Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer having inner electrodes placed on each laminated piezoelectric ceramic layer. The inner electrodes include a center electrode centered over each ink channel, two end electrodes aligned with partition walls defining each ink channel, and two border electrodes located between the center electrode and the two end electrodes. In each layer, two second areas defined by the two border electrodes and the two end electrodes are polarized in the laminating direction of the ceramic layers. Upon application of a drive voltage to the inner electrodes for a selected ink channel, resultant electric fields cause the two second areas in each layer over the selected ink channel to deform outwardly into parallelogram shapes by a shear effect, and cause two first areas in each layer over the selected ink channel to deform to enhance the deformation of the two second areas.

Abstract: An ink jet print head includes pressure chambers, a diaphragm forming a side of the pressure chambers, stacked piezoelectric elements, a piezoelectric element fixing plate, and a housing. The stacked piezoelectric elements are attached to the diaphragm in a one-to-one correspondence with pressure chambers. The piezoelectric element fixing plate is fixedly attached to and supports the stacked piezoelectric elements. The housing includes a common ink channel portion that supplies ink to the pressure chambers. The piezoelectric element fixing plate and the stacked piezoelectric elements are disposed at least partially in the space defined by the diaphragm and internal side walls of the ink channel portion with a gap existing between the piezoelectric element fixing plate and the internal side walls.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving the reliability for shutting down high resolution ink jet printheads for continuous ink jet printers. The shutdown technique fo the present invention solves the problem of ink and/or flush fluid drying in or around orifice holes on higher resolution printheads. This is accomplished with pulse modulation of air pressure used to blow and dry the printhead filters while balancing air flow and negative pressure across the droplet generator and the orifice array.

Abstract: A solid ink stick loader, including a chute having at least one channel for feeding ink sticks, the channel having a bottom and at least one side, wherein the at least one channel has a lower support for the ink sticks such that the ink sticks do not contact a substantial portion of the bottom of the at least one channel, and wherein the bottom of the channel includes at least one debris collecting area.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a method for adapting an ink jet printing system for receiving an alternate supply of ink. The ink jet printing system has an ink jet printhead responsive to control signals for selectively depositing ink on media. Also included in the printing system is a docking station configured for receiving a replaceable ink container. The replaceable ink container includes a fluid outlet that is arranged to establish fluid communication with a fluid inlet associated with the docking station upon insertion of the replaceable ink container into the docking station. The replaceable ink container provides a supply of ink from the replaceable ink container to the ink jet printhead. The method includes disconnecting a fluid conduit extending between the fluid inlet and the ink jet printhead thereby interrupting the supply of ink from the replaceable ink container to the ink jet printhead.

Abstract: An imaging media cartridge for use in an imaging apparatus includes a first imaging media reservoir chamber and a second imaging media reservoir chamber. A removable barrier is disposed between the first imaging media reservoir chamber and the second imaging media reservoir chamber. By removing the removable barrier, a reserve of imaging media can be provided from the second imaging media reservoir chamber to the first imaging media reservoir chamber. In one embodiment the imaging media cartridge is a toner cartridge. In another embodiment the imaging media cartridge is a liquid ink cartridge.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink jet head, a body frame, and a cover plate. The ink jet head has a plurality of nozzles that eject ink onto a recording medium, a plurality of pressure chambers provided in association with the nozzles, and a plurality of pressure generating portions that apply pressure to the pressure chambers so as to allow the ink to be ejected from the nozzles. The body frame communicates with an ink supply source and the ink jet head so as to supply the ink to the ink jet head. The cover plate has at least one window in a shape so as to enclose the nozzles. The cover plate is fixed to cover the ink jet head and fixed to the body frame. The ink jet recording apparatus further includes an inlet that communicates with an internal space formed between the body frame and the cover plate and an at least one outlet that communicates with the internal space. A filling material is supplied from the inlet and ejected to the at least one outlet.

Abstract: A fluid ejection assembly includes a platform having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a plurality of fluid feed slots, and a fluid manifold defined therein, and a plurality of fluid ejection devices each mounted on the platform and including an array of drop ejecting elements and a fluid refill slot communicating with the array of drop ejecting elements. The fluid refill slot of each of the fluid ejection devices communicates with at least one of the fluid feed slots of the platform, and the fluid manifold of the platform fluidically couples each of the fluid feed slots with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of the platform.

Abstract: Inkjet printing method having the following steps: ejecting an oily ink comprising particles to a printing medium with use of an electrostatic field according to image data signals to form an image directly on the printing medium; and fixing the image to obtain a printed matter, wherein a prevention of an aggregation and/or a precipitation of the particles is conducted at least during ink circulation, or an aggregate and/or a deposit of the particles formed at least due to a suspension of ink-flow is redispersed.

Abstract: An ink for ink-jet recording of the present invention includes a dispersion of a pigment, and an ink solvent containing a water-soluble organic solvent and glycol ether. The ink is prepared such that an Rf value, which represents a rate of flow of the pigment obtained when the pigment dispersion is developed with the ink solvent by means of paper chromatography, is not more than 0.5. The ink has a fast permeation speed, and hence the feathering and the bleeding are avoided.

Abstract: A system and method for drying a printed medium includes a heated roll and a transport mechanism which moves the printed medium against the heated roll to dry the printed medium.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods include various means of increasing the finish gloss of a printed image that is formed on a sheet of media by a deposition device. Apparatus in accordance with the present invention include a fusing circuit that enables the image to be repeatedly exposed to the heat of a fusing device while passing the media through the deposition device only once. Apparatus in accordance with the present invention can also include a fusing device that has a single hot roller and a plurality of pressure rollers that enable the image to be passed between the hot roller and each of the respective pressure rollers in succession. A method in accordance with the present invention includes repeatedly exposing the image to a fusing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a perforated, transport belt has belt surface cleaner mechanisms that include a pair of moveable, consumable webs. A scrubbing of the belt by a wet web is followed by a scrubbing of the belt by a dry, absorbent web. A solvent dispensing mechanism can be fluidically coupled to re-soak the wet web. Mechanisms for selectively engaging and disengaging the belt surface cleaner mechanisms ensure free belt travel during flexible material transport and the cleaning of both surfaces during cleaning cycles. The system includes consumable piece-part elements for refurbishing and remanufacturing.

Abstract: A vacuum holddown for a hard copy device comprises a platen having plural vacuum zones arranged in a side-by-side array across the platen. Each vacuum zone has a closed end and an open end and is coupled to a vacuum source. Each vacuum zone defines a recess in the upper surface of the platen that is fluidly coupled to the vacuum source through a port. The back walls and side walls of each vacuum zone are coplanar with the upper surface of the platen. A step may be positioned in the vacuum zones to define an open vacuum zone having multiple depths.

Abstract: An ink jet printing method, including the steps of: A) providing an ink jet printer that is responsive to digital data signals; B) loading the printer with ink jet recording elements with a support having thereon an image-receiving layer of a polymer having a given contact angle; C) loading the printer with an ink jet ink composition; D) printing on the image-receiving layer using the ink jet ink in response to the digital data signals to form an imaged recording element; and E) heating the imaged recording element sufficiently to cause the layer of polymer to increase the contact angle at least about 15 degrees.

Abstract: Spectacles having a lens frame and a temple arm attached to the lens frame. Means are provided for pivotably and translatably mounting the temple arm to the lens frame such that the temple arm and lens frame are relatively pivotable with respect to one another and the temple arm and lens frame are relatively translatable with respect to one another.

Abstract: Ophthalmic devices suitable for implantation into the eye through small incisions are disclosed. These devices are made from a composition comprising crystalline or semi-crystalline polymeric materials which have a glass transition temperature (Tg) of from about −100° C. to about 20° C., a melting point temperature (Tm) of from about 0° C. to about 37° C., and wherein Tg for the material is lower than Tm for the composition. Disclosed devices include intraocular lenses, corneal inlays, ocular drug delivery devices and implants for reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients; intraocular lenses are preferred.

Abstract: An automated, objective method for determining the accommodative range and aberration profile of an eye using a wavefront sensor that iteratively determines the change in accommodation of the lens of an eye.

Abstract: A device for cooling a projector includes a plurality of air intakes positioned upstream from a suction fan having an integrated motor. A light source of the projector is disposed between a first air intake and the suction fan so that a first air flow, drawn by the fan through the first air intake, flows around and pulls heat away from the light source. A second air intake is positioned to admit a second air flow, also drawn by the fan, that passes through a duct positioned adjacent an upstream side of the suction fan to direct the second air flow against the fan motor. The second air flow, which has a temperature that is not substantially affected by the light source, cools the fan motor and forms an insulating air layer that protects the fan motor from being damaged by the high temperatures of the first air flow.

Abstract: The inventive sensor device provides different fields of view in transverse directions. The sensor device include a support structure, a sensing element mounted on the support substrate for sensing optical radiation and generating an electrical output signal in response thereto, and an encapsulant encapsulating the sensing element on the support structure. The encapsulant includes an integral anamorphic lens. Alternatively or additionally, the encapsulant may have at least a first zone and a second zone, where the second zone exhibits at least one different characteristic from the first zone, such as a different optical, physical, thermal, or compositional characteristic.

Abstract: A laser beam irradiation device, comprising a light source for emitting a laser beam, a cylindrical lens, an optical system for entering the laser beam to the cylindrical lens perpendicularly with respect to a center line of the cylindrical lens, and a luminous flux rotating means for rotating the incident laser beam around an optical axis of the laser beam.

Abstract: An electrically powered retractable door mirror in which a horizontal worm gear can rotate securely and smoothly by making the horizontal worm gear less affected by building differences between a frame body and a motor installation component is provided. On the under surface of an outer plate 50, horizontal worm gear bearings 76, 78 are provided. In the horizontal worm gear bearings 76, 78, a notch 86 is formed. By fitting shank portions 36a, 36b of the horizontal worm gear 36 through the notch 86, by deflecting the horizontal worm gear bearings 76, 78, into a space inside the bearing 84 of the horizontal worm gear bearings 76, 78, the horizontal worm gear 36 is fixed on the horizontal worm gear bearings 76, 78. At the bottom inside the box 28, flexure control portions 80, 82 are provided.

Abstract: An infrared beam is directed to the surface of a Mylar mirror, and the mirror reflects that beam. The reflected beam is detected, and data gleaned from the reflected beam is used to determine whether the optics of the mirror must be adjusted. The optics of the mirror are adjusted by varying voltage applied to electrostatic actuators on the frame of the mirror, or varying the pressure in chambers formed by the mirror frame and mirror surface.

Abstract: An adjustable mirror and sound system for viewing the rear seat of a vehicle for allowing the driver of the vehicle to keep watch on a child seated in the rear seat behind the driver. The adjustable mirror and sound system for viewing the rear seat of a vehicle includes a clamping assembly being adapted to securely clamp to a child's car seat or inside of a passenger compartment of a vehicle; and also includes a mirror and sound support assembly including an elongate support member having a first end and a second end which is securely attached to the clamping assembly; and further includes a mirror and sound assembly being adjustably mounted to the mirror and sound support assembly; and also includes a mirror and sound system control assembly for adjusting positioning, volume, and lighting of the mirror and sound assembly.

Abstract: A surface light source device includes a linear light source, and a light emitted from the linear light source is incident onto one side surface of a light guide plate. The light is then emitted from an upper surface of the light guide plate. A display panel is provided so as to cover an upper surface of the light guide plate. The display panel has two display areas that its translucent rates are different each other. In addition, a light-shielding sheet is provided between the light guide plate and the display area to shield the light emitted from the light guide plate. A light-shielding effect of the light guide plate deteriorates with to a distance from the side surface of the light guide plate, and a luminance irregularity of the light emitted from the light guide plate is absorbed in the light-shielding sheet.

Abstract: A toy for creating visual and audial patterns that is activated by the agitation of chemiluminescent members or colored sticks within an inflated bladder. The light is generated by the chemiluminescent sticks or the color of the sticks is visible outside the bladder. The sticks are elongated cylinders which roll along the inner walls of the inflated bladder creating unique audial perceptions and visual designs. A sealing closure is used to prevent deflation of the inflated bladder containing the members.

Abstract: A lighted signaling system connected to the electrical indicating system of a vehicle or devices on the vehicle which cause the vehicle to change direction or speed. The signaling system allows the user of the vehicle to clearly signal directional and vehicular intentions, including right turns, left turns, running and braking.

Abstract: Flashlight activated by external pressure on one end of its casing to energize the lamp. The flashlight includes a casing for holding a battery and the contact portion a lamp, a front cap positioned on the front of the casing to secure the lamp protruding through an aperture, and a rear cap made of resilient material. A resilient spacer is positioned within the casing, intermediate the lamp and the battery to retain these two components out of contact in the nonilluminated state. External depression of the resilient rear cap urges the battery forward and the resilient spacer compressed to allow contact between the battery and base of the lamp. Contact wire electrically connects the lamp and battery to complete a circuit. Release of the rear cap allows the resilient spacer to expand, breaking contact between the battery and lamp, to turn off the flashlight.

Abstract: A flat lighting device (1) has two mutually opposite, at least partially transparent view surfaces in such a way that light from a light source, for example daylight or ambient light, backlighting the lighting device can pass through the transparent part (4) of the view surfaces. Moreover, the lighting device has at least one integrated light source, the, or each, light source being arranged in such a way that during operation a corresponding luminous area (2) inside at least one of the two view surfaces is formed by the, or each, light source.

Abstract: A light emitting diode warning lamp which meets selected Society of Automotive Engineers Standards. The invention comprises a housing, a printed circuit board secured within the housing, a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted to the printed circuit board and operatively arranged to produce light in substantially a 360° arc surrounding the housing in a horizontal plane, and a driving circuit operatively arranged to flash the plurality of light emitting diodes.

Abstract: A portable battery powered high intensity lighting system that produces solar quality illumination at four to six times the efficiency of comparable incandescent lighting systems includes a light head and a power source. The light head contains an HID (high intensity discharge) arc lamp. A sealed enclosure containing a ballast is attached immediately adjacent to the lamp assembly. The ballast enclosure is preferably potted with a thermally conductive epoxy.

Abstract: A light fixture (10) is disclosed which includes junction box (11), an annular mounting plate, a canopy (21), a collar loop (23), a collar nut (25) and a light assembly (34) which includes a length of electric cord (41). The canopy (21) includes an outer shell (29) and central winding spool (30) which is mounted concentrically within the canopy outer shell (29) and concentrically about a mounting opening (22) within the canopy (21). The central winding spool (30) has a generally cylindrical central portion (31) and an annular flange portion (32) extending from the top of the central portion (31). The slack portion of the electric cord (41) may be wound about the winding spool (30) in order to stow it in a safe and efficient manner.

Abstract: A lens comprises a bottom surface, a reflecting surface, a first refracting surface obliquely angled with respect to a central axis of the lens, and a second refracting surface extending as a smooth curve from the bottom surface to the first refracting surface. Light entering the lens through the bottom surface and directly incident on the reflecting surface is reflected from the reflecting surface to the first refracting surface and refracted by the first refracting surface to exit the lens in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the lens. Light entering the lens through the bottom surface and directly incident on the second refracting surface is refracted by the second refracting surface to exit the lens in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the lens. The lens may be advantageously employed with LEDs, for example, to provide side-emitting light-emitting devices. A lens cap attachable to a lens is also provided.

Abstract: A fibre optic lighted artificial tree that includes a base member, a trunk member and a plurality of branch members that are individually provided light from a separate fibre optic bundle and light source for each branch member. The tree also includes a top that is lighted by another fibre optic bundle and light source that are separate and apart from those associated with the branch members.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for agitating a liquid hardener used for improving soft ground. The apparatus comprises a storage tank section formed with an introduction part and having storage tanks in which mixing impellers are arranged, and transparent indicator tubes which are communicated with the storage tanks each; an agitation tank section positioned underneath the storage tank section and having agitation tanks, supply valves which are installed on the agitation tanks, and agitation impellers which are respectively arranged in the agitation tanks; a liquid mixture supply section having connection pipes which are connected to the storage tanks, a supply pipe which is connected to the connection pipes, and distribution pipes which are connected to the supply pipe; and a cleaning water tank section positioned in front of the agitation tank section and having a plurality of cleaning water tanks.

Abstract: When using wristwatches for diving or action sports, it is desirable to be able to prevent the winding button from being pulled out inadvertently and the time unintentionally altered. To avoid this, the button (3) has the overall shape of an H and a lever (2) engages in the groove (10) in said button (3) to prevent this button from being pulled out in error.

Abstract: A scanning heat flow probe for making quantitative measurements of heat flow through a device under test is provided. In one embodiment the scanning heat flow probe includes an electric current conductor in a cantilever beam connected to a probe tip and coupled to two voltmeter leads. The probe also includes two thermocouple junctions in the cantilever beam electrically isolated from the electric current conductor and the two voltmeter leads. Heat flow is derived quantitatively using only voltage and current measurements. In other forms, the invention relates to the calibration of scanning heat flow probes through a method involving interconnected probes, and relates to the minimization of heat flow measurement uncertainty by probe structure design practices.

Abstract: A method for determining the thermal material properties of metal shaped parts from a model is disclosed, which describes the thermal material properties of the metal shaped part. At least one thermodynamic parameter (p) is formed as a linear combination consisting of at least one base function (hi) and of at least one weighting factor (gi), whereby the base function (hi) describes the thermal material properties, and the weighting factor (gi) takes the influence of the alloying elements on at least one thermodynamic parameter (p) into account. The method makes it possible to conduct a sufficiently precise determination of the thermal material properties with a smaller time requirement.

Abstract: A temperature sensor is supported in a device which floats in a liquid, the temperature of which is to be determined. Typically the sensor is the hot thermocouple element of a thermocouple and the liquid is a molten metal; the device may be constructed to float with the temperature sensor disposed at a desired distance below the upper surface of the liquid.

Abstract: A method and system for automated temperature measurement is described. The system includes a programmable logic controller, a temperature measurement diode, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the diode and the programmable logic controller, a current source coupled to the diode and configured to generate a first current and a second current different from said first current, and a processor coupled to the current source and to the analog-to-digital converter. The processor controls the current source such that the current source sequentially applies the first current to the diode at a first point in time and applies the second current to the diode at a second point in time. The processor also receives a first voltage across the diode measured when the first current is applied to the diode and a second voltage across the diode measured when the second current is applied to the diode. Based on the first and second voltages, the processor determines the temperature proximate the diode.

Abstract: A device for manually opening a flexible package, in the form of a bag (1) made from plastics film which is closed by a weld line of closure (4) which is arranged at a filling mouth (2) in such a way as to leave a free skirt. The bag (1) has, at one side end of the filling mouth (2), a weakening line (3) of defined length which is located between the weld line of closure (4) of the filling mouth (2) and a free edge (5) of the filling mouth (2), with the weakening line (3) being directed in such a way as to be located in a contemplated trajectory of manual tearing of the bag (1). The trajectory intersects the weld line of closure (4) and extends across a corner (6) of the bag (1) immediately adjacent the weakening line (3), defining a delivery orifice (10). It is applied preferably to bags of the type for containing a plurality of articles which have to be maintained in a controlled environment and/or must be removed one by one through a small sized delivery orifice (10).

Abstract: A flexible self-standing package and method for making the same provides for a package that has its own support mechanism. Thereby, a package, such as a snack food package, can be displayed in an upright position without the need to be placed against another package or wall. To achieve this, the package is formed with a support flap formed extended away from the tube of the package. When the package is positioned to stand, a pocket forms between the support flap and tube of the package to provide support.

Abstract: An angle &thgr;, which is formed by an axis of a horizontal roller rotatably attached to a slider and an axis of an inclined roller, is about 60°, and a load-bearing capacity of the horizontal roller is about a half of that of the inclined roller. Accordingly, the load resistance is substantially constant in four directions, i.e., in upward, downward, rightward, and leftward directions irrespective of attachment posture.

Abstract: A lubricant retention design for a fluid dynamic bearing design in a spindle motor utilizes a labyrinth gap that is formed between the sleeve and the shaft of the bearing. The gap is used in conjunction with a barrier film to impede the flow of lubricant into the lateral and axial vent holes during non-operational vibration, such as shipping and handling of the end product. In another version, a plug is located in the lateral vent hole. The plug has a very small passage that permits air to pass therethrough for atmospheric pressure equalization, but prevents the escape of lubricant into the vent holes. Alternatively, the plug may be formed from a non-wettable material such as porous foam or sintered material and provided with a larger opening. Yet another solution utilizes a combination of both the labyrinth and plug designs.

Abstract: Assembly forming a roller bearing equipped with an information sensor device containing an encoder that generates magnetic pulses and a sensor equipped with at least two sensitive elements capable of detecting these pulses. The assembly comprises a fixed spindle containing an axial bore; a rotating external ring having, on the outside of the assembly, an annular housing that protrudes coaxially relative to said bore; and roller bodies arranged between spindle and external ring. The encoder is connected on one internal lateral face of a plug arranged in the housing and the sensor is arranged in the bore supported on an external lateral surface of the spindle.

Abstract: A bearing cartridge which is constructed not to be disassembled for re-packing with grease or otherwise and which may be quickly and easily replaced in the field. For high temperature applications such as sinter or pellet car wheels, the bearing cartridge is lubricated by a high temperature solid lubricant, and the rolling elements preferably comprise cylindrical rolling elements for bearing radial loads and spherical rolling elements for bearing axial loads. For ultra high temperature applications such as furnace car wheels, the bearing cartridge is lubricated by a ultra high temperature lubricant composed of a graphite and molydenum paste. In order to economically provide small furnace car bearing cartridges, a two-piece bearing cartridge is provided with rolling elements, preferably having cylindrical central portions for bearing radial loads and conically shaped axially outer end portions for bearing axial loads, between the races, the rolling elements insertable by means of a feeder slot.

Abstract: An optical device has a supporting substrate including at least a surface layer and an etching stopper layer. The surface layer is etched to create a window in which the etching stopper layer or a lower supporting layer is exposed. An optical substrate, in which a lens element is formed, is mounted upright on the exposed floor of the etched window. Another optical element such as an optical fiber, a laser diode, or a photodiode is mounted on the surface layer. This optical element is easily aligned with the lens element by passive methods by aligning the optical element and optical substrate in relation to marks on the upper surface of the supporting substrate, for example, or in relation to the sides of the window. Vertical alignment is automatically controlled by the thickness of the etched layers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining an alignment of a laser diode with an optical fiber is disclosed. A mounting plate is made of a first material, and mounted on the mounting plate is a first substrate made of a second material. A semiconductor laser, with a light emitting side, is mounted on the first substrate. Separated from the first substrate by a predetermined distance is a second substrate made of a third material, and mounted on the second substrate is an optical fiber. The optical fiber is mounted, such that, the optical fiber is adjacent to and aligned with the light emitting side of the semiconductor laser. The first, second, and third materials making up the mounting plate, the first substrate, and the second substrate respectively, facilitate maintenance of the alignment between the optical fiber and the light emitting side of the semiconductor laser.

Abstract: An printing apparatus is equipped with a recording medium transport device for transporting a recording medium from a supply portion along a transport path; at least one printing device arranged on the transport path for selectively forming an image on the recording medium or an intermediate transfer medium for temporarily holding the image at a predetermined image forming position; and a transfer device arranged on the transport path for transferring the image formed on the intermediate transfer medium to the recording medium. A mode setting device selects a mode between the first mode in which the printing device forms the image on the recording medium and the second mode in which the printing device forms the image on the intermediate transfer medium. An intermediate transfer medium moving device advances and retracts the intermediate transfer medium between the image forming position and a retracted position.

Abstract: To save time between printing passes of a unidirectional printer, the print medium is advanced in two phases separated in time by the fast return of the carriage. The print medium advance movements coincide, at least partly, with the periods of acceleration and deceleration which immediately precede and follow a printing pass and during which the carriage is changing from printing speed to return speed or vice versa. If the total print medium advance time exceeds these acceleration and deceleration times, the extra print medium advance occurs at a single end of the carriage movement.