Abstract: A printhead IC is provided which has an array of nozzles, drive circuitry for receiving print data and sending drive pulses of electrical energy to the array of nozzles in accordance with the print data, a temperature sensor connected to the drive circuitry to adjust the drive pulse profile in response to the temperature sensor output and open actuator test circuitry for selectively disabling the actuators when they receive a drive signal while comparing the resistance of the resistive heater to a predetermined threshold to assess whether the actuator is defective. During use, the temperature sensor can be de-activated after a period of use.

Abstract: High-density image printing can be achieved by using ink jet print heads capable of ejecting ink. A plurality of same color print heads capable of ejecting the same color ink are controlled according to the same print data. Drive timings for the same color print heads are so set that the dots printed by these same color print heads overlap each other.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording apparatus including: (A) an ink-jet head which includes: a channel unit having a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of pressure chambers that respectively communicate with the plurality of nozzles; and an actuator unit which is disposed on the channel unit and to which drive signals are applied, thereby changing a volume of the plurality of pressure chambers; (B) a driver IC which is disposed on the ink-jet head and which includes: a drive-signal generating portion for generating the drive signals and applying the generated drive signals to the actuator unit; and a temperature sensor for detecting an environmental temperature of the actuator unit; and (C) a control device arranged to execute a low-temperature-condition control by controlling the drive-signal generating portion to generate the drive signals so as to change the volume of the plurality of pressure chambers, where the environmental temperature detected by the temperature sensor is not higher than a prescribed first temperat

Abstract: An apparatus to control color registration and image density and a method of calculating a color registration error. The apparatus includes registration marks formed on a transfer belt such that each of the registration marks includes a scan direction component and a slanting direction component at an angle with respect to both the scan direction and the cross-scan direction. The apparatus further includes image density marks formed on the transfer belt, having predetermined image densities, and a registration and image density sensor provided above the registration marks and the image density marks to radiate beams onto the registration marks and the image density marks. The sensor receives beams reflected from the registration marks and the image density marks to produce detection signals, and obtains registration information and image density information from the detection signals.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance assembly for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance assembly comprises: (a) a printhead having an ink ejection face; (b) a first roller having an outer surface for receiving ink from the face; (c) a second roller engaged with said first roller, the second roller being configured for receiving ink from the first roller; (d) a cleaning pad in contact with the second roller; and (e) a mechanism for rotating the first and second rollers.

Abstract: A system for creating a three dimensional, printed structure comprising a plurality of layers. The system comprises: a plurality of printheads arranged in groups, the printheads in each group being configured to print voxels of material to define a respective layer of the structure, wherein a first portion of the printheads print a structure material forming the structure and wherein a second portion of the printheads print a sacrificial material to thereby form a void in the structure; and a substrate configured to be operatively displaced with respect to each group so that printed voxels from each successive group can form successive layers of the structure upon the substrate.

Abstract: An inkjet deposition apparatus includes a position encoder 128 in a translation stage 116. The position encoder provides encoder signals which are used as a clock signal for a pattern memory 136. Ejection of droplets of a material to be printed can therefore be synchronised with the speed of movement of the translation, providing improved accuracy and speed of deposition.

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 includes a priming inlet provided on said pagewidth printhead assembly for receiving a supply of ink for priming the cartridge unit; an ink flow passage providing fluid connection between the pagewidth printhead assembly and one of the ink storage compartments; and an ink retaining member located within each ink storage compartment for receiving and storing ink. Ink is 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 the ink retaining member of each ink storage compartment with ink.

Abstract: The invention provides for an elongate printhead assembly for a pagewidth printer. The printhead assembly includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having mounted thereon various electronic components to facilitate operation of the printer. A number of printhead integrated circuits are respectively angularly disposed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the PCB. Tape automated bond (TAB) film is in register with a number of printhead integrated circuits. The film is configured to arrange the integrated circuits in signal communication with the electronic components. The assembly also includes an ink distribution molding for distributing ink from an ink reservoir to the integrated circuits, and a laminated stack arranged between the ink distribution molding and the integrated circuits for ducting the ink to respective integrated circuits.

Abstract: An ink jet recording head is formed by laminating a nozzle plate, ink pool plates, a through plate, an ink supply path plate, a pressure chamber plate and a vibrating plate in order. These members of the head are bonded to each other with an adhesive. An inner wall of an ink channel is covered with a channel film for continuously covering the entire inner wall.

Abstract: An ink jet head is formed of a nozzle material composed of a condensation product containing a hydrolysable silane compound having a fluorine-containing group and a photo-polymerizable resin composition.

Abstract: A method of using a flexible circuit, including attaching a first portion of the flexible circuit, via an attaching surface of the flexible circuit, to a first surface of a chip carrier. Statically bending a bending portion of the flexible circuit around an edge formed at the intersection of the first surface of the chip carrier, and a second surface of the chip carrier. Adhesively attaching a second portion of the flexible circuit, via the attaching surface, to the second surface of the chip carrier, where the second portion of the flexible circuit has at least one first anchor structure formed in the attaching surface, where the at least one first anchor structure is adapted to accept an adhesive.

Abstract: A droplet jet head includes a nozzle substrate having a plurality of nozzle holes; a cavity substrate having recesses whose bottoms serve as diaphragms, and the recesses serving as ejection chambers; an electrode substrate having separate electrodes opposed to the diaphragms; a reservoir substrate having a recess serving as a common droplet chamber for supplying droplets to the ejection chambers, through holes for transferring the droplets from the common droplet chamber to the ejection chambers, and nozzle communicating holes for transferring the droplets from the ejection chambers to the nozzle holes; and a driver IC that supplies a driving signal to the separate electrodes. The cavity substrate has a first hole, and the reservoir substrate has a second hole. The first hole and the second hole communicate with each other to form a housing. The driver IC is housed in the housing.

Abstract: A printhead system for an inkjet printer includes an inkjet printhead. A media transport arrangement transports sheets of print media operatively past the printhead. A system controller is operatively connected to the printhead to control operation of the printhead. A print media sensor is operatively connected to the system controller to detect movement of a sheet of print media and to actuate the inkjet printhead.

Abstract: Provided is an inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink ejection arrangements. Each arrangement includes a silicon wafer having an ink channel etched therethrough, with ink operatively supplied to a first surface of the wafer via said channel to an ink ejection chamber located along the surface of the wafer. Each arrangement also includes an external actuator arranged on the wafer, and a paddle inside the chamber and attached to the actuator which is activated so as to compress a portion of the ink within the chamber against a sidewall of said chamber to eject ink from the chamber. The chamber defines an arcuate profile shaped to guide the paddle on an arcuate path.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator includes a vibration plate 30 covering pressure chambers 14 and serving also as a common electrode, a piezoelectric layer 31 arranged on the vibration plate 30 on a side opposite to the pressure chambers 14, and individual electrodes 32. The individual electrodes are each arranged on a surface of the piezoelectric layer 31 opposite to the vibration plate 30, in an area overlapping with an edge portion of the pressure chamber as viewed from a direction orthogonal to a plane in which the pressure chambers are arranged, the edge portion being an area other than the central portion of the pressure chamber. The individual electrodes are extended up to an area outside of the pressure chambers, as viewed from the direction orthogonal to the plane. A liquid transporting apparatus including the piezoelectric actuator has an excellent durability and improved drive efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a piezoelectric element including a piezoelectric body and top and bottom electrodes holding the piezoelectric body therebetween, wherein an interlayer dielectric having an opening that defines an active area of the piezoelectric body is interposed between the piezoelectric body and the top electrode, and the top electrode is layered directly on the piezoelectric body in the active area of the piezoelectric body.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head that includes a plurality of pressure generating chambers, a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and a film wiring substrate. The piezoelectric elements each have a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer and an upper electrode. Each of the piezoelectric elements is provided in an area opposite to the associated pressure generating chamber. The wiring substrate includes wiring layers, each of which is electrically connected to the associated upper electrode so as to supply electricity to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric elements include active piezoelectric elements and inactive piezoelectric elements. Each of the active wiring layers is electrically connected to the associated active piezoelectric element. Each of the inactive wiring layers is electrically connected to the associated inactive piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head comprising a nozzle configured to eject a liquid drop of recording liquid, a liquid chamber communicating to the nozzle, and an energy generating device configured to generate energy for pressurizing recording liquid in the liquid chamber is provided, wherein a flow channel forming member configured to form a flow channel for the recording liquid is made of a metal material containing nickel and a peak intensity for a (200) face of nickel is higher than a peak intensity for a (111) face of nickel which intensities are measured by means of X-ray diffraction analysis, or a flow channel forming member configured to form a flow channel for the recording liquid is made of a metal material containing nickel and thallium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming fluid droplets includes a nozzle channel, a pressurized source of a non-conductive fluid in fluid communication with the nozzle channel, and a stimulation electrode. The pressurized source is operable to form a jet of the non-conductive fluid through the nozzle channel. At least one portion of the stimulation electrode is electrically conductive and contactable with a portion of the non-conductive fluid jet. The at least one electrically conductive and contactable portion of the stimulation electrode is operable to transfer an electrical charge to a region of the portion of the non-conductive fluid jet with the electrical charge stimulating the non-conductive fluid jet to form a non-conductive fluid droplet.

Abstract: The invention provides for a print engine for a printhead assembly. The print engine has a refillable cartridge that includes a body defining a plurality of fluid chambers, the body having a lid assembly including a plurality of ink refill ports leading to respective fluid chambers and an actuator to actuate a refill unit. The cartridge also includes a number of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements configured to operatively eject printing fluid onto a printing medium, and a fluid distribution member operatively arranging the nozzle arrangements in fluid communication with respective fluid chambers. A refill unit is engageable with the lid assembly to actuate the refill unit.

Abstract: A method of refilling liquid into a cartridge according to the present invention is a method of liquid refilling, through which liquid is refilled into a used cartridge (1) in a liquid jet apparatus, comprising: a film removing process, in which an injection hole film (90) adhered around an air discharge opening (21), which communicates with the interior of the used cartridge (1), to seal the air discharge opening (21) is removed in order to make the air discharge opening (21) open; a liquid injecting process, in which liquid is injected into the used cartridge (1) through the air discharge opening (21) that has been made open in the injection hole film piercing process; and an injection hole film rewelding process, in which the film is rewelded using a surface other than an originally welded surface as a rewelded surface in order to seal again the air discharge opening (21), through which the liquid is injected in the liquid injecting process.

Abstract: A droplet discharge apparatus includes a droplet discharge head which discharges droplets; a liquid retention unit which is configured such that a liquid surface of a liquid retained in the liquid retention unit is located below the droplet discharge head, the liquid retention unit including an atmosphere open port; a liquid channel which couples the droplet discharge head and the liquid retention unit; a liquid tank in which the liquid is retained, the liquid tank being sealed; a liquid inflow channel which couples the liquid retention unit and the liquid tank, an inflow port of the liquid inflow channel in the liquid retention unit being located below the atmosphere open port; a liquid sending channel which couples the liquid tank and the droplet discharge head; and a pump which sending the liquid in the liquid tank to the droplet discharge head.

Abstract: A printhead assembly with a printhead integrated circuit (IC) and a shut off (138) valve that has a valve body (200) defining an ink inlet (202) for connection to an ink supply, an ink outlet (67) connected to the printhead IC. A moveable valve member (212) is biased into sealing engagement with the valve seat (216) to provide a fluid seal between the ink inlet and the ink outlet. An actuator (204) for unsealing the valve member from the valve seat upon energizing and re-sealing the valve member to the valve seat when de-energized. The valve protects the ink in the ink supply from contaminants that can migrate up the ink line during shut down periods. The valve member is constantly biased to a closed position and so seals the ink supply from the printhead IC as a default condition even in the event of a power failure. The bias is strong enough to provide the fluid seal so that the seal is not compromised when the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet is small.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ink storage compartment. The compartment includes a reservoir structure, in turn, defining a plurality of ink reservoirs from which respective ink outlets extend. Ink absorbent material is provided within respective ink reservoirs. Bypass fluid path structures extend between respective ink outlets and ink reservoirs so that, when filling the ink storage compartment by supplying ink to the ink outlets, ink can be supplied to the ink reservoirs through both the ink outlets and bypass fluid path structures.

Abstract: A method of priming an inkjet printhead having ink ejection nozzles. The method includes: providing an ink bag containing ink for distribution to the nozzles via a fluid path between the ink bag and the nozzles; applying inwardly directed force on at least one exterior wall of the ink bag so as to reduce an available fluid volume of the ink bag, thereby causing ink to flow from the ink bag to the nozzles along the fluid path; and arranging a biasing member in the ink bag so that the biasing member applies outwardly directed force on at least one interior wall of the ink bag to restrain the reduction of available fluid volume of the ink bag only once the available fluid volume of the ink bag has been reduced to a predetermined volume. The printhead is a pagewidth printhead, having a pagewidth of 100.9 millimeters.

Abstract: A method of forming an image containing the step of: ejecting droplets of an ink-jet ink containing water, a colorant and a polymer through a nozzle of an ink-jet head onto an image recording medium, wherein the polymer has a hydrophilic main chain and a plurality of side chains which are capable of cross-linking between the side chains by irradiation with an active energy ray; and a shearing stress is continuously applied to the ink-jet ink in an ink-jet head channel of the ink-jet head during the time when the ink-jet head is in a stand-by condition to eject the droplets of the ink-jet ink.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phase change ink composition including an ink carrier and a colorant, said ink being suitable for use in an indirect printing process wherein the ink is jetted from a printhead onto a heated intermediate transfer member and subsequently transferred from the intermediate transfer member to a final recording substrate, wherein: (a) the ink exhibits the characteristic of being jetted from the printhead onto the intermediate transfer member when the ink at a temperature of about 125° C. or lower; (b) the ink exhibits the characteristic of being jetted without purging from a printer maintained at a standby temperature of about 100° C. or lower; and (c) the ink has a cohesive failure temperature of at least about 56° C.

Abstract: A controller for a liquid drop ejecting device including a first head with plural first liquid drop ejectors, and a second head with plural second liquid drop ejectors, is provided. The controller includes: a scanning controlling section scanning at least the first head plural times a same region of a recording medium; and an ejection controlling section controlling the first and second head such that a proportion of an applied amount, per unit surface area, of the second liquid drops with respect to an applied amount, per unit surface area, of the first liquid drops in a first scan, is within a range of 0 to a first value, and the proportion in scans from a second scan on is within a range of a second value to 1, and the proportion in the first scan is smaller than the proportion in the scans from the second scan on.

Abstract: A process for printing flat substrates, in which the said substrate is printed with an ink composition including (a) a basic dye together with (b) an aliphatic carboxylic acid having at least four carbon atoms, (d) a binder resin, and water, yields water-resistant prints having a high depth of shade and high chroma.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus comprises: a print head including a plurality of nozzles which eject droplets of a radiation-curable ink onto a recording medium; a conveyance device which causes the print head and the recording medium to relatively move to each other in a relative conveyance direction of the recording medium by conveying at least one of the print head and the recording medium in a direction substantially perpendicular to a width direction of the recording medium; an irradiation device which irradiates a radiation to the droplets of the ink, the droplets having landed on the recording medium; and a control device which controls the irradiation device so that the radiation is irradiated to a first ink droplet while a second ink droplet is in flight, the first ink droplet having been previously ejected from one of the nozzles in the print head and having landed on the recording medium, the second ink droplet being ejected from the same one of the nozzles so as to overlap with or make contact with th

Abstract: An imaging apparatus has an interior cavity therein. A carriage is disposed within the interior cavity and is movable through a length of travel within the interior cavity. A cartridge is carried by the carriage. A swept volume includes the profile of the carriage and cartridge extended along the length of the carriage rod a distance equal to the length of travel of the carriage. A media tray is at least partially disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: A spectacle frame set includes a detachable spectacle frame and a utility spectacle frame. The detachable spectacle frame includes two hangers, a lens supporter extended between two inner sides of a pair of optical lenses, two first connectors provided at two front ends of the hangers respectively to detachably couple with two outer sides of the optical lenses respectively. The optical lenses are selectively assembled with the detachable spectacle frame or disassembled from the detachable spectacle frame to detachably mount the optical lenses behind the utility spectacle frame at a position that the optical lenses are overlapped aligned with the utility lenses of the utility spectacle frame respectively.

Abstract: A pair of rimless spectacles includes two lenses, a frame including two temple units and a bridge, and a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism includes a plurality of first connectors spacedly provided at the lenses at a predetermined location and a plurality of second connectors provided at a predetermined location of each of the temple units and the bridge respectively, wherein the second connectors are coupled with the first connectors respectively to couple the temple units at two outer sides of the lenses respectively and to couple the bridge between two inner sides of the lenses respectively in a tool-less manner.

Abstract: A contact lens (4) comprises a solid component capable of imparting shape and structure to said lens, and a liquid component, at least partially contained in the solid component, capable of favoring the compatibility between said lens and the eye of a user of said lens, wherein the liquid component comprises a solution capable of being used as a lachrymal substitute.

Abstract: A fundus camera having a function of measuring a retinal function, capable of picking up (obtaining) a sharp color image of a fundus suitable for a fundus examination and measuring a retinal function with high accuracy comprises an illumination optical system comprising a visible light source, an image-pickup optical system comprising an image-pickup element, a mode selection switch for performing switching between a fundus photographing mode and a retinal function measurement mode based on variance of an intrinsic signal of a retina made by retinal stimulation, and a control unit which controls the optical systems, wherein the unit lowers, when the retinal function measurement mode is selected, illumination intensity of the illumination optical system per unit time in illuminating the fundus than that in picking up the color fundus image, and controls the element to pick up first and second visible fundus images at different points in time.

Abstract: A sighting device for an examination by in vivo tomography of an eye of a subject including a viewer controlled by a control system for displaying at least one moving target where the at least one moving target has at least one of a programmable shape and a programmable trajectory, and is visible by the eye of the subject during the examination period to allow the subject to fixate and follow the target with their eye.

Abstract: A perimeter performs a kinetic visual field examination on the basis of a response as to whether a subject visually recognizes a displayed stimulus for kinetic visual field examination. The stimulus is displayed a series of times on an inner surface of a visual field dome. An operation is performed in which the subject is made aware of an operating sound of the perimeter while no stimulus is actually displayed. The operation is performed at a predetermined frequency during the display times of the stimulus, and a duration of the operation is determined in accordance with a response time by the subject to the displayed stimulus. The reliability of the kinetic visual field examination is evaluated on the basis of the response of the subject in the performed operation.

Abstract: A guide convex portion is formed on a base plate in parallel to an illumination optical axis. Further, a fixed-side supporting member is provided in the base plate. A first opening is formed in an upright portion of the fixed-side supporting member. A slide supporting member can be provided on the base plate. A second opening is formed in the upright portion of the slide supporting member. By inserting a tapered rod into the second opening at its light incidence side and by moving the slide supporting member along the aforementioned guide convex portion, the slide supporting member is stopped at a predetermined position and, at this position, the slide supporting member is fixed.

Abstract: Automated orientation of an image presented by a display, such as a projector, with the orientation of the display simplifies presentation of images generated by an information handling system. A display orientation sensor detects the orientation of a display so that a display orientation module automatically adjusts the orientation of an image presented by the display to align with the display orientation. For example, display orientation is sensed by an accelerometer associated with the display or by determining the attachment point of the display to a support.

Abstract: A projector has a case, a zoom lens, a zoom ring, a control plate, a lodging element, a control rod, and a handle. The case has an opening, and the zoom ring is disposed within the case and nearby the opening, the zoom ring is moved back and forth to drive the zoom rod. The control plate is mounted on the case and laid over the opening movably, the lodging element is movably contacted with the control rod, wherein the handle accepts the force along the extending direction of the rectangular opening so as to let the control plate move the lodging element along the extending direction of the rectangular opening and further to move the control rod for continuously regulating the focal length of the zoom lens.

Abstract: A shutter opening and closing apparatus for protecting a projection lens of a beam projector, wherein a shutter member is provided at an exterior case for selectively opening and closing an opening for exposing the light output surface of the projection lens and a driving unit mounted separately from the shutter member for driving the shutter member whereby the apparatus can be used as a wall hanging slim beam projector or a stand-up type slim beam projector capable of operating with a reduced consumption of electricity because of its compact, light-weight construction.

Abstract: A cutoff/milling device with a motor-driven cutoff/milling element, a work support surface or a guide surface, and a light projection device, the light projection device projecting a light beam onto a workpiece which is located on the work support surface or under the guide surface such that the light beam marks the cutting/milling position or cutting/milling path on the workpiece. The light projection device has a switch for activation of the light projection in response to mechanical vibration produced either by operating of the device or manual knocking on the cutoff/milling device.

Abstract: A back light structure includes lamps for supplying light to an LCD panel, and a micro-lens formed on over or below the lamps, the micro-lens having a plurality of concave portions or convex portions.

Abstract: A backlight unit for a liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a light source, a bottom cover to receive the light source, a diffuser positioned to diffuse light irradiated from the light source, and resistors positioned between the bottom cover and the light source.

Abstract: In a backlight device according to the present invention including a light emitting diode substrate, which has a light emitting diode and is placed on the back side of a panel module having an image display surface on the front side, and a reflection sheet for reflecting light emitted by the light emitting diode to the panel module, the reflection sheet is placed on the front side of the light emitting diode substrate, and the reflection sheet is provided with a through-hole into which the light emitting diode is inserted, so as to reduce brightness unevenness and color unevenness on the image display surface resulting from the light emitting diode substrate.

Abstract: A modular temporary lighting assembly and multi-outlet stringer particularly suited for building construction settings. The assembly is formed by connecting a plurality of like-shaped stringers and a plurality of like-shaped multi-outlet receptacles. Each of the several section of the assembly includes one stringer and one receptacle. Each stringer has a two or three-prong twist-lock plug at one end, and a two or three-port twist-lock outlet at the other. Each receptacle has a light socket, one male twist-lock plug, three female twist-lock outlets, and a mounting hook. The receptacles are hung along the ceiling of the building and electrically connected by the stringers. The sections of the lighting assembly are connected in a single linear routing or a multi-branch pattern throughout the desired areas of the building. Each receptacle has a supply stringer that supplies it with electric power, and two or more feed stringers that supply power to other receptacles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cove lighting apparatus for architectural surfaces, particularly, recessed cove lighting apparatus integrated with an architectural surface and employing LED-based light sources.

Abstract: An image projecting candle apparatus which is constructed of a generally elongated cylindrical body with a candle positioned therein and an annular display unit mounted on a top rim of the cylindrical body with colored transparent film mounted in the display unit and for turning by heated air rising out of the cylindrical body such that a team color of a person's favorite sports team can be projected either on the ceiling or on a wall.

Abstract: A backlight assembly includes at least one U-shaped lamp, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member. The U-shaped lamp includes a U-shaped lamp tube, a first external electrode covering a first end portion of the U-shaped lamp tube, and a second external electrode covering a second end portion of the U-shaped lamp tube. The U-shaped lamp tube generates light when a first driving voltage is applied to the first external electrode and a second driving voltage is applied to the second external electrode. The first connecting member is electrically connected to the first external electrode for applying the first driving voltage to the first external electrode. The second connecting member is electrically connected to the second external electrode for applying the second driving voltage to the second external electrode. Therefore, interference between a wire for applying power to the U-shaped lamp and the U-shaped lamp is reduced.