Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and apparatus having an optic and a cooling system for cooling the optic. In one example an optically addressed light valve forms the optic. The cooling system includes first and second windows on opposing surfaces of the optically addressed light valve which constrain a cooling fluid to flow over the opposing surfaces. The fluid pressure outside the optically addressed light valve is low enough that it does not compress a liquid crystal gap of the optically addressed light valve. The cooling fluid is also transparent to a high powered light beam which is projected through the first and second windows, and also through the optically addressed light valve, during an additive manufacturing operation.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus having an optic and a cooling system for cooling the optic. In one example an optically addressed light valve forms the optic. The cooling system includes first and second windows on opposing surfaces of the optically addressed light valve which constrain a cooling fluid to flow over the opposing surfaces. The fluid pressure outside the optically addressed light valve is low enough that it does not compress a liquid crystal gap of the optically addressed light valve. The cooling fluid is also transparent to a high powered light beam which is projected through the first and second windows, and also through the optically addressed light valve, during an additive manufacturing operation.

Abstract: A nozzle apparatus used for extruding a material includes an internal spindle that imparts motion into the extruding material, the internal spindle having a base; a multiple degree-of-freedom pivot at the base of the internal spindle, and a drive mechanism that controls the motion of the internal spindle. In one embodiment the material is a semi-solid metal or alloy. In another embodiment the material is a shear thinning mixture or material. In yet embodiment the material is a thixotropic mixture or material. The nozzle apparatus can be used for making a three-dimensional object with the steps of providing a material; providing a nozzle that extrudes the material, the nozzle having an internal spindle that imparts motion into the material; positioning the nozzle above a support structure; and moving the nozzle in a three-dimensional pattern while extruding the material through the nozzle onto the support structure or onto the material previously deposited.

Abstract: A nozzle apparatus used for extruding a material includes an internal spindle that imparts motion into the extruding material, the internal spindle having a base; a multiple degree-of-freedom pivot at the base of the internal spindle, and a drive mechanism that controls the motion of the internal spindle. In one embodiment the material is a semi-solid metal or alloy. In another embodiment the material is a shear thinning mixture or material. In yet embodiment the material is a thixotropic mixture or material. The nozzle apparatus can be used for making a three-dimensional object with the steps of providing a material; providing a nozzle that extrudes the material, the nozzle having an internal spindle that imparts motion into the material; positioning the nozzle above a support structure; and moving the nozzle in a three-dimensional pattern while extruding the material through the nozzle onto the support structure or onto the material previously deposited.

Abstract: Systems provide cooling of an optic such as an optically addressed light valve such that the valve is sensitive to temperature and pressure variations and is thus temperature and pressure controlled. In the case of an optic such as an optically addressed light valve, the fluid pressure outside the valve is low enough that it does not compress the liquid crystal gap of the valve. The cooling fluid is transparent to the high powered wavelength of light used during operation such as in an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A permeable barrel for accelerating a projectile is provided. The barrel includes a plurality of holes through which gas can be injected to generate a gas cushion for the projectile. The gas cushion prevents any contact between the projectile and the barrel walls. Also the gas cushion helps to keep the projectile centered in the barrel throughout its travel.

Abstract: System and methods for launching a projectile are provided. The launching apparatus may include a flexible beam and drivers attached to the ends of the beam. The drivers may drive the ends of the beam to induce a steady large amplitude vibration in the beam. The induced vibration causes the beam to oscillate between two catenary-like configurations. A projectile may be loaded on the midpoint region of the beam when the midpoint region of the beam reaches a peak displacement with a near zero velocity and acceleration. The projectile may then be pushed and accelerated by the beam vibration and launched from the beam when the midpoint region reaches a peak velocity and midpoint acceleration reaches zero.

Abstract: A gerotor and methods for assembling the gerotor are disclosed. The gerotor includes a pump housing having a channel and a rotor positioning cavity, a pump shaft, an inner rotor, and an outer rotor. The pump shaft has central pump shaft axis and the inner rotor has a central inner rotor axis. The methods include: inserting the pump shaft through the channel; sliding the inner rotor onto the pump shaft at an oblique angle such that the central inner rotor axis is at least partially angularly offset from the central pump shaft axis; rotating the inner rotor to substantially align the central inner rotor axis and the central pump shaft axis and to engage the pump shaft with the inner rotor; and positioning the outer rotor around the inner rotor to maintain substantial alignment of the inner rotor with the pump housing and/or the pump shaft.

Abstract: A gerotor and methods for assembling the gerotor are disclosed. The gerotor includes a pump housing having a channel and a rotor positioning cavity, a pump shaft, an inner rotor, and an outer rotor. The pump shaft has central pump shaft axis and the inner rotor has a central inner rotor axis. The methods include: inserting the pump shaft through the channel; sliding the inner rotor onto the pump shaft at an oblique angle such that the central inner rotor axis is at least partially angularly offset from the central pump shaft axis; rotating the inner rotor to substantially align the central inner rotor axis and the central pump shaft axis and to engage the pump shaft with the inner rotor; and positioning the outer rotor around the inner rotor to maintain substantial alignment of the inner rotor with the pump housing and/or the pump shaft.