Abstract: An inkjet printhead has a body and a heater chip attached thereto. A nozzle plate on the heater chip includes a periphery and plurality of nozzle holes. An encapsulant bead lines the periphery of the nozzle plate and has a leading edge extending in a direction away from the periphery toward the plurality of nozzle holes. The boundary of the bead embodies an irregular shape and the leading edge exists less than about 500 microns from any of the nozzle holes. A tape attaches to the nozzle plate and covers each of the nozzle holes. The tape does not, however, touch the encapsulant bead. Preferably, the tape has a narrow width portion shorter than a width of the nozzle plate. In this manner, the encapsulant bead may encroach upon the nozzle holes closer than heretofore known. In turn, the heater chip can have reduced size and silicon savings.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead has a body and a heater chip attached thereto. A nozzle plate on the heater chip includes a periphery and plurality of nozzle holes. An encapsulant bead lines the periphery of the nozzle plate and has a leading edge extending in a direction away from the periphery toward the plurality of nozzle holes. The boundary of the bead embodies an irregular shape and the leading edge exists less than about 500 microns from any of the nozzle holes. A tape attaches to the nozzle plate and covers each of the nozzle holes. The tape does not, however, touch the encapsulant bead. Preferably, the tape has a narrow width portion shorter than a width of the nozzle plate. In this manner, the encapsulant bead may encroach upon the nozzle holes closer than heretofore known. In turn, the heater chip can have reduced size and silicon savings.

Abstract: According to the present invention, water regulation assemblies disposed in the water supply path of conventional fixtures are modified to include a pressure relief assembly which permits release of water under elevated pressures. A shut-off seal of a fixture is by-passed by a pressure relief water path which opens in response to elevated pressures. This permits relief of elevated pressure in water supply lines which might otherwise produce a burst event within the water supply lines. The path includes a stopper having a compressed channel that opens to release water at the elevated pressure.

Abstract: According to the present invention, water regulation assemblies disposed in the water supply path of conventional fixtures are modified to include a pressure relief assembly which permits release of water under elevated pressures. A normal shut-off seal included in the water regulation assembly may be modified to release water in response to elevated pressure even when the seal is placed in a shut-off position. In particular, mating components included in the seal assembly are modified to separate at the elevated pressure. The seal may also be by-passed by a pressure relief water path which opens in response to elevated pressures. These features permit relief of elevated pressure in water supply lines which might otherwise produce a burst event within the water supply lines. In sliding plate type faucets where a seal is created by pressing of two plates together, pressure relief according to the present invention is obtained by permitting separation of the plates under elevated pressure.

Abstract: According to the present invention, water regulation assemblies disposed in the water supply path of conventional fixtures are modified to include a pressure relief assembly which permits release of water under elevated pressures. A normal shut-off seal included in the water regulation assembly is modified to release water in response to elevated pressure even when the seal is placed in a shut-off position. This permits relief of elevated pressure in water supply lines which might otherwise produce a burst event within the water supply lines. Preferred modified shut-off seals include a washer having soft portions which deform to permit pressure relief by release of water past the shut-off seal in response to elevated pressure and a gasket including a region of reduced thickness which deforms in response to elevated water supply pressure thereby releasing water into the socket and relieving water supply line pressure.

Abstract: A method and device for diverting water away from a building foundation and insulating the soil surrounding the foundation. The method includes excavating a trench in the soil at least about a portion of the perimeter of a new or existing building foundation, the trench having a predetermined depth, a first side wall defined by the building foundation, a bottom surface defined by the soil having a predetermined slope extending away from the building foundation a predetermined distance and a second side wall opposite the first side wall and defined by the soil. A first insulated waterproof diverter member is placed within a portion of trench for diverting water away from the foundation and reducing the frost penetration depth within the soil surrounding the foundation.