Abstract: A support structure includes a discrete object side and a recess in the discrete object side, the recess formed to mate with a fixture side of a workpiece. A method for manufacturing a support structure includes registering a discrete object model to a blank model and forming a recess in a discrete object side of the fixture blank model.

Abstract: A natural language user interface for computer-aided design systems (CAD) comprises a natural language command module including a parser, language database and a CAD model analyzer, and a natural language server module including a second, increased capability parser, a second, preferably larger language database and a CAD context database. The CAD model analyzer analyzes and retrieves associated CAD model information related to a parsed voice command and the CAD context database provides specific CAD related contextual information to facilitate parsing and interpreting CAD specific commands. The natural language server program module may also include an artificial intelligence based query generator and communicate through a network or cloud with resource providers such as third-party market places or suppliers to generate queries for retrieval of third party supplied information necessary to respond to or execute CAD specific voice commands.

Abstract: A method carried out on a computer system for ordering and executing expedited production options. A user may submit a request for manufacturing a product defined by a 3D computer model. Systems described herein may then verify that the request is subject to an expedited production option and parse the 3D computer model to identify the processes required to manufacture the product. The product may then be manufactured with an expedited lead time that may vary as a function of the processes in question and the nature of the applicable expedited production option.

Abstract: A method for providing assistance to users of computer programs. The computer system receives user inputs for utilizing the various functions of a computer program. The system records an amount of time during which said user utilizes the respective functions, such that when a user signals that assistance is needed, the system determines which of the program's functions have been most frequently used. The system then finds, and connects to the user, persons having expertise in those respective areas.

Abstract: Methods and software for generating machine-control instructions for controlling subtractive manufacturing equipment to form a plurality of objects from a single workpiece. In some embodiments, the machine-control instructions are for milling equipment that mills the objects from a single body of material by milling material from obverse and reverse sides of the body of material. Milling from the obverse side forms valleys in the obverse side and leaves interconnecting portions that connect together the plurality of objects. A removable fixating material is added to the valleys for holding the objects firmly in place relative to one another for milling from the reverse side. After the removable fixating material has hardened, milling from the reverse side removes the interconnecting portions. Milling operations from the obverse and reverse sides can include operations in addition to the forming of the valleys and removing of the interconnecting portions.

Abstract: Methods for providing a workpiece computer model including a plurality of objects defined in a body of material. A temporary support frame is provided as part of a two-sided machining process in which the workpiece is partially milled from an obverse side. The machine-control instructions are also based on one or more occupying structures added to the workpiece to fill in one or more excess unoccupied regions of the workpiece that would otherwise be machined away during machining of the objects. Providing such occupying structure(s) reduces the amount of machining that needs to be performed.

Abstract: A method for providing a natural language interface for a computer-aided design (CAD) system includes receiving a user voice input comprising a plurality of words, parsing the user voice input, determining a meaning for the parsed user voice input, the meaning including one or more words associated with an object and one or more words associated with a characteristic of the object, retrieving from a model descriptor database at least an object model descriptor and at least a characteristic descriptor, using the determined meaning, generating at least a graphical model of the object using the at least an object model descriptor, and generating at least a modified graphical model of the object, using the at least a characteristic descriptor.

Abstract: A method of providing a natural language interface for a CAD system includes receiving a user selection through a GUI of a particular location of a CAD model, receiving a user voice input including a plurality of words and referring to the particular location, parsing the user voice input, determining a meaning for the parsed user voice input that includes a reference to the particular location, one or more words associated with one or more program actions, and one or more words associated with one or more command topics, each related to a specific feature of the CAD model, identifying one or more attributes of the specific feature based on the meaning, identifying from several candidate components at least a component compatible with the specific feature using the one or more attributes and the attribute information of the candidate components, and displaying an indication of the at least a component.

Abstract: A method of providing a natural language interface for a computer-aided design (CAD) system is disclosed. The method includes displaying to the user a model display graphical user interface (GUI), a view window that displays a first view of the CAD model, and a spectrum GUI configured to allow the user to selectively add CAD-tool functionality, receiving a voice input including a plurality of words and referring to a CAD-tool functionality, parsing the voice input, determining a meaning including a reference to the CAD-tool functionality for the parsed voice input, assembling a query for additional information based on the meaning, sending the assembled query to a corresponding information location, receiving queried information from the corresponding information location, translating received information into a response, determining that the response includes a command for the spectrum GUI regarding the CAD-tool functionality, and sending the command to the spectrum GUI.

Abstract: A natural language user interface for computer-aided design systems (CAD) comprises a natural language command module including a parser, language database and a CAD model analyzer, and a natural language server module including a second, increased capability parser, a second, preferably larger language database and a CAD context database. The CAD model analyzer analyzes and retrieves associated CAD model information related to a parsed voice command and the CAD context database provides specific CAD related contextual information to facilitate parsing and interpreting CAD specific commands. The natural language server program module may also include an artificial intelligence based query generator and communicate through a network or cloud with resource providers such as third-party market places or suppliers to generate queries for retrieval of third party supplied information necessary to respond to or execute CAD specific voice commands.

Abstract: A natural language user interface for computer-aided design systems (CAD) comprises a natural language command module including a parser, language database and a CAD model analyzer, and a natural language server module including a second, increased capability parser, a second, preferably larger language database and a CAD context database. The CAD model analyzer analyzes and retrieves associated CAD model information related to a parsed voice command and the CAD context database provides specific CAD related contextual information to facilitate parsing and interpreting CAD specific commands. The natural language server program module may also include an artificial intelligence based query generator and communicate through a network or cloud with resource providers such as third party market places or suppliers to generate queries for retrieval of third party supplied information necessary to respond to or execute CAD specific voice commands.

Abstract: A system that provides automated/semi-automated recommendations for joining one or more instantiations of a structure that is modeled in a computer model. The system receives input joining data from the computer model. The system uses the received input joining data to automatedly determine recommended joining data. In some embodiments, the system further includes functionality that allows a user select a recommended joining method, joining parameters, or other joining data. Such systems can be implemented in any of a wide variety of manners, such as within a single computing device or across a communications network, among others. In some embodiments, functionalities of the system are integrated into computer-modeling software directly of via add-on software.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a gripping unit for engaging a workpiece with the unit including a first assembly, a second assembly pivotally connected to the first assembly and having a limited range of pivotal movement relative to the first assembly. The first and second assemblies define a central opening of the gripping unit. Each of the first and second assemblies includes a V-block oppositely disposed from one another and capable of axial translation within the central opening to engage the workpiece. An actuator is arranged and designed to pivot the second assembly relative to the first assembly in the direction of the central opening.

Abstract: A tool for facilitating the tightening and torquing (or loosening) of threaded fasteners used to hold together two work pieces. The tool includes one or more units, where each unit has an aperture for gripping a threaded fastener, a hole with a tension bolt extending therefrom, and a shoulder for supporting a tension bolt extending from an adjacent tool during the tightening and torquing of the threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A system to establish a trustworthiness of an autonomous agent is provided. The system includes a plurality of computing devices disposed in signal communication with one another via a network, at least one of the plurality of the computing devices being configured to serve as a host server for an autonomous agent trustworthiness establishing (AATE) application. The AATE application is configured to define a micro-theory of trust elements, apply trust building patterns to the autonomous agent, provide a visualization of autonomous agent skill claims and constraints via the network and provide a recommendation tracking system for sharing and tracking a reputation of the autonomous agent during testing and deployment via the network.

Abstract: A radiant gas heater includes a first ceramic plaque burner and an adjacent and larger second plaque burner. A valve spindle is movable to establish in series "Low," "Medium" and "High" heat positions by first supplying gas in the vicinity of the first burner, then supplying gas in the vicinity of the second burner while momentarily maintaining the flow of gas to the first burner, next discontinuing the flow of gas to the first burner and finally by reestablishing the flow of gas to the first burner while maintaining the flow of gas to the second burner.

Abstract: The present invention is a decoy hunting blind and cart which both provides a goose blind structure and functions as a cart. The hunting blind and cart positions an enlarged decoy directly over a hunter reclining on a flexible hammock provided on the cart which holds the hunter slightly off the ground. Offset to one side of the cart is a support framework for the enlarged decoy, which is easily rotated out of the way permitting the hunter to shoot. The hunting cart is a wheel-barrow like structure which permits the hunter to transport all of his decoys which are set up in the field to various locations.

Abstract: A radiant gas heater includes a first ceramic plaque burner and an adjacent and larger second plaque burner. A valve spindle is movable to establish in series "Low," "Medium" and "High" heat positions by first supplying gas in the vicinity of the first burner, then supplying gas in the vicinity of the second burner while momentarily maintaining the flow of gas to the first burner, next discontinuing the flow of gas to the first burner and finally by reestablishing the flow of gas to the first burner while maintaining the flow of gas to the second burner.

Abstract: The simplex orifice fitting includes a housing having a longitudinal bore therethrough and a plate carrier slot intersecting with the longitudinal bore. A plate carrier, having a circular bore, is slidably received in the plate carrier slot. An orifice plate, having a bore therethrough for the passage of fluid, is carried by the plate carrier. A seal ring is positioned around the orifice plate and received within the circular bore of the carrier plate. Centering pins within the housing are connected to the housing and located transverse to the longitudinal bore of the housing. The plurality of centering pins have an end capable of contacting the plate carrier in an operative position. A sealing bar is connected to the plate carrier and springs are positioned between the sealing bar and the plate carrier to permit relative movement therebetween. The springs force the plate carrier into contact with the ends of the centering pins to properly position the plate carrier in the operative position.

Abstract: A measurement tool and method for measuring the eccentricity of an orifice plate bore in a longitudinal bore of an orifice fitting is disclosed. The measurement tool includes a housing having a first and second plurality of radial bores. At least one ball is inserted in each of the pluralities of radial bores. A first and a second member are rotated to radially force the pluralities of balls outwardly of the housing against the longitudinal bore of the orifice fitting. A head assembly is attached to the housing. An insertion member having a tapered end portion is inserted in the orifice plate bore. A slide member is connected to the insertion member and is slidably mounted in the head assembly. A rod is slidably inserted through the housing and into the head assembly. An arm is pivotally mounted in the head assembly having a first surface in contact with the slide member and a second surface in contact with an end of the rod. An indicator gauge assembly contacts a second end of the rod.