Patents by Inventor John McAvoy

John McAvoy 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).

  • Printhead with pressure-dampening structures
    Patent number: 7922313
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead is provided. The printhead comprises a plurality of nozzle assemblies; a nozzle plate covering the plurality of nozzle assemblies; an ink supply system for supplying ink to the plurality of nozzle assemblies, the ink supply system comprising at least one conduit wall defined by part of the nozzle plate; and at least one pressure-dampening structure positioned in the part of the nozzle plate. The pressure-dampening structures dampen ink pressure fluctuations in the ink supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook
  • Inkjet nozzle assembly having thermoelastic actuator beam disposed on nozzle chamber roof
    Patent number: 7901051
    Abstract: An inkjet nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle chamber having a floor and a roof, the roof having a nozzle opening defined therein. A moving portion defines part of the roof so that the moving portion is moveable towards the floor. A thermal actuator defines part of the moving portion. The thermal actuator comprises a first active beam for connection to drive circuitry and a second passive beam mechanically cooperating with the first beam, such that when a current is passed through the first beam, the first beam expands relative to the second beam resulting in bending of the actuator. The first active beam is disposed on an upper surface of the passive beam relative to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook
  • Thermal bend actuator comprising bilayered passive beam
    Patent number: 7901052
    Abstract: A thermal bend actuator comprises an active beam for connection to drive circuitry and a passive beam mechanically cooperating with the active beam. When a current is passed through the active beam, the active beam expands relative to the passive beam resulting in bending of the actuator. The passive beam is comprised of first and second layers, and the second layer is sandwiched between the first layer and the active beam. The second layer is relatively more thermally insulating than the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Misty Bagnat, Vincent Patrick Lawlor, Kia Silverbrook
  • Printhead including moving portions and sealing bridges
    Patent number: 7901054
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead comprising: a stationary portion; a plurality of moving portions for ejection of ink; and a plurality of seal members. Each seal member connects a respective moving portion with the stationary portion. Each seal member has a non-planar profile configured for facilitating movement of the moving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook
  • Thermal bend actuator comprising conduction pads
    Patent number: 7901046
    Abstract: A thermal bend actuator is provided. The bend actuator comprises (i) a first active cantilever beam for connection to drive circuitry, the first beam comprising a planar beam element having a bend; (ii) a second passive cantilever beam mechanically cooperating with the first beam, such that when a current is passed through the first beam, the first beam expands relative to the second beam, resulting in bending of the actuator; and (iii) a conduction pad positioned at a bend region of the beam element. The conduction pad is configured to facilitate electrical conduction in the bend region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook
  • Printhead having plural fluid ejection heating elements
    Patent number: 7901055
    Abstract: A printhead is provided which has a plurality of fluid chambers defined in a substrate, a plurality of covers which each cover a respective fluid chamber, each cover having a plurality of radially extending supports supporting a rim thereby defining a fluid ejection nozzle, and a plurality of heating elements positioned in each cover between respective pairs of adjacent supports, actuation of the heating elements causing ejection of fluid in the chambers through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Gregory John McAvoy
  • CRACK-RESISTANT THERMAL BEND ACTUATOR
    Publication number: 20110050806
    Abstract: A thermal bend actuator comprises an active beam for connection to drive circuitry and a passive beam mechanically cooperating with the active beam. When a current is passed through the active beam, the active beam expands relative to the passive beam resulting in bending of the actuator. The passive beam comprises a first layer comprised of silicon nitride and a second layer comprised of silicon dioxide. The second layer is sandwiched between the first layer and the active beam to provide thermal insulation for the first layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Vincent Patrick Lawlor, Ronan Padraig Sean O'Reilly
  • METHOD OF FABRICATING CRACK-RESISTANT THERMAL BEND ACTUATOR
    Publication number: 20110047781
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a thermal bend actuator comprises the steps of: (a) depositing a first layer comprised of silicon nitride onto a sacrificial scaffold; (b) depositing a second layer comprised of silicon dioxide onto the first layer; (c) depositing an active beam layer onto the second layer; (d) etching the active beam layer, the first layer and the second layer to define the thermal bend actuator; and (e) releasing the thermal bend actuator by removing the sacrificial scaffold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Vincent Patrick Lawlor, Ronan Padraig Sean O'Reilly
  • Mechanically-actuated microfluidic pinch valve
    Patent number: 7892496
    Abstract: A microfluidic pinch valve. The valve comprises a microfluidic channel defined in a compliant body; a valve sleeve defined by a section of the microfluidic channel, the valve sleeve having a membrane wall defining part of an outer surface of the body; a compression member for pinching the membrane wall against an opposed wall of the valve sleeve; and a thermal bend actuator for moving the compression member between a closed position in which the membrane wall is sealingly pinched against the opposed wall, and an open position in which the membrane wall is disengaged from the opposed wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Emma Rose Kerr, Kia Silverbrook
  • Printhead assembly with sandwiched power supply arrangement
    Patent number: 7891764
    Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided for a printer system. The printhead assembly includes an elongate substrate defining a channel and spaced apart sets of ink supply holes. An ink distribution arrangement is located within the channel and is configured to distribute ink to the sets of ink supply holes. A first plate is in engagement with the substrate to hold the ink distribution arrangement within the channel. A power supply arrangement is also located within the channel. A second plate is in engagement with the substrate so that the power supply arrangement is sandwiched between the plates and held within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Gregory John McAvoy, Angus John North, Samuel George Mallinson, Mehdi Azimi
  • Microfluidic system comprising mechanically-actuated microfluidic pinch valve
    Patent number: 7887756
    Abstract: A microfluidic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Emma Rose Kerr, Kia Silverbrook
  • Thermal bend actuator material selection
    Patent number: 7887233
    Abstract: A thermoelastic device comprising an expansive element is disclosed. The expansive element is formed from a material, which is preselected on the basis that it has one or more of the following properties: a resistivity between 0.1 ??m and 10.0 ??m; chemically inert in air; chemically inert in the chosen ink; and depositable by CVD, sputtering or other thin film deposition technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook
  • INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING NOZZLE CHAMBERS WITH REDUNDANT INK INLETS
    Publication number: 20110032307
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead includes: a substrate; a row of nozzle chambers disposed on the substrate; an ink conduit extending longitudinally adjacent the row of nozzle chambers; and a nozzle plate spanning over the ink conduit and the row of nozzle chambers. Each nozzle chamber has a respective ink ejection opening defined in the nozzle plate; a first ink inlet defined in a sidewall of the nozzle chamber for receiving ink from the ink conduit; and a second ink inlet defined in a floor of the nozzle chamber. Each of the first and second ink inlets is in fluid communication with a common ink reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Matthew Taylor Worsman, Kia Silverbrook
  • PRINTHEAD HAVING INK EJECTION FACE COMPLEMENTING INK OR OTHER FEATURES OF PRINTHEAD
    Publication number: 20110018937
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead for ejection of an ejectable fluid. The printhead has an ink ejection face coated with a polymeric material incorporating nanoparticles. The nanoparticles impart predetermined characteristics to the ink ejection face, which complement an inherent property of the ejectable fluid, a printhead maintenance regime associated with the printhead or a type of nozzle actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Rónán Pádraig Seán O'Reilly, Emma Rose Kerr
  • INKJET PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING BACKSIDE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
    Publication number: 20110018939
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead assembly comprising an ink supply manifold; printhead integrated circuits and a connector film for supplying power to drive circuitry in the printhead integrated circuits. Each printhead integrated circuit has a frontside comprising the drive circuitry and inkjet nozzle assemblies, a backside attached to the ink supply manifold, and ink supply channels providing fluid communication between the backside and the inkjet nozzle assemblies. A connection end of the connector film is sandwiched between part of the ink supply manifold and the printhead integrated circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Rónán Pádraig Seán O'Reilly, David McLeod Johnstone, Kia Silverbrook
  • PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CONFIGURED FOR BACKSIDE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
    Publication number: 20110018940
    Abstract: A printhead integrated circuit has a frontside comprising drive circuitry and inkjet nozzle assemblies, a backside for attachment to an ink supply manifold and ink supply channels providing fluid communication between the backside and the inkjet nozzle assemblies. The backside has a recessed portion for accommodating part of a connector film, which supplies power to the drive circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Rónán Pádraig Seán O'Reilly, David McLeod Johnstone, Kia Silverbrook
  • METHOD OF FABRICATING INKJET PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING BACKSIDE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
    Publication number: 20110020964
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an inkjet printhead assembly having backside electrical connections. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing printhead integrated circuits, each having a backside recessed edge portion and connectors extending through the integrated circuit, each connector having a head connected to frontside drive circuitry and a base in the recessed edge portion; (b) positioning a connection end of a connector film in the recessed edge portion; (c) connecting each film contact to the base of a corresponding connector; and (d) attaching the backside of each printhead integrated circuit together with the connector film to an ink supply manifold so as to provide the inkjet printhead assembly having backside electrical connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Rónán Pádraig Seán O'Reilly, David McLeod Johnstone, Kia Silverbrook
  • PRINTHEAD HAVING POLYSILSESQUIOXANE COATING ON INK EJECTION FACE
    Publication number: 20110018935
    Abstract: A printhead having an ink ejection face coated with a hydrophobic polymeric material. The polymeric material is comprised of a polysilsesquioxane, such as poly(methylsilsesquioxane) or poly(phenylsilsesquioxane). The printhead is compatible with various printhead maintenance operations requiring contact with the ink ejection face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Rónán Pádraig Seán O'Reilly, Emma Rose Kerr
  • PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED COMPRISING THROUGH-SILICON CONNECTORS
    Publication number: 20110018941
    Abstract: A printhead integrated circuit comprising a silicon substrate defining a frontside and a backside, inkjet nozzle assemblies positioned at the frontside, drive circuitry for supplying power to the inkjet nozzle assemblies and through-silicon connectors extending from the frontside towards the backside. The through-silicon connectors provides electrical connections between the drive circuitry and corresponding integrated circuit contacts. The integrated circuit contacts are positioned for connection to a backside-mounted connector film supplying power to the drive circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Rónán Pádraig Seán O'Reilly, David McLeod Johnstone, Kia Silverbrook
  • PRINTHEAD HAVING POLYMER INCORPORATING NANOPARTICLES COATED ON INK EJECTION FACE
    Publication number: 20110018936
    Abstract: A printhead having an ink ejection face, wherein at least part of the ink ejection face is coated with a polymeric material. The polymeric material is comprised of a polymerized siloxane incorporating nanoparticles. The printhead may be compatible with various printhead maintenance operations, ink characteristics and inkjet nozzle types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Rónán Pádraig Seán O'Reilly, Emma Rose Kerr