Abstract: Systems and methods for training and utilizing predictive models that ignore missing features in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for generating representations of inputs with missing values. The method includes steps for, at a single layer in a multi-layer model, receiving an input includes a set of one or more values for several features and identifying a missingness pattern of the input, wherein the missingness pattern indicates whether the set of values is missing a value for each of the several features. The method further includes determining a set of one or more transformation weights based on the missingness pattern and transforming the input based on the determined transformation weights.

Abstract: A capacitive measurement device for indicating when two surfaces moving relative to each other are spaced less than a predetermined distance apart. The device comprises a probe having an elongated conductor, an insulating core, a conducting inner guard, an insulating interlayer, and a conducting sheath. A portion of the conductor, insulating core and conducting inner guard form a probe tip which extends beyond the insulating interlayer and conducting sheath by a predetermined offset. The probe is configured to extend from a first surface by a predetermined distance and to generate a signal when the tip is contacted by a second surface.

Abstract: A capacitive measurement device for indicating when two surfaces moving relative to each other are spaced less than a predetermined distance apart. The device comprises a probe having an elongated conductor, an insulating core, a conducting inner guard, an insulating interlayer, and a conducting sheath. A portion of the conductor, insulating core and conducting inner guard form a probe tip which extends beyond the insulating interlayer and conducting sheath by a predetermined offset. The probe is configured to extend from a first surface by a predetermined distance and to generate a signal when the tip is contacted by a second surface.

Abstract: A capacitive measurement device for indicating when two surfaces moving relative to each other are spaced less than a predetermined distance apart. The device comprises a probe having an elongated conductor, an insulating core, a conducting inner guard, an insulating interlayer, and a conducting sheath. A portion of the conductor, insulating core and conducting inner guard form a probe tip which extends beyond the insulating interlayer and conducting sheath by a predetermined offset. The probe is configured to extend from a first surface by a predetermined distance and to generate a signal when the tip is contacted by a second surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and describes 3D printers that print 3D objects with acceptable precision and accuracy. Such 3D printers may comprise one or more of: an extrusion core with particularized temperature controls; an extrusion core with particularized filament pathway geometry; an extrusion core with a nozzle that is integral with a heating block; an extrusion core with nozzles of variable orifice-openings; a filament feeding system using smooth-faced-rollers; a build plate with an adhesion-layer for wetting between the extrudate and the adhesion-layer; an alignment-plane for anchoring axis positioning systems to a common plane to minimize tolerance stacking problems; and a single z-axis guide, a mono-rail, for guiding movement of a build plate in the z-axis direction; which may permit use of minimal mechanical fit tolerances between the mono-rail and a complimentary receiving sleeve.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a target member, a sensor and a mounting assembly. The target member is coupled to a shaft that is disposed within an engine housing and that rotates about an axis. The target member includes a target surface that is substantially normal to the axis of rotation of the shaft. The sensor is configured to produce a signal associated with a distance between a sensor tip and the target surface. The mounting assembly is coupled to the sensor and the engine housing, and is configured to adjust the distance between the sensor and the target surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and describes 3D printers that print 3D objects with acceptable precision and accuracy. Such 3D printers may comprise one or more of: an extrusion core with particularized temperature controls; an extrusion core with particularized filament pathway geometry; an extrusion core with a nozzle that is integral with a heating block; an extrusion core with nozzles of variable orifice-openings; a filament feeding system using smooth-faced-rollers; a build plate with an adhesion-layer for wetting between the extrudate and the adhesion-layer; an alignment-plane for anchoring axis positioning systems to a common plane to minimize tolerance stacking problems; and a single z-axis guide, a mono-rail, for guiding movement of a build plate in the z-axis direction; which may permit use of minimal mechanical fit tolerances between the mono-rail and a complimentary receiving sleeve.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a target member, a sensor and a mounting assembly. The target member is coupled to a shaft that is disposed within an engine housing and that rotates about an axis. The target member includes a target surface that is substantially normal to the axis of rotation of the shaft. The sensor is configured to produce a signal associated with a distance between a sensor tip and the target surface. The mounting assembly is coupled to the sensor and the engine housing, and is configured to adjust the distance between the sensor and the target surface.