Patents by Inventor Michael D. Mills

Michael D. Mills has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8960880
    Abstract: Enhanced media transport systems and structures are provided for printing environments. Enhanced vacuum table structures and associated methods may also be implemented for a variety of printer systems. Enhanced rail systems and associated carriage structures may preferably be used within a variety of printing environments, such as for but not limited to grand scale printers. Water-based binary epoxy ink compositions and associated processes provide adhesion and material compatibility that exceeds that of currently available UV curable products, while providing ultra-low volatile organic carbon (VOCs), and no hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). An integrated system and method for identification of consumables through a central database may also be implemented within different printing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Redwood Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Mills, Joe Byrne, Stephen Mills
  • Patent number: 8356873
    Abstract: A multi-color ink jet printing system uses a two-part (Binary) imaging solution, where the precise mixture of the multiple fluid parts (Colorant(s) and Reactant) is controlled with the use of multiple drop size (Grey Scale) ink jet print heads. The precise mixture of colorant(s) and reactant initiates a chemical reaction, which cures the imaging solution into a solid or nearly solid compound that ensures proper drop location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Redwood Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Mills
  • Patent number: 8356874
    Abstract: A multi-color ink jet printing system uses a two-part (Binary) imaging solution, where the precise mixture of the multiple fluid parts (Colorant(s) and Reactant) is controlled with the use of multiple drop size (Grey Scale) ink jet print heads. The precise mixture of colorant(s) and reactant initiates a chemical reaction, which cures the imaging solution into a solid or nearly solid compound that ensures proper drop location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Redwood Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Mills
  • Publication number: 20120229540
    Abstract: A multi-color ink jet printing system uses a two-part (Binary) imaging solution, where the precise mixture of the multiple fluid parts (Colorant(s) and Reactant) is controlled with the use of multiple drop size (Grey Scale) ink jet print heads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Michael D. MILLS
  • Patent number: 8172363
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for wide format inkjet printing using conventional piezoelectric inkjet print heads that each print at a native resolution. A plurality of inkjet print heads are disposed in a print head array to print an image on the substrate at the native resolution across an entire width of the substrate without scanning across the width of the substrate. The print head array may be shifted in a direction parallel to the width of the substrate, and the print head array may be used to print images on the substrate in multiple passes to form a composite image having a resolution equal to a multiple of the native resolution. Alternatively, a plurality of print head arrays may be provided, with adjacent print head arrays spaced apart to provide a composite print resolution equal to a multiple of the native resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Mills, Paul Alan Duncanson
  • Publication number: 20110199406
    Abstract: A multi-color ink jet printing system uses a two-part (Binary) imaging solution, where the precise mixture of the multiple fluid parts (Colorant(s) and Reactant) is controlled with the use of multiple drop size (Grey Scale) ink jet print heads. The precise mixture of colorant(s) and reactant initiates a chemical reaction, which cures the imaging solution into a solid or nearly solid compound that ensures proper drop location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Michael D. MILLS
  • Publication number: 20100073424
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for wide format inkjet printing using conventional piezoelectric inkjet print heads that each print at a native resolution. A plurality of inkjet print heads are disposed in a print head array to print an image on the substrate at the native resolution across an entire width of the substrate without scanning across the width of the substrate. The print head array may be shifted in a direction parallel to the width of the substrate, and the print head array may be used to print images on the substrate in multiple passes to form a composite image having a resolution equal to a multiple of the native resolution. Alternatively, a plurality of print head arrays may be provided, with adjacent print head arrays spaced apart to provide a composite print resolution equal to a multiple of the native resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. MILLS, Paul Alan DUNCANSON
  • Patent number: 7673965
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for wide format inkjet printing using conventional piezoelectric inkjet print heads that each print at a native resolution. A plurality of inkjet print heads are disposed in a print head array to print an image on the substrate at the native resolution across an entire width of the substrate without scanning across the width of the substrate. The print head array may be shifted in a direction parallel to the width of the substrate, and the print head array may be used to print images on the substrate in multiple passes to form a composite image having a resolution equal to a multiple of the native resolution. Alternatively, a plurality of print head arrays may be provided, with adjacent print head arrays spaced apart to provide a composite print resolution equal to a multiple of the native resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Electronics For Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Mills, Paul A. Duncanson
  • Patent number: 7600867
    Abstract: A printing system that includes a source which emits UV radiation to polymerize a fluid that is deposited onto a substrate by one or more print heads. The source emits low energy UV radiation sufficient to set the fluid to a quasi-fluid, non-hardened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Mills, Michael D. Mills, Adam C. Lahut, Arthur L. Cleary, Joseph A. Lahut
  • Patent number: 7562957
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for backlit and dual-sided imaging are described. A print head array is provided comprising first and second print heads arranged along a single print head axis. The first print head is adapted to print first and second images on a substrate, and the second print head is adapted to print a coating layer between the first and second images. The coating layer may comprise a specialized printing fluid such as a layer of substantially white ink. The substrate may comprise a substantially translucent or substantially clear material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Mills, Michael A. Syverson
  • Publication number: 20090126329
    Abstract: A reel weed cutterhead to cut aquatic vegetation has a shroud supporting cutting reels and bed knives. The reels have helical blades that cut vegetation parallel to the axis of rotation of the reel. The reels and bed knives work together to cleanly shear aquatic weeds. The shroud contains the weeds for disposal by a centrifugal pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Michael D. Mills
  • Patent number: 7431436
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) identification system includes a tag for identifying characteristics of an ink, and a reader that receives transmitted RF signals from the tag. The tag includes a memory which stores data, and an RF source which generates RF signals. Selective data are transmitted as the RF signals, identifying characteristics of the ink, such as the color of the ink and the age of the ink. A disabler circuit can be used to shut down printing operations if the identified characteristics of the ink do not meet pre-determined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: VUTEk, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael D. Mills, Craig E. Carroll
  • Publication number: 20070296757
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for wide format inkjet printing using conventional piezoelectric inkjet print heads that each print at a native resolution. A plurality of inkjet print heads are disposed in a print head array to print an image on the substrate at the native resolution across an entire width of the substrate without scanning across the width of the substrate. The print head array may be shifted in a direction parallel to the width of the substrate, and the print head array may be used to print images on the substrate in multiple passes to form a composite image having a resolution equal to a multiple of the native resolution. Alternatively, a plurality of print head arrays may be provided, with adjacent print head arrays spaced apart to provide a composite print resolution equal to a multiple of the native resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Michael D. Mills, Paul Alan Duncanson
  • Patent number: 7073901
    Abstract: A printing system that includes a source which emits UV radiation to polymerize a fluid that is deposited onto a substrate by one or more print heads. The source emits low energy UV radiation sufficient to set the fluid to a quasi-fluid, non-hardened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Electronics For Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Mills, Michael D. Mills, Adam C. Lahut, Arthur L. Cleary, Joseph A. Lahut
  • Publication number: 20030035037
    Abstract: A printing system that includes a source which emits UV radiation to polymerize a fluid that is deposited onto a substrate by one or more print heads. The source emits low energy UV radiation sufficient to set the fluid to a quasi-fluid, non-hardened state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: Vutek, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Mills, Michael D. Mills, Adam C. Lahut, Arthur L. Cleary, Joseph A. Lahut
  • Patent number: 5890131
    Abstract: The present invention provides a project optimization software tool in which a single window in a graphical user interface serves as a tool for planning future actions, reviewing past actions, organizing meetings and launching executable software tools. A project pathway window supports: 1) the listing and viewing of sequences of pathway steps, which, if accomplished, lead towards a defined project goal, 2) the ability to link software tools to those pathway steps, and launch the software tools for execution, 3) the creation of meeting agendas, each of which may encompass several pathway steps, without demoting the included pathway steps, and 4) the marking of the status of pathway steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: SkyMark Corporation
    Inventors: Justin C. Ebert, Scott H. Collins, John P. Arnold, Stephen L. David, Susan D. Dwyer, Michael D. Mills, Patricia Shanahan