Modular Patents (Class 347/49)
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Patent number: 7980657Abstract: A printhead assembly includes an elongate channel member of a metal alloy; a flexible elongate fluid carrier positioned on a floor of the channel member, the fluid carrier defining a plurality of passages longitudinally extending along a length of the fluid carrier, the fluid carrier further defining a repeated pattern of holes on an external surface thereof, the holes providing fluid communication from outside the fluid carrier to respective passages of the fluid carrier; and a series of printhead modules mounted to the external surface of the fluid carrier, each printhead module including an upper micro-molding and a lower micro-molding, the lower micro-molding having an air inlet slot in fluid communication with one of the plurality of passages via a hole of the repeated pattern of holes at one end and a series of alternating air inlets and outlets on the upper micro-molding at an opposite end.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 7980665Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Angus John North, Samuel George Mallinson
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Publication number: 20110169893Abstract: An inkjet image-drawing device having: a head module having inkjet heads for forming a pattern on a substrate; a head module moving means; a substrate support stage; a substrate support stage moving means including first and second linear moving means, and a rotation moving means; an image pickup means which picks up an mage of the substrate; and an alignment adjusting means which picks up images of markers arranged on the substrate with the image pickup means, and moves the substrate support stage based on a result of the picking up images to adjust the alignment, wherein the image pickup means has, on the main body the device, a camera fixedly disposed outside of a moving range of the head module in the vector direction of the first linear moving means, and a camera fixedly disposed outside of the moving range, in the vector direction of the second linear moving means.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA HOLDINGS, INC.Inventor: Yoshifumi Takafuji
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Patent number: 7976116Abstract: An inkjet printer system is provided having a printhead and controller. The printhead has a row of inkjet nozzles for printing one ink color formed by adjacent inkjet nozzle rows of adjacent integrated circuits. Each integrated circuit has a different number of inkjet nozzles in the respective inkjet nozzle row. The controller is configured to transfer print data to each of the integrated circuits at a rate proportional to the relative number of inkjet nozzles so that the print data is transferred to each of the integrated circuits in equal time.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Simon Robert Walmsley
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Patent number: 7978349Abstract: A web platform has multiple print modules adapted to print form data and variable data in a continuous operation. A controller with access to a form image database and a variable document database is connected to the web platform. Each print module on the web platform uses single color, ink jet, print heads. Form data is printed by a plurality of single color print modules. Variable data is printed by a single color print module. Bulk paper in rolls is fed through the web platform to print the forms and customer statements. The controller can direct printing of multiple statements simultaneously in discrete lanes on the web platform. Printed customer statements are subsequently separated into individual finished documents for process and mailing.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: DST OutputInventors: Charles B. Clupper, Frank W Delfer
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Patent number: 7971965Abstract: An ink cartridge for an inkjet printer is configured to keep the ink pressure in the printhead constant. The cartridge has a sealed ink storage volume, an ink outlet for sealed fluid communication between the printhead and the ink storage volume, an air bag in the ink storage volume for expanding as ink is drawn through the ink outlet to keep a constant head of ink above the outlet valve. The air inlet for the air bag is a frangible that is ruptured as the cartridge is installed and the ink outlet opens.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Norman Micheal Berry, Akira Nakazawa, Paul Ian Mackey, Garry Raymond Jackson
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Patent number: 7973965Abstract: A digital camera comprises an image sensor for sensing an image; a card reader configured to read a removable data card carrying distortion information; a printer configured to print a distorted image on print media, the printer including a replaceable print roll carrying both the print media and ink to be printed upon the print media; and a controller for controlling the communication of the distorted images to the printer. The print roll includes an ink reservoir section and the ink reservoir section includes a plurality of bladder type containers for storing respective types of ink. A cavity is provided in the ink reservoir section for receiving an integrated circuit device storing information associated with the print roll.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7967425Abstract: A printhead assembly with a printhead and a shut off (138) valve that has a valve body (200) defining an ink inlet (202) for connection to an ink supply, an ink outlet (67) connected to the printhead IC. A diaphragm (212) is biased into sealing engagement with the valve seat (216) to provide a fluid seal between the ink inlet and the ink outlet. An actuator (204) unseals the diaphragm from the valve seat when energized. The valve protects the ink in the ink supply from contaminants that can migrate up the ink line during shut down periods. The diaphragm is biased to a closed position and so seals the ink supply from the printhead as a default condition even in the event of a power failure. The bias is strong enough to provide the fluid seal so that the seal is not compromised when the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet is small.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2010Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Geoffrey Philip Dyer, Gregory Michael Tow, David William Jensen, Nicholas Kenneth Abraham, Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7967414Abstract: An ink-jet printer head has a plurality of print modules each having a tip formed with a respective nozzle orifice from ink droplets can be projected. A flexibly deformable mounting element has a plurality of seats each holding a respective one of the tips so that the element can be deformed to fit a substrate to be printed. The mounting element is readily deformable so that the print modules can be oriented to fit the substrate being printed.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: KBA-Metronic GmbHInventor: Peter Schmitt
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Publication number: 20110134189Abstract: An inkjet printer having a modular pagewidth printhead. The printhead includes: an elongate spine defining a plurality of ink outlets, each ink outlet being in fluid communication with a corresponding ink channel; a plurality of printhead modules serially engaged along the spine, each printhead module defining ink inlets aligned with respective ink outlets; and an elongate U-channel retaining the plurality of printhead modules and the spine within a cavity defined by the U-channel. The U-channel exerts a retaining force on the spine and each printhead module such that ink inlets defined in each printhead module are sealingly engaged with respective ink outlets in the spine.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 7954937Abstract: The present invention provides an ink jet printing apparatus capable of improving reliability of an electrical connecting portion between a carriage side and head cartridge side. When an ink tank is mounted on a head cartridge, a hook of a set lever is obstructed to be operated in a lock releasing direction by a restricting surface of the ink tank. This prevents the head cartridge from being removed from the carriage, and maintains an electrical connecting condition between the carriage and the head cartridge. Therefore, for removing the head cartridge, it is necessary to remove the ink tank.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shusuke Inamura, Takashi Horiba
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Patent number: 7954931Abstract: A container holder can accommodate liquid containers with high density without deteriorating electrical connection between an apparatus terminal and a circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Kazutoshi Shimizu, Izumi Nozawa, Hitotoshi Kimura
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Publication number: 20110128324Abstract: A system and method for mounting a fluid droplet ejection module to a frame is disclosed, where the fluid ejection module includes a mounting component having a mounting surface. A connector is configured to detachably attach to the frame and is positioned between the frame and the mounting surface of the fluid ejection module. A portion of a mating surface of the connector is positioned adjacent the mounting surface of a corresponding fluid ejection module and is in direct contact with the mounting surface. One or more recesses are formed in at least one of either the mounting surface of the fluid ejection module or the mating surface of the connector. The one or more recesses have a substantially uniform thickness and are filled with an adhesive. The adhesive is cured after aligning the fluid ejection module to the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventors: Kevin von Essen, Stephen R. Deming, John A. Higginson, Nobuo Matsumoto, Andreas Bibl
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Patent number: 7950772Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a support beam formed of two types of material having different coefficients of thermal expansion, the two materials being repeatedly alternated in segments over the length of the support beam to form the support beam; and a plurality of spaced apart printhead modules supported by the support beam. A first one of the materials has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of silicon, and a second one of the materials has a coefficient of thermal expansion less than that of silicon.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd.Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7950789Abstract: The invention provides a liquid container for supplying liquid to a liquid consumption apparatus, and includes: a container body that is detachably attached to a container attachment unit of the liquid consumption apparatus; first and second positioning portions that prevent the movement of the container body when corresponding first and second positioning members provided on the container attachment unit fit therein, respectively; a liquid feed outlet to communicate with a liquid supply unit on the container attachment unit to supply liquid from the liquid container to the liquid consumption apparatus; an information memory unit; electric contacts that cause the information memory unit provided on the container body to be connected to an information control circuit of the liquid consumption apparatus; and an engaging portion preventing the detachment of the container body from the container attachment unit when an engaging member engages therewith.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Hitoshi Matsumoto, Hitotoshi Kimura
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Patent number: 7946684Abstract: A method of manufacture of printers and printheads formed of a number of modules mounted on a chassis. The modules and chassis are formed with a number of alignment features which engage with one another to form elastic interference couplings. By arranging a number n of such couplings for each module, the variance in positional error of each module with respect to the chassis can be made significantly less than the alignment error of the alignment features themselves, by the process of Average Elastic Alignment. The elastic interference couplings can advantageously be made to form a sealed coupling for the supply of ink from the chassis to each module.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Xaar Technology LimitedInventors: Paul R. Drury, Robert J. Lowe, Stephen Temple
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Patent number: 7942499Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of aligning two or more printhead modules mounted to a support member in a printer. The printhead modules are MEMS manufactured integrated circuits having at least one fiducial on each. The method includes the steps of positioning the printhead modules on the support member such that they align when the support member is at its operating temperature but not necessarily at other temperatures, and using the fiducials to misalign the printhead modules by a distance calculated from the difference between the coefficient of thermal expansion of the support member and the printhead integrated circuits, the spacing of the printhead chips along the support member and the difference between a production temperature of the modules and an operating temperature of the printer.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Publication number: 20110109696Abstract: A system includes a mounting assembly to mount a printhead to a frame having a length in a first direction and a width in a second direction. The mounting assembly includes a fixed component affixed to the frame and a movable component that can move relative to the fixed component. A first pair of flexures connects a first end of the fixed component to a first end of the movable component, and a first adjustment mechanism is positioned at the first end. A second pair of flexures connects a second end of the fixed component to a second end of the movable component, and a second adjustment mechanism is positioned at the second end. A connector couples the mounting assembly to the printhead such that movement of the movable component imparts movement to the printhead. The first adjustment mechanism and the second adjustment mechanism can be operated individually or together.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Kevin von Essen
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Patent number: 7938505Abstract: A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer, which has a printhead with a plurality of inlets for receiving ink, an extrusion having a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the plurality of inlets such that the extrusion supplies ink to the printhead, the extrusion having a plurality of ink channels in fluid communication with the plurality of outlets, a plugging device at one end of the extrusion configured to supply ink from the printer to each of the channels respectively, the plugging device having a first plate, a second plate, a series of plugs and a spine, the first and the second plate hingedly connected via the spine such that the series of plugs seal respective open ends of the plurality of channels and the first and second plates overlap and clamp around the exterior surface of the first end of the extrusion. The plugging device also having inlets for receiving ink from the printer, and directing the received ink into respective channels of the extrusion.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 7934817Abstract: Provided is print engine controller of a printhead assembly having a plurality of printhead modules. The controller includes a memory buffer to receive rasterized page data from a computer system, a page image expander for expanding the page data to retrieve page images, and dithering means for dithering a continuous tone (“contone”) layer over the page data. The controller also includes a compositor for compositing a black bi-level layer of the contone layer, rendering means for rendering infra-red tags over the contone layer, and an output driving the printhead modules to print the composited page data.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley
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Patent number: 7934800Abstract: A printhead controller is provided for supplying print data to a printhead having first and second rows of inkjet nozzles configured to print ink of a similar color. The controller is configured to supply the print data to the printhead such that, in the event a nozzle in the first row is faulty, a corresponding nozzle in the second row prints at a position on print media at or adjacent a position where the faulty nozzle would otherwise have printed.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Simon Robert Walmsley, Mark Jackson Pulver, John Robert Sheahan, Michael John Webb
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Publication number: 20110096123Abstract: An inkjet printer system including a plurality of inkjet printer cartridges; and a number of inkjet printer cradles each including a body defining a recess and arranged to receive and operate each of a set of supported inkjet printer cartridges of the plurality of inkjet printer cartridges;wherein those inkjet cartridges of said plurality not belonging to the set of supported inkjet printer cartridges, in respect of a particular one of said number of inkjet printer cradles, are shaped to prevent their reception into the recess of said particular inkjet printer cradle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2011Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7922290Abstract: A printhead assembly comprises an elongate support structure; a series of side wall sections extending a length of the support structure and defining a plurality of ink supply channels, edges of the walls delineating a gap; a plurality of carriers positioned end-to-end in the gap and supported at a bottom surface thereof by said edges of the walls; and a printhead integrated circuit mounted to each carrier. The bottom surface of each carriers defines a plurality of apertures each in fluid communication with a respective ink supply passage defined through the carrier and respective ink supply channels defined by the series of side wall sections.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7918535Abstract: A printhead is provided having a plurality of printing fluid ejection nozzle modules each having one or more printing fluid channels interconnected at respective complementary female and male end portions of the modules, a connector connected to the female or male end portion of one of the modules for communicating printing fluid from a fluid supply to the nozzles of all of the modules via the interconnected channels, and a sealing member connected to the female or male end portion of another one of the modules. The sealing member has female and male portions complementary to the female and male end portions of the modules and for sealing the channels of the connected module.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson, Akira Nakazawa
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Patent number: 7918533Abstract: A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes an elongate spine defining a channel and first location formations. An elongate ink distribution extrusion is receivable in the channel and defines spaced apart sets of ink supply holes. A printhead module locator defines second location formations which engage with said first location formations. A set of serially arranged ink ejection printhead modules is positioned adjacent the locator, and along the extrusion, so that the printhead modules engage with respective sets of ink supply holes.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 7914114Abstract: A print assembly is provided having an elongate carrier that is mountable on a support structure of a printer, printhead integrated circuits mounted on the carrier, and control circuitry positioned on the carrier and operatively connected to the printhead integrated circuits to control operation thereof. The printhead integrated circuits are provided in a number and configuration such that the printhead integrated circuits define an elongate printing zone of at least 914 mm. Each printhead integrated circuit incorporates nozzle arrangements each having a nozzle, an ink chamber, an ink inlet, an actuator, and a drive circuit to achieve the ejection of ink from the nozzle arrangement. the nozzle arrangements and control circuitry are configured so that the printhead integrated circuits are controlled by the control circuitry to print more than one billion drops of ink per second.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2009Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7914120Abstract: A modular printhead includes an elongate spine defining longitudinal internal passages for carrying ink. The spine further defines sets of holes along its length with each set having holes in fluid communication with respective passages. A plurality of printhead modules serially engage along the spine with respective sets of holes. Each printhead module defines inlets aligned in fluid communication with respective holes and internal chambers in fluid communication with respective inlets. Each printhead module includes an ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) which is fed the ink from the internal chamber. A capping device is mounted relative to the spine and is configured to cover the IC's when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 7905572Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a removable ink tank having an ink output port to a printhead body that mounts a micro-fluid ejection device, the printhead body defining a filtered ink/air reservoir, includes a filter cap configured for attachment to the printhead body. The filtered ink/air reservoir is located in a region between the filter cap and the micro-fluid ejection device. The filter cap has a filter cap body configured to operably engage the ink output port of the removable ink tank and has an ink tank latching mechanism configured to secure the removable ink tank to the filter cap in a releasable manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: James Daniel Anderson, Jr., David Emerson Greer
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Patent number: 7901067Abstract: A print media loading mechanism for a modular printer assembly is disclosed. A pair of opposed endless belts is provided. Each belt passes around a pair of rollers. Opposed roller pairs are slidably received by sliders attached to a frame of the printer assembly. A pair of arms is attached to each opposed roller pair, the pair of arms having a common pivot point. A traversing mechanism connects to each pair of arms at the common pivot point. A drive assembly, including at least one worm screw and motor which rotates the worm screw, is also provided. The worm screw interacts with the traversing mechanism in order to move the traversing mechanisms apart and closer together respectively. This in turn moves the opposed endless belts apart and closer together respectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd.Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 7901038Abstract: A printhead assembly for a printer comprises a support member having a silicon core mounted within a metal channel; a plurality of printhead modules mounted on the support member, each printhead module including an integrated circuit manufactured using micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS) techniques; and an elastomeric layer positioned between the core and the metal channel. The printhead modules and support members are configured to move into alignment with each other upon heating of the printhead assembly, and each printhead module is mounted to the silicon core with a neck portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7901044Abstract: A printhead is provided having ejection nozzle integrated circuits, flexible printed circuit boards for connecting electrical signals to associated ones of the integrated circuits and controllers each connected to at least one of the integrated circuits via the respective flexible printed circuit board for controlling the printing operation of the integrated circuits. Each controller is provided on a respective printed circuit board. The printed circuit boards are adjacent one another and each have recessed portions which adjoin recessed portions in the adjacent printed circuit boards. The adjoined recessed portions receive an electrical connecting member for interconnecting the controllers of adjacent printed circuit boards such that each interconnected controller is able to control the printing operation of the integrated circuits.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2009Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson, Akira Nakazawa
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Patent number: 7901043Abstract: Provided is a printhead assembly which includes a printhead module having a plurality of modular printhead tiles each having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle assemblies for printing on a printing medium. The assembly also includes a number of printhead controller integrated circuits for controlling the printhead tiles, as well as a casing having an integral heatsink arrangement for the printhead controller integrated circuits. The casing further includes a ducting assembly for ducting ink to the printhead tiles and busbars for interfacing the printhead controller integrated circuits with a controller of a printer.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa
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Patent number: 7901042Abstract: An inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate chassis defining a plurality of ink supply channels. A sealing shim defines sets of apertures and is configured to be mounted in sealing engagement with the chassis so that the sets are aligned with respective channels. A plurality of printhead carriers is configured to be received on the shim. Each printhead carrier defines galleries configured to engage in fluid communication with respective sets and further defines a printhead recess terminating the galleries. Ink ejection printhead segments each define ink supply holes, and are configured to be received within respective printhead recesses so that ink can be supplied to the printhead segments through the holes via the galleries.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 7891767Abstract: A wide format print assembly is provided. The print assembly includes a plurality of printhead modules each having a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each module has a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements on a wafer substrate for operatively ejecting printing fluid onto a print medium. Each module also has a capping device displaceable between a capping position to cap the nozzle arrangements and an operative position where the nozzle arrangements are exposed for printing The modules also have a printed circuit board (PCB) linked to a CMOS drive circuitry layer on the wafer substrate. The print assembly includes a plurality of ink reservoir moldings to supply the printhead modules with printing fluid, and control circuitry for controlling the nozzle arrangements via the printed circuit boards.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7891772Abstract: The invention provides for a pagewidth printhead unit for a printer. The unit includes two integrated circuits laid end-to-end, each having micro-electromechanical nozzles for ejecting printing fluid. The unit also includes an ink distribution plate for feeding printing fluid into apertures defined in the integrated circuits, and an ink distribution molding defining a plurality of elongate conduits for distributing printing fluid to the plate along a length of the printhead. The unit further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to relay data signals from a printer controller to respective ends of the integrated circuits, as well as a support member for holding the integrated circuits, plate, molding and PCB in alignment.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
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Patent number: 7891770Abstract: A separate light-emitting ink cartridge including an ink container, an ink supply port, a shelf, a chip, a first joint portion, a second joint portion, a support component, and a light display portion is provided. The ink container and the shelf are independent workpiece respectively, and are detachably assembled together. The ink container has an ink storage chamber, and the ink supply port is disposed at the bottom of the ink container to supply ink accommodated in the ink container to an inkjet head. The chip, the first joint portion, the second joint portion, the support component, and the light display portion are disposed on the shelf. The separate light-emitting cartridge reduces the printing cost for users, and is environment friendly. Moreover, the structure of the separate light-emitting cartridge is simple and can be assembled conveniently.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventors: Jun-Zhong Wu, Yi Zhou
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Patent number: 7891765Abstract: A printhead is provided having a plurality of nozzle rows which have displaced row portions. The displaced row portions of at least some of the rows are different in length than the displaced row portions of at least some of the other rows.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Mark Jackson Pulver, John Robert Sheahan, Simon Robert Walmsley, Kia Silverbrook, Michael John Webb
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Patent number: 7891768Abstract: A printhead assembly which includes an ink supply arrangement having a profile member defining a semi-open cross-section with peripheral, structured side walls having free, opposing, lengthwise running edges delineating a gap extending along the entire length of the profile member, said profile member defining three internal webs that stand out from a base wall section of the peripheral wall into the interior of said member so as to define together with the side wall sections ink supply channels which are open towards the gap. The assembly also includes a plurality of printhead segment carriers operatively fast with the ink supply arrangement so that the ink supply channels are arranged in fluid communication with a printhead operatively supported on said segments. Also included is a shield plate supported by the profile member, said plate for protecting the printhead during printing.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 7883181Abstract: Atmospheric plasma inkjet printing apparatus and methods for fabricating color filters using the same. The atmosphere plasma inkjet printing apparatus includes a nozzle plate having a first column of nozzles and a second column of nozzles. An inkjet printhead module corresponds to the first column of nozzles. An atmospheric plasma module is corresponds to the second column of nozzles.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chun-Hung Lin, Chia-Chiang Chang, Chao-Kai Cheng, Chieh-Yi Huang, Wan-Wen Chiu
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Publication number: 20110025776Abstract: A wide format printer that has a print zone, a media path extending through the print zone along a paper axis, the media path being more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide, a printhead carriage for mounting a plurality of printhead modules adjacent the print zone such that the printhead modules collectively span the media path and are staggered with respect to the paper axis. The printhead modules each have nozzles arranged in parallel rows and a plurality of datum features for holding the printhead carriage such that the parallel rows extend normal to the paper feed axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: Robert Rosati, David Petch, David Burney, Jim Sykora, Kenneth A. Regas, Andy Bound, Neil Doherty, Scott Dennis, Ben Jones, Oksana Buyda, Locson Tonthat, Andrew Buyda, Patrick Kirk, Loren Zech, Jason Dewey, Jim Trinchera, Bill Cressman, Ron Zech
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Publication number: 20110025768Abstract: A wide format printer that has an ink supply, a feed line to the ink supply, a return line coupled to the ink supply, and a plurality of printheads collectively spanning a paper path more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide. Each printhead is fluidically coupled to the feed and the return via separate couplings. During printing, the printheads receives ink from both the feed and return lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: Robert Rosati, David Petch, David Burney, Jim Sykora, Kenneth A. Regas, Andy Bound, Neil Doherty, Scott Dennis, Ben Jones, Oksana Buyda, Locson Tonthat, Andrew Buyda, Patrick Kikr, Loren Hunt, Jason Dewey, Jim Trinchera, Bill Cressman, Ron Zech
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Publication number: 20110025781Abstract: An inkjet printer that has a print zone, a media path extending through the print zone along a paper axis, a printhead carriage with a plurality of printhead mounting sites for mounting a plurality of printhead modules adjacent the print zone such that the printhead modules collectively span the media path and a plurality of interfaces for supplying ink to, and receiving ink from each of the printhead modules respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: Robert Rosati, David Petch, David Burney, Jim Sykora, Kenneth A. Regas, Andy Bound, Neil Doherty, Scott Dennis, Ben Jones, Oksana Buyda, Locson Tonthat, Andrew Buyda, Patrick Kirk, Loren Hunt, Jason Dewey, Jim Trinchera, Bill Cressman, Ron Zech
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Publication number: 20110025739Abstract: A wide format printer that has a print zone, a media path more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide and extending through the print zone along a paper axis, a printhead carriage with a plurality of printhead mounting sites for mounting a plurality of printhead modules adjacent the print zone such that the printhead modules collectively span the media path, the printhead carriage having a long side extending transverse to the paper axis, the long side having access formations for ink conduits and a plurality of interfaces for connection to the ink conduits to supply ink to each of the printhead modules respectively. All ink for the plurality of printhead modules is supplied by ink conduits extending through the access formations on the long side of the printhead carriage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: Robert Rosati, David Petch, David Burney, Jim Sykora, Kenneth A. Regas, Andy Bound, Neil Doherty, Scott Dennis, Ben Jones, Oksana Buyda, Locson Tonthat, Andrew Buyda, Patrick Kirk, Loren Hunt, Jason Dewey, Jim Trinchera, Bill Cressman, Ron Zech
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Patent number: 7878627Abstract: The present invention relates to a printhead assembly. The printhead assembly comprises an ink supply module for supplying at least one ink. There is also provided a body defining at least one ink channel. In use, the body interfaces with the ink supply module so that a respective ink is supplied from the ink supply module to a corresponding channel. The printhead assembly also comprises a printhead which, in turn, comprises at least one set of ink inlets. In use, the printhead interfaces with the body so that a respective ink is supplied from a respective channel to a corresponding set of ink inlets. A printing device comprising the printhead assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7878630Abstract: A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer includes an elongate attachment member for attachment to a main body of the printer and defining a number of ink feed tubes extending through the attachment member to be in fluid communication with an ink supply from the main body. An elongate ink channel assembly is mounted longitudinally on the attachment member and defines a number of longitudinally extending ink channels in fluid communication with respective feed tubes. The ink channels include a central ink channel and at least one ink channel on each side of the central ink channel. A series of elongate printhead integrated circuits is mounted serially along the ink channel member and in substantial alignment with the central ink channel. The printhead integrated circuits define longitudinally extending rows of ink inlets and the ink channel assembly defines a plurality of ink openings in fluid communication with the ink inlets and the ink channels.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7878629Abstract: A printer module includes a housing. The housing surrounds a frame and defines footing holes. A print engine is housed within the housing and includes a pair of opposed print head assemblies for enabling double-sided printing on print media to be effected. Each printhead assembly includes a print media engaging roller and a pair of adjacent printheads configured to eject ink. Feet extend from the housing and are spaced apart to engage in respective footing holes defined in the housing of another printer module so that the printer modules can be stacked together.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7874641Abstract: A modular printhead assembly includes a substrate member. A plurality of printhead modules is fastened to the substrate member. Each printhead module includes a layered structure through which at least differently colored inks are fed. The layered structure has at least a lower layer, a middle layer and a top layer, with the lower layer defining a number of channels in fluid communication with respective ink supplies, the middle layer defining a number of openings in fluid communication with the channels, and the top layer defining a number of channels on a bottom side and openings in a top side in fluid communication with the channels. A micro-electromechanical printhead integrated circuit is mounted on the layered structure. The printhead integrated circuit has a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzles arranged on a silicon layer. The silicon layer defines a plurality of ink channels for feeding ink to the nozzles, the openings in the top layer being substantially aligned with the ink channels.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7874643Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a printhead module including two or more printhead integrated circuits and an electrical connector for connecting electrical signals to the printhead integrated circuits. First and second power supplies are provided at first and second ends of the printhead assembly, the second end being opposite to the first end. The printhead assembly further includes a plurality of electrical conductors for providing power to the printhead integrated circuits from the first and second power supplies. The plurality of electrical conductors extend transverse to a media feed path defined through the printhead assembly. The plurality of electrical connectors are arranged as first and second groups of electrical conductors, the first and second groups having a combined lengths at least equal to a width of the media feed path.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson, Akira Nakazawa
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Patent number: 7874645Abstract: A printhead assembly has an elongate casing. A plurality of printhead modules is mounted serially on the casing. Each printhead module has a fluid channel member defining a number of channels extending along a longitudinal axis of the casing. A printhead tile defines a fluid distribution assembly mounted on the fluid channel member in fluid communication with the channels. The fluid distribution assembly is defined by a laminated structure of the printhead tile. A micro-electromechanical printhead integrated circuit is mounted on the tile to receive fluid from the fluid distribution assembly. The fluid distribution assembly is configured to supply the integrated circuit with at least ink and to adjust fluid flow to compensate for microscopic nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King, Janette Faye Lee
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Patent number: 7866794Abstract: Provided is a pen-shaped modular camera assembly having a plurality of modules each with at least one connector to link the modules together. The assembly includes a camera module having an image sensor for capturing an image in an RGB (red, green, blue) color space, as well as a central processing module arranged in communication with the camera module. The central processing module has a central processor that includes a RISC processor core and a memory for storing operating instructions to operate the camera module and image data for manipulation by the processor core. The assembly also includes a serial bus interface for communicating with the camera module, the printer module and the dispenser module.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King