Abstract: A protective case for use with an electronic device includes a cushion layer and a structural layer. The cushion layer is configured to cover at least a portion of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the protective case. The structural layer is configured to surround at least a portion of the cushion layer. The structural layer includes a back portion, at least two side walls, a slot in the back portion for removably retaining a card, and a rack and pinion system configured for selectively ejecting the card, at least partially, from the slot.

Abstract: A protective case for use with an electronic device includes a cushion layer and a structural layer. The cushion layer is configured to cover at least a portion of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the protective case. The structural layer is configured to surround at least a portion of the cushion layer. The structural layer includes a back portion, at least two side walls, a slot in the back portion for removably retaining a card, and a rack and pinion system configured for selectively ejecting the card, at least partially, from the slot.

Abstract: A protective case for an electronic device, the protective case having a cushion layer that covers a back surface, a left side surface, a right side surface, a top side surface, and a bottom side surface of the electronic device. A structural layer has a back portion and side wall portions that extend from the back portion and surrounds the cushion layer. A sliding drawer is attached to an outer surface of the back portion of the structural layer. The sliding drawer has a compartment that can store one or more items in the protective case. The sliding drawer can make the items accessible when open and concealed when closed.

Abstract: A protective case for an electronic device, the protective case having a cushion layer that covers a back surface, a left side surface, a right side surface, a top side surface, and a bottom side surface of the electronic device. A structural layer has a back portion and side wall portions that extend from the back portion and surrounds the cushion layer. A sliding drawer is attached to an outer surface of the back portion of the structural layer. The sliding drawer has a compartment that can store one or more items in the protective case. The sliding drawer can make the items accessible when open and concealed when closed.

Abstract: A protective case for a personal electronic device can include a compartment configured to receive and store an item such as, for example, a credit card, identification card, SIM card, memory card, keys, cosmetics, or cash. The compartment can be a waterproof compartment designed to protect the contents of the compartment from damage in situations where the protective case is exposed to liquids. In some examples, the compartment can include or be configured to receive and store cosmetics, cosmetic tools, or a mirror, and can eliminate the need to carry a separate compact. In some examples, the compartment can include an ejection mechanism configured to eject a credit or identification card from the compartment.

Abstract: A protective case for a personal electronic device can include a compartment configured to receive and store an item such as, for example, a credit card, identification card, SIM card, memory card, keys, cosmetics, or cash. The compartment can be a waterproof compartment designed to protect the contents of the compartment from damage in situations where the protective case is exposed to liquids. In some examples, the compartment can include or be configured to receive and store cosmetics, cosmetic tools, or a mirror, and can eliminate the need to carry a separate compact. In some examples, the compartment can include an ejection mechanism configured to eject a credit or identification card from the compartment.

Abstract: A twist-lock valve for use with a container for dispensing fluid material such as ink. The valve has a single sealing surface and comprises a base portion having a valve seat and a twist cap having a flexible annular rim that seats against the valve seat when the valve is closed. The valve has multiple settings or positions to accommodate different types of fluids, particularly fluids having different viscosities.

Abstract: A self-venting cartridge (10) for dispensing an extrudable fluid such as ink. The cartridge (10) comprises a cylindrical body (12) for holding the fluid and a plunger (18) for forcing the fluid through a nozzle. The cylindrical body (12) is formed of a wound material and lined internally with a liner material that overlaps itself to form a raised area (34) that is slightly thicker than the surrounding area. The plunger (18) comprises a slightly convex surface (36) and a sidewall (40) that forms a snug fit with the cylindrical body (40). The plunger sidewall (40) and raised area (34) define a channel (A) through which air is automatically vented when the plunger (18) is inserted into the fluid-filled cartridge (10).

Abstract: A pressure-activated flexible valve for use with a container for dispensing fluid material such as ink. The valve has a single sealing surface and comprises a base portion having a valve seat and a cap having an annular rim that seats against the valve seat when the valve is closed. The cap has an annular flexible portion that changes shape in response to pressure from the container material, thereby opening and closing the valve. The valve may be locked closed, and the space between the valve rim and valve seat can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of fluids, including inks having different viscosities.

Abstract: A pressure-activated flexible valve for use with a container for dispensing fluid material such as ink. The valve has a single sealing surface and comprises a base portion having a valve seat and a cap having an annular rim that seats against the valve seat when the valve is closed. The cap has an annular flexible portion that changes shape in response to pressure from the container material, thereby opening and closing the valve. The valve may be locked closed, and the space between the valve rim and valve seat can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of fluids, including inks having different viscosities.

Abstract: A self-venting cartridge (10) for dispensing an extrudable fluid such as ink. The cartridge (10) comprises a cylindrical body (12) for holding the fluid and a plunger (18) for forcing the fluid through a nozzle. The cylindrical body (12) is formed of a wound material and lined internally with a liner material that overlaps itself to form a raised area (34) that is slightly thicker than the surrounding area. The plunger (18) comprises a slightly convex surface (36) and a sidewall (40) that forms a snug fit with the cylindrical body (40). The plunger sidewall (40) and raised area (34) define a channel (A) through which air is automatically vented when the plunger (18) is inserted into the fluid-filled cartridge (10).

Abstract: An improved plunger for fluid dispensing cartridges used in automated dispensing systems. The plunger helps control the reflection of ultrasonic signals used to sense the position of the plunger as it moves within the cartridge tube. The plunger has a convex bottom, ink-facing surface and a top surface comprising one or more flat, horizontal surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the horizontal surfaces are concentric steps.

Abstract: An improved plunger for fluid dispensing cartridges used in automated dispensing systems. The plunger helps control the reflection of ultrasonic signals used to sense the position of the plunger as it moves within the cartridge tube. The plunger has a convex bottom, ink-facing surface and a top surface comprising one or more flat, horizontal surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the horizontal surfaces are concentric steps.

Abstract: An improved plunger for a lithographic printing ink cartridge prevents air entrapment between the plunger and the ink when the plunger is pressed into the ink during cartridge assembly. The plunger bottom portion has a positive radius and a textured surface that facilitates the flow of air away from the center of the plunger toward the cartridge sidewall as the plunger is pressed into the ink.