Abstract: A device manager includes a processor and memory, coupled to the processor, that stores a program of instructions. The processor is configured to execute the program of instructions to determine an availability of at least a portion of a cloud-based media management system configured to provide media automation services to a managed device, and in response to determining that the at least a portion of a cloud-based media management system is unavailable, transmit a status message to the managed device, wherein the status message indicates that the managed device is to emulate the at least a portion of a cloud-based media management system.

Abstract: An application programming interface (API) receives broadcast-related information from media automation applications. A traffic log is received from a first media automation application configured to generate a traffic log associated with a media station, and spot information associated with spots included in the traffic log is received from at least a second media automation application. The API stores the broadcast-related information, including the traffic log and the spot information, in one or more databases. The API also receives, from a media playout system, at least one request for the stored broadcast-related information. The media playout system is configured to insert media content into a media broadcast associated with the media station. The API provides the requested broadcast-related information to the media playout system, which inserts the media content into the media broadcast associated with the media station.

Abstract: An edge device operates in an online mode of operation during a first period of time, wherein during the online mode of operation, the edge device obtains broadcast-related information originating from media automation applications. The edge device operates in a local mode of operation during a second period of time, wherein during the local mode of operation the edge device obtains locally stored broadcast-related information, and emulates services provided by the media automation applications. The edge device operates in a disaster recovery mode of operation during recovery from the local mode of operation, wherein during the disaster recovery mode of operation the edge device obtains stored broadcast-related information from a content recovery database.

Abstract: An edge device operates in an online mode of operation during a first period of time, wherein during the online mode of operation, the edge device obtains broadcast-related information originating from media automation applications. The edge device operates in a local mode of operation during a second period of time, wherein during the local mode of operation the edge device obtains locally stored broadcast-related information, and emulates services provided by the media automation applications. The edge device operates in a disaster recovery mode of operation during recovery from the local mode of operation, wherein during the disaster recovery mode of operation the edge device obtains stored broadcast-related information from a content recovery database.

Abstract: An edge device remotely accesses cloud-based media automation services by pointing an interface of the edge device to a cloud-based sequencer. Broadcast logs defining a broadcast schedule and media files specified in the broadcast logs are obtained from the cloud-based sequencer, and local versions are stored in a storage device locally accessible to the edge device. Availability of the cloud-based sequencer is monitored, and if the cloud-based sequencer becomes unavailable, the interface of the edge device is pointed to a local sequencer instead of the cloud-based sequencer. The local sequencer emulates one or more media automation services normally provided by the cloud-based sequencer. In response to determining that availability of the cloud-based sequencer has been restored, the edge device's interface is re-pointed to the cloud-based sequencer.

Abstract: An application programming interface (API) receives broadcast-related information from media automation applications. A traffic log is received from a first media automation application configured to generate a traffic log associated with a media station, and spot information associated with spots included in the traffic log is received from at least a second media automation application. The API stores the broadcast-related information, including the traffic log and the spot information, in one or more databases. The API also receives, from a media playout system, at least one request for the stored broadcast-related information. The media playout system is configured to insert media content into a media broadcast associated with the media station. The API provides the requested broadcast-related information to the media playout system, which inserts the media content into the media broadcast associated with the media station.

Abstract: An edge device remotely accesses cloud-based media automation services by pointing an interface of the edge device to a cloud-based sequencer. Broadcast logs defining a broadcast schedule and media files specified in the broadcast logs are obtained from the cloud-based sequencer, and local versions are stored in a storage device locally accessible to the edge device. Availability of the cloud-based sequencer is monitored, and if the cloud-based sequencer becomes unavailable, the interface of the edge device is pointed to a local sequencer instead of the cloud-based sequencer. The local sequencer emulates one or more media automation services normally provided by the cloud-based sequencer. In response to determining that availability of the cloud-based sequencer has been restored, the edge device's interface is re-pointed to the cloud-based sequencer.

Abstract: A method of treating a surface of wood products to inhibit the uptake of moisture into the wood by providing an aqueous formulation comprising polyethylene-vinyl acetate in water, 2-99 percent polyethylene-vinyl acetate by weight. The aqueous formulation is applied to the surface of wood products, wherein the wood products remain outdoors or in a damp environment having 60% or greater relative humidity. The aqueous formulation is allowed to dry and form a micro-film on the surface of the wood products. The moisture content in the wood products is maintained at 16 percent or less. A pesticide effect on the surface of the wood products is produced, inhibiting infestation of the wood products by insects.

Abstract: This invention provides method of treating a surface of exterior wood outside of buildings to inhibit the uptake of moisture into the wood by spraying on the surface of the wood an aqueous formulation consisting of one or more film forming non-chloride, long-chain polymers. The aqueous formulation forms a clear micro-film. Preferably, the long-chain polymer is polyethylene-vinyl acetate, polyurethane, or a combination thereof, wherein the clear micro-film contains no detectable volatile organic compounds. A clear colorant is added to the aqueous formulation to verify treatment. The clear colored micro-film maintains moisture content in the wood at 16 percent or less, allows for continued visual inspection of the surface of the wood for termite damage, does not rub off, get diluted with water, or become damaged by workers and pets who come into contact with the clear colored microfilm.

Abstract: A low pressure duct configured to channel a gas within a structure includes a tubular body formed from a polymer foam material, and a first plurality of strands adhered to a surface of the tubular body along a plurality of paths. The plurality of paths includes a first set of paths oriented longitudinally along the tubular body. The first set of paths are spaced apart from each other around a circumference of the tubular body. The plurality of paths also includes a second set of paths oriented circumferentially around the tubular body. The second set of paths are spaced apart longitudinally along the tubular body.

Abstract: A low pressure duct configured to channel a gas within a structure includes a tubular body formed from a polymer foam material, and a first plurality of strands adhered to a surface of the tubular body along a plurality of paths. The plurality of paths includes a first set of paths oriented longitudinally along the tubular body. The first set of paths are spaced apart from each other around a circumference of the tubular body. The plurality of paths also includes a second set of paths oriented circumferentially around the tubular body. The second set of paths are spaced apart longitudinally along the tubular body.

Abstract: A method of providing synchronized content to a user including: (i) an audio recording of a voice reading written language text and an audio recording of one or more pieces of music; (ii) written language text and music notation content, having elements that can be identified, displayed, and highlighted, the elements representing discrete segments of the written language and music notation content, each of the discrete segments having a beginning and end; and (iii) synchronization data marking beginning and end points in the audio recordings for each element. The method is implemented such that a user may play the audio recording of a voice reading the written language text, and the audio recording of the one or more pieces of music according to the EPUB format, and display the written language text and music notation content according to the EPUB format with synchronization.

Abstract: A method of providing synchronized content to a user including: (i) an audio recording of a voice reading written language text and an audio recording of one or more pieces of music; (ii) written language text and music notation content, having elements that can be identified, displayed, and highlighted, the elements representing discrete segments of the written language and music notation content, each of the discrete segments having a beginning and end; and (iii) synchronization data marking beginning and end points in the audio recordings for each element. The method is implemented such that a user may play the audio recording of a voice reading the written language text, and the audio recording of the one or more pieces of music according to the EPUB format, and display the written language text and music notation content according to the EPUB format with synchronization.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a composite structural material. A non-solid composite section that is filled with a structural foam that reduces the weight of the composite structural material. A solid composite section that is coupled to the non-solid composite section. The solid composite section is an area for structural attachment for the composite structural material. A region adjoining the non-solid composite section to the composite section is radiused to reduce stress when the structural foam is bonded to the region. The radius in the region prevents delamination and cracking of the structural foam when a load is placed on the composite structural material.

Abstract: A coaxial cable covering apparatus includes a plate that has a first side, a second side and a peripheral edge. The plate has at least one mounting opening extending therethrough. A flange is attached to and is coextensive with the peripheral edge. The flange is angled with respect to a plane of the plate. The flange has an outer edge has a notch therein. The notch extends toward the peripheral edge of the plate. The first side of the plate has a trough therein aligned with the notch. The trough is elongated and a coaxial cable is positionable in the notch and extended along a portion of the trough. At least one fastener may be extending through the at least one mounting opening to secure the plate to a dwelling wall. The plate is positioned over an outlet to hold the coaxial cable flush with the dwelling wall.

Abstract: A positive lock quick release pin for locking a plurality of objects together includes a handle portion which is in communication with a handle housing. The handle housing has an interior cavity within which a shaft member is disclosed. The pin also includes a ball retention mechanism located in the handle portion that is moveable between a locked position where the mechanism extends outwardly of an opening formed in the handle housing and an unlocked position where the ball mechanism extends no further than the outer edge of the opening. The ball retention mechanism is moved between the locked position and the unlocked position by reciprocation and rotation of the shaft member within the handle housing.

Abstract: A positive lock quick release pin for locking a plurality of objects together includes a handle portion which is in communication with a handle housing. The handle housing has an interior cavity within which a shaft member is disclosed. The pin also includes a ball retention mechanism located in the handle portion that is moveable between a locked position where the mechanism extends outwardly of an opening formed in the handle housing and an unlocked position where the ball mechanism extends no further than the outer edge of the opening. The ball retention mechanism is moved between the locked position and the unlocked position by reciprocation and rotation of the shaft member within the handle housing.

Abstract: A mounting accessory and storage system includes an accessory bracket which is designed to be detachably connected to an associated electronic equipment box in a closed or storage position without extending beyond the perimeter of the box during shipment of the electronic equipment. The mounting accessory is easily detachable from the box and reinstalled in a second position in the box which provides an extended bracket interface, connected to but extending beyond the perimeter of the box, to overlap with a corresponding mounting edge of an equipment mounting rack unit.