Abstract: Input context for a statistical dialog manager may be provided. Upon receiving a spoken query from a user, the query may be categorized according to at least one context clue. The spoken query may then be converted to text according to a statistical dialog manager associated with the category of the query and a response to the spoken query may be provided to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for irrigation devices for treatment of fecal impaction in a patient are contemplated. An irrigation device may comprise a distal portion comprising a disimpaction fluid inlet and a waste vacuum outlet. The disimpaction fluid outlet may be operative to emit a generally annular jet of disimpaction fluid into the anus of the patient so as to disimpact impacted feces associated with the anus. The irrigation device may additionally comprise a waste vacuum inlet configured to receive and remove the disimpacted feces. When the distal portion is placed at and aligned with the anus of a patient, the emitted disimpaction fluid may disimpact feces so that the disimpacted feces may be safely received by the waste vacuum inlet to be safely isolated from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved enhanced dilation devices for targeted diagnosis and targeted dilatation therapy is contemplated. The enhanced dilation device have a plurality of inflation lumens which expand and retract via a plurality of pumps operative to pump an inflation fluid into and out of the plurality of inflation lumens so as to contact against diagnostic regions of a patient's dilated orifice in order to derive diagnostic statuses for the multitude of regions of a patient's dilatated orifice, and an aggregate diagnostic profile and a treatment methodology therefrom. The diagnostic device may also comprise a scanner with emitters operative to emit energy towards diagnostic regions of the body cavity the diagnostic device may be inserted into and sensors operative to detect the effects of this energy to generate one or more regional diagnostic statuses characterizing the body cavity.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for manufacturing a composite part. A set of reference locations is identified for a set of fiducial markers on a composite ply from a ply shape model for the composite part. The set of fiducial markers is created at the set of reference locations on the composite ply. The composite ply is cut to have a shape defined by the ply shape model.

Abstract: A resilient adhesive sheath for use in enhancing the durability and hygienic properties of a dilatation device is contemplated as an elongate tubular section being formed of a resiliently flexible material, with an adhesive layer disposed on its interior surface. A removable protective layer is disposed over the adhesive layer in order to preserve the adhesive properties prior to use and to prevent the adhesive from prematurely bonding. The resilient adhesive sheath is configured to transition from a compressed configuration while packaged to an extended configuration, in a manner similar to a conventional prophylactic condom. The protective layer may be removed from over the adhesive layer and the adhesive sheath subsequently placed over the insertion portion of the dilatation device with the adhesive layer in contact therewith to allow for the adherence thereto. The adhesive sheath may be subsequently removed and replaced with a new adhesive sheath.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes, by one or more computing devices associated with a payment service (PS), assigning a first payment card number of a first plurality of payment card numbers to an account of a user, wherein the first plurality of payment card numbers is issued from a first issuer processor. The PS detecting an event affecting the use of the first payment card in a transaction. The PS, in response to detecting the event, accessing a second plurality of payment card numbers issued from a second issuer processor and assigning a second payment card number of the second plurality of payment card numbers to the account of the user. The PS receiving an indication that a status of the event has changed. The PS, in response to receiving the indication, automatically enabling, the first payment card number for use in transactions for the account of the user.

Abstract: A user (e.g., a CMC scientist) identifies a change in CMC data for a regulated product, service, or system provided by an organization. A change assessment engine provides a recommendation for regulatory impact reporting. The recommendation may include a rationale and supporting evidence. The recommendation may identify the markets where the product, service, or system is registered, an indication of potential reportability in that market, specific health authority regulations that apply, and direct linkages into an internal regulatory knowledge repository of the organization. The change assessment engine may drive a user interface that guides users through the process in a consistent and repeatable manner.

Abstract: Enhanced dilatation devices are contemplated which incorporation of a number of new features, principally among them an actuator for producing reciprocating linear motion in at least the insertion end of the dilatation device to aid in, automate, and enhance the dilatation and/or sexual stimulatory function of the dilatation device, and a rear rigid arcuate member configured for placement over an anatomical surface such as the mons pubis or the perineum, and an expansion region incorporating an expanding balloon on its inner arcuate face configured to expand against and frictionally engage with the anatomical surface to assist with retaining the dilatation device in place during use. Such enhanced dilatation devices may be embodied by a new dilatation device, or may be implemented in the form of an optional attachment which may be used to upgrade an existing dilatation device.

Abstract: Superior dilatation devices and methods of using such devices are contemplated which are effective for providing enhanced levels of sexual stimulation as well as enhancing the treatment or amelioration of conditions which may be treated with dilatation, such as vaginismus and other forms of dyspareunia, pelvic floor dysfunction, and certain other forms of incontinence. By positioning a tubular balloon around the shaft of a conventional rigid dilatation device, providing a reservoir inside the body of the device containing an inflation fluid like helium gas, and using a pump to transfer the inflation between the two, the balloon may be inflated and deflated repeatedly and on command. Through particular control systems, potentially including biofeedback elements and arrangements of multiple balloon lumens, the inflation/deflation sequence may be customized and optimized to produce an enhanced stimulative or treatment effect.

Abstract: An improved condom-style vacuum therapy device has a region of the sheath formed of an air-permeable material that is covered by an air-impermeable barrier so as to define a lumen therebetween. A conduit defining an airflow pathway is located in fluid communication with the lumen, and is connected to a vacuum source in order to draw air out of the interior of the condom-style device through the air-permeable region. When the condom-style device is worn over the penis, a sealing element proximate to the open end serves to at least partially restrict the intrusion of ambient air into the condom. As a result, the air pressure within the sheath of the condom is reduced to below ambient air pressure, serving to prevent or treat actual or potential erectile disfunction and/or to enhance sexual performance, while also providing the prophylactic and/or contraceptive benefits associated with condom use.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for manufacturing a composite part. A set of reference locations is identified for a set of fiducial markers on a composite ply from a ply shape model for the composite part. The set of fiducial markers is created at the set of reference locations on the composite ply. The composite ply is cut to have a shape defined by the ply shape model.

Abstract: Robots for moving relative to a surface, robotic systems including the same, and associated methods are disclosed. A robot includes a body, at least two legs, and at least two feet. Each leg has a proximal end region operatively coupled to the body at a respective body joint with one rotational degree of freedom and a distal end region operatively coupled to a respective foot at a respective foot joint comprising two rotational degrees of freedom. Each foot is configured to be translated relative to the surface with two degrees of translational freedom. Robotic systems include one or more robots and a surface along which the one or more robots are positioned to move. Methods of operating robots and of operating robotic systems include translating at least one foot of a robot to operatively move the body of the robot with six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A guide assembly for supporting a tool employs an arcuate guide configured to have a tether coupled thereto. The arcuate guide is configured to apply a reaction force to the tether to oppose gravitational force applied to the tool. The assembly further includes a mount assembly is configured to couple the arcuate guide to the tool. At least one support bar is coupled to the arcuate guide and the mount assembly. The arcuate guide, the mount assembly, and the at least one support bar are configured to maintain the reaction force in alignment with a center of gravity of the tool as the tool is rotated with respect to the center of gravity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an automated validation of a condition of assembly for a structure. A plurality of images of the structure are registered to a computer model of the structure in which an image in the plurality of images captures a portion of the structure. Each image in the plurality of images is segmented based on registration of the plurality of images to the computer model to form a plurality of image sections. A final score is generated for the condition of assembly of the structure based on whether each image section in the plurality of image sections meets a corresponding condition in which the final score indicates whether the condition of assembly is valid.

Abstract: Robots for moving relative to a surface, robotic systems including the same, and associated methods are disclosed. A robot includes a body, at least two legs, and at least two feet. Each leg has a proximal end region operatively coupled to the body at a respective body joint with one rotational degree of freedom and a distal end region operatively coupled to a respective foot at a respective foot joint comprising two rotational degrees of freedom. Each foot is configured to be translated relative to the surface with two degrees of translational freedom. Robotic systems include one or more robots and a surface along which the one or more robots are positioned to move. Methods of operating robots and of operating robotic systems include translating at least one foot of a robot to operatively move the body of the robot with six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Robots for moving relative to a surface, robotic systems including the same, and associated methods are disclosed. A robot includes a body, at least two legs, and at least two feet. Each leg has a proximal end region operatively coupled to the body at a respective body joint with one rotational degree of freedom and a distal end region operatively coupled to a respective foot at a respective foot joint comprising two rotational degrees of freedom. Each foot is configured to be translated relative to the surface with two degrees of translational freedom. Robotic systems include one or more robots and a surface along which the one or more robots are positioned to move. Methods of operating robots and of operating robotic systems include translating at least one foot of a robot to operatively move the body of the robot with six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic device for moving an inspection tool, a scanner coupleable to the robotic device such that the robotic device is configured to automatically move the scanner to collect data associated with a surface of the object, and a computer system configured to determine a surface profile associated with the surface of the object based on the data, and generate a tool path for inspecting the object using the inspection tool based on the surface profile.

Abstract: A guide assembly for supporting a tool employs an arcuate guide configured to have a tether coupled thereto. The arcuate guide is configured to apply a reaction force to the tether to oppose gravitational force applied to the tool. The assembly further includes a mount assembly is configured to couple the arcuate guide to the tool. At least one support bar is coupled to the arcuate guide and the mount assembly. The arcuate guide, the mount assembly, and the at least one support bar are configured to maintain the reaction force in alignment with a center of gravity of the tool as the tool is rotated with respect to the center of gravity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laying composite tape. The method may comprise driving a plurality of robots, each having a respective movement system across a movement surface, in which the movement surface faces a workpiece, and laying composite tape from the plurality of robots in a coordinated manner on the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of repairing a structure is provided. The method includes inspecting the structure with a robotic device to identify a structural defect in the structure, generating a tool path for repairing the structural defect, and transmitting the tool path to the robotic device from a location remote from the robotic device.