Abstract: A method of fabricating an ink-jet head including forming a first photosensitive resin layer on one face of a metal flat plate, forming a second photosensitive resin layer on the other face of the metal flat plate, selectively exposing the first photosensitive resin layer by using a mask formed with a pattern corresponding to a first passage partially constituting the ink passage, removing an exposed portion or an unexposed portion of the first photosensitive resin layer, forming the first passage by etching the metal flat plate to form a shape corresponding to a removed portion of the first photosensitive resin layer, selectively exposing the second photosensitive resin layer by using a mask formed with a pattern corresponding to a second passage partially constituting the ink passage and a filter, forming the second passage connected to the first passage and the filter by removing an exposed portion or an unexposed portion of the second photosensitive resin layer, and laminating the flat plate processed by

Abstract: In an inkjet printhead, a substantially rectangular heater element has a length and width dimension defining an aspect ratio of more than about 2.0. A bubble chamber with a curved or convex wall portion partially surrounds the heater element. A radius of an arc defining the convex wall portion is greater than one-half the width dimension while less than one-half the length dimension and none of the convex wall portion overlies a periphery of the heater element. An ink ejection orifice exists through a thickness of a nozzle plate covering the bubble chamber and resides above the heater element. Additionally, the bubble chamber may have a rectangular wall portion connected to the convex wall portion and either portion may occupy a terminal end of the bubble chamber. Preferred length and width dimensions include 35 and 13 or 40 and 10 microns with a radius of about 16 microns.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ink jet printhead which comprises a plurality of nozzles and one or more heater elements corresponding to each nozzle. Each heater element is configured to heat a bubble forming liquid in the printhead to a temperature above its boiling point to form a gas bubble therein. The generation of the bubble causes the ejection of a drop of an ejectable liquid (such as ink) through the respective corresponding nozzle, to effect printing. Each heater element is substantially covered by a conformal protective coating which has been applied to all sides of the heater element simultaneously so that the coating is seamless.

Abstract: In a thermal head capable of performing printing of high quality while preventing foreign matters such as dirt or the like from accumulating in a portion, on which a heat reserving layer is formed, at the time of printing, the heat reserving layer comprising a projection formed by partially projecting a surface of the layer and having a top, the projection being provided on a surface thereof with heating elements, the projection being shaped in cross section in a direction perpendicular to a direction of arrangement of the heating elements to form an inclined surface on one surface side, which is formed to be lower than the other surface side. The projection is formed so that a height thereof from the one surface side is 5 to 50 &mgr;m.

Abstract: In a liquid ejecting head having a first liquid flow path communicating with an ejecting port for ejecting a liquid to be ejected and an element substrate having a heating element for forming a bubble from a bubble forming liquid as well as including a second liquid flow path corresponding to the first liquid flow path and a movable separation membrane for substantially separating the first liquid flow path and the second liquid flow path corresponding to the first liquid flow path from each other at all times, the liquid ejecting head includes an atmosphere communication port facing the atmosphere for communicating the second liquid flow path with the atmosphere, and an atmosphere communication path having an atmosphere communication path introduction port facing the second liquid flow path, wherein the atmosphere communication port is formed through the same surface as that of the ejecting port, whereby the liquid ejecting head can remove remaining bubbles in the bubble forming liquid by a simple arrangemen

Abstract: An ink jet printer head and a piezoelectric actuator for the head, in which energy conversion efficiency from an electric energy to a mechanical vibration energy is high, and its mechanical displacement of a vibration transferring plate is large, are provided. An ink jet printer head having a piezoelectric actuator provides an upper electrode, a piezoelectric plate, a lower electrode, a vibration transferring plate, and a pressure chamber, whose shape is a rectangle and its length ratio of the short side to the long side is 0.8 or more and 1.0 or less. And the piezoelectric plate having the lower electrode is bonded to the vibration transferring plate at a position within the inside wall of the pressure chamber and the center positions of the piezoelectric plate and the pressure chamber are set to be almost equal. Therefore, the energy conversion efficiency of the piezoelectric plate can be utilized in its maximum, and the piezoelectric actuator whose mechanical displacement is large can be realized.

Abstract: An ink jet head using bimorph drivers and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The head has pressure chambers 6 that each communicates with a nozzle 9 and stores ink, and bimorph drivers that each has a piezoelectric body 1 and a vibrating plate 2 and that are for applying pressure to the pressure chambers 6; three peripheral sides of each of the bimorph drivers are fixed, and the other side is not fixed. Since one side of the piezoelectric body of each of the bimorph drivers is made to be free, tensile stress can be released without pressure leakage. As a result, the displacement and pressure required for ejecting ink drops can be obtained even if the width of the piezoelectric bodies is narrow. A high-density multi-nozzle head can thus be realized.

Abstract: An ink jet recording head that enables a reduction in the amount of piezoelectric plate consumed, so that costs can be lowered, without lowering efficiency of piezoelectric actuators, even if the piezoelectric actuators are only roughly fixed to the housing, and that also enables accurately and easily positioning the piezoelectric actuators with respect to a diaphragm that defines an ink channel. Assuming that mB is the mass (kg) of the base 3 to which the piezoelectric actuator 5 is fixed and Tfall is the rising edge time (s) of the drive signal that drives the piezoelectric actuator 5, the spring modulus determined from mB and Tfall is 2×mB/Tfall2≧5.0 e6 (N/m). Therefore, the displacement of the piezoelectric actuator can be efficiently transmitted to the ink chamber regardless of the spring modulus of the adhesive agent used to fix the base to the housing.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator is formed by laminating a piezoelectric sheet having individual electrodes and a piezoelectric sheet having a common electrode alternately. Through-holes are formed in the laminated piezoelectric sheets and coated with a conductive material to electrically connect the individual electrodes as well as the common electrodes in the laminating direction of the piezoelectric sheets. The maximum diameter (&phgr;) of each through-hole is not less than about 20 &mgr;m and not more than about 200 &mgr;m (20 &mgr;m≦&phgr;≦200 &mgr;m). In addition, the through-holes are provided in a staggered configuration in the laminating direction. In this arrangement, the piezoelectric actuator is less prone to warpage or waving and remains flat enough to offer high performance.

Abstract: A solid ink loader for feeding colored solid ink sticks in a phase change ink jet printer, wherein the feed system includes at least one feed channel for receiving ink sticks having a first ink stick color, at least one key plate for the at least one feed channel, wherein the at least one key plate has a first insertion opening for admitting the ink sticks having the first color into the at least one feed channel, and wherein the at least one key plate has first ink stick color identification markings corresponding to the first ink stick color.

Abstract: An integrally-formed ink tube carrier for a printer is disclosed which has a plurality of carrier tubes arrayed in a substantially rectilinear fashion. The tubes are connected by integrally-formed connecting regions. The carrier tubes used to hold ink tubes are preferably closed, thus providing a secondary containment in the event of an ink leak. One or more of the tubes may be slit, allowing the insertion of electrical wires. The ink tube carrier is preferably formed of a plasticized nylon, an elastomeric polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), elastomeric nylon, or polyether block amides.

Abstract: An ink container detachably mountable to a portion to be mounted includes a substantially prism-shaped casing having an opening, a multi-layer inner bladder deformable with discharge of liquid, the inner bladder having an outer surface which is equivalent or similar to an inner surface of the casing, the casing and the inner bladder constituting a liquid reservoir, and a discrimination member for discriminating the liquid in the liquid reservoir.

Abstract: A package includes a packaging member; and an ink container which contains ink comprising pigment coloring material and solvent dispersing the coloring material and which has an ink supply port for permitting supply of the ink to an outside, wherein the ink container is mountable to an ink jet recording apparatus with the ink supply port at a lower position, the ink container accommodating an ink absorbing material for absorbing the ink and being provided with an air vent which is open for fluid communication between a space inside the ink container and ambience, and wherein a region tending to have a high coloring material density in the ink container is at a position generally diagonally opposite the ink supply port, wherein the ink container is in a first orientation which is different from a second orientation taken in use in the ink jet recording apparatus.

Abstract: A recyclable ink container, ink container base assembly, and a method of attaching an ink container to a recyclable ink container base are disclosed. The container and ink container base assembly may be formed of recyclable material. A locking nut and needle assembly are part of the base fixture that hold the ink container assembly in place. The needle assembly is independent of the locking nut such that the ink needle and airline properly align when the locking nut is turned.

Abstract: An inkjet pen including an ink reservoir for storing ink and providing ink for jetting. A port, located on top of the ink reservoir, fluid-communicated with the ambient air, is used for adjusting the air pressure inside the reservoir. A valve, operated by a spring or a resilient element, normally seals the port, while occasionally opening the port to introduce air into the reservoir when the ink level is low and the underpressure rises. In other embodiments, an elastic bag is included in the reservoir that has an opening communicated with the ambient air through a second port formed on top of the reservoir. The elastic bag expands in response to the increasing underpressure generated in the reservoir when ink is being used. The bag expansion actuates the opening of the valve so as to regulate the underpressure.

Abstract: A solid ink feed system for a phase change printer includes a solid ink feed channel that has formed in it a feed channel key that either blocks a solid ink stick from complete insertion into the feed channel, or blocks passage of an ink stick along the length of the feed channel, unless the ink stick has a key element corresponding to the feed channel key. A solid ink stick is formed of a three dimensional ink stick body with a key element that extends along a surface of the ink stick body through the rear of the ink stick body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid composition for forming a colored portion on a recording medium together with an anionic or cationic water-based ink containing a coloring material. The liquid composition comprises a solvent, fine particles in a dispersion state, wherein the fine particles have a surface charge in a polarity opposite to the water-based ink and has ion whose polarity is opposite to that of the fine particles in an ionic equivalence of 0.1-40 meq/l.

Abstract: A method of printing with an ink-jet printer. The method includes printing a dye onto a substrate, printing a deactivating agent on the dye, causing the agent to react with either the dye or the substrate, and washing the substrate. The invention is also an ink-jet cartridge having a plurality of reservoirs, some of which contain an ink having a dye and at least one of which contains a deactivating agent.

Abstract: The invention provides curable ink compositions that are inkjet printable and that adhere to a variety of substrates, for example, glass and polymer. The ink compositions of the invention can be formulated so to provide cured inks that are very flexible or very rigid depending upon the desired application. The invention provides a cure-on-demand curable ink composition including a homogeneous mixture of at least one of: (a) a compound having 2 reactive silyl groups, and (b) a compound having at least 3 reactive silyl groups; acid generating catalyst; and pigment or pigment chip. The invention also provides methods of making and using the ink compositions and imaged articles.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of making an ink-jet-ink-derived material image on a receiver. An ink jet device is used to form a colloidal ink image on a member. The ink for use in the ink jet device includes an aqueous-based colloidal dispersion of particles and a nonaqueous colloidal dispersion of particles. The ink for use in the ink jet device includes an aqueous-based colloidal dispersion of particles, a nonaqueous colloidal dispersion of particles. The particles of the colloidal ink image are caused to become concentrated adjacent an operational surface of the member. Excess liquid is removed from the particles so as to form an ink-jet-ink-derived material image. The ink-jet-ink-derived image is then transferred from the operational surface of the intermediate member to another member, which another member may be a receiver member, a drum or a web.

Abstract: An auxiliary lens apparatus for use with eyeglasses and sunglasses having two main lenses with respective convex and concave surfaces. The apparatus comprises two lenses each held within the individual rims of eyeglass frames and a nose bridge to join the two. A generally u-shaped clip with an integrally formed grooved seat and a rear flexible spur angled to abut the convex surfaces of each main lens is provided in combination with each auxiliary lens to fixably secure the auxiliary lenses to the eyeglasses. The un-shaped clip formed in combination with each auxiliary lens is situated to take into account the focal point of the wearer's eyes, which is located at a certain distance forward of the position of the clip, to prevent the obscuring of the wearer's vision.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a multiple part eyeglass frame for rimless eyeglasses manufactured from plastic having properties which withstand the constant flexing associated with eyeglasses. The present invention is especially useful in situations where a conventional temple hinge is not used. The frame is highly effective for absorbing stresses on eyeglass lenses at attachment points of the temple members. Temples of the present invention are formed of two individual pieces allowing a temple length to be adjusted. The temple pieces are fabricated, such that when joined, the resulting temple follows the normal curvature of a wearer's head. The present invention incorporates a plastic nose bridge with one or more posts as attachment means for a replaceable nose pad bridge unit. Additionally, means for adjusting the length of the temple members is provided.

Abstract: A compound polarization beam splitter (33) for use with a reflective, polarization-modulating, imaging device (10), e.g., a LCoS device, is provided. The compound PBS has: (a) an input prism (20); (b) an output prism (30), and (c) a polarizer (13), which is located between the two prisms (20,30) and which may be a wire grid polarizer (13a) or a multi-layer reflective polarizer (13b). Polarized illumination light (11) enters the input prism (20) through a first surface (21) and undergoes total internal reflection at a second surface (22) before being reflected from the polarizer (13) and polarization-modulated at the imaging device (10). The polarizer's tilt angle (&bgr;) is less than 45°, which reduces astigmatism and the required back working distance of the system's projection lens (74).

Abstract: A display device includes a light modulator used as an image forming unit and a projection optical system for projecting and displaying an image. In the display device, gradation is represented by varying the ON-time in the temporal axis during one frame period of the light modulator. The ON-time is used by at least three light components.

Abstract: An irregular color and irregular luminance correction circuit includes a memory, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and an external interface. In the memory, luminance distribution values, luminance inclination values, screen distribution values, and correction values at n-pieces of levels at each correction point obtained at factory adjustment are stored as digital data. The CPU generates a correction value based on the luminance distribution value, the luminance inclination value, and the screen distribution value and stores these values in the memory as digital data. The irregular color and irregular luminance correction circuit performs irregular color and irregular luminance correction for an input image signal based on the correction value and an interpolation value. With these configurations, irregular color and irregular luminance caused by a display device and a screen in a projector can be solved.

Abstract: Micro-electromechanical display device (“MDD”)-based multimedia projectors (90, 120) of this invention employ an arc lamp (32), a color modulator (42), and anamorphic illumination systems (94, 121) for optimally illuminating a MDD (50, 76) to improve projected image brightness. MDDs employ off-axis illumination wherein incident and reflected light bundles are angularly separated about a hinge axis (78, 110) and the MDD is illuminated by the anamorphic illumination systems of this invention having a slow f/# parallel to the hinge axis and a faster f/# perpendicular to the hinge axis. The resulting anamorphic light bundles (86, 88, 112, 114) illuminate and reflect more light into and off the MDD and through a fast f/# projection lens.

Abstract: An ultrathin optical panel, and a method of producing an ultrathin optical panel, are disclosed, including stacking a plurality of glass sheets, which sheets may be coated with a transparent cladding substance or may be uncoated, fastening together the plurality of stacked coated glass sheets using an epoxy or ultraviolet adhesive, applying uniform pressure to the stack, curing the stack, sawing the stack to form an inlet face on a side of the stack and an outlet face on an opposed side of the stack, bonding a coupler to the inlet face of the stack, and fastening the stack, having the coupler bonded thereto, within a rectangular housing having an open front which is aligned with the outlet face, the rectangular housing having therein a light generator which is optically aligned with the coupler. The light generator is preferably placed parallel to and proximate with the inlet face, thereby allowing for a reduction in the depth of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a body, an upper cover which forms a slide with the body, and a catching section which is in the slide and has at least one protrusive catching piece on a side of a front side surface. Another side of the catching section connects to an adjusting button with extended width, and the adjusting button is protruded from the body. A sliding sleeve set on a side of a front surface of the body, and a supporter is through the sliding sleeve. A back of the supporter has a plurality of positioning rack engaging with the catching piece. Besides, a rear side of the catching section is fastened on one end of a restoring element, and the other end is fixed on a rear wall of the body. The rear side of the catching section sets a guiding element, which two opening ends are through two guiding slots attached to a top edge of the rear wall. Each guiding slot is formed by a restricting block for guiding the catching section to move smoothly.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a carrier, an optical engine disposed on the carrier, and a hood member coupled to the carrier at the front end of the optical engine. The hood member has an inlet coupled to the optical engine and an outlet sealed with a screen. At least one mirror is placed in an optical path between the optical engine and the screen for reflecting a beam from the optical engine, and is disposed with an adjusting bolt at its backside for adjusting. The hood member wraps the optical path from the optical engine to the screen for keeping the optical engine outside and preventing the external dust, moisture, and temperature.

Abstract: A lighting system is disclosed comprising a plurality of image projection lighting devices including a first image projection lighting device, a central controller, and a communications system which permits the central controller to communicate with the plurality of image projection lighting devices. The first image projection lighting device is comprised of a camera, and a light valve, wherein the light valve is used to project a first projected image onto a projection surface. The camera of the first image projection light device can capture at least a portion of the first projected image projected from the light valve to form a first captured image. At least a portion of the first captured image is projected as a second projected image by the first image projection lighting device onto the projection surface creating a video feedback loop.

Abstract: A lighting project or device has a housing having multiple adjacent sides and a front, the housing being enclosed at least between par lamp and the diffusion element. Multiple par lights are mounted to a frame and positioned to send light out the front of the device. The box also has a diffusion element (frame) disposed proximate its front end, and even may have multiple elements preferably spaced apart. The element or elements receive the light from the par lighting instruments and diffuse it to provide a soft projected light from the device. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, this light may be used to provide diffused light as part of the key lighting for a stage or set, and may provide such soft projected lighting from a front (downstage) of the stage or set. The frame also supports the housing. The frame may be rectangular. The device may also have a soft shell, may hang overhead, on a stand or by a rotatable yoke, and may have lights fixed therein. The device may also have a rear cover.

Abstract: An improved DC-DC converter with reduced input current ripples. The converter includes a transformer, a switch, and a capacitor. The switch turns on and off alternately to store the energy in the transformer. The capacitor is connected in series with a rectifier and a secondary winding of the transformer across an input DC voltage so as to be charged by the energy released from the secondary winding through the DC power source. Accordingly, the circuit sees an input current which continues flowing through the DC power source even the switching element is turned off.

Abstract: An LED area-light source module used for an LCD. A metal housing constituting a flat base, a bending portion, and at least one raised portion, in which the bending portion is an extension of the flat base and the overlapping portion between the bending portion and the flat base serves as a lying space. An LED circuit board is assembled into the lying space and has a plurality of chips, at least one connecting pad and at least one concave portion. An optical plate module is assembled on the flat base of the metal housing. At least one wire has one end welded on the connecting pad and the other end connected to a power supply. An edge between the exposed portion and the unexposed portion of the wire is installed on the bottom side of the concave portion.

Abstract: The current invention utilizes the common baseball-type hat or headband, to which is attached one or more arrays of light emitting diodes. It is the object of this invention to provide an efficient lighting apparatus which embodies the principles of an adjustable hat or headband worn on the head, to which a battery-powered light emitting diodeing apparatus is either permanently attached to the hat or headband, or removable attached to the hat or headband by a hook and loop concept.

Abstract: A trim assembly is mounted by a resilient spring in a housing, which is recessed in a ceiling, to support a light fixture. The trim assembly includes a cylindrical collar insertable within the housing and a flange with a central opening supporting one end of the cylindrical collar surrounding the opening being flush with the ceiling, when the trim assembly is mounted within the housing. A gimbal, which is located within and spaced apart from the collar, supports the light fixture. The springs are attached to opposite sides of an outer surface of the collar, for engaging an inner surface of the housing, to hold the trim assembly in place. In addition, the gimbal is retained within the collar by fasteners which allow limited rotation of the gimbal.

Abstract: A decorative lamp supporting multiple layered petals design is provided. The decorative lamp comes with a lamp bulb, a receptacle, an inner corolla shell and an outer corolla shell. The stacked corolla structure allows the inner corolla shell to be fitted behind the outer corolla shell, and possibly another corolla shell to be fitted in between the outer and inner corolla shells. The decorative lamp has a retaining apparatus to bind multiple corolla shells onto the receptacle, several locating ribs on the surface of the inner corolla shell to prevent dislocation of the corolla shells, and locating rings on the outer rim of the outer corolla shell to prevent falling out of the lamp from the installation ring. Consequently a decorative lamp with layered petals design can be assembled with a robust structure.

Abstract: An improved structure of formative lighting fixtures comprises a frame, a plurality of bulbs, and a refracting layer, in which the frame is formed by gathering a plurality of rods and profiled in a specific contour, the bulbs are installed on the frame to serve for lighting ornaments, and the rods on the frame are coated with a refracting layer of a transparent material. A formative lighting fixture so constructed can offer a dazzling effect to thereby reduce bulb amount and facilitate production.

Abstract: A light bulb assembly for a light string has a light bulb with two electrical wires extending out of the light bulb, a spacer positioned between the two electrical wires to separate the two electrical wires, two cables respectively connected to a corresponding one of the electrical wires, a membrane partially enclosing the light bulb, the electrical wires and a portion of the cables, and a casing enclosing the membrane, a portion of the light bulb, the electrical wires and the cables. The light bulb is able to emit its light through the casing and because of the membrane, water resistance of the light string structure is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention provides an illumination device having a curved reflector for use with a light-emitting device. The illumination device includes conical or funnel shaped lens having a top section, a bottom section, an outer surface and an inner surface. The bottom section is enlarged and contains a hollow interior formed by the lens inner surface to receive a curved reflector. The top section contains a cavity adaptable to receive a light-emitting device so that when the light is illuminated, light is transmitted through the reflector lens. As light travels towards the bottom section, the curved reflector deflects light in the horizontal direction through the lens to prevent light from being absorbed by the base. The reflector lens outer and inner surfaces contain ridges to form a grid-like pattern to disperse light. This configuration provides an efficient means to transmit light to illuminate a surrounding area.

Abstract: An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of other light sources such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit. The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative clothing, or may be part of a hazzard or warning system. One or more solid state light sources may also be used.

Abstract: A vehicular headlight includes at least one light source that emits light when in use, a reflector having a main reflection surface so positioned relative to the light source as to reflect any light reaching the same from the light source in the form of at least a low light beam delimited at least by an upper light/dark boundary at its upper region as considered in the position in which the headlight is to be used, and a light-transmitting plate extending across the path of the light beam at a distance from the light source and at least substantially devoid of any optically active profiles. A reflection element is further provided that is integral with the reflector and has an additional reflection surface deviating in configuration from that of the basic reflection surface to reflect any light reaching the same from the light source in the form of an additional light beam to an additional region situated upwardly of the upper light/dark boundary.

Abstract: A structure that ensures air tightness and waterproof performance of a cord insertion hole in a back cover of a lamp body. The arrangement allows a reduction of man hours for fixing a power supply cord to the back cover. In an implementation, a cylindrical outer wall 702 is provided that surrounds cord insertion holes 704a, 704b through which power supply cords 6a, 6b are inserted for sending current to light source bulbs 1a, 1b. A resin mold portion filled inside the outer wall fixes and integrates the power supply cords 6a, 6b in the cord insertion holes 704a, 704b. The resin mold portion includes a lower mold layer 9a on the side of the cord insertion holes 704a, 704b that adheres well to the back cover 7, and an upper mold layer 9b laminated over the lower mold layer 9a and having good heat resistance properties. The upper mold layer 9b prevents creep in the lower mold layer 9a, and the lower mold layer maintains air tightness and waterproof performance at the cord insertion hole.

Abstract: A semiconductor light source for illuminating a physical space has been invented. In various embodiments of the invention, a semiconductor such as and LED chip, laser chip, LED chip array, laser array, an array of chips, or a VCSEL chip is mounted on a heat sink. The heat sink may have multiple panels for mounting chips in various orientations. The chips may be mounted directly to a primary heat sink which is in turn mounted to a multi-panel secondary heat sink. A TE cooler and air circulation may be provided to enhance heat dissipation. An AC/DC converter may be included in the light source fitting.

Abstract: A low voltage power supply includes a plurality of output terminal pairs interconnected by electrical circuitry effective to permit individual adjustment of the voltages applied between each such pair for powering simultaneously a plurality of light sources at individually selected voltages. The light sources are associated with dental handpieces through umbilical tubings, an exemplary one of which includes a bundle of flexible, light-conducting fibers connected between a first coupling fixture holding a subminiature bulb and a second coupling structurally adapted for connection to a dental handpiece.

Abstract: Material processing apparatus (10) is provided for the simultaneous production of different characterized final products using a single, initially processed product stream. The apparatus (10) includes a barrel assembly (12) having an elongated, tubular barrel (16) with a flighted, axially rotatable screw (26) within the barrel, and an additive incorporation assembly (14) coupled with the barrel (16) and having a plurality of individual mixing chambers (34, 36) configured to receive and process individual, separate streams of product from the barrel assembly (12). Individual additive injectors (52, 54) are also provided for injection of additives such as colorants or the like into the respective product streams for mixing with the chambers (34, 36). Preferably, the assembly (14) includes a flow divider (32) having plural separate passageways (46, 48), which are in communication with the corresponding mixing chambers (34, 36).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for treating a sample by selectively controlling sonic energy and/or selectively controlling the location of the sample relative to the sonic energy.

Abstract: The present invention generally discloses processing tools for attachment to a hand-held blender. The processing tools are uniquely designed for realizing a perfect consistency for specialty foodstuffs. Also, the invention sets forth an easy attachment mechanism for securing a removable processing tool to a hand held blender. Furthermore, a container for use with a hand-held blender is also provided.

Abstract: Aiming to eliminate the need to use an external stir in most hot beverage cups, the present invention of a rotating cup mechanism includes: an outer cup, an inner cup and an outer cup base driving module while the inner cup is normally inset in the outer cup and interlocked with the driving module where the driving module leads to a push button exposed on the side. When the push button is repeatedly pressed, the driving module moves its gear wheel to start relative rotating motion between the outer and inner cups, generating liquid flows in the cup to achieve a more equilibrium mix of the liquid content. A secondary purpose of the present invention is the provision of a detachable inner cup that is can be easily removed for cleaning and then reassembled.

Abstract: A rapid process for making transparent tints that match the color and tinting strength of a standard tint. The process involves the use of a faster and more accurate shading technique that utilizes the light transmittance properties of the tints in the wet over the visible spectrum and calculates therefrom the amount of components required to bring the tint within an acceptable match to the standard.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a liquid concentrate for use in the manufacture of plastic parts (including without limitation, as part of the sampling, evaluation and approval process before a plastic part goes into production) comprising: (a) preparing one or more liquid intermediates, wherein the liquid intermediates comprise a liquid vehicle and at least one additive (which may include a pigment, dye or other additive); (b) standardizing the liquid intermediates; (c) transferring the standardized liquid intermediates to a remote location; and (d) dispensing the liquid intermediates to produce a liquid concentrate, wherein the quantity of each liquid intermediate dispensed is controlled according to a predetermined formula for the liquid concentrate.