Abstract: Disclosed is a non-contact optical measurement device for detecting or measuring different geometric workpiece features based on configurable light-propagation paths of light emitted from a light source and reflected by a workpiece surface for incidence upon a spectral sensor. The light-propagation paths are configurable based on which optical probe is attached to a rotation stage that rotates the probe about an optical axis and in a collimated region.

Abstract: A micro-fluid ejection head assembly having improved assembly characteristics and methods of manufacturing a micro-fluid ejection head assembly. The micro-fluid ejection head includes a fluid supply body having at least one fluid supply port in a recessed area therein. A reinforcing member circumscribes the fluid supply port. A micro-fluid ejection head is attached with an adhesive to the supply body in the recessed area so that cracking of the ejection head during adhesive curing is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and reducing power consumption in a rendering device based on an inactivity period. Historical data based on a customer usage pattern can be analyzed to detect the inactivity period (e.g., end of day) and to intelligently force the device into a lower energy state. A sleep and low power time can be calculated and a sleep and low power time out period can be reduced to a minimum value based on the inactivity period.

Abstract: A method of packaging an ink tank for shipment, the method comprising: (a) sealing a first substratum to an ink tank to inhibit fluid communication between an interior of the ink tank and an external environment by way of an ink outlet port of the ink tank, the resultant seal between the first substratum and the ink tank includes at least one of an apex at least partially defined by two substantially linear segments being angled from one another between about 20 degrees to about 160 degrees and fractions separating portions of the substrate from one another; and (b) sealing a second substratum to the ink tank to inhibit fluid communication between the interior of the ink tank and the external environment by way of an ink vent of the ink tank, where the first substratum and the second substratum are removable from the ink tank.

Abstract: A removable ink tank configured to be mounted to a printhead assembly includes a floor having an ink output port A free ink chamber is located above the floor. A suspended ink chamber is located above the floor and around the ink output port. The suspended ink chamber is separated from the free ink chamber. At least one ink suspension body is contained in the suspended ink chamber. A fluid communication port is formed between the free ink chamber and the suspended ink chamber to facilitate a fluid communication between the free ink chamber and the suspended ink chamber. A filter device is positioned to cover the fluid communication port. The filter device has a porosity selected to establish a desired bubbling pressure between the free ink chamber and the suspended ink chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of an ink tank are provided, which comprise an ink tank housing, at least one air vent disposed on the housing, and at least one RFID tag disposed on the housing, wherein the at lest one RFID tag is operable to communicate with an RFID reader. The ink tank further comprises a sealing component operable to close the air vent. The sealing component has conductivity operable to interfere with the communication of the RFID tag and the RFID reader such that the RFID tag is incapable of communicating with the RFID reader when the vent is closed.

Abstract: An ink jet pen that is equipped with a free ink chamber. The ink jet pen has a free ink chamber in fluid communication with a negative pressure producing chamber. The negative pressure producing chamber is in communication with a printhead. The ink jet pen has a power source and a surface detection device. The surface detection device is adapted to move along a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A micro-fluid ejection head assembly having improved assembly characteristics and methods of manufacturing a micro-fluid ejection head assembly. The micro-fluid ejection head includes a fluid supply body having at least one fluid supply port in a recessed area therein. A reinforcing member circumscribes the fluid supply port. A micro-fluid ejection head is attached with an adhesive to the supply body in the recessed area so that cracking of the ejection head during adhesive curing is substantially reduced.

Abstract: Embodiments of an ink tank are provided, which comprise an ink tank housing, at least one air vent disposed on the housing, and at least one RFID tag disposed on the housing, wherein the at lest one RFID tag is operable to communicate with an RFID reader. The ink tank further comprises a sealing component operable to close the air vent. The sealing component has conductivity operable to interfere with the communication of the RFID tag and the RFID reader such that the RFID tag is incapable of communicating with the RFID reader when the vent is closed.

Abstract: An ink tank for an inkjet printing device that includes a housing for containing ink, first and second chambers within the housing, and a partition separating the first and second chambers. The ink tank also includes a communication port connecting the first chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber, a tank outlet disposed within a wall of the housing, and a high capillary pressure producing member in direct communication with the outlet. The ink tank may be configured such that the ink may flow from the free ink space through the capillary pressure producing member and exit the outlet without having to travel through the communication port.

Abstract: A removable ink tank configured to be mounted to a printhead assembly includes a floor having an ink output port A free ink chamber is located above the floor. A suspended ink chamber is located above the floor and around the ink output port. The suspended ink chamber is separated from the free ink chamber. At least one ink suspension body is contained in the suspended ink chamber. A fluid communication port is formed between the free ink chamber and the suspended ink chamber to facilitate a fluid communication between the free ink chamber and the suspended ink chamber. A filter device is positioned to cover the fluid communication port. The filter device has a porosity selected to establish a desired bubbling pressure between the free ink chamber and the suspended ink chamber.

Abstract: A removable ink tank includes a floor including an ink output port. A free ink chamber is located over the floor. A suspended ink chamber is located over the floor and around the ink output port. The suspended ink chamber is separated from the free ink chamber by a divider wall. The divider wall has an ink communication port located near the floor to facilitate fluid communication between the free ink chamber and the suspended ink chamber. A frame is formed around the ink communication port. The frame protrudes outwardly into the suspended ink chamber to ensure a good seal with the ink suspension member.

Abstract: A method of packaging an ink tank for shipment, the method comprising: (a) sealing a first substratum to an ink tank to inhibit fluid communication between an interior of the ink tank and an external environment by way of an ink outlet port of the ink tank, the resultant seal between the first substratum and the ink tank includes at least one of an apex at least partially defined by two substantially linear segments being angled from one another between about 20 degrees to about 160 degrees and fractions separating portions of the substrate from one another; and (b) sealing a second substratum to the ink tank to inhibit fluid communication between the interior of the ink tank and the external environment by way of an ink vent of the ink tank, where the first substratum and the second substratum are removable from the ink tank.

Abstract: An ink tank for an inkjet printing device that includes a housing for containing ink, first and second chambers within the housing, and a partition separating the first and second chambers. The ink tank also includes a communication port connecting the first chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber, a tank outlet disposed within a wall of the housing, and a high capillary pressure producing member in direct communication with the outlet. The ink tank may be configured such that the ink may flow from the free ink space through the capillary pressure producing member and exit the outlet without having to travel through the communication port.

Abstract: Ink tanks and recording devices incorporating the ink tanks comprise a free ink chamber, and a negative pressure generating chamber in the ink tank. The negative pressure generating chamber comprises a floor member comprising at least one projection extending along at least a portion of the floor member, and a porous material, wherein the projection of the floor member is configured to engage the porous material to inhibit the creation of an air flow path between the porous material and the floor member. The ink tank further comprises a partition wall disposed between the free ink chamber and the negative pressure generating chamber and configured to allow the flow of ink from the free ink chamber to the negative pressure generating chamber.

Abstract: An ink jet cartridge for use in an ink jet printer. In one embodiment, the ink jet cartridge has an ink tank configured to hold a first capacity of ink. The ink tank comprises a negative pressure producing material containing chamber and a free ink chamber. A lid configured to seal the negative pressure producing material containing chamber and free ink chamber of the ink tank is adapted to reduce the volume of the ink tank from a first capacity to a second capacity of ink. A method of manufacturing the same is provided.

Abstract: Printer (1) feeds paper or other media sheets (5) to pinch rollers (9a, 9b), which further feed the sheets into an imaging station (7). Pressure rollers (9b) are held by plate 22 which is biased by a spring (33) and pivots on extensions (37a, 37) to moves pressure rollers (9b) into nip relationship with nip roller (9a). To evenly distribute the forces across pressure rollers (9b), plate 22 is weakened by depressed lines (27a, 27b) located between the spring and the pressure rollers (9b).