Abstract: An irradiation device for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects may include a beam generation device configured to generate an energy beam, an optical modulator including a micromirror array disposed downstream from the beam generation device, and a focusing lens assembly disposed downstream from the optical modulator. The micromirror array may include a plurality of micromirror elements configured to reflect a corresponding plurality of beam segment of the energy beam along a beam path incident upon the focusing lens assembly. The focusing lens assembly may include one or more lenses configured to focus the plurality of beam segments such that for respective ones of a plurality of modulation groups including a subset of micromirror elements, a corresponding subset of beam segments are focused to at least partially overlap with one another at a combination zone corresponding to the respective modulation group.

Abstract: A linear electric machine includes a shaft and at least one piston assembly operably coupled with the shaft. The piston assembly includes a piston, a piston body, and an expansion chamber. The piston body defines a dome structure at the expansion chamber. The piston is a domed piston corresponding to the dome structure. The linear electric machine also includes a heater body positioned at an outer end of the expansion chamber adjacent to the dome structure. The piston body further defines an exterior surface corresponding to a shape of the dome structure. The exterior surface includes a plurality of surface features protruding therefrom and is arranged between the heater body and the dome structure. The plurality of surface features decrease a heat load across the exterior surface of the piston body.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes an upper chamber space, a lower chamber space, a susceptor, and a flow control ring assembly comprising a seal ring and a flow control ring having a shape to surround the susceptor, the flow control ring assembly sealing or substantially sealing the upper chamber space from the lower chamber space while the susceptor in a first position.

Abstract: A system for energy conversion including a closed cycle engine containing a volume of working fluid is provided. The engine includes a double-ended piston assembly including a pair of pistons coupled to a connection member. An expansion chamber is separated from a compression chamber by the piston. The engine defines an outer end and an inner end relative to a lateral extension of the piston assembly. A heater body is positioned thermally proximal to the expansion chamber and thermally distal to the compression chamber, and the heater body is positioned at the outer end of the engine. A load device is operably coupled to the piston assembly at the inner end of the engine. The load device is positioned between the pair of pistons of the piston assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for a molded body comprising a recombinant spider silk protein, and a plasticizer. Further, the present disclosure relates to a molded body comprising a recombinant spider silk protein and a plasticizer, and a process for preparing the molded body.

Abstract: Sequential consistency across a distributed cloud computing network is described. A database includes a primary database and multiple read replica databases. Write queries are transmitted to the primary database, and commit tokens are provided to the read replica databases and the clients. Commit tokens are included in requests from clients. If a request for a read operation received at a read replica database does not include a token that is later than a commit token of the most recent update to the read replica database, the read replica database performs the read operation. If a request for a read operation received at a read replica database includes a token that is later than a commit token of the most recent update to the read replica database, the read replica database delays servicing the read update until it receives an update from the primary database with an updated commit token.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to additive manufacturing apparatuses, cleaning stations incorporated therein, and methods of cleaning using the cleaning stations.

Abstract: A system for energy conversion, the system including a closed cycle engine containing a volume of working fluid, the engine comprising a first chamber defining an expansion chamber and a second chamber defining a compression chamber each separated by a piston attached to a connection member of a piston assembly, and wherein the engine comprises a heater body in thermal communication with the first chamber, and further wherein the engine comprises a cold side heat exchanger in thermal communication with the second chamber, and wherein a third chamber is defined within the piston, wherein the third chamber is in selective flow communication with the first chamber, the second chamber, or both.

Abstract: An electronic assembly comprises a circuit board, a connector module, and a fixing assembly. The connector module includes a module housing and connection members at least partially accommodated therein. An engagement structure is formed on the module housing. The fixing assembly is adapted to be engaged with the engagement structure to secure the connector module to the circuit board, such that the connection members are electrically connected to the circuit board.

Abstract: An irradiation device for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects may include a beam generation device configured to generate an energy beam, an optical modulator including a micromirror array disposed downstream from the beam generation device, and a focusing lens assembly disposed downstream from the optical modulator. The micromirror array may include a plurality of micromirror elements configured to reflect a corresponding plurality of beam segment of the energy beam along a beam path incident upon the focusing lens assembly. The focusing lens assembly may include one or more lenses configured to focus the plurality of beam segments such that for respective ones of a plurality of modulation groups including a subset of micromirror elements, a corresponding subset of beam segments are focused to at least partially overlap with one another at a combination zone corresponding to the respective modulation group.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to additive manufacturing apparatuses, cleaning stations incorporated therein, and methods of cleaning using the cleaning stations.

Abstract: A method of pressurizing a closed-cycle engine includes performing a non-steady state operation in which a working fluid flows to or from a pressurized tank: i) to or from a plurality of sumps defined by respective ones of a plurality of cylinder-piston assemblies of the closed-cycle engine; or ii) to or from one or more air bearings associated with each one of the plurality of the cylinder-piston assemblies; or iii) both and performing, before and/or after performing the non-steady state operation, a steady-state operation in which the working fluid flows through the plurality of sumps and the one or more air bearings along a steady-state loop that is fluidly decoupled from the pressurized tank.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to monolithic superstructures for supporting a rotating shaft coupled to a rotor relative to a stator. An integral superstructure supports the rotating component. The superstructure includes a bearing portion that contacts the shaft. A stator portion, is spaced a critical dimension radially outward, from the rotor. A first annular transfer portion extends axially forward from the bearing to the stator portion. A second annular transfer portion extends axially aft from the stator portion to a mounting flange. The mounting flange connects the superstructure to a frame. The superstructure maintains a critical dimension between the rotor and the stator as the temperature of the superstructure increases. The rotor may be a compressor impeller in a gas turbine engine and the stator may be an aero component that transfers air into a combustor.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle apparatus includes: an outer body having an exterior surface and a plurality of openings in the exterior surface. An inner body is disposed inside the outer body, cooperating with the outer body to define an annular space. A main injection ring is disposed in the annular space and includes an array of fuel posts extending outward therefrom, each fuel post including a perimeter wall defining a lateral surface and a recessed floor. Each fuel post is aligned with one of the openings and separated from the opening by a perimeter gap defined between the opening and the lateral surface. A main fuel gallery extends within the main injection ring. The main injection ring includes plurality of main fuel orifices, each main fuel orifice communicating with the main fuel gallery and extending through one of the fuel posts.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes hydrophilic thioketal polymers and scaffolds formed therefrom.

Abstract: An irradiation device for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects may include a beam generation device configured to generate an energy beam, an optical modulator including a micromirror array disposed downstream from the beam generation device, and a focusing lens assembly disposed downstream from the optical modulator. The micromirror array may include a plurality of micromirror elements configured to reflect a corresponding plurality of beam segment of the energy beam along a beam path incident upon the focusing lens assembly. The focusing lens assembly may include one or more lenses configured to focus the plurality of beam segments such that for respective ones of a plurality of modulation groups including a subset of micromirror elements, a corresponding subset of beam segments are focused to at least partially overlap with one another at a combination zone corresponding to the respective modulation group.

Abstract: An irradiation device for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects may include a beam generation device configured to generate an energy beam, an optical modulator including a micromirror array disposed downstream from the beam generation device, and a focusing lens assembly disposed downstream from the optical modulator. The micromirror array may include a plurality of micromirror elements configured to reflect a corresponding plurality of beam segment of the energy beam along a beam path incident upon the focusing lens assembly. The focusing lens assembly may include one or more lenses configured to focus the plurality of beam segments such that for respective ones of a plurality of modulation groups including a subset of micromirror elements, a corresponding subset of beam segments are focused to at least partially overlap with one another at a combination zone corresponding to the respective modulation group.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to monolithic superstructures for supporting a rotating shaft coupled to a rotor relative to a stator. An integral superstructure supports the rotating component. The superstructure includes a bearing portion that contacts the shaft. A stator portion, is spaced a critical dimension radially outward, from the rotor. A first annular transfer portion extends axially forward from the bearing to the stator portion. A second annular transfer portion extends axially aft from the stator portion to a mounting flange. The mounting flange connects the superstructure to a frame. The superstructure maintains a critical dimension between the rotor and the stator as the temperature of the superstructure increases. The rotor may be a compressor impeller in a gas turbine engine and the stator may be an aero component that transfers air into a combustor.

Abstract: A piston apparatus includes a plurality of piston assemblies respectively having a first piston body and a first piston disposed within a first volume defined by the first piston body, a second piston body and a second piston disposed within a second volume defined by the second piston body, and a connection member coupled to the first piston and the second piston. The first and second volume respectively include an expansion chamber and a compression chamber defined by opposite sides of the corresponding piston. The respective expansion chambers fluidly communicate with a corresponding compression chamber of another one of the piston assemblies. The first volume of a first piston assembly fluidly communicates with the first volume and the second volume of a second piston assembly, and the first volume of a third piston assembly fluidly communicate with the first volume and the second volume of the second piston assembly.

Abstract: A monolithic heat exchanger body for inputting heat to a closed-cycle engine includes heating walls and heat sink, such as heat transfer regions. The heating walls are configured and arranged in an array of spirals or spiral arcs relative to a longitudinal axis of an inlet plenum. Adjacent portions of the heating walls respectively define corresponding heating fluid pathways fluidly communicating with the inlet plenum. At least a portion of the heat sink is disposed about at least a portion of the monolithic heat exchanger body. The heat sink includes working-fluid bodies including working-fluid pathways that have a heat transfer relationship with the heating fluid pathways. Respective ones of the heat transfer regions have a heat transfer relationship with a corresponding semiannular portion of the heating fluid pathways. Respective ones of the heat transfer regions include working-fluid pathways fluidly communicating between a heat input region and a heat extraction region.