Abstract: A system and method to identify filler speech and deliver real-time feedback to the speaker for correction. The system receives a live audio signal from a user's speech, analyzes the audio signal for filler speech, verifies the speaker's identity, and, if filler speech is detected from the verified user, provides discreet sensory feedback to make the speaker aware of this behavior so it can be corrected in real time with the added benefit of helping the speaker to improve their speech behavior by eliminating the use of filler speech.

Abstract: A physical space contains stationary objects that do not move over time (e.g., a couch) and may have non-stationary objects that do move over time (e.g., people and pets). An autonomous mobile device (AMD) determines and uses an occupancy map of stationary objects to find a route from one point to another in a physical space. Non-stationary objects are detected and prevented from being incorrectly added to the occupancy map. Point cloud data is processed to determine first candidate objects. Image data is processed to determine second candidate objects. These candidate objects are associated with each other and their characteristics assessed to determine if the candidate objects are stationary or non-stationary. The occupancy map is updated with stationary obstacles. During navigation, the occupancy map may be used for route planning while the non-stationary objects are used for local avoidance.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile device (AMD) may move around a physical space while performing tasks. Sensor data is used to determine an occupancy map of the physical space. Some objects within the physical space may be difficult to detect because of characteristics that result in lower confidence in sensor data, such as transparent or reflective objects. To include difficult-to-detect objects in the occupancy map, image data is processed to identify portions of the image that includes features associated with difficult-to-detect objects. Given the portion that possibly includes difficult-to-detect objects, the AMD attempts to determine where in the physical space that portion corresponds to. For example, the AMD may use stereovision to determine the physical area associated with the features depicted in the portion. Objects in that area are included in an occupancy map annotated as objects that should persist unless confirmed to not be within the physical space.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates broadly to closure assemblies, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. More particularly, certain embodiments relate to assemblies and methods for closing an opening defined by a spout provided on a flexible container utilising a capping member having a plugging portion and a substantially fracturable retaining skirt. Embodiments provide may an adequate seal for the contents contained within bags against the significant pressure placed upon the closure by the often weighty and voluminous contents of the packaging. Furthermore, the closure may be easily and comfortably removable by a user whilst managing the handling of the bag.

Abstract: Various aspects of the invention described herein relate to a removable connector assembly, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. More particularly, certain embodiments relate to apparatus and methods to provide a connection to a spout disposed upon a container, such as upon a bag holding fluid. Embodiments of connector assemblies comprise an elongated outer housing, an inner housing, and a slider assembly for moving the outer surface of the sleeve member over the inner surface of the outer housing wall in a lengthwise motion to position the spout connector upon the spout and secure the spout connector in said position.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile device (AMD) moving in a physical space determines the presence of obstacles using images acquired by a stereocamera and avoids those obstacles. A floor with few visible features is difficult to characterize. The floor and any obstacles thereon may be difficult to characterize due to noise, perspective effect, and so forth. A score is determined that indicates whether a particular pixel in an image is deemed to be associated with a parallel surface (the floor) or a perpendicular surface (an obstacle). The score is computationally inexpensive to calculate and allows for highly accurate and low latency determinations as to the presence of an obstacle that would impede movement of the AMD. Orientation changes in the AMD, such as movement over a bumpy floor, are well tolerated as are floor features such as flooring transitions, ramps, and so forth which the AMD is able to traverse.

Abstract: A physical space contains stationary objects that do not move over time (e.g., a couch) and may have non-stationary objects that do move over time (e.g., people and pets). An autonomous mobile device (AMD) determines and uses an occupancy map of stationary objects to find a route from one point to another in a physical space. Non-stationary objects are detected and prevented from being incorrectly added to the occupancy map. Point cloud data is processed to determine first candidate objects. Image data is processed to determine second candidate objects. These candidate objects are associated with each other and their characteristics assessed to determine if the candidate objects are stationary or non-stationary. The occupancy map is updated with stationary obstacles. During navigation, the occupancy map may be used for route planning while the non-stationary objects are used for local avoidance.

Abstract: A tap assembly for reducing the infiltration of fluid from the exterior of a fluid container to the interior of a fluid container comprising a tap valve, a valve closure, and a hollow tap body. The tap body provides a fluid outlet for allowing the passage of fluid through the tap assembly and a multi-start male thread to slidably move the valve closure from an open position to a closed position. The tap assembly further comprises three concentric securement pieces configured to interface with the fluid container and form a three-point locking mechanism interlocking the three concentric securement pieces.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a tap assembly for reducing the infiltration of fluid from the exterior of a fluid container to the interior of a fluid container comprising a tap valve, a valve closure, and a hollow tap body. The tap body provides a fluid outlet for allowing the passage of fluid through the tap assembly and a multi-start male thread to slidably move the valve closure from an open position to a closed position. The tap assembly further comprises three concentric securement pieces configured to interface with the fluid container and form a three-point locking mechanism interlocking the three concentric securement pieces.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates broadly to closure assemblies, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. More particularly, certain embodiments relate to assemblies and methods for closing an opening defined by a spout provided on a flexible container utilising a capping member having a plugging portion and a substantially fracturable retaining skirt. Embodiments provide may an adequate seal for the contents contained within bags against the significant pressure placed upon the closure by the often weighty and voluminous contents of the packaging. Furthermore, the closure may be easily and comfortably removable by a user whilst managing the handling of the bag.

Abstract: Various aspects of the invention described herein relate to a removable connector assembly, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. More particularly, certain embodiments relate to apparatus and methods to provide a connection to a spout disposed upon a container, such as upon a bag holding fluid. Embodiments of connector assemblies comprise an elongated outer housing, an inner housing, and a slider assembly for moving the outer surface of the sleeve member over the inner surface of the outer housing wall in a lengthwise motion to position the spout connector upon the spout and secure the spout connector in said position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to Compounds of Formula (I) and salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are defined above herein. The present invention is also directed to uses of the compounds of Formula (I) to add phosphoramidate groups onto organic alcohols.

Abstract: A terminal supporting apparatus 10 supports at least one of two ends of a control cable having an inner cable and an outer cable. The terminal supporting apparatus 10 includes: a hub 12 attached to an end of the outer cable, and having a flange on an outer periphery thereof; a cushion member 14 disposed to surround the outer periphery of the hub, and being in contact with the flange at both a front surface and a rear surface of the flange; and a housing 17 having a housing part that houses the cushion member. When an angle formed between an axis of the housing part and an axis of the hub is varied in a range of 0.0° to 6.0°, a diagonal static spring constant of the cushion member in an axial direction thereof may be in a range of 350 to 600 N/mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding an autonomous vehicle towards a docking station including an autonomous vehicle with a camera-based sensing system, a drive system for driving the autonomous vehicle, and a control system for controlling the drive system. The apparatus includes a docking station including a first fiducial marker and a second fiducial marker, wherein the second fiducial marker is positioned on the docking station to define a predetermined relative spacing with the first fiducial marker, wherein the control system is operable to receive an image provided by the camera-based sensing system, the image including a representation of the first and second fiducial markers, and to control the drive system so as to guide the autonomous vehicle towards the base station based on a difference between the representation of the first and second fiducial markers in the received image and the predetermined relative spacing between the first and second fiducial markers.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on cylindrical objects (31) comprises a plurality of printheads (32); and at least one holding device movable relative to the printheads (32) such that, in use, the holding device moves the object between the printheads. The path of the at least one holding device comprises a plurality of vertical sections (34) which are horizontally offset from one another. Each vertical section (34) comprises at least two identically orientated printheads (32) arranged such that they are vertically displaced from one another, with one directly above the others. The at least one holding device moves the object (31) between the at least two printheads (32) such that part or all of its path between the printheads is vertical.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding an autonomous vehicle towards a docking station including an autonomous vehicle with a camera-based sensing system, a drive system for driving the autonomous vehicle, and a control system for controlling the drive system. The apparatus includes a docking station including a first fiducial marker and a second fiducial marker, wherein the second fiducial marker is positioned on the docking station to define a predetermined relative spacing with the first fiducial marker, wherein the control system is operable to receive an image provided by the camera-based sensing system, the image including a representation of the first and second fiducial markers, and to control the drive system so as to guide the autonomous vehicle towards the base station based on a difference between the representation of the first and second fiducial markers in the received image and the predetermined relative spacing between the first and second fiducial markers.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): and pharmacologically acceptable salts and pro-drugs thereof, wherein the variables are as defined in the specification, are potassium ion channel modulators, making them particularly useful in treating and preventing conditions such as pain, lower urinary tract disorders and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on cylindrical objects (31) comprises a plurality of printheads (32); and at least one holding device movable relative to the printheads (32) such that, in use, the holding device moves the object between the printheads. The path of the at least one holding device comprises a plurality of vertical sections (34) which are horizontally offset from one another. Each vertical section (34) comprises at least two identically orientated printheads (32) arranged such that they are vertically displaced from one another, with one directly above the others. The at least one holding device moves the object (31) between the at least two printheads (32) such that part or all of its path between the printheads is vertical.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): and pharmacologically acceptable salts and pro-drugs thereof, wherein the variables are as defined in the specification, are potassium ion channel modulators, making them particularly useful in treating and preventing conditions such as pain, lower urinary tract disorders and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding an autonomous vehicle towards a docking station including an autonomous vehicle with a camera-based sensing system, a drive system for driving the autonomous vehicle, and a control system for controlling the drive system. The apparatus includes a docking station including a first fiducial marker and a second fiducial marker, wherein the second fiducial marker is positioned on the docking station to define a predetermined relative spacing with the first fiducial marker, wherein the control system is operable to receive an image provided by the camera-based sensing system, the image including a representation of the first and second fiducial markers, and to control the drive system so as to guide the autonomous vehicle towards the base station based on a difference between the representation of the first and second fiducial markers in the received image and the predetermined relative spacing between the first and second fiducial markers.