Patents by Inventor Steven W. Bergstedt
Steven W. Bergstedt 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).
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Publication number: 20240131504Abstract: A fluid ejection head and a method of detecting the presence of fluid in an ejection chamber. The ejection head includes a semiconductor substrate having an elongate fluid supply via etched therethrough. An array of fluid ejectors is disposed adjacent to the fluid supply via, wherein the elongate fluid supply via provides fluid to the array of fluid ejectors for ejection of fluid from the ejection head. Fluid sense cells for the array of fluid ejectors are disposed at each end of the fluid supply via, wherein each of the fluid sense cells has a fluid ejector, an electrode disposed in a fluid chamber for the fluid ejector, and an electrode disposed in a fluid channel associated with a fluid chamber. A fluid detection circuit is provided in electrical communication with each of the fluid sense cells for detecting the presence or absence of fluid in the fluid chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2024Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Steven W. Bergstedt, Patricia A. Clore
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Patent number: 11896971Abstract: A fluid ejection head and a method of detecting the presence of fluid in an ejection chamber. The ejection head includes a semiconductor substrate having an elongate fluid supply via etched therethrough. An array of fluid ejectors is disposed adjacent to the fluid supply via, wherein the elongate fluid supply via provides fluid to the array of fluid ejectors for ejection of fluid from the ejection head. Fluid sense cells for the array of fluid ejectors are disposed at each end of the fluid supply via, wherein each of the fluid sense cells has a fluid ejector, an electrode disposed in a fluid chamber for the fluid ejector, and an electrode disposed in a fluid channel associated with a fluid chamber. A fluid detection circuit is provided in electrical communication with each of the fluid sense cells for detecting the presence or absence of fluid in the fluid chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Inventors: Steven W. Bergstedt, Patricia A. Clore
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Patent number: 11686696Abstract: A fluid dispensing system with a fluid cartridge having a fluid reservoir and an ejection head. The ejection head has fluid ejectors that are in fluid flow communication with the fluid reservoir. A fluid detection circuit is electrically connected to at least one of the fluid ejectors. The fluid detection circuit is configured to detect and characterize a fluid in the fluid ejector, where the fluid detection circuit characterizes the resistivity of the fluid by adjusting an ejector voltage of the at least one of the fluid ejectors.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Inventors: Steven W. Bergstedt, Patricia A. Clore
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Publication number: 20230077341Abstract: A fluid dispensing system with a fluid cartridge having a fluid reservoir and an ejection head. The ejection head has fluid ejectors that are in fluid flow communication with the fluid reservoir. A fluid detection circuit is electrically connected to at least one of the fluid ejectors. The fluid detection circuit is configured to detect and characterize a fluid in the fluid ejector, where the fluid detection circuit characterizes the resistivity of the fluid by adjusting an ejector voltage of the at least one of the fluid ejectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2021Publication date: March 16, 2023Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Steven W. Bergstedt, Patricia A. Clore
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Publication number: 20220297439Abstract: A fluid ejection head and a method of detecting the presence of fluid in an ejection chamber. The ejection head includes a semiconductor substrate having an elongate fluid supply via etched therethrough. An array of fluid ejectors is disposed adjacent to the fluid supply via, wherein the elongate fluid supply via provides fluid to the array of fluid ejectors for ejection of fluid from the ejection head. Fluid sense cells for the array of fluid ejectors are disposed at each end of the fluid supply via, wherein each of the fluid sense cells has a fluid ejector, an electrode disposed in a fluid chamber for the fluid ejector, and an electrode disposed in a fluid channel associated with a fluid chamber. A fluid detection circuit is provided in electrical communication with each of the fluid sense cells for detecting the presence or absence of fluid in the fluid chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2021Publication date: September 22, 2022Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Steven W. BERGSTEDT, Patricia A. CLORE
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Patent number: 10208739Abstract: A microfluidic pump with thermal control. The microfluidic pump employs a fluid motivation mechanism that moves microscopic fluid volumes through a conduit using thermal vapor bubbles generated using supercritical heating. Aspects of the microfluidic pump include the use of a pump temperature controller that monitors temperatures associated with the microfluidic pump and slows or pauses operation of the microfluidic pump to reduce the rate at which heat is generated allowing additional time for heat to be passively dissipated. Controlling the upper microfluidic pump temperature prevents or reduces overheating of the fluid being pumped that renders the fluid less suitable or unsuitable for its intended purpose or harm to the microfluidic pump. Other aspects of the pump temperature controller include an optional substrate heater that helps raise the fluid temperature to a selected operational range for better performance of the fluid and/or the microfluidic pump.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Steven W. Bergstedt
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Patent number: 9989049Abstract: A microfluidic pump on a monolithic chip. A closed length of channel is disposed on the chip, with a plurality of energizers disposed along the length of the channel. Each energizer is associated with a unique energizer designation. An onboard controller and energizer fire control lines are also disposed on the chip. One each of the energizer fire control lines is electrically connecting one each of the energizers to the onboard controller. Inputs are electrically connected to the onboard controller, for connecting the onboard controller to an external controller that is not disposed on the chip. The inputs include a power input, a ground input, and an enable input.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Steven W. Bergstedt
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Publication number: 20170191473Abstract: A microfluidic pump with thermal control. The microfluidic pump employs a fluid motivation mechanism that moves microscopic fluid volumes through a conduit using thermal vapor bubbles generated using supercritical heating. Aspects of the microfluidic pump include the use of a pump temperature controller that monitors temperatures associated with the microfluidic pump and slows or pauses operation of the microfluidic pump to reduce the rate at which heat is generated allowing additional time for heat to be passively dissipated. Controlling the upper microfluidic pump temperature prevents or reduces overheating of the fluid being pumped that renders the fluid less suitable or unsuitable for its intended purpose or harm to the microfluidic pump. Other aspects of the pump temperature controller include an optional substrate heater that helps raise the fluid temperature to a selected operational range for better performance of the fluid and/or the microfluidic pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2016Publication date: July 6, 2017Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Steven W. Bergstedt
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Publication number: 20170167481Abstract: A microfluidic pump on a monolithic chip. A closed length of channel is disposed on the chip, with a plurality of energizers disposed along the length of the channel. Each energizer is associated with a unique energizer designation. An onboard controller and energizer fire control lines are also disposed on the chip. One each of the energizer fire control lines is electrically connecting one each of the energizers to the onboard controller. Inputs are electrically connected to the onboard controller, for connecting the onboard controller to an external controller that is not disposed on the chip. The inputs include a power input, a ground input, and an enable input.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2015Publication date: June 15, 2017Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Steven W. Bergstedt
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Patent number: 9533302Abstract: A fluid cartridge has a bottle to retain a volume of fluid. An ejector chip resides in fluid communication with the bottle and causes ejection of fluid upon activation of fluid ejectors. Control logic coordinates ejector activation with dose control logic and temperature control circuitry. The dose control logic pre-specifies an amount of fluid to be ejected and prevents further ejection upon reaching the amount. Meanwhile, the temperature control circuit inhibits any ejection until a temperature of the fluid is within a predefined acceptable range. Bottle modularity, fluid dispense-areas and group-control of the ejectors facilitate certain designs.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: John Glenn Edelen, James Daniel Anderson, Jr., Steven W. Bergstedt, Yimin Guan
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Patent number: 9387478Abstract: A micro-fluidic device includes a plurality of heaters on a substrate for heating the substrate. The plurality of heaters define a plurality of temperature regions having distinct temperatures on the substrate. A flow feature layer is formed above the substrate to define a channel extending across the substrate through each temperature region. As fluid is repeatedly pumped within the channel, it flows from one temperature region to a next temperature region to undergo thermal cycling.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Steven W Bergstedt, Stephen J DeMoor, Yimin Guan
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Patent number: 9364833Abstract: A chip having a substrate for amplifying genetic material includes a substrate heater having a plurality of substrate heating resistors. The heating resistors define a first temperature zone for maintaining a first temperature, a second temperature zone for maintaining a second temperature below the first temperature, and a third temperature zone for maintaining a third temperature between the first and second temperatures, on the substrate. A flow path formed on the substrate allows conveying of reactions to the first temperature zone, the third temperature zone, and the second temperature zone so as to undergo denaturing, annealing, and extension, respectively, according to a polymerase chain reaction process, for at least one cycle.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Steven W Bergstedt, Stephen J DeMoor, Yimin Guan
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Publication number: 20140051159Abstract: A chip having a substrate for amplifying genetic material includes a substrate heater having a plurality of substrate heating resistors. The heating resistors define a first temperature zone for maintaining a first temperature, a second temperature zone for maintaining a second temperature below the first temperature, and a third temperature zone for maintaining a third temperature between the first and second temperatures, on the substrate. A flow path formed on the substrate allows conveying of reactions to the first temperature zone, the third temperature zone, and the second temperature zone so as to undergo denaturing, annealing, and extension, respectively, according to a polymerase chain reaction process, for at least one cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Steven W. Bergstedt, Stephen J. DeMoor, Yimin Guan
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Publication number: 20140051161Abstract: A micro-fluidic device includes a plurality of heaters on a substrate for heating the substrate. The plurality of heaters define a plurality of temperature regions having distinct temperatures on the substrate. A flow feature layer is formed above the substrate to define a channel extending across the substrate through each temperature region. As fluid is repeatedly pumped within the channel, it flows from one temperature region to a next temperature region to undergo thermal cycling.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Steven W. Bergstedt, Stephen J. DeMoor, Yimin Guan
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Publication number: 20130236374Abstract: A fluid cartridge has a bottle to retain a volume of fluid. An ejector chip resides in fluid communication with the bottle and causes ejection of fluid upon activation of fluid ejectors. Control logic coordinates ejector activation with dose control logic and temperature control circuitry. The dose control logic pre-specifies an amount of fluid to be ejected and prevents further ejection upon reaching the amount. Meanwhile, the temperature control circuit inhibits any ejection until a temperature of the fluid is within a predefined acceptable range. Bottle modularity, fluid dispense-areas and group-control of the ejectors facilitate certain designs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventors: JOHN GLENN EDELEN, James Daniel Anderson, JR., Steven W. Bergstedt, Yimin Guan
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Patent number: 7901021Abstract: A printing apparatus is provided that precisely control the transition of an electrical signal that causes a printing substance to be deposited. In particular, in some embodiments, a circuit is configured to control the application of a firing pulse to a printing element, and the printing element is configured to control the application of a printing substance. The circuit in this embodiment is configured to condition or control the transition of the firing pulse from the first state to the second state such that current through the printing element dissipates to zero over a period of time that is neither too fast nor too slow.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Steven W. Bergstedt, Jason K. Young
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Patent number: 7661784Abstract: A printing apparatus is provided that precisely control the transition of an electrical signal that causes a printing substance to be deposited. In particular, in some embodiments, a circuit is configured to control the application of a firing pulse to a printing element, and the printing element is configured to control the application of a printing substance. The circuit in this embodiment is configured to condition or control the transition of the firing pulse from the first state to the second state such that current through the printing element dissipates to zero over a period of tine that is neither too fast nor too slow.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Steven W. Bergstedt, Jason K. Young
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Patent number: 7635174Abstract: Test circuits on heater chips for testing a heater circuit having a heater element and a first power device. The test circuit can include a second power device, a test device configured to hold the first power device off and the second power device on for a selected heater circuit when the test device receives a signal to activate the test circuit, and a common test output to transmit a signal indicative of a state of the selected heater circuit. Methods for using the same are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Steven W. Bergstedt, John G. Edelen, Paul W. Graf, David G. King, Robert E. Miller, Jr., George K. Parish, Kristi M. Rowe
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Publication number: 20090096824Abstract: A printing apparatus is provided that precisely control the transition of an electrical signal that causes a printing substance to be deposited. In particular, in some embodiments, a circuit is configured to control the application of a firing pulse to a printing element, and the printing element is configured to control the application of a printing substance. The circuit in this embodiment is co figured to condition or control the transition of the firing pulse from the first state to the second state such that current through the printing element dissipates to zero over a period of tine that is neither too fast nor too slow.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Steven W. Bergstedt, Jason K. Young
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Patent number: 7367640Abstract: A printing apparatus and related methods are provided that precisely control the transition of an electrical signal that causes a printing substance to be deposited. In particular, in some embodiments, a circuit is configured to control the application of a firing pulse to a printing element, and the printing element is configured to control the application of a printing substance. The circuit in this embodiment is configured to condition or control the transition of the firing pulse from the first state to the second state such that current through the printing element dissipates to zero over a period of time that is neither too fast nor too slow.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Steven W. Bergstedt, Jason K. Young