Examples of apparatuses for harvesting water are described herein. The apparatuses include a wall having a hydrophilic contacting surface and a hydrophobic collecting surface. A plurality of pores defining an inner volume extend between the contacting surface and the collecting surface and provide a fluid flow communication between the contacting surface and the collecting surface. As air is directed across or towards the wall, water condenses on the contacting surface, seeps into the pores and passes through the wall to the collecting surface for collection.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid water harvester based on a valve-controlled active air supply and belongs to the field of liquid water harvesters. The present disclosure aims to address the problem of low airflow speed, high environmental humidity requirements, and auxiliary heating of an adsorption stage in the current atmospheric water harvesting technologies. In the present disclosure, the active air supply device is used to speed up the air circulation in the harvester so as to greatly shorten the adsorption time of the moisture absorbing material for the water vapor in the air and improve the heat dissipation of the micro-nano structure condensation surface. The electric valve controls the air circulation circuit and cooperates with the active air supply device. In this case, only one active air supply device can be used to complete the air supply and the condensation heat dissipation at the same time.

Abstract: Provided is a carbon-dioxide capture and treatment system comprising: a carbon dioxide-enriched mixture gas generation device comprising a separation membrane capable of increasing a carbon dioxide concentration of a mixture gas taken therein, thereby generating a carbon dioxide-enriched mixture gas; a carbon dioxide conversion device configured to convert carbon dioxide in the enriched mixture gas received from the carbon dioxide-enriched mixture gas generation device, into a chemically stable compound; a final treatment device comprising an adsorbent, wherein the final treatment device is configured to adsorb the carbon dioxide by the adsorbent, thereby separating the carbon dioxide from other gas components; and a carbon dioxide direct capture device configured to take in air contained in an ambient environment, and supply the taken-in air to the final treatment device or an upstream side thereof in the carbon-dioxide capture and treatment system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in part, to enhanced weathering systems and/or apparatuses and methods of use thereof. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of at least partially sequestering CO2 from an influent aqueous solution comprising aqueous and/or gaseous CO2. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of at least partially sequestering CO2 from a gaseous CO2 source. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides systems and/or apparatuses suitable for use in the methods described herein. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of optimizing the design and operation of a system for at least partial sequestration of CO2 from a water source.

Abstract: Catalysts, catalytic materials, catalytic forms, methods for preparation the same, methods for using the same in catalytic combustion processes, and methods and systems for conducting such combustion processes are provided.

Abstract: An gas purification catalyst device having a catalyst coated layer formed on at least one base material, wherein: the catalyst coated layer includes a first catalyst coated layer on the upstream side of an exhaust gas flow, and a second catalyst coated layer on the downstream side of the exhaust gas flow; the first catalyst coated layer includes a hydrocarbon adsorbent and a catalytic precious metal; and the second catalyst coated layer includes a nitrogen oxide adsorbent and a catalytic precious metal.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a carbon stable isotope enrichment method that does not require safety measures against combustibility and toxicity and that enables high-concentration 13C enrichment without isotope scrambling, and the present invention provides a carbon stable isotope enrichment method including a distillation step for enriching carbon tetrafluoride stable isotope molecules containing 13C by distilling raw material carbon tetrafluoride containing multiple types of carbon tetrafluoride stable isotope molecules in a distillation column group in which multiple distillation columns are cascaded.

Abstract: Various systems and processes are directed to filtering organic compounds using nanoporous membranes and osmosis. In various implementations, the nanoporous membrane can be trained on one or more organic compounds such that the nanoporous membrane preferentially allows the one or more organic compounds to permeate the nanoporous membrane to the exclusion of other compounds. In some implementations, the nanoporous membrane is trained on ethanol such that the nanoporous membrane preferentially allows ethanol to permeate the nanoporous membrane to the exclusion of other compounds, such as water or other compounds or mixtures. In some implementations, the selective ethanol permeation of the nanoporous membrane may occur even where the other compounds have smaller molecules than ethanol.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a biological fluid, comprising a plurality of filtration devices. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of filtration devices comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet; and a first insert plate and a second insert plate opposite the first insert plate, wherein the plurality of filtration devices is disposed therebetween. In some embodiments, each filtration device has a vent port. A manifold for each of the inlets, outlets, and vent ports is optionally fluidly connected. In another embodiment, hose barb connectors or the like may be protected from damage and/or exposure by being recessed in the device or positioned at a periphery of the device. Embodiments include apparatus and methods to achieve dripless connect/disconnect and to reduce the number of sterile-to-sterile connections.

Abstract: A filtration cassette including a multilaminate array of sheets including filter sheets alternating with permeate sheet members and retentate sheet members, and a cross-flow filter device comprising a multiplicity of stacked filtration cassettes of such type. The improvements associated with the filtration cassettes described herein include, but are not limited to, at least one of: reinforced inlet(s) providing for longevity and improved cleanability of the cassettes; spacer permeate screens to limit throughput restriction; stainless steel or otherwise stiffened permeate sheets to prevent movement and increase flux; and stainless steel permeate sheets that can be used with ultrasonic transmission to minimize fouling of the filter sheets and extend cleaning cycles. Advantageously, the filtration cassettes are more resistant to higher temperatures than the filtration cassettes of the prior art.

Abstract: An asymmetric hydrophobic polyolefin hollow fiber membrane includes a support layer and a separation layer, the separation layer including an outer surface, the outer surface including a quantity of first pores with a certain pore size; presence of the first pores facilitates an anesthetic gas such as sevoflurane and remifentanil to permeate through the hollow fiber membrane into the human blood, allowing for the patient to maintain sedated throughout a surgical process; meanwhile, the first pores facilitate reduction of dosage of the anesthetic in the surgery, thereby reducing surgical costs and avoid overdosage of the anesthetic causing secondary impairment to the patient; in addition, the hollow fiber membrane offers a long plasma permeation duration, a high tensile strength and a high elongation at break to satisfy application needs, particularly suitable for human blood oxygenation including anesthetic gas and the gas-liquid separation areas.

Abstract: Provided are a composite semipermeable membrane capable of enhancing adhesion between a separation functional layer provided with a coating layer and a protective tape while maintaining an effect of the coating layer to some extent, and a spiral membrane element using the composite semipermeable membrane. A composite semipermeable membrane includes: a porous support; a separation functional layer formed on the porous support; and a coating layer provided on a surface of the separation functional layer, the coating layer having different surface roughnesses due to different adhesion amounts of a coating material depending on locations. The composite semipermeable membrane has a coating layer-side surface on which a glossy portion having a surface roughness Ra of 30 nm or less and a non-glossy portion having a surface roughness Ra of 50 nm or more are provided.

Abstract: Described are devices for purifying a liquid that is contained in a sealable container, to storage systems for containing and purifying a liquid, and to related methods.