Patents by Inventor Kevin D. Almen

Kevin D. Almen 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: 20030202063
    Abstract: Disclosed are mechanisms and methods for venting the fluid interconnect port of fluid container that is at least partially filled with a capillary material. Preferred embodiments include venting a fluid container to ambient air with a vent located on the upper portion of the container; internally venting the container to channel air from the ambient air vent to an internal location adjacent to the fluid interconnect port; and then restrictedly venting the fluid port. Preferred embodiments also include positioning the restricted venting away from the bulk of the capillary material in the fluid container, and providing a capillary break and capillary accumulator adjacent to the fluid interconnect port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony D. Studer, Kevin D. Almen, David J. Benson
  • Publication number: 20030025774
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise geometric features in the fluid interconnect region of an ink container which inhibit residual ink from contacting a removable seal on the container or the fingers and clothing of the container installer. The features comprise a fluid accumulator and capillary break.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Benson, Kevin D. Almen, Michael S. Ardito, Ralph W. Kinser
  • Patent number: 6139137
    Abstract: A disposable/refillable inkjet cartridge with bubble generator and an adhesively attached bubble generator vent cover. The cartridge is filed through a bubble generator opening in the cartridge bottom eliminating a separate filling orifice and easing the priming operation. The vent cover is adhesively attached making removal for refilling easier and avoiding suspected problems related to welding flash in welded vent covers. The bubble generator includes a tapered opening which receives a ball. The ball contacts ribs extending longitudinally along a tapered portion of the opening. The ribs are spaced over an arc of the opening. A bubble forms as needed between the ball and opening to maintain back pressure. The ribs and taper produce more consistent bubble pressures. A single piece of tape over the bubble generator and printhead nozzles avoids common causes for depriming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Ralph L. Stathem, John B. R. Dunn, Sandra J. Smith, Christopher P. Murschel, Lowell R. McDaniel, David L. Erickson, Kevin D. Almen, Peter R. Stokes, Wayne J. Traina
  • Patent number: 5933175
    Abstract: A disposable/refillable inkjet cartridge with bubble generator and an adhesively attached bubble generator vent cover. The cartridge is filed through a bubble generator opening in the cartridge bottom eliminating a separate filling orifice and easing the priming operation. The vent cover is adhesively attached making removal for refilling easier and avoiding suspected problems related to welding flash in welded vent covers. The bubble generator includes a tapered opening which receives a ball. The ball contacts ribs extending longitudinally along a tapered portion of the opening. The ribs are spaced over an arc of the opening. A bubble forms as needed between the ball and opening to maintain back pressure. The ribs and taper produce more consistent bubble pressures. A single piece of tape over the bubble generator and printhead nozzles avoids common causes for depriming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Ralph L. Stathem, John B. R. Dunn, Sandra J. Smith, Christopher P. Murschel, Lowell R. McDaniel, David L. Erickson, Kevin D. Almen, Peter R. Stokes, Wayne J. Traina