Patents by Inventor William T. Vetterling
William T. Vetterling 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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Patent number: 11548308Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a printing system, and more specifically to an ordering of color-forming layers in a direct thermal printing medium. The present invention provides a direct thermal print medium with an ordering of the color layers that improves the perceived image sharpness and color uniformity of prints.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2019Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: ZINK HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Brian D. Busch, Chien Liu, Suhail S. Saquib, Stephen J. Telfer, William T. Vetterling
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Publication number: 20210402818Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a printing system, and more specifically to an ordering of color-forming layers in a direct thermal printing medium. The present invention provides a direct thermal print medium with an ordering of the color layers that improves the perceived image sharpness and color uniformity of prints.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2019Publication date: December 30, 2021Inventors: Brian D. Busch, Chien Liu, Suhail S. Saquib, Stephen J. Telfer, William T. Vetterling
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Patent number: 10994371Abstract: A system and method depositing metal to form a three-dimensional (3D) part on a substrate. A wire is moved relative to a location on the substrate while a laser heats a proximal end of the wire at the location using a laser beam. The laser causes the wire and substrate to reach a melting point of the wire to fuse the wire at the location on the substrate. The wire can be preheated by passing a current through the wire.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2016Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: William S Yerazunis, John C Barnwell, III, William T Vetterling
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Publication number: 20170239753Abstract: A system and method depositing metal to form a three-dimensional (3D) part on a substrate. A wire is moved relative to a location on the substrate while a laser heats a proximal end of the wire at the location using a laser beam. The laser causes the wire and substrate to reach a melting point of the wire to fuse the wire at the location on the substrate. The wire can be preheated by passing a current through the wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2016Publication date: August 24, 2017Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: William S. Yerazunis, John C. Barnwell, III, William T. Vetterling
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Publication number: 20140187418Abstract: A multicolor direct thermal imaging method wherein a multicolor image is formed in a thermal imaging member comprising at least first and second different image-forming compositions and a thermal printer for use in practicing the method. Heat is applied to at least the second image-forming composition while the first image-forming composition is at a first baseline temperature (T1) to form an image in at least the second image-forming composition, and heat is applied to at least the first image-forming composition while it is at a second baseline temperature (T2) to form an image in at least the first image-forming composition, wherein T1 is different from T2.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: Zink Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Busch, Fariza B. Hasan, Chien Liu, Stephen J. Telfer, William T. Vetterling
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Patent number: 8610750Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is disclosed a multicolor thermal imaging system wherein different heating elements on a thermal print head can print on different color-forming layers of a multicolor thermal imaging member in a single pass. The line-printing time is divided into portions, each of which is divided into a plurality of subintervals. All of the pulses within the portions have the same energy. In one embodiment, every pulse has the same amplitude and duration. Different colors are selected for printing during the different portions by varying the fraction of subintervals that contain pulses. This technique allows multiple colors to be printed using a thermal print head with a single strobe signal line. Pulsing patterns may be chosen to reduce the coincidence of pulses provided to multiple print head elements, thereby reducing the peak power requirements of the print head.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Zink Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Chien Liu, William T. Vetterling
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Publication number: 20130303670Abstract: Multicolor thermal imaging members are described that comprise color-forming layers that are separated by thermally-insulating layers and can be addressed with a thermal printing head in contact with a surface to form an image. The thermally-insulating layers are designed to be as thin as possible consistent with at least partially independent addressing of the color-forming layers, and are formulated so as not to lead to instabilities either before or after printing or to give rise to dimensional changes of a thermal imaging member when it is subjected to changes in temperature or humidity. Coating compositions for manufacturing such thermally-insulating layers are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: John C. Day, John Hardin, Yulin Hardin, Fariza B. Hasan, Stephen Telfer, William T. Vetterling
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Publication number: 20130286135Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is disclosed a multicolor thermal imaging system wherein different heating elements on a thermal print head can print on different color-forming layers of a multicolor thermal imaging member in a single pass. The line-printing time is divided into portions, each of which is divided into a plurality of subintervals. All of the pulses within the portions have the same energy. In one embodiment, every pulse has the same amplitude and duration. Different colors are selected for printing during the different portions by varying the fraction of subintervals that contain pulses. This technique allows multiple colors to be printed using a thermal print head with a single strobe signal line. Pulsing patterns may be chosen to reduce the coincidence of pulses provided to multiple print head elements, thereby reducing the peak power requirements of the print head.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Chien Liu, William T. Vetterling
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Patent number: 8557361Abstract: An optical disc is described that bears, on one surface, a plurality of color-forming layers that can form a multicolored image when heated in contact with a thermal print head. The color-forming composition comprises color-forming layers and thermally-insulating spacers and is designed such that warping of the optical disc in conditions of changing temperature and humidity is minimized. The compliance of the color-forming composition is such that intimate contact between the thermal print head and the printable surface of the disc can be maintained as one is translated relative to the other. Methods for assembling such an optical disc are provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Zink Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Yulin Hardin, Stephen Robert Herchen, Dana Frederic Schuh, William T. Vetterling, Michael Armour Young, Stephen J. Telfer, Chien Liu
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Patent number: 8502846Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is disclosed a multicolor thermal imaging system wherein different heating elements on a thermal print head can print on different color-forming layers of a multicolor thermal imaging member in a single pass. The line-printing time is divided into portions, each of which is divided into a plurality of subintervals. All of the pulses within the portions have the same energy. In one embodiment, every pulse has the same amplitude and duration. Different colors are selected for printing during the different portions by varying the fraction of subintervals that contain pulses. This technique allows multiple colors to be printed using a thermal print head with a single strobe signal line. Pulsing patterns may be chosen to reduce the coincidence of pulses provided to multiple print head elements, thereby reducing the peak power requirements of the print head.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Zink Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Chien Liu, William T. Vetterling
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Patent number: 8502848Abstract: A multicolor direct thermal imaging method wherein a multicolor image is formed in a thermal imaging member comprising at least first and second different image-forming compositions and a thermal printer for use in practicing the method. Heat is applied to at least the second image-forming composition while the first image-forming composition is at a first baseline temperature (T1) to form an image in at least the second image-forming composition, and heat is applied to at least the first image-forming composition while it is at a second baseline temperature (T2) to form an image in at least the first image-forming composition, wherein T1 is different from T2.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Zink Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Busch, Fariza B. Hasan, Chien Liu, Stephen J. Telfer, William T. Vetterling
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Patent number: 8377844Abstract: Multicolor thermal imaging members are described that comprise color-forming layers that are separated by thermally-insulating layers and can be addressed with a thermal printing head in contact with a surface to form an image. The thermally-insulating layers are designed to be as thin as possible consistent with at least partially independent addressing of the color-forming layers, and are formulated so as not to lead to instabilities either before or after printing or to give rise to dimensional changes of a thermal imaging member when it is subjected to changes in temperature or humidity. Coating compositions for manufacturing such thermally-insulating layers are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Zink Imaging, Inc.Inventors: John C. Day, John Hardin, Yulin Hardin, Fariza B. Hasan, Stephen Telfer, William T. Vetterling
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Patent number: 8372782Abstract: There are disclosed imaging members wherein a chemical compound in a crystalline form is converted, at least partially, and preferably substantially completely or completely, to an amorphous form that has intrinsically a different color from the crystalline form. Also described are imaging methods utilizing the imaging members. The conversion of the compound from the crystalline form to an amorphous form can be effected by laser exposure.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Zink Imaging, Inc.Inventors: William T. Vetterling, Chien Liu, Suhail Shabbir Saquib, Brian David Busch, Stephen Telfer
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Patent number: 8345307Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for stitching images printed by a multi-head printer in a manner that is relatively insensitive to misregistration of the image segments. When a pair of overlapping print heads print a pair of adjacent image segments which meet in a stitching region, printing at each location in the stitching region is accomplished by both print heads with a weighting that depends on the location being printed within the stitching region. In one embodiment, for example, the output of each print head is weighted by a linear function of horizontal pixel position. Techniques are also disclosed for selecting screening patterns for use when stitching is performed with variable-dot printers. Such screening patterns are selected to minimize variations in density that may arise as the result of cross-web and/or down-web misregistration.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Zink Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Suhail S. Saquib, William T. Vetterling
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Patent number: 8305408Abstract: Devices and methods for thermally printing on a thermal image member are disclosed using a thermal print head and a nonrotating platen. The nonrotating platen is adapted to bias the thermal imaging member against the print head. The nonrotating platen includes an elastic member and a mounting means for securing at least one end of the elastic member with respect to the print head. A portion of the thermal imaging member is placed in a printing nip formed between a thermal print head and the nonrotating platen. The print head exerts a torque on the elastic member when the elastic member biases the imaging member against the print head. The thermal imaging member is translated along a transport direction through the printing nip, such that at least one surface of the imaging member slides across the nonrotating platen. The print head forms an image upon the translated thermal imaging member.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Zink Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. Launie, Leo R. Lechtenberg, Juan C. Van Dijk, William T. Vetterling
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Publication number: 20120176459Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is disclosed a multicolor thermal imaging system wherein different heating elements on a thermal print head can print on different color-forming layers of a multicolor thermal imaging member in a single pass. The line-printing time is divided into portions, each of which is divided into a plurality of subintervals. All of the pulses within the portions have the same energy. In one embodiment, every pulse has the same amplitude and duration. Different colors are selected for printing during the different portions by varying the fraction of subintervals that contain pulses. This technique allows multiple colors to be printed using a thermal print head with a single strobe signal line. Pulsing patterns may be chosen to reduce the coincidence of pulses provided to multiple print head elements, thereby reducing the peak power requirements of the print head.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventors: Chien Liu, William T. Vetterling
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Publication number: 20120169824Abstract: A multicolor direct thermal imaging method wherein a multicolor image is formed in a thermal imaging member comprising at least first and second different image-forming compositions and a thermal printer for use in practicing the method. Heat is applied to at least the second image-forming composition while the first image-forming composition is at a first baseline temperature (T1) to form an image in at least the second image-forming composition, and heat is applied to at least the first image-forming composition while it is at a second baseline temperature (T2) to form an image in at least the first image-forming composition, wherein T1 is different from T2.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: Brian D. Busch, Fariza B. Hasan, Chien Liu, Stephen J. Telfer, William T. Vetterling
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Patent number: 8164609Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is disclosed a multicolor thermal imaging system wherein different heating elements on a thermal print head can print on different color-forming layers of a multicolor thermal imaging member in a single pass. The line-printing time is divided into portions, each of which is divided into a plurality of subintervals. All of the pulses within the portions have the same energy. In one embodiment, every pulse has the same amplitude and duration. Different colors are selected for printing during the different portions by varying the fraction of subintervals that contain pulses. This technique allows multiple colors to be printed using a thermal print head with a single strobe signal line. Pulsing patterns may be chosen to reduce the coincidence of pulses provided to multiple print head elements, thereby reducing the peak power requirements of the print head.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Zink Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Chien Liu, William T. Vetterling
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Publication number: 20120083565Abstract: Multicolor thermal imaging members are described that comprise color-forming layers that are separated by thermally-insulating layers and can be addressed with a thermal printing head in contact with a surface to form an image. The thermally-insulating layers are designed to be as thin as possible consistent with at least partially independent addressing of the color-forming layers, and are formulated so as not to lead to instabilities either before or after printing or to give rise to dimensional changes of a thermal imaging member when it is subjected to changes in temperature or humidity. Coating compositions for manufacturing such thermally-insulating layers are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Inventors: John C. Day, John Hardin, Yulin Hardin, Fariza B. Hasan, Stephen Telfer, William T. Vetterling
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Publication number: 20120076412Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for stitching images printed by a multi-head printer in a manner that is relatively insensitive to misregistration of the image segments. When a pair of overlapping print heads print a pair of adjacent image segments which meet in a stitching region, printing at each location in the stitching region is accomplished by both print heads with a weighting that depends on the location being printed within the stitching region. In one embodiment, for example, the output of each print head is weighted by a linear function of horizontal pixel position. Techniques are also disclosed for selecting screening patterns for use when stitching is performed with variable-dot printers. Such screening patterns are selected to minimize variations in density that may arise as the result of cross-web and/or down-web misregistration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Suhail S. SAQUIB, William T. VETTERLING