Abstract: A signal converter that may perform functions to enable a thermally based technology to be used with a piezo-electric printhead. The signal converter and piezo-electric printhead may optionally be used in conjunction with a chassis assembly having an adjustable vertical member for sizing the chassis assembly to a printer. Methods of using a piezo-electric printhead in a printer having a thermal printhead configuration may include the steps of coupling the printhead to the printer and performing conversion functions.

Abstract: A printhead or other droplet emitter is manufactured integrally with a flexible circuit. Preferred methods of manufacturing a droplet emitter comprise the steps of: creating metal traces, preferably deposited using a metal oxide precursor; patterning a sacrificial photoresist to create ink channels and nozzle chambers; depositing piezoelectrically active material over the metal traces and sacrificial photoresist; patterning vias through the piezo-electrically active material to act as nozzles and openings to ink reservoirs; and flushing out the photoresist. The piezo-electrically active material is preferably a mixture of PZT and PVDF.

Abstract: Non-OEM printer cartridges for printers expecting an OEM cartridge are presented. A non-OEM printer cartridge includes a medium delivery system other than a medium delivery system ordinarily used or expected by a printer. A circuit within the non-OEM cartridge parasitically draws power from signal lines activated by the printer and powers the non-OEM cartridge's medium delivery system. Additionally, the circuit maintains a power draw and impedance within the printer's tolerance so that the printer accommodates the non-OEM cartridge.

Abstract: Contemplated printheads include a piezoelectric material in which a channel is formed across the piezoelectric material to thereby create at least part of the nozzle through which ink is expelled from the inside of the printhead to the outside. Contemplated nozzles may be configured as cylindrical elements or ring-shape elements. Consequently, application of a voltage across the piezoelectric channel may result in constriction of the cylindrical element or convex/concave deformation of the ring-shape element. Most preferably, the piezoelectric material, conductive traces, and supporting structures are applied from a liquid phase to a carrier, and shaped using photolithographic methods.

Abstract: A signal converter that may perform functions to enable a thermally based technology to be used with a piezo-electric printhead. The signal converter and piezo-electric printhead may optionally be used in conjunction with a chassis assembly having an adjustable vertical member for sizing the chassis assembly to a printer. Methods of using a piezo-electric printhead in a printer having a thermal printhead configuration may include the steps of coupling the printhead to the printer and performing conversion functions.

Abstract: Methods of producing a solid state air core spiral inductor are presented. A spiral coil can be deposited on a substrate. One or more solder dams can be positioned on the coil where the dams comprise a well into which solder bumps can be attached to the coil. Material covering the coil or between the gaps the inductor's coil can be removed yielding an air core. Contemplated inductors can include one or more tap points.

Abstract: A signal converter that may perform functions to enable a thermally based technology to be used with a piezo-electric printhead. The signal converter and piezo-electric printhead may optionally be used in conjunction with a chassis assembly having an adjustable vertical member for sizing the chassis assembly to a printer. Methods of using a piezo-electric printhead in a printer having a thermal printhead configuration may include the steps of coupling the printhead to the printer and performing conversion functions.

Abstract: A signal converter that may perform functions to enable a thermally based technology to be used with a piezo-electric printhead. The signal converter and piezo-electric printhead may optionally be used in conjunction with a chassis assembly having an adjustable vertical member for sizing the chassis assembly to a printer. Methods of using a piezo-electric printhead in a printer having a thermal printhead configuration may include the steps of coupling the printhead to the printer and performing conversion functions.

Abstract: Fine conductor lines (those having a width of ?50 ?M) are disposed on a flexible metal oxide containing substrate by masking portions of the substrate, and then surface metallizing unmasked portions of the substrate. Polymeric preceramic films are preferred, especially those having a glass temperature of at least 300° C. and those of the PZT family, or those containing BeO. All suitable reducing gasses are contemplated, including especially H2. All suitable masking materials are similarly contemplated, including especially titanium, titanium nitride, tungsten nitride, tantalum, and tantalum nitride. In especially preferred embodiments the conductor lines have a width of ?25 ?M, ?15 ?M, ?5 ?M, and even ?1 ?M. The lines can advantageously compose a circuit that is coupled to a piezoelectric or other mechanical actuator, which in turn can be fluidly coupled to a fluid reservoir.

Abstract: Contemplated printheads include a piezoelectric material in which a channel is formed across the piezoelectric material to thereby create at least part of the nozzle through which ink is expelled from the inside of the printhead to the outside. Contemplated nozzles may be configured as cylindrical elements or ring-shape elements. Consequently, application of a voltage across the piezoelectric channel may result in constriction of the cylindrical element or convex/concave deformation of the ring-shape element. Most preferably, the piezoelectric material, conductive traces, and supporting structures are applied from a liquid phase to a carrier, and shaped using photolithographic methods.

Abstract: A printhead or other droplet emitter is manufactured integrally with a flexible circuit. Preferred methods of manufacturing a droplet emitter comprise the steps of: creating metal traces, preferably deposited using a metal oxide precursor; patterning a sacrificial photoresist to create ink channels and nozzle chambers; depositing piezoelectrically active material over the metal traces and sacrificial photoresist; patterning vias through the piezo-electrically active material to act as nozzles and openings to ink reservoirs; and flushing out the photoresist. The piezo-electrically active material is preferably a mixture of PZT and PVDF.

Abstract: Non-OEM printer cartridges for printers expecting an OEM cartridge are presented. A non-OEM printer cartridge includes a medium delivery system other than a medium delivery system ordinarily used or expected by a printer. A circuit within the non-OEM cartridge parasitically draws power from signal lines activated by the printer and powers the non-OEM cartridge's medium delivery system. Additionally, the circuit maintains a power draw and impedance within the printer's tolerance so that the printer accommodates the non-OEM cartridge.

Abstract: A signal converter that may perform functions to enable a thermally based technology to be used with a piezo-electric printhead. The signal converter and piezo-electric printhead may optionally be used in conjunction with a chassis assembly having an adjustable vertical member for sizing the chassis assembly to a printer. Methods of using a piezo-electric printhead in a printer having a thermal printhead configuration may include the steps of coupling the printhead to the printer and performing conversion functions.

Abstract: A signal converter that may perform functions to enable a thermally based technology to be used with a piezo-electric printhead. The signal converter and piezo-electric printhead may optionally be used in conjunction with a chassis assembly having an adjustable vertical member for sizing the chassis assembly to a printer. Methods of using a piezo-electric printhead in a printer having a thermal printhead configuration may include the steps of coupling the printhead to the printer and performing conversion functions.

Abstract: A signal converter (180) that may perform functions to enable a thermally based technology to be used with a piezo-electric printhead (190). The signal converter and piezo-electric printhead may optionally by used in conjunction with a chassis assembly (100) having an adjustable vertical member (115) for sizing the chassis assembly to a printer. Methods of using a piezo-electric printhead in a printer having a thermal printhead configuration may include the steps of coupling the printhead to the printer and performing conversion functions.