Abstract: Platform-agnostic digital assistant methods and apparatuses are provided. The apparatuses and methods include a processor configured by a memory to receive user data from a storage containing informational contents. The processor is configured to establish a communication channel with an entity and utilize the communication channel to receive first information related to a user. The processor is configured to extract at least one user datum from the first information and modify the informational contents of the storage based on at least one of the user datum and the first information. The processor is further configured to initiate an action related to the user based on at least one of the first information, the user datum, and the informational contents.

Abstract: Closed-loop metal powder management methods for additive manufacturing. Virgin metal powder is provided in a closed powder container comprising at least one sensor, tracker, or optical device. The metal powder is transferred to an additive manufacturing system, a portion of a metal powder layer is consolidated, and excess metal powder is transferred from the additive manufacturing system to the powder container, a second powder container, or an internal powder container. Virgin metal powder or a second metal powder are added to the excess metal powder, a quality of the mixed powder is validated, the process is repeated at least once, and powder physical transfer data associated with at least one of the steps is collected and stored in a data repository. Powder material parameters may be measured and assessed, and may be also be stored in the data repository.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided for mounting a microphone which has opposite flat faces joined by an arcuate periphery, with a speaker in one of the flat faces. The connector includes a dielectric housing having a generally rectangular microphone insertion cavity for receiving the microphone inserted periphery-first into the cavity. The cavity is defined at least in part by opposing side walls of the housing adapted for engaging the opposite faces of the microphone at the edges thereof near the periphery of the microphone. At least one side wall has an opening in registry with the speaker face of the microphone. Terminals project into the cavity for engaging appropriate terminals on the microphone.