Patents Issued in February 20, 2007
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Patent number: 7178871Abstract: A seating unit for a vehicle has a pair of seats facing in opposite directions with each seat having a seating space for receiving the seated body of an occupant and an extension space in which the legs of the occupant may be placed. The seats are positioned on each side of a notional dividing axis with the seating space of one extending over the axis at the extension space of the other. The pair of seats is suitable for use in an aircraft cabin with one of the seats facing substantially forward in the cabin and the other of the seats facing substantially aft.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: British Airways PLCInventors: Matthew Round, Martin Darbyshire
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Patent number: 7178872Abstract: A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat shell and a child-restraint belt coupled to the seat shell. A seat pad is provided on the seat shell and the child-restraint belt passes through apertures formed in the seat pad.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.Inventors: Eugene R. Balensiefer, Jason A. Crowell, William Horton
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Patent number: 7178873Abstract: A motor vehicle seat with a seat cushion and a backrest has a fixing bracket for a child's seat placed on the seat cushion. The fixing bracket can be swiveled out of a covered out-of-use position into a functioning position arranged between a seat cushion and a backrest through a swiveling device. In order to attain a secure mounting of the child's seat and at the same time require the least amount of space possible, the fixing bracket can be swiveled into the functioning position or back into the out-of-use position through a swiveling device that has a four arm linkage.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Thomas Foelster, Thomas Heckmann
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Patent number: 7178874Abstract: A head restraint system for use with a vehicle seat and configured to cushion the head of a seat occupant in a lateral direction relative to the vehicle seat is disclosed. The head restraint system generally includes a head restraint cushion configured to be supported at a lateral side of the vehicle seat and at a position that is perpendicularly fixed relative to the vehicle seat. The head restraint system also includes a support member having a first end for supporting the head restraint cushion and a second end for coupling the head restraint cushion to the vehicle seat. The head restraint cushion includes at least one missing portion for allowing improved peripheral communication by the seat occupant.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Pierce Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Richard Demski
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Patent number: 7178875Abstract: A chair apparatus for supporting a back of a person. The chair apparatus has a backrest and at least one support member attached with respect to the backrest. Each support member extends away from the backrest and forms an implantable element which can be inserted into and beneath a ground surface, such as into sand or dirt.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Lawrence L. Laske, Jr.
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Patent number: 7178876Abstract: A belt lock is provided and has a lock holder that is rotatably mounted on a vehicle part. A restoring spring, as a flat spiral spring, has spiral spring windings that are disposed in a single plane and are disposed between a cover and the lock holder. The spiral spring biases the lock holder into a rest position of the belt lock, and has one end supported against the lock holder and another end supported against the cover. The cover has a first radially extending extension for the outer end of the spring, and a second extension as a stop for restoring of the lock holder.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Matthias Borgward, Henry Knop, Gerhard Siebrand, Eckhard Alpers
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Patent number: 7178877Abstract: A diaper changing restraint system is provided which restricts movement of an infant during diapering activities. The restraint system comprises a portable base, at least a portion of which is substantially rigid. A pad is secured to the base. The pad has a top surface which supports the person intended to be restrained. A first cushion and a second cushion, each extending from the top surface, are secured to the pad. The first cushion is spaced a predetermined distance from the second cushion so as to accommodate the torso of the person lying between the first cushion and the second cushion during the restraining. The first cushion and the second cushion are capable of supporting sides of the torso of the person, restricting lateral movement of the person.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Carol A. Watson
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Patent number: 7178878Abstract: A channel chisel for forming a channel in a work piece, the channel chisel comprising a shaft having a longitudinal axis, a tip at one end of the shaft, wherein the tip has a cutting edge for cutting a work piece and a flute for removal of debris cut from a work piece, and at least one support member protruding from a side of the channel chisel, characterised in that the support member is adapted to abut and slide along a base of a channel to support the channel chisel in use, wherein support provided by the support member permits the channel chisel to pivot about the support member to change the angle at which the cutting edge cuts a work piece.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: Markus Rompel
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Patent number: 7178880Abstract: A wheel centering pin disclosed for vehicle wheels having apertures of uniform diameter. The wheel centering pin is provided as a set of three that are threaded on three circumferentially spaced hub bolts on which a wheel is mounted to center the wheel. Nuts are threaded on the remaining bolts and tightened to fasten the wheel to the hub. The centering pins are removed, and remaining nuts are applied in their place and tightened on the remaining bolts to center the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: James H. Andersen
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Patent number: 7178881Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling a rear brake hydraulic circuit having a fluid storage element and a master cylinder supplying a volume of pressurized brake fluid to the rear brakes during the braking cycle in a pump-less anti-lock brake apparatus controlling the rotational speeds, during a braking cycle, of only the rear brakes of a vehicle having at least one front wheel, at least one rear wheel, and front and rear brakes acting on the front and rear wheels respectively, by determining whether the vehicle is operating lightly loaded at a light vehicle weight (LVW) or heavily loaded at a gross vehicle weight (GVW), providing rear dynamic proportioning (RDP) when a predetermined deceleration rate is exceeded during the braking event with the vehicle operating at LVW, and inhibiting RDP when the vehicle is operating at GVW. The apparatus and method also provide rear pressure control (RPC) during anti-lock braking.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Check, Joseph A. Elliott
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Patent number: 7178882Abstract: A boosted brake for actuating a primary piston (54) of a master cylinder through a feeler and a reaction disk having a decompression piston (62) that is elastically returned by a spring (70). The decompression piston (62) has at least two radial branches (64) that are housed in the primary piston (54) of the master cylinder to provide two boost ratios that differ according to the intensity of an input force applied by an operator to effect a brake application.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Bruno Berthomieu, Juan Simon Bacardit, Fernando Sacristan
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Patent number: 7178883Abstract: A vehicular brake system includes a brake actuator that enables brake assist to be carried out, the brake assist increasing a braking force exhibited by wheel brakes in response to a braking operation input by a vehicle driver in comparison with the braking force when it is unassisted. The system further includes braking operation detection means for detecting a braking operation by the driver; emergency avoidance steering operation detection means for detecting an emergency avoidance steering operation by the driver, and actuator control means for controlling operation of the brake actuator so as to carry out the brake assist in response to the detection means detecting a braking operation while an emergency avoidance steering operation is being detected by the detection means or during a period from the detection of the emergency avoidance steering operation by the detection means to the time when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the detection has ended.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Sekine
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Patent number: 7178884Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is disclosed having ancillary equipment that may be raised and lowered relative to the ground with consequential changing of the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle and having a hydraulic braking system comprising a master cylinder and a slave cylinder. The braking system further includes a pressure relief valve for limiting the hydraulic pressure applied to the slave cylinder only when the vehicle is in road mode. This ensures that the braking force does not exceed a safe limit below which the vehicle does not risk toppling forwards when braking.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Jean-Pierre Vandendriessche, Stephan P. G. Deneir, Tom A. De Lathauwer, Willy F. Rogiers
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Patent number: 7178885Abstract: A hand-held disc storage, deployment and retrieval device includes a housing defining an interior cavity adapted to store a media disc therein. A manually-actuated slider is disposed within the interior cavity and movable along guide tracks formed in the housing between a disc deployment position and a disc retrieval position. A manually-actuated lever mechanism is operably connected to the slider for deploying and retrieving the disc from the housing. Disc tracks and a ramp are formed in the housing for guiding the disc into and out of the interior cavity. Multiple housings may be interlocked in stacking relationship to one another. The disc may also be locked within the housing, or a case provided for locking multiple housings and discs to one another within the case.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: CDSAF, Inc.Inventors: Bruce R. Berkson, Todd Saczalski
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Patent number: 7178886Abstract: Connectors for attaching a false front panel over an opening in an object comprise a post piece that is configured to attach to the object and a clip piece that comprises a base that is configured to attach to a rear face of the false front panel and at least one snap clip projecting from the base that is configured to receive the post. The post piece of these false front connectors includes a post that has a non-circular cross-section (e.g., a diamond shape), and the interior of the snap clip may also have a non-circular cross-section that is matched to the cross-section of the post.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Tenn-Tex Plastics, Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Hightower
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Patent number: 7178887Abstract: Storage apparatus (10) comprising a pair of storage members (54) pivotally mounted about a lifting arrangement (32). The storage members (54) and lifting arrangement (32) are locatable in a base assembly in a stored condition and can be slid outwardly and one of the members (54) raised, to provide convenient access to the respective member (54).Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: William David Steadman
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Patent number: 7178888Abstract: A slide assembly includes an inner slide segment, an intermediate slide segment, and an outer slide segment. A bearing assembly is provided between the inner slide segment and the intermediate slide segment. Preferably, a lock arm extends from the outer slide segment and is engageable with an engagement surface of the intermediate slide segment to limit movement of the intermediate slide segment with respect to the outer slide segment. A latch is associated with the intermediate slide segment and comprises a locking portion. The locking portion is selectively engageable with the bearing assembly to limit movement of the bearing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventors: Ronald J. Judge, Adam M. Lyons, Ted D. Alba
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Patent number: 7178889Abstract: A slide rail unit for guiding an object to be pulled out, such as drawer, from a body, such as furniture or desk, in which the object is slidably accommodated includes a body side rail provided for the body, and an object (i.e., drawer) side rail provided for the object to be pulled out to be slidable relative to the body side rail. The body side rail and the object side rail each has a portion bent in a circular-arc shape so that the object is pulled out along a circular-arc locus.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: THK, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kaoru Hoshide, Akira Sato, Minoru Kouchi, Soichi Sasaki
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Patent number: 7178890Abstract: The present invention relates to a shelf height adjuster of a refrigerator. According to the present invention, gear portions 12 are vertically formed on both side surfaces on a refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator. Height adjustment gears 22 which are engaged with the gear portions 12 are rotatably installed in opposite sides of a shelf 20, respectively. Each stopper 30 for regulating the rotation of each height adjustment gear is engaged to the height adjustment gear 22 by means of a spring 32, and thus, it causes the height adjustment gear 22 not to rotate. When the height of shelf is adjusted, the height adjustment gears 22 are made freely rotate by releasing the stoppers 30 from the height adjustment gears 22, and thus, the height of the shelf may be adjusted without taking out the shelf from the refrigerator.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Mi-Young Park, Angela Ahn, Kyeong-Seag Yun
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Patent number: 7178891Abstract: To provide a print system which can cope with both of the specification of the conventional PDL and the specification of the new PDL, in which print mode the printing is executed is selected between a first print mode for drawing by setting a position that is away from a sheet edge by a specified offset to an origin and a second print mode for drawing by setting the sheet edge to the origin, and processes are executed in the selected print mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyoshi Takamiya
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Patent number: 7178892Abstract: A spacing mechanism is provided to vary the distance between a rotary platen and a pagewidth printhead as a function of the angle of rotation of the platen. The spacing mechanism includes cams fixed at opposing ends of the platen and corresponding cam followers mounted fast with the printhead and positioned to follow the cams. Springs are arranged to bias the cam followers against the cams in use. The platen includes a number of radially located elongate working surfaces each providing a servicing function to the printhead that requires a different platen-to-printhead spacing. The cams are shaped to suitably vary the printhead-to-platen distance between each working surface and the printhead as the working surface is rotated adjacent to the printhead.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7178893Abstract: A head controller controls pressure creating means for contracting and expanding the volume of a pressurizing compartment communicating with a nozzle of a droplet discharging head. Drive waveform generating means outputs a drive pulse including a first waveform element expanding the compartment, a second waveform element maintaining the expanded state of the compartment, and a third waveform element contracting the compartment so that droplets are discharged.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Noda
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Patent number: 7178894Abstract: In a method and apparatus for generating a print image, particularly a franking imprint, on a first image carrier composed of at least one first partial image and a second partial image offset thereto transversely relative to a first direction, whereby a relative motion between a print head and an image carrier is generated along a first direction in a first step for generating the first partial image. A transverse offset between the print head and the image carrier is generated in a second direction proceeding transversely to the first direction in a second step. A relative motion between the print head and the image carrier is generated along the first direction in a third step for generating the second partial image. The waiting time interval between the end of the printing event of the first step and the beginning of the printing event of the third step has a length that is varied according to a prescribed function to prevent tampering.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia AG & Co. KGInventor: Graham Roderick Lodge
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Patent number: 7178895Abstract: A method of operation of a liquid ejecting head, includes: reciprocating the liquid ejecting head in a first direction and a second direction which is an inverse direction of the first direction; ejecting liquid droplets from a plurality of nozzles in the liquid ejecting head while moving the head in the first direction thereby forming first patterns; and ejecting liquid droplets while moving the head in the second direction thereby forming second patterns. Each of the second patterns is adjacent to a first pattern so that the second patterns pair with the first patterns. Widths of the first patterns or the second patterns, or both, in the first direction are different so that each pair has a different correction amounts.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Takashi Akase
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Patent number: 7178896Abstract: An article of manufacture including a first adherend and a two-part adhesive mixed and dispensed on the first adherend, wherein the first part of the two-part adhesive includes a first fluorescent dye. The article of manufacture further includes a second adherend in contact with the two-part adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Timothy D. Strecker, Lawrence E Gibson, M. Timothy Smith
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Patent number: 7178897Abstract: A method for removing liquid in a gap of an ink jet printhead comprising a drop generator, with an outlet valve, orifice plate and charge plate, wherein a cross flush valve is additionally used to form a cross flush pressure in the drop generator, then actuators are used to vibrate the drop generator to a defined amplitude, then the outlet valve is closed to form a pressure spike in the drop generator then the pressure in the drop generator is lowered to a recommended operating pressure to establish a jet array and the system is operated until the gap is substantially free of liquid with dissolved residue.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: David A. Huliba
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Patent number: 7178898Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus including: a colored ink recording head for emitting photocurable colored ink to a recording medium; a transparent ink recording head for emitting the transparent ink to a recording medium; and a control device for controlling the colored ink recording head and transparent ink recording head; wherein the control device controls an amount of the ink for printing per unit area emitted by the transparent ink recording head according to a relationship between an amount A of colored ink for printing per unit area and an amount B of transparent ink for printing per unit area, and wherein the relationship is that, the amount B is decreased by an increase in the amount A.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic Inc.Inventor: Yoshihide Hoshino
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Patent number: 7178899Abstract: A printhead integrated circuit for a pagewidth printhead includes an elongate substrate that defines a plurality of ink inlet passages. A drive circuitry layer is positioned on the substrate. A plurality of nozzle chamber structures is positioned on the substrate and defines nozzle chambers in fluid communication with respective ink inlet passages and ink ejection ports in fluid communication with respective nozzle chambers. A plurality of ink ejection members is received in respective nozzle chambers. The ink ejection members are reciprocally displaceable to eject ink from the ink ejection ports. Elongate actuators are each fast at a fixed end with the substrate and are attached to respective ink ejection members at a free end. The actuators are connected to the drive circuitry layer to displace respective ink ejection members on receipt of electrical pulses from the drive circuitry layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7178900Abstract: A printer fluid management module is disclosed that includes a first jet writing fluid vessel having a first end in which a fluid opening is defined, and a first utility fluid vessel having a first end in which a fluid opening is defined. The first jet writing fluid vessel and the first utility fluid vessel are part of a unitary assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Creo Americas, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Blouin, Douglas J. Barrett, Alan H. Jones
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Patent number: 7178901Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided comprising at least one printhead module comprising at least two printhead integrated circuits, each of which has nozzles formed therein for delivering printing fluid onto the surface of print media, a support member supporting and carrying the printing fluid for the at least two printhead integrated circuits, and an electrical connector for connecting electrical signals to the at least two printhead integrated circuits from both ends of the printhead assembly, and comprising a casing in which the at least one printhead module is removably mounted.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson, Akira Nakazawa
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Patent number: 7178902Abstract: An ink cartridge has pivotable levers connected to walls of a container, and both pawls and protruded guide portions formed on the levers. The pawls are engageable with an ink cartridge holder. The protruded guide portions contact the ink cartridge holder to move the levers in the opening direction. Further, protruded stopper portions are formed to permit pivoting movement of the levers to such a degree as to disengage the pawls from the ink cartridge holder.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Takeo Seino, Satoshi Shinada, Hisashi Miyazawa, Yasuto Sakai, Masaki Shimomura, Satoshi Nakata
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Patent number: 7178903Abstract: The present invention relates to an ink jet nozzle to eject ink. The nozzle comprises a body defining a chamber in which the ink to be ejected can be located and an aperture through which the ink is ejected in use. The nozzle further comprises an actuator member having shape memory which extends from the body into the chamber. The actuator member is arcuate in shape when in a quiescent state and straightens in shape when actuated. The actuator member is located in the chamber so as to push ink through the aperture when actuated to thereby eject ink from the body.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7178904Abstract: A micro-fluid ejection device for ultra-small droplet ejection and method of making a micro-fluid ejection device. The micro-fluid ejection device includes a semiconductor substrate containing a plurality of thermal ejection actuators disposed thereon. Each of the thermal ejection actuators includes a resistive layer and a protective layer for protecting a surface of the resistive layer. The resistive layer and the protective layer together define an actuator stack thickness. The actuator stack thickness ranges from about 500 to about 2000 Angstroms and provides an ejection energy per unit volume of from about 10 to about 20 gigajoules per cubic meter. A nozzle plate is attached to the semiconductor substrate to provide the micro-fluid ejection device.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Frank E. Anderson, Robert W. Cornell, Daniel L. Huber
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Patent number: 7178905Abstract: A monolithic ink-jet printhead, and a method of manufacturing the same, includes a substrate having an ink chamber, an ink channel, and a manifold, a nozzle plate formed on the substrate, a nozzle, a heater, and a conductor. The ink chamber includes sidewalls formed to a predetermined depth from the front surface of the substrate for defining side surfaces of the ink chamber and a bottom wall formed parallel to the front surface of the substrate at the predetermined depth from the front surface of the substrate for defining a bottom surface of the ink chamber. The nozzle plate includes a plurality of passivation layers, a heat dissipating layer being stacked on the passivation layers, and the nozzle for ejecting ink out of the printhead. The heater is positioned above the ink chamber and heats ink in the ink chamber and the conductor delivers a current to the heater.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Su-ho Shin, Seog-soon Baek, Seung-joo Shin, Yong-soo Oh, Jong-woo Shin, Chang-seung Lee, Ki-deok Bae
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Patent number: 7178906Abstract: An injet printhead is formed by a multistage process: grooves are formed on the base of a block of piezoelectronic material, and a conductor is applied thereto. Conducting tracks are deposited on a substrate with matching spacing, such that the base and piezoelectric material can be joined giving a desired electrical connection. Channels are cut into the top of the piezoelectric block to intersect with the grooves, forming ink chambers, and these are provided with electrodes in electrical contact with the tracks. Cover plates are added to the assembly to provide a manifold and nozzles.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Xaar Technology LimitedInventors: Paul R. Drury, Stephen Temple
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Patent number: 7178907Abstract: A fluid containment structure includes a containment vessel having an interior fluid chamber for fluid containment. A flexible bag is disposed within the containment vessel; the bag is vented to the external atmosphere outside the containment vessel. A spring is coupled to the bag to hold the bag in a coiled state until a back-pressure within the fluid chamber exerts sufficient force to commence uncoiling the bag against the spring pressure, allowing air from the external atmosphere to enter the bag and enlarge an interior bag space which is sealed from the interior fluid chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP.Inventors: David M. Hagen, Kevin D. Almen, David J. Benson, Anthony D. Studer, Cary R. Bybee
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Patent number: 7178908Abstract: There is disclosed a buffer tank for an ink jet printer, comprising: a main body having a top plate; an air intake through which outside air is taken into the tank; an air outlet passage comprising at least a part extending in the main body downward from the top plate, to flow the air in the tank out into an ink cartridge; and an ink inlet passage comprising at least a part extending in the main body downward from the top plate, to draw the ink in the cartridge into the tank. Each of the air outlet and ink inlet passages comprises a hollow needle disposed at the top plate and vertically extends, and at least one of the air outlet and ink inlet passages comprises a hollow tubular member extending downward from the top plate, whose inner space is in communication with an inner space of the corresponding needle.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Naoki Katayama
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Patent number: 7178909Abstract: To accurately position and fix an ink cartridge on an ink cartridge mounting unit, a first engaging depression is formed in the bottom wall of the ink cartridge and a corresponding protrusion is formed in the mounting unit. Also, an ink supply port is formed in the bottom wall. When the ink cartridge is mounted on the mounting unit, the ink supply port is engaged first with an ink supply channel formed in the mounting unit and fluidly connected to the head unit. Then, the first engaging depression is brought into engagement with the corresponding protrusion in the mounting unit. A second engaging depression is further formed in the top. The engaging pawl of a locking arm engages the second engaging depression when the locking arm locks the ink cartridge to the head unit. Further, a pair of ribs is provided on the rear side wall of the ink cartridge. The ribs oppose each other with a prescribed interval.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masatoshi Yoshiyama, Atsushi Murakami, Yoshio Nakagawa, Toyonori Sasaki
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Patent number: 7178910Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a container; an ink reservoir provided in the container; an opening provided in the container, the opening being situated in the container so that the opening can communicate with the ink reservoir through a fluid path; and a stop fitted in the opening, the stop having elasticity and being formed of a material such that a hollow needle can be penetrated through the stop. The stop is moveable between a first position permitting communication between the opening and the fluid path, and a second position in which the stop substantially obstructs communication between the opening and the fluid path.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsuyoshi Suzuki, Toyonori Sasaki
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Patent number: 7178911Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a cartridge case; an ink chamber situated within the cartridge case; an ink supply opening formed in the cartridge case for supplying ink from the ink chamber to an exterior of the cartridge; and a lever mechanism provided in the ink chamber, the lever mechanism including a light blocking member at a first end of the lever mechanism, the lever mechanism being rotatable about a rotation point on the lever mechanism, and the light blocking member being movable in association with rotation of the lever mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoki Katayama, Toyonori Sasaki, Tomohiro Kanbe, Katsunori Nishida
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Patent number: 7178912Abstract: In an apparatus producing a high-quality and high-resolution image having high water and light resistances with an orifice having a diameter less than ?25 ?m (less than 500 ?m2 in terms of cross-sectional area of the orifice) by use of a fine particle dispersion recording composition, nozzle clogging can be prevented. A recording is accomplished by a liquid jet recording apparatus for ejecting a recording composition including dispersed fine particles from a small orifice toward a receiving medium, wherein a size Dp of the fine particles and a diameter D0 of the small orifice are determined by a relationship 0.001?Dp/D0?0.01.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Takuro Sekiya
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Patent number: 7178913Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus comprises: an ink jet type of a recording head in which ink jet openings for jetting a photo curing ink are arranged so as to face a recording medium; a light source which is set so as to be opposite to a face of the recording medium to which ink is jetted, and which irradiates a light for curing the ink after the ink is jetted; a light intensity measuring section for measuring a light intensity of the light irradiated from the light source; a temperature measuring section for measuring an ambient temperature of the light intensity measuring section; and a light source control section for correcting a measured light intensity of the light source in accordance with measurement results from the light intensity measuring section and the temperature measuring section.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.Inventors: Kouichi Kumamoto, Yoshihide Hoshino, Takeshi Yokoyama
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Patent number: 7178914Abstract: A printer (1) in which a first sheet (5) to be imaged by printhead (3) is followed by a trailing media sheet. The first sheet is stopped intermittently so that the printhead can traverse the first sheet to print a partial image. The trailing media sheet is stopped behind the first sheet and is moved intermittently until it reaches or is near nip rollers (9a, 9b). Exit rollers 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d move the first sheet out of the printer. When the exit rollers and the nip roller move forward and backward together the first sheet may be exited before the nip rollers are reversed to align the second sheet. Alternatively, the first sheet may be moved backward during alignment. The intermittent movement of the sheets may be at different times and with the trailing sheet moved less times and longer amounts than the first sheet is moved.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Michael Anthony Marra, III, Randall David Mayo, Barry Baxter Stout
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Patent number: 7178915Abstract: An ink-jet head comprises a conveyance unit that forms a conveyance face on which a recording medium is conveyed, and a first moving mechanism that moves the conveyance unit. By means of the first moving mechanism, the conveyance unit selectively takes a conveyance position where the conveyance face is adjacent to an ink ejection surface, and a withdrawal position that is other than a position vertically below a maintenance unit. When the maintenance unit performs maintenance on the head, the conveyance unit is disposed in the withdrawal position.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsuhisa Nakashima, Susumu Kuzuya
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Patent number: 7178916Abstract: A three-piece combinative device with eyeglasses and attachment sunglasses includes a primary eyeglasses having a pair of rimmed lenses, a pair of temples and a bridge including a horizontal slot in the center, a fork like fastener having a tongue on central inner side inserted into the horizontal slot and a pair of prongs opposite to the tongue each including a magnet embedded in the distal portion, the attachment sunglasses having a pair of rimmed darkglasses, a bridge, a fork like projection projected inward from a central inner side of the bridge attached on the top of the bridge of the eyeglasses and a pair prongs each including a corresponding magnet embedded in the distal portion respectively engaged with and attracted by the pair of magnets of the fastener by which the attachment sunglasses is firmly attached to the original eyeglasses.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Lee-Tsung Chen
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Patent number: 7178917Abstract: A spectacle set includes a primary spectacle and a detachable shelter frame detachably mounting in front of the primary spectacle. The primary spectacle includes a weldingless bridge including a bridge body having two side portions, two lens holding arms integrally and sidewardly extended from the two side portions of the bridge body to couple with two inner sides of the lenses respectively, two nose supporting arms integrally and rearwardly extended from the two side portions of the bridge body, and two nose pieces securely coupling with two free ends of the nose supporting arms respectively. The detachable shelter frame includes a shelter bridge extended between two inner sides of two shelter lenses and a mounting arrangement rearwardly extended from the shelter bridge to detachably mount on the weldingless bridge so as to detachably mount the detachable shelter frame in front of the primary spectacle.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Yiling Xie
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Patent number: 7178918Abstract: Multifocal and single focus lenses are defined by nonconical aspheric optical surfaces. Various alternative surface shapes provide one or more vision regions bounded by optical steps. Each optical step has rapidly and smoothly changing power in the radial direction which creates an induced aperture through which the cortical elements of the human vision system are induced to concentrate. The induced aperture results in increased clarity and enhanced vision. In various configurations, the induced aperture decreases spherical aberration to further enhance vision. To increase correction intensity at one or more powers, redundant power regions are provided in repeated optical steps or annular apertures. In several embodiments, the redundant power regions create multiple induced apertures at one or more optical powers directed at one or more vision distances.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Richard A. Griffin
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Patent number: 7178919Abstract: A plastic lens of a multilayer film structure forms an organosiloxane-based hard coating film formed on a surface of a lens substrate as a first layer, an inorganic oxide-based antireflection film formed on the hard coating film as a second layer, and a water-repellent thin film obtained by polycondensing an organosilicon compound and formed on the antireflection film as a third layer, pencil hardness of the surface of the lens on which these plural layer films are formed being from 3H to 7H, and an initial falling angle of oleic acid on the surface of the lens on which these plural layer films are formed being 20° or less.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Tokai Kogaku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuji Kato, Naoyuki Ishii, Kaname Hase
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Patent number: 7178920Abstract: In a projection display device that is provided with a relay lens for converting flux that is emitted from a light source to a parallel flux for illuminating an image display element (DMD), and a total internal reflection prism for both directing flux that is emitted from the relay lens to the DMD and directing flux that is reflected by the DMD toward a projection lens, the relay lens is unified with the prism as a lens-integral prism by bonding the relay lens to the total internal reflection surface of the prism.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: NEC Vietechnology, Ltd.Inventors: Naofumi Ishikura, Jun Ogawa
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Patent number: 7178921Abstract: An oblique projection optical system for leading rays of light from a display surface on which an image is displayed to a projection surface in such a way that the ray of light from the center of the display surface is obliquely incident on the projection surface in order to project a magnified image of the image displayed on the display surface onto the projection surface includes a plurality of reflecting surfaces having a power. At least two of the reflecting surfaces have a free-form curved surface, and, of all the reflecting surfaces, the one closest to the projection surface has a negative power and at least one of the other has a positive power. Alternatively, in a rear projection optical system having a projection optical system for projecting an image displayed on a panel display surface onto a screen surface, the projection optical system includes at least four curved-surface reflecting mirrors.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Konno, Soh Ohzawa, Jun Ishihara