Abstract: An ink level sensing device and associated method. The ink level sensing device includes a near infrared illumination source that emits near infrared light, and a container configured to accommodate a supply of ink containing light absorption material. The device further includes a protruding chamber adjacent to the container. The protruding chamber is configured to accommodate a portion of the supply of ink accommodated by the container. The device also includes a sensor that is configured to receive a signal based on an amount of the light that passes through the protruding chamber. The method includes emitting a light from a near infrared illumination source and directing the light toward a protruding chamber of the ink supply. The method further includes sensing an amount of the light that passes through the protruding chamber in the ink supply.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention involve modifying non-volatile data fields in the integral memory components of consumable cartridges (and, in some embodiments, data fields in the utilizing device memory) such that the consumable cartridges become compatible with only a small subset of utilizing devices, thereby substantially reducing their potential value to a thief or unauthorized borrower.

Abstract: A pen adapter is configured, in one example, to include a body having an internal surface defining a set of negative datum features configured to interlock with a first set of positive datum features. An external surface of the pen adapter is configured to define a second set of positive datum features.

Abstract: A solid freeform fabrication system including a three-dimensional fabricator with a plurality of pens and a controller configured to evaluate pen information and to control the pens to reduce a temperature of the pens.

Abstract: A method for aligning multiple nozzle members in a solid free form build unit is disclosed. A geometric test shape having at least one investigational topographic region projecting outward from a central base is formed and analyzed for at least one physical characteristic correlative with nozzle member targeting accuracy. The physical characteristic is at least one of color hue shift, surface pattern irregularity, and dimensional accuracy.

Abstract: A method for improving color quality in an object created by a solid freeform fabrication system keeps a colorant in an ejected material near a surface of the object.

Abstract: A solid freeform fabrication system including a three-dimensional fabricator with a plurality of pens and a controller configured to evaluate pen information and to control the pens to reduce a temperature of the pens.

Abstract: A method of producing an object through solid freeform fabrication includes varying a concentration of ejected material applied to form a particular object layer.

Abstract: A method for aligning multiple nozzle members in a solid free form build unit in which a geometric test shape at least one investigational topographic region projecting outward from a central base is formed and analyzed for at lest one physical characteristic correlative with nozzle member targeting accuracy.

Abstract: A swath printer and printing method using multiple printmodes per swath to improve printing time for print data that contains a mix of monochrome regions such as text, and color regions such as photographic images. Monochrome regions typically can be printed with a given print quality level using a fewer number of scans or passes over the area than can color regions. Throughput can be improved by identifying color and monochrome regions of each swath, and switching printmodes when printing these different areas of the swath. Because reversing direction at region boundaries in the middle of a swath can adversely affect printing throughput, the ratio of the size of monochrome regions to color regions is analyzed to ensure that throughput will be improved before enabling multiple printmode per swath mode. A number of different combinations of monochrome printmodes and color printmodes can be advantageously implemented.

Abstract: The gauging method generally follows a drop count approach to ink level gauging while making more precise the relationship between the expelled-drop count and the weight of ink actually expelled, thereby to provide more accurate ink level gauging. The printhead temperature is monitored as each swath of an image is printed. Moreover, temperature variations that occur within each swath are noted so that the corresponding intra-swath variations in drop weight are factored into the calculation of a net ink drop weight that more closely approximates the drop weight actually ejected. The method also factors in the effect that printing frequency has on drop weight.

Abstract: A print cartridge having a plurality of ink drop generators for ejecting droplets of ink on a print media, the print cartridge having a plurality of operating frequencies, including lower stable operating frequencies, higher stable operating frequencies and substantially less stable operating frequencies between the lower and higher stable operating frequencies. The plurality of operating frequencies being expressed as Fmax/n, where n is an integer, where the print cartridge is not operated for values of n which represent the substantially less stable operating frequencies. A supply of ink is in fluid communication with the plurality of ink drop generators.

Abstract: An inkjet printer uses a printhead that passes repeatedly across a print medium in individual swaths. The printhead has individual nozzles that are fired repeatedly during each printhead swath to apply an ink pattern to the print medium. Before any given swath, the printer analyzes factors that might require a reduction in print density. Anticipated printhead temperature is one factor that might require a reduction in print density. The printer monitors the print density and peak printhead temperature during each printhead swath. It then uses these values to calculate, prior to each new swath, a maximum permissible print density. If a reduction in print density is required, the printer temporarily disables selected nozzles to produce a reduced-height swath rather than pausing between swaths or reducing the printhead velocity relative to the page.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an optimum print density for an ink jet printer uses characteristics of a printer and its peripheral components such as an ink jet printhead, and an ink supply unit to reach an optimum print density. The ink jet printer receives a print command from a computer. The printer reads an ink drop volume parameter from a printhead memory device on the ink jet printhead and stores this parameter in a printer memory device on the ink jet printer. The processor in the printer determines an ink density compensation value for the ink jet printhead based on the ink drop volume parameter. The processor on the ink jet printer applies the ink density compensation value to the print command, thereby creating a depleted print command. Finally, the depleted print command is printed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coin counter for use with a coin handling apparatus for receiving coins at a first location and discharging the coins at a second location through a coin discharge slot remote from the first location. The coin handling apparatus includes a coin transport channel extending from the first location to the second location and dimensioned so that coins can move therein in a single, edge-to-edge file. The channel terminates at the coin discharge slot at the second location. A sensor is located proximate to the coin discharge slot for sensing the passage of each coin as it leaves the channel through the coin discharge slot. A counter means is coupled with the sensor for counting the total number of coins passing through the coin discharge slot.

Abstract: A fluid control valve unit particularly suited to be used as an air control valve in an overhead passenger service unit for aircraft, buses, trains and the like. This valve unit includes a non-rotatable and axially movable closure member which moves in response to rotation of an axially non-movable actuator member supported in a universally pivotable and tiltable housing. This valve has relatively few component parts and is thus easy to manufacture and assemble. A helical groove on the actuator member cooperates in a cam-like manner with a projection on the closure member to create the desired translation.