Patents by Inventor Sandra J. Smith

Sandra J. Smith 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).

  • Bottom fill inkjet cartridge through bubble generator
    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
  • Bottom fill inkjet cartridge through bubble generator
    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