Abstract: A system and method for allocation of actuators is provided. Electrodes having several voltages are assigned to actuators within correlation regions of the actuators. By varying the voltages, a desired actuation profile for the actuators may be achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved cutting of an object is provided. The object can take the form of many different structures including thin formations that require cutting precision, support, and dimensional control. In accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention, the method of cutting a member uses a laser and begins with the step of providing a template removably adhered to the member. The laser then projects through the template, without intersecting with the template, to cut the member and manufacture the desired formation. The laser does not intersect with, and therefore does not cut, the template structure and cause excess laser cutting dust.

Abstract: A stretchable interconnect for electrically connecting electronic devices comprises a photolithographically patterned conductor extending between two of said devices for electrically coupling a contact of one device to a contact of another device. The stretchable interconnect preferably comprises a coiled conductor. The coiled conductor is formed of a metal or alloy having a stress gradient extending through a thickness of said conductor. A sensor array employs the stretchable interconnects to connect contacts of one electronic device to another electronic device. The sensor array can be employed in a flexible or stretchable sensing skin of a robot as well as other applications. The stretchable interconnects can be formed by a photolithographic process on the same substrate which supports the electronic devices. The interconnects become stretchable when the supporting substrate is removed from the interconnect. Preferably coils which are formed are di-helic.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a substrate on two sides. A substrate has a first edge as a leading edge in a process direction and a first side in a face-up orientation. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an input pathway for receiving the substrate from a substrate processing station, a station for processing the face-up side of the substrate, a reversion pathway for reverting the substrate and returning the reverted substrate to the input pathway. After reversion, a second side of the substrate is in the face up orientation and the first edge is the leading edge. A merge point merges the reverted substrate into the input pathway for processing the face-up side of the substrate in the print station.

Abstract: A system and method for allocation of actuators is provided. Electrodes having several voltages are assigned to actuators within correlation regions of the actuators. By varying the voltages, a desired actuation profile for the actuators may be achieved.

Abstract: A flexible sheet handling apparatus comprising an input section for receiving the flexible sheet, a reversion section for rotating the flexible sheet about an axis of motion and an output section for transferring the rotated flexible sheet to a sheet processing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved cutting of an object is provided. The object can take the form of many different structures including thin formations that require cutting precision, support, and dimensional control. In accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention, the method of cutting a member uses a laser and begins with the step of providing a template removably adhered to the member. The laser then projects through the template, without intersecting with the template, to cut the member and manufacture the desired formation. The laser does not intersect with, and therefore does not cut, the template structure and cause excess laser cutting dust.

Abstract: A flexible sheet handling apparatus comprising an input section for receiving the flexible sheet, a reversion section for rotating the flexible sheet about an axis of motion and an output section for transferring the rotated flexible sheet to a sheet processing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a substrate on two sides. A substrate has a first edge as a leading edge in a process direction and a first side in a face-up orientation. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an input pathway for receiving the substrate from a substrate processing station, a station for processing the face-up side of the substrate, a reversion pathway for reverting the substrate and returning the reverted substrate to the input pathway. After reversion, a second side of the substrate is in the face up orientation and the first edge is the leading edge. A merge point merges the reverted substrate into the input pathway for processing the face-up side of the substrate in the print station.

Abstract: A device for enhancing the transport of sheets in a printing machine is constructed upstream of the image transfer station to flatten the paper against the transport belt or drum on which it is riding. An air cushion is generated by expelling pressurized air through an array of holes to provide an air bearing for the sheets as it travels in its transport path. The air cushion is designed to flatten the paper against the belt or drum.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for high-speed fluid flow control. More particularly, the invention is directed to a valve formed, at least in part, of an actuating material, such as piezoelectric or anti-ferro-electric material. The valve is used for controlling fluid flow (including air flow) in a variety of devices including imaging devices (e.g. printers, copiers, etc.) for which air flow is used to handle paper. In one embodiment, the subject valve takes advantage of the phenomenon of buckling, resultant bistability and other structural mechanics to efficiently, and in a high-speed manner, open and close to regulate fluid flow. In another embodiment, the valve includes implementation of the actuating material to bend an s-shaped blocking element within the valve. The valve is also advantageously implemented in matrices and formed using batch fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A stretchable interconnect for electrically connecting electronic devices comprises a photolithographically patterned conductor extending between two of said devices for electrically coupling a contact of one device to a contact of another device. The stretchable interconnect preferably comprises a coiled conductor. The coiled conductor is formed of a metal or alloy having a stress gradient extending through a thickness of said conductor. A sensor array employs the stretchable interconnects to connect contacts of one electronic device to another electronic device. The sensor array can be employed in a flexible or stretchable sensing skin of a robot as well as other applications. The stretchable interconnects can be formed by a photolithographic process on the same substrate which supports the electronic devices. The interconnects become stretchable when the supporting substrate is removed from the interconnect. Preferably coils which are formed are di-helic.

Abstract: Position sensors having an active area are assembled into an array in which the electrodes of adjacent sensors are offset and interleaved so that the electrodes are adjacent an active area, thereby avoiding dead spots. The position sensor array is position adjacent to the path of an object opposite to a source of light. As the object passes it alters the distribution of light on the position sensor array that generates signals indicative of the objects position in response to the changes in impinging light.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for collecting or collimating light for detection. More particularly, the invention is directed to a technique for detecting the edge of an object using an apparatus having a plurality barriers or shield structures that are advantageously aligned with an optical sensor array to collect or spatially filter generated light for improved detection of the light. The invention also relates to methods of forming the structure. Application of the invention is found in the field of detecting edges of objects such as sheets of paper that are fed through imaging devices along a paper path.

Abstract: A flap valve structure having a valve support structure that includes an orifice for modulating fluid flow. A flexible flap valve element is disposed over the orifice to open and close the orifice. The flexible flap valve element has first and second ends. The first end is clamped to the flap valve support structure and the second end of the flap valve is tethered by at least one flexible tether substantially narrower than the width of the first end of the flap valve. The tethers extend from the second end of the flexible flap element and are connected to the flap valve support structure. A control device is connected to the flap valve structure to selectively hold the flexible flap valve element in an open or closed position over the orifice.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for high-speed fluid flow control. More particularly, the invention is directed to a valve formed, at least in part, of an actuating material, such as piezoelectric or anti-ferro-electric material. The valve is used for controlling fluid flow (including air flow) in a variety of devices including imaging devices (e.g. printers, copiers, etc.) for which air flow is used to handle paper. In one embodiment, the subject valve takes advantage of the phenomenon of buckling, resultant bistability and other structural mechanics to efficiently, and in a high-speed manner, open and close to regulate fluid flow. In another embodiment, the valve includes implementation of the actuating material to bend an s-shaped blocking element within the valve. The valve is also advantageously implemented in matrices and formed using batch fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A low cost, reusable electric paper that uses ferrofluidic colored fluids and an external magnetic writing instrument. The paper can be formed from laminated rolls of polymeric media that are roller die cut, inked, aligned, bonded and cut to an appropriate size. The paper is formed from layers that define a hidden reservoir and a visible reservoir for each of an array of print cells that form a grid on the paper. A ferrofluidic coloring fluid is permanently contained within the paper and can move from the hidden reservoir to the visible reservoir. The size of the cells define the resolution of the paper. Initially, the paper appears white. However, after passing a writing instrument, such as a stylus, over desired print cells, these cells switch from a first hidden bistable state to a second visible bistable state. In the second visible bistable state, the ferrofluidic coloring fluid forms a desired image in a desired color or colors.

Abstract: A decoupling mechanism is provided for passively or actively decoupling an exhaust from a modular air transport system by diverting an amount of air exiting a channel in a first module in a direction other than the process direction through use of the Coanda effect. This decouples the amount of air from a downstream module. This is achieved by providing edge surfaces of the channel outlet, formed on top and bottom plates of the first air module, so that one of the two edge surfaces has a larger radius of curvature than the other. An air vent formed by a gap between the other of the edges and the second module is also provided to assist in the Coanda effect.

Abstract: A toner jet printer and method of use for printing images by manipulating individual toner particles using two-dimensional print cell arrays built by micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technologies. Toner particles are positioned by aerodynamic forces controlled by microvalves within each print cell by either selective or nonselective filling. If selectively filled, each cell is then heated or subjected to an aerodynamic force to eject the toner particles onto a paper substrate. If non-selectively filled, only those print cells corresponding to an intended image are addressed electronically to eject a toner particle from an addressed cell by aerodynamic forces controlled by valve actuation or by heating the print cell. Single color or multiple color printing can be achieved using the same cell array.