Patents by Inventor John A. Lebens

John A. Lebens 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: 20130027449
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead includes an array of drop ejectors, a first drop ejector of the array including a first resistive heater having a first nominal length and a first nominal width; and a first configuration test resistor disposed proximate the first resistive heater, the first configuration test resistor including a second nominal length and a second nominal width, wherein the second nominal length is different from the first nominal length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Roger G. Markham, David P. Trauernicht, John A. Lebens, Christopher R. Morton
  • Publication number: 20130004898
    Abstract: A method for making a microfluidic device, the method includes providing at least one inorganic layer on a substrate; applying an alkoxysilane material containing a primary or secondary amine on the at least one inorganic layer; baking the applied alkoxysilane material at a temperature greater than 130 degrees C.; applying an epoxy material to form an epoxy layer, wherein the applied alkoxysilane material is disposed at an interface between the epoxy layer and the at least one inorganic layer; and patterning the epoxy layer to provide a wall for defining a location for a fluid in the microfluidic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Yongcai Wang, Weibin Zhang, John A. Lebens, James D. Huffman, Robert E. McCovick
  • Publication number: 20130002753
    Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a substrate; at least one inorganic layer provided on the substrate; a patterned epoxy layer formed over the at least one inorganic layer, the patterned epoxy layer including a wall that defines a location for a fluid in the microfluidic device; and an alkoxysilane material containing a primary or secondary amine for promoting adhesion between the at least one inorganic layer and the patterned epoxy layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Yongcai Wang, Weibin Zhang, John A. Lebens, James D. Huffman, Robert E. McCovick
  • Patent number: 8302308
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printhead includes providing a polymeric substrate having a surface; providing a patterned material layer on the surface of the polymeric substrate; and removing at least some of the polymeric substrate not covered by the patterned material layer using an etching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kathleen M. Vaeth, Constantine N. Anagnostopoulos, John A. Lebens
  • Patent number: 8300269
    Abstract: A printing device includes a first array of dot forming elements disposed on a substrate along an array direction at a first array-direction spacing to provide a first dot forming resolution R1 for dots of a first color; and a group of N arrays of dot forming elements, wherein the dot forming elements in each array of the group of N arrays are disposed on the substrate along the array direction at a second array-direction spacing to provide a dot forming resolution equal to R1/N; at least one of the N arrays of dot forming elements forms dots of a different color than at least one of the other arrays of the N arrays in the group; and N is greater than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Murray, Christopher G. Wykoff, John A. Lebens
  • Publication number: 20120268529
    Abstract: A method of continuously ejecting liquid includes providing a liquid ejection system that includes a substrate and an orifice plate affixed to the substrate. Portions of the substrate define a liquid chamber. The orifice plate includes a MEMS transducing member. A first portion of the MEMS transducing member is anchored to the substrate. A second portion of the MEMS transducing member extends over at least a portion of the liquid chamber. The second portion of the MEMS transducing member is free to move relative to the liquid chamber. A compliant membrane is positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member. A first portion of the compliant membrane covers the MEMS transducing member and a second portion of the compliant membrane is anchored to the substrate. The compliant membrane includes an orifice. Liquid is provided under a pressure sufficient to eject a continuous jet of the liquid through the orifice located in the compliant membrane of the orifice plate by a liquid supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Michael F. Baumer, James D. Huffman, Hrishikesh V. Panchawagh, Jeremy M. Grace, Yonglin Xie, Qing Yang, David P. Trauernicht, John A. Lebens
  • Publication number: 20120268525
    Abstract: A continuous liquid ejection system includes a substrate and an orifice plate affixed to the substrate. Portions of the substrate define a liquid chamber. The orifice plate includes a MEMS transducing member. A first portion of the MEMS transducing member is anchored to the substrate. A second portion of the MEMS transducing member extends over at least a portion of the liquid chamber and is free to move relative to the liquid chamber. A compliant membrane is positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member. A first portion of the compliant membrane covers the MEMS transducing member and a second portion of the compliant membrane is anchored to the substrate. The compliant membrane includes an orifice. A liquid supply provides a liquid to the liquid chamber under a pressure sufficient to eject a continuous jet of the liquid through the orifice located in the compliant membrane of the orifice plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Michael F. Baumer, James D. Huffman, Hrishikesh V. Panchawagh, Jeremy M. Grace, Yonglin Xie, Qing Yang, David P. Trauernicht, John A. Lebens
  • Publication number: 20120268526
    Abstract: A fluid ejector includes a substrate, a MEMS transducing member, a compliant membrane, walls, and a nozzle. First portions of the substrate define an outer boundary of a cavity. Second portions of the substrate define a fluidic feed. A first portion of the MEMS transducing member is anchored to the substrate. A second portion of the MEMS transducing member extends over at least a portion of the cavity and is free to move relative to the cavity. The compliant membrane is positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member. A first portion of the compliant membrane covers the MEMS transducing member. A second portion of the compliant membrane is anchored to the substrate. Partitioning walls define a chamber that is fluidically connected to the fluidic feed. At least the second portion of the MEMS transducing member is enclosed within the chamber. The nozzle is disposed proximate to the second portion of the MEMS transducing member and distal to the fluidic feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: James D. Huffman, Weibin Zhang, John A. Lebens
  • Patent number: 8167406
    Abstract: A printhead includes a nozzle membrane, a substrate, and a support structure. The nozzle membrane includes an external surface, a length, and a plurality of nozzles located along the length of the nozzle membrane. The nozzle membrane is affixed to the substrate. The substrate includes a liquid feed channel that provides liquid to the plurality of nozzles of the nozzle membrane. The liquid feed channel extends along the length of the nozzle membrane such that the liquid feed channel is common to each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles of the nozzle membrane. The support structure is affixed to the external surface of the nozzle membrane to provide structural support to the nozzle membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Hrishikesh V. Panchawagh, John A. Lebens
  • 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: 20110267404
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead die for an inkjet print head, wherein the inkjet printhead die comprises a composite substrate that includes a planar semiconductor member, a planar substrate member and an interface at which the planar semiconductor member is fused to the planar substrate member
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: John A. Lebens, Cathie J. Burke, Dino Faralli
  • Publication number: 20110261126
    Abstract: A printhead includes a substrate and a filter membrane structure in contact with the substrate. A first portion of the substrate defines a plurality of nozzles. A second portion of the substrate defines a plurality of liquid chambers. Each liquid chamber is in fluid communication with a nozzle. The filter membrane structure includes a polymeric material layer and a plurality of pores. The plurality of pores are positioned to filter liquid provided to the plurality of liquid chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Charles F. Faisst, John A. Lebens, Yonglin Xie
  • Publication number: 20110261125
    Abstract: A printhead includes a substrate, a filter membrane structure, and a liquid source. A first portion of the substrate defines a plurality of nozzles. A second portion of the substrate defines a plurality of liquid chambers. Each liquid chamber of the plurality of liquid chambers is in fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of nozzles. The filter membrane structure is in contact with the second portion of the substrate. Each liquid chamber of the plurality of liquid chambers is in fluid communication with a distinct portion of the filter membrane structure. The filter membrane structure includes a polymeric material layer. The liquid source provides liquid under pressure through the filter membrane structure. The pressure is sufficient to jet an individual stream of the liquid through each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles after the liquid flows through the filter membrane structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Yonglin Xie, John A. Lebens, Charles F. Faisst
  • Publication number: 20110261124
    Abstract: A printhead includes a nozzle plate, a filter, and a plurality of walls. Portions of the nozzle plate define a plurality of nozzles. The filter, for example, a filter membrane, includes a plurality of pores grouped in a plurality of pore clusters. Each of the plurality of walls extends from the nozzle plate to the filter membrane to define a plurality of liquid chambers positioned between the nozzle plate and the filter membrane. Each liquid chamber of the plurality of liquid chambers is in fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of nozzles. Each liquid chamber of the plurality of liquid chambers is in fluid communication with the plurality of pores of a respective one of the plurality of pore clusters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Michael F. Baumer, Yonglin Xie, Shan Guan, John A. Lebens
  • Publication number: 20110258851
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printhead includes providing a substrate and a filter membrane structure. A first portion of the substrate defines a plurality of nozzles and a second portion of the substrate defines a plurality of liquid chambers. Each liquid chamber of the plurality of liquid chambers is in fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of nozzles. The filter membrane structure is adhered, for example, laminated, to the second portion of the substrate. Each liquid chamber of the plurality of liquid chambers is in fluid communication with a distinct portion of the filter membrane structure. Pores are formed in the filter membrane structure using a photo-lithography process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Yonglin Xie, John A. Lebens, Charles F. Faisst
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110025780
    Abstract: A printhead includes a nozzle membrane, a substrate, and a support structure. The nozzle membrane includes an external surface, a length, and a plurality of nozzles located along the length of the nozzle membrane. The nozzle membrane is affixed to the substrate. The substrate includes a liquid feed channel that provides liquid to the plurality of nozzles of the nozzle membrane. The liquid feed channel extends along the length of the nozzle membrane such that the liquid feed channel is common to each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles of the nozzle membrane. The support structure is affixed to the external surface of the nozzle membrane to provide structural support to the nozzle membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Hrishikesh V. Panchawagh, John A. Lebens
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100245855
    Abstract: A printing device includes a first array of dot forming elements disposed on a substrate along an array direction at a first array-direction spacing to provide a first dot forming resolution R1 for dots of a first color; and a group of N arrays of dot forming elements, wherein the dot forming elements in each array of the group of N arrays are disposed on the substrate along the array direction at a second array-direction spacing to provide a dot forming resolution equal to R1/N; at least one of the N arrays of dot forming elements forms dots of a different color than at least one of the other arrays of the N arrays in the group; and N is greater than 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Richard A. Murray, Christopher G. Wykoff, John A. Lebens