Abstract: A rack for an appliance includes a main section including a frame adapted to be supported within a cavity of an appliance, and a primary platform area. The rack also includes an auxiliary section having an auxiliary platform area and being adapted to be movable relative to the main section between a retracted position and an extended position. In one example, a track is coupled to the frame and the auxiliary section is movable about the track. The auxiliary section can include a support bar configured for sliding engagement with the track. In another example, the track includes a first planar support area and a second planar support area for supporting the auxiliary section. In yet another example, the rack further includes a first stop portion to maintain the auxiliary section in the extended position, and a second stop portion to maintain the auxiliary section in the retracted position.

Abstract: An appliance includes a leg for support upon a support surface, an interlock switch mechanically coupled to the leg and electrically coupled to control circuitry of the appliance, an anti-tip bracket having an aperture configured to receive a portion of the leg, and means for operating the interlock switch when the leg is properly positioned within the aperture. In one example, an actuator is coupled to the leg and is movable relative to the leg when the leg is positioned within the aperture. In another example, the interlock switch includes a first and second electrode, and selective electrical contact occurs between the first and second electrodes when the actuator is moved. In another example, a member projects from the appliance and the anti-tip is configured to receive a portion of the member. A method is also provided for preventing use of an appliance due to improper installation of the appliance.

Abstract: A rack for an appliance includes a main section including a frame adapted to be supported within a cavity of an appliance, and a primary platform area. The rack also includes an auxiliary section having an auxiliary platform area and being adapted to be movable relative to the main section between a retracted position and an extended position. In one example, a track is coupled to the frame and the auxiliary section is movable about the track. The auxiliary section can include a support bar configured for sliding engagement with the track. In another example, the track includes a first planar support area and a second planar support area for supporting the auxiliary section. In yet another example, the rack further includes a first stop portion to maintain the auxiliary section in the extended position, and a second stop portion to maintain the auxiliary section in the retracted position.

Abstract: An appliance includes a leg for support upon a support surface, an interlock switch mechanically coupled to the leg and electrically coupled to control circuitry of the appliance, an anti-tip bracket having an aperture configured to receive a portion of the leg, and means for operating the interlock switch when the leg is properly positioned within the aperture. In one example, an actuator is coupled to the leg and is movable relative to the leg when the leg is positioned within the aperture. In another example, the interlock switch includes a first and second electrode, and selective electrical contact occurs between the first and second electrodes when the actuator is moved. In another example, a member projects from the appliance and the anti-tip is configured to receive a portion of the member. A method is also provided for preventing use of an appliance due to improper installation of the appliance.

Abstract: Methods for measuring laser light transmissivity of a specific position in a work piece prior to the work piece undergoing laser welding at the specific position with a laser beam having a specific welding wavelength. To obtain a baseline measurement reading, a laser light source projects a laser beam at the welding wavelength directly into a detector. Thereafter, the work piece becomes suspended between the laser light source and detector whereby an output of the detector now corresponds to a work piece measurement reading. Differences between the two readings reveal whether the work piece will yield a satisfactory weld at the specific position when later welded by a laser beam at the welding wavelength. Preferred work pieces include inkjet printhead lids and bodies.

Abstract: A method of welding a first material of an apparatus to a second, semi-crystalline material of the apparatus. The method includes the acts of heating a weld area with a first power intensity for one time period and heating the weld area with a second power intensity (not equivalent to the first power intensity) for another time period. The method also includes applying pressure to the weld area and producing a collapse distance within at least a portion of the weld area.

Abstract: Methods for measuring laser light transmissivity of a specific position in a work piece prior to the work piece undergoing laser welding at the specific position with a laser beam having a specific welding wavelength. To obtain a baseline measurement reading, a laser light source projects a laser beam at the welding wavelength directly into a detector. Thereafter, the work piece becomes suspended between the laser light source and detector whereby an output of the detector now corresponds to a work piece measurement reading. Differences between the two readings reveal whether the work piece will yield a satisfactory weld at the specific position when later welded by a laser beam at the welding wavelength. Preferred work pieces include inkjet printhead lids and bodies.

Abstract: An apparatus for a laser transmission welding process for attaching a synthetic filter material to a filter tower frame in an ink jet printer cartridge. The apparatus includes a laser beam source and a filter clamping fixture containing a base, slide rods attached on first ends thereof to the base, an optics support plate attached to second ends of the slide rods, a movable platform for holding an ink cartridge slidably disposed on the slide rods between the base and the optics support plate, a platform moving device for translating the platform to and from a laser welding position, a laser beam transparent plate suspended by support legs from the optics support plate to a position between the movable platform and the optics support plate. The apparatus greatly improves synthetic filter attachment to a filter tower frame in an ink cartridge.