Patents Issued in May 6, 2004
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Publication number: 20040085375Abstract: A color ink-jet printer including a first ink ejecting portion operable to eject droplets of a first ink of a first color, a second ink ejecting portion operable to eject droplets of a second ink of a second color other than the first color, which second ink is dried at a higher rate than said first ink, a first control portion operable to control the first ink ejecting portion, on the basis of a gray-scale value at a picture element corresponding to each dot of the first ink to be formed on a recording medium, such that a total volume of at least one droplet of the first ink ejected by the first ink ejecting portion to form each dot of the first ink is equal to any one of a plurality of different total volume values, and a second control portion operable to control the second ink ejecting portion, on the basis of a gray-scale value at a picture element corresponding to each dot of the second ink to be formed on the recording medium, such that a total volume of at least one droplet of the second ink ejected bType: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Koichiro Hara
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Publication number: 20040085376Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus has a structure in which, when a recording-interruption operation of a recording head such as discharge-recovery processing is performed during an image-forming operation, a recording downtime is measured, and the recording head is heated in accordance with the length of a recording downtime so as to prevent occurrence of differences in optical densities and colors of an image before and after the recording-interruption operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yoshihiro Takada, Kenshi Hata, Katsushi Hara
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Publication number: 20040085377Abstract: A method for aligning multiple nozzle members in a solid free form build unit in which a geometric test shape at least one investigational topographic region projecting outward from a central base is formed and analyzed for at lest one physical characteristic correlative with nozzle member targeting accuracy.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Nielsen, Steven T. Castle, David C. Collins
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Publication number: 20040085378Abstract: A printing component receives media, applies print imaging thereto, and delivers the media to a first location. The apparatus selectively applies at least one calibration mark as the print imaging. An imaging component receives the imaged media at a second location and produces scan data representative thereof. The apparatus selectively analyzes the at least one calibration mark and produces calibration data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Otto K. Sievert, Gregory D. Nelson, Robert D. Blanton, Shawn B. Nielson, Patrick Chase, Michael Hall
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Publication number: 20040085379Abstract: A tester print head has at least one conductive pad that is coupled to a status return pad by circuitry. The tester print head is inserted into a printer carriage assembly that is linked to printer control circuitry through linking hardware. A self-test signal is applied to the linking hardware. If the tester print head provides an indication to the control circuitry that the self-test signal was received, the linking hardware passed the self-test. If the indication is not provided to the control circuitry, the self-test failed and the functional print head that was replaced by the tester print head may be operating properly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Matthew Taylor, Ryan Christensen, Ryan Jamison
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Publication number: 20040085380Abstract: An apparatus detecting an amount of ink discharged by a printer, the printer having a plurality of heaters and corresponding nozzles and performing printing by applying pulses to the heaters to heat the heaters and discharge ink through the corresponding nozzles, the apparatus including a detector connected to the heaters that detects a state change of the heaters and output a state change signal; and an ink discharge amount calculator that calculates an amount of discharged ink corresponding to the state change output signal from the detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyung-chool Choi, Young-bok Ju
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Publication number: 20040085381Abstract: To check that nozzles of printheads 11-15 applying fixer or an ink to a print media 22 are operating correctly, the fixer or ink is applied to selected locations on a fluorescent print media which is then subjected to ultra-violet radiation; the reflectivities at these locations are detected in the visible spectrum and the information is analysed using appropriate image processing algorithms. In an ink-jet printer, for example, applied fixer may be irradiated with ultra-violet light by a source 30 and applied inks may be irradiated with visible light, with a common detector in the visible light range being employed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.Inventors: Oscar Martinez, Jose Luis Valero
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Publication number: 20040085382Abstract: In an ink container 100 of the invention, an electric power generator 240 rectifies a carrier wave transmitted from a printer PT and thereby generates an electric power for driving a controller 210 and an RF circuit 200. A program voltage generator 250 and a sensor driving voltage generator 260 are connected in series with the electric power generator 240 to individually generate a program voltage required for writing data into an EEPROM 220 and a voltage required for driving a sensor SS including a piezoelectric element. The arrangement of the invention efficiently generates electric powers, which are to be supplied to respective constituents of a container for a printing material, such as the ink container 100, which establishes communication with a printing device, such as the printer PT, from a preset electric power generated by utilizing a radio wave.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Yasuhiko Kosugi, Noboru Asauchi
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Publication number: 20040085383Abstract: Disclosed is a printing system having a plurality of print heads for printing an image on a print receiving medium, print head actuators operable for individually repositioning the print heads to optimal locations for each print job, and software operable while a current print job is active for determining the optimal print head locations for a next anticipated print job.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Steve O. Rasmussen
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Publication number: 20040085384Abstract: An injection controlling device for an inkjet printer and a controlling method thereof includes determining whether an ink cartridge is installed in the inkjet printer, printing patterns in order by driving an ink injection heater with an array of predetermined pulses with widths that vary in sequential order in response to the ink cartridge being connected to the inkjet printer, detecting printing densities of the printed patterns; determining the pattern with an optimal density among the printing densities, and storing the width of the pulse corresponding to the pattern with the optimal density as an optimal pulse width.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young-Bok Ju, Dae-Hyeok Im
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Publication number: 20040085385Abstract: A compact optical sensing system is used in hardcopy devices for scanning and/or printing images, for instance, using inkjet printing technology in desktop printing or in photographic printers appearing in grocery and variety stores. Several light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) illuminate a sheet of print media, and one or more photodiodes receive light reflected from the sheet. The photodiode generates signals in response to the light received, and the hardcopy device uses these signals to adjust printing parameters for optimal print quality. Using a chip-on-board process, the bare silicon die for each component is wire bonded directly to a printed circuit board assembly, allowing at least four LEDs (blue, green, red and soft-orange) to be grouped closely together in a space smaller than that occupied by a factory-made, single-packaged LED. A calibrating system uses a white target covered for cleanliness by a windowed door which is opened/closed by a printhead carriage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Dan Arquilevich, Algird M. Gudaitis, Sam Sarmast, Tod S. Heiles
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Publication number: 20040085386Abstract: A printing apparatus executes a print process of body text and a 2-sided print process of tab paper sheets by a single operation at an information processing apparatus. After one face of each tab paper sheet undergoes a print process, the printed tab paper sheets are set on a tray again, and the other face of each tab paper sheet undergoes a print process upon reception of a print instruction. In this case, the information processing apparatus issues commands and data required for the printing apparatus to execute such print processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: CANON KABUSHI KAISHAInventor: Shinichi Yamamura
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Publication number: 20040085387Abstract: A jet head box for a semiconductor substrate and nozzle plate containing fluid jet actuators. The jet head box includes an elongate substantially rigid body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The body also includes a first recessed portion defining a substrate pocket area in the first surface thereof. An elongate slot extends through the body from the second surface to the first surface in the substrate pocket area. An encapsulant dam is provided adjacent at least one end thereof. A shelf is adjacent the encapsulant dam. The jet head box provides a low cost construction for simple miniature fluid jetting devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Adam Jude Ahne, Frank Edward Anderson, Patrick Laurence Kroger, Randall David Mayo, Sean Terrance Weaver
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Publication number: 20040085388Abstract: An image alignment device and method for a biochip-manufacturing apparatus. The biochip-manufacturing apparatus comprises a conveying device and a plurality of dispensers. The image alignment device comprises an image pickup unit and a plurality of adjusting units. The image pickup unit is disposed on the conveying device. The conveying device conveys the image pickup unit to a predetermined position corresponding to one of the dispensers so that the image pickup obtains the image of the corresponding dispenser. Each of the adjusting units is coupled to the image pickup unit and corresponds to the dispensers respectively, and adjusts the position of the corresponding dispenser based on the image pickup unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Shyh-Haur Su, Mon-Da Yang, Jian-Chung Liou, Charles C. Chang
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Publication number: 20040085389Abstract: In one implementation, an aerosol collector for an inkjet printer includes a partial enclosure defining a central cavity. An air passage is defined within a wall forming the partial enclosure to allow air movement into an opening defined on an inside surface of the partial enclosure and out of an exhaust outlet. A fan is configured to remove a mixture of air and aerosol from the central cavity, through the air passage and through the exhaust outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Robert Christian Smith, Lluis Valles, Antonio Monclus
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Publication number: 20040085390Abstract: The present invention provides a flushing process for an ink jet recording apparatus that employs inks using pigments as coloring agents and moves a recording head along a guide shaft to flush the inks to flushing portions of a platen, in which a first flushing for flushing one of dark pigment ink(s) and light pigment ink(s) and a second flushing for flushing the other of the dark pigment ink(s) and the light pigment ink(s) are performed onto the same positions of the platen. Also provided is an ink jet recording apparatus that performs the flushing process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: SEIKO ESPON CORPORATIONInventors: Masaaki Itano, Koji Morikoshi
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Publication number: 20040085391Abstract: Flushing regions for receiving ink droplets to be ejected when flushing signal is supplied to a recording head are provided in both of non-print regions situated at both sides of print region in order to prevent throughput during the flushing operation from deteriorating. A guide member having a slant surface is disposed between the recording head and an ink absorbing member to which the ink landed on the slant surface flows in order to reduce in size of the ink absorbing member. A porous sheet member closely faced to nozzle orifices of the recording head for receiving the ink droplets ejected therefrom is provided in order to prevent undesired mist of fine ink droplets from generating. A plurality of plate members closely faced to the nozzle orifices are provided at a predetermined angle with respect to the flight direction of the ink droplets in order to prevent the undesired mist from generating. The flushing operation is performed so as to prevent solidification of the ejected ink.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Munehide Kanaya, Kazuhiko Hara, Shigenori Fukasawa, Atsushi Kobayashi, Kazunaga Suzuki
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Publication number: 20040085392Abstract: An inkjet device comprising a service station and a printhead, said service station comprising an ink spreader and a spittoon, said spittoon having an ink receiving surface arranged to receive ink spitted from said printhead, said ink spreader being arranged to spread spitted ink in a substantially unbroken layer over at least a portion said ink receiving surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Simon Walsh, Paul Killeen
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Publication number: 20040085393Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a carrier having a fluid manifold defined therein, a plurality of printhead dies each mounted on the carrier and communicating with the fluid manifold, and a fluid delivery assembly coupled with the carrier and communicating with the fluid manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Joseph E. Scheffelin, Ronald Ender, Paul Mark Haines, Gary G. Lutnesky, Norman E. Pawlowski, Rhonda L. Wilson, John M. Herrmann, Kevin E. Swier, Gary Tarver
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Publication number: 20040085394Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a carrier having a fluid manifold defined therein such that the fluid manifold includes a first chamber and a second chamber; a plurality of printhead dies each mounted on the carrier and communicating with at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber of the fluid manifold; a fluid delivery assembly coupled with the carrier and including a first chamber and a second chamber; and a fluid interconnect fluidically coupling the first chamber of the fluid manifold with the first chamber of the fluid delivery assembly and the second chamber of the fluid manifold with the second chamber of the fluid delivery assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Michael Martin
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Publication number: 20040085395Abstract: An inkjet printer has process color printheads and spot color printheads each comprising a plurality of inkjet nozzles. The printheads are arranged such that the spot color printhead has fewer nozzles allocated for each spot color then the process color printhead has allocated for each process color. For areas requiring spot color printing the printing rate may be reduced or the dot size and/or the dot spacing may be varied for spot colors to enable printing at the same rate as for process colors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Creo Inc.Inventor: James Madeley
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Publication number: 20040085396Abstract: A micro-miniature fluid ejecting device configured for ejecting a plurality of ink colors to an object. The device includes a housing having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The housing contains a logic circuit and sources for at least two inks having different colors. A printhead is attached to the first end of the housing. The printhead is in electrical communication with the logic circuit and the ink sources. The printhead has at least two groups of nozzles for ejecting the at least two inks respectively therefrom. A color sensor is attached to the housing. The color sensor is operatively connected to the logic circuit to sample a color from a sample color source and provide an output for control of the printhead to provide ejection of ink therefrom comprising a mixture of at least two inks that substantially corresponds to the sample color source.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Adam J. Ahne, John G. Edelen
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Publication number: 20040085397Abstract: A carrier adapted to receive a plurality of printhead dies includes a substructure having a fluid manifold defined therein and a substrate mounted on the substructure, wherein the substrate is adapted to support the printhead dies. The substructure includes a fluid port communicating with the fluid manifold and at least one flush port communicating with the fluid manifold separate from the fluid port, and the substrate has a plurality of fluid passages defined therein with each of the fluid passages communicating with the fluid manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Joseph E. Scheffelin, James H. Sykora
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Publication number: 20040085398Abstract: Disclosed herein is a printer having a printer body and a consumable related to printing means, such as an ink cartridge and an ink ribbon, wherein the consumable can be very easily replaced and the electrical connection between the consumable and the printer body can be easily effected. In a printer (1) having a printer body (6) and an ink cartridge (consumable related to printing means) (19) replaceably mounted in the printer body, an ink cartridge tray (consumable tray) (8) for detachably storing the ink cartridge is movably provided in the printer body. A connector (37) provided on the ink cartridge is connected to a connector (38) provided in the printer body when the ink cartridge tray is inserted into the printer body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Shigeyoshi Hirashima, Akihito Miyazaki, Toshiki Kagami, Hiromitsu Takeda, Hiroshi Tokunaga, Kazuyasu Takenaka
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Publication number: 20040085399Abstract: A micro-miniature fluid ejecting device. The fluid ejecting device includes a semiconductor substrate having fluid ejectors formed on a surface of the substrate. A flexible circuit is fixedly attached to the semiconductor substrate. The flexible circuit has power contacts for providing power to the fluid ejectors. At least one drive circuit is connected to the fluid ejectors. The drive circuit is disposed on one of the semiconductor substrate and the flexible circuit. A fluid sequencer is connected to the drive circuit for selectively activating the fluid ejectors. The fluid sequencer is also disposed on one of the semiconductor substrate and the flexible circuit. The semiconductor substrate is attached to a housing. A fluid source is provided for supplying fluid to the semiconductor substrate for ejection by the fluid ejectors. The fluid ejecting device provides low cost construction for application specific miniature fluid jetting devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Adam Jude Ahne, John Douglas Anderson, Stephen Andrew Budelsky, Mark Joseph Edwards, Randall David Mayo, George Keith Parish, Kristi Maggard Rowe, David Craig Stevenson
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Publication number: 20040085400Abstract: A paddle (5) for a liquid ejection device (1) is located in a chamber (2) and is moveable in a forward direction between a rest state and an ejection state, for ejecting fluid from the chamber through an outlet port (11) as it moves from the rest state to the ejection state. The paddle (5) is positioned to substantially close an inlet port (3) when in the rest state and the paddle (5) and the inlet port (3) define an aperture (16) between themselves. The paddle (5) includes means (12) to reduce fluid flow through the aperture (16) toward the inlet port (3) as the paddle (5) moves from the rest state to the ejection state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Publication number: 20040085401Abstract: A liquid displacement assembly includes a first displacement member and a second displacement member. The first and second displacement members together define a volume in which liquid is received. At least one of the first and second displacement members is movable with respect to the other to displace liquid from the volume. A sealing formation is positioned on each displacement member. The sealing formations are shaped so that a fluidic seal is interposed between the sealing formations when the liquid is received in the volume. Each sealing formation has a liquid adhesion surface positioned between side surfaces of the sealing formation and directed towards a plane of reference oriented substantially orthogonally with respect to a direction of relative displacement of the sealing formations. The sealing formations are spaced from each other to define a region in which a meniscus can be formed so that opposed edges of the meniscus adhere to respective adhesion surfaces of the sealing formations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY LTDInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Publication number: 20040085402Abstract: A micro-electromechanical valve assembly includes an elongate actuator that is anchored at one end to the wafer substrate to be in electrical contact with the drive circuitry layers. A closure member is mounted on an opposite end of the elongate actuator. The actuator is configured to receive an electrical signal from the drive circuitry layer to displace the closure member between a closed position in which the closure member covers the fluid supply opening and ink is inhibited from flowing through the fluid supply channel and an open position. The elongate actuator is shaped so that, in a rest condition, the actuator encloses an arc. The actuator includes a heating portion that is capable of being heated on receipt of the electrical signal to expand.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Publication number: 20040085403Abstract: A printhead chip for an inkjet printhead includes a wafer substrate that incorporates drive circuitry. The wafer substrate defines a plurality of ink inlet channels. Nozzle arrangements are positioned on the wafer substrate. Each nozzle arrangement includes a passive nozzle chamber structure that extends from the wafer substrate and bounds a respective ink inlet channel. A dynamic nozzle chamber structure defines a nozzle chamber with the passive nozzle chamber structure and has a roof that defines the ink ejection port. The dynamic structure is displaceable towards the wafer substrate into an actuated position and away from the wafer substrate into a rest position such that a drop of ink can be ejected from the ink ejection port. An elongate micro-electromechanical actuator is connected between the wafer substrate and the dynamic structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Publication number: 20040085404Abstract: Within a printer, compensation is provided for color migration within ink drops. Color compensation is provided by varying firing frequency of each print nozzle so as to fire high frequency bursts of ink drops. Each print nozzle is idle, not being used to eject ink drops, between high frequency bursts of ink drops.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Ronald A. Askeland, Jason R. Arbeiter, Isabel Borrell Bayona
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Publication number: 20040085405Abstract: An ink-jet printhead including a substrate, in which an integrated circuit for a driving logic circuit to selectively drive the nozzle, and a logic circuit to input/output printing data to/from a fuse array, are formed. The printhead further includes an electrode which is used for wirings of the integrated circuit and the logic circuit and is patterned on the substrate, a plurality of heaters which are formed on the electrode and generate heat by current applied through the electrode from the integrated circuit, and a fuse array which includes a plurality of fuse members formed on the electrode on a same plane with the heater and selectively fused by current applied through the electrode from the logic circuit and stores printing data. The printhead further includes a cover member which is provided on the heater and the fuse array and in which an ink chamber and a nozzle are formed in a position corresponding to each of the heaters.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Oh-hyun Baek
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Publication number: 20040085406Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fluid injection head. The fluid injection head structure is formed on a substrate and has a manifold therein, bubble generators, a conductive trace, and at least two rows of chambers adjacent to the manifold in flow communication with the manifold. The conductive trace disposed on a top surface of the substrate and partially disposed between the two rows of the chambers above the manifold is used to drive the bubble generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Tsung-Wei Huang, Chih-Ching Chen
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Publication number: 20040085407Abstract: A fluid ejection device comprising a substrate having a first surface, and a fluid ejector formed over the first surface. A top layer is also formed over the first surface of the substrate and defines a chamber about the fluid ejector. The top layer also defines a fluid channel that directs fluid into the chamber. In one embodiment, a barrier feature is positioned within the fluid channel, and has a height that is less than the height of the fluid channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Julie Jo Cox, Jeremy H. Donaldson, Jules G. Moritz
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Publication number: 20040085408Abstract: Methods and systems for forming compound slots in a substrate are described. In one exemplary implementation, a method forms a plurality of slots in a substrate. The method also etches a trench in the substrate contiguous with the plurality of slots to form a compound slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Jeremy Donaldson, Eric L. Nikkel, Jeffrey S. Obert, Jeffrey R. Pollard, Jeff Hess
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Publication number: 20040085409Abstract: An ink jet recording head comprising: a nozzle orifice for jetting ink; an ink chamber communicating with the nozzle; a diaphragm for pressurizing ink in the ink chamber; a piezoelectric thin film on the diaphragm; and an electrode for the piezoelectric thin film wherein the piezoelectric thin film and the electrode are patterned to the same shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Tsutomu Hashizume, Tetsushi Takahashi
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Publication number: 20040085410Abstract: Disclosed are a method f manufacturing a silicon device and a method of manufacturing a liquid jet head, which are capable of surely preventing damage of a piezoelectric element in manufacturing, In forming a thin-film pattern on one surface of a silicon wafer 100, a first moisture permeation preventive layer 96, which is so as to surround the entire thin-film pattern of the silicon wafer 100, is formed in the same layer as a first conductive layer 96 on the silicon wafer 100, a second moisture permeation preventive layer 114 having a narrower width than the first moisture permeation preventive layer 96 is formed in the same layer as an insulation layer 100 on the first moisture permeation preventive layer 96, and a third moisture permeation preventive layer 121 is formed in the same layer as a second conductive layer 120 on the second moisture permeation preventive layer 114 so as to cover the second moisture permeation preventive layer 114. Thus, a moisture permeation preventive pattern 130 is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: Yoshinao Miyata
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Publication number: 20040085411Abstract: A plate member constituting a channel unit of an ink jet recording head has a metal plate which is produced by rolling an etchable material, and a polymer film which is laminated onto one face of the metal plate. The long side is perpendicular to the rolling direction of the metal plate. Warpage which easily occurs in the longitudinal direction is suppressed by the rigidity which is large in a direction perpendicular to the rolling direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoaki Takahashi, Minoru Watanabe, Atsushi Furuhata
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Publication number: 20040085412Abstract: A printer consumable includes an ink bag, and a supply of ink included within the ink bag, and optionally a memory device and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor communicates an ink bag pressure loss measurement through a communication means to an ink delivery system. The communication means uses the ink bag pressure loss measurement to determine a minimum pressure to print. In one embodiment, the communication means periodically polls the pressure sensor to acquire the ink bag pressure loss measurement and records the measurement on the memory device of the printer consumable. When the communication means receives a print job, the measurement is acquired from the memory device to determine the minimum pressure to print before the print job is processed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Mark A. DeVries, Rhonda L. Wilson, Jeffrey L. Thielman, Macia Sole
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Publication number: 20040085413Abstract: Venting mechanisms are provided for allowing air to replace fluid in the sealed fluid interconnect port of a container substantially filled with a capillary material, thus enabling absorption of residual fluid into the container capillary material. In one embodiment, the venting mechanisms include small ribs formed on the floor of the container body to space the capillary material away from the floor, thus allowing air to flow along the container floor to the interconnect port.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Michael S. Ardito, Anthony D. Studer, Curt G. Gonzales
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Publication number: 20040085414Abstract: An energizing circuit and methods and systems for same are described. One exemplary energizing circuit includes an oscillator configured to receive power from a DC power source. The exemplary energizing circuit also includes an energy storage device electrically coupled to the oscillator and configured to receive oscillating current therefrom, the energy storage device configured to selectively activate an energizing element comprising a fluid ejecting device when a predetermined condition is met.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Thomas A. Saksa
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Publication number: 20040085415Abstract: An ink cartridge may have an ink accommodating portion shaped to contain ink, an ink supply hole disposed at a bottom of the ink accommodating portion, and a valve unit including a movable valve portion and a fixed valve portion, the movable valve portion being oriented such that a flow of ink is regulated by a horizontal motion of the movable valve portion. The valve unit may further include a main portion and an auxiliary portion, the movable valve portion being disposed on the main portion and the fixed valve portion being disposed on the auxiliary portion, wherein the auxiliary portion is selectively detachable from the main portion. The ink cartridge may further comprise a supply hole attachment located at the bottom of the ink accommodating portion, the supply hole being defined in a selectively detachable supply hole attachment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Takao Kobayashi, Hisashi Miyazawa
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Publication number: 20040085416Abstract: In a recirculating inkjet print recording method and system, ink is stored at an ink supply. Fluid, including ink, is carried from the ink supply to a reservoir. Ink received from the reservoir is recorded onto a medium. Fluid, including ink and air, is carried from the reservoir to the ink supply. A proportion of ink in the fluid carried from the reservoir to the ink supply self-adjusts to prevent overfilling the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Blair M. Kent
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Publication number: 20040085417Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes a substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a plurality of drop ejecting elements formed on the first side of the substrate. The substrate includes a first opening formed in the first side and a plurality of second openings formed in the second side with each of the second openings communicating with the first opening, wherein the second openings and the first opening are adapted to circulate fluid through the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Ashley E. Childs, Jeffery S. Hess, James Patrick Kearns, Steve D. Napack
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Publication number: 20040085418Abstract: An ink jet ink composition comprising: from 40.0 to 99.0% by weight of water; from 0.1 to 20.0% by weight of a pigment; from 0 to 70.0% by weight of a water miscible co-solvent; and from 0.1 to 20.0% by weight of a water-reducible addition polymer; wherein the weight average molecular weight of the polymer is from 2,000 to 100,000; the acid number is from 50 to 400; and the acid group on the polymer is neutralized by an alkaline metal hydroxide such as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide potassium hydroxide, or a mixture thereof; and wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the ink composition. An ink jet printing method is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Hwei-Ling Yau, Wendy S. Krzemien, Elmer C. Flood
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Publication number: 20040085419Abstract: An ink jet ink composition comprising: pigment; water or water and an optional water-miscible co-solvent; polyurethane of the general Formula II: 1Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Hwei-Ling Yau, Paul D. Yacobucci
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Publication number: 20040085420Abstract: Changes of ink properties are prevented in an ink jet recording head, an ink cartridge, and a recording apparatus which include ink containing a dye having an anion group, a humectant, a penetrant, water, and a hydrolyzable silane compound having an amino group. Resin or rubber which contains a hydrogen ion releasing additive is used for a member of the apparatus with which ink for ink jet recording comes in contact. The content of the additive in the material is not less than 0.001% by mass and not more than 0.1% by mass. The additive includes at least an acid, a ketone, and a functional group of ester each of which exhibits acidic properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Mamoru Soga, Takatoshi Minoda, Hidekazu Arase, Masaichiro Tatekawa
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Publication number: 20040085421Abstract: An ink composition and/or a recording medium are made to contain a compound expressed by general formula (1) and a hydrazide compound. An ink composition thereby obtained does not clog and the ink composition and recording medium thus obtained can offer high quality images that hardly cause yellowing of the resulting recording with superior light resistance. Recording and an inkjet recording method pertaining thereto are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuhiro Oki, Kazuhiko Kitamura, Tetsuya Aoyama, Kyoichi Oka, Nobuo Uotani, Hiroshi Takahashi, Yuji Ito
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Publication number: 20040085422Abstract: A printer with a media incising device operably secured thereto and a related method for using the printer is disclosed. The media control device is in communication with a printer controller that commands the media incising device to engage the media. The disclosed incising devices include either mechanical structures that physically contact the media, or an incising fluid ejector that ejects incising fluid onto the media. Accordingly, the printer allows both printing on the media and incising, such as the creation of score lines, perforations, embossing, cutting, and the like, of the media without removing the media from the printer or requiring the use of two different machines to do these different tasks.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Richard A. Kelley
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Publication number: 20040085423Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing and curing ink is provided. The method comprises ejecting droplets of ink onto the substrate to form a portion of an image and directing onto that portion an amount of radiation energy based on the image comtent of that portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Rafael Bronstein, Eytan Cohen, Michael Kheyfets
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Publication number: 20040085424Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is disclosed that relates to a mechanism for passing a rigid medium under an image-forming mechanism. The mechanism includes a conveyor belt and a number of rollers. The rigid medium travels on the conveyor belt under the image-forming mechanism, for image formation on the rigid medium. The rollers move the conveyor belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Marius Buibas