Abstract: Aerosol emissions within an inkjet printer are reduced. A printhead of the inkjet printer is fired using a first set of firing conditions when firing conditions are critical for printing performance. When firing conditions are not critical for printing performance, the printhead is fired using a second set of firing conditions. The second set of firing conditions is optimized to provide reduction of aerosol jets.

Abstract: To form a wireless network, a network invitation signal is broadcast to potential members of the wireless network that are within a range of the wireless network. Upon a potential member of the wireless network responding affirmatively to join the wireless network, identification information is obtained from the potential member. The potential member is then included within the wireless network.

Abstract: The present invention provides ink-jet inks, systems, and methods for marking documents as original. Specifically, an aqueous ink-jet ink can comprise an ink vehicle; and a sufficient amount of particulates having directionally dependent light reflective properties within the ink vehicle such that when the ink-jet ink is substantially dried on a desired substrate, a multi-colored reflected light is emittable in the presence of a light source. Printing documents as original can be carried out for compensation, as a service, or by providing cartridges containing these inks to clients and/or customers.

Abstract: Aerosol emissions within an inkjet printer are reduced. A printhead of the inkjet printer is fired using a first set of firing conditions when firing conditions are critical for printing performance. When firing conditions are not critical for printing performance, the printhead is fired using a second set of firing conditions. The second set of firing conditions is optimized to provide reduction of aerosol jets.

Abstract: The present invention provides ink-jet inks, systems, and methods for marking documents as original. Specifically, an aqueous ink-jet ink can comprise an ink vehicle; and a sufficient amount of particulates having directionally dependent light reflective properties within the ink vehicle such that when the ink-jet ink is substantially dried on a desired substrate, a multi-colored reflected light is emittable in the presence of a light source. Printing documents as original can be carried out for compensation, as a service, or by providing cartridges containing these inks to clients and/or customers.

Abstract: To form a wireless network, a network invitation signal is broadcast to potential members of the wireless network that are within a range of the wireless network. Upon a potential member of the wireless network responding affirmatively to join the wireless network, identification information is obtained from the potential member. The potential member is then included within the wireless network.

Abstract: A single mask is used to form a tapered nozzle in a polymer nozzle member using laser ablation. In one embodiment of the mask, clear portions of the mask, corresponding to the nozzle pattern to be formed, each incorporate a variable-density dot pattern, where the opaque dots act to partially shield the underlying polymer nozzle member from the laser energy. This partial shielding of the nozzle member under the dot pattern results in the nozzle member being ablated to less of a depth than where there is no shielding. By selecting the proper density of opaque dots around the peripheral portions of the mask openings, the central portion of each nozzle formed in the polymer nozzle member will be completely ablated through, and the peripheral portions of the nozzle will be only partially ablated through. By increasing the density of dots toward the periphery of each mask opening, the resulting nozzle may be formed to have any tapered shape. Other mask patterns are also described.

Abstract: A single mask is used to form a tapered nozzle in a polymer nozzle member using laser ablation. In one embodiment of the mask, clear portions of the mask, corresponding to the nozzle pattern to be formed, each incorporate a variable-density dot pattern, where the opaque dots act to partially shield the underlying polymer nozzle member from the laser energy. This partial shielding of the nozzle member under the dot pattern results in the nozzle member being ablated to less of a depth than where there is no shielding. By selecting the proper density of opaque dots around the peripheral portions of the mask openings, the central portion of each nozzle formed in the polymer nozzle member will be completely ablated through, and the peripheral portions of the nozzle will be only partially ablated through. By increasing the density of dots toward the periphery of each mask opening, the resulting nozzle may be formed to have any tapered shape. Other mask patterns are also described.

Abstract: A thermal ink jet print device having a phase change material, a solid or fluid, disposed in heat exchange proximity to the thermal ink jet printhead to absorb printhead heat energy by changing physical state at a printhead temperature below that at which unacceptable printing takes place and at a rate commensurate with the rate of heat energy input.

Abstract: A flexible interconnect circuit having at least two connected components within its periphery is formed with electrically conductive traces on a nonconductive plastic support. The components are interconnected to each other, and to external locations, with the interconnect circuit. As part of the manufacturing process, the conductive traces are typically electroplated with gold. The traces must be contacted as electrodes during electrodeposition, and the contacting is done using bus connectors along the periphery of the support. Isolated traces, not contacting the periphery and typically extending only between the components within the periphery, are contacted by providing removable bus connectors on the nonconductive support. When plating is complete, the removable bus connectors are removed, preferably by die cutting away those portions of the support having the unneeded bus connectors.

Abstract: A carriage for a scanning ink jet plotter has at least two roller supports which ride on the platen or on the drafting surface to maintain a constant spacing between an ink jet mounted on the carriage and the drafting surface to improve resolution of the plotted lines. A biasing spring may also be used the urge the roller supports into contact with the drafting surface for further enhanced resolution.

Abstract: A carriage (66) of an ink jet printer (60) mounts multiple print heads (10) in a non-colinear arrangement. Preferably, the carriage (66) provides four print head pockets (80) disposed at the corners of a rectangle, each of which pockets (80) receives one of the print heads (10). The print heads (10) are precisely located in the pockets (80), and two print heads (10) pass over alternating swaths of the printing medium during each traverse of the carriage (66). Each print head (10) ejects one or more colors in a pattern of dots during each pass.