Abstract: The present invention provides an ink jet recording apparatus for effecting recording by using recording device for discharging plural different inks, comprising a cap for covering a plurality of discharge ports for discharging the different inks, and a pump connected to a suction port of the cap and adapted to apply negative pressure to interior of the cap, and wherein the discharge ports and the suction port are arranged so that flow paths of the inks flowing from the respective discharge ports to the suction port when the inks are sucked from the discharge ports by driving the pump do not pass by the discharge ports for the different inks.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image in a predetermined image forming region by discharging ink droplets includes an image forming unit for forming an image in the predetermined image forming region, and a suction unit for sucking air including ink mist generated when forming the image by the image forming unit. The suction unit includes at least one suction port provided near the image forming region, and an exhaust path formed below said suction port. The exhaust path includes a slope inclined in a direction crossing a direction of flow of the air including the ink mist sucked into the exhaust path, and an ink collecting portion provided on the slope. According to this configuration, the apparatus collects ink mist generated during recording.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of that provides a user with the ability to choose the combination of dye species that best fits his or her application. Users can create prints that are colorful, lightfast, or some combination of these two. In one embodiment, the invention takes into account the characteristics of the printing medium and determines from that information how to optimize the lightfastness and gamut of an image. Lightfastness and gamut tend to relate inversely, in that the better the lightfastness, the worse the gamut and vice versa. The lightfastness and gamut of an image can be altered by changing the colorants used to print the image. High-chroma inks produce images with high gamut values. Conversely, images printed with low-chroma inks have increased lightfastness. An embodiment of this invention uses the characteristics of the print medium, upon which the image will be printed, to optimize the tradeoffs that exist between lightfastness and gamut.

Abstract: An ink jet printer comprises a color head having a plurality of nozzles arranged on a head carrier, each of the plurality of nozzles injecting color ink particles by the drive of a piezoelectric element; and a monochrome head having a plurality of nozzles arranged the head carrier, each of the plurality of nozzles injecting monochrome ink particles by the drive of a piezoelectric element. Within a single scanning of the head carrier, a control unit switches the printing mode between a color printing mode by the color head and a monochrome printing mode by the monochrome head, to thereby provide a control of printing. For the color-printing mode, a multivalued intensity mode is set, and for the monochrome-printing mode, a high-resolution mode is set, where the resolution of the monochrome head is integer times the resolution of the color head.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead assembly (50) for an inkjet printer having a printhead (10) with a plurality of nozzles (24) and data path and control electronics circuitry (56) operably coupled with the printhead (10) for providing image data that control the flow of ink through the nozzles (24). The nozzles (24) are arranged in sections with actuators (28a, 28b) predisposed about each nozzle (24), for causing the nozzles (24) to print. Interconnections (54) between the data path and control electronics circuitry (56) and printhead (10) include DATA, CLOCK, LATCH and ENABLE lines which are used to operate the printhead (10) and, in turn, the nozzles (24) via shift register stages (228). The actuators (28a, 28b) are supported by the shift register stages (228) into which data is shifted from register stage to register stage for loading data that enables the actuators (28a, 28b).

Abstract: A compact printer system includes at least a printer module and at least one of a range of further modules, which are connectable together to form a rod-shaped printer system. Each module has a connection device at one or both ends for interconnection of the modules, the connection device including a physical connection device including a plug on a male connection device and a socket on a corresponding female connection device and logical connection device including a universal serial bus having four conductive strips that carry power and data between modules.

Abstract: An ink jet nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber having an inlet in fluid communication with an ink reservoir and a nozzle through which ink from the chamber can be ejected. The chamber includes a fixed portion and a movable portion configured for relative movement in an ejection phase and alternate relative movement in a refill phase. An expanding, flexible arm and a rigid arm are each connected to the movable portion and cooperate to effect periodically the relative movement. The inlet is positioned and dimensioned relative to the nozzle such that ink is ejected preferentially from the chamber through the nozzle in droplet form during the ejection phase, and ink is alternately drawn preferentially into the chamber from the reservoir through the inlet during the refill phase.

Abstract: An ink jet recording head has a plurality of ejectors and an ink supply system. Each of the plurality of ejectors has a pressure generating chamber, a nozzle communicating with the pressure generating chamber, and a pressure generating portion. The ejectors are arrayed two-dimensionally. The ink supply system has a common flow path with which a plurality of the ejectors are interconnected. The pressure generating chambers are filled with ink through the common flow path. A change of pressure is generated in the ink in the pressure generating chambers by the pressure generating portions. Thus, ink droplets are ejected from the nozzles. The common flow path is disposed to overlap the pressure generating chambers two-dimensionally. The common flow path has a constricted shape having wide portions and narrow portions.

Abstract: A printhead includes a common ink chamber or reservoir bounded on one side by a membrane having nozzle apertures. The membrane forms a print face of the printhead. Piezoelectric elements (piezos) are located on the membrane near the nozzles. The piezos flex segments of the membrane surrounding the nozzles to eject ink droplets from the nozzle apertures. Ribs are also provided on the membrane and define boundaries of the membrane segments corresponding to the nozzles. The ribs can isolate each nozzle from the other nozzles, in two ways. First, the ribs act as stiffeners so that when piezos attached to one membrane segment flex that membrane segment, the other membrane segments are not significantly flexed. Second, when the ribs are provided on an interior surface of the membrane, they deflect the pressure pulse in the ink fluid from a flexing membrane segment, upwards, away from adjacent membrane segments/nozzles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink-jet recording head improving relative positional accuracy between a piezoelectric element and a pressure generating chamber to improve ink ejection characteristics and stability thereof, capable of arraying pressure generating chambers in high density, and reducing cross talk between the pressure generating chambers. Moreover, disclosed are a manufacturing method of the same and an ink-jet recording apparatus having the ink-jet recording head built therein. The ink-jet recording head comprises: a passage-forming substrate 10 having a pressure generating chamber 11 formed therein, which communicates with a nozzle orifice; and a piezoelectric element 300 formed of a thin film and by a lithography method in a region corresponding to the pressure generating chamber 11 via a vibration plate constituting a portion of the pressure generating chamber 11.

Abstract: A tape automated bonding (TAB) device for a printhead cartridge of a printer includes a tape having a region capable of being substantially bisected by a centerline that defines a first side of the tape and a second side of the tape. Located on the tape is a printhead, and a plurality of contacts adapted to receive signals from the printer and to provide the signals to the printhead. The contacts are disposed such that the number of contacts on the first side is different from the number of contacts on the second side. The printhead is centrally aligned with the centerline or centrally offset from the centerline.

Abstract: A liquid container for an ink jet recording apparatus includes a connection opening connectable with an outside; an elastic member provided in the connection opening, the elastic member being adapted to be penetrated by a cylindrical member for fluid communication with the outside; the elastic member including a compressed region and a substantially non-compressed region in a state without the cylindrical member penetrated, disposed in this order in a direction of insertion of the cylindrical member, wherein the compressed region and the non-compressed region are capable of being compressed when they are penetrated by the cylindrical member.

Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a housing with an integral pocket, an ink supply bag contained in the housing, and a memory chip supported in a wall opening of the pocket. The housing has an ink blocking shield arranged at a location between the bag and the memory chip to prevent any ink that might leak from the bag from entering the wall opening and contaminating the memory chip.

Abstract: There is provided an inkjet printing head carrying a sub-tank from which accumulated gases can be easily discharged. The inkjet printing head includes a sub-tank which has a movable section constituted by a deformable film sheet, a spring for generating a negative pressure, and a supply/discharge channel for supplying ink and discharging accumulated gases. The sub-tank is intermittently supplied with ink from a main tank and reserving the ink. The supply/discharge channel is provided in a position where it does not interfere with the movable section and the spring, e.g., in a frame of the sub-tank. The supply/discharge channel is preferably formed in an upper part of the sub-tank, e.g., a ceiling section of the sub-tank.

Abstract: An ink jet printing system a print head containing nozzles, a replaceable ink container, an ink supply reservoir connecting the ink container to the nozzles of the print head, and a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of the ink in the ink supply reservoir, wherein the parameters T(0); &Dgr;T/&Dgr;t, which permit a determination of the optimal operating temperature for the ink are physically encoded on the ink container to be read by the temperature control system, T(0) being the optimal operating temperature at time 0 and &Dgr;T/&Dgr;t representing the temperature change of the ink over time.

Abstract: An ink set and a recording method are provided according to which light-fastness is good, and color reproducibility, clogging properties and other properties are satisfied, by using an ink set including inks each of which contains at least a dye, a water-soluble organic solvent and water, the ink set including a combination of magenta ink that contains a specific dye, yellow ink and cyan ink.

Abstract: A recording apparatus has a sheet conveyor and platen provided with plural extrusions for supporting the sheet material in the recording area, the plural extrusions being arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet material at designated intervals in a configuration of being extended in the conveying direction, plural sheet-discharging rollers downstream of each of the extrusions in the conveying direction and in the same position as each of the extrusions in the intersecting direction, plural first spurs for nipping a sheet material with the plural sheet-discharging rollers, and a second spur downstream of the first spur and between the plural sheet-discharging rollers in the intersecting direction, being driven to rotate following the movement of a sheet material to push down the sheet material between the plural extrusions, the lowest part of the second spur being arranged to be lower than the uppermost part of the sheet-discharging roller when the sheet material does not abut thereupon.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which feeds a placed original, reads image information on the original by a reading unit, and forms an image on the original by an ink-jet printing head arranged on a downstream side along the original feed direction has an add-on processing part for changing the image information read by the reading unit in correspondence with the image to be formed by the ink-jet printing head.

Abstract: A pair of eyeglasses comprises a frame comprising two first lens, two bifurcated first end pieces each including a channel, and a cavity in a bridge; two replaceable lens frames each comprising a second lens (e.g., tinted lenses), a second end piece at one end, the second end piece being threadedly fastened in the channel, a rear tab at the other end releasbly fastened in the cavity, and at least one ridge on the tab, the ridge being urged against inside of the cavity; and two temple pieces each having a forward connecting end pieces pivotably, threadedly fastened in the channel.

Abstract: An Eyeglass Manufacturing Method Using Epoxy Aberrator includes two lenses with a variable index material, such as epoxy, sandwiched in between. The epoxy is then cured to different indexes of refraction that provide precise corrections for the patient's wavefront aberrations. The present invention further provides a method to produce an eyeglass that corrects higher order aberrations, such as those that occur when retinal tissue is damaged due to glaucoma or macular degeneration. The manufacturing method allows for many different applications including, but not limited to, supervision and transition lenses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a progressive-power lens affording superior wear comfort, even where a shallow base curve is employed in order to make the lens lighter and thinner, which is desirable in the terms of weight and aesthetic design. In the case of a progressive-power lens for correcting hyperopia whose distance portion has a positive refractive power, such lens is designed by giving preference to minimizing transmission astigmatism at each point on the principal sight line of the distance portion, but not giving preference to making the astigmatism of the lens surface zero at each point on the principal sight line.

Abstract: Individual eye tracking data can be used to determine whether an individual has actually looked at a particular region of a visual field. Aggregation of data corresponding to multiple individuals can provide trends and other data useful for designers of graphical representations (e.g., Web pages, advertisements) as well as other items that can be viewed. Representation of the aggregated viewing data, which indicates both regions viewed and regions not viewed, can be accomplished using several different techniques. For example, percentages of the number of viewers that viewed a particular region can be represented as a particular color, or the underlying image being viewed can be blurred based on and acuity gradient and the number of individuals viewing various regions. The various regions represented as viewed can be selected based on the type of viewing activity (e.g., reading, gazing) is associated with a particular region.

Abstract: There is provided a video providing apparatus capable of giving clear video to a patient with an eye disease. The video providing apparatus comprises a parallel light source or a parallel light type LED as a light source. Video light obtained by passing light from the light source through a liquid crystal display panel is supplied to an ocular optical system (Maxwellian view). In this configuration, the ocular optical system comprises a lens and a pinhole. The lens is provided such that the rear focal point thereof is positioned in close proximity to the eyeball of a viewer (a patient with an eye disease). The pinhole is arranged at the rear focal point, thereby causing a viewer to view video by Maxwellian view.

Abstract: A support system for at least one of ophthalmic and optometric instruments. A first instrument supporting member is pivotable between a first storage position and a first use position. A second instrument supporting member is moveable between a second storage position and a second use position. The patient can be sequentially examined, in any order, by the first and second instruments while remaining in a test position.

Abstract: A wide-field-of-view projection display comprises a circularly symmetric lens and an array of light emitters, positioned along the focal circumference of the circularly symmetric lens so that light from each of the light emitters is substantially collimated by the lens in a different direction. A ray-diverting means, such as a slab waveguide or a reflector, ejects the collimated light out of the plane of the lens to the viewer. The planar circularly symmetric lens has no aberration, allowing adjacent views to be seamlessly joined because they can all be diffused by the same angular amount.

Abstract: A color field sequential projector includes an electronically controllable quarter waveplate positioned between a reflection device and a polarized light beam splitter, wherein the controllable quarter waveplate is switched to be optimum for particular wavebands as the illumination distribution changes during a color field sequence. The electronically controllable quarter waveplate provides for improved contrast performance and color purity in the projected image.

Abstract: In order to provide a noise-free reliable projection type display apparatus which has no movable portion and can display a high quality full-color image, the following arrangement is proposed. In a projection type display apparatus which has an optical modulation device for displaying an image by controlling the reflected state of light, an illumination unit for irradiating the optical modulation device with light, and a projecting optical system for projecting reflected light components of the light components with which the optical modulation device is irradiated, and projects and displays an image formed by the optical modulation device, as the optical modulation device, a mirror array device for modulating light by controlling the tilt amounts of mirrors that form pixels is used.

Abstract: A projection lens includes a first lens having a negative refractive power, a second lens having a positive refractive power, a third lens having a negative refractive power and including§a first component lens having a negative refractive power and a second component lens having a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens having a positive refractive power. The first, second, third and fourth lens are arranged in that order from a screen side toward an image surface side to form a telecentric system toward the image surface side. A surface on the image surface side of the first lens, and a surface (33) on the image surface side of the second component lens of the third lens are aspherical.

Abstract: A display system based on a spatial light modulator (SLM). Various embodiments of the invention all involve some sort of articulating element, such that the display system has a stow position that is more compact and different from its operating position. In the operating position, the image formed by the SLM is re-oriented, if necessary, to a position suitable for viewing.

Abstract: A projection display apparatus which display a projected image and may be free from connection with a computer. The projection display apparatus carries out processing with information stored in a portable memory and includes a memory controller that reads out the information stored in the portable memory; an image processing section that prepares display image data. The display image data represents an image to be displayed from the image data stored in the portable memory according to an instruction of a processing program that is read from the portable memory and represents a series of processing steps to be executed by the projection display apparatus. An electro-optic device then forms image light in response to the display image data, and an optical system projects the image light to display the image.

Abstract: A visual workstation for use by a viewer includes a dome having an open front end and a truncated spherical inner dome surface. A work surface is disposed in front of and adjacent the dome front end. The work surface defines a viewer area on a side of the work surface opposite the dome. The viewer area is sized and configured to receive the viewer and is positioned relative to the spherical inner dome surface such that the viewer, when located in the viewer area, may view the spherical inner dome surface. A projector is disposed between the viewer area and the dome. The projector is operative to project a truncated spherical projection onto the inner dome surface.

Abstract: A light emitting diode with strained layer superlatices (SLS) crystal structure is formed on a substrate. A nucleation layer and a buffer layer are sequentially formed on the substrate, so as to ease the crystal growth for the subsequent crystal growing process. An active layer is covered between an upper and a lower cladding layers. The active later include III-N group compound semiconductive material. A SLS contact layer is located on the upper cladding layer. A transparent electrode is located on the contact later to serve as an anode. Another electrode layer has contact with the buffer layer, and is separated from the lower and upper cladding layers.

Abstract: The present invention includes maintaining the region of the proximal lens of a laparoscope at greater than ambient temperature in order to prevent fogging during use. Heating is accomplished using commercially available chemical heat packs generally used for heating boots or gloves, or by using electrically powered heating tape. The invention differs from other anti-fogging devices, which either immerse the distal lens region of the laparoscope in a warm fluid or treat this lens with anti-fogging solutions, in that above-ambient temperature is continuously maintained throughout the laparoscope, since it is known that a cool laparoscope fogs when placed in the vicinity of warm, wet patient tissue.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to optical MEM devices and methods for making the same. MEM devices, in accordance with the current invention, have one or more movable micro-structures which are preferably ribbon structures or cantilever structures configured for modulating light. The movable micro-structures are patterned from a device layer comprising a silicon nitride under-layer, a reflective metal top-layer and a ceramic compensating layer. The ceramic compensating layer is provided. to reduce stress in the micro-structures which can lead to curvature. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the device layer is formed on a silicon substrate that is preferably etched with trenches before forming the device layer. The device layer is then patterned using lithographic masking and etching techniques to release the patterned device layer and form the movable micro-structures. Portions of the device layer which are formed over the trenches provide support for the released patterned device layer.

Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include a light emitting panel member having a uniform or variable pattern of light extracting deformities of well defined shapes in or on one or more surface areas of the light emitting panel member. The size and shape as well as the depth and angular orientation and position or location of the light extracting deformities may vary along the length and/or width of a panel surface area to obtain a desired light output distribution from the panel surface area. Also, at least some of the deformities may have planar surfaces in parallel spaced relation to a panel surface area. A focused light source may be insert molded or cast within a light transition area of the light emitting panel member to focus the light on an input surface of the light transition area with predetermined ray angles to fit a particular application. Molded supports may be provided on the panel member for supporting other parts or components in spaced relation therefrom.

Abstract: An illumination device 4 includes a light guide 6 which receives light from a light source 7 at a light-receiving face 6a and emits the light from a light-emitting face 6b. A face 6c opposite the light-receiving face 6a of the light guide 6 is formed as an inclined plane. The light which has reached the inclined plane 6c reflects at an angle off the inclined plane 6c. Therefore, the frequency in diffusion of the light increases. As a result, the luminance of the light emitted from the light-emitting face 6b is improved. The luminance of a planar light can be made uniform by varying the shapes of diffusion patterns 12 disposed on a diffusion sheet 9 according to the distance from the inclined plane 6c.

Abstract: A light device includes a light member coupled to a circuit board, a stationary conductor engaged in a bucket and coupled to the circuit board, a movable conductor disposed close to the bucket and received in a follower which is coupled to the circuit board and which may rotate the movable conductor to contact with the stationary conductor or to be supported on the peripheral wall of the bucket and to be disengaged from the stationary conductor. The conductors may each include two ends heads for engaging with each other or for separating the conductors from each other.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench and lighting circuit arrangement includes a ratchet wrench, the ratchet wrench having a hollow ratchet driving member mounted in a box at one end thereof, a holder shell fitted into the ratchet driving member and detachably secured thereto by a screw joint, and a lighting circuit assembly installed in the holder shell and controlled to emit light through a lens at a bottom side of the ratchet driving member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods directed to a hand holdable flashlight including a battery housing having an undercut groove to which is removably fitted a head of an interface device which itself is removably securable to the object.

Abstract: A modular light emitting diode (LED) mounting configuration is provided including a light source module having a plurality of pre-packaged LEDs arranged in a serial array. The module includes a heat conductive body portion adapted to conduct heat generated by the LEDs to an adjacent heat sink. As a result, the LEDs are able to be operated with a higher current than normally allowed. Thus, brightness and performance of the LEDs is increased without decreasing the life expectancy of the LEDs. The LED modules can be used in a variety of illumination applications employing one or more modules.

Abstract: A light emitting golf ball is constructed to include a plastic outer shell that admits light, a plastic core embedded in the outer shell, the plastic core admitting light, and a light emitting circuit assembly embedded in the core, the light emitting circuit assembly including a battery, a plurality of LEDs, and an impact switch electrically connected between the battery and the LEDs and adapted to turn on the LEDs upon an impact.

Abstract: An electrodeless lighting apparatus using microwave comprises: a waveguide for transmitting microwave generated in a magnetron; a mesh screen coupled to an outlet portion of the waveguide for blocking a leakage of the microwave and passing light; a bulb located in the mesh screen for emitting light by generating plasma by the microwave; and a globe installed on outer area of the mesh screen so that the light generated in the bulb can be radiated to omnidirection, that is, the globe is installed around the bulb instead of a reflector and a light guide which are used in the conventional art, and thereby, a structure of the lighting apparatus can be made simply and an omnidirectional lighting can be performed.

Abstract: A portable outdoor lighting fixture which includes a base with a post extending vertically therefrom with a telescoping tube therein with a compression nut to lock the tube at the desired height, with a flexible arm connecting the tube to a switchable shade assembly, and a low voltage transformer connected to a source of electrical energy and to a supply wire connected to a terminal block on the underside of the base of the fixture, and a wire connecting the terminal block to a switchable shade assembly.

Abstract: A framework for a lighting fixture, such as a chandelier, includes frame members that contain or support decorative ornaments. The ornaments may be captured within the frame members without the use of attachment elements. The frame members may be formed with substantially parallel rails defining cages that are sized to hold beads, crystals or other decorative ornaments. In some embodiments, the ornaments may viewed from any angle without substantial obstruction by the frame member.

Abstract: A lamp assembling device with an orientation adjustable lamp post is disclosed. In a retaining seat, a positioning sheet is locked to the distal end of the lamp rod. An upper section of a vertical surface of the positioning sheet has a locking hole. A lower end of the adjusting rod has a through hole. An embedding hole is formed on the adjusting rod at an upper side of the through hole. Thereby, a stud passes through the limiting reed and the locking hole of the positioning sheet to be locked into the through hole of the adjusting rod. Thus, the adjusting rod, positioning sheet and limiting reed are locked as an integral body. After locking, one free end of the limiting reed exactly extends into an embedding hole of the adjusting rod. As a result, the lamp post is adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spread illuminating apparatus which can ensure uniform brightness over its entire screen. A light reflection-diffusion layer is formed on a light conductive member at a face provided with an optical path conversion means. Light emitted from spot-like light sources is reflected efficiently by the light reflection-diffusion layer toward a transparent substrate, and light intensity degrades in a substantially linear manner with the increase in distance from respective spot-like light sources. Sharp change of brightness on an observation surface can be prevented due to the light intensity degrading linearly.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing an animation effect are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first light reflecting member, a second light reflecting member, a first light source, a second light source, and means to intermittently activate the first and second light sources to produce an animation effect. The first light reflecting member comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the light from the first light source enters the first member through the first surface and exits the first member through the second surface. The second light reflecting member comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the light from the second source enters the second member through the first surface and exits the second member through the second surface.

Abstract: A lighted ornament. The lighted ornament comprises a first tower and a second tower attached to a base. Lights within light bores are disposed within the first tower, the second tower and the base. The first tower, second tower and base are made of light-transmissive material, which may be transparent or translucent, colored or not. A light-transmissive spire may be disposed atop one or both towers. The base may comprise a base upper surface and a base indicia flat disposed at a side of the base upper surface opposite the first tower and the second tower. Base indicia may be inscribed on the base indicia flat, and the lights within the first tower, second tower and/or base imbue the base indicia with a warm, aesthetic aura. An alternate embodiment is disclosed into which existing bulbs may be inserted.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing thermoplastic materials is provided. The apparatus includes a barrel and a screw rotatably mounted in the barrel. The screw has a screw shaft with a thread spirally extending around the screw shaft so as to form a plurality of flights, and the screw has a zone through which melted polymer conveyed. The screw has a portion that is without a screw thread where the screw shaft forms a mixing element with a drum-shaped surface extending above the screw shaft that is coaxial with the screw shaft. This drum-shaped surface has a plurality of alternating input grooves output grooves extending in a generally axial direction. Lands extend between the input grooves and output grooves so as to separate the input grooves from the output grooves, with the length of each land being substantially equal to the length of the contiguous portion of the adjacent input and output grooves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispersing solids into a liquid. The solids may be any particulate material, ranging from cohesive to free flowing. The apparatus and method use an auger to deliver the solids from a hopper to a mixer, where the solids are dispersed into one or more liquids. Typically a vacuum is created in the mixer, or other differential pressures may occur between the hopper and mixer. The apparatus and method provide a delivery rate of the solids which is substantially controlled by the auger rotational speed and substantially independent of the vacuum or other differential pressure at certain auger rotational speeds.