Abstract: A simulated character module and method of operation are presented. The simulated character module includes a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor and a communication device operably coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to control a simulated character, and an image associated with the simulated character is displayable on the display. Further, the image is displayable on a second display of a second module to simulate movement of the simulated character to the second module. The module communicates via an electronic network with the second module using the communication device. The electronic network can be the Internet. Further, the image is not displayed on the display of the module if the image is displayed on the second display of the second module.

Abstract: A method of selecting potential hires for progression through a hiring process is provided. The method comprises selecting at least one performance indicator for a position, obtaining the at least one performance indicator for a plurality of incumbents in the position, and placing each incumbent in the plurality of incumbents along a performance continuum according to their performance indicator. The method also comprises surveying incumbents from at least both halves of the performance continuum, generating an ideal profile for the position based upon the incumbent survey and the at least one performance indicator of the incumbents, using a survey to generate a candidate profile of a potential hire, comparing the candidate profile of the potential hire with the ideal profile for the position to determine a result for the potential hire, and determining whether to progress the potential hire to a next stage in the hiring process based upon the result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game, including a first module having a housing, a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor and an electrical contact positioned such that access is available to the electrical contact of the first module through the first module housing, and a second module having a housing, a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor and an electrical contact positioned such that access is available to the electrical contact of the second module through the second module housing, the electrical contact of the second module configured to contact the electrical contact of the first module, allowing the processor of the first module to communicate with the processor of the second module.

Abstract: A simulated character module and method of operation are presented. The simulated character module includes a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor and a communication device operably coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to control a simulated character, and an image associated with the simulated character is displayable on the display. Further, the image is displayable on a second display of a second module to simulate movement of the simulated character to the second module. The module communicates with the second module using the communication device. Further, the image is not displayed on the display of the module if the image is displayed on the second display of the second module.

Abstract: A protective floor film adhesive composition includes an acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive having an inherent viscosity in a range of 0.3 dl/g or greater, a cross-linker, and a plasticizer compatible with the acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive. The adhesive composition has a glass transition temperature of ?10 degrees Celsius or less, and the adhesive composition has an initial 180 degree peel adhesion test value of 5 oz/in or greater and builds to a final 180 degree peel adhesion test value of 40 oz/in or less, and a haze test value of 10% or less. Protective floor film articles and methods of protecting flooring are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication device for use in coaching and sports events. The invention includes, in one embodiment, a waterproof radio receiver embodied in a helmet.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a seat belt apparatus configured to restrain an occupant seated in a vehicle car seat having a seat back portion and a seat base portion. The seat belt apparatus includes a lap belt defining an inboard portion and an outboard portion. The seat belt apparatus also includes a tether defining a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end portion of the tether is secured to the outboard portion of the lap belt. A pre-tensioner is positioned below, rearward and inboard of the occupant's outboard hip. The pre-tensioner is selectively configured to retract the tether thereby applying force to the occupant in a downward and inboard direction.

Abstract: A curable composition is provided comprising an oligomer having a plurality of pendent and/or terminal ethylenically unsaturated, free-radically polymerizable functional groups, a free-radically polymerizable crosslinking agent, and/or a diluent monomer, and a photoinitiator. The composition, when cured, is non-yellowing, exhibits low shrinkage and low birefringence making it suitable for many optical applications such as optical lenses, optical fibers, prisms, light guides, optical adhesives, and optical films.

Abstract: A method for the polymerization of free radically polymerizable vinyl monomers involves polymerizing free radically (co)polymerizable vinyl monomers in a batch reaction under essentially adiabatic conditions in the presence of an non-reactive diluent that can remain in the polymer product.

Abstract: A method for the polymerization of free radically polymerizable vinyl monomers involves polymerizing free radically (co)polymerizable vinyl monomers in a batch reaction under essentially adiabatic conditions, and utilizing scavenger monomer to reduce undesirable residual monomer.

Abstract: Energy beams with different wavelengths or wavelength ranges may be passed through a gas sample in a test chamber. Ones of the energy beams may have wavelengths or wavelength ranges that are absorbed by particular gases. To determine whether any of those particular gases are in the gas sample, the loss of energy, if any, as the beams pass through the gas ample may be determined. The presence of one or more gases that do not absorb the energy beams may be determined by placing a chemical reactant that reacts with those one or more gases and then detecting a chemical reaction between the chemical reactant and the gas sample.

Abstract: A system for detecting and remediating a discharge of fuel from a fuel source facility is disclosed. The system can comprise a contamination detection subsystem configured to detect a discharge of fuel from the fuel source facility and a remediation subsystem configured to remediate contamination due to the discharge of fuel. A controller can automatically activate the remediation subsystem upon detection of a discharge by the contamination detection subsystem. The controller can automatically send a notification that a contamination has been detected and the remediation system has been activated. Alternatively or in addition, the controller can automatically send a notification that a contamination has been detected and the remediation system has been activated.

Abstract: The Portable Outdoor LED Illumination Apparatus provides nighttime illumination of an outdoor area for campers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The apparatus includes a vertical, tubular support pole and an illumination head assembly. The vertical, tubular support pole is comprised of a plurality of segments which are connected via springs internal to the segments. The springs allow easy collapse of the vertical, tubular support pole into a transportable unit. The segments, and therefore the vertical tubular support pole, are hollow and allow for an electrical conductor to pass from a compartment housing a plurality of batteries to the illumination head assembly. The illumination head assembly, which is comprised of a plurality of light emitting diodes (“LED's”) fixed within an epoxy potting, is affixed in such a manner so that when the LED's are powered the light is directed in the general direction of the ground.

Abstract: A paperboard having improved strength and water resistance comprises a standard paperboard furnish modified by adding 5-60 lbs/ton alum, 3-40 lbs/ton of liquid size, and 16-50 lbs/ton modified cationic starch. A more preferred formulation has a paperboard furnish, 4-40 lbs of alum per ton of furnish, 3-12 lbs of liquid size per ton of furnish, and 30-40 lbs of cationic starch per ton of furnish Other additives such as a dry strength agent and microparticle silica may be added. Paperboard cores spirally wound from the paperboard of the invention exhibit shorter cure time, higher strength, improved dimensional stability, and reduced moisture migration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising the steps of: (i) providing an essentially solvent-free mixture comprising one or more free radically polymerizable monomers having one ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one free-radical polymerization initiator, (ii) partially polymerizing said mixture to provide a partially polymerized mixture exhibiting a Brookfield viscosity of between 1,000 and 125,000 mPa·s at 20° C. and a degree of conversion of monomers to polymer of between 30-60 wt. % with respect to the initial mass of the monomers prior to polymerization, (iii) adding one or more free-radical radiation polymerization initiators to the partially polymerized mixture to provide a radiation-curable precursor, (iv) applying the radiation-curable precursor to a substrate, and (v) further polymerizing the radiation-curable precursor by subjecting it to actinic irradiation to provide said pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-use move, lift, and support device. The device is made of a step ladder frame containing a plurality of steps and a hand truck frame. At least one hinge pivotally connects the step ladder frame to the hand truck frame. An anti-wobble hook may be used to lock the frames in a step ladder configuration. The hook is moved in position by the force of gravity.

Abstract: A multi-use move, lift, and support device is disclosed. The device is made of a step ladder frame containing a plurality of steps and a hand truck frame. At least one hinge pivotally connects the step ladder frame to the hand truck frame. An anti-wobble hook may be used to lock the frames in a step ladder configuration. The hook is moved in position by the force of gravity.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-use move, lift, and support device. The device is made of a step ladder frame containing a plurality of steps and a hand truck frame. At least one hinge pivotally connects the step ladder frame to the hand truck frame. An anti-wobble hook may be used to lock the frames in a step ladder configuration. The hook is moved in position by the force of gravity.

Abstract: A cup holder for a child's car seat having at least one seat belt receiving slot comprises a holder body having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening extending through the holder body from the upper surface to the lower surface, and a connecting member extending from said holder body for inserting in the seat belt receiving slot to thereby connect the holder body to the child's car seat. The connecting member extends from the holder body at an angle sufficient so that the upper surface of said holder body is positioned approximately parallel to a seating surface of the car seat when the connecting member is properly inserted in the seat belt receiving slot. The opening is dimensioned to hold a container therein without the container falling through the opening.

Abstract: A tray table for a child's car seat having at least two seat belt receiving slots, comprises a table top having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a periphery, and two connecting members extending from the lower surface of the table top for inserting in the seat belt receiving slots to thereby connect the table top to the child's car seat. The connecting members extend from the lower surface at an angle sufficient so that the upper surface of the table top is positioned approximately parallel to a seating surface of the car seat when the connecting members are properly inserted in the seat belt receiving slots. The table top includes an opening serving as a cup holder, or having a container for holding toys, crayons, and other small articles.