Abstract: A high-throughput method for identifying single crystal hexagonal-SiC off-axis surfaces that support surface chemistries and kinetics to selectively produce various epitaxial growth modes of the metastable 3C-SiC polytype is provided. In execution of the aforementioned method, the present invention also encompasses the use of a single crystal hexagonal-SiC domed substrate, and a method for manufacturing thereof. Said method for screening silicon carbide growth surfaces is comprised of: fabrication of a silicon carbide domed substrate; forming a step-terrace growth surface on the domed surface of said silicon carbide domed substrate by hydrogen etching; performing silicon carbide deposition upon said growth surface, thereby creating an silicon carbide epitaxial domed wafer; and characterization of said silicon carbide epitaxial domed wafer. Silicon carbide deposition upon a silicon carbide domed growth surface allows for the modulation of the supersaturation ratio under a single set of growth conditions.

Abstract: A bipedal walking robot uses a quasi-passive control scheme and a simplified mechanical design. The walking robot has a pair of legs connected to a body through a passive hip joint, which is offset from a center of gravity of the walking robot. A nonconcentric, curved foot is attached at to each leg by a prismatic joint. Extension and retraction of the prismatic joint initiates the walking sequence of the robot, with each foot retracted during the swing phase and extended during the stance phase. Directional changes are controlled by changing a phase offset in the actuation of each foot.

Abstract: A system for robotic surgery makes use of an end-effector which has been configured so that a drill connected thereto is guided in its trajectory and limited in its advancement into an associated anatomical feature by a drill guide. The drill guide may be adjusted manually to engage a corresponding surface of the drill after its advancement by a pre-selected amount. The drill guide likewise includes features to guide the drill during trajectories having oblique angles relative to the surface of the anatomical feature associated with the medical procedure.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a universal-type pump casing that allows for coupling to various piping couplers, for various sizes of fluid lines. This can allow the pump casing to accept the majority of current fluid line coupling, for various fluid line sizes used with these types of pumps, thereby eliminating the need to have a different casing for each different sized fluid line. A universal-type pump casing with a proximal end engaged with a pump bracket, and a distal end affixed to an end plate to define the pumping chamber. A first and second port can have an opening of a predetermined diameter, with a port face that can couple with various modular port flanges, to provide different port flange configurations.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a universal-type bracket that incorporates a substantially uniform diameter through-bore. This allows the bracket to accept current sealing arrangements used in these types of pumps, while providing the same or better sealing options as current individual designs. The single through-bore can have multiple undercut features for holding a pump shaft bushing, with an increased wall thickness to allow for an appropriate interference fit with the walls of the through-bore, for example, similar to previous designs. Retaining ring grooves can be added to the through-bore, and retaining rings may be used to provide a positive shoulder for the seal or packing rings to seat against inside the bore. This may allow for various sealing options, such as stuffing seals, one-piece barrier seals, cartridge seals, BTR seals, component seals, and more.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of restricting access to a data owner's data comprising the steps of storing a record associated with a data owner; receiving a request to protect data from the data owner; protecting the data by way of encryption, tokenization or other data protection mechanism; returning the data in a protected format to the data owner; receiving a request from the data owner to change the accessibility of the data owner's data; and changing the accessibility of the data owner's data.

Abstract: A fast and generalizable novel view synthesis method with sparse inputs is disclosed. The method may comprise: accessing at least a first input image with a first view of a subject in the first input image, and a second input image with a second view of the subject in the second input image using a computer system; estimating depths for pixels in the at least first and second input images; constructing a point cloud of image features from the estimated depths; and synthesizing a novel view by forward warping by using a point cloud rendering of the constructed point cloud.

Abstract: An exhaust valve system for a two-stroke internal combustion engine having: at least one exhaust valve movable between open and closed positions; an actuator for moving the at least one exhaust valve; a valve position sensor; a controller communicating with the actuator and the valve position sensor. The controller being programmed for: controlling the actuator to attempt to move the at least one exhaust valve to a desired one of the open and closed positions; determining if the at least one exhaust valve has failed to reach the desired position based on the position of the at least one exhaust valve sensed by the valve position sensor; and controlling the actuator to move the at least one exhaust valve to an intermediate position when the at least one exhaust valve has failed to reach the desired position.

Abstract: A reciprocating exhaust valve for a two-stroke internal combustion engine has a shaft for connection to a valve actuator, the shaft defining a reciprocation axis of the valve, the reciprocation axis defining a longitudinal direction of the valve; and a blade having: a first end having an arcuate edge, a second end connected to the shaft, two side portions, and a central portion. The blade has a first end portion adjacent the first end that includes a part of the central portion and of each of the two side portions. A width of the central portion is greater than a width of each of the side portions. In the first end portion, a thickness of the part of each of the two side portions is greater than a thickness of the part of the central portion.

Abstract: A convertible lawnmower includes a housing and a mulching system. The housing includes a discharge opening. The mulching system includes a mounting ring and a shutter ring. The mounting ring is coupled substantially concentrically to the housing and includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sidewall that extends substantially axially therebetween. The sidewall is formed with a retaining groove and at least one installation groove. The retaining groove extends at least partially circumferentially within an inner surface of the sidewall and each installation groove extends axially from the lower surface to the retaining groove. The shutter ring is only coupled to mounting ring via the retaining groove such that the shutter ring is selectively shiftable between a mulching mode and a discharge mode.

Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly for a two-stroke internal combustion engine has a housing adapted for connection to an engine block of the two-stroke internal combustion engine; an electric actuator having an electric motor, the electric motor being disposed in the housing; and at least one reciprocating exhaust valve operatively connected to the electric actuator. The at least one exhaust valve is linearly movable by the electric motor. A portion of the at least one exhaust valve is disposed in the housing.

Abstract: An exhaust valve system for a two-stroke internal combustion engine having: at least one exhaust valve movable between open and closed positions; an actuator for moving the at least one exhaust valve; a valve position sensor; a controller communicating with the actuator and the valve position sensor. The controller being programmed for: controlling the actuator to attempt to move the at least one exhaust valve to a desired one of the open and closed positions; determining if the at least one exhaust valve has failed to reach the desired position based on the position of the at least one exhaust valve sensed by the valve position sensor; and controlling the actuator to move the at least one exhaust valve to an intermediate position when the at least one exhaust valve has failed to reach the desired position.

Abstract: A reciprocating exhaust valve for a two-stroke internal combustion engine has a shaft for connection to a valve actuator, the shaft defining a reciprocation axis of the valve, the reciprocation axis defining a longitudinal direction of the valve; and a blade having: a first end having an arcuate edge, a second end connected to the shaft, two side portions, and a central portion. The blade has a first end portion adjacent the first end that includes a part of the central portion and of each of the two side portions. A width of the central portion is greater than a width of each of the side portions. In the first end portion, a thickness of the part of each of the two side portions is greater than a thickness of the part of the central portion.

Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine has an engine block having a cylinder block and a cylinder head. The cylinder block defines a cylinder, an exhaust passage, and an exhaust valve passage. The engine also has a piston, an exhaust valve actuator operatively connected to at least one of the cylinder block and the cylinder head, and a reciprocating exhaust valve disposed at least in part in the exhaust valve passage. The exhaust valve has a shaft operatively connected to a valve actuator, and a blade connected to the shaft. A channel is defined along a face of the blade. The channel and a wall of the exhaust valve passage together define at least in part a valve passage. The valve passage permits flow of exhaust gas along the face of the blade. A width of the valve passage is at least a third of a width of the blade.

Abstract: Controlled energy absorption of seats for impact is described herein. One disclosed example method includes determining a weight of an occupant of a seat of an aircraft, and calculating, using a processor, a stroke load of a seat energy absorber operatively coupled to the seat based on the weight of the occupant. The example method also includes setting the seat energy absorber to the calculated stroke load.

Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine has an engine block having a cylinder block and a cylinder head. The cylinder block defines a cylinder, an exhaust passage, and an exhaust valve passage. The engine also has a piston, an exhaust valve actuator operatively connected to at least one of the cylinder block and the cylinder head, and a reciprocating exhaust valve disposed at least in part in the exhaust valve passage. The exhaust valve has a shaft operatively connected to a valve actuator, and a blade connected to the shaft. A channel is defined along a face of the blade. The channel and a wall of the exhaust valve passage together define at least in part a valve passage. The valve passage permits flow of exhaust gas along the face of the blade. A width of the valve passage is at least a third of a width of the blade.

Abstract: A lawnmower includes a belt cover attached to a cutter housing via one or more interlocking tabs and pockets. The lawnmower may include a cutter mounted to a shaft oriented in a vertical direction. The lawnmower may include a rear axle oriented in a horizontal direction. The lawnmower may include a cutter housing defining a lower opening below the cutter, a belt opening between the shaft and the rear axle, and at least one discharge opening. The lawnmower may include a belt cover including a ring portion at least partially surrounding the shaft above the cutter and a guard portion extending toward the belt opening. The belt cover may include at least one tab that engages a corresponding pocket on the cutter housing adjacent the belt opening.

Abstract: A knob for mounting on a control lever includes a knob body and a cavity formed in the knob body extending from a lower end of the knob body having a lower opening. The knob also includes a cantilever arm within the cavity connected to an interior connection portion of the knob body remote from the lower opening and extending substantial parallel to an interior of the knob body to the lower opening. The cantilever arm includes a projection formed on a side of the cantilever arm to engage a connecting portion of the control lever.