Abstract: A liquid-droplet jetting apparatus for jetting liquid droplet includes a first liquid-droplet jetting head having a plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined direction; a movable body movable in the predetermined direction relative to the first liquid-droplet jetting head; a driving mechanism which drives the movable body in the predetermined direction; a position detector which detects a position of the movable body with respect to the predetermined direction; and a jetting state detector which is provided on the movable body to move in the predetermined direction integrally with the movable body and which detects a jetting state for each of the first nozzles. Accordingly, it is possible to detect jetting abnormality of a nozzle, among the nozzles, with a simple structure.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods relating to determining a quantity measurement of fluid ejected by drop-on-demand nozzles and modifying the ejection parameters based upon the quantity measurement.

Abstract: A droplet ejecting apparatus, including: a head unit including (a) a cavity unit constituted by plate members stacked on and adhered to each other, having a first and a second outer surface respectively defined by a first and a second outermost plate member of the plate members which are opposite to each other and one of which has nozzles, and having liquid flow channels formed therein and respectively communicating with the nozzles, and (b) an actuator attached to the cavity unit and operable such that the head unit ejects droplets through the nozzles, a holder holding the head unit, a reinforcing plate adhered to the cavity unit so that the holder holds the head unit, an adhesive layer between the first outer surface and a first surface of the reinforcing plate as one of opposite surfaces thereof so as to adhere the cavity unit and the reinforcing plate to each other, and having a non-adhesive area in which no adhesive exists, and a measuring section configured such that a measurement for estimating a thick

Abstract: A printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance station comprises a maintenance roller having an elastically deformable contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead. The roller is rotatable and moveable between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from face. An ink removal system removes ink from the contact surface when the maintenance roller is rotated.

Abstract: A method of capping a pagewidth printhead assembly is provided. The printhead assembly has two confronting pagewidth printheads and a plurality of nozzles located along each printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto opposite surfaces of print media as it is transported past the printheads. In the method linear movement of each printhead is effected in a first direction and linear movement of associated capping members is effected in a second direction to a position at which each capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated printhead. The first and second directions are non-parallel.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium including: at least one recording head for unused-ink having a nozzle array made of a plurality of nozzles that selectively ejects unused-ink; at least one recording head for recycled-ink having a nozzle array made of a plurality of nozzles that selectively ejects recycled-ink of an equivalent color to the unused-ink ejected from the recording head for unused-ink; a collector that collects ink discharged from the recording head for unused-ink and the recording head for recycled-ink so as to restore an ejectable state of the recording heads; and a recycled-ink supplier that supplies ink, collected by the collector, to the recording head for recycled-ink as recycled-ink.

Abstract: A printing method includes: printing an image to be printed on a medium by repeating alternately a dot forming process for forming dots on the medium by ejecting ink from each nozzle of a plurality of nozzles, and a carrying process for carrying the medium in a carrying direction, and forming a plurality of rows of dots, lined up in the carrying direction, that are configured by a plurality of dots lined up in a movement direction; selecting a printing mode according to the number of the dots to be formed in a predetermined region of the medium, from among a plurality of the printing modes each with a different ratio of the number of dot rows formed using a different number of nozzles to the number of dot rows formed using a certain number of nozzles; and printing on the region to be printed based on the selected printing mode.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided which has a plurality of printhead modules and at least one fluid connector. Each module has printing fluid ejection nozzles supplied with printing fluid from at least one longitudinally extending channel defined in a printing fluid distribution member of the respective module. The distribution members have complementary female and male end portions configured to interconnect the channels of adjacent modules. The fluid connector is connected to the distribution member female or male end portion of at least one of the modules and communicates printing fluid from a fluid supply to the nozzles of all of the modules via the interconnected channels.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes a first fire line, a second fire line, data lines, latch circuitry, first drop generators, and second drop generators. The first fire line is adapted to conduct a first energy signal including first energy pulses and the second fire line is adapted to conduct a second energy signal including second energy pulses. The data lines are adapted to conduct data signals that represent an image and the latch circuitry is configured to latch the data signals to provide latched data signals based on at least one clock signal. The first drop generators are configured to respond to the first energy signal to eject fluid based on the latched data signals and the second drop generators are configured to respond to the second energy signal to eject fluid based on the latched data signals.

Abstract: The liquid ejection head includes: a plurality of nozzles having openings through which liquid is ejected; a plurality of pressure chambers which are connected to the nozzles, respectively; a space section forming member which defines a plurality of space sections arranged adjacently to the openings of the nozzles, respectively; and a liquid transmission hole forming member which is formed with a plurality of liquid transmission holes in coaxial positions with respect to the nozzles so as to oppose the openings of the nozzles across the space sections, respectively, wherein in terms of cross-sectional areas parallel to a plane including the openings of the nozzles, each of the space sections is smaller than each of the pressure chambers, and larger than each of the openings of the nozzles and the liquid transmission holes.

Abstract: A liquid jet head includes: a substrate; a pressure generation chamber provided in the substrate; an elastic plate provided above the substrate; a capacitor structure section provided above the elastic plate, the capacitor structure section including a lower electrode layer, a piezoelectric layer and an upper electrode layer; a porous layer provided above the capacitor structure section; a seal layer provided on the porous layer; and a void section formed between the capacitor structure section and the porous layer.

Abstract: An ink cartridge consists of an ink bag storing ink and a case holding the ink bag. A valve unit is placed on an ink supply path from the ink bag to a recording head. During the printing, the amount of ink discharged from the recording head is measured at predetermined time intervals, and the valve unit is controlled to supply the recording head with the ink by an amount corresponding to the discharged amount. So the pressure inside the recording head is kept approximately constant, improving stability of ink-discharging from nozzles of the recording head. A head internal pressure detecting mechanism detects pressure inside a sub-tank as a value representative of the head internal pressure.

Abstract: An insulating assembly and method for insulating printer/copier solid ink printheads. The insulating assembly includes printhead insulators having thermal insulation capable of moving along insulator paths interposed between the printheads and an ink receiving surface for insulating the printhead front faces. The method includes moving insulating assemblies along insulator paths interposed between the printheads and an ink receiving surface for insulating the printhead front faces.

Abstract: An ink stick for use in a phase change ink imaging device is provided. The ink stick comprises an ink stick body configured to fit within an ink loader of the imaging device. At least one coded sensor feature is formed in the exterior surface of the ink stick body. The at least one coded sensor feature comprises a plurality of code element patterns. Each code element pattern of the plurality of code element patterns is configured to actuate at least one sensor in the feed channel to generate the same coded pattern of signals.

Abstract: An eyewear assembly includes an outer first frame, at least one outer first lens, an inner second frame, and at least one inner second lens. The assembly includes a mechanism for holding the first frame and first lens in front of a user's face. The second frame has a mechanism for attachment to the first frame, to hold the second frame between the user's eyes and the first lens. The at least one second lens is carried by the second frame. The second frame includes a first frame portion that mounts the second lens and a second frame portion overmolded onto the first frame portion defining portions of the outside surface area of the second frame. The first frame portion is of a relatively hard material and the second frame portion is of a relatively soft material. Strap anchors include louvers for directing air at side vents of the first frame. The first frame includes a central elevated vent to distribute air over top vent openings of the first frame.

Abstract: Eyewear having heating elements therewith which may be used for safety, sports, and the like. The eyewear may provide features which reduce or eliminate fogging and condensation on the eyewear when a heating element in the lens is activated. The eyewear also includes adjustable features to provide greater comfort.

Abstract: A spectacle assembly structured for use by individuals of different facial characteristics comprising a pair of lenses and a nose-bridge extending between the lens pair in interconnecting relation thereto. A nose pad assembly is connected to the nose-bridge and extends rearwardly thereof in supported engagement with a prominent nasal support on an individual's nose, wherein the location of the prominent nasal support is determined by the facial characteristics of the individual. The nose-bridge and the nose pad assembly are disposed in an operative position relative to the optical centers of the lens pair so as to facilitate substantial alignment between the optical centers and the pupils of the individual's eyes, when the nose pad assembly engages the prominent nasal support.

Abstract: An multi-use eyeglass apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus generally comprises a frame, a display device, at least one sensor and a transceiver. The frame may have a plurality of lens openings defining an optical path. The display device may be mounted to the frame and configured to display an image to a user wearing the frame, wherein the image is located outside of the optical path. The at least one sensor is generally mounted to the frame and configured to sense a response from the user. The transceiver may be mounted to the frame and configured to (i) receive the image in a first receive message from external of the frame and (ii) transmit the response in a first transmit message to external of the frame.

Abstract: An automatic suction device for an eyeglass lens and a method for determining suction jig installation position, capable of recognizing that a frame exchange lens holder is being installed on a placement table, making transition to installation work of a frame exchange mode, and avoiding an erroneous contact between the frame exchange frame and a lens holding frame. The kind of holding means placed on the placement table is determined from an image of the inside of an opening (141), which image is taken by a CCD camera (105), and the installation position of a suction jig (121) at an eyeglass lens (L) placed on a frame exchange lens holder (300) is obtained.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems establish an optical surface shape that mitigates or treats presbyopia in a particular patient. The combination of distance vision and near vision in a patient can be improved, often based on input patient parameters such as pupil size, residual accommodation, and power need. Iterative optimization may generate a customized corrective optical shape for the patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for taking autofluorescence images with a fundus camera capable of a field of view of at least 30 degrees and preferably 50 degrees or more using high quality thin film optical interference filters. In one embodiment, a filter set is disclosed for achieving this functionality. Using these methods and/or apparatus, a practitioner can (among other procedures, which are described) take high-quality autofluorescence images of the fundus using a CCD camera that does not have to be cooled, take such images without exciting damaging photochemical reactions in the retina, detect accumulation of fluorophores in the retina prior to the significant accumulation of fluorophores in the retinal pigment epithelium, and topographically localize and quantitate retinal abnormalities and retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus comprises a projection system in which a pattern member is provided with a predetermined pattern for measuring the shape of the cornea of an eye of a subject, the predetermined pattern is thereby projected on the cornea of the eye of the subject, and an optical observation system in which light flux having a shape of the predetermined pattern emitted from the projection system is reflected at the cornea of the eye of the subject, the eye of the subject is observed by the light reflected by the cornea. A surface at the eye of the subject side of the pattern member is coated with a paint having a filtering property that transmits infrared light and blocks visible light.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a subject's cornea, comprising (A.) a slit projection subsystem comprising a light source, (B.) a mask subsystem disposed in a path of light from the light source, comprising a first slit mask defining a plurality of apertures, (C.) a movement apparatus adapted to move at least a portion of the slit projection subsystem, the movement apparatus configured and arranged such that, by moving the portion of the slit projection subsystem, portions of the light can be selectively transmitted through an aperture of the plurality of apertures toward the cornea, (D.) an imaging element configured and arranged to image at least one of the plurality of apertures onto the cornea, and (E.) an image capture subsystem arranged to capture images of the portions of light after the light impinges on the cornea.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging an eye includes a housing and a system of optical components disposed in the housing. The apparatus is capable of operating in a line scanning laser ophthalmoscope (LSLO) mode and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) mode. The system of optical components can include a first source to provide a first beam of light for the OCT mode and a second source to provide a second beam of light for the LSLO mode. In the OCT mode, a first optic is used that (i) scans, using a first surface of the first optic, the first beam of light along a retina of an eye in a first dimension, and (ii) descans, using the first surface, a first light returning from the eye in the first dimension to a detection system in the OCT mode. In the LSLO mode, the first optic is used where the second beam of light passes through a second surface of the first optic.

Abstract: A stereoscopic projection system is capable of minimizing a distance between viewing zones without reducing a distance between image projectors. In the stereoscopic projection system, a projector array having a plurality of image projectors are arranged substantially along an arrangement direction perpendicular to a connecting line between a left eye and a right eye of a viewer, and a directional screen has a first characteristic axis aligned at an angle with respect to the arrangement direction of the projector array, and a second characteristic axis perpendicular to the first characteristic axis. Therefore, the directional screen causes a plurality of images projected from the projector array to be relatively widened along the first characteristic axis and relatively narrowed along the second characteristic axis.

Abstract: An illuminating unit with a compact design capable of improving collimating characteristics of beams emitted from a plurality of light sources positioned at different locations, and a projection-type image display apparatus employing the illuminating unit. The illuminating unit includes a base, a plurality of light sources to emit beams of different wavelength bands, and at least one color filter with a predetermined curvature to reflect one or more beams of predetermined wavelengths from among the beams emitted by the plurality of light sources such that the reflected one or more beams propagate in a first direction and to pass one or more remaining beams of other wavelength bands. The projection-type image display apparatus includes the illuminating unit, an optical integrator, an image-forming system, a beam splitter, and a projection lens.

Abstract: A cooling system of a thin projector, and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The system comprises a heat source 1 in a housing, first and second suction ports formed at side and lower surfaces of the housing, respectively, a discharge port formed at an upper surface of the housing, first and second air stream forming units 2 and 3 to form first and second air stream along which air induced from the first and second suction ports is guided to the discharge port while cooling the heat source, respectively, a sensor unit to detect a temperature of suction air induced from the first and second suction ports and a temperature of discharge air discharged from the discharge port, and a controller 6 to control the first and second air stream forming units 2 and 3 using the temperatures of the suction and discharge air.

Abstract: A projector includes: an imaging structure that photographs an image projected on a projection object to take a photographed image; an imaging control module that performs exposure adjustment in the imaging structure to attain a preset target exposure; a control module that sets the target exposure in the imaging ctrl module; an angle information acquisition module that obtains angle information representing an inclination of the projector to the projection object; and a storage unit that stores a map representing a variation in target exposure against the angle information. The control module controls the angle information acquisition module to obtain the angle information, refers to the map stored in the storage unit to specify a target exposure corresponding to the obtained angle information, and sets the specified target exposure in the imaging control module.

Abstract: A light source device (411) has a lamp body (411A) including a light source lamp, a reflector (417) and an anti-explosion glass (418), and a lamp housing (411B) for accommodating the lamp body (411A). A plurality of projections (411B8) protruding along an optical axis of a light beam irradiated by the light source lamp are formed on the lamp housing (411B). Further, the reflector (417) has an approximately concave cross section and a positioning surface (417C) that touches the projections (411B8) of the lamp housing (411B) to locate the lamp body (411A) relative to the lamp housing (411B) is provided on a distal side of the concave section. The positioning surface (417C) is continuously flush.

Abstract: An ultracompact, lightweight, reflective telescope is described which has no loss due to central obscuration for a beam being projected from its focus. The optical surfaces are composed of matched conics of rotation.

Abstract: A beam-steering apparatus comprises a set of planar tiltable mirrors positioned to define a light beam path therebetween. The set of planar tiltable mirrors comprises from three to five planar tiltable mirrors. Each of the planar tiltable mirrors has a center of rotation lying in a plane of the mirror and each of the planar tiltable mirrors is tiltable about one axis of rotation or two orthogonal axes of rotation that lie in the plane of the mirror. The total number of axes of rotation about which the planar tiltable mirrors of the set of planar tiltable mirrors can tilt is at least five. A mirror drive system tilts each respective planar mirror about its respective axis of rotation or axes of rotation. With this apparatus, an input or output light beam path is steerable over two angular, one rotational, and two lateral-position degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A direct type backlight assembly is disclosed, in which a lamp guide is formed in a shape which can absorb an external force to prevent distortion from occurring from contact between the lamp guide and a diffusion plate, and to prevent the diffusion plate from being damaged. The direct type backlight assembly includes a light-emission lamp provided under an LCD panel; a reflecting plate provided on the bottom side of the light-emission lamp; a diffusion plate provided above the light-emission lamp; optical sheets provided on the diffusion plate; and a lamp guide provided on and connected with the reflecting plate, wherein the lamp guide has a supporter having a compression structure, the height thereof varying based on a load applied thereto.

Abstract: A strip light assembly including an elongated light carrying member with a series of lights extending along the length thereof, and an elongated translucent tubular cover member in which the light carrying member is removably slidably mounted, the interior of the cover member having radially spaced internal projections positioned to receive the light carrying member therebetween to maintain the light carrying member in selectable different angular orientations in the cover member.

Abstract: A lighting fixture for use in an environment which requires protection from EMI/RFI emissions. The fixture comprises a body forming a light-emitting opening, lighting components including at least one lamp in the body, a lens covering the opening, and a conductive grid across the opening, the grid being separate from the lens, electrically connected to the body, and positioned between the lighting components and the opening.

Abstract: A light fixture device has a light housing to receive a light source therein, a support assembly for supporting the light fixture relative to an anchor location, the support assembly including a post portion for mounting at the anchor location and a body portion, the body portion having a pair of opposed end regions, the post portion including a pair of cavities, each to receive a corresponding end region, the body portion being movable relative to the post portion about a first axis, the body portion and light housing having respective first and second support formations, the light housing being movable relative to the body portion about a second axis, to cause corresponding relative movement between the first and second support formations, the end regions and cavities having complementary third and fourth support formations, wherein relative movement between the body portion and post portion causes a corresponding relative movement between the complementary third and fourth formations.

Abstract: In an LCD backlight unit using a light emitting diode, a double-sided printed circuit board includes a plurality of divided areas and conductive vias. A plurality of light emitting diodes are disposed on a top surface of the double-sided printed circuit board. A plurality of driving circuit connectors are disposed at a portion of the double-sided printed circuit board. A plurality of first lead patterns are formed on the top surface of the printed circuit board, each of the first lead patterns electrically connecting the light emitting diodes in each of the divided areas with one another. Also, a plurality of second lead patterns are formed on an underside surface of the double-sided printed circuit board to electrically connect the first lead patterns with the connectors through the conductive vias.

Abstract: A liquid-activated lighted ice cube includes a battery-powered electrical circuit and LED housed in a hollow body that resembles an ice cube. The circuit includes electrodes exposed to the exterior of the hollow body that, when in contact with water or other liquid beverage, cause the circuit to turn on the LED and illuminate the beverage.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a first light source emitting first light rays; a second light source emitting second light rays, a first lens side which refracts the first and second light rays and collimates the refracted light rays; a second lens side which includes a plurality of first lenticules and refracts the first and second light rays; and a third lens side which includes a plurality of second lenticules and refracts the first and second light rays refracted by the second lens side.

Abstract: Lighting packages are described for light emitting diode (LED) lighting solutions having a wide variety of applications which seek to balance criteria such as heat dissipation, brightness, and color uniformity. The present approach includes a backing of thermally conductive material and two or more arrays of LEDs attached to a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB is attached to the top surface of the backing and the two or more arrays of LEDs are separated by a selected distance to balance heat dissipation and color uniformity of the LEDs.

Abstract: An LED lamp includes a heat sink, an LED module attached to a top surface of the heat sink in a thermal conductive relationship therewith and a cover coupled to the top surface of the heat sink and covering the LED module. The heat sink is column-shaped and has a central axis. The heat sink comprises a conducting member and a plurality of spaced and parallel fins extending outwardly from the conducting member. A distance between each of inner edges of the fins and the central axis is gradually decreased from the top surface to a bottom surface of the heat sink.

Abstract: A lamp assembly comprises a lamp cover formed with a plurality of through holes on a peripheral surface thereof. The lamp cover accommodates a positioning element made of a tough material for framing a light-penetrable element therein. The lamp cover fitted with the light-penetrable element allows a plurality of resilient catch elements formed on a periphery of a reflective housing to engage with the through holes formed on the lamp cover at corresponding locations, so that the lamp assembly can be assembled, and have its components rapidly positioned in place, by engaging the components to one another, rather than by screwing with threaded fasteners, thereby simplifying fabrication of the lamp assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an LED is constructed with its entire contact structure is stamped and inserted into the molded lamp as a single structure. A portion of the contact structure is imbedded in the molded lamp such that the bottom surface of the contacts do not extend below the base of the molded lamp. The base of the molded lamp is made wide enough to give support to the entire structure. Using this concept, any excess contract structure is cutoff and there is no need for bending of the contract structure to form the contact portions. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the lamp base is extended to increase stability of the lamp when the lamp base is mounted on a flat surface.

Abstract: An adjustable utility light having a body section, two independently movable hooks, a pivoting lamp section having fluorescent tubes and/or light emitting diodes, a component retention tray, at least one keyhole mounting slot, and a movable reflector, wherein the pivoting lamp section and the movable reflector pivot about the same pivot axis.

Abstract: By a convex lens arranged on an optical axis extending in a front and rear direction of a lamp unit, direct light from a light emitting element arranged rearward of the convex lens is deflected to emit so that the light is made to be parallel light in a vertical face and diffused light toward left and right sides in a horizontal face. An entire region of a left side lens region of the convex lens is constituted as upper deflecting regions for deflecting light to a direction upward with respect to a direction of light of a right side lens region. Light emitted to the front side by transmitting the respective upper deflecting regions is made to be light directed upward from light emitted from the right side lens region to thereby form a laterally elongated light distribution pattern in which an upper end edge of a portion of being disposed on a left side relative to the optical axis is stepped up from an upper end edge of a portion thereof disposed on a right side.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for engaging and disengaging a track lighting assembly with respect to a track in a track lighting system. The apparatus includes a track engaging apparatus that includes a housing. The housing includes a rotation inhibitor that has a protruding end that protrudes from the housing for engaging with the track and preventing the track engaging apparatus from rotating with respect to the track. The rotation inhibitor further includes a receiving member for translating a force in a first direction into motion of the rotation inhibitor in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The apparatus further includes an actuator for applying the force in the first direction to the receiving member.

Abstract: An electric food preparation appliance composed of: a jar having a bottom and an open top; a rotary working tool installed in the jar to be driven in rotation through the bottom of the jar; a lid for closing the top of the jar and having an opening; a mixing accessory constructed to be installed in the jar through the opening; and a side support member provided to hold the mixing accessory when the mixing accessory is not installed in the jar.

Abstract: A regulatorless oscillating system for a watch includes a spiral balance spring having an inner fastening point attached to a collet which can be connected to a balance staff, an outer fastening point connected to a balance spring stud, and an end region adjacent to the stud. The end region is held so that it can be adjustably positioned in a plane which is perpendicular to the balance staff, thereby decentralizing the balance spring in order to compensate for isochronism errors.

Abstract: The device includes a cover for concealing or revealing a crown, via a relative rotation of the crown and an external casing element. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is secured to a ring slide friction mounted in an annular groove at the base of the middle part and held in place by a washer provided with lugs in order to be screwed into the horns of the middle part.

Abstract: A performance testing apparatus for a heat pipe includes an immovable portion and a movable portion each having a heating member for heating an evaporating section of a heat pipe requiring test. The movable portion is movable relative to the immovable portion. A receiving structure is defined between the immovable portion and the movable portion for receiving the evaporating section of the heat pipe therein. A concavo-convex cooperating structure is defined in the immovable portion and the movable portion to ensure the receiving structure being capable of receiving the heat pipe precisely. Temperature sensors are attached in the immovable portion and the movable portion for detecting temperature of the heat pipe.

Abstract: A method of making an electronic thermometry assembly includes assembling a magnetic source capable of generating a magnetic field into a housing of the mount. A microcontroller including a resettable anti-theft counter for recording a use-parameter of the thermometer is mounted on a circuit board so that the thermometer is disabled in an anti-theft mode when the counter reaches a pre-selected number. A solid-state sensor in communication with the microcontroller is mounted on the circuit board. The sensor is capable of being activated by the magnetic field of the magnetic source to signal to the microcontroller to reset the anti-theft counter. The circuit board is assembled with the microcontroller and solid-state sensor thereon into a housing of the thermometer.