Abstract: A drop generator includes a pressure chamber and a flexible diaphragm plate disposed on the chamber and forming a wall of the pressure chamber. A piezoelectric transducer having a bottom surface is attached to the diaphragm plate. The diaphragm plate includes a recess that forms a perimeter around the bottom surface of the transducer that partially underlies at least one edge of the bottom surface. An inlet channel is connected to the pressure chamber and configured to direct ink to the pressure chamber from a manifold. An outlet channel is connected to the pressure chamber to receive ink from the pressure chamber and has a channel axis that is perpendicular to the diaphragm plate. The outlet channel includes a first outlet channel section and a second outlet channel section. The first outlet channel section includes a plurality of subsections having alternating diameters. The second outlet channel section includes an aperture disposed at an end thereof.

Abstract: A drop generator includes a pressure chamber and a flexible diaphragm plate disposed on the chamber and forming a wall of the pressure chamber. A piezoelectric transducer having a bottom surface is attached to the diaphragm plate. The diaphragm plate includes a recess that forms a perimeter around the bottom surface of the transducer that partially underlies at least one edge of the bottom surface. An inlet channel is connected to the pressure chamber and configured to direct ink to the pressure chamber from a manifold. An outlet channel is connected to the pressure chamber to receive ink from the pressure chamber and has a channel axis that is perpendicular to the diaphragm plate. The outlet channel includes a first outlet channel section and a second outlet channel section. The first outlet channel section includes a plurality of subsections having alternating diameters. The second outlet channel section includes an aperture disposed at an end thereof.

Abstract: A drop emitting device that includes a drop generator, a drive signal including a plurality of fire intervals applied to the drop generator, wherein the drive signal includes in each fire interval a bi-polar drop firing waveform or a non-firing waveform.

Abstract: A method for assembling a micro-fluidic device better preserves the integrity of a filter in a filter layer and simplifies the bonding of the filter layer to the channel layers on each side of the filter layer. The method includes aligning a polymer layer having a plurality of filter elements and a plurality of fluid passages arranged between the filter elements between two substrates of a micro-fluidic device, and bonding the polymer layer between the two substrates to seal an area between the filter elements and the fluid passages to enable fluid flow through the filter elements to be segregated from fluid flow through the fluid passages.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a session file and session file editor with main window and one or more document windows and annotation window and divide/merge and scramble/unscramble features. The session file may include text, audio, image, and other bounded divisions with source data divided into segments or other bounded divisions and other bounded divisions associated to original data. The session file may be derived from processing third-party application output. The session file editor displays text and other content, provides text selection capability and plays back audio of session files with audio-linked text as embedded content, and supports entry of text and password-protected document lock/unlock. The session file editor supports selection of a parent session file and divide, scramble, or merge of bounded divisions to create one or more child session files that may be processed at one or more nodes to create one or more processed child session files.

Abstract: Zero-coupon swap indices are provided for tracking characteristics of nominal, inflation-linked liabilities and other aspects of swaps. A zero-coupon nominal swap index is based on a portfolio of assets consisting of a cash investment at a reference rate combined with a zero-coupon swap, where periodic payments can be exchanged for a single fixed cash flow at maturity. A zero-coupon inflation swap index is based on a portfolio of investments in a zero-coupon inflation swap, a zero-coupon nominal swap and cash invested at a reference rate. Periodic payments on the cash investment can be exchanged, in a zero-coupon nominal swap transaction, for a single fixed payment at maturity.

Abstract: Rotary switches, and in particular riser-style commutators, are detailed together with featured strips from which they are made. Segments formed from the strips may include anchor notches and slots for receiving reinforcing rings. The structure of the strip additionally permits electrical isolation of adjacent riser segments to occur through its coining rather than through slotting.

Abstract: A method of promoting pet care, by providing an insurance policy for the pet. Typically the insurance policy is for the health of the pet. A kit is provided to the caretaker of the pet. The kit contains a policy which provides a variable period of insurance care for the pet. At least some portion of the variable period of the insurance care is paid for by a third party. Typically, the third party seeks to promote its products in concert with the insurance to the caretaker. The caretaker may purchase future variable periods of the insurance policy or other products, if any, provided in the kit. Other products included in the kit may comprise food/medicine judged to be beneficial to the health of the pet, a pet tracking system, and/or a geofencing system.

Abstract: Rotary switches, and in particular riser-style commutators, are detailed together with featured strips from which they are made. Segments formed from the strips may include anchor notches and slots for receiving reinforcing rings. The structure of the strip additionally permits electrical isolation of adjacent riser segments to occur through its coining rather than through slotting.

Abstract: A track tensioning system for a tracked vehicle having both a frame with left and right side members as well as left and right tracks that are both configured to translate along the ground to move the vehicle includes left and right wheel plates located substantially adjacent to a respective side member. Left and right wheels are coupled to the respective left and right wheel plates. The left and right wheels are coupled to the left and right tracks and rotate on a rotational axis so that, as the tracks translate along the ground, both wheels rotate with the tracks. For providing track tensioning to the tracks, each wheel plate pivots against the respective side member of the frame on a pivot axis that is displaced form the rotational axis. The left and right wheel plates may pivot in substantially parallel pivot planes. The substantially parallel pivot planes may be vertical. The left wheel plate may pivot around a left pivot axis and the right pivot plate may pivot around a right pivot axis.

Abstract: A track tensioning system for a tracked vehicle having left and right tracks includes a biasing system for simultaneously providing track tensioning to both tracks by biasing each track through a track-tensioning arc. The biasing system may include a linear force-generating system for generating a track-tensioning force. The linear force-generating system may for example be a spring or a piston and cylinder assembly. The biasing system may also include a pivoting rocker arm assembly for transmitting the track-tensioning force from the linear force-generating system to the tracks.