Abstract: A backplane for an electro-optic display comprises a plurality of pixel electrodes, and an adhesive layer disposed adjacent the backplane, the adhesive layer comprising a plurality of pixel regions disposed adjacent the pixel electrodes of the backplane, and at least one inter-pixel region disposed between two pixels of the backplane, the at least one inter-pixel region having at least one of a lower dielectric constant and a higher volume resistivity than the pixel regions of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A laminate comprising a solid electro-optic medium and an electrically conductive layer is tested by passing it over a pair of electrodes at different potentials, with the electrically conductive layer lying on the opposed side of the electro-optic medium from the electrodes. An article which can be tested by this method, and which is useful in the manufacture of electro-optic displays, comprises a layer of a solid electro-optic medium and a release sheet comprising an electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A technique for optimizing or enhancing color images. Embodiments are disclosed for creating an enhanced color image, including the enhancement of perceived color uniformity. In a “dot-on-dot” registration scheme for producing color images, the dots need to be precisely superimposed on each other to provide optimum or enhanced images. The dot-on-dot registration produced by a single head thermal printer is generally acceptable, but a single head machine is very slow because multiple passes (reciprocation) are required to lay down multiple colors of dots. In a much faster multi-head or tandem thermal imaging system a serious problem of dot misalignment may cause moire patterns or other visual artifacts in the color images produced by dot patterns. A solution to this problem is disclosed herein which intentionally misregisters superimposed dots in a novel and particular manner to achieve image optimization.

Abstract: A backplane for an electro-optic display comprises a plurality of pixel electrodes, and an adhesive layer disposed adjacent the backplane, the adhesive layer comprising a plurality of pixel regions disposed adjacent the pixel electrodes of the backplane, and at least one inter-pixel region disposed between two pixels of the backplane, the at least one inter-pixel region having at least one of a lower dielectric constant and a higher volume resistivity than the pixel regions of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A technique for optimizing or enhancing color images. Embodiments are disclosed for creating an enhanced color image, including the enhancement of perceived color uniformity. In a “dot-on-dot” registration scheme for producing color images, the dots need to be precisely superimposed on each other to provide optimum or enhanced images. The dot-on-dot registration produced by a single head thermal printer is generally acceptable, but a single head machine is very slow because multiple passes (reciprocation) are required to lay down multiple colors of dots. In a much faster multi-head or tandem thermal imaging system a serious problem of dot misalignment may cause moire patterns or other visual artifacts in the color images produced by dot patterns. A solution to this problem is disclosed herein which intentionally misregisters superimposed dots in a novel and particular manner to achieve image optimization.

Abstract: A thermal printer is disclosed which includes a plurality of thermal print heads, each of the plurality of thermal print heads being operable to print a distinct one of a plurality of colors. The plurality of thermal print heads may print output at a plurality of spatial resolutions. The thermal printer may include dot size varying means for varying perceived levels of color printed by the thermal printer by varying sizes of dots printed by the plurality of thermal print heads. The printer may perform various image processing steps on an image to be printed, such as tone scale adjustment, thermal history control, and common mode voltage correction, to improve the perceived quality of the printed image. The thermal printer may be incorporated into a digital photo-printing vending machine for printing images provided by a customer.

Abstract: A thermal printer is disclosed which includes a plurality of thermal print heads, each of the plurality of thermal print heads being operable to print a distinct one of a plurality of colors. The plurality of thermal print heads may print output at a plurality of spatial resolutions. The thermal printer may include dot size varying means for varying perceived levels of color printed by the thermal printer by varying sizes of dots printed by the plurality of thermal print heads. The printer may perform various image processing steps on an image to be printed, such as tone scale adjustment, thermal history control, and common mode voltage correction, to improve the perceived quality of the printed image. The thermal printer may be incorporated into a digital photo-printing vending machine for printing images provided by a customer.

Abstract: A technique for optimizing or enhancing color images. Embodiments are disclosed for creating an enhanced color image, including the enhancement of perceived color uniformity. In a “dot-on-dot” registration scheme for producing color images, the dots need to be precisely superimposed on each other to provide optimum or enhanced images. The dot-on-dot registration produced by a single head thermal printer is generally acceptable, but a single head machine is very slow because multiple passes (reciprocation) are required to lay down multiple colors of dots. In a much faster multi-head or tandem thermal imaging system a serious problem of dot misalignment may cause moire patterns or other visual artifacts in the color images produced by dot patterns. A solution to this problem is disclosed herein which intentionally misregisters superimposed dots in a novel and particular manner to achieve image optimization.

Abstract: There is described a thermal recording system which utilizes a donor element comprising a substrate and a thermal transfer material layer having a dye-containing phase which is amorphous and wherein the dye or dyes present in the amorphous phase form a continuous film. Imagewise heating of the medium transfers portions of the transfer layer to a receiver sheet, thus forming an image. The transfer layer may also include a non-dye phase comprising a thermal solvent. During the heating of the donor element, the crystalline thermal solvent melts and dissolves or liquefies at least a portion of the dye-containing phase, thereby lowering the temperature at which transfer of the transfer layer occurs.

Abstract: A thermal printer is disclosed which includes a plurality of thermal print heads, each of the plurality of thermal print heads being operable to print a distinct one of a plurality of colors. The plurality of thermal print heads may print output at a plurality of spatial resolutions. The thermal printer may include dot size varying means for varying perceived levels of color printed by the thermal printer by varying sizes of dots printed by the plurality of thermal print heads. The printer may perform various image processing steps on an image to be printed, such as tone scale adjustment, thermal history control, and common mode voltage correction, to improve the perceived quality of the printed image. The thermal printer may be incorporated into a digital photo-printing vending machine for printing images provided by a customer.

Abstract: There is described a thermal recording system which utilizes a donor element comprising a substrate and a thermal transfer material layer having a dye-containing phase which is amorphous and wherein the dye or dyes present in the amorphous phase form a continuous film. Imagewise heating of the medium transfers portions of the transfer layer to a receiver sheet, thus forming an image. The transfer layer may also include a non-dye phase comprising a thermal solvent. During the heating of the donor element, the crystalline thermal solvent melts and dissolves or liquefies at least a portion of the dye-containing phase, thereby lowering the temperature at which transfer of the transfer layer occurs.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle (18) for a gas turbine engine comprises a nozzle stem (55), a nozzle tip assembly (60) and a nozzle sheath (50). A plurality of inlets (82) allow air to flow into the interior (90) of the sheath (50); fuel is flowed into the nozzle (18) through a fuel passage (135) in fluid communication with a fuel manifold. The fuel enters a fuel channel (140) defined by the stem (55) and tip assembly (60), and then passes into a fuel gallery (185) through a plurality of metering holes (190). Fuel swirls out of the tip assembly (60), where it is caught between, and squeezed by, first and second streams of air passing out of radially spaced apart air passages (145) and (220).

Abstract: To provide a simulation of the formation of a sheet of paper and the appearance of print thereon, a computerized system is adapted to receive input parameters related to a type of headbox stock desired, the fabric upon which the paper is to be formed, the paper machine to be used, and the printing process desired. Data relating to the actual production of paper is configured to simulate a series of fibres being dropped onto the surface of the fabric to create a mat. After a sufficient amount of fibre has been simulated as being dropped onto the fabric creating a fibrous mat, the system will indicate a final sheet has been completed when it has the desired basis weight as initially inputted by the user. After a final sheet of paper is deemed finished a report pertaining to sheet characteristics is generated. The report provides the user with data relating to fibre retention, a display of the simulated sheet along with its density variations, surface characteristics, and structure.