Abstract: A droplet ejection apparatus includes a main power supply, power cutoff detecting means, a standby power supply, residual vibration detecting means, storage means, and ejection failure detecting means. When cutoff of the main power supply is detected, an actuator is driven by a driving circuit, the residual vibration detecting means detects the residual vibration of the diaphragm displaced by the driving of the actuator, and the storage means stores the vibration pattern of the residual vibration of the diaphragm detected by the residual vibration detecting means and/or the information obtained from the vibration pattern. The ejection failure detecting means include an oscillation circuit that oscillates in response to an electric capacitance component that varies with the residual vibration of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A head cartridge has a print head which discharges ink, and an ink tank which contains ink which is supplied to the print head. A sensor which detects residual ink amount in the ink tank is provided in the ink tank. The print head includes a detection circuit which detects the presence of residual ink amount using the sensor, a judgment circuit which judges the presence of residual ink amount on the basis of an output from the detection circuit and outputs ink zero information when judging that there is no residual ink amount, and nonvolatile memory which stores ink zero information when the ink zero information is outputted from the judgment circuit.

Abstract: A cap member for covering a plurality of nozzle arrays disposed in a nozzle plate of a liquid ejecting head includes a first lip, at least one second lip, and a main body. The first lip has an annular shape and is configured to abut against the nozzle plate to enclose the plurality of nozzle arrays. At least one second lip has an annular shape, is disposed within the annular first lip, and is configured to abut against the nozzle plate to enclose at least one of the plurality of nozzle arrays separately from the first lip. The first lip and the at least one second lip are disposed on the main body. The main body is configured to cooperate with the first lip and the at least one second lip to make sealing contact with the nozzle plate.

Abstract: An imaging device is disclosed that includes a drum platen having a recess. A loading mechanism for loading an absorber into the recess and a pen is configured to eject ink on the absorber while the absorber is in the recess.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a recording head, a spacer, a wiping member, a first ink absorbing member, and an ink releasing member. The recording head includes an ejection surface in which a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink are defined. The ejection surface faces a medium transport path. The spacer is disposed in a periphery of the recording head and includes a facing surface, which faces the medium transport path. The wiping member wipes the ejection surface. The first ink absorbing member that is disposed a gap between the ejection surface and the spacer and absorbs ink flowing into the gap between the recording head and the spacer when the wiping member wipes the ejection surface. The ink releasing member is connected to the first ink absorbing member and discharges the ink absorbed by the first ink absorbing member from the gap between the ejection surface and the spacer.

Abstract: A wiping apparatus has a cover box which covers at least a feeding reel, a take-up reel, a wiping member and a spray head, as well as a sheet-feeding passage for the wiping sheet. The passage extends from the feeding reel to the take-up reel. The cover box has formed therein a member opening through which the wiping member protrudes.

Abstract: A plurality of print heads 60 and drive controllers 330 are installable on a carriage 1. A plurality of data processors 320 for transferring data to the drive controllers 330 are installable on the chassis 300 of the printing device. Any circuit sets, each comprising a predetermined number of print heads 60, one drive controller 330, and one data processor 320, are individually installed and uninstalled.

Abstract: An inkjet head is composed of a plurality of plates stacked on each other. The plurality of plates includes a cavity plate formed with a plurality of ink pressure chambers and a plurality of manifold plates for forming a manifold chamber being in fluid communication with the ink pressure chambers to distribute ink thereamong. Each manifold plate is provided with an opening formed therethrough with a portion thereof being left in the opening. When the manifold chambers are stacked on each other, the openings of the manifold plates formed as above constitute a manifold channel taking the form of a closed loop. The portions of the manifold plates left in the openings are supported by a plurality of beams formed on the manifold plates. The beams are thinner than respective manifold plates, and are arranged so as not to overlap each other when viewed in a direction the manifold plates are stacked.

Abstract: 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, the system having a priming inlet provided on said pagewidth printhead assembly for receiving a supply of ink for priming the cartridge unit, and an ink flow passage providing fluid connection between said pagewidth printhead assembly and one of the ink storage compartments. During use, the priming system allows the the ink supplied to the priming inlet of the pagewidth printhead assembly to flow from the pagewidth printhead assembly to the ink storage compartment via the ink flow passage to prime both the pagewidth printhead assembly and the ink storage compartment with ink simultaneously.

Abstract: A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer comprising: a body portion for receiving ink from one or more ink sources and having one or more channels formed therein for distributing the ink substantially along the length of the printhead assembly; one or more integrated circuits extending substantially the length of the printhead assembly, each integrated circuit having a plurality of nozzles, each of the nozzles being arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media; and an ink distribution member upon which each integrated circuit is fixed and which distributes the ink from the body portion to each of the integrated circuits; wherein the ink distribution member comprises a first layer which directs the ink from the one or more channels of the body portion for delivery to each integrated circuit, and a second layer attached to said first layer for receiving and securing each integrated circuit in a position to receive the ink from the first layer.

Abstract: The invention has an object to provide a liquid discharge recording method and a liquid discharge recording apparatus capable of outputting images at high speed with high quality and high reliability, and has a feature in that when adjacent overlapping dots are formed on a print material, the dots are formed with a dot placement time difference that may reduce uneven optical densities of the overlapping portion of the dots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control method for controlling an ink jet head. The inkjet head includes an ejection port substrate having ejection ports for ejection of the droplets, ejection electrodes respectively being located in a position corresponding to each of the ejection ports, and a guard electrode formed in the ejection port substrate. The control method includes the steps of: applying a drive voltage to each of the ejection electrodes in accordance with a drawing signal; and applying an AC bias voltage to the guard electrode, the AC bias voltage having the same frequency as the drive voltage applied to each of the ejection electrodes and alternately repeating a first voltage and a second voltage being lower than the first voltage.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate for a micro-fluid ejecting device. The semiconductor substrate includes a plurality of fluid ejection devices disposed on the substrate. A plurality of driver transistors are disposed on the substrate for driving the plurality of fluid ejection devices. A programmable memory matrix containing embedded programmable memory devices is operatively connected to the micro-fluid ejecting device for collecting and storing information on the semiconductor substrate for operation of the micro-fluid ejecting device. The programmable memory matrix provides a high density of memory bits embedded on the substrate for storing information about the micro-fluid ejecting device.

Abstract: A micro-fluid ejection device structure, a multi-fluid cartridge containing the ejection device structure, and methods for making the ejection device structure and cartridge. The ejection device includes an ejection head substrate having a fluid supply side and a device side and containing two or more fluid flow paths therein for supplying fluid from the fluid supply side to the device side thereof. A multi-channel manifold is attached to the fluid supply side of the ejection head substrate for providing fluid from two or more fluid reservoirs to the fluid flow paths in the ejection head substrate. The multi-channel manifold has fluid flow channels therein in fluid flow communications with the fluid flow paths in the ejection head substrate and the manifold consists essentially of a patterned photoresist material.

Abstract: An ink refill cartridge comprising: a housing; a deformable ink bag housed in said housing; a pressure applicator for manually applying pressure to the ink bag in order to dispense ink from an outlet in the ink bag; a resilient member interengaged between the pressure applicator and the ink bag such that movement of the pressure applicator relative to the ink bag deforms the resilient member and transmits a restorative force to the ink bag; and a detent for limiting a maximum movement of the pressure applicator relative to the ink bag, thereby limiting a maximum pressure applied to the ink bag.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid supplying apparatus which enables a liquid housing container to be appropriately and smoothly attached to and detached from a print head. Thus, the present invention includes a liquid supplying tube projected from the print head and having a liquid introducing port which is in communication with the print head, a seal member rotatably movably held on the liquid supplying tube, the seal member being movable from a position at which the liquid introducing port is closed to a position at which the liquid introducing port is opened, a housing container main body in which the liquid is housed, the housing container main body having a liquid supplying port into and from which the liquid supplying tube can be inserted and removed, and a movable member which rotatably moves the seal member.

Abstract: An ink supply system is provided for commercial ink jet printing equipment having multiple disposable ink jet printing cartridges. The ink supply system of the invention is adapted to maintain ink supply to multiple ink jet cartridges by circulating a supply of ink from an independent storage reservoirs through the ink jet cartridge and back to the reservoir via a circulation pump in a closed loop system. Flexible supply and return tubing interlinks the storage reservoir with the modified ink jet printing cartridge and a circulation pump for return back to the ink jet storage reservoir. The system maintains ink jet cartridge required internal negative pressure in a balanced circulation supply replenishment system replacing ink as it is used by the print cartridge.

Abstract: A print head maintenance device. During maintenance, excess ink dispersed from the print head is collected in a collection device. A shuttle moves with the print head in a first direction, with a wiper moves in a second direction wiping remaining ink from the print head. The shuttle returns to an initial position at which time ink collected in the collection device is drained out and absorbed by an absorber.

Abstract: An ink composition comprising: at least one dye having an oxidation potential of more positive than 1.0 V dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous medium; and a surface active agent in an amount of from 0.05 to 50 g/l. The ink composition having the aforesaid constitution exhibits a high ejection stability and can provide an image having assured hue and an excellent weathering resistance and being free of defects in water resistance and image quality.

Abstract: An inkjet recording ink including an aqueous medium having dissolved therein a phthalocyanine dye, wherein the phthalocyanine dye is a water-soluble dye having an oxidation potential more positive than 1.0 V (vs SCE) and the ink includes a water-miscible organic solvent having a vapor pressure of 2,000 Pa or less at 20° C.; and an inkjet recording method using the ink.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording ink ensuring excellent ejection stability even after aging of the ink and also exhibiting excellent weather resistance; provide an inkjet recording ink ensuring less blurring of the image drawn, in addition to excellent ejection stability and weather resistance; and provide a yellow ink and a dark yellow ink, which can contribute to realization of a pictorial quality with excellent color balance as a constituent ink of an ink set. These objects of the present invention can be achieved by an inkjet recording ink including an aqueous medium containing a yellow dye, particularly, a yellow dye represented by formula (1), having spectral absorption characteristics such that the maximum absorption wavelength is in the region from 390 to 470 nm and the absorption long-wave end has a tailing of a specified value or less, and antioxidative characteristics such that the ozone enforced discoloration rate constant is 5.0 x 10?2 [hour?1] or less.

Abstract: A width A of the scanning area of the ink ejection orifices and a width B of the scanning area of the reacting liquid ejection orifices are respectively set as A=(n?a)×p and B=n×p, while amount of the feeding of the printing sheet during each scan corresponds to the width of the scanning area of the reacting liquid ejection orifices, that is, A=(n?a)×p. With this system, the width of the scanning area, wherein ejection of the reacting liquid precedes ejection of the ink, is made shorter by C=a×p than the width of following scanning area; the scanning area having the width C is scanned two times by the row of the ink ejection orifices, and the thinning process is applied to this area having the width C.

Abstract: Inkjet printing of barcodes is enhanced by several methods. In a printhead having two staggered columns of nozzles, using only the even (or odd) column enhances resolution of a vertical barcode element. Filling interior portions of the barcode element with the odd (or even) column improves barcode appearance. Barcode swelling, due to ink migration after application, is reduced by use of a depletion matrix to lessen the quantity of ink applied. Application of the depletion matrix to the edges of the barcode elements resists swelling where resolution is most required. Where a printing mask is applied to the edges of the barcode elements, the edges may be printed only by one column of printhead nozzles, or only during one direction of printhead movement, or both. Alternately, removal of one or more pixels along the edge of a barcode element allows each barcode element to swell to the desired size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barcode marking method and apparatus for an electro-luminescence display device. According to the barcode marking method and apparatus for an electro-luminescence display device of the present invention includes, an information barcode is marked on the electro-luminescence display devices by using the ink jetted from the ink-jet head while moving at least any one of the stage and the ink-jet head.

Abstract: A prosthetic eye has a white scleral portion with a simulated iris painted on the front and a horizontal polarized disc at the center of the iris. The center of the polarized disc is darkened with paint to simulate a pupil having a fairly small diameter. The back of the polarized disc is painted to blend with the iris or simulate the collarette of the eye. The prosthetic eye is used in conjunction with the special pair of eyeglasses having a lens formed of linearly polarizing material with the transmitting axis in the vertical plane. When the eyeglasses are used, it makes the pupil appear to dilate because it causes the entire disc to blacken when viewed through the polarized lens.

Abstract: A variable focus lens for an eye comprising a transparent rear wall, a transparent front wall, a cavity formed between the transparent front wall and the transparent rear wall, first and second immiscible fluids of differing refractive index contained within said cavity, and electrodes to which a voltage is able to be applied to change the curvature of a fluid meniscus between the two fluids. At least the rear wall of the lens includes a biocompatible material, which material provides for biocompatibility of the lens with the eye.

Abstract: An article, such as a lens article (10, 10?, 10?, 100) containing a first component, e.g., a filter (14, 14?), or component thereof, having a minimum degradation temperature, and a second component, e.g., a substrate (22, 22?), comprising a blend of first and second thermoplastic polymers. The first polymer, which has a glass transition temperature higher than the minimum degradation temperature of the first component, is selected based upon its ability to provide the article with one or more desirable characteristics. The second polymer is blended with the first polymer in a predetermined amount that provides the blend with an adjusted glass transition temperature lower than the minimum degradation temperature of the first component so that the first and second components can be heat processed together at a temperature greater than or equal to the adjusted glass transition temperature but below the minimum degradation temperature.

Abstract: Eye refraction is measured to achieve desired quality via a selected vision characteristics. A characteristic of vision is selected to correlate to the desired quality of vision from a group of vision characteristics comprising acuity, Strehl ratio, contrast sensitivity, night vision, day vision, and depth of focus, dynamic refraction over a period of time during focus accommodation, and dynamic refraction over a period of time during pupil constriction and dilation. Wavefront aberration measurements are used to objectively measure the state of the eye refraction that defines the desired vision characteristic. The measured state of refraction is expressed with a mathematical function enabling correction of the pre-selected vision characteristic to achieve the desired quality of vision. The mathematical expression function may be a Zernike polynomial having both second order and higher order terms or a function determined by spline mathematical calculations.

Abstract: There is described in one embodiment an eye viewing device for viewing a structure of an eye such as a retina. The eye viewing device can include an image sensor. In one embodiment an eye viewing device can be adapted to facilitate both visual viewing of an eye structure and electronic image capture.

Abstract: Scattering can be measured by using an optical system having a Hartman-Shack wave-surface sensor.

Abstract: A projection type video display is provided with three LED light sources. Lights emitted from each LED light source are guided into a light incidence surface of a rod integrator by a cross dichroic mirror. In a first light incidence area (an area opposite to a LED light source in red) of the cross dichroic mirror, a first dichroic mirror is provided, and in a second light incidence area (an area opposite to a LED light source in blue) of the cross dichroic mirror, a second dichroic mirror is provided. The first dichroic mirror transmits the light in red and reflects lights in other colors, and the second dichroic mirror transmits the light in blue and reflects lights in other colors.

Abstract: A projection-type image displaying apparatus includes: a first color wheel for splitting a light ray from a light source into colored light rays according to color transmission characteristics by the wheel being rotated; a second color wheel for further splitting the colored light rays from the first color wheel by the wheel being rotated; a reflection display device for reflecting, while modulating or switching the light rays transmitted through the second color wheel in synchronization with image signals from an image signal inputting unit, and varying phase of the color wheels in accordance with the changing picture quality; and a reflection drive control unit for controlling the driving of the reflection display device.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for clearing an external driving mirror on a vehicle. The system and method comprise providing a stream of compressed air to clear water, dirt, and/or other substances from the reflective surface of an external driving mirror. This system uses the air source of the vehicle in conjunction with a safety pressure protection valve. This pressure protection valve will shut down the mirror clearing system in the event that the vehicle's primary air system cannot provide a certain minimum amount of air pressure.

Abstract: An image sensing system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor comprising a two-dimensional array of light sensing photosensor elements, preferably formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a logic and control circuit, preferably with at least a portion of the logic and control circuit commonly formed on a semiconductor with the array of light sensing elements. The logic and control circuit comprises an image processor for processing image data derived from the imaging sensor. The imaging sensor is disposed at an interior portion of the cabin of the vehicle and has a field of view. At least one illumination source illuminates a region of interest within the field of view of the imaging sensor and the illumination source principally radiates in a spectral region that is outside the visible light spectrum and that comprises wavelengths within the responsive range of the imaging sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are a mirror unit and a method of producing the same. In one preferred embodiment, the mirror unit includes a mirror with a multilayered film formed on a substrate, the multilayered film having two materials periodically laminated in layers on the substrate, and a substrate deforming device for producing deformation of a shape of the substrate of the mirror, wherein, in the multilayered film, the number of laminated layers in a predetermined region of the substrate differs from that in another region of the substrate. A mirror unit producing method according to another preferred embodiment includes forming a multilayered film on a substrate, the multilayered film having two materials periodically laminated in layers on the substrate, providing substrate deforming means in association with the substrate, the deforming means having a function for producing deformation of the shape of the substrate, and partially removing the multilayered film.

Abstract: An adjustable rear view mirror structure is provided. The rear view mirror structure comprises a flexible body and an adjusting apparatus wherein the body has a reflective surface and an inner surface. The adjusting apparatus is disposed at a rear portion of the body and is utilized to drive the inner surface of the body. Thus, the reflective surface of the body can form a particular curvature whereby the rear view mirror structure can offer a wider viewing angle.

Abstract: A beam steerer comprising a mirror, a joint, and two linear actuators. The joint, which is attached to a periphery of the mirror is rotatable about two perpendicular axes. The linear actuators control rotational movement of the mirror about the two axes. A laser beam or other signal is reflected off of the mirror and redirected to define a field of regard and a focal point in front of the mirror. The beam steerer may be mounted behind a window of an object such that a plane of the window and the focal point coincides and a foot print of the field of regard of the beam through the window is smaller compared to a corresponding foot print when the beam directed onto the mirror is aligned with the joint and the alignment is maintained throughout the rotation of the mirror about the joint.

Abstract: An operating lamp includes a lamp body for receiving a light source, a first light source housed in the lamp body and adapted for illuminating an illumination area of an operating area, and a second light source housed in the lamp body and adapted for illuminating a central portion of the illumination area. The brightness of the second light source is controllable independently of the brightness of the first light source to enhance the brightness of the central portion of the illumination area.

Abstract: A lighted item generally includes a light-conducting or light-transmission portion integrally defining one or more indicia and a light-transmissive portion. The lighted item also includes at least one light source positioned to emit light into the light-conducting portion, which, in turn conducts or transmits light to the indicia for highlighting the indicia. Light is also conducted or transmitted through the light-conducting portion to the light-transmissive portion for highlighting an element, such as an edible or confection, that is in engaged to the light-conducting portion.

Abstract: There are disclosed a cap or lid for a container which has a light emitter that generates zestful reflected light enabling recognition of a content even in a dark place, a container to which a light emitter is attached to generate zestful reflected light, a base member disposed at a bottom of a container and generating zestful reflected light, and a cap or lid disposed at an upper portion of a can-like container and generating zestful reflected light.

Abstract: A lighting device for use with a helmet, having a fastening site and a plurality of lamps. A base member is employed and includes at least one support that projects from the same. The support holds at least one lamp. A flexible sheath extends over the support, the lamp, and at least a portion of the base member to form an enclosure. The sheath possesses an opening to allow light to pass from the lamp to the exterior of the sheath. The sheath also includes an outer surface of frictional material to allow the sheath to be frictionally fixed in at least a first and second position at the surface of the helmet. A fastener links the sheath to the helmet.

Abstract: An ornamental lamp assembly incorporating a dual housing structure having an internal protective element and an external decorative element to protect functional circuitry from damage sustained as a result of normal outdoor use, and to facilitate achieving a selectively varied decor by interchanging the external decorative housing element with other external decorative housing elements having unique features.

Abstract: Provide is an improved, lower cost, illuminated carrier which is more economical to transport and warehouse. An illuminated carrier for articles, said carrier having a container a attachment for said container, said attachment having illuminating means mounted thereon; and a handle means.

Abstract: A make-up case configured to hold a variety of cosmetic items is disclosed. The make-up case comprises a plurality of internal compartments for the storage of various predetermined cosmetic items such as for example a full size lipstick, an eye liner pencil, a lip liner pencil, a pencil sharpener, etc. In addition, a pair of cosmetic cover assemblies are provided which accept a replaceable tray of cosmetic material such as face powder, blush and eyeliner make-up.

Abstract: A flashlight has front and rear interconnected housing portions which define an interior waterproof chamber. The waterproof chamber carries an illumination source, an electronic drive for the illumination source and a power source. A switch system includes an electronic switch component for switching the relatively high current required for the electronic drive while a mechanical switch (e.g. a magnetic reed switch) activates the electronic switch component, therefore maintaining integrity of the waterproof seal about the chamber. A commutator assembly is provided to maintain electrical contact between the switch and other components. The power supply may be in the form of a plurality of battery stacks batteries aligned in the housing in a manner to provide a compact unit, while electrical components may be mounted to circuit boards positioned transversely to the length of the flashlight.

Abstract: A booklight comprises a housing having an elongated opening, a retractable arm having a proximal end and a distal end, and adapted to be telescopically received in said elongated opening, and slideable between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, a light source mounted at the distal end of the retractable arm, and a clip on the housing adapted to mount the housing to a book.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for a handheld fluorescent task lamp, comprising first and second elongated compact fluorescent bulbs positioned in an upright orientation side by side; a self starting electronic driver circuit operable to start and run the at least first and second compact fluorescent bulbs; and first and second receptacles for connecting the first and second compact fluorescent bulbs to the driver circuit and orienting the first and second compact fluorescent bulbs at a predetermined optimum angle with respect to each other such that an enhanced forward emission field is provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an opto-electronic package includes a substrate, a cavity, mounting pads and transverse walls interspersed along the cavity, pads separated by transverse walls, and transverse walls being lower than cavity-defining walls; and LED dice mounted to the pads. In another embodiment, a system is disclosed for backlighting an LCD screen. The system includes an opto-electronic package having a substrate; LED dice mounted to the substrate; an encapsulant disposed over LED dice; and a light guide having an input portion to receive light provided by LED dice, the input portion in attachment to encapsulant, and an output portion configured to transmit light to LCD screen. In yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an opto-electronic package includes: fabricating a substrate; attaching LED dice to the substrate; electrically connecting each LED dice to an outer portion of the substrate; and disposing encapsulant over the LED dice.

Abstract: An ornament having an upper hub, a lower hub, a platform, a central pole and a coil. The upper hub is mounted directly on top of the lower hub with the platform permanently attached to the lower hub for attachment to virtually any smooth surface. The coil wraps around the pole, which is threaded and mates with internal grooves in the upper hub. The coil includes a string of lights plugged into an electrical outlet in the upper hub. The upper hub freely rotates with respect to the lower hub, which remains stationary. To maintain electrical contact between the lights and a power supply, copper tabs protrude from the lower hub and extend into copper rings in the upper hub.

Abstract: An angle-adjustable recessed lamp structure comprises: a lamp bulb, a lamp holder, a rotatory carrier, and a mounting base. The rotatory carrier is securely screwed onto a track frame, which has a hollow sliding slot on the center of the arc-shaped body. The track frame is securely screwed on the fixing base via a fixing plate that locates on the rearward of the track frame. The fixing plate has two holding notches extending downward from both ends thereof for holding and positioning a rotation shaft. The rotation shaft is securely coupled with the coupling portion to enable the lamp holder to be rotatable by using pivotal connection between the rotatory carrier and the lamp holder. The lamp holder is upwards/downwards rotatable along the sliding slot within approximate 70 angles.