Abstract: A carriage (recording head portion) which an ink cartridge including a non-volatile memory is to be mounted has a memory access controlling portion for controlling accesses to a non-volatile memory, thereby reducing the number of connection lines between the carriage (recording head portion) and a printer main body controlling portion. The apparatus main body controlling portion and the memory access controlling portion transmit and receive data therebetween by means of serial data communication. The memory access controlling portion reads out various information (the amount of remaining ink, use start year and month, and the like) stored in each non-volatile memory and then stores the readout information in a RAM in the memory access controlling portion. The apparatus main body controlling portion issues an access request command for the RAM to read information out from the RAM and update the readout information.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming a film pattern, in which a method for forming a film pattern by the ink-jet method is improved, an increase in film thickness is achieved efficiently with simple steps, a requirement for a decrease in line width is met and, in addition, problems such as breaks and short circuits are not brought about when a conductive film is made. The method can include a first discharging step, wherein droplets are discharged in the whole film formation region with a pitch larger than the diameter of the droplet after being hit onto the substrate. In the second discharging step, droplets are discharged at positions in the whole film formation region different from the discharge positions in the first discharging step with the same pitch as that in the first discharging step. In the third discharging step, droplets are discharged in the whole film formation region with a pitch smaller than the pitch in the first discharging step.

Abstract: A compact optical sensing system is used in hardcopy devices for scanning and/or printing images, for instance, using inkjet printing technology in desktop printing or in photographic printers appearing in grocery and variety stores. Several light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) illuminate a sheet of print media, and one or more photodiodes receive light reflected from the sheet. The photodiode generates signals in response to the light received, and the hardcopy device uses these signals to adjust printing parameters for optimal print quality. Using a chip-on-board process, the bare silicon die for each component is wire bonded directly to a printed circuit board assembly, allowing at least four LEDs (blue, green, red and soft-orange) to be grouped closely together in a space smaller than that occupied by a factory-made, single-packaged LED. A calibrating system uses a white target covered for cleanliness by a windowed door which is opened/closed by a printhead carriage.

Abstract: In a module for monitoring the print quality of a dot printer (10), comprising a radiation source (41), a condenser lens system (43?) for forming an illuminated area (45) on a printing medium (13) and an imaging lens system (87,89) for imaging the illuminated area on a detector (49?), the detector comprises at least a linear array of detector elements and the imaging system is configured in such a way that both the illuminated area and a small portion thereof can be imaged. This allows detection of both the gray scale of a print line (35) and the size and colour of an individual dot. A dot printer provided with this modules gives an improved print quality.

Abstract: An interface, to which a recording medium storing at least one first setting information item is removably attached to a printer. A storage stores hardware specification data. A reader reads out the at least one first setting information item from the recording medium attached to the interface. A register judges whether the at least one read out first setting information item matches with the hardware specification data, and registers the first setting information item which matches with the hardware specification data as at least one second setting information item. A selector selects one of the at least one second setting information item as a print condition.

Abstract: A piezo-electric device has a base including a cavity opened on a first surface of the base, a first electrode layer formed on a second surface of the base, a piezo-electric layer laminated on the first electrode layer, and an auxiliary electrode layer formed on the second surface of the base. Between the first electrode layer and the auxiliary electrode layer, an insulating gap for ensuring the insulating state between both electrode layers is formed. The insulating gap is formed away from the position corresponding to the periphery of the cavity. The piezo-electric device can prevent a generation of cracks in the piezo-electric layer.

Abstract: Described herein is a monolithic printhead formed using integrated circuit techniques. Thin film layers, including ink ejection elements, are formed on a top surface of a silicon substrate. The various layers are etched to provide conductive leads to the ink ejection elements. At least one ink feed hole is formed through the thin film layers for each ink ejection chamber. A trench is etched in the bottom surface of the substrate so that ink can flow into the trench and into each ink ejection chamber through the ink feed holes formed in the thin film layers. An orifice layer is formed on the top surface of the thin film layers to define the nozzles and ink ejection chambers. A phosphosilicate glass (PSG) layer, providing an insulation layer beneath the resistive layers, is etched back from the ink feed holes and is protected by a passivation layer to prevent the ink from interacting with the PSG layer. Other layers may also be protected from the ink by being etched back.

Abstract: In a calibration data input process, a carriage 5 is moved toward an ink sensor 19 to a prescribed position while the ink sensor 19 detecting levels of reflected light. Then the amount of reflected light is read for over a range wider than the width of the carriage 5 including a theoretical detecting position P2. An actual detecting position P1 is found based on the level of reflected light. The difference between the theoretical detecting position P2 and the actual detecting position P1 is calculated and is stored as the calibration value ? in a first calibration data memory M1. Accordingly, the actual detecting position P1 is set as P2±?. The calibration value ? is used in a calibration process to calibrate the detecting position, so that the level of reflected light can be detected with accuracy.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a movable print device. A sensed device with indicia capable of being sensed is positioned adjacent to the movable print device. At least first and second indicia sensors are carried by the movable print device in spaced relation to one another.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes at least one cooperative element sensor. A carriage for use in the image forming apparatus has a main body including at least one printer element and at least first and second cooperative elements carried by the main body in spaced relation to one another.

Abstract: By implementation of an optical scanner, the calibration of printheads of a printing mechanism may be performed in a relatively short period of time as compared to known techniques. In one respect, the time required to perform the calibration may be substantially reduced by virtue of the relatively wide field of view of the optical scanner. The relatively wide field of view generally enables for the scanning of test patterns to be performed with a relatively fewer number of scanning passes, thus reducing the time required to perform the scanning operations as well as the calibration operations. In addition, the scanning operations may yield relatively more accurate results as compared to known scanning operations. In one respect, optical scanners are capable of detecting smaller drops of ink on print media by virtue of their higher resolution capabilities.

Abstract: Overall print quality is improved via a method whereby an actual image is printed, a virtual image is defined based on image data, and the actual and virtual images are compared to identify a printhead error pattern which may be used to correct subsequent printing errors. This typically is accomplished via a system which employs an optical device which views an actual image to produce optical data, and a controller which derives a virtual image from image data provided to the printhead. The controller then compares the actual and virtual images to identify an error pattern, and modifies subsequent image data to compensate for perceived errors.

Abstract: A compact optical sensing system is used in hardcopy devices for scanning and/or printing images, for instance, using inkjet printing technology in desktop printing or in photographic printers appearing in grocery and variety stores. Several light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) illuminate a sheet of print media, and one or more photodiodes receive light reflected from the sheet. The photodiode generates signals in response to the light received, and the hardcopy device uses these signals to adjust printing parameters for optimal print quality. Using a chip-on-board process, the bare silicon die for each component is wire bonded directly to a printed circuit board assembly, allowing at least four LEDs (blue, green, red and soft-orange) to be grouped closely together in a space smaller than that occupied by a factory-made, single-packaged LED. A calibrating system uses a white target covered for cleanliness by a windowed door which is opened/closed by a printhead carriage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printing system having a plurality of print heads for printing an image on a print receiving medium, print head actuators operable for individually repositioning the print heads to optimal locations for each print job, and software operable while a current print job is active for determining the optimal print head locations for a next anticipated print job.

Abstract: A material feed system for solid freeform fabrication. The build material is delivered in discrete or quantized amounts by the feed system in a non-flowable state to the dispensing device and the material is then changed to a flowable state prior to being dispensed. The feed system can be used to build three-dimensional objects in color, if desired. In one embodiment individual cartridges with build material are loaded into a magazine on the feed system which is integrated with a waste removal system. As the build material is expelled from the cartridges, waste material is deposited into the cartridge. Once all the build material has been expelled, the waste material is hermetically sealed in the spent cartridge which is then ejected from the system. The hermetically sealed cartridges protect operators from contact with the reactive waste material making the system safe for the office environment.

Abstract: In an inkjet printer using ink reservoirs located physically remote from the print heads, tubes are used to deliver ink from the ink reservoirs to the print heads. Air initially present within the tubes can interfere with the proper operation of the print heads and cause print head reliability problems Additionally, air present within the tubes can interfere with the proper flow of ink from the ink reservoirs to the print heads through the tubes. An embodiment of a fluid continuity measurement apparatus includes current sources for each of the tubes. Each of the current sources delivers a substantially constant current to the corresponding tube. Voltage measurement circuits are coupled across each of the tubes. Each of the voltage measurement circuits generates an output corresponding to the voltage across the corresponding tube. The voltages appearing between the ends of the tubes changes as the volume of the air within the tubes changes.

Abstract: An apparatus for high-throughput screening and/or generation of chemical libraries. In one aspect of the invention, a database is provided to track various parameters related to the source fluids in the source containment structure. Tracking changes of the source fluids in each source well may allow efficient utilization of source fluid and may also facilitate the high-throughput fluid transfer process. In one variation, data related to fluid level in each source well is maintained such that proper positioning of acoustic wave focus may be achieved. In another aspect of the invention, a database associated with one or more source fluid containment structure is provided and updated during the fluid transfer process. A second database providing a mapping profile with information regarding which fluid is to be transferred to what target is also provided. A third database may be generated to track fluid information in the target well plates.

Abstract: A first evaluation signal includes a first excitation element adapted to excite pressure fluctuation in liquid contained in the pressure chamber and a first ejection element which follows the excitation element after a first time period to eject a first liquid droplet from the nozzle. A second evaluation signal includes a second excitation element adapted to excite pressure fluctuation in liquid contained in the pressure chamber and a second ejection element which follows the excitation element after a second time period to eject a second liquid droplet from the nozzle which is longer than the first time period. The first evaluation signal is supplied to the pressure generating element to measure a first ejected amount of the first liquid droplet. The second evaluation signal is supplied to the pressure generating element to measure a second ejected amount of the second liquid droplet. An ejected amount ratio of the first ejected amount and the second ejected amount is calculated.

Abstract: The invention enables even further improvement in quality of a recording image. A recording method for recording on a recording paper comprises the steps of: carrying the recording paper for a predetermined amount, based on a first carrying amount for which the recording paper is to be carried; executing recording on the recording paper that has been carried for the predetermined amount; executing an addition process of adding an amount obtained by subtracting the predetermined amount from the first carrying amount to a second carrying amount for which the recording paper is to be carried; and carrying the recording paper based on the second carrying amount to which the addition process has been executed.

Abstract: Consumable components associated with computerized apparatus are provided with memory. The memory is used to store, and provide downloading capability therefrom, upgrade versions of computer code. The upgrade versions of computer code are programs or subroutines of programs associated with a device selected from a group including, the consumable, the associated computerized apparatus, and interactional program code associated with both the consumable device and the associated computing apparatus.