Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for efficient 3D printing using a single compact device are set forth. Some embodiments utilize a circular-shaped build area revolving symmetrically around a single center point utilizing a continuous helical printing process. Laser diodes or vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are utilized as an energy source for curing the print material. The VCSELs can be integrated with the print head and can form an array which can be staggered or linear. In some embodiments, the VCSELs (and the corresponding print head) can be connected to a rotating platform, which can rotate independently from the revolving build area. In some embodiments, a thermoelectric cooler and/or a fluid cooler can provide cooling to the VCSELS.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for imparting and limiting hypocycloidal, lateral, and torsional forces onto drill bits are provided, including hypocycloidal bearings for limiting hypocycloidal motion, lateral impulse mechanisms for imparting lateral movement to a drill bit, and torsional impulse mechanisms for imparting torsional movement to a drill bit. The methods systems, and apparatus may decrease friction, increase drilling efficiency, and provide additional benefits to drilling systems.

Abstract: A drilling machine for a wellbore is provided. The drilling machine may include a dynamic lateral pad that is movable between an extended and retracted position. In the extended position, the pad moves the drill bit in a direction for drilling. The drilling machine may include a dynamic lateral cutter that is movable between an extended and retracted position. In at least the extended position, the cutter engages the wellbore and removes formation. The drilling machine may include a monolithic or integral drill bit/drive shaft to reduce the distance between a positive displacement motor and a distal end of the monolithic or integral drill bit/drive shaft. The drilling machine may include separate cutting structures that have different rotational speeds and can further utilize the integral drill bit/drift shaft and/or a bent housing that generates an off-axis rotation which helps optimize the formation removal in the center area of the wellbore.

Abstract: A leaf seal assembly 10? is disclosed for use in a gap between a rotating component 1 and a stationary component 2, for example of a turbo-machine. The leaf seal assembly 10 comprises at least one leaf seal 20? having a generally planar surface. A runner 50? is coupled to a distal end of the least one leaf seal 20?. The at least one leaf seal 20? maintains the runner 50? in a first position away from the rotating component 1 in an unpressurised inoperative state. The runner 50? moves to a second position, close to, but not contacting, the rotating component 1 in a pressurised operative state. In some embodiments the at least one leaf seal is angled in the direction of the flow. In some embodiments a first leaf seal is vented. In some embodiments the leaf seal assembly is segmented. In some embodiments the runner comprises segments having a radial thickness which varies circumferentially.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for imparting and limiting hypocycloidal, lateral, and torsional forces onto drill bits are provided, including hypocycloidal bearings for limiting hypocycloidal motion, lateral impulse mechanisms for imparting lateral movement to a drill bit, and torsional impulse mechanisms for imparting torsional movement to a drill bit. The methods systems, and apparatus may decrease friction, increase drilling efficiency, and provide additional benefits to drilling systems.

Abstract: A drilling machine for a wellbore is provided. The drilling machine may include a dynamic lateral pad that is movable between an extended and retracted position. In the extended position, the pad moves the drill bit in a direction for drilling. The drilling machine may include a dynamic lateral cutter that is movable between an extended and retracted position. In at least the extended position, the cutter engages the wellbore and removes formation. The drilling machine may include a monolithic or integral drill bit/drive shaft to reduce the distance between a positive displacement motor and a distal end of the monolithic or integral drill bit/drive shaft. The drilling machine may include separate cutting structures that have different rotational speeds and can further utilize the integral drill bit/drift shaft and/or a bent housing that generates an off-axis rotation which helps optimize the formation removal in the center area of the wellbore.

Abstract: A leaf seal assembly 10? is disclosed for use in a gap between a rotating component 1 and a stationary component 2, for example of a turbo-machine. The leaf seal assembly 10 comprises at least one leaf seal 20 having a generally planar surface. A runner 50? is coupled to a distal end of the least one leaf seal 20. The at least one leaf seal 20 maintains the runner 50? in a first position away from the rotating component 1 in an unpressurised inoperative state. The runner 50 moves to a second position, close to, but not contacting, the rotating component 1 in a pressurised operative state. In some embodiments the at least one leaf seal is angled in the direction of the flow. In some embodiments a first leaf seal is vented. In some embodiments the leaf seal assembly is segmented.

Abstract: A drilling machine for a wellbore is provided. The drilling machine may include a dynamic lateral pad that is movable between an extended and retracted position. In the extended position, the pad moves the drill bit in a direction for drilling. The drilling machine may include a dynamic lateral cutter that is movable between an extended and retracted position. In at least the extended position, the cutter engages the wellbore and removes formation. The drilling machine may include a monolithic or integral drill bit/drive shaft to reduce the distance between a positive displacement motor and a distal end of the monolithic or integral drill bit/drive shaft. The drilling machine may include separate cutting structures that have different rotational speeds and can further utilize the integral drill bit/drift shaft and/or a bent housing that generates an off-axis rotation which helps optimize the formation removal in the center area of the wellbore.

Abstract: A drilling machine for a wellbore is provided. The drilling machine may include a dynamic lateral pad that is movable between an extended and retracted position. In the extended position, the pad moves the drill bit in a direction for drilling. The drilling machine may include a dynamic lateral cutter that is movable between an extended and retracted position. In at least the extended position, the cutter engages the wellbore and removes formation. The drilling machine may include a monolithic or integral drill bit/drive shaft to reduce the distance between a positive displacement motor and a distal end of the monolithic or integral drill bit/drive shaft. The drilling machine may include separate cutting structures that have different rotational speeds and can further utilize the integral drill bit/drift shaft and/or a bent housing that generates an off-axis rotation which helps optimize the formation removal in the center area of the wellbore.

Abstract: The invention provides a pipe 100 for an aircraft refuel system, the pipe comprising an outer section 200 making up a pipe wall, the pipe wall having an outer and inner 230 surface, a surface texture 310 on the inner pipe wall surface, the surface texture comprising projections 311 projecting inwards from the inner pipe wall surface towards the centre of the pipe. The surface texture may be riblets 311 and may be coated with an anti-bacterial coating 340. The surface texture may be formed from a layer of conductive material, in the form of a foil 300. The outer section 200 may be made from a non-conductive, preferably composite material. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing piping for an aircraft refuel system using a mandrel 400.

Abstract: A method for operating an inkjet printer includes identifying a pattern of ink drops ejected from an inkjet with reference to image data for a printed image, identifying a waveform component for an electrical signal operating the inkjet to eject an ink drop in the pattern of ink drops with reference to at least a portion of the image data, and generating the electrical signal with the identified waveform component to eject the ink drop in the pattern of ink drops at a first velocity onto a first location of an image receiving surface.

Abstract: A method for operating an inkjet printer includes identifying a pattern of ink drops ejected from an inkjet with reference to image data for a printed image, identifying a waveform component for an electrical signal operating the inkjet to eject an ink drop in the pattern of ink drops with reference to at least a portion of the image data, and generating the electrical signal with the identified waveform component to eject the ink drop in the pattern of ink drops at a first velocity onto a first location of an image receiving surface.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an image receiving surface movably supported within the imaging device and at least one printhead having a plurality of ink jets, each ink jet being configured to eject drops of ink on the image receiving surface. At least one sensing electrode is positioned adjacent the image receiving surface that outputs capacitance signals indicative of a capacitance in a gap between the at least one sensing electrode and image receiving surface that are output to a controller.

Abstract: The invention provides a pipe 100 for an aircraft refuel system, the pipe comprising an outer section 200 making up a pipe wall, the pipe wall having an outer and inner 230 surface, a surface texture 310 on the inner pipe wall surface, the surface texture comprising projections 311 projecting inwards from the inner pipe wall surface towards the centre of the pipe. The surface texture may be riblets 311 and may be coated with an anti-bacterial coating 340. The surface texture may be formed from a layer of conductive material, in the form of a foil 300. The outer section 200 may be made from a non-conductive, preferably composite material. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing piping for an aircraft refuel system using a mandrel 400.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an image receiving surface movably supported within the imaging device and at least one printhead having a plurality of ink jets, each ink jet being configured to eject drops of ink on the image receiving surface. At least one sensing electrode is positioned adjacent the image receiving surface that outputs capacitance signals indicative of a capacitance in a gap between the at least one sensing electrode and image receiving surface that are output to a controller.

Abstract: A portable, disposable apparatus for lighting charcoal or other flammable material contained therein. A central compartment generally in the shape of a tube extends from a bottom portion of the apparatus up through the center of the main body of the apparatus. An ignition strip extends within the tube. The apparatus is made of paper or paperboard or other lightweight flammable, yet durable, material. The apparatus is used by lighting the bottom of the ignition strip, which thereby starts a fire within the central compartment. The fire in the tube then ignites the charcoal within the main body of the apparatus. As the charcoal burns, the apparatus eventually burns away, leaving the burning charcoal in a pile.

Abstract: A drop generator includes a pressure chamber and a flexible diaphragm plate disposed on the chamber and forming a wall of the pressure chamber. A piezoelectric transducer having a bottom surface is attached to the diaphragm plate. The diaphragm plate includes a recess that forms a perimeter around the bottom surface of the transducer that partially underlies at least one edge of the bottom surface. An inlet channel is connected to the pressure chamber and configured to direct ink to the pressure chamber from a manifold. An outlet channel is connected to the pressure chamber to receive ink from the pressure chamber and has a channel axis that is perpendicular to the diaphragm plate. The outlet channel includes a first outlet channel section and a second outlet channel section. The first outlet channel section includes a plurality of subsections having alternating diameters. The second outlet channel section includes an aperture disposed at an end thereof.

Abstract: An inkjet finger manifold is provided that includes a longitudinal manifold chamber with an entrance at a first end adjacent to a first longitudinal side. A purge vent is located at a second end on a second longitudinal side opposite the first longitudinal side. A first ramp is located at the first end sloping away from the entrance toward the second longitudinal side. A second ramp is located near the second end and slopes from the second longitudinal side toward the second end and the first longitudinal side to alter the laminar flow of the ink through the longitudinal manifold.

Abstract: A drop generator includes a pressure chamber and a flexible diaphragm plate disposed on the chamber and forming a wall of the pressure chamber. A piezoelectric transducer having a bottom surface is attached to the diaphragm plate. The diaphragm plate includes a recess that forms a perimeter around the bottom surface of the transducer that partially underlies at least one edge of the bottom surface. An inlet channel is connected to the pressure chamber and configured to direct ink to the pressure chamber from a manifold. An outlet channel is connected to the pressure chamber to receive ink from the pressure chamber and has a channel axis that is perpendicular to the diaphragm plate. The outlet channel includes a first outlet channel section and a second outlet channel section. The first outlet channel section includes a plurality of subsections having alternating diameters. The second outlet channel section includes an aperture disposed at an end thereof.

Abstract: A printhead reservoir has an input ink port and a chamber to receive ink from an ink source through the input ink port. The reservoir also has a filter in a path between the input ink port and the chamber. A printhead includes a reservoir having an input ink port, a chamber to receive ink from an ink source through the input port and a filter in a path between the input port and the storage plate. The printhead also includes an array of jets to draw ink from the chamber and control circuitry to control the jets so as to selectively output ink through the jets onto a substrate. A reservoir has a filter to receive ink, a vented chamber to collect ink received from the filter and at least one jet to receive ink from the vented chamber. The vented chamber is between the ink filter and the fluid path to the jets in order to remove the filter portion of the pressure drop to the jets.