Abstract: The invention is a rapid prototype apparatus having a removable build chamber and a plurality of alignments surfaces that can be used to properly align the build chamber with the process chamber with minimal adjustments by a user. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a process chamber attached to a support housing and a build chamber that is removably attached to the support housing. The build chamber may be inserted into the support housing and is moveable between a load position and a build position. The build chamber includes a moveable build platform and a plurality of alignment surfaces that are each adapted to releasably engage a corresponding surface on the support housing. As the build chamber moves into the build position, the alignment surfaces align the build platform the process chamber. As a result, the apparatus may be used to accurately align the build chamber with the process chamber.

Abstract: A carrier adapted to receive a plurality of printhead dies includes a substructure having a fluid manifold defined therein and a substrate mounted on the substructure, wherein the substrate is adapted to support the printhead dies. The substructure includes a fluid port communicating with the fluid manifold and at least one flush port communicating with the fluid manifold separate from the fluid port, and the substrate has a plurality of fluid passages defined therein with each of the fluid passages communicating with the fluid manifold.

Abstract: A carrier adapted to receive a plurality of printhead dies includes a substructure having a fluid manifold defined therein and a substrate mounted on the substructure, wherein the substrate is adapted to support the printhead dies. The substructure includes a fluid port communicating with the fluid manifold and at least one flush port communicating with the fluid manifold separate from the fluid port, and the substrate has a plurality of fluid passages defined therein with each of the fluid passages communicating with the fluid manifold.

Abstract: An ink cartridge for a thermal ink jet printer containing a separate collapsible ink reservoir which is kept under negative pressure by a pressure regulator to prevent ink leakage. The collapsible reservoir has a pair of flexible plastic membrane ink bag sidewalls each connected at their periphery to form an ink bag and an ink pressure regulator in the bag. The pressure regulator comprises a pair of spaced parallel side plates urged apart by a spring toward the adjacent bag sidewalls whereby the reservoir is collapsible against the spring pressure to an essentially flat shape to permit substantially complete dispensation of ink from the bag. Inadvertent puncture of the thin bag walls by the regulator is prevented by a protective edge guard in the form of a layer of tough plastic bonded to the outer surfaces of the sideplates, the protective layers each having a peripheral edge which extends beyond the edge of the side plate to prevent the edges of the sideplates from directly contacting the bag walls.

Abstract: Hydrostatic head control in the marine riser or sub-sea BOP stack of a deep water drilling unit is maintained through use of an eductor, or similar means, connected to the sub-sea BOP stack kill line for drawing salt water from the sea or mud from the sub-sea BOP stack choke line.

Abstract: Hydrostatic head control in the marine riser or sub-sea BOP stack of a deep water drilling unit is maintained through use of an eductor, or similar means, connected to the sub-sea BOP stack choke line for drawing salt water from the sea or mud from the sub-sea BOP stack kill line.