Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for adapting elements of a user interface of an interactive voice response system in a voice-based interaction based on rank of a user and more particularly to ranking user for their expertise. The method of ranking the user comprises a dialogue engine receiving information related to a plurality of attributes for a voice-based interaction. A user rank classifier determines user rank and updates a user model by a user model update component. Further, the dialogue engine adapts and provides the user with a user interface based on the user's rank corresponding to his expertise thereby, enhances engagement during interaction. This makes the interface more efficient, approachable and user-friendly. Moreover, it saves time and cost for both the system operations and the user.

Abstract: A valve for a breathing apparatus system includes a housing extending axially from a first end to a second end, with the first end fluidly coupled to the mask and the second end configured to fluidly couple with a source of breathable air. An air flow path extends through the housing between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: Systems, devices, computer-implemented methods, and tangible non-transitory computer-readable media that facilitate intelligent and dynamic updates to membership of group object(s) based on a change to an attribute value with respect to an entity associated with the group object(s). In an embodiment, a computing system can: create a first group object using an attribute value that can at least partly define membership of group member(s) of the first group object; generate a dependency mapping file that maps the attribute value to second group object(s) created using the attribute value; employ the dependency mapping file to identify the second group object(s) upon detection of a change to the attribute value with respect to an entity associated with the first group object and the second group object(s); and/or update membership of the first group object and the second group object(s) to reflect the change to the attribute value with respect to the entity.

Abstract: A 3D printing system includes a machine chassis, a build vessel, a carriage, an actuator, a build platform, and a light engine. The build vessel is supported by the machine chassis and contains a photocurable liquid. The build vessel includes a downward extending tension ring that tensions a transparent sheet and defines a datum plane. The carriage supports a glass plate and a roller. The carriage is configured to press the roller against the two opposing sides of the tension ring. The actuator is configured to vertically position an upper surface of the glass plate in two positions including (U) an upper position at which the upper surface of the glass plate is coplanar with the datum plane and (L) a lower position in which the upper surface of the glass is spaced away from the datum plane.

Abstract: A 3D printing system includes a build vessel, a carriage, and a light engine. The build vessel includes a vessel base having a downward extending tension ring that tensions a transparent sheet. The transparent sheet laterally bounds a build plane that is defined over orthogonal lateral axis X and Y. The carriage includes a roller that extends between two opposing sides of the tension ring. The roller exerts an upward force on the transparent sheet and the two opposing sides of the tension ring. The vertical constraint of the roller biased against the tension ring provides a location and improved planarity of a supported portion of the transparent sheet adjacent to the roller. The light engine light engine is configured to selectively apply radiation to a projected area of the build plane through the supported portion of the transparent sheet.

Abstract: A 3D printing system includes a machine chassis, a vessel support, a gas pressure source, a build vessel, a light engine, and a lateral movement mechanism. The build vessel is supported by the vessel support and includes a transparent sheet. The vessel support includes a carriage having a top surface. The carriage is configured to be positioned along a lateral X-axis under the transparent sheet. The carriage defines an optical path and a fluid channel that at least partially surrounds the optical path. The gas pressure source is coupled to the fluid channel. Gas flowing from the gas pressure source and out of the fluid channel is configured to maintain a vertical spacing between the top surface of the carriage and the transparent sheet. The lateral movement mechanism translates and positions the carriage and light engine together along the lateral X-axis.

Abstract: Provided herein are long-acting antiparasitic devices comprising parasiticidal isoxazoline active agent for external use on an animal to treat and/or prevent parasitic infestations by ectoparasites, and in some embodiments, also parasitic infections. The disclosure also describes methods and uses of the antiparasitic external devices to treat and/or prevent parasitic infestations and/or infections in an animal.

Abstract: The specification describes a method for the production of a hydrochlorination catalyst, comprising the steps of: i) preparing an impregnation solution by combining a source of gold and a ligand in a solvent, wherein the solvent comprises an organic solvent; ii) impregnating a support with the impregnation solution from step (i); and iii) drying the product of step (ii) to obtain the catalyst. Also described are hydrochlorination catalysts comprising a complex of gold and a ligand of Formula (I) supported on a support. These catalysts are particularly suitable for the conversion of acetylene to vinyl chloride monomer.

Abstract: A method for operating a power generating plant having one or more power generating assets includes receiving, via a plurality of independent applications of a supervisory controller, a plurality of operational parameters relating to the one or more power generating assets in the power generating plant. The method also includes generating, via the plurality of independent applications of the supervisory controller, a plurality of marginal effect maps based on the plurality of operational parameters. The method further includes receiving, via a central optimizer module, the plurality of marginal effect maps from the plurality of independent applications and determining one or more operational setpoints for the power generating asset(s) based on the marginal effect maps to optimize an economic value of operating the one or more power generating assets. Moreover, the method includes communicating the operational setpoint(s) to the power generating asset(s).

Abstract: A method of operating a machine tool apparatus, including: causing a tool mounted on the machine tool apparatus to work on a workpiece, during the working of the workpiece by the tool, at least one sensor monitoring the tool, machine tool apparatus and/or workpiece, for one or more signals indicative of the condition of the tool; and using the output of the one or more sensors to automatically configure when and/or how the tool and/or workpiece is inspected by at least one inspection device, the output of which is used to determine whether or not to keep using the tool.

Abstract: A surgeon training apparatus includes a cassette, which includes biological tissue repurposed into a form consistent with the anatomical configuration of abdominal hernias, affixed into an anatomically correct silicon framework which replicates the abdominal anatomy. The framework positions the cassette in an anatomically correct position within the abdominal cavity, enabling surgeons to train using a properly positioned representation of the target anatomy, thus requiring the surgeon to properly use surgical tools to correct the pathologic condition caused by the hernia. The cassette is formed by applying biologic tissue to a specially designed “plate,” which affixes the tissue block into the anatomic framework, and is adapted for connection to a grounding device so the surgeon can use cautery during the simulated hernia repair.

Abstract: Systems, devices, computer-implemented methods, and tangible non-transitory computer-readable media that facilitate intelligent and dynamic updates to membership of group object(s) based on a change to an attribute value with respect to an entity associated with the group object(s). In an embodiment, a computing system can: create a first group object using an attribute value that can at least partly define membership of group member(s) of the first group object; generate a dependency mapping file that maps the attribute value to second group object(s) created using the attribute value; employ the dependency mapping file to identify the second group object(s) upon detection of a change to the attribute value with respect to an entity associated with the first group object and the second group object(s); and/or update membership of the first group object and the second group object(s) to reflect the change to the attribute value with respect to the entity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a drill guide for an implantable medical device includes a template comprising a turntable having a drill guide opening; and a drill clip connected to the turntable. In one embodiment, a drill guide for an implantable medical device includes a template comprising a template opening and a turntable having a drill guide opening coaxially aligned with the template opening, a drill interface connected to the turntable, and a support element connected to the drill interface extending from the turntable and offset from the drill guide opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for creating one or more proxy devices in a guest device mirroring the devices hosted by a host device. The proxy devices may provide full device access functionality to applications running in the guest device. The devices and methods may load a proxy driver inside the guest device, which communicates with the host device. When applications running on the guest device interact with the proxy devices, the proxy driver communicates the interaction to the host device, which communicates with the device driver managing the device. The devices and methods allow applications running on the host and applications running on the guest to shares access to the same device.

Abstract: A high pressure axial flow check valve includes a check valve body and a guide that has two outer tabs that are able to be positioned underneath two overhanging lips of the valve body. The guide is to first be inserted into the valve body until seated, after which the guide is able to be rotated 90° until the screw holes in the guide are aligned with the holes in the valve body. Once properly aligned, a plurality of guide screws are used to fasten the guide to the valve body. Once the guide screws are fastened to the valve body, the guide screws will then be able to be protected from an internal fluid flow path by two retainers placed on top of the guide and secured by a plurality of retainer screws.

Abstract: A system and method are described for dialogue management by determining a transition from a domain or a use case to another and initiating a switch suggestion in a human-computer conversation for rendering services to a user based on the updated domain or use case for a dialogue. The method comprises determining a first use-case in the human-computer conversation and assigning a first use-case score to the said first use-case. The method then comprises determining a second use-case in the human-computer conversation and assigning a second use-case score to the said second use-case. Further, the method comprises determining whether to make the use-case switch suggestion to the said second use-case based on the said first use-case score and the said second use-case score. The invention aligns the system to extract intended information from/for the user thereby making the system more efficient, approachable and user-friendly by saving time and cost.

Abstract: A wiper seal assembly for sealing a ball screw actuator includes a seal element. An inside circumferential surface comprises a first helically shaped extension having a first pitch and is configured to be disposed within a roller ball screw thread. At least one wiping bead being a second helically shaped extension having a second pitch extending towards a longitudinal axis is disposed at least partially over the first helically shaped extension. The at least one wiping bead is configured to make contact with the roller ball screw thread. A cylindrical ring is in contact with and at least partially disposed about the seal element. The seal element is at least partially bonded to the cylindrical ring. The seal element has a first coefficient of thermal expansion and the cylindrical ring has a different second coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for creating one or more proxy devices in a guest device mirroring the devices hosted by a host device. The proxy devices may provide full device access functionality to applications running in the guest device. The devices and methods may load a proxy driver inside the guest device, which communicates with the host device. When applications running on the guest device interact with the proxy devices, the proxy driver communicates the interaction to the host device, which communicates with the device driver managing the device. The devices and methods allow applications running on the host and applications running on the guest to shares access to the same device.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed herein comprising a graft copolymer having (i) a backbone comprising dextran with a molecular weight of at least about 100000 Daltons, and poly alpha-1,3-glucan side chains comprising at least about 95% alpha-1,3-glucosidic linkages. Further disclosed are reactions for producing such graft copolymers, as well as their use in absorbent materials.

Abstract: Systems and vehicles including a pop-out trunk/frunk and methods of using the same. A system may include a storage compartment. The storage compartment may have a base configured to receive a payload. The system may further include a trunk/frunk area. The trunk/frunk area may be configured to receive the storage compartment. The system may further include a mechanism. The mechanism may be attachable to the storage compartment and configured to traverse the storage compartment between an up position where the storage compartment extends up and out of the trunk/frunk area and a down position where the storage compartment is within the trunk/frunk area.