Abstract: A retainer assembly includes a divider element which is shiftably mounted to a shelving unit of a refrigerator. The divider element is biased toward one end of the shelving unit in order to urge food product containers, which are supported on the shelving unit, between a portion of the refrigerator and the divider element, thereby preventing undesired shifting of the food product containers relative to the shelving unit.

Abstract: A method for aligning multiple nozzle members in a solid free form build unit is disclosed. A geometric test shape having at least one investigational topographic region projecting outward from a central base is formed and analyzed for at least one physical characteristic correlative with nozzle member targeting accuracy. The physical characteristic is at least one of color hue shift, surface pattern irregularity, and dimensional accuracy.

Abstract: A method improves the performance of a jetting assembly in an apparatus for jetting droplets of viscous medium on the fly onto a substrate. The jetting assembly is releasably mounted in the apparatus and includes a nozzle, an ejection mechanism connected to the nozzle, and a viscous medium container connected to the eject mechanism. Information relating to an XY-position and a Z-position is obtained together with information regarding the exit velocity a droplet of viscous medium has when it exits the nozzle. The information is used as a basis for adjusting a trigger position of the nozzle for the subsequent jetting of droplets. A jetting assembly also includes a storage device arranged to receive and hold calibration information of properties of the assembly obtained during calibration measurements.

Abstract: A method is used for constructing a look up table for characterizing a printing device, and a system therefore, wherein the look up table is an inverse look up table for obtaining for the printing device colorant values in a colorant space as a function of given color values in a color space. The method includes: (a) selecting an axis in the color space; (b) selecting a path in the color space; (c) determining a particular point on the path having a predetermined colorant value; (d) projecting the particular point on the axis, thus obtaining a projected point; and (e) adding the projected point to the look up table as a sampling point.

Abstract: An ink jet printer has an ink jet section for jetting ink from nozzles, a vibration detection section for detecting a jet failure of the nozzles, which is provided ahead in an ink droplet jetting direction from the nozzles, an ink droplet receiving section for receiving an ink droplet jetted from the nozzles, which is interposed between the nozzles and the vibration detection section, and a control section for controlling a maximum diameter of an ink droplet jetted from the nozzles when detecting a jet failure of the nozzles to be larger than that when recording an image.

Abstract: A printer is disclosed which has: (a) a pagewidth printhead assembly having a pagewidth printhead and a plurality of nozzles located along the printhead for delivering ink onto print media as it is transported past the printhead, and (b) a capping mechanism associated with the printhead. The capping mechanism comprises (i) a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the printhead, (ii) a longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret and (iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead.

Abstract: A method for servicing a printhead includes moving the printhead along a first path away from a printing position adjacent a drum to a service position away from the drum, moving a service station carrying a printhead service element through an arc-shaped second path from a rest position to a servicing position, and conducting a service operation with the service element on the printhead at the service position.

Abstract: A printhead module for a printhead assembly incorporating a number of modules spaced across a pagewidth in a drop on demand ink jet printer includes a first micro-molding and a second micro-molding separated by a mid-package film layer. The mid-package film layer has laser ablated holes and an adhesive layer on both faces providing adhesion between the first micro-molding, the mid-package film layer and the second micro-molding. The first and second micro-moldings are held in alignment by pins passing through corresponding apertures in the mid-package film layer. Ink inlets and an air inlet are provided in the underside of the second micro-molding. Ink and air passes from the second micro-molding, through the mid-package film layer to the first micro-molding. Air exits the first micro-molding to repel the print media from the printhead during printing. The ink passes from the first micro-molding into individual print chips mounted therein.

Abstract: A printhead assembly includes an elongate ink distribution structure having ink inlets to receive ink and longitudinally extending ink channels in fluid communication with the inlets. An elongate ink duct assembly is mounted on the ink distribution structure and defines a plurality of converging ink ducts with inlets in fluid communication with the ink channels. A plurality of elongate and serially arranged printhead integrated circuits is mounted on the ink duct assembly to receive ink from the ink ducts. Each printhead integrated circuit defines mating formations on respective ends to facilitate mating of consecutive printhead integrated circuits.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fluid ejection device is configured to receive a signal and ejecting fluid in response thereto, including an ink ejecting nozzle layer having a substrate with first and second surfaces joined along an edge, an insulating feature located on the first surface adjacent the edge and a flexible lead that bends around the edge and lies flush against the insulating feature.

Abstract: A printhead chip includes a substrate. Drive circuitry is positioned on the substrate. A plurality of nozzle chamber structures is positioned on the substrate. Each nozzle chamber structure defines a nozzle chamber and an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. A plurality of micro-electromechanical actuators is positioned on the substrate. Each actuator includes opposed activation members extending from a substrate and defining a gap therebetween. The activation members are fast with each other and one of the activation members defines a heating circuit connected to the drive circuitry layer to be heated and to expand and subsequently contract on receipt of an electrical pulse from the drive circuitry such that the activation members undergo differential thermal expansion causing displacement of the activation members relative to the substrate. An actuator arm is fast with the activation members to be displaceable with the activation members.

Abstract: An ink ejection nozzle comprises a chamber for holding ink to be ejected, the chamber having an opening defined in a roof structure; and a thermal bend actuator for ejecting droplets of ink from the chamber through the opening. The bend actuator is configured as a cantilever with one end of the cantilever anchored to a base and the opposite end supporting a paddle. The actuator has a deflector section constructed of a material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion and a barrier layer constructed of a dielectric material having low thermal conductivity. A supply of current from the drive circuitry to the deflector section causes differential thermal expansion between the deflector section and the barrier layer, such that the actuator bends and the paddle ejects a droplet of ink from the nozzle.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ink jet printhead that has a plurality of nozzles 3 and one or more heater elements 10 in a bubble forming chamber 7 corresponding to each nozzle 3. Each heater element 10 is configured to heat a bubble forming liquid 11 in the printhead to a temperature above its boiling point to form a gas bubble 12 therein. The generation of the bubble 12 causes the ejection of a drop 16 of an ejectable liquid (such as ink) through an ejection aperture 5 in each nozzle 3, to effect printing. The gas bubble subsequently collapses to a point of collapse 17 that is spaced from any solid surface of the heater elements 10 or the bubble forming chamber 7. By configuring the heater elements within the bubble forming chamber such the points of collapse of the bubbles are not on any solid surfaces, the corrosive effects of cavitation can be avoided.

Abstract: An ink jet printhead that has an array of ejection devices formed on a wafer substrate by lithographic etching and deposition techniques. Each device has a chamber for holding a liquid, an inlet to the chamber in fluid communication with a supply of the liquid, a heater with a generally planar heater element for heating the liquid to form a vapor bubble, the heater element being suspended in the chamber parallel to the plane of the wafer substrate, and a nozzle through which a drop of the liquid is ejected in response to the vapor bubble formed by the heater element, the nozzle being formed in the chamber wall opposing the inlet, and drive circuitry for controlling the operation of the heater element. The drive circuitry is formed in an area of the wafer substrate, the area having a centre point that is offset from a center point of the corresponding nozzle by less than 200 microns in order to minimize resistive losses in the electrical connections between the drive transistors and the heater element.

Abstract: In an ink jet printhead, the ink feeding duct (2), passing through the thickness of the silicon substrate, and in hydraulic communication with the ejection cells (8) through an outlet area (2a) on the front surface (5) of the substrate (3), is built in three successive stages of erosion of the substrate (3), the first of which is performed on the rear surface (6) of the substrate, to produce a first cavity (24) having a depth (P1), and a further cavity (26) communicating and having a depth (P2), extending in the direction of the front surface (5), and presenting a back wall (28) separated from the front surface (5) by a diaphragm (30); the second stage is performed on the opposite front surface (5) to cut a channel (40) in the direction of the diaphragm (30), of depth (P4) and defining the contour of the outlet area (2a) on the front surface (5), and the third stage is performed from said rear surface (6) as a continuation of the erosion performed in the first stage, to remove the diaphragm (30) and open the

Abstract: An ink-jet print head and a method of making the same comprising the steps of sequentially laminating a heating layer and an electric conductive layer on a substrate, patterning the electric conductive layer to expose a predetermined area of the top surface of the heating layer, forming a protective layer on the top surfaces of the electric conductive layer and exposed heating layer, and laminating an ink chamber barrier and a nozzle plate on the top surface of the protective layer, thereby forming an ink chamber. The protective layer is provided by forming a cavitation layer by alternately laminating at least two types of thin film layers of different materials over the exposed heating layer and the electric conductive layer to resist fractures and oxidization resulting from use.

Abstract: An ink-jet head comprises a reservoir unit that includes an ink reservoir. The reservoir unit includes an introduction passage that connects an ink introduction port and an inflow port facing the ink reservoir, and a filter that extends within the introduction passage. The introduction passage has such a configuration that, on both sides of the filter, ink can flow along the filter toward the inflow port. An ink non-passing area is formed within the reservoir unit. The ink non-passing area extends continuously, from at least a part of an area on a plane of the filter opposed to the inflow port, in a direction away from the inflow port.

Abstract: A method of producing at least one liquid delivering apparatus which delivers a liquid from at least one liquid chamber thereof to a location outside the at least one liquid delivering apparatus, by deforming a piezoelectric element thereof provided at a location opposed to the at least one liquid chamber and thereby applying a pressure to the liquid in the at least one liquid chamber. The method includes the steps of stacking a first sheet member having at least one opening defining the at least one liquid chamber and a second sheet member covering the at least one opening, on each other, so as to provide an integral, stacked body; forming, of a material of the piezoelectric element, a layer on at least a portion of the second sheet member of the stacked body that is opposed to the at least one opening of the first sheet member of the stacked body; and annealing the layer formed on the stacked body, and thereby crystallizing the material of the layer, so as to change the layer into the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a piezoelectric ink jet head wherein contacts for the electrical connection of the upper and lower electrodes that sandwich the piezoelectric element on the upper and lower sides are disposed in a solid region of the substrate where any of recess to make the pressure cavity, common feed path, feed port, nozzle passage or nozzle is not formed, in order to surely prevent the vibration characteristic of individual drive regions or individual piezoelectric element from varying.

Abstract: A liquid jet head and apparatus prevent an increase in the viscosity of liquid in the liquid path during long term storage. The recording head has a liquid path unit 1 with nozzle openings 8, pressure generation chambers 7, liquid reservoirs 9, and a diaphragm 5, and a head case 2 bonded to the liquid path unit 1. A damper chamber 12 for releasing pressure change inside the liquid reservoir is formed at a part of the head case or seal plate 5 corresponding to the liquid reservoir 9. A release path 14B for releasing pressure in the damper chamber to the air is formed in the head case. A control path 14A communicating with the damper chamber and release path and having a specific flow resistance restricting dispersion of moisture vapor from the liquid is formed in the head case and/or seal plate.

Abstract: A printer, including a printer body, a plurality of ink cartridges that store ink disposed in the printer body, a plurality of ink supply tubes, one end of each of the plurality of ink supply tubes attached to a corresponding one of the plurality of ink cartridges, the plurality of ink supply tubes extending below the plurality of ink cartridges in the printer body, a plurality of print heads disposed in the printer body, another end of each of the plurality of ink supply tubes attached to a corresponding one of the plurality of print heads so that the plurality of ink supply tubes supply ink from the plurality of ink cartridges to the plurality of print heads, the plurality of print heads disposed below the plurality of ink cartridges.

Abstract: A printer arrangement comprises a printing unit (1) receivable in a conveyance (132). A wireless data communications port is incorporated in the unit for enabling data to be printed to be transmitted to the printing unit in a wireless manner.

Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a first case, and a second case enclosed within the first case. The second case includes a particular wall, and a translucent portion extending from the particular wall in a predetermined direction, Moreover, the translucent portion has an inner space formed therein. The ink cartridge also includes a signal blocking portion disposed within the second case, wherein the signal blocking portion is disposed within the inner space of the translucent member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image-forming method, including performing image formation on the basis of pixel data by using at least a yellow recording agent, a magenta recording agent, and a third recording agent. A color represented on a recording medium by the third recording agent on a color space of CIE-L*a*b* has lightness higher than lightness of a color reproduction region represented on the recording medium by a combination of the yellow recording agent and the magenta recording agent, and has a hue angle in the color reproduction region. A difference in hue angle on the color space between a color represented by the yellow recording agent and a color represented by the magenta recording agent is in a range of 60 to 113°.

Abstract: A recording method comprising the steps in the following order of: correcting a curl of a recording medium by applying heat and pressure to the recording medium; and forming an image on the recording medium by jetting ink onto the recording medium.

Abstract: A magnetic hinge system includes a first hinge member associated with a first object, such as the frame of a primary eyewear, and having outwardly-facing facets. A second hinge member is attached to second object, such as a secondary eyewear, and defines a slot having inwardly-facing facets configured to overlie less than all of the outwardly facing facets of the first hinge member. At least some of the facets are magnetized or include magnets to couple the second hinge member to the first hinge member, and permit selective segmented rotation relative to one another. The second hinge member may also define a second slot configured for insertion of a portion of the secondary eyewear therein. A track may be used for supporting at least one hinge member, and provide attachment to a bill of a visor or hat.

Abstract: Eyeglasses comprising a primary lens frame having a first pair of lens holders separated by a bridge portion having a major magnetic member disposed therein, said major magnetic member disposed within the bridge portion on a rear side of the bridge portion such that a surface of the major magnetic member is exposed and faces rearward. The eyeglasses further include an auxiliary frame having a second pair of lens holders separated by a bridge portion formed to include a protruding grip extension that extends perpendicularly outward from the auxiliary frame. The grip extension includes an upward lip with a minor magnetic member disposed therein such that a surface of the minor magnet member is exposed and faces forward.

Abstract: A spectacle set combines with friction hinges can be used in flip up spectacle frames as well as flip up clip-on frames with magnetic arrangements. The friction hinge comprises a tubular sleeve, a friction receiving portion, a spring and an adjustable screw. The tubular sleeve has an open side for inserting the friction receiving portion which having a flat surface or a spherical surface, the hinge prong which connected to the friction receiving portion passes through the tubular sleeve, and the spring being pressed on the friction receiving portion by the adjustable screw for obtaining friction force when the hinge prong is pivoted. The flip up spectacle frame comprises a frame chassis, a lens body and two friction hinges which connected to upper portions between the frame base and the lens body that allows the lens body to be able to flip up and stay up in any position when the flip up spectacle frame is in used.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a removable magnetic clasp for eyeglasses. The eyeglasses have a right temple bar and a left temple bar pivotally attached to an eyeglasses frame body. The magnetic clasp comprises: a first connector and a second connector; a first magnet being positioned on the first connector and a second magnet being positioned on the second connector. A channel extends through a portion of each connector and the channel is configured to so as to allow a temple bar to slide through the channel. The removable magnetic clasp, when attached to eyeglasses, allows for the first and second magnets to remain in attractive magnetic communication when the temple bars are closed but separated by clothing material, the attractive magnetic communication imparting a gripping force on the clothing material sufficient enough to substantially prevent relative movement between the temple bars and the clothing material.

Abstract: A eyeglasses retaining device for headware, having a unitary fastener for the headware and the eyeglasses is described. The retaining device may optionally have designs or advertising or other messages on a portion visible to others.

Abstract: The invention provides lenses produced by the adding of two or more surfaces, in which lenses both the length of the corridor is shortened and the maximum unwanted astigmatism is reduced.

Abstract: A flashing dot is alternately shown in the left image and right display of a binocular device at short intervals so as to allow a user to detect the misalignment in the displays. If misalignment occurs, the user sees a dot moving between two locations. The user uses a device or a software program to move the dot for minimizing the apparent movement until a single stationary dot is observed.

Abstract: An ophthalmic image sensing apparatus includes an examination optical system for examining an eye to be examined, an image sensing optical system for sensing an image of the eye to be examined, an examination image pickup element for picking up the image of the eye to be examined through the examination optical system, an image-sensing image pickup element for picking up the image of the eye to be examined through the image sensing optical system, an examination condition setting device for determining image sensing states of the examination optical system and the examination image pickup element, and a driving device for determining image sensing states of the image sensing optical system and the image-sensing image pickup element based on the examination conditions determined by the examination condition setting device.

Abstract: Device for displaying imagery three-dimensionally, which comprises a first image reproduction element having an image reproduction surface and a second image reproduction element having an image indication surface of reflective property. Those image reproduction and indication surfaces are in an opposedly facing relation with each other, such that an imagery reproduced and indicated on the image reproduction surface is reflected by the image indicating surface to form a reflected imagery which is viewed by the eyes of person as if it was a three-dimensional image. One or both of such image reproduction and indication surfaces may be curved to have convex and concave surface sides, wherein the concave surface side is formed to have diffuse reflective property. The convex surface sides respective of those two surfaces may be in an opposedly facing relation with each other. Preferably, such two surfaces may each be a screen of light-transmissive type.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention restrain temperature rise in a light exiting-side polarizer included in a liquid crystal light valve without limiting the quantity of light incident on the liquid crystal light valve and a projector that has a liquid crystal light valve to modulate incident light in accordance with a provided image signal and that projects an image represented by modulated light exiting from the liquid crystal light valve. The projector has a black level adjusting unit to adjust black level of the image signal, a temperature-detecting unit to detect temperature of the light exiting-side polarizer, and a control unit to control operation of the black level-adjusting unit. The control unit is characterized by causing the black level-adjusting unit to adjust the black level of the image signal on the basis of the temperature detected by the temperature-detecting unit in order to restrain temperature rise in the light exiting-side polarizer.

Abstract: A variable focal length deformable mirror has an inner ring and an outer ring that simply support and push axially on opposite sides of a mirror plate. The resulting variable clamping force deforms the mirror plate to provide a parabolic mirror shape. The rings are parallel planar sections of a single paraboloid and can provide an on-axis focus, if the rings are circular, or an off-axis focus, if the rings are elliptical. The focal length of the deformable mirror can be varied by changing the variable clamping force. The deformable mirror can generally be used in any application requiring the focusing or defocusing of light, including with both coherent and incoherent light sources.

Abstract: A four sided prism which provides the full scale front view and the full scale backside of one's own self. In addition, oblique front and rear views of one's own body, clothing or hair are available. Rigid frames allow for fast assembly without hand tools. The prism can be assembled as a fixed frame prism. The prism can be manufactured so as to allow for folding the frame into a thin cabinet for storage against a wall.

Abstract: Reflector device (10) for use in photography having an openable reflector screen (11) and a screen handle (12), at one end of which handle screen spokes (13) are hinge-mounted, and along which there is mounted so as to be displaceable back and forth a slider member (14), there being hinge-mounted on the slider member (14) bracing spokes (15), the opposite ends of which are joined in articulated manner to the screen spokes (13), the slider member (14) being displaceable back and forth along the screen handle (12) by means of a rope drive (19 or 26).

Abstract: An insulated drinking vessel includes an inner wall surrounding an interior for containing a liquid beverage and a transparent outer wall spaced from the inner wall to form an air space which acts to insulate the vessel interior in order to maintain the temperature of the liquid beverage contents within a desired range throughout a period of time which is normally required to consume the entire beverage contents. A removable top lid for covering the open top of the vessel includes an integrated sip spout extending upwardly from the lid. In one preferred embodiment, the drinking vessel and lid are in the form of a child's sip cup. The drinking vessel may further be provided with light-absorbing luminescent material to enhance the appearance and visibility of the drinking vessel as well as the level of the liquid contents when in a dark or dim light environment.

Abstract: A toroidally shaped hoop such as a hula hoop or juggling ring has a plurality of independently powered and motion-activated lights spaced around a periphery of the hoop. Rotation of the hoop causes the lights to energize and illuminate.

Abstract: A safety vest is sized to be worn by a human, wherein the vest has a front and back and left and right sides each having a shoulder portion. An EL strip is provided on each side of the vest extending from the bottom of the vest upwards toward the shoulder portion. A power source is supported by the vest and connected to the EL lamp strips to supply electrical energy to the strips so that they emit EL light, wherein the EL light emitted by the EL strip is a safety yellow color, and wherein other portions of the vest are a safety orange color. Further safety articles of clothing and devices are also described.

Abstract: A safety vest is sized to be worn by a human, wherein the vest has a front and back and left and right sides each having a shoulder portion. An EL strip is provided on each side of the vest extending from the bottom of the vest upwards toward the shoulder portion. A power source is supported by the vest and connected to the EL lamp strips to supply electrical energy to the strips so that they emit EL light, wherein the EL light emitted by the EL strip is a safety yellow color, and wherein other portions of the vest are a safety orange color. Further safety articles of clothing and devices are also described.

Abstract: A hand-held illuminator apparatus attachable to support structure, comprising an elongated body including a hand held section; a main light source carried by the body; circuitry in the body to supply electrical current to the light source; and at least one suction cup carried by the body to provide for positive releasable attachment of the apparatus to support structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable terminal having a camera lens assembly includes a first housing; a second housing adapted to rotate about a hinge axis extending along a direction to unfold from a state in which it faces the first housing or to fold on the first housing; a lens housing positioned on the second housing and adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending perpendicularly to the hinge axis; and an exposure opening formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens housing. The portable terminal having a camera lens assembly has a pair of housings adapted to rotate about a hinge axis to fold/unfold and a lens housing adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending perpendicularly to the hinge axis for photographing in various directions. As the lens housing is not positioned in the terminal, the terminal design can be diversified and more efficient utilization of space for mounting components can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to illumination sources. The invention provides a two-part housing including a battery housing component and a lamp housing component, that are adapted to each other. The housing components are sealed, and the illumination source can be controlled by manipulation of the housing components or optionally by pressure on the exterior of the device.

Abstract: A light generating flashlight system device utilizes a large centrally located magnet which is mounted to slide past a magnet pickup or current induction wire which may be preferably mounted at a center point of travel in a tubular housing having a tubular chamber through which the magnet travels. A pair of elastomeric dampers are located each at the end of a support system sleeve which is sized to fit within a main housing to stabilize all internal support within a sealed unit. The result is a device which both facilitates the manual movement of the flashlight body so that the magnet slides past the center magnet pickup or current induction wire, and also conserves the residual momentum of the magnet once it has traveled past the magnet pickup or current induction wire by providing a bumper and spring to conserve some of the mechanical energy going in the other direction. Ninety second of manual activation enables about five minutes of illumination.

Abstract: A flashlight including a longitudinal barrel and a head with an angular connector between the longitudinal barrel and the head. The angular connector is rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereby to direct the head in different radial directions relative to the barrel. The connector is also removable so that the head can be directly connected to the barrel.

Abstract: A flashlight having a head assembly, a switch assembly and a removable tail cap with a spare bulb holder provided by the tail cap. The spare bulb holder includes a resilient body having an internal, U-shaped wall defining a slot configured to receive a flashlight bulb, a cylindrical wall about the slot and ribs extending between the U-shaped wall and the cylindrical peripheral wall. The slot extends through the cylindrical peripheral wall and includes a first section for receiving the plug of a flashlight bulb, a second section for receiving the flange of a flashlight bulb and a third section for receiving a lens of the flashlight bulb.

Abstract: In order to provide efficient and uniform up and down lighting an elongated luminaire comprises an elongated concave primary down light reflector, a pair of secondary down light reflectors having slots approximately horizontal with a lamp, and a pair of up light reflectors attached to the secondary down light reflectors opposite the lamp and horizontal with the lamp and slots such that an efficient and uniform illumination across the ceiling surface and the floor area is accomplished.

Abstract: A light fixture or troffer for directing light emitted from a light source toward an area to be illuminated, including a reflector assembly within which the light source is positioned and a lens assembly detachably secured to a portion of the reflector assembly such that a lens of the lens assembly overlies the light source and such that substantially all of the light emitted from the light source passes through the lens assembly. In one example, the lens includes a curved prismatic surface that can be oriented toward or away from the underlying light source.