Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses, methods, and computer readable media for asynchronous sensing and/or validating of data using a first sensor and a second sensor for a purpose of transforming input data into validated output data when at least one attribute of external data or the input data, as determined by a sensor, is missing. The external data is associated with the input data and is used for determining a set of attributes for the first sensor. The asynchronous sensing and/or validating of the input data enables faster transforming of the input data into the validated output data.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses, methods, and computer readable media for asynchronous sensing and/or validating of data using a first sensor and a second sensor for a purpose of transforming input data into validated output data when at least one attribute of external data or the input data, as determined by a sensor, is missing. The external data is associated with the input data and is used for determining a set of attributes for the first sensor. The asynchronous sensing and/or validating of the input data enables faster transforming of the input data into the validated output data.

Abstract: A method for determining the accuracy of an appraisal report using a computer implemented application, including pre-validating an appraisal report to determine whether a first set of rules has been satisfied, the appraisal report including N fields to be completed, the first set of rules comprising completion of a pre-determined number of N fields; proceeding to a post-validating step if the first set of rules is satisfied; post-validating an appraisal report to provide an evaluation thereof, the evaluation including a plurality of risk categories including risk level indicators, and a risk-based overall score.

Abstract: A method for determining the accuracy of an appraisal report using a computer implemented application, including pre-validating an appraisal report to determine whether a first set of rules has been satisfied, the appraisal report including N fields to be completed, the first set of rules comprising completion of a pre-determined number of N fields; proceeding to a post-validating step if the first set of rules is satisfied; post-validating an appraisal report to provide an evaluation thereof, the evaluation including a plurality of risk categories including risk level indicators, and a risk-based overall score.

Abstract: A joint for positioning between first and second elements includes an outer member and an inner member. The first and second elements are arranged for linear motion along a common axis. The outer member is configured for movement relative to the first and second elements along a first axis perpendicular to the common axis, and the inner member is mounted within the outer member for rotation relative to the outer member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and the common axis and for movement relative to the outer member along the second axis. The outer member is restrained from movement along the second axis. The outer member defines first and second parallel flat sides. Each flat side defines a plane perpendicular to the common axis. The outer and inner members each defining an opening for receiving a drive arm.

Abstract: A hydraulic device includes a rotatable drum, at least one piston, a transition arm, and at least one compensating piston. The rotatable drum defines a cylinder that houses the piston. The transition arm is coupled to the piston to translate between linear motion of the piston and rotation of the rotatable drum. The compensating piston is in fluidic communication with the cylinder and is configured to counteract a force caused by an inlet or an output pressure during operation.

Abstract: A metering pump includes an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of piston cylinders coupled to the actuating mechanism. A first of the cylinders has a working volume that differs from a second of the cylinders. The actuating member is centrally located and the cylinders are arranged radially about the actuating mechanism. The working volume of the cylinders can be varied by adjusting the spacing of the cylinders from the actuating mechanism, thus varying the stroke of pistons housed within the cylinders, and/or by providing the cylinders with different inner diameters. A method of metering fluids includes independently adjusting stroke of a plurality of pistons to adjust the volume of metered fluid, and selecting different cylinder diameters to adjust the volume of metered fluid.

Abstract: An assembly includes a cylinder (232) and a piston assembly (212) housed within the cylinder and configured for reciprocal motion relative to the cylinder. The piston assembly and cylinder include a magnet (230) and coil (234) configured to undergo relative motion of the piston assembly and cylinder. The assembly includes a transition arm (214) and a rotating member (222) coupled to the piston assembly by the transition arm. The reciprocal motion is linear in space and sinusoidal in time.

Abstract: An assembly includes at least one piston, a rotating member, a transition arm, and a mechanism. The transition arm is configured to translate between rotational movement of the rotating member and a first linear motion of the piston. The mechanism is configured to superimpose a second linear motion of the piston onto the first linear motion of the piston. The assembly can be a hydraulic (or air) pump or hydraulic (or air) motor, with the second linear motion resulting in reduced output ripple or smooth torque vs. angular rotation, respectively. Also, the assembly can be an alternator or electric motor, with the additional linear motion resulting in an ac waveform that conforms substantially to a sinewave or a back emf that conforms to the input voltage or electric waveform. In addition, the assembly can be an internal combustion engine in which the second linear motion results in the pistons lingering about top dead center during the combustion process.

Abstract: An assembly includes a piston and a transition arm coupled to the piston. The position of the transition arm is adjustable to vary a stroke of the piston. A balance member is adjustable relative to the transition arm to counterbalance the transition arm in varying positions. A control rod is coupled to the transition arm and the balance member. Linear movement of the control rod moves the transition arm in a first direction to change the stroke of the piston and moves the balance member in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction to counterbalance the transition arm. A method of counterbalancing a variable stroke assembly includes moving a transition arm coupled to a piston to vary a stroke of the piston, and moving a balance member in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of movement of the transition arm to counterbalance the transition arm.

Abstract: A joint for positioning between first and second elements includes an outer member and an inner member. The first and second elements are arranged for linear motion along a common axis. The outer member is configured for movement relative to the first and second elements along a first axis perpendicular to the common axis, and the inner member is mounted within the outer member for rotation relative to the outer member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and the common axis and for movement relative to the outer member along the second axis. The outer member is restrained from movement along the second axis. The outer member defines first and second parallel flat sides. Each flat side defines a plane perpendicular to the common axis. The outer and inner members each defining an opening for receiving a drive arm.

Abstract: A piston assembly includes first and second pistons, a transition arm coupled to each of the pistons, and a rotating member rotating in a first direction about a first axis. The transition arm includes a drive member coupled to the rotating member off-axis of the rotating member. A first counterbalance is mounted to rotate in the first direction, and a second counterbalance is mounted to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction. The second counterbalance rotates about a second axis offset and parallel to the first axis. Alternatively, the second counterbalance rotates about the first axis. A method of counterbalancing a piston assembly includes mounting a first counterbalance to the piston assembly to rotate in the first direction, and mounting a second counterbalance to the piston assembly to rotate in the second direction.

Abstract: A variable compression piston assembly includes a plurality of pistons, a transition arm coupled to each of the pistons, and a rotating member mounted for pivoting movement to slide along an axis of the drive member. Movement of the rotating member relative to the drive member changes the compression ratio of the piston assembly. An engine assembly includes first and second piston assemblies mounted back-to-back and 180° out of phase. A joint for positioning between first and second pistons includes an outer member and an inner member. The outer member is configured for movement relative to the pistons along a first axis perpendicular to the common axis of the pistons. The inner member is mounted within the outer member for rotation relative to the outer member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and the common axis.