Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Woodard

Thomas R. Woodard 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).

  • Patent number: 5245365
    Abstract: An ink-jet type printer having a self-contained, unitary print-head and ink-supply cartridge which can be readily inserted or removed from the printer without requiring disconnection of or user-exposure to any part of the ink reservoir or ink delivery system. The large-capacity ink reservoir in the cartridge is separate from the ink delivery system and connected thereto by flexible hoses which allow the print-head to be moved independently from the ink supply. A drive gear for the print-head motion system, enclosed in the print-head and ink supply cartridge is partially exposed such that it engages a motor disposed within the printer housing when the cartridge is inserted into the printer housing. An elongated shutter mechanism in the cartridge opens during printing to expose the print-head to the printing surface. When the ink reservoir is exhausted, the cartridge is removed from the printer housing in a single motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Woodard, Mickey H. Everett
  • Patent number: 4911535
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a light source positioned behind a liquid crystal display, the output from the liquid crystal being projected onto a projection screen that has random polarization, thereby permitting a wide range of vision. The screen can be a part of the liquid crystal display by providing a frosted surface thereon which permits diffusion of the light emanating from the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas R. Woodard, George R. Hare, John A. Jeffries
  • Patent number: 4438320
    Abstract: A printhead configured to thermally print on thermally sensitive paper when traveling in either a forward or reverse direction across the paper. The substrate on which the thermal printhead is supported is especially configured to minimize drag between the printhead structure and the paper while traveling in either direction. As a result the travel dynamics of the printhead and the voltages required to insure uniform printing by the printhead are substantially independent of whether the printhead is traveling in a forward or reverse direction relative to the paper. The printhead may be mounted directly on a metallic substrate to increase heat dissipation and permit high speed printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas R. Woodard, Kenneth L. Martin