Patents by Inventor James M. Chwalek

James M. Chwalek 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).

  • Patent number: 11417309
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer that includes a delay line, an active piezoelectric element, and interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. The delay line and active piezoelectric element are joined so that ultrasonic waves may be coupled from the active piezoelectric element into the delay line or from the delay line into the active piezoelectric element. A via is formed, using a milling operation, in the active piezoelectric element to expose the edge of the interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. A conductive layer makes electrical contact between the interposing metal conductive layer and the surface of the active piezoelectric element to allow an electrical connection to be made from the surface of the active piezoelectric element to the interposing metal conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: ASCENT VENTURE, LLC.
    Inventors: James M Chwalek, Todd A Jackson
  • Publication number: 20220013103
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer that includes a delay line, an active piezoelectric element, and interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. The delay line and active piezoelectric element are joined so that ultrasonic waves may be coupled from the active piezoelectric element into the delay line or from the delay line into the active piezoelectric element. A via is formed, using a milling operation, in the active piezoelectric element to expose the edge of the interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. A conductive layer makes electrical contact between the interposing metal conductive layer and the surface of the active piezoelectric element to allow an electrical connection to be made from the surface of the active piezoelectric element to the interposing metal conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: James M. Chwalek, Todd A Jackson
  • Publication number: 20210283656
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a delay line substrate, a piezoelectric element, a metal conductive layer between the delay line substrate and the piezoelectric element, and a backing layer applied to the piezoelectric element. The delay line substrate and the piezoelectric element are acoustically joined, configured to couple ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric element into the delay line substrate or from the delay line substrate into the piezoelectric element. The backing layer includes a metal film, the metal film has a thickness and an acoustic impedance, and the thickness and the acoustic impedance each have value sufficient to provide acoustic damping. The backing layer has a substantially columnar cross-sectional morphology with a substantially granular surface morphology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: James M. Chwalek, Todd A. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20200171544
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer that includes a delay line, a piezoelectric element, and a metal conductive layer between the delay line and the piezoelectric element. The delay line and the piezoelectric element are acoustically joined with an atomic diffusion bond to facilitate coupling ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric element into the delay line or from the delay line into the piezoelectric element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: James M Chwalek, Todd A Jackson
  • Publication number: 20200175958
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer that includes a delay line, an active piezoelectric element, and interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. The delay line and active piezoelectric element are joined so that ultrasonic waves may be coupled from the active piezoelectric element into the delay line or from the delay line into the active piezoelectric element. A via is formed, using a milling operation, in the active piezoelectric element to expose the edge of the interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. A conductive layer makes electrical contact between the interposing metal conductive layer and the surface of the active piezoelectric element to allow an electrical connection to be made from the surface of the active piezoelectric element to the interposing metal conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: Ascent Ventures, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Chwalek, Todd A Jackson
  • Patent number: 8591008
    Abstract: A printer includes a printhead die including liquid ejectors separated by walls. Each liquid ejector includes a nozzle orifice and an associated drop forming mechanism. First and second liquid feed channels, extending in opposite directions, are in fluid communication with each liquid ejector. A liquid inlet includes a plurality of first and second segments in fluid communication with the first liquid feed channels and the second liquid feed channels, respectively. The first and second segments are located on opposite sides of the nozzle orifice. For a given liquid ejector, both of the first and second segments are directly in line with the liquid ejector. An electrical lead extends from each drop forming mechanism toward an edge of the printhead die. At least one of the electrical leads is positioned between neighboring segments of at least one of the first and second segments of the liquid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Christopher N. Delametter, John A. Lebens, David P. Trauernicht, James M. Chwalek, Yonglin Xie, Gary A. Kneezel, Christopher R. Morton, Cathie J. Burke
  • Patent number: 8496318
    Abstract: A liquid ejector includes a structure defining a plurality of chambers with one of the chambers including a first and second surface. The first surface includes a nozzle orifice. A drop forming mechanism is located on the second surface of the chamber opposite the nozzle orifice. First and second liquid feed channels are in fluid communication with the chamber. First and second segments of a segmented liquid inlet are in fluid communication with the first and second liquid feed channels, respectively. The first and second segments of the segmented liquid inlet are also in fluid communication with another one of the plurality of chambers. Liquid is provided to the chamber through the first and second liquid feed channels from the segmented liquid inlet. A drop of the liquid is ejected through the nozzle orifice of the chamber by operating the drop forming mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Christopher N. Delametter, John A. Lebens, David P. Trauernicht, James M. Chwalek, Yonglin Xie, Gary A. Kneezel, Christopher R. Morton, Cathie J. Burke
  • Publication number: 20120062654
    Abstract: A printer includes a printhead die including liquid ejectors separated by walls. Each liquid ejector includes a nozzle orifice and an associated drop forming mechanism. First and second liquid feed channels, extending in opposite directions, are in fluid communication with each liquid ejector. A liquid inlet includes a plurality of first and second segments in fluid communication with the first liquid feed channels and the second liquid feed channels, respectively. The first and second segments are located on opposite sides of the nozzle orifice. For a given liquid ejector, both of the first and second segments are directly in line with the liquid ejector. An electrical lead extends from each drop forming mechanism toward an edge of the printhead die. At least one of the electrical leads is positioned between neighboring segments of at least one of the first and second segments of the liquid inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher N. Delametter, John A. Lebens, David P. Trauernicht, James M. Chwalek, Yonglin Xie, Gary A. Kneezel, Christopher R. Morton, Cathie J. Burke
  • Publication number: 20110128316
    Abstract: A liquid ejector is provided that includes a structure defining a plurality of chambers with one of the plurality of chambers including a first surface and a second surface. The first surface includes a nozzle orifice. A drop forming mechanism is located on the second surface of the chamber opposite the nozzle orifice. A first liquid feed channel and a second liquid feed channel are in fluid communication with the chamber. A first segment of a segmented liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the first liquid feed channel and a second segment of the segmented liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the second liquid feed channel. The first segment of the segmented liquid inlet is also in fluid communication with another one of the plurality of chambers and the second segment of the liquid inlet is also in fluid communication with another one of the plurality of chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher N. Delametter, John A. Lebens, David P. Trauernicht, James M. Chwalek, Yonglin Xie, Gary A. Kneezel, Christopher R. Morton, Cathie J. Burke
  • Patent number: 7857422
    Abstract: A liquid ejector includes a structure defining a chamber. The chamber includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface includes a nozzle orifice. A drop forming mechanism is located on the second surface of the chamber opposite the nozzle orifice. A first liquid feed channel and a second liquid feed channel are in fluid communication with the chamber. A first segment of a segmented liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the first liquid feed channel and a second segment of the segmented liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the second liquid feed channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Christopher N. Delametter, John A. Lebens, David P. Trauernicht, James M. Chwalek, Yonglin Xie, Gary A. Kneezel, Christopher R. Morton, Cathie J. Burke
  • Patent number: 7836600
    Abstract: A method of forming a fluid chamber and a source of fluid impedance includes providing a substrate having a surface; depositing a first material layer on the surface of the substrate, the first material layer being differentially etchable with respect to the substrate; removing a portion of the first material layer thereby forming a patterned first material layer and defining the fluid chamber boundary location; depositing a sacrificial material layer over the patterned first layer; removing a portion of the sacrificial material layer thereby forming a patterned sacrificial material layer and further defining the fluid chamber boundary location; depositing at least one additional material layer over the patterned sacrificial material layer; forming a hole extending from the at least one additional material layer to the sacrificial material layer, the hole being positioned within the fluid chamber boundary location; removing the sacrificial material layer in the fluid chamber boundary location by introducing a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James M. Chwalek, John A. Lebens, Christopher N. Delametter, David P. Trauernicht, Gary A. Kneezel
  • Patent number: 7731341
    Abstract: A fluid ejection device, a method of cleaning the device, and a method of operating the device are provided. The device includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface. A nozzle plate is formed over the first surface of the substrate and has a nozzle through which fluid is ejected. A drop forming mechanism is situated at the periphery of the nozzle. A fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the nozzle and has a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall are positioned at an angle other than 90° relative to each other. A fluid delivery channel is formed in the substrate and extends from the second surface of the substrate to the fluid chamber. The fluid delivery channel is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David P. Trauernicht, Christopher N. Delametter, John A. Lebens, James M. Chwalek, Gary A. Kneezel
  • Publication number: 20090295861
    Abstract: A fluid ejection device, a method of cleaning the device, and a method of operating the device are provided. The device includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface. A nozzle plate is formed over the first surface of the substrate and has a nozzle through which fluid is ejected. A drop forming mechanism is situated at the periphery of the nozzle. A fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the nozzle and has a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall are positioned at an angle other than 90° relative to each other. A fluid delivery channel is formed in the substrate and extends from the second surface of the substrate to the fluid chamber. The fluid delivery channel is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: David P. Trauernicht, Christopher N. Delametter, John A. Lebens, James M. Chwalek, Gary A. Kneezel
  • Publication number: 20080180485
    Abstract: A liquid ejector includes a structure defining a chamber. The chamber includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface includes a nozzle orifice. A drop forming mechanism is located on the second surface of the chamber opposite the nozzle orifice. A first liquid feed channel and a second liquid feed channel are in fluid communication with the chamber. A first segment of a segmented liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the first liquid feed channel and a second segment of the segmented liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the second liquid feed channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher N. Delametter, John A. Lebens, David P. Trauernicht, James M. Chwalek, Yonglin Xie, Gary A. Kneezel, Christopher R. Morton, Cathie J. Burke
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7354522
    Abstract: A method of etching a substrate and an article(s) formed using the method are provided. The method includes providing a substrate; coating a region of the substrate with a temporary material having properties that enable the temporary material to remain substantially intact during subsequent processing and enable the temporary material to be removed by a subsequent process that allows the substrate to remain substantially unaltered; removing a portion of the substrate to form a feature, at least some of the removed portion of the substrate overlapping at least a portion of the coated region of the substrate while allowing the temporary material substantially intact; and removing the temporary material while allowing the substrate to remain substantially unaltered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Gary A. Kneezel, John A. Lebens, Christopher N. Delametter, David P. Trauernicht, James M. Chwalek
  • Patent number: 7350902
    Abstract: A fluid ejection device and a printhead including one or more such fluid ejection devices are provided. The fluid ejection device includes a substrate having a first nozzle array and a second nozzle array, each array having a plurality of nozzles and being arranged along a first direction, the first nozzle array being arranged spaced apart in a second direction from the second nozzle array. A first fluid delivery pathway is in fluid communication with the first nozzle array, and a second fluid delivery pathway is in fluid communication with the second nozzle array. Nozzles of the first nozzle array have a first opening area and are arranged along the first nozzle array at a pitch P. Nozzles of the second nozzle array have a second opening area, the second opening area being less than the first opening area. At least one nozzle of the second array is arranged offset in the first direction from at least one nozzle of the first array by a distance which is less than pitch P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Dietl, Steven A. Billow, William E. Bland, James M. Chwalek
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7303265
    Abstract: A drop deflector apparatus for a continuous drop emission system that deposits a liquid pattern on a receiver according to liquid pattern data comprising a plurality of drop nozzles formed along a nozzle array axis and emitting a plurality of continuous streams of a liquid that breaks up into a plurality of streams of drops having nominal flight paths that are substantially parallel and substantially within a nominal flight plane is disclosed. An airflow plenum having an evacuation end connected to a negative pressure source and an impingement end having an opening located adjacent the nominal flight plane into which ambient air is drawn for the purpose of deflecting drops in an air deflection direction perpendicular to the nominal flight plane is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Christopher N. Delametter, David L. Jeanmaire, James M. Chwalek, Stephen F. Pond