Abstract: A print head assembly includes a print head and a print head cover disposed around the print head. The print head cover includes a face and a print opening disposed in the face. The print opening disposed adjacent an ejection point of the print head. A perforated area is disposed on the face.

Abstract: A solvent-based ink composition for a thermal inkjet printhead includes (a) 55-90 wt. % of an organic solvent including a ketone and a C1 to C4 alcohol; and (b) 0.01-10 wt. % of a colorant.

Abstract: A continuous ink jet printer comprises a gutter for collecting ink droplets not used in printing. Pumping apparatus draws ink from the gutter and control apparatus is configured to vary the level of pumping by the pumping apparatus depending on the temperature or other parameter of the ink. As the temperature of the ink increases the level of pumping is reduced. The pumping apparatus may comprise two venturi pumps connected in parallel each having its throat connected to the gutter.

Abstract: A solvent-based inkjet ink composition for inkjet printing includes at least 50 weight percent solvent, a colorant, a humectant, from 0.3 weight % to 8 weight % of a binder resin, and not more than 5 weight percent water. The ink composition is compatible with components of a thermal ink jet printer.

Abstract: A thermal ink jet ink composition includes one or more volatile organic solvents, one or more humectants, one or more binder resins, and one or more dyes. The one or more volatile organic solvents are selected from C1-C4 alcohols, C3-C6 ketones, and mixtures thereof. The humectants are present in an amount not more than 30% by weight of the ink jet ink composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are ink jet ink compositions suitable for use in thermal ink jet printers. The ink jet ink compositions contain one or more volatile organic solvents, one or more humectants, one or more binder resins, and one or more colorants. The ink jet ink compositions may also contain additives such as a plasticizer and/or a surfactant. Embodiments of the ink jet ink compositions have short dry times, good adhesion to a variety of substrates, and/or long decap times.

Abstract: A transducer capable of generating vibrational energy is positioned relative to an inkjet cartridge to impart a vibrational force to simultaneously vibrate at least a portion of each of a plurality of ink fluidic columns associated with a plurality of nozzles in a printhead of the inkjet cartridge to maintain or recover nozzle function.

Abstract: An ink jet ink composition includes ethanol, a binder, a conductive agent, and a colorant. The ethanol is present in an amount at least 70% by weight of the ink composition. The binder is not a polyamide resin, a hydroxyaromatic resin, or a phenolic resin. The binder is present in an amount between 2% and 15% by weight of the ink composition. Water, if present, is in an amount less than 5% by weight of the ink composition.

Abstract: A multi model registration (MMR) process performed using a computer, for registering a plurality of workpiece vision models representing features on a workpiece that define a marking location thereon, to corresponding part vision models stored on the computer representing features that define a desired part marking location. The MMR process includes capturing a new image of the workpiece that includes one of the plurality of features on the workpiece that define its marking location; generating a workpiece vision model of that one workpiece feature included in the new workpiece image captured; registering the new workpiece vision model generated to the stored part vision model representing the corresponding one of the features defining the part marking location; and repeating these process steps for the remaining workpiece features defining the marking location thereon, for which there is respective corresponding stored part vision model representing a feature defining the part marking location.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink jet ink composition having reduced ink buildup on the printer nozzle plate. The ink jet ink composition comprises a non-conductive solvent, one or more binder resins that are soluble in the non-conductive solvent, and a colorant soluble in the non-conductive solvent. Also disclosed is a method of printing on statically charged substrates. The ink jet ink composition provides one or more advantages: reduced ink buildup on the printer nozzle, reduced down time or cleaning time, and improved print quality.

Abstract: A solenoid valve making use of certain materials which is capable of operation at high frequencies and which can be made as a compact unit. The plunger (1) is made from a material having a saturation flux density greater than 1.4 Tesla preferably more than 1.6 Tesla, a coercivity at less than 0.25 ampere per centimeter and a relative magnetic permeability in excess of 10.000; and the nozzle bore leading from the valve head chamber (14) to the nozzle orifice (12) has a length to diameter ratio of less than 8:1 preferably between 2:1 to 4:1 and the nozzle orifice (12) has a diameter substantially the same as that of the nozzle bore. The invention also relates to method for operating a drop on demand ink jet printer incorporating such a valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink jet ink composition suitable for printing on substrates holding high static electrical charges such as polyethylene and PVC films and tubes. The ink jet ink composition comprises an organic solvent having a boiling point greater than 56° C., a binder resin soluble in the organic solvent, a colorant soluble in the organic solvent, and a polyvinylbutyral resin. Also disclosed is a method of printing images on such plastic substrates and a method for reducing microsatellite formation during ink jet printing. The ink jet ink composition provides improved print quality and reduced need for cleaning the nozzle.

Abstract: A system and method of aligning a charge tunnel of a continuous inkjet printer with a drop generator and a catcher, wherein the charge tunnel passes through an outer wall of a charge tunnel unit, including adjusting a linear position of the charge tunnel unit, and adjusting a rotary position of the charge tunnel unit. The adjusting steps are performed to ensure that the charge tunnel is aligned with the drop generator and the catcher.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink jet ink composition suitable for printing on substrates such as glass and metal. The ink jet ink composition comprises two or more organic solvents at least one of which is an alcohol, three or more binder resins comprising nitrocellulose, a thermoplastic polyurethane, and a polyvinylbutyral resin, two or more adhesion promoters, and a soluble colorant. Also disclosed is a method of printing images on such glass and metal substrates. The ink jet ink composition provides improved print quality and reduced need for cleaning the nozzle.

Abstract: A method of printing onto one or more sides of a mesh fabric, such a polyester mesh typically used for flags and banners, using a drop on demand ink printer, wherein the printer is operated at a fluid pressure of between 1 and 3.5 bar and that the image forming composition has a viscosity of less than 100 cp.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to waveguide lasers (e.g., RF-excited waveguide lasers). Certain example embodiments of this invention provide an optical mounting scheme for use with a waveguide laser. In certain example embodiments, a carrier including an optic holder may be provided. An optic may be mounted to the carrier via a face-sealing epoxy. An optic interface may be formed at least in part by the epoxy. The optic interface may be a thin layer of a substantially uniform thickness located between the carrier and optic face. The carrier and/or the optic holder of the carrier may be beveled proximate to where the optic interface is formed and, optionally, proximate to where the epoxy is applied. In certain example embodiments, the epoxy may be applied to only the optic's face and/or to the optic holder's face.

Abstract: A laser discharge, where the laser discharge can be formed by electrodes and at least one sidewall in a manner allowing a more compact structure than previously provided. Protrusions in the electrodes allow easier laser starts, and sectional sidewall(s) allow easier fabrication of sidewall(s), decreasing manufacturing costs.