Abstract: Gradient Refractive Index (GRIN) optical materials [100] composed of a polymer matrix doped with functionalized nanocrystals realize high values for Vgrin, and hence nearly uniform focal lengths regardless of the wavelength of light. GRIN optical materials having low Vgrin magnitudes less than 10 are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a data collector with expanded functionality and a method of enhancing revenue generation using a data collector with expanded functionality. In one embodiment, a central unit of a data collector is configured to receive a replaceable unit such that any one of a variety of replaceable units can be configure to be attached to said central unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for displaying data on a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, a first portion of accessed data is displayed on a portable electronic device. A motion detector responsive to motion in at least a single direction then detects a movement of the portable electronic device from a first position to a second position. In response to the motion detector detecting the movement, a second portion of the accessed data is automatically displayed by the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A mass storage device includes a probe that has a cantilever having a first end region operatively connected to a substrate and a second end region rotated in a direction such that the second end region is opposed to the first end region. A tip is disposed on the second end region, with the tip pointing in a direction opposed to the first end region.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a data collector with expanded functionality and a method of enhancing revenue generation using a data collector with expanded functionality. In one embodiment, a central unit of a data collector is configured to receive a replaceable unit such that any one of a variety of replaceable units can be configure to be attached to said central unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for displaying data on a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, a first portion of accessed data is displayed on a portable electronic device. A motion detector responsive to motion in at least a single direction then detects a movement of the portable electronic device from a first position to a second position. In response to the motion detector detecting the movement, a second portion of the accessed data is automatically displayed by the portable electronic device.

Abstract: An amplification apparatus is disclosed. The amplification apparatus includes a plurality of emitters formed on a first substrate, an anode formed adjacent to a second substrate, so that current can be conducted between the emitters of the first substrate and the anode of the second substrate. A lens is formed adjacent to the emitters for controlling a magnitude of the current, thereby providing amplification of a signal applied to the lens. An inter-substrate material connects the first substrate and the second substrate, forming a vacuum that includes the emitters, the anode and the lens. Either the first substrate or the second substrate includes solid state memory. An alternate embodiment includes a storage medium for receiving an electron beam from the electron emitter, the storage medium having a storage area, the storage area being in one of a plurality of states as determined by an electron beam generated by the electron emitter.

Abstract: A method for improving display functionality comprising: (A) detecting movement of a portable display over a physical area by using a motion detector; (B) obtaining a set of data related to the physical area by using an image device; (C) processing the set of data related to the physical area; and (D) displaying the set of data related to the physical area on the portable display, wherein a mode of display is based on a mode of movement of the portable display.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for extending the lifespan of a touch screen assembly. In one embodiment, a signal is received indicating an input pressure is being applied to a touch screen assembly. It is then determined that the input pressure comprises a valid input event and the coordinates of the valid input event are received from the touch screen assembly.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a printhead having a plurality of ink orifices formed therein. During printing, ink drops are ejected through the ink orifices into a print zone between the printhead and a print medium. An air current disruption system directs an air stream through the print zone as the ink drops are ejected so as to disrupt air currents acting on the ink drops during printing and prevent print defects caused by the air currents. The air stream, however, does not disrupt an intended trajectory of the ink drops during printing.

Abstract: Described herein is a monolithic printhead formed using integrated circuit techniques. Thin film layers, including ink ejection elements, are formed on a top surface of a silicon substrate. The various layers are etched to provide conductive leads to the ink ejection elements. At least one ink feed hole is formed through the thin film layers for each ink ejection chamber. A trench is etched in the bottom surface of the substrate so that ink can flow into the trench and into each ink ejection chamber through the ink feed holes formed in the thin film layers. An orifice layer is formed on the top surface of the thin film layers to define the nozzles and ink ejection chambers. A phosphosilicate glass (PSG) layer, providing an insulation layer beneath the resistive layers, is etched back from the ink feed holes and is protected by a passivation layer to prevent the ink from interacting with the PSG layer. Other layers may also be protected from the ink by being etched back.

Abstract: Described herein is a monolithic printhead formed using integrated circuit techniques. Thin film layers, including ink ejection elements, are formed on a top surface of a silicon substrate. The various layers are etched to provide conductive leads to the ink ejection elements. At least one ink feed hole is formed through the thin film layers for each ink ejection chamber. A trench is etched in the bottom surface of the substrate so that ink can flow into the trench and into each ink ejection chamber through the ink feed holes formed in the thin film layers. An orifice layer is formed on the top surface of the thin film layers to define the nozzles and ink ejection chambers. A phosphosilicate glass (PSG) layer, providing an insulation layer beneath the resistive layers, is etched back from the ink feed holes and is protected by a passivation layer to prevent the ink from interacting with the PSG layer. Other layers may also be protected from the ink by being etched back.

Abstract: Described herein is a monolithic printhead formed using integrated circuit techniques. Thin film layers, including ink ejection elements, are formed on a top surface of a silicon substrate. The various layers are etched to provide conductive leads to the ink ejection elements. At least one ink feed hole is formed through the thin film layers for each ink ejection chamber. A trench is etched in the bottom surface of the substrate so that ink can flow into the trench and into each ink ejection chamber through the ink feed holes formed in the thin film layers. An orifice layer is formed on the top surface of the thin film layers to define the nozzles and ink ejection chambers. A phosphosilicate glass (PSG) layer, providing an insulation layer beneath the resistive layers, is etched back from the ink feed holes and is protected by a passivation layer to prevent the ink from interacting with the PSG layer. Other layers may also be protected from the ink by being etched back.

Abstract: An ink jet print head having a substrate with an upper surface, and an ink supply conduit passing through the substrate. An array of independently addressable ink energizing elements are attached to the upper surface of the substrate. An orifice layer has a lower surface conformally connected to the upper surface of the substrate, and has an exterior surface facing away from the substrate. The orifice layer defines a plurality of firing chambers providing communication to the ink energizing elements, and each of the orifices is positioned in registration with a respective single ink energizing element. The exterior surface defines a plurality of nozzle apertures, each providing the upper terminus of a single firing chamber. Each of the firing chambers is laterally separated from all other firing chambers by a septum portion of the orifice layer.

Abstract: Described herein is a monolithic printhead formed using integrated circuit techniques. Thin film layers, including ink ejection elements, are formed on a top surface of a silicon substrate. The various layers are etched to provide conductive leads to the ink ejection elements. At least one ink feed hole is formed through the thin film layers for each ink ejection chamber. A trench is etched in the bottom surface of the substrate so that ink can flow into the trench and into each ink ejection chamber through the ink feed holes formed in the thin film layers. The trench completely etches away portions of the substrate near the ink feed holes so that the thin film layers form a shelf in the vicinity of the ink feed holes. In one embodiment, the shelf supports the ink ejection elements. An orifice layer is formed on the top surface of the thin film layers to define the nozzles and ink ejection chambers.

Abstract: Described herein is a monolithic printhead formed using integrated circuit techniques. Thin film layers, including ink ejection elements, are formed on a top surface of a silicon substrate. The various layers are etched to provide conductive leads to the ink ejection elements. At least one ink feed hole is formed through the thin film layers for each ink ejection chamber. In one embodiment, there are more ink feed holes than ink ejection chambers, so that more than one ink feed hole provides ink to each ink ejection chamber. A trench is etched in the bottom surface of the substrate so that ink can flow into the trench and into each ink ejection chamber through the ink feed holes formed in the thin film layers. An orifice layer is formed on the top surface of the thin film layers to define the nozzles and ink ejection chambers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving ink-jet print quality uses a print head having an array using a plurality of nozzles in sets in each drop generator mechanism. Where a conventional ink-jet pen fires a single droplet of ink at a pixel per firing cycle, the present invention fires a plurality of droplets at different subdivisions of pixels. The particular array design may vary from ink-to-ink or pen-to-pen. Each drop generator of a print head array includes a plurality of nozzles wherein each of the nozzles has an exit orifice with an areal dimension, and produces an ink droplet that produces a dot on adjacent print media wherein the dot has an areal dimension, less than the areal dimension of a pixel to be printed. Dots are printed in a pattern for each pixel wherein print quality is achieved that approximates a higher resolution print made by conventional ink-jet methodologies.

Abstract: An ink jet print head having a substrate with an upper surface, and an ink supply conduit passing through the substrate. An array of independently addressable ink energizing elements are attached to the upper surface of the substrate. An orifice layer has a lower surface conformally connected to the upper surface of the substrate, and has an exterior surface facing away from the substrate. The orifice layer defines a plurality of firing chambers providing communication to the ink energizing elements, and each of the orifices is positioned in registration with a respective single ink energizing element. The exterior surface defines a plurality of nozzle apertures, each providing the upper terminus of a single firing chamber. Each of the firing chambers is laterally separated from all other firing chambers by a septum portion of the orifice layer.

Abstract: An ink delivery system for an ink jet printing system having a printhead for ejecting droplets of ink, the printhead receiving ink at a controlled pressure, the controlled pressure having a specified pressure range that assures stable printhead operation which includes a replaceable ink supply removeably mounted in an ink supply station, and a controllable valve. The valve inlet is in fluid communication with the replaceable ink supply. An accumulator in fluid communication with the valve outlet and the printhead has a sensor coupled to the accumulator to sense the state of the accumulator. A controller electrically coupled to the sensor and electrically coupled to the controllable valve opens and closes the valve in response to the state of the accumulator.