Abstract: An analytics module included in a processing system receives performance feedback related to a broadcast media item. The performance feedback includes metadata associated with the feedback. Based on the metadata, the analytics module distinguishes between first performance feedback provided by automated programs and second performance feedback provided by valid users. The second performance feedback is transmitted to a media proposal server, but the first performance feedback is not. The media proposal server determines, based on the second performance feedback, that the broadcast media item is to be replaced by a replacement broadcast media item.

Abstract: A testing device includes a first member to be positioned on one surface of a part to be tested. A second member to be positioned on an opposed surface of the part to be tested. One of the first and second members have an ultrasonic transmitter and the other has an ultrasonic receiver. At least one of the first and second members have at least one magnetic element and the other of the first and second member have at least one magnetic or at least one ferromagnetic metallic element such that when one of the first and second members moves along the surface of the tested part the other of the first and second members will move along an opposed surface with the one of the members.

Abstract: A method of testing a part includes placing a first member on a part to be tested. A second member is placed on an opposed surface of the part. One of the members has an ultrasonic transmitter and the other has an ultrasonic receiver. At least one of the members has at least one magnetic element and the other has at least one of a magnetic element or a ferromagnetic metallic element which is attracted to magnets. One of the members moves along the surface of the part such that magnetic attraction causes the other to move along the opposed surface of the part with the one of the members. A controller causes an ultrasonic signal to be sent from the transmitter through the part to be tested which is received by the receiver and then analyzed by an ultrasonic testing machine.

Abstract: A broadcast order placed by a requestor is received at a first processing device configured to implement an automated media scheduling system. The broadcast order includes a request to prohibit placement of at least one media item within a threshold proximity of a restricted media show. In response to receiving the broadcast order, the automated media scheduling system modifies at least one record associated with the requestor to indicate the request. During automated schedule generation, the automated media scheduling system prevents the at least one media item from being scheduled within the threshold proximity of the restricted media show.

Abstract: A media playout system receives a broadcast log transmitted from a media scheduling system. The broadcast log includes a restricted show, and the media playout system makes a first determination a blackout period assigned to the restricted show. The blackout period indicates a period of time associated with the restricted show during which at least one media item is prohibited from being scheduled. The media player also determines that the broadcast log indicates that the at least one media item has been improperly scheduled during the blackout period. In response to determining that the at least one media item has been improperly scheduled during the blackout period, the media playout system transmits, to the media scheduling system, a message requesting a replacement media item to replace the at least one media item that has been improperly scheduled during the blackout period.

Abstract: An analytics module included in a processing system receives performance feedback related to a broadcast media item. The performance feedback includes metadata associated with the feedback. Based on the metadata, the analytics module distinguishes between first performance feedback provided by automated programs and second performance feedback provided by valid users. The second performance feedback is transmitted to a media proposal server, but the first performance feedback is not. The media proposal server determines, based on the second performance feedback, that the broadcast media item is to be replaced by a replacement broadcast media item.

Abstract: Performance feedback related to media presented to a user is received at a processing system including an analytics module. The performance feedback includes metadata identifying the user. The analytics module determines, based on the metadata included in the performance feedback, whether the performance feedback is related to a valid user. In response to determining that the performance feedback is related to a valid user, the analytics module strips the metadata identifying the user from the performance feedback, and transmits the performance feedback from the processing system to a media proposal server.

Abstract: Performance feedback related to media presented to a user is received at a processing system including an analytics module. The performance feedback includes metadata identifying the user. The analytics module determines, based on the metadata included in the performance feedback, whether the performance feedback is related to a valid user. In response to determining that the performance feedback is related to a valid user, the analytics module strips the metadata identifying the user from the performance feedback, and transmits the performance feedback from the processing system to a media proposal server.

Abstract: A media playout system receives a broadcast log transmitted from a media scheduling system. The broadcast log includes a restricted show, and the media playout system makes a first determination a blackout period assigned to the restricted show. The blackout period indicates a period of time associated with the restricted show during which at least one media item is prohibited from being scheduled. The media player also determines that the broadcast log indicates that the at least one media item has been improperly scheduled during the blackout period. In response to determining that the at least one media item has been improperly scheduled during the blackout period, the media playout system transmits, to the media scheduling system, a message requesting a replacement media item to replace the at least one media item that has been improperly scheduled during the blackout period.

Abstract: A streaming media player receives a media stream from a first broadcast chain. Streaming performance feedback originating from the streaming media player is received at a processing system including an analytics module. The feedback includes identifying information sufficient to verify that a user of the media player is a valid user. In response to verifying that the feedback is from a valid user, identifying information is stripped out, and the feedback is transmitted to a media proposal server. The media proposal server determines, based on the streaming feedback, that media items scheduled for broadcast on a second, different broadcast chain, are to be replaced. Replacement media items, which have been identified, based at least in part, on feedback from the first broadcast chain, are transmitted to the second broadcast chain via a media distribution server.

Abstract: A media automation system controls the ability of local stations to automatically replace certain scheduled items. A show is identified as a restricted show, with respect to exclusion of content associated with at least one advertiser. Restriction rules, which are configured to prevent content associated with the at least one advertiser from being scheduled during the restricted show are obtained, and a master broadcast log is generated based on a broadcast schedule and the restriction rules. The local stations are prevented from successfully performing automated replacement of content during the restricted show by inserting a flag into metadata associated with the master broadcast log, the flag specifying a blackout attribute. Buffers can be established around restricted shows, so that spot breaks near restricted shows can also be restricted. A playout system can perform validation checks to ensure that advertisements from advertisers included in the list are not improperly scheduled.

Abstract: An improved automated media scheduling system includes a conditional scheduler operating in cooperation with the at least one master scheduler to obtain a contextual condition associated with a conditional media item, and devoid of entity identification information. Satisfying the contextual condition is a prerequisite to pairing the conditional media item with another media item. The conditional scheduler obtains an original schedule generated by the master scheduler, identifies a scheduled media item, from the original schedule, that satisfies the contextual condition, pairs the conditional media item and the scheduled media item to generate a media item pair, and transmits a proposed scheduling change, including the media item pair, to the master scheduler. The master scheduler evaluates the proposed scheduling change for compliance with scheduling rules.

Abstract: A media automation system controls the ability of local stations to automatically replace certain scheduled items. A show is identified as a restricted show, with respect to exclusion of content associated with at least one advertiser. Restriction rules, which are configured to prevent content associated with the at least one advertiser from being scheduled during the restricted show are obtained, and a master broadcast log is generated based on a broadcast schedule and the restriction rules. The local stations are prevented from successfully performing automated replacement of content during the restricted show by inserting a flag into metadata associated with the master broadcast log, the flag specifying a blackout attribute. Buffers can be established around restricted shows, so that spot breaks near restricted shows can also be restricted. A playout system can perform validation checks to ensure that advertisements from advertisers included in the list are not improperly scheduled.

Abstract: A streaming media player receives a media stream from a first broadcast chain. Streaming performance feedback originating from the streaming media player is received at a processing system including an analytics module. The feedback includes identifying information sufficient to verify that a user of the media player is a valid user. In response to verifying that the feedback is from a valid user, identifying information is stripped out, and the feedback is transmitted to a media proposal server. The media proposal server determines, based on the streaming feedback, that media items scheduled for broadcast on a second, different broadcast chain, are to be replaced. Replacement media items, which have been identified, based at least in part, on feedback from the first broadcast chain, are transmitted to the second broadcast chain via a media distribution server.

Abstract: An end-to-end automated management system facilitates generation of advertisement proposals, and purchase orders, over one or many media outlets and stations. Once an advertisement proposal is purchased and inserted into a traffic management and billing system, near-real-time performance feedback about the advertisements can be obtained from media consumers through a media presentation application presenting the advertisement, via a social media service, or the like. The consumer feedback and other performance factors, which can be received concurrently with airing of an advertisement, can be considered in determining whether a particular advertisement or an advertising proposal as a whole, is effective in meeting purchaser requirements. Advertisement copy can be changed according to the proposal parameters, without purchaser intervention, to provide near-real-time responsiveness to consumer feedback.

Abstract: When a request is received from an advertiser to prohibit scheduling advertisements during or near a restricted show, an order entry system can add the advertiser to a list of advertisers specifying prohibitions. An automated media scheduling system can implement rules to prevent advertisements linked to advertisers in the list from being scheduled in spot breaks during the restricted show, and instead schedule advertisements from other advertisers in those spot breaks. Buffers can be established around restricted shows, so that spot breaks near restricted shows can also be restricted. A playout system can perform validation checks to ensure that advertisements from advertisers included in the list are not improperly scheduled. Advertisers, advertisements, shows, or schedule portions can be tagged with blackout attributes to facilitate rule implementation. Subsequent manual changes to a broadcast log with restricted media items can be prevented.

Abstract: A jacketed light emitting diode assembly is provided, which includes a light emitting diode including a set of positive and negative contacts, and a lens body containing a semiconductor chip and end portions of the contacts. An electrical wire set of first and second electrical wires are connected to the positive contact and the negative contact, respectively. A light transmissive cover receives the lens body, and has an opening through which at least one of the contact set and the electrical wire set passes. An integrally molded plastic jacket at the opening of the light transmissive cover provides a seal at the opening against moisture and airborne contaminants. A waterproof light string including one or more of the jacketed light emitting diode assemblies is also provided, as are related methods.

Abstract: An end-to-end automated management system facilitates generation of advertisement proposals, and purchase orders, over one or many media outlets and stations. Once an advertisement proposal is purchased and inserted into a traffic management and billing system, near-real-time performance feedback about the advertisements can be obtained from media consumers through a media presentation application presenting the advertisement, via a social media service, or the like. The consumer feedback and other performance factors, which can be received concurrently with airing of an advertisement, can be considered in determining whether a particular advertisement or an advertising proposal as a whole, is effective in meeting purchaser requirements. Advertisement copy can be changed according to the proposal parameters, without purchaser intervention, to provide near-real-time responsiveness to consumer feedback.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for managing a media advertising proposal from inception to completion of an order with one or more media outlets are described. An embodiment of the method includes receiving a customer request for placement of advertising in one or more media outlets, creating a media advertising proposal, that includes schedule of advertising for the requested placement, based on user inputs into a media proposal tool, storing the media advertising proposal in a database connected to the media proposal tool, accessing one or more external applications to integrate information and data into the media advertising proposal, assigning a grade to the media advertising proposal, entering the media advertising proposal into a computerized workflow in the media proposal tool for review and approval, and if the media advertising proposal is approved, injecting the media advertising proposal as an order into a traffic and billing system.

Abstract: A jacketed light emitting diode assembly is provided, which includes a light emitting diode including a set of positive and negative contacts, and a lens body containing a semiconductor chip and end portions of the contacts. An electrical wire set of first and second electrical wires are connected to the positive contact and the negative contact, respectively. A light transmissive cover receives the lens body, and has an opening through which at least one of the contact set and the electrical wire set passes. An integrally molded plastic jacket at the opening of the light transmissive cover provides a seal at the opening against moisture and airborne contaminants. A waterproof light string including one or more of the jacketed light emitting diode assemblies is also provided, as are related methods.