Abstract: An inductive device including an inductor coil located over a substrate, at least one electrically insulating layer interposing the inductor coil and the substrate, and a plurality of current interrupters each extending into the substrate, wherein a first aggregate outer boundary of the plurality of current interrupters substantially encompasses a second aggregate outer boundary of the inductor coil.

Abstract: An inductive device including an inductor coil located over a substrate, at least one electrically insulating layer interposing the inductor coil and the substrate, and a plurality of current interrupters each extending into the substrate, wherein a first aggregate outer boundary of the plurality of current interrupters substantially encompasses a second aggregate outer boundary of the inductor coil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are providing for controlling the drop volume of a thermal fluid jet fluid ejecting head. The fluid ejecting head has a plurality of drop ejectors, each of the plurality of drop ejectors has a heating element activated in response to input signals to eject an ink droplet from the fluid ejecting head. The method includes the steps of applying a plurality of print signals to the fluid ejecting head, the plurality of print signals corresponding to an image for the fluid jet assembly to create, applying at least two pre-pulse signals of different duration to the fluid ejecting head, and using the at least two pre-pulse signals and the plurality of print signals to activate the heating elements so that a desired drop volume results.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for automatic fluid ejector alignment and performance evaluation and modification in one or multiple planes. A fluid ejector fires a drop through a drop detection module. A signal indicating drop presence or absence is sent to a computer. The computer analyzes the data, and makes a compensation determination of a preferred method of using the fluid ejector. The compensation determination may include electronically modifying the image data to be printed, physically manipulating the fluid ejector, completely skipping the fluid ejector during printing operations, or in some other way modifying the fluid ejector or image data such that apparent printed image error due to fluid ejector alignment or performance error is reduced.

Abstract: A printing apparatus and method for replacing or augmenting a misplaced black or color pixel during printing with a properly placed black, gray, or color pixel; and for altering the pass in which a black or color pixel is printed by a printhead to improve print quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for masking low drop volume print defects in inkjet printers. In one exemplary embodiment, the invention obtains a print mask, determines a likelihood that an individual ink ejection nozzle will produce a low drop volume, determining a correction factor, and compensates for the low drop volume. The low drop volume may be compensated by increasing the drop intensity, modifying the print mask, or combinations of both.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing or preventing fluid misplacement by a fluid-ejecting head having a plurality of fluid ejectors are disclosed. Each of the fluid ejectors has a transducer activated in some sequence in response to input signals to eject a fluid droplet from the fluid ejector. The systems comprise electronics which integrate delay time buffers into the sequence of fluid ejector firing electronics. Adjusting the delay time buffers will adjust the angle between printed data (e.g. vertical lines) and the direction of the head motion. Several methods for determining the delay times that produce the optimal fluid placement are disclosed.

Abstract: The micro-electromechanical hinged flap system includes a substantially horizontal substrate and a main flap hinged on one side thereof to the substrate. The system also includes at least one locking flap, preferably two, for securing the main flap in a substantially vertical position. The locking flap is coupled to the substrate by means of a biasing mechanism that continually forces the locking flap toward a position parallel to the substrate. Also provided is a method for assembling a micro-electromechanical hinged flap system. A locking flap is rotated through an acute angle against a biasing force. The biasing force is caused by a biasing mechanism coupling the locking flap to a substrate. A main flap is then raised, whereafter the locking flap is released, such that the biasing force causes the locking flap to engage with the main flap, thereby, securing the main flap in position at the predetermined angle.

Abstract: The micro-electromechanical hinged flap system includes a substantially horizontal substrate and a main flap hinged on one side thereof to the substrate. The system also includes at least one locking flap, preferably two, for securing the main flap in a substantially vertical position. The locking flap is coupled to the substrate by means of a biasing mechanism that continually forces the locking flap toward a position parallel to the substrate. Also provided is a method for assembling a micro-electromechanical hinged flap system. A locking flap is rotated through an acute angle against a biasing force. The biasing force is caused by a biasing mechanism coupling the locking flap to a substrate. A main flap is then raised, whereafter the locking flap is released, such that the biasing force causes the locking flap to engage with the main flap, thereby, securing the main flap in position at the predetermined angle.

Abstract: An optical modular switching system comprising a first optical switch module having at least one first optical input port, at least one first optical output port, and at least one first interconnect port. The optical modular switching system also comprises a second optical switch module having at least one second optical input port, at least one second optical output port, and at least one second interconnect port. Finally, the optical modular switching system comprises an optical interconnect that optically couples the first optical interconnect port to the second optical interconnect port. The invention also provides a method for switching an optical signal. Additional optical switch modules can be added to incrementally grow the optical modular switching system.

Abstract: A process and system to make a submicron-thick membrane with corrugation and proof mass having, for example, a thickness of about 10 microns (&mgr;m) to hundreds of microns. One of the applications is a MEMS device for a directional hearing aid which uses a fairly thin membrane with corrugation for membrane-stress release and a significant proof mass for desirable frequency response. The process is modified from an integrated polysilicon and DRIE bulk silicon micromachining process. Compared to the integrated silicon process, the present process is a simplified version with two addition steps—corrugation formation and backside release.