Abstract: Method and Apparatus for Reducing Ink Foaming in a Continuous Inkjet Printer The invention provides a method of and apparatus for reducing foam formation in the returned ink in a continuous inkjet printer. The returned ink is subjected to deceleration and is reduced in pressure, preferably by being directed into a sub-chamber which reverses the direction of flow and provides an elevated edge over which the ink overflows. The de-aeration facility is preferably incorporated in an ink service module.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling the pressure applied to a substrate being printed by a thermal transfer printing head. The head displacement facility includes a resilient member such as a spring which undergoes deflection as the print head engages the substrate. The method comprises monitoring both print head position and spring deflection to control the pressure applied by the print head.

Abstract: The invention describes a gutter for incorporation in the print head of a continuous inkjet printer. The gutter, which is preferably provided with a slot entrance, is configured to reflect ink droplets which pass into the gutter off the gutter walls and towards the exit passage of the gutter. This arrangement allows the gutter to perform extremely well even when there is significant mis-alignment of the drop generator with the gutter.

Abstract: A femtocell is integrated into a core network so as to securely and efficiently deliver one or more mobile services to an end user on an existing mobile device over a broadband connection. This integration can be into a basic Internet Protocol (IP)-based network, or an IMS-based network. In an illustrated embodiment, a femtocell is integrated to a SIP- or IMS-based network using a “convergence” server. The convergence server preferably is a SIP-based fixed mobile convergence (FMC) application server that provides an all-IP approach to core network integration for femtocells.

Abstract: The invention describes a nozzle for a continuous inkjet printer which is moulded from a fluidised sapphire material such as polycrystalline sapphire. Colour pigments may be added to the fluidised material so that nozzles of a particular size may be distinguished by colour.

Abstract: The present invention provides a droplet generator (10) of the velocity modulation type, the generator (10) being configured so that substantially all the modulation energy generated by piezo-electric crystals (60) is transformed into vibration of the nozzle (34). The generator preferably also includes an internal closure mechanism (70) which blocks off the nozzle (34) when the generator is not in operation, but which is de-coupled from the modulation process when the generator is operating.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement (36) for sealing a leakage gap between relatively moveable parts in a flow path between a region of high pressure (A) and a region of low pressure (B). The sealing arrangement comprises an annular sealing land (52) having a radially inner surface (54) and a radially outer surface (56) projecting from one of the said moveable parts and at least two brush seal elements (40,42). The brush seal elements (40,42) comprise a mass of bristles arranged in an annular shape, one end of the bristles being fixed (48), the other being free (46). The bristles are packed together in a layer and positioned one side of a backing member (44). At least one brush seal element is provided on the radially inner surface (54) of the sealing land and at least one brush seal element is provided on the radially outer surface (56) of the sealing land (52).

Abstract: A method for reconfiguring a ring of nodes connected by a working fiber and a protection fiber upon disruption of the signal in either the working fiber or the protection fiber includes signaling the other nodes. Each node determines whether it is a node adjacent to the disruption. Those nodes that are not adjacent to the disruption undergo no change in their operation. A receiving node adjacent to the disruption forms a bridge isolating the disruption and sends an acknowledgement signal back to a signaling node. Upon receipt of the acknowledgement signal, the signaling node also forms a bridge. This results in the isolation of that portion of the ring having a disruption and the formation of a new ring.

Abstract: A ring is configured that has multiple nodes connected by first and second channels. A distributing filter is provided that is configured to direct a first type of data to the first channel in the ring and a second type of data to the second channel in the ring. A fault is detected on at least one of the first and second channels in the ring. The distributing filter is adjusted to redirect data in the ring to avoid the fault.