Patents by Inventor Gilbert A. Hawkins

Gilbert A. Hawkins has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20080258313
    Abstract: A method of providing connectivity to a microsized device, the method includes the steps of providing an ablative base material having at least a top surface; providing a die having a first and second surface and having bonding pads at least upon the first surface; placing the die with the at least first surface of the die contacting the at least first surface of the ablative base material; and ablating a channel in the ablative material proximate to the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: M. Zaki Ali, A. Peter Stolt, Gilbert A. Hawkins, Thomas M. Stephany
  • Patent number: 7434919
    Abstract: A jet break-off length measurement apparatus for a continuous liquid drop emission system is provided. The jet break-off length measurement apparatus comprises a liquid drop emitter containing a positively pressurized liquid in flow communication with at least one nozzle for emitting a continuous stream of liquid. Heater resistor apparatus is adapted to transfer pulses of thermal energy to the liquid in flow communication with the at least one nozzle sufficient to cause the break-off of the at least one continuous stream of liquid into a stream of drops of predetermined volumes. A sensing apparatus adapted to detect the stream of drops of predetermined volumes is provided. A control apparatus is adapted to determine a characteristic of the stream of drops of predetermined volumes that is related to the break-off length. Further apparatus is adapted to inductively charge at least one drop and to cause electric field deflection of charged drops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Gilbert A. Hawkins, Michael J. Piatt, John C. Brazas, Stephen F. Pond
  • Patent number: 7401906
    Abstract: A jet break-off length control apparatus for a continuous liquid drop emission system is provided. The jet break-off length control apparatus comprises a liquid drop emitter containing a positively pressurized liquid in flow communication with at least one nozzle for emitting a continuous stream of liquid. Resistive heater apparatus is adapted to transfer pulses of thermal energy to the liquid in flow communication with the at least one nozzle sufficient to cause the break-off of the at least one continuous stream of liquid into a stream of drops of predetermined volumes. A sensing apparatus adapted to detect the stream of drops of predetermined volumes is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Gilbert A. Hawkins, Stephen F. Pond, Michael J. Piatt
  • Publication number: 20080143766
    Abstract: A method of forming a liquid pattern according to liquid pattern data on a receiving medium using a liquid drop emitter that emits a continuous stream of liquid from a nozzle that is broken into drops of predetermined volumes by the application of drop forming energy pulse is disclosed comprising associating a pixel area of the recording medium with a nozzle and a time interval during which a plurality of fluid drops ejected from the nozzle can impinge the pixel area of the recording medium. The time interval is divided into a plurality of subintervals that are, in turn, grouped into a plurality of blocks. Each block is defined as a printing block or a non-printing block. A drop forming energy pulse is provided between each pair of consecutive blocks and between the subintervals of each printing block. No drop forming energy pulses are provided between the subintervals of the non-printing blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Gilbert A. Hawkins, Douglas W. Couwenhoven, Bradley A. Phillips, Stephen F. Pond
  • Publication number: 20080122885
    Abstract: A printhead has a fluid chamber having an orifice, an associated fluid drop forming mechanism, and an associated fluid drop steering device. The fluid drop forming mechanism is operable to apply to fluid present in the fluid chamber energy sufficient to cause a fluid drop to be ejected from the orifice. The fluid drop steering device is operable to optionally apply to fluid present in the fluid chamber energy insufficient to cause drop formation prior to the fluid being ejected from the orifice. The fluid drop steering device is distinct from the fluid drop forming mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: James M. Chwalek, Gilbert A. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7364277
    Abstract: A printhead has a fluid chamber having an orifice, an associated fluid drop forming mechanism, and an associated fluid drop steering device. The fluid drop forming mechanism is operable to apply to fluid present in the fluid chamber energy sufficient to cause a fluid drop to be ejected from the orifice. The fluid drop steering device is operable to optionally apply to fluid present in the fluid chamber energy insufficient to cause drop formation prior to the fluid being ejected from the orifice. The fluid drop steering device is distinct from the fluid drop forming mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James M. Chwalek, Gilbert A. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20080094431
    Abstract: A printhead and method of printing are provided. The printhead has a body with portions of the body defining a fluid chamber and a nozzle orifice. The nozzle orifice is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. A drop forming mechanism is operatively associated with the nozzle orifice of the body. A plate is removably positioned over the body and has at least one orifice with the at least one orifice being in fluid communication with the nozzle orifice of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Gilbert Hawkins, James Chwalek
  • Publication number: 20080043062
    Abstract: A printer includes a printhead and a source of liquid. The printhead includes a nozzle bore. The liquid is under pressure sufficient to eject a column of the liquid through the nozzle bore. The liquid has a temperature. A thermal modulator is associated with the nozzle bore. The thermal modulator is operable to transiently lower the temperature of the liquid as the liquid is ejected through the nozzle bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Gilbert A. Hawkins, Siddhartha Ghosh, Christopher N. Delametter, Edward P. Furlani
  • Patent number: 7331650
    Abstract: A printhead and method of printing are provided. The printhead has a body with portions of the body defining a fluid chamber and a nozzle orifice. The nozzle orifice is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. A drop forming mechanism is operatively associated with the nozzle orifice of the body. A plate is removably positioned over the body and has at least one orifice with the at least one orifice being in fluid communication with the nozzle orifice of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Gilbert A. Hawkins, James M. Chwalek
  • Publication number: 20070296773
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for depositing a material on a surface. In accordance with the method a stream of a component material is formed having formed printing and non-printing droplets and satellite droplets of the material. The stream is directed at the surface. A deflecting energy is applied to separate printing droplets from non-printing droplets in the stream, so that only printing droplets travel to the surface. The deflecting energy is adapted to direct non-printing droplets for non-printing drop collection, and to direct at least a portion of the satellite droplets to be controlled in a manner adapted to prevent the material in the satellite droplets from reaching the surface, so that less than all of the material in the satellite droplets reaches the surface. Articles are also provided having limited satellite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Ravi Sharma, Ronald Wexler, Jason Payne, Gilbert Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20070298226
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for depositing a material on a surface. In accordance with the method a stream of a component material is formed having formed printing and non-printing droplets and satellite droplets of the material. The stream is directed at the surface. A deflecting energy is applied to separate printing droplets from non-printing droplets in the stream, so that only printing droplets travel to the surface. The deflecting energy is adapted to direct non-printing droplets for non-printing drop collection, and to direct at least a portion of the satellite droplets to be controlled in a manner adapted to prevent the material in the satellite droplets from reaching the surface, so that less than all of the material in the satellite droplets reaches the surface. Articles are also provided having limited satellite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Ravi Sharma, Ronald Wexler, Jason Payne, Gilbert Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20070257969
    Abstract: A method of printing includes associating a pixel area of a recording medium with a nozzle and a time interval during which a fluid drop ejected from the nozzle can impinge the pixel area of the recording medium; dividing the time interval into a plurality of subintervals; grouping some of the plurality of subintervals into blocks; associating one of two labels with each block, the first label defining a printing drop, the second label defining non-printing drops; associating no drop forming pulse between subintervals of each block having the first label; associating a drop forming pulse between each subinterval of each block having the second label; associating a drop forming pulse between other subintervals, the drop forming pulse being between each pair of consecutive blocks; and causing drops to be ejected from the nozzle based on the associated drop forming pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: Gilbert Hawkins, David Jeanmaire
  • Patent number: 7288469
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for depositing a material on a surface. In accordance with the method a stream of a component material is formed having formed printing and non-printing droplets and satellite droplets of the material. The stream is directed at the surface. A deflecting energy is applied to separate printing droplets from non-printing droplets in the stream, so that only printing droplets travel to the surface. The deflecting energy is adapted to direct non-printing droplets for non-printing drop collection, and to direct at least a portion of the satellite droplets to be controlled in a manner adapted to prevent the material in the satellite droplets from reaching the surface, so that less than all of the material in the satellite droplets reaches the surface. Articles are also provided having limited satellite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ravi Sharma, Ronald M. Wexler, Jason A. Payne, Gilbert A. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20070222826
    Abstract: A jet break-off length control apparatus for a continuous liquid drop emission system is provided. The jet break-off length control apparatus comprises a liquid drop emitter containing a positively pressurized liquid in flow communication with at least one nozzle for emitting a continuous stream of liquid. Resistive heater apparatus is adapted to transfer pulses of thermal energy to the liquid in flow communication with the at least one nozzle sufficient to cause the break-off of the at least one continuous stream of liquid into a stream of drops of predetermined volumes. A sensing apparatus adapted to detect the stream of drops of predetermined volumes is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Gilbert Hawkins, Stephen Pond, Michael Piatt
  • Patent number: 7273269
    Abstract: A method of printing is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Gilbert A. Hawkins, James M. Chwalek, Stephen F. Pond
  • Patent number: 7261396
    Abstract: A method of printing includes associating a pixel area of a recording medium with a nozzle and a time interval during which a fluid drop ejected from the nozzle can impinge the pixel area of the recording medium; dividing the time interval into a plurality of subintervals; grouping some of the plurality of subintervals into blocks; associating one of two labels with each block, the first label defining a printing drop, the second label defining non-printing drops; associating no drop forming pulse between subintervals of each block having the first label; associating a drop forming pulse between each subinterval of each block having the second label; associating a drop forming pulse between other subintervals, the drop forming pulse being between each pair of consecutive blocks; and causing drops to be ejected from the nozzle based on the associated drop forming pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Gilbert A. Hawkins, David L. Jeanmaire
  • Patent number: 7249829
    Abstract: A drop deposition apparatus for laying down a patterned liquid layer on a receiver substrate, for example, a continuous ink jet printer, is disclosed. The liquid deposition apparatus comprises a drop emitter containing a positively pressurized liquid in flow communication with a linear array of nozzles for emitting a plurality of continuous streams of liquid having nominal stream velocity vj0, wherein the plurality of nozzles have effective nozzle diameters D0 and extend in an array direction with an effective nozzle spacing Ly. Resistive heater apparatus is adapted to transfer thermal energy pulses of period ?0 to the liquid in flow communication with the plurality of nozzles sufficient to cause the break-off of the plurality of continuous streams of liquid into a plurality of streams of drops of predetermined nominal drop volume V0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Gilbert A. Hawkins, Stephen F. Pond
  • Patent number: 7249830
    Abstract: A jet break-off length control apparatus for a continuous liquid drop emission system is provided. The jet break-off length control apparatus comprises a liquid drop emitter containing a positively pressurized liquid in flow communication with at least one nozzle for emitting a continuous stream of liquid. Resistive heater apparatus is adapted to transfer pulses of thermal energy to the liquid in flow communication with the at least one nozzle sufficient to cause the break-off of the at least one continuous stream of liquid into a stream of drops of predetermined volumes. A sensing apparatus adapted to detect the stream of drops of predetermined volumes is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Gilbert A. Hawkins, Stephen F. Pond, Michael J. Piatt
  • Publication number: 20070064037
    Abstract: A jet break-off length measurement apparatus for a continuous liquid drop emission system is provided. The jet break-off length measurement apparatus comprises a liquid drop emitter containing a positively pressurized liquid in flow communication with at least one nozzle for emitting a continuous stream of liquid. Heater resistor apparatus is adapted to transfer pulses of thermal energy to the liquid in flow communication with the at least one nozzle sufficient to cause the break-off of the at least one continuous stream of liquid into a stream of drops of predetermined volumes. A sensing apparatus adapted to detect the stream of drops of predetermined volumes is provided. A control apparatus is adapted to determine a characteristic of the stream of drops of predetermined volumes that is related to the break-off length. Further apparatus is adapted to inductively charge at least one drop and to cause electric field deflection of charged drops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Inventors: Gilbert Hawkins, Michael Piatt, John Brazas, Stephen Pond
  • Publication number: 20070064034
    Abstract: A jet break-off length control apparatus for a continuous liquid drop emission system is provided. The jet break-off length control apparatus comprises a liquid drop emitter containing a positively pressurized liquid in flow communication with at least one nozzle for emitting a continuous stream of liquid. Resistive heater apparatus is adapted to transfer pulses of thermal energy to the liquid in flow communication with the at least one nozzle sufficient to cause the break-off of the at least one continuous stream of liquid into a stream of drops of predetermined volumes. A sensing apparatus adapted to detect the stream of drops of predetermined volumes is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Inventors: Gilbert Hawkins, Stephen Pond, Michael Piatt