Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying a receiver media (30) in an ink jet printer. The apparatus generally comprises a means for creating a pressure differential between the upper surface (20) and the lower surface (50) of the receiver media (30), wherein the pressure at the lower surface (50) of the receiver media (30) is lower than the pressure at the upper surface (20) of the receiver media (30). The pressure differential-creating means may include a vacuum pump (70) adapted to generate a vacuum at the lower surface (50) of the receiver media (30) or an air pump (130) adapted to pass air currents (140) across the lower surface (50) of the receiver media (30) to cause a “Bernoulli effect”.

Abstract: A continuous ink jet printer having improved ink drop placement and image quality insuring from importing enhanced lateral flow characteristics, by geometric obstruction within it's ink delivery channel, which, in turn, enables enhanced ink drop deflection.

Abstract: An improved diaphragm (34, 56) for drop on demand ink jet print heads and method for manufacturing the same. The present diaphragm (34, 56) includes a support element (42, 62) defining at least a portion of a chamber (14) for holding ink, the support element (42, 62) defining an opening (40) adjacent to the chamber (14), and the diaphragm (34, 56) being electroformed on a surface (26) of the support element (42, 62) around the opening (40) at least substantially covering the opening (40) and enclosing the chamber (14). The diaphragm (34, 56) preferably has a central region (48) disposed generally centrally over the opening (40) and a bellows (58) surrounds the central region (48).

Abstract: Method and apparatus (10, 102) for continuous inkjet printing wherein a first continuous stream of ink droplets (66) traveling above a first flow path (48) is used as a mask for colliding with a second continuous stream of ink droplets (70, 72) traveling along an second, intersecting flow path (56) en route to a receiver (12) on which an image is to be printed. Selective droplets (72) of the second droplet stream are timed and of a size to pass between and avoid the masking droplets (66) of the first droplet stream so as to travel on and impinge the receiver (12) for forming the image thereon. The colliding masking and masked droplets (66, 70) are larger than the selected printing droplets (72) to facilitate collision. The smaller printing droplets (72) facilitate sharp pixel formation. The apparatus is compatible with low voltage CMOS print head systems and provides reliable operation, yet is relatively inexpensive to manufacture compared to other continuous ink jet print head constructions.

Abstract: Both a system and method for optically imprinting and reading sound data onto a piece of printed sheet material such as a greeting card is provided. The system includes an encoding device for converting a sound message into a two-dimensional encodement, a printer for invisibly imprinting the encodement onto the greeting card, and a reader for optically reading the encodement and converting it into a sound corresponding to the message. The encoding device preferably converts the sound message into a compressed digitized form prior to its ultimate conversion into a two-dimensional encodement. The reader preferably includes a lens for focusing an image of the encodement onto the image sensor array. The sensor array responds to the image by generating a digital signal representative of the compressed sound that the reader decompresses and renders into an analog sound signal which is representative of the original sound image.

Abstract: A printer having an interference-free receiver sheet feed path and method of assembling the printer. The printer, which is a thermal dye printer, comprises a print head for forming an image on a movable receiver sheet belonging to a stack of receiver sheets having a front edge portion. The stack of receiver sheets reside in a receiver sheet supply tray. A roller feeds the top-most receiver sheet along a receiver sheet feed path, leading edge first, from the supply tray and to the print head for printing by means of thermal activation of a first one of a plurality of dye donor patches belonging to a dye donor ribbon. After the first dye donor patch prints, the receiver sheet returns, trailing edge first, to the supply tray before printing by the next dye donor patch.

Abstract: A pump(10) for pumping various primary fluids includes a body(100) having a primary fluid channel(110) defined therein, and a primary fluid supply is coupled to the primary fluid channel to supply a primary fluid to the primary fluid channel. A mechanism(130/132) is provided for introducing a secondary fluid to an interface region of the primary fluid channel to thereby define a fluid interface between the primary fluid and the secondary dry fluid in the interface region. An energy delivery(150/160) device delivers energy to the interface region to create a thermal gradient along the fluid interface. The thermal gradient results in a surface tension gradient along the interface. The primary fluid will move to compensate for the surface tension gradient.

Abstract: A cleaning assembly (170) for removing contaminants from the surface (90) of an ink jet print head (60) in a self-cleaning ink jet printer (10). The print head (60) defines a plurality of ink channels (31) terminating in orifices (25) with a surface (90) surrounding the orifices (25). A gutter (17) is disposed opposite the print head surface (90) for collecting ink droplets (100) ejected from the orifices (25). A cleaning assembly (170) includes a cup (190) defining a cavity (197) with an open end (195) adapted to make contact with the print head surface (90). An inflow channel (210) provides the entry pathway for cleaning liquid to flow into the cavity (197) via a gap (220). An outflow channel provides an exit pathway for the flow of cleaning liquid from cavity (197).

Abstract: A method for preventing the misdirection of the initial ink droplets discharged from the nozzle of an asymmetric heat-type ink jet printer is provided. The method includes the step of providing power to the heating element that is adjacent to the inkjet nozzle at a higher level than the level normally used during the printing operation. When the power is supplied to the heater in the form of a train of electrical pulses, at least the first electrical pulse has at least one of a greater amplitude, width, or frequency at the beginning of the printing operation than the amplitude, width, and frequency normally used during the printing operation. The method enhances resolution by avoiding the off-target deflection of ink droplets that may happen at the beginning of a printing operation as a result of thermal inertia in the region of the heater and nozzle.

Abstract: A print having information associated with the print stored in a memory coupled to the print. A print, processed by an image processing apparatus, having an attached memory for storing detailed information about the print and allowing contactless access using an electromagnetic frequency signal. A transceiver, connected to a control logic device, communicates with a transponder that is attached to the print substrate and is integrally coupled to the memory. The transponder is capable of receiving a first electromagnetic field (frequency) from the transceiver and deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generates a second electromagnetic field (frequency) in response, where the second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in memory.

Abstract: A self-cleaning printer system (400) with cleaning liquid supply (270) and print head cleaning assembly (32) and method of assembling a self-cleaning printer. The printer system (400) comprises a print head (16) defining a plurality of ink channels therein, each ink channel terminating in one or more ink ejection nozzles (25). The print head (16) also has a surface (15) thereon surrounding all the nozzles (25). Contaminant may reside on the surface (15) and also may completely or partially obstruct one or more of the nozzles (25). Therefore, the print head cleaning assembly (32) includes a roller (190) disposed relative to the surface (15) and/or nozzles (25) for cleaning the surface (15) and/or the nozzles (25). A cleaning assembly control (40) directs sliding contact of the roller (190) with the surface (15) and/or nozzles (25). The print head cleaning assembly (32) is configured to introduce cleaning liquid (300) to the print head surface (15) to facilitate and augment cleaning by the roller (190).

Abstract: There is provided by this invention a unique printing system that utilizes a notch deflector in the ink delivery channel of a continuous ink jet printing system to control the angle of deflection ink droplets in a print and non-print direction. The width and depth of the notch in the ink delivery channel can be varied to produce different angles of deflection of the ink droplets for a given velocity of ink through the channel. Also, for any predetermined width and depth of the notch in the ink delivery channel, the deflection angle of the droplets will vary with varying velocities of ink flow. Control circuits are connected to the notch deflector to adjust the depth of the deflector for different angles of deflection.

Abstract: A print having attached audio data storage and method of providing same. A print, generated by an image processing apparatus, has an attached memory with recorded audio data related to the print, which memory allows contactless access to the data using an electromagnetic frequency signal. A transceiver communicates with a transponder that is attached to the print substrate and is integrally coupled to the memory. The transponder is capable of receiving a first electromagnetic frequency from the transceiver and deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generating a second electromagnetic frequency in response, where the second electromagnetic frequency is characteristic of the recorded audio data stored in memory.

Abstract: Printer and method with an electromagnetic interference reducing optical data link for transmitting image forming data. The printer comprises a print head capable of being actuated to form the image on a receiver. A photodetector is connected to the print head for detecting image forming data carried by an infrared light beam. The photodetector also actuates the print head in response to the image forming data detected by the photodetector. Also provided is a light source in optical communication with the photodetector for emitting the light beam. The photodetector detects the image forming data as the light source emits the light beam and the print head is actuated as the photodetector detects the image forming data. The print head forms the image on the receiver in accordance with the image forming data as the print head is actuated.

Abstract: Digital ink jet printing apparatus and method. The apparatus receives an input image file having a plurality of pixels, each pixel described by at least one pixel value respectively associated with an optical density. The apparatus comprises a printhead and at least one nozzle integrally attached to the printhead, the nozzle being capable of ejecting an ink droplet therefrom to define an associated one of the optical densities. A waveform generator is connected to the nozzle for generating an electronic waveform to be supplied to the nozzle. In this manner, the nozzle ejects the ink droplet in response to the waveform supplied thereto. The waveform is defined by a plurality of pulses. A look-up table stores a plurality of waveform serial numbers assigned to respective waveforms, each waveform being defined by at least one predetermined parameter, such as number of pulses, pulse amplitude, pulse width and/or time delay between pulses.

Abstract: An ink jet plate maker and proofer apparatus (66) and method adapted for printing a proof of a work to be printed, and making a printing plate (16) for printing the work, including a first element (68) including circuitry (70) controllably operable for generating ink drops of a first predetermined volume for printing the proof on a proofing receiver, and a second element (86) including circuitry (88) controllably operable for generating liquid drops of a second predetermined volume for image wise making or completing the printing plate (16), the second predetermined volume being different from the first predetermined volume.

Abstract: Self-cleaning printer having ultrasonics and method of assembling same for cleaning a print head surface and ink ejection orifices. The printer comprises a print head defining a plurality of ink channels therein, each ink channel terminating in an ink ejection orifice. The print head also has a surface thereon surrounding all the orifices. Particulate matter may reside on the surface and also may completely or partially obstruct the orifice. Therefore, a cleaning assembly is disposed relative to the surface and/or orifice for directing a flow of fluid along the surface and/or across the orifice to clean the particulate matter from the surface and/or orifice. The cleaning assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer in communication with the fluid for generating ultrasonic vibrations causing pressure waves within the fluid. Presence of the pressure waves induces a hydrodynamic force in the fluid. This force acts against the particulate matter to clean the particulate matter from the surface and/or orifice.

Abstract: An ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism, and method of assembling same. The printer comprises a print head having a surface thereon surrounding a plurality of ink ejection orifices. The orifices are in communication with respective ones of a plurality of ink channels formed in the print head. A vacuum hood capable of sealingly surrounding at least one of the orifices has having a first passageway therethrough capable of being disposed in communication with the orifice for vacuuming contaminant from the ink channel by way of the orifice. A solvent delivering wiper is connected to the hood and has a second passageway therethrough alignable with the surface. The second passageway delivers a liquid solvent to the surface to flush contaminant from the surface. Contaminant residing on the surface is entrained in the solvent while the wiper flushes contaminant from the surface. A vacuum canopy is connected to the wiper and has a third passageway therethrough alignable with the surface.

Abstract: An ink jet print head is provided that includes a nozzle plate having an outer metal layer having nozzles for ejecting ink drops, and a coating of a non-wetting polymer chemically bound over the outer surface of the metal layer of the plate. Preferably, the polymer is a block polymer having a head that includes the chemical group that chemically bonds with the outer metal layer, and a tail that is hydrophobic. The resulting polymer coating prevents inks from pooling, drying, and creating deposits which would otherwise impede or clog the ink jet nozzles. The chemical bonding between the non-wettable polymer and the metal surface creates a highly durable polymeric layer that resists being wiped off during both printing and head cleaning operations.

Abstract: Printer and print head capable of printing in a plurality of dynamic ranges of ink droplet volumes, and method of assembling same. A plurality of first nozzles are connected to a print head body, each first nozzle having a first orifice of a first size for ejecting an ink droplet having a first volume. The ink droplet volume is selected from a first dynamic range of volumes uniquely associated with each first nozzle. A plurality of second nozzles are also connected to the print head body, each second nozzle having a second orifice of a second size larger than the first size of the first nozzles for ejecting an ink droplet therethrough having a second volume larger than the first volume. The second volume is selected from a second dynamic range of volumes, which second dynamic range of volumes may be greater than the first dynamic range of volumes.