Abstract: An inkjet printing device is arranged to employ a first set of multiple nozzle drop generators activated by a first address signal and a second set of multiple nozzle drop generators activated by a second address signal. The multiple nozzles of each drop generator of the first set are arranged in a predetermined geometric pattern, each of which encompasses at least one nozzle of a drop generator of the second set. The ink ejectors of one drop generator of the first drop generator set are arranged in subgroups, one subgroup of which shares a switched power return with one subgroup of ink ejectors of one drop generator of the second drop generator set.

Abstract: Described herein is a monolithic printhead formed using integrated circuit techniques. Thin film layers, including ink ejection elements, are formed on a top surface of a silicon substrate. The various layers are etched to provide conductive leads to the ink ejection elements. At least one ink feed hole is formed through the thin film layers for each ink ejection chamber. In one embodiment, there are more ink feed holes than ink ejection chambers, so that more than one ink feed hole provides ink to each ink ejection chamber. A trench is etched in the bottom surface of the substrate so that ink can flow into the trench and into each ink ejection chamber through the ink feed holes formed in the thin film layers. An orifice layer is formed on the top surface of the thin film layers to define the nozzles and ink ejection chambers.

Abstract: An inkjet printing device is arranged to employ a first set of multiple nozzle drop generators activated by a first address signal and a second set of multiple nozzle drop generators activated by a second address signal. The multiple nozzles of each drop generator of the first set are arranged in a predetermined geometric pattern, each of which encompasses at least one nozzle of a drop generator of the second set. The ink ejectors of one drop generator of the first drop generator set are arranged in subgroups, one subgroup of which shares a switched power return with one subgroup of ink ejectors of one drop generator of the second drop generator set.

Abstract: A process for creating and an apparatus employing shaped orifices in a semiconductor substrate. A first layer of material is applied on the semiconductor substrate then a second layer of material is then applied upon the first layer of material. An orifice image is then transferred to the first layer of material and a fluid-well image is transferred to the second layer of material. That portion of the second layer of material where the orifice image is located is then developed along with that portion of the first layer of material where the fluid well is located to define an orifice in the substrate.

Abstract: A refill channel for multiple rows of nozzles is formed in a silicon die by thinning the die in the vicinity of the rows, then etching respective trenches within the thinned portion of the die. Monolithic architectures including such trenches are achieved for existing inkjet nozzle geometries having close row spacing.

Abstract: A monolithic inkjet printhead is formed using single-side fabrication processes. Printing elements and feed channels are formed by processes working from a top of the die. During formation of the printing elements filler material is applied to the feed channel. Such material is later removed by an anisotropic etch. Such etchant works from the top surface and a side edge of the substrate. The single-side fabrication process is distinguished from fabrication processes that work from a bottom of a die to form the feed channel and fill channels and work from a top of the die to form printing elements.

Abstract: A printhead used to eject fluid onto a recording medium has an integrated heat-sink which is used to cool the energy dissipation elements used to propel the fluid from the printhead. The printhead is comprised of a semiconductor substrate that has been processed with thin-film layers. On top of the thin-film layers is an orifice layer that has a pattern of orifices. Fluid feed channels, on the side of the printhead opposite the orifice, supply fluid to the pattern of orifices. Within the thin-film layers are energy dissipating elements which are used to transfer energy to the fluid thereby ejecting fluid from the orifice. The fluid is transferred to the orifice opening through fluid feed slots formed in the thin-film layer adjacent to the energy dissipation elements which is exposed in the fluid feed channel. An integrated heat-sink is attached to the energy dissipation elements to remove heat to the semiconductor substrate and the fluid supply in the fluid feed channel.

Abstract: An inkjet printer printhead utilizes a substrate, an orifice layer, and a directionally biased electrostrictive polymer ink actuator disposed between the orifice layer and the substrate to eject ink from the printhead.

Abstract: A printhead for ejecting fluid has a nozzle on a first surface and a fluid feed channel defined within a second surface. The printhead includes an aggregate of thin-film layers, a portion of which is exposed by the fluid feed channel. The aggregate of thin-film layers contains at least one energy dissipation element suspended over the fluid feed channel. A heat spreader is mesially interposed within the aggregate of thin-film layers. The heat spreader proximally abuts to the energy dissipation element and extends from the energy dissipation element to extend past the fluid feed channel definition. The heat spreader is capable of dissipating heat from the energy dissipation element to a portion of the first surface of the printhead.

Abstract: A bubble valve that comprises a liquid delivery channel and a localized heating arrangement. The liquid delivery channel includes an upstream portion and a constriction downstream of the upstream portion. The constriction has a smaller cross-sectional area than the upstream portion. The localized heating arrangement is located in the liquid delivery channel and generates heat to nucleate and enlarge a bubble in the liquid. The constriction is shaped to form a seal with the bubble. The localized heating arrangement additionally generates heat to move the bubble relative to the constriction to control the flow of the liquid. A pressure regulator that comprises a liquid delivery channel connected to a liquid outlet, a sensor located adjacent the liquid outlet, a controller that operates in response to the sensor and a localized heating arrangement. The liquid delivery channel includes an upstream portion, and a constriction located between the upstream portion and the liquid outlet.

Abstract: A refill channel for multiple rows of nozzles is formed in a silicon die by thinning the die in the vicinity of the rows, then etching respective trenches within the thinned portion of the die. Monolithic architectures including such trenches are achieved for existing inkjet nozzle geometries having close row spacing.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, a memory stores encoded image data, and command data is interpreted and converted into image data. The encoded image data stored in the memory is decoded and synthesized with the converted image data. The resulting synthesized image data is then encoded.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus in which image data is input, a generator generates area information and a processor processes the image data in accordance with the area information. The generator includes a first generator for generating the area information by using area data for each pixel having a predetermined size stored in a memory, and a second generator for generating the area information by use of a central processing unit (CPU) without using the area data stored in memory. A selector selects one of the area information generated by the first and second generators so that the processor can process the image data in accordance with one of the area information generated by the first and second generators.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image processing apparatus in which original image data are compressed by encoding to a smaller quantity, then the image processing is conducted in such compressed form, and thus processed data are released with a high resolving power and a satisfactory tonal rendition. In this manner highly advanced image processing can be achieved with a limited memory capacity.

Abstract: A three-color ink-jet cartridge has a conduit connecting an ink reservoir to a print head orifice. The conduit includes a standpipe which has a pair of internal longitudinal grooves to permit ink to flow past a trapped bubble in the standpipe thereby preventing ink leakage through the orifices when pressure changes cause the trapped bubble to expand. The conduit also includes a tube from the standpipe to the print head. Disposed longitudinally along the tube is a rib which enables capillary flow of ink around a bubble in the tube to prevent depriming of the print head.

Abstract: An image processing system, particularly for a color image, capable of various and precise image processings. For this purpose there are provided a memory for ordinary image processing, additional memories for expanding the memory capacity, and a system bus, an address bus and a high-speed transfer bus connecting these memories for enabling mutual data transfer and integrated use of said memories.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises an input device for inputting an image data, a first converter circuit for converting the input image signal to an analog image output and a second converter circuit for converting the input image data to a digital image output. The first converter circuit controls the analog image output in accordance with the output of the second converter circuit. The second converter circuit produces different digital signals in accordance with the input image data and has a threshold matrix to be compared with the input image data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is composed of an image memory comprising a plurality of memory elements, and a processor unit comprising a plurality of processor elements. By suitably engineering the arrangement of the image memory of memory elements, the arrangement of the processor unit of processor elements and the connections among the memory elements and processor elements, it is possible to realize, through a simple construction, high-speed image processing such as image density conversion, image color conversion, image masking, image spatial filtering, image enlargement, image reduction, image rotation, image compression, image extension and image color correction. Also provided are an image processing apparatus for a color image, composed of a plurality of image memories and a plurality of processor elements, and a generalized, multifunctional data parallel processing apparatus capable of processing a large volume of data at high speed.

Abstract: An image processor includes an image memory which stores compressed and coded image data representing an image, the compressed and coded image data includes first data representing the image with a low resolution and second data representing the image with a high resolution. A generating unit generates image data of the low resolution and image data of the high resolution, by decoding the compressed and coded image data stored in the image memory. Area data is provided representing a partial area of the image, the area data including first area data representing the partial area with the low resolution and second area data representing the partial area with the high resolution. A first processor processes the image data of the low resolution generated by the generating unit in accordance with the provided first area data of the low resolution.

Abstract: In order that ink leakage be reduced from a compressed foam storage ink container for an inkjet printer cartridge, at least one of the walls of the container is provided relief pockets having air spaces free of the compressed foam. At least one vent channel communicates between relief pockets and ambient air pressure to provide pressure equilibrium.