Abstract: An inkjet printer that has a printhead with a nozzle array for ejecting droplets of ink onto a media substrate, a media feed assembly for feeding media passed the printhead in a media feed direction such that the nozzle array and the media substrate are separated by a print gap and, an air flow generation mechanism for generating an air flow in the print gap opposite to the media feed direction.

Abstract: Universal laparoscopic uterine manipulators/dilators with variable intra-uterine length to match the length of the uterus in order to avoid any risk of perforation and to provide excellent pelvic exposure irrespective of uterine size, shape and position. Moreover, semirigid/semi-flexible dilators are less likely to form false passages in the cervix and the body of the uterus as they follow the natural track of the cervical canal.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument comprises a cutting head having first and second co-operable jaws movable with respect to a support between open and closed states, and a jaw drive for moving one or both of the jaws into the closed state to take a biopsy sample in response to an actuating input from a user. The jaw drive is user-adjustable between first and second cutting modes differentiated by the response of the jaws to the actuating input. In the first cutting mode, both jaws may move equi-angularly with respect to the support between the open and closed states; in the second cutting mode, one jaw may remain stationary with respect to the support such that only the other jaw moves between the open and closed states.

Abstract: Computer method and apparatus processing batch changes to a plurality of records employs heuristics. The system includes a computer based source of a plurality of records subject to a batch update. Each record in the plurality has respective meta data information. A computer processor projects application of changes forming the batch update in one record of the plurality. The processor applies heuristics including noting metadata information of the one record impacting changes to each record in the plurality. Using the noted metadata information and heuristics, the system further projects application of the batch update changes to remaining records in the plurality. A preview display of the projected results of the batch changes allows the user to commit, modify or revert batch updates per record.

Abstract: A structure for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The printhead structure has an elongate support structure for supporting a printhead integrated circuit, and ink conduits formed in the elongate support structure for supplying ink to an array of nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit. Each ink conduit includes cavities distributed along a roof of the ink conduit. An opening to each cavity has an upstream edge and a downstream edge. The upstream edge contacts the ink before the downstream edge during initial priming of the ink conduits from an ink supply. The upstream edge has a transition face between the ink conduit and the cavity interior, the transition face being configured to inhibit ink from filling the cavity by capillary action during initial priming of the ink conduit. This causes gas to be trapped within the cavity. The gas acts to compress pressure pulses in the ink.

Abstract: An air pressure sensor that has a first conductive membrane configured for deflection in response to pressure differences between air at a reference pressure and air at a pressure to be sensed. The sensor also has a second conductive membrane configured for deflection in response to a change in temperature to which the pressure sensor is exposed. The sensor uses a circuit in electrical communication with the first and second conductive membranes, that obtains a first signal and second signal from the first and second conductive membranes respectively. The first and second signals are indicative of the deflection of the first and second conductive membranes. The circuit adjusts the first signal by the second signal to generate an output signal indicative of the air pressure.

Abstract: A printhead for an inkjet printer that has a printhead integrated circuit with nozzles for ejecting ink, and a support structure for supporting the printhead IC. The support structure has ink conduits for supplying the nozzles with ink and a fluidic damper containing gas for compression by pressure pulses in the ink within the ink conduits to dissipate the pressure pulse. Damping pressure pulses using gas compression can be achieved with small volumes of gas. This preserves a compact design while avoiding any nozzle flooding from transient spikes in the ink pressure.

Abstract: A printhead assembly for a pagewidth printer includes a substrate channel; a plurality of printhead modules positioned in the channel to form a pagewidth printhead module assembly; an ink hose positioned within the substrate channel to supply the printhead modules with ink; an extrusion for housing bus bars providing electrical power to the printhead modules; a cover plate securing a flex printed circuit board (PCB) in the assembly, the PCB forming a data bus to the printhead modules; and compressible conductive strips provided between the busbars abutting contacts on an upper side of parts of the flex PCB. The substrate channel defines a series of groups of holes through which the printhead modules are supplied with differently colored inks. The hose defines parallel channels extending a length of the hose, the channels connected to ink containers at one end and sealed with a channel extrusion cap at the other end.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead includes a plurality of ink chambers fed by a common ink inlet, the plurality of ink chambers sharing a common roof structure; a plurality of heater elements respectively allocated to each of ink chambers; a plurality of nozzle apertures defined through the common roof structure and respectively aligned with the heater element of each ink chamber; and a bubble vent defined in the common roof of the ink chambers and aligned with the common ink inlet, the bubble vent sized to allow ink surface tension to restrict an egress of ink, and permit egress of gas bubbles therefrom.

Abstract: A printhead for an inkjet printer is disclosed. The printhead has one or more a printhead integrated circuits (ICs) with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink. A support structure of the printhead supports the printhead ICs. The support structure has ink conduits for supplying the array of nozzles with ink. Each ink conduit includes cavities distributed along a roof of the ink conduit. An opening to each respective cavity has an upstream edge and a downstream edge. The upstream edge contacts the ink before the downstream edge during initial priming of the ink conduits from an ink supply. The upstream edge has a transition face between the ink conduit and the cavity interior. The transition face is configured to inhibit ink from filling the cavity by capillary action during initial priming of the ink conduit. This causes gas to be trapped within the cavity. The gas acts to compress pressure pulses in the ink.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a printhead having a plurality of ink chambers fed be an ink inlet, each ink chamber having a heater element for ejecting drops of ink from a nozzle aperture of each chamber; a plurality of pressure pulse diffusing structure positioned between the plurality of ink chambers fed by the ink inlet, the plurality of pressure pulse diffusing structures for retarding a propagation of pressure waves generated by each ink chamber to adjacent ink chambers; and a controller for receiving print data and generating drive pulses to energize the heater elements in accordance with the print data. The controller increases the drive pulse energy during the printhead lifetime such that the drive pulse energy is never less than that of a preceding drive pulse.

Abstract: Provided is a printhead assembly for a pagewidth printer. The assembly includes a substrate channel, and a plurality of printhead modules positioned in the channel to form a pagewidth printhead module assembly. Also included are an extrusion for housing bus bars operatively providing electrical power to the printhead modules, and a cover plate securing a flex printed circuit board (PCB) in the assembly, the PCB forming a data bus to the printhead modules. The assembly further includes compressible conductive strips between the busbars abutting contacts on an upper side of parts of the flex PCB, wherein the substrate channel defines a series of groups of holes through which the printhead modules are supplied with differently colored inks.

Abstract: A miniature pressure sensor assembly is provided for fitting within the valve stem of a vehicle tire. The pressure sensor assembly typically includes a reference device for temperature compensation and a measurement device for pressure measurement. Each device includes a substrate assembly defining a plurality of holes. A deflectable membrane is mounted to the substrate assembly to define a first chamber. A cap is mounted to the membrane to form a second chamber.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead comprises a plurality of nozzles; a supply of printing fluid in fluid communication with the plurality of nozzles; and a plurality of heater elements corresponding respectively to each of the nozzles, the heater elements for heating the printing fluid to form a gas bubble for ejecting a drop of printing fluid of a predetermined volume from the nozzle. Each of the heater elements has an area proportional to the predetermined volume. The area being such that an amount of energy generated by each heater element to form the gas bubble is substantially equal to or less than an amount of energy absorbable by a drop of printing fluid having the predetermined volume.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a printhead having a plurality of ink chambers fed be an ink inlet, each ink chamber having a heater element for ejecting drops of ink from a nozzle aperture of each chamber; a plurality of pressure pulse diffusing structure positioned between the plurality of ink chambers fed by the ink inlet, the plurality of pressure pulse diffusing structures for retarding a propagation of pressure waves generated by each ink chamber to adjacent ink chambers; and a controller for receiving print data and generating drive pulses to energize the heater elements in accordance with the print data. The controller increases the drive pulse energy during the printhead lifetime such that the drive pulse energy is never less than that of a preceding drive pulse.

Abstract: A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer that has a print engine controller for receiving print data and sending it to the printhead. The printhead has a printhead IC for ejecting ink and a support structure for mounting the printhead IC in the printer adjacent a paper path. The printhead IC is mounted on a face of the support structure that, in use, faces the paper path. A flexible printed circuit board (flex PCB) that has contacts for receiving print data mounted to the support structure on a face that does not face the paper path. The bent section reduces the likelihood of trace cracking by holding the flex PCB at a set radius rather than allowing the flex to follow an irregular curve and thereby risking localized points of high stress on the traces.

Abstract: A capacitative pressure sensor that has a silicon substrate, CMOS layers deposited on the silicon substrate, a conductive layer deposited on the CMOS layer and, a passivation layer on the conductive layer. A conductive membrane extends from the substrate assembly such that it is spaced from the conductive layer. The conductive layer has a plurality of apertures and the silicon substrate to define a passage for fluid communication with fluid pressure exterior to the pressure sensor and a cap extending from the substrate assembly to cover the membrane and form a chamber on one side of the conductive membrane that is sealed from the fluid pressure exterior to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly for fitting within the valve stem of a vehicle tire comprises a substrate assembly defining a plurality of holes; a pressure sensor and a temperature compensation sensor mounted to the substrate assembly, each sensor including a corrugated deflectable membrane defining a first chamber and a cap mounted to the membrane to form a second chamber; and a cover configured to engage with the pressure sensor and the temperature compensation sensor to define an active chamber and a reference chamber respectively, the active chamber being exposed to tire pressure when the pressure sensor assembly is fitted within the valve stem whereas the reference chamber is sealed from tire pressure.

Abstract: A temperature compensating pressure sensor comprises a substrate having sealed channels on which is deposited a CMOS layer; a conductive layer and a passivation layer deposited on the CMOS layer; a conductive active membrane spaced from the conductive layer to form an active chamber, the conductive active membrane having a corrugated cross section; a conductive reference membrane spaced from the conductive layer to form a reference chamber; and a cap which covers the membranes, said cap exposing the active membrane to an outside fluid pressure. The active membrane deflects due to differential stresses so that an active capacitance is developed between the active membrane and the conductive layer depending on the electrical permittivity e of the fluid, with the reference membrane providing a temperature compensating reference capacitance.