Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an improved sanding apparatus for minimizing scoring of drywall and other sensitive finishes. In one embodiment of the present invention, a sanding apparatus comprises a flexible, resilient core having a top and bottom sanding surface, a first and second side sanding surface, and a first and second non-sanding surface, each disposed at an angle with respect to the top sanding surface and bottom sanding surface, respectively, and an abrasive aggregate composition disposed on the top sanding surface, bottom sanding surface and the first and second side sanding surfaces, wherein each of the first and second non-sanding surfaces are free of an abrasive aggregate composition.

Abstract: A system for protecting a modular barge, which includes a plurality of modular barge sections assembled together using male and female connections, is provided. Each modular barge section has a top surface, a bottom surface, a side wall extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and at least one male connector projecting from the side wall. Some of the male connectors are exposed at an outer peripheral of the barge. A bumper is coupled with the at least one exposed male connector. The bumper extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the modular barge section to which it is attached.

Abstract: My invention, “Criterature”, will combine an accessible reading experience with the comforting presence of stuffed animals or stuffed toys in a new way so that a child can literally discover reading while holding a comforting stuffed animal in the shape of an animal, creature, character, element etc. featured in a book pouched within the stuffed animal or stuffed toy. The book will also be in the shape of an animal, creature, character, element etc., featured in the book. The book will be pouched via a reseal able opening and pouch that will be as undetectable as possible beneath a deep, plush coat or cover.

Abstract: An optical harness assembly and method are provided. The optical harness assembly includes at least one optical harness cable having a termination end; at least one electrical connector having connector pins; and at least one active connector conversion unit coupled between the termination end of the optical harness cable and the electrical connector. The method includes: identifying electrical signals present on each pin of each electrical connector presentation; programmatically adjusting an interface based on the identified electrical signals present; and mapping the electrical connector signals to digital signals. The method may further include: providing a personality adaptor coupled between the electrical connector pin outs and signal conditioners; configuring the personality adaptor based on the identified electrical signals present on each pin out of each electrical connector presentation; and providing configured electrical connector presentation signals to the interface.

Abstract: An optical cable harness assembly and method are provided. The optical cable harness assembly includes at least one optical cable harness having a termination end; at least one electrical connector having connector pins; and at least one active connector conversion unit coupled between the termination end of the optical harness cable and the electrical connector. A method for retrofitting an optical harness assembly into an existing platform is disclosed. The method includes removing a legacy wiring harness; installing an optical harness assembly having electrical connectors and an active connector conversion unit; and testing the compatibility of connector pins of the electrical connector to the active connector conversion unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adhesive film composite, uses of an adhesive film composite and a method for applying an adhesive film composite. The adhesive film composite may include a substrate and an adhesive disposed on the substrate. The adhesive film composite may be a substantially translucent, flame retardant adhesive composite.

Abstract: A wireless control system and a method for controlling devices (e.g., luminaires, dimmers, effects devices, stepper motors, and the like) used in entertainment lighting applications is disclosed. Embodiments disclose a modular transceiver utilizing a wireless broadcasting transmission technique and a wireless control system where an interface between a controller and controlled devices is facilitated using the transceivers.

Abstract: An adhesive composition and tapes utilizing the adhesive compositions are disclosed. A tape utilizing the adhesive composition of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in closure systems associated with air ducts and air connectors. A composition particularly suitable for use as an antioxidant in adhesive compositions is disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented telecommunications spending analysis system extracts telecommunications traffic detail data from billing statements provided by telecommunications carriers and converts the traffic detail data to a generic data format for aggregation in a uniform customer traffic history database. The spending analysis system compares billed rates against estimated market prices stored in a best of class (BOC) database and notifies the user of possible cost savings attainable in a renegotiated contract. A web-based RFP system facilitates preparation of a request for proposals (RFP) and solicitation of vendors to bid on the RFP in an online reverse auction environment, both for telecommunications services and other commodities. The RFP system may access the uniform customer traffic history database to facilitate preparation of a traffic forecast of the RFP. Upon completion of an RFP auction, the RFP system updates the estimated market prices of the BOC database based on the vendor bids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the use of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma to clean and sterilize the surfaces of liquid handling devices. In one embodiment, a method of cleaning a fluid handling device includes the steps of inserting a tip of the fluid handling device into an interior of a channel through a first opening disposed at a first end of the channel, wherein a first electrode is disposed adjacent an exterior of the channel; causing a plasma to be formed within the interior of the channel; and removing the fluid handling device from the channel through the first opening.

Abstract: An optical harness assembly and method are provided. The optical harness assembly includes at least one optical harness cable having a termination end; at least one electrical connector having connector pins; and at least one active connector conversion unit coupled between the termination end of the optical harness cable and the electrical connector. A method for retrofitting an optical harness assembly into an existing platform is disclosed. The method includes removing a legacy wiring harness; installing an optical harness assembly having electrical connectors and an active connector conversion unit; and testing the compatibility of connector pins of the electrical connector to the active connector conversion unit. In another embodiment the method includes: identifying electrical signals present on each pin of each electrical connector presentation; programmatically adjusting an interface based on the identified electrical signals present; and mapping the electrical connector signals to digital signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coating pipelines with a hot melt adhesive coating and a tape. The coating may comprise a copolymer of an alkyl substituted hydrocarbon polymer in combination with a diene polymer and the tape to overly the coating may comprise a polymeric backing. Furthermore, the tape may also include a pressure sensitive adhesive.