Patents Issued in September 18, 2007
-
Patent number: 7270360Abstract: A storage unit installed in a compartment of a motor vehicle such as the bed of a pickup truck and a method of distributing such devices. Embodiments include a cover, a support structure, and a rawer and may have the same horizontal dimensions as the compartment or bed but sit below the wheel wells to allow bulky cargo to be carried. Embodiments include a slanted drawer face to facilitate rolling or sliding cargo onto the device, a seal to prevent dirt or sand from getting under the cover, cutouts in the cover for the wheel wells, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, movable dividers are installed in the drawer to form separate storage areas. The method of distribution includes providing identical drawers, providing different size covers for different vehicles, providing support structures, and installing or selling the storage devices with identical drawers but different size covers, for instance.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Diezal, Ltd.Inventors: James R. Frasure, Matthew D. Sheldon
-
Patent number: 7270361Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base with two seat legs detachably mounted on a vehicle floor, a seat cushion provided on the seat base, a backrest rotatably supported on the seat base via a backrest support member, a first operation element for releasing a fixation of the seat legs in the rotating direction, and a second operation element for releasing a fixation of the seat base to the vehicle floor. The seat legs are rotatably provided under the seat base. The first operation element and the second operation element are provided at the backrest support member.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tamotsu Oishi, Kiyoshi Yajima
-
Patent number: 7270362Abstract: A seat module including at least one vehicle seat and a transverse guide is disclosed. The vehicle seat is connected through a vehicle body through a seat base, and is displaceable through a guide element along a transverse guide. When the vehicle seat is on a first side of the transverse guide, it is lockable relative to the transverse guide in a position of use, and when the vehicle seat is in a removal position on a second side of the transverse guide, it can be removed from the transverse guide when inclined or perpendicular to its normal extension direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co., KG, CoburgInventors: Peter Rausch, Christina Schwerdtner
-
Patent number: 7270363Abstract: A golf car splash guard including: a base portion; a locking flange protruding from the base portion, the locking flange having a locking detail; a wall extending from the base portion at an angle relative to the base portion; a first wire retention device extending from the base portion; and a second wire retention device extending from the wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventors: Bradley J. Hanson, Richard Krall, Donald S. Hanson, Jr., Albert Packard, III
-
Patent number: 7270364Abstract: A door beam arrangement is provided for a vehicle door having a door panel with a hinge mounting flange and a latch mounting flange. A first hollow tube of high-strength steel has one end fixedly mounted on one of the flanges, and a second end. A second hollow tube of a non-ferrous material has one end fixedly mounted on the other of the flanges and is of smaller diameter than the first hollow tube and inserted into the first hollow tube and is slidable therein to accommodate variations in the distance between the hinge mounting flange and the latch mounting flange.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Chongmin Kim, Michael L. Wenner, Charles J. Bruggemann
-
Patent number: 7270365Abstract: A spare tire storage structure for a vehicle, in which a spare tire is placed horizontally on a rear floor of the vehicle with a part thereof projected upward from a main surface of the rear floor. The structure includes: a guide stopper provided adjacent to and in front of the spare tire, which deforms to be bent upon contact with a front portion of the spare tire that is moved forward in a vehicle collision, and lifts and guides the front portion of the spare tire upward. A portion of the guide stopper that deforms to be bent is configured to absorb a kinetic energy generated by the forward movement of the spare tire.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinya Suzuki, Hideo Hagiwara, Toshiharu Suzuki
-
Patent number: 7270366Abstract: The present invention is a floor panel structure of a car body that can reduce noise within the automobile cabin. The present invention is a car body floor panel structure wherein the floor of an automobile has a floor panel connected to car body frame members, and also a predetermined mode of vibration is generated to suppress the generation of acoustic emission from the floor panel. The floor panel vibration mode adjusting structure has rectangular rigidity adjusting areas that are formed by causing the floor panel to protrude upward or downward in order to generate 2×1 mode or 2×2 mode vibration in the floor panel in a frequency band that nearly matches the tire cavity resonance frequency.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Takanobu Kamura, Akinori Utsunomiya, Tsuyoshi Sugihara, Masaru Chikita
-
Patent number: 7270367Abstract: The invention relates to a front bonnet system of a motor vehicle with a front bonnet (1) and with encircling body parts (2, 3). The body parts (2, 3) have supporting points (4) which are flexible in the vertical direction and on which the front bonnet (1) is supported when closed. The flexible supporting points (4) are designed as a linearly encircling supporting strip (5) with a sealing strip (6) situated between the supporting strip (5) and the front bonnet (1). The front bonnet (1) has, on its side (7) facing the supporting strip (5), an absorption strip (8) which encircles it in a manner corresponding to the supporting strip (5) and can be brought to bear against the sealing strip (6).Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventor: Wolfgang Mairing
-
Patent number: 7270368Abstract: A shroud supporting structure is provided which includes a shroud 5 which has a rectangular shape and whose opening is oriented in the front and rear directions of an automobile, in which: to front-end parts 3 of a pair of front side-frames 2 which is disposed on both right and left sides, first height portions A, B in both side parts 5c, 5d of the shroud 5 which correspond to the front-end parts 3 are attached; and protrusion portions 5f, 5g which protrude sideward in second height portions C, D that are located above the first height portions A, B in both side parts 5c, 5d are attached to brackets 6, 7 which protrude upward from the front-end parts 3 of the front side-frames 2.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Takahiro Aonuma, Tatsuo Nozaki
-
Patent number: 7270369Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile underbody structure, wherein a pair of laterally-spaced floor frames 10 are disposed to extend longitudinally in such a manner as to interpose a tunnel region 6 of a front floor portion 2 therebetween and joined to a bottom surface of the front floor portion 2, and a cross member 15, 16 is disposed to extend laterally so as to connect each side-sill 7 and the tunnel region 6 and joined to a top surface of the front floor portion 2. Each of the floor frames 10 is gradually inclined laterally inward toward the rear end thereof so as to be obliquely disposed relative to the cross member 15, 16 in top plan view. A rearward displacement of the floor frames 10 during a head-on collision exerts a compressive force on a region of the cross member 15, 16 located on the laterally outward side relative to each of the floor frames 10, and a tensile force on a region of the cross member 15, 16 located on the laterally inward side relative to each of the floor frames 10.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Fumio Okana, Noritaka Sakiyama, Yukiichirou Shimada, Shigeyuki Mori
-
Patent number: 7270370Abstract: A storage compartment for a vehicle includes a base configured to be attached to a passenger compartment side portion of a vehicle roof. The storage compartment additionally includes a portable member that has at least one pocket. The portable member is configured to be releasably engaged with the base.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Rumberger, James Lawrence Zucal, Marty Petersen
-
Patent number: 7270371Abstract: A vehicle slouch seat includes a cushion frame attached to a seat back frame such that the cushion frame is pivotable from an upright position to a slouch position. The slouch seat is also foldable and stowable against a vehicle cabin wall. Motion between the upright and the slouch positions is mediated by a guide hook attached to the back side of seat back frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Vincent Adragna, Kyle Calvert, James Ritter, Eric Beaulieu, Kevin Gasparotto, Stephen Redwood
-
Patent number: 7270372Abstract: The infant carrier frame provides additional comfortable lifting points and a contoured shape facilitating easier holding or carrying. Handles are included at the sides, the head end, and the foot end to provide options to enable easier lifting, holding, and carrying in the varying day-to-day circumstances typical of moving an infant around in an infant carrier. The sides of the frame each are formed with an inwardly curved recess. The outside of the recessed section of the frame is padded with a soft cushion material having a textured surface to increase gripping traction.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Maria R. Robertson
-
Patent number: 7270373Abstract: A child car seat includes a seat body, in which a child sits, and a base for supporting the seat body, such that the seat body is tiltable in a reclining direction. When forward force larger than a predetermined level is applied to a weight from deceleration larger than a predetermined level generated by a frontal collision of a vehicle or the like, the seat body is operable to move in an upright direction. The child car seat has no possibility to damage a latch mechanism while the child car seat is mounted on a car seat.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Masayuki Sakumoto
-
Patent number: 7270374Abstract: Structure for anatomical support for the back, headrest and seat components of chairs in general and especially seats in motor vehicles comprising a frame, a convex cushioned plate fitted with sliding means in relation to the frame and pull-push cables, the first end of which is fixed to one or other end of the cushioned plate, freely sliding inside a sheath whose first end is fixed, on the frame, to one or other of the ends of the cushioned plate, while the second end of said push-pull cable and of said sheath is fixed to control devices for adjusting the position of the cushioned plate if the first end of the sheath is fixed to the frame, or for adjusting convexity of the cushioned plate if the first end of the sheath is fixed to said plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Resal SRLInventor: Attilio Luigi Moriggi
-
Patent number: 7270375Abstract: A disengage mechanism incorporated into a floor-mounted, forwardly pivotal and removable seat including a bottom and a pivotally associated back. The mechanism includes a handle-operated actuating assembly mounted to an underside of the seat bottom. A seat forward tumble mechanism includes a cable securing to the assembly at a first location and a seat disengage mechanism includes a pair of cables securing to the assembly at a second location. The assembly is actuated in a first selected direction to engage the forward tumble mechanism, the assembly being actuated in a second reverse direction to concurrently engage the forward tumble mechanism as well as the seat disengagement mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.Inventors: Tavis S. Lutzka, Keith Brantley
-
Patent number: 7270376Abstract: By combining a wedged cushion and specialized method for aligning a user's ischial tuberosities—which increases relative lordosis in the lumbar spine and pelvis venous outflow from the lower extremities, in a sitting position by decreasing venous obstruction and enhancing flow at the femoral vein level, novel seating products are achieved which are particularly amenable to installation in combination with conventional children's seating mechanisms, using seat cushions, inserts, or specialized plastic-related enhancements. Proper spinal alignment, growth and sustainable posture are further possible for developing systems according to the teachings of the present disclosure.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: NuBax LimitedInventor: Donna Jackson
-
Patent number: 7270377Abstract: Many law enforcement officers have lower back problems arising from the habitual wearing of what is generally known as a “Sam Browne” duty belt. Workmen's Compensation now presumes any lower back ailment suffered by a law enforcement officer was caused by a duty belt; and consequently, automatically covers such back problem. A duty belt seat accessory for minimizing excessive pressure on the lower back of a law enforcement officer when he wears a duty belt is disclosed. The seat accessory comprises: a lower back portion having a minimal thickness; an upper back portion having a thickness generally exceeding the thickness of the lower back portion and the equipped duty belt; and, a strap to maintain the back portion in an upright position adjacent to a seat. When the officer leans back his back is supported largely by the upper back portion of the seat accessory and there is no excessive back pressure on his lower back as a result of the equipped duty belt he is wearing.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventors: Jack D. Schmitz, Robert M. Todd
-
Patent number: 7270378Abstract: A suspension seat assembly for an office chair is provided which has a support frame and a suspension fabric connected about its periphery to the frame. The fabric is first laid across the frame and then the peripheral edges of the suspension fabric are secured in place on the frame by over-molded trim. The suspension fabric may also be formed as a multi-layer composite comprising an aesthetic upper layer, a stretchable suspension layer and an optional cushion layer therebetween. The suspension layer is a fabric-type material which is preferably air permeable and resilient to support the weight of a chair occupant.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: Larry A. Wilkerson, Mark G. Tomandl, Keith Page, Gardner Klassen
-
Patent number: 7270379Abstract: A hollow sleeve is mounted in a hole of a holder block to receive a rotary cutter bit. The sleeve includes a front flange and a shank extending rearwardly from the front flange and defining a longitudinal axis. The shank includes an outer periphery having a radially stepped configuration, wherein an outer surface of the shank includes a plurality of axially adjacent surface sections that become successively smaller in cross-section in a direction away from the flange. Each surface section occupies one-third of the hole length. Each surface section has longitudinally spaced front and rear ends, wherein a portion of each surface section situated between its front and rear ends is spaced farther from the axis than are the front and rear ends. Each surface section has a generally longitudinally extending groove formed therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property ABInventor: Stephen C. Stehney
-
Patent number: 7270380Abstract: An inbred maize line, designated PH7JB, the plants and seeds of inbred maize line PH7JB, methods for producing a maize plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred maize line PH7JB with itself or with another maize plant, and hybrid maize seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line PH7JB with another maize line or plant and to methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic maize plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH7JB, to methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH7JB and to the inbred maize lines derived by the use of those methods.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.Inventors: Louis Brian Chapko, Todd Elliott Piper
-
Patent number: 7270381Abstract: A step assembly for an automotive wheel includes a first member at least partially defining an annular track, a second member connected with respect to the track for movement along the track, and a third member defining a stepping surface. The third member is pivotably connected with respect to the second member for selective movement between a stowed position in which the third member acts as a center wheel cap, and a second position in which the third member presents a horizontal step surface. The third member is movable along the track with the second member to enable a vehicle user to reposition the step surface after wheel rotation.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Kevin G. Kolpasky, Joseph W. Cobble, III, Joseph M. Polewarczyk
-
Patent number: 7270382Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of one-piece, and multi-piece wheels configured to provide increased interior lip depth. In one embodiment, an outer periphery of a curved center portion of a wheel is attached to a wheel barrel in an inboard region, and a portion of the center portion extends into the outboard region of the wheel. At least a portion of the wall of the wheel barrel preferably comprises a gradual slope, instead of a traditional wheel mounting drop, and thus the interior lip depth is not obstructed by the interior bulge generally created by such a drop. In other embodiments, a wheel mounting drop is configured to permit multi-piece wheels to be joined at or near one of the drop walls to allow the wheel center to be positioned further in the inboard direction than in traditional wheels.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventors: Frank J. Hodges, Sergiu Anca
-
Patent number: 7270383Abstract: A retaining mechanism for use on a Operator Interface Terminal (OIT). The OIT provides a partition between an operator working in a harsh environment and a control computer and monitor in a conditioned environment. The retaining mechanism includes two support pads mounted to the back side of the partition. The support pads support the bottom portion of the monitor. A retaining strap is affixed to the back side of the partition. The retaining strap holds the monitor against the partition.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Billy W. McElheney
-
Patent number: 7270384Abstract: A refrigerator drawer assembly includes a pan support that includes a wire member that has a first side and a second side. A first bracket is coupled to the first side using a first coupling system. A second bracket is coupled to the second side using a second coupling system different than the first coupling system. The second bracket is substantially identical to the first bracket.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Phillip Eugene Koloff, Jr., Joseph Murphy Miller, Amarnath Nithyananda Bangalore
-
Patent number: 7270385Abstract: A system for limiting outward movement of a slide-out shelf includes a plurality of side supports configured to support the shelf, a positive stop extending along each of the side supports, and a plurality of support members configured to rigidly connect the side supports and contact at least a portion of the shelf thereby blocking forward movement of the shelf.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Rakesh Mathur, Carl Tobert Whitaker
-
Patent number: 7270386Abstract: A first electrode (46) has a main portion (46a) covering almost the overall area of a concavity (43) and including a notch (46c). A piezoelectric layer (47) has a main portion (47a) in a diameter smaller than that of the concavity (43), and the whole thereof is within the concavity area, and almost overall the main portion (47a) excluding the part corresponding to the notch (46c) is laminated on the first electrode (46). An auxiliary electrode (48) extends from the outside of the concavity area into the inside thereof and a part thereof is positioned within the notch (46c) of the first electrode (46) and supports a part of the piezoelectric layer (47). A second electrode (49) has a main portion (49a) laminated on the piezoelectric layer (47) and an extension part (49b) which extends from there and is connected to the auxiliary electrode (48) within the concavity area.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Tomoaki Takahashi, Takahiro Katakura, Satoshi Shinada
-
Patent number: 7270387Abstract: A position adjusting structure for adjusting a position of a recording head with respect to a recording head mounting portion of a printer main body, the position adjusting structure including: a head mounting plane arranged on the recording head mounting portion; an adjusting member, which is transferable along a direction substantially perpendicular to the head mounting plane; and an inclined flat plane, which is arranged on either one of the recording head mounting portion or the adjusting member and is inclined against the head mounting plane; wherein, the adjusting member transfers the position of the recording head with respect to the recording head mounting portion according with transfer of the adjusting member.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings Inc.Inventors: Masato Ueda, Naoki Otomo, Yasuhiro Matsui
-
Patent number: 7270388Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a plurality of ink ejecting sections for ejecting ink. The printing apparatus prints an image on a medium to be printed by ejecting ink from the ink ejecting sections. The ink ejecting sections include a first ink ejecting section that is set to eject ink for printing a highlight region in the image, and a second ink ejecting section that is set not to eject the ink for printing the highlight region in the image.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Toyohiko Mitsuzawa, Toshihisa Saruta
-
Patent number: 7270389Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus can effectively extend its lifetime with regard to disconnection without acceleration of deterioration of the heater element with aging, and can avoid adverse effects owing to its use environment, the deteriorated state of the heater element, scattering in recording heads at manufacturing, and the like. Because deterioration of recorded images caused by disconnection in heaters can be avoided, stable image quality can be obtained. The ink jet recording apparatus has a plurality of heater elements in a recording head thereof, for ejecting ink by heating of the heater elements, and includes a control unit for executing driving control of the heater elements. The same heater element is driven for recording under different driving conditions, independently of recording data.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomoyuki Inoue, Minoru Nozawa, Hiroshi Yamada
-
Patent number: 7270390Abstract: In a data creating method for creating image data corresponding to each of a plurality of color inks applied to a black image area formed on the basis of image data on a black ink, with the plurality of color inks being a cyan ink, a magenta ink, and a yellow ink, an image data creating step creates image data corresponding to each of the plurality of color inks on the basis of the image data on the black ink. The image data creating step creates the image data on each of the plurality of color inks so that the rate of areas in which all the plurality of color inks are applied, in the black image area, is higher than that of areas to which only some of the plurality of color inks are applied. At least one of the cyan ink, the magenta ink, and the yellow ink contains a component that coagulates a color material of the black ink.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoko Baba, Daigoro Kanematsu, Kazuo Suzuki, Mitsutoshi Nagamura, Tomomi Furuichi, Rie Takekoshi
-
Patent number: 7270391Abstract: A method for processing image data includes the step of dithering a contone layer of the image data. A black bi-level layer of the image data is composited over the contone layer. An infrared tag is rendered to an infrared layer of the image data.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley
-
Patent number: 7270392Abstract: A printing apparatus including a printing head for ejecting ink to a medium to carry out printing thereon, and a side-reversing member for reversing the sides of the medium that is printed by the printing head. A waiting time for drying, before reversing the medium with the side-reversing member, the ink ejected to the medium is set according to an amount of ink ejected by the printing head, and an elapsed-time from when the ink was ejected by the printing head.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Hidekazu Mizuno
-
Patent number: 7270393Abstract: 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 a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the printhead. The flexible sheet-like material is provided as a replaceable roll from which a portion of the material is in use drawn to form the capping member. Also disclosed is a printer in which, as an optional aspect, a platen is positioned adjacent the printhead and arranged to engage with and position the capping member in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Norman Michael Berry, Akira Nakazawa, Kia Silverbrook
-
Patent number: 7270394Abstract: A printhead cartridge for a printer is provided comprising a page width printhead, a media transport mechanism for transporting media past the printhead and a capping assembly for capping the printhead. The capping assembly has a movable, page width elastomeric seal, a cam connected to the seal and a drive wheel engaged with the cam. The seal is normally biased into abutment with the printhead. The drive wheel is coupled to the media transport mechanism such that, when the media transport mechanism is operated to transport media past the printhead, the drive wheel is driven so as to rotate the cam in a first direction which moves the seal away from the printhead.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley, Kia Silverbrook
-
Patent number: 7270395Abstract: A printer is disclosed which comprises: (a) a pagewidth printhead assembly having two offset pagewidth printheads and a plurality of nozzles located along each of the printheads for delivering ink onto print media as it is transported past the printheads, and (b) a capping mechanism having (i) a capping member associated with each of the printheads, the capping members having lengths corresponding substantially to those of the printheads and each said capping member being moveable between a non-capping first position and a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated printhead, and (ii) an actuating mechanism associated with each of the capping members and arranged to effect transitioning of each of the capping members from its first position to its second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Norman Michael Berry, Akira Nakazawa, Kia Silverbrook
-
Patent number: 7270396Abstract: A composite printhead supporting structure for a pagewidth printhead assembly is provided. The assembly has a plurality of printhead modules with a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion, the modules being disposed along a length of the supporting structure. The structure comprises a composite beam elongated in the direction of the printhead and being at least as long as the printhead. The beam comprises segments bonded together end to end. At one of the segments comprises material that is different from the materials of the other segments. The materials have coefficients of thermal expansion different from that of the printhead modules. The coefficients of thermal expansion and the size of the segments are chosen such that the printhead spacing, or printhead pitch, has an effective coefficient of thermal expansion substantially equal to that of the printhead modules.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
-
Patent number: 7270397Abstract: A modular image processing device includes a camera module configured to capture images to be printed. A flash module is configured to generate a flash on operation of the camera module. A printer module configured to receive image data from the camera module and to print the captured images. The modules each include connectors configured so that the modules can be releasably and serially interconnected to each other such that one of the flash module and the printer module is interposed between two of the modules.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Simon Robert Walmsley
-
Patent number: 7270398Abstract: A circuit board for a liquid discharging apparatus in which coating performance of a protective layer and a cavitation resistive film on a heat generating element is excellent and durability is excellent and a manufacturing method of such a circuit board are provided. A surface portion of a wiring material layer is processed so that an etching speed of the surface portion is made higher than that of the material forming the wiring material layer. It is desirable to execute a process for forming at least one selected from a fluoride, a chloride, and a nitride of the material forming the wiring material layer into the surface portion of the wiring material layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keiichi Sasaki, Masato Kamiichi, Ershad Ali Chowdhury, Yukihiro Hayakawa
-
Patent number: 7270399Abstract: A printhead includes a substrate that defines a plurality of ink inlet channels. Drive circuitry is positioned on the substrate. A pair of sets of nozzle arrangements is positioned on the substrate. Each nozzle arrangement has a nozzle mounted on the substrate and defines an ink chamber in fluid communication with a respective ink supply channel. The nozzle defines an ink ejection port through which ink in the ink chamber can be ejected. A micro-electromechanical shutter is located within the ink chamber and is connected to the drive circuitry. The shutter is displaceable between a closed position to shut off the supply of ink to the ink chamber from the ink supply channel and an open position to permit ink to flow into the ink chamber on receipt of an electrical drive signal from the drive circuitry. The shutters of the nozzle arrangements in each set are configured to shut off the supply of ink to their respective ink chambers concurrently.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
-
Patent number: 7270400Abstract: The ink jet recording method allows an electrostatic force to act on an ink composition containing at least charged particles containing a colorant and a dispersion medium to form a thread of the ink composition, and divides the thread into small portions to eject ink droplets on a recording medium. A first average concentration of the charged particles contained in the thread from its tip end portion to its central portion is higher than a second average concentration of the charged particles contained in a whole thread. And/or, a first force acting on the charged particles contained in the thread is made larger than a second force obtained by subtracting the first force acting on the charged particles contained in the thread from a second force acting on a whole thread.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Hideyuki Koguchi, Seiichi Inoue
-
Patent number: 7270401Abstract: An inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate casing that defines a longitudinally extending printhead module channel. A printhead module is positioned in the channel and has a fluid channel member that defines a number of longitudinally extending channels. A plurality of printhead tiles is mounted on the fluid channel member. Each printhead tile is in fluid communication with the channels via outlet ports in fluid communication with said respective channels. A printhead integrated circuit is mounted on each printhead tile. The tiles are configured to nest with each other and the printhead integrated circuits are oriented to have adjacent overlapping end portions. Power and control circuitry is mounted on the casing. Flexible printed circuit boards interconnect the printhead integrated circuits and the power and control circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King, Janette Faye Lee
-
Patent number: 7270402Abstract: An ink-jet head includes a passage unit including a plurality of pressure chambers, and a plurality of actuator units attached to a surface of the passage unit for changing the volume of each of the plurality of pressure chambers. The actuator unit has a layered structure laminated with four piezoelectric sheets to. In the actuator unit, individual electrodes are formed at positions respectively corresponding to each of the pressure chambers, only on a face of the uppermost piezoelectric sheet opposite to an attached face of the actuator unit to the passage unit. A common electrode kept at a constant potential is provided on a face of the uppermost piezoelectric sheet at the side facing the passage unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsuo Sakaida, Yuji Shinkai, Takeshi Asano, Atsushi Hirota
-
Patent number: 7270403Abstract: The inkjet head comprises: a nozzle plate on which a nozzle for discharging ink droplets is formed, a portion of the nozzle plate constituting a portion of a pressure chamber for accommodating ink to be discharged through the nozzle; a piezoelectric element which applies pressure to the ink inside the pressure chamber, the piezoelectric element being attached to the nozzle plate on an ink discharge side; and a nozzle plate support member which is in contact with the nozzle plate on a side opposite from the ink discharge side and supports the nozzle plate, the nozzle plate support member having a structure in which the nozzle plate support member restrains displacement of a portion of the nozzle plate in vicinity of the nozzle caused by the piezoelectric element, and does not interfere with displacement of the portion of the nozzle plate constituting the portion of the pressure chamber other than the portion in vicinity of the nozzle caused by the piezoelectric element.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Kazuo Sanada
-
Inkjet recording head, inkjet recording apparatus and method for manufacturing inkjet recording head
Patent number: 7270404Abstract: The inkjet recording head comprises: a plurality of ink chambers aligned, each of the plurality of ink chambers having a nozzle; and a piezoelectric element arranged on an outer side of the plurality of ink chambers, the piezoelectric element using displacement in d31 direction, piezoelectric strain absorbing holes being formed through the piezoelectric element in regions of outer perimeters of active sections of the piezoelectric element, wherein when voltage is applied to one of the active sections of the piezoelectric element, corresponding one of the plurality of ink chambers is compressed by the piezoelectric element, and ink filled in the one of the plurality of ink chambers is discharged through the nozzle toward a recording medium.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Tsuyoshi Mita -
Patent number: 7270405Abstract: An ink priming system for a cartridge unit of the type having a pagewidth printhead assembly in fluid communication with one or more ink storage compartments is provided. The system comprises a priming inlet of the printhead assembly for receiving a supply of ink for priming the cartridge unit, an ink flow passage providing fluid connection between the printhead assembly and one of the ink storage compartments, and a bypass flow passage providing additional fluid connection between the ink flow passage and the ink storage compartment. The ink supplied to the priming inlet of the printhead assembly flows from the printhead assembly to the ink storage compartment via the ink flow passage and the bypass flow passage to prime both the printhead assembly and the ink storage compartment with ink simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa, Christopher Hibbard, Paul Ian Mackey, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson
-
Patent number: 7270406Abstract: An ink including: (a) a metal chelate compound of Formula (1) or salt thereof, wherein M is nickel; and (b) a liquid medium. The inks are useful for ink jet printers.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Fujifilm Imaging Colorants LimitedInventor: Mairi Elizabeth Raggatt
-
Patent number: 7270407Abstract: Methods for digitally printing on various articles, particularly ceramic articles, are disclosed. A first step includes applying a fluid glazing material to an article creating a coated surface. The fluid glazing material can either contain an underprinting agent for accepting and adhering chromophores to the fluid glazing material, or the underprinting agent can be jetted onto the fluid glazing material prior to the jetting of chromophores onto the article. A chromophore-containing fluid is then jetted onto the ceramic article and the article is fired. Additionally, an inkjettable composition is disclosed having a large amount of metal ion present in the composition.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Alexey S Kabalnov, Loren E Johnson, Donald E. Wenzel
-
Patent number: 7270408Abstract: The method of forming an image formed of low viscosity ink on a recording medium includes ejecting the low viscosity ink from a printer head in the form of droplets onto an intermediate transfer medium to form the image, partially curing the image on the intermediate transfer medium, transferring the partially cured image onto the recording medium, and further curing the partially cured image on the recording medium to create a hardened image.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Peter G. Odell, Adela Goredema, Evonne Kwok
-
Patent number: 7270409Abstract: A liquid applying apparatus and an ink jet printing apparatus can reduce evaporation that may occur when an application liquid is left in a liquid holding member for a long time. The liquid holding member forms a space between an elastic member and a roller to hold the application liquid. The apparatuses also are capable of preventing the leakage of the liquid from the liquid holding member regardless of a variation in the posture of the apparatus. In collecting the application liquid from the liquid holding member to a storage tank, the apparatuses switch a selector valve to allow an air communicating port and a tube to communicate with each other. The apparatuses further drive a pump to collect the application liquid from a liquid applying member and channel to the storage tank. Once the collecting is finished, the air communicating valve is closed.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Osamu Iwasaki, Naoji Otsuka, Yoshinori Nakagawa