Patents Issued in April 6, 2010
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Patent number: 7690713Abstract: 4-bar hinge technology is applied to forward hinged mounting of a conventional cab high cover on a pickup truck load bed, so that the cover moves clear of the vehicle cab when raised to provide improved loading access. The hinge system may be integrated with upper and/or lower rails intermediately attached to the cover and load bed rails used as mounting interfaces in fixed cover installations. Use of these interfaces alone for system attachment supports universal application to conventional matched cab high covers and load beds with minimal component variation between applications. Resulting component dimensions accommodate compact packaging, and therefore convenient, efficient shipping and storage of adaptation hardware.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Trail-R Van Inc.Inventor: William Henry Russell Lake
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Patent number: 7690714Abstract: A golf cart altered such that the occupants are protected against the effect of lightning strikes comprises an electrically conductive grid (23 & 23a) on the roof, preferably star shaped, connected electrically to electrically conductive down-conductors, preferably at least 6 in number, four of which may be the roof supports (16 & 24) and the other two (18) moveable to allow ease of access to the golf cart and each to be connected to a plurality of flexible electrically conductive members (26) so as to touch the ground, preferably via a metal chassis. The movable electrically conductive members are connected to at least one of the roof or the base construction by a bearing. The invention defines a protective electrically conductive cage enclosing the golf cart and surrounding its occupants with improved rigidity, safety and practicality.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventor: Michael John Reeves
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Patent number: 7690715Abstract: An open-close portion structure of a vehicle body includes: an open-close member which opens and closes an opening of the vehicle body; a first hinge member provided on the vehicle body; a second hinge member provided on the open-close member, being pivoted with the first hinge member; and a stretchable stay provided between the vehicle body and the open-close member and biasing the open-close member to open, wherein an end of the stretchable stay is coupled to the second hinge member.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koki Hakamata, Tomofumi Ichinose
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Patent number: 7690716Abstract: A convertible roof for an automotive vehicle is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, an in-folding convertible roof is employed. A further aspect of the present invention includes at least a partially self-covering convertible roof system which includes at least one side rail that moves in a generally cross-vehicular direction when the roof is raised or lowered.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventor: Christopher J. Dilluvio
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Patent number: 7690717Abstract: A retractable roof for a vehicle, including a roof panel configured to be displaced by a guide from a closed position in the passenger area of the vehicle to a retracted position in a rear area of the vehicle. The roof also includes a rear cover structure including a rear shelf. The rear shelf can be automatically controlled between a rest position and an open position.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.Inventor: Andreas Baumeier
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Patent number: 7690718Abstract: The invention relates to a powered guide chain system (1), comprising a powered guide chain (3), for guiding cables (4), hoses or the like between a stationary and a mobile connection point, a driver (7) to which the powered guide chain (3) is connected via the mobile connection point, and a guide channel (8), which comprises a hollow profile with a passage (9) for the driver (7), extending in the longitudinal direction, whereby the powered guide chain (3) is guided into the guide channel (8) in the longitudinal direction thereof, forming two runs which are guided parallel to each other and connected to each other via a deviation area. The invention also relates to a sliding door system (2) for a vehicle, provided with said powered guide chain system (1). The aim of the invention is to obtain an easy and safe guidance of cables (4), hoses or the like in at least two directions.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Igus GmbHInventor: Günter Blase
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Patent number: 7690719Abstract: A structural assembly such as for use in constructing a living space of a recreational vehicle includes a wall with vertical rails at the top and bottom. The rails fitting into complementary recess within floor and ceiling members. The bottom rail has a curved cross section and fits into a complementary shaped curved channel in a floor member such that to assemble the wall to the floor, the wall is rested on the floor member at an angle and is then tilted upright to lock it to the floor member. A first keeper is then placed into a gap between the wall and the floor member, and acts in compression to prevent rotation of the wall. A second keeper has portions that fit into recesses in the wall and the ceiling members, respectively. The second keeper acts in tension to prevent vertical separation of the wall and the ceiling.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Monaco Coach CorporationInventors: Richard J. Goff, Dennis T. Bernabe, James V. Bertoch, Christopher Parcell, Lauro Budica, Alexander A. LeReaux
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Patent number: 7690720Abstract: An energy-absorbing hood assembly for a vehicle includes upper, lower, and middle panels. The upper and lower panels respectively include first and second interface surfaces. The upper panel is preferably secured to an inner surface of an outer panel. The middle panel has opposing first and second surfaces defining an asymmetric waveform profile, preferably having a polygonal geometry. The middle panel member is secured to the first and second interface surfaces at preselected locations along the upper and lower surfaces, thereby defining a plurality of laterally oriented asymmetric channels. The asymmetric waveform profile is configured with distinct amplitudes and wavelengths along different regions of the hood assembly, each configured to provide different predetermined levels of absorption and attenuation of kinetic energy imparted to the hood assembly by objects upon impact therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Jenne-Tai Wang, Bing Deng, Qing Zhou, Qi Liu, Yong Xia
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Patent number: 7690721Abstract: The invention relates to a junction structure for connecting two profiles(1, 2), especially in a vehicle support frame. The first profile (1) has at least two planar, parallel sides and the second profile (2) comprises two parallel, opposite girders (3, 4) and at least one strip (5, 6) connecting the girders (3, 4). The girders (3, 4), with their lateral ends, project relative to the strip (5, 6), the projections forming paired, parallel flanges (31, 41, 32, 42). The junction structure is characterized in that the first profile (1) at the location of connection, is provided with a recess (7) into which the second profile (2) is inserted on the front side in such a manner that the parallel sides of the opposite ends (8, 9) of the first profile limiting the recess (7) rest in a form fit against the insides (31a, 41a, 32a, 42a) of the opposite flanges (31, 41, 32, 42) of the second profile (2) and are connected thereto.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AGInventors: Axel Grüneklee, Lothar Patberg
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Patent number: 7690722Abstract: An energy absorbing stopper assembly for an associated vehicle for absorbing at least a portion of the energy during an associated impact is provided. The associated vehicle includes a pivotally disposed closure and a body member toward which the closure is closable. The closure includes an open position and a closed position. The stopper assembly includes a stopper for supporting a non-hinged end of the closure when the closure is in the closed position. The stopper includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the stopper is in contact with one of the closure or the body member when the closure is in the closed position and is spaced apart therefrom when the closure is in the open position. A base for supporting the second end of the stopper is provided. The base is attached to the other of the closure or the body member. An energy absorbing joint is disposed adjacent the base and the other of the closure or the body member.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Brian Boggess
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Patent number: 7690723Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back frame, a cushion, and an air bag assembly mounted upon the frame within a hollow provided in the cushion. A trim cover includes a side panel facing the side of the vehicle and a front panel facing forwardly, the side panel and front panel being joined to one another at a vertical extending seam. The side panel also has a lower horizontal extending separable seam, an upper horizontal extending separable seam, and a forward vertical seam that may or may not be sewn to the front panel. On inflation of the air bag, the inflating air bag forces the side panel outwardly causing separation of the separable seams and inflate forwardly, upwardly and downwardly through separable seams of the side panel. In addition, a rear vertical extending seam can be provided that would extend between the upper and lower horizontal extending separable seam.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Nancy C. Evans, Scott D. Thomas, William A. Biondo
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Patent number: 7690724Abstract: A massage chair including an electric reclining mechanism for moving a backrest into different sloping positions, a holding mechanism for holding at least one forearm of a user to fix to the base side, and a controller that controls operations of these mechanisms. The controller allows the holding mechanism to hold the at least one forearm and allows the electric reclining mechanism to move the backrest into at least one sloping position before moving the backrest into a final position. An inclination of the at least one sloping position from a sloping position of the different sloping positions when the at least one forearm is held by the holding mechanism is smaller than an inclination of the end position from a sloping position of the different sloping positions when the at least one forearm is held by the holding mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co. Ltd.Inventors: Takayoshi Tanizawa, Satoshi Kajiyama, Masamichi Miyaguchi, Daisuke Tsukada, Fumihiro Nishio, Takeo Iijima, Yuichi Nishibori
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Patent number: 7690725Abstract: A protective cover for furniture from pet hair, dander and dirt. The cover is contained within a housing in a rolled state so that it can be easily extended and retracted as desired. Furthermore, the cover has at least one transverse pocket within the body of the cover containing a rigid member that can be tucked between the seat and back rest to keep the cover taut and prevent casual displacement during use. Also provided is a weighted leading edge that will keep the cover taut on the seat and front of the furniture.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventor: Catherine Rawlings
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Patent number: 7690726Abstract: A coupling unit (1) for adjustably mounting a support structure (6, 7) in a seat frame is provided, comprising first connecting means (2, 3) for connecting the support structure (6, 7) with the coupling unit (1) and second connecting means (4, 5) for connecting the coupling unit (1) with a pressure-transmitting element (8, 9) like a Bowden cable, wherein said second connecting means comprise a pressure area for receiving pressure from the pressure-transmitting element. Furthermore, an adjusting mechanism comprising the coupling unit with which a support structure may be adjusted in a seat frame is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: L&P Swiss Holding CompanyInventor: Maxime Samain
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Patent number: 7690727Abstract: A motor vehicle seat back structure comprising a backrest support frame which consists of a surface turned towards the seat user's back, a lordosis support which is arranged on the front part of the backrest support frame for supporting the user's back and an adjusting device for vertically adjusting the lordosis support position with respect to the extension plane of said backrest support frame. The adjusting device comprises at least one adjusting element operably connected to the lordosis support and at least one sliding element which is displaceable with respect to said adjusting element and interacts therewith in such a way that when the sliding element moves, the adjusting element is displaced with a directional component perpendicularly to the displacement direction of the sliding element and performs an action on said lordosis support in the direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, CoburgInventors: Markus Fischer, Matthias Hoffmann, Andrea Bauersachs, Michael Forkel, Jochen Hofmann, Alwin Macht, Georg Scheck
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Patent number: 7690728Abstract: A vehicle seat apparatus includes a lower arm, an upper arm being rotatable relative to the lower arm in a front-rear direction of a vehicle seat, a pressing member fixed at the upper arm, a base member fixed at the lower arm, a first link supported by the base member so as to be rotatable and having a stopper pin positioned on a rotation path of the pressing member when a walk-in operation is performed and positioned out of the rotation path of the pressing member when a tilt-down operation is performed; and a second link rotatably supported by the first link and maintaining the stopper pin so as to be one of on and out of the rotation path of the pressing member, the second link being provided in a manner where a rotational axis thereof is coaxial to a central axis of the stopper pin.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yukie Miyauchi, Naoki Niimi, Kenji Maeda
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Patent number: 7690729Abstract: An adjustable chair headrest frame includes a headrest provided with a pivotal frame at the rear side. A support frame is pivotally assembled with the pivotal frame of the headrest, having its inner side formed with a recessed face having its outer periphery fixed with plural female-thread studs. An adjusting device is combined at the inside of the support frame, composed of a fit plate, plural stop blocks, a holding plate, springs and a back plate. A combining plate is threadably combined with the fit plate of the adjusting device and assembled at the rear side of a chair. By so designing, the headrest frame can be adjusted upward or downward, and the headrest can be adjusted and positioned at different angles.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventor: Tzu-Ying Liao
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Patent number: 7690730Abstract: A seat support structure for facilitating assembly of a frame support member. The seat support structure includes a seat support portion mounted on a seat rail of a vehicle, the seat support portion having an opening portion; a mount rubber having an engaging groove portion on an outer peripheral portion thereof, an insertion portion arranged closer to a distal end side than the engaging groove portion, and a through hole penetrating through the mount rubber. Upon mounting the seat, the insertion portion of the mount rubber is inserted into the opening portion of the seat support portion, the portion of the seat to be supported is inserted into the through hole, and the mount rubber is moved in the radial direction in an inside of the opening portion, and a portion of a groove wall of the engaging groove portion is brought into pressure contact with the opening portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiro Yasuda, Hideaki Suzuki, Seiji Hanafusa, Masahiro Inoue
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Patent number: 7690731Abstract: A collapsible highchair for an infant has a seat (3), a back-rest (4) and a front leg-support (5) that are provided in one by an elongate, contoured moulding (1). Rear leg-support is by tubular legs (2) which are pivoted to the one-piece moulding (1) under the seat (3) and which are held in rearward extension in the erect condition of the highchair by a pivoted tubular frame (10) which snaps into a socket (11) under the seat (3). Release of the frame (10) from the socket (11) allows the legs (2) to fold onto the underside of the front leg-support (5) for collapse of the chair. A tube (14) attached at each end under the seat (3) extends up either side of the seat (3) to form arm-rests (15), and a backwardly/forwardly slidable tray (18) is attached by releasable mounts (20) to the arm-rests (15).Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Medel Group S.p.A.Inventor: Stephen Michael Kuester
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Patent number: 7690732Abstract: A seat assembly including an assembly frame having at least two seat connection brackets, a seat frame, two or more connectors attached to the seat frame, the two or more connectors removably attached to the two or more seat connection brackets, two or more flexible supports extending across at least a portion of the seat frame, each support including a woven material, and a foam cushion including one or more holes, wherein the seat frame and the two or more flexible supports are molded within the foam cushion, and wherein the one or more connectors extend at least partially within the one or more holes.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Series International, LLCInventor: Alvaro Mauricio Olarte
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Patent number: 7690733Abstract: A hair brush may include a body having a receiving portion at a first end. A cushion pad having an inner surface and an outer surface may be disposed in the receiving portion, and may include a plurality of bristle anchors having an aperture. A plurality of bristles may be tufted into each of the apertures.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Goody Products, Inc.Inventors: Paul Spitale, Kim V. Peterson, David Harper, Tianyi Chang
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Patent number: 7690734Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for brake steering a tracked vehicle such as, for example, a military tank. More precisely, the present invention provides independent control of a left brake and a right brake to create a track speed differential and thereby turn the vehicle. The apparatus of the present invention preferably includes a controller, a plurality of circuit selector actuators operatively connected to the controller, and a plurality of brake apply actuators operatively connected to the controller. A plurality of valves are disposed in fluid communication with the plurality of circuit selector actuators. The left brake is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of brake apply actuators, and the right brake is in fluid communication with another of the plurality of brake apply actuators.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Clifford H. Oehme
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Patent number: 7690735Abstract: A vehicle air brake system is presented with an improved service work brake arrangement. The arrangement may provide a service work brake function or both a service work brake function and a parking brake function for the vehicle. The arrangement may provide an improved service work brake arrangement disposed within a housing for reducing the number of components and plumbing required to achieve this functionality versus prior known systems. The arrangement may utilizes a pneumatic latching valve to deliver pressurized air for applying a vehicle's service brakes. The pneumatic latching valve opens upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from an electronically controlled valve and closes upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from another source. In addition, a controller and control logic may be provided for controlling the arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventor: Mark A. Bennett
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Patent number: 7690736Abstract: In a liquid pump for a braking system of a vehicle, one end of a piston is slidably inserted into a cylindrical space of a housing member, and a sliding ring is provided on the piston. A suction chamber is formed by an inner peripheral surface of the housing member, an outer peripheral surface of the piston and the sliding ring. An inner diameter “Dk” of the housing member is made larger than an inner diameter “Dc” of the cylindrical space. As a result, the volume of the suction chamber is increased, without making the piston smaller in its diameter.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akihito Kusano
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Patent number: 7690737Abstract: A system and method of controlling an automotive vehicle and trailer includes determining the presence of a trailer and applying brake-steer to the vehicle in response to the trailer to reduce the turning radius of the vehicle and the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventor: Jianbo Lu
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Patent number: 7690738Abstract: A dynamically changing track support for a tracked vehicle, includes a body with one or more track engaging wheels mounted for rotation to the body and extending above the top of the body and below the bottom of the body. At least two arms are provided. Each arm has a body engaging end and a track engaging end. The track engaging ends of the arm extends outwardly past the body. The body engaging end is pivotally secured to the body for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal pivot axis. One or more track engaging wheels are mounted for concentric axial rotation about an axle positioned at the track engaging end of the each arm. Dynamically adjustment of the pivotal positioning of the arms relative to the body results in changes to track geometry while maintaining consistent tension.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventor: H. William B. Wilt
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Patent number: 7690739Abstract: A drawer (1) for a corner cabinet includes a front panel (4) angled inwards, two drawer side walls (2), a rear wall (5), and a drawer base (3). The front panel (4) has at least two plates (7?3?) which, when the drawer (1) is extended from within the corner cabinet, move relative to the drawer side walls (2) at the beginning of the opening process and at the end of the closing process.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Julius Blum Gesellschaft m.b.H.Inventors: Klaus Brüstle, Helmut Fitz
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Patent number: 7690740Abstract: Pull-out guide system for drawers, having a basic-structure rail, a drawer rail and, if appropriate, having a center rail arranged between these two rails. The load of the drawer is transmitted by way of a first rolling-contact body and at least one second rolling-contact body, and the first rolling-contact body has a smaller diameter than the at least one second rolling-contact body. The drawer rail is designed such that, when the drawer is in the closed state, the first rolling-contact body is subjected to loading by the drawer rail and, when the drawer is opened, the first rolling-contact body is relieved of the loading of the drawer rail.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Julius Blum GmbHInventor: Lothar Blum
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Patent number: 7690741Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for introducing ink into an ink cartridge includes introducing ink into an ink holding chamber through ink ejection nozzles and, simultaneously with introducing ink into the ink holding chamber through the ink ejection nozzles, introducing ink into the ink holding chamber through an opening other than the ink ejection nozzles or applying a negative pressure at a first opening to the ink holding chamber and applying a positive pressure at a second opening to the ink holding chamber. In another embodiment, a method includes performing a primary operation on an ink holding chamber by introducing ink into the ink holding chamber through ink ejection nozzles and performing a secondary operation on the ink holding chamber to increase the flow of ink to a distal part of the ink holding chamber relative to the flow of ink to a proximal part of the ink holding chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: David A. Tyvoll, Winthrop D. Childers
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Patent number: 7690742Abstract: An inkjet printer head driving apparatus and a control method thereof include a switching unit turning on and off each of heating elements to heat and eject ink through nozzles, a level shift unit having a level converter converting to a predetermined potential level a potential level of a signal inputted to drive the switching unit, a transient time extending part provided with at least one time extending element to extend a transient time during which a potential level of the signal inputted from the level converter to the switching unit is converted from a first signal level to a second signal level and vice versa, and a control unit outputting to the level shift unit the delayed signal as a nozzle selection signal to select the nozzles corresponding to a to-be-recorded image.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Eun-Bong Han
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Patent number: 7690743Abstract: A nozzle drive control device and method includes applying a drive voltage to a nozzle, sensing a size or speed of an ink droplet ejected by the applied drive voltage, determining whether the sensed result is included within a predetermined range, and calculating the drive voltage to eject an ink droplet when the sensed size or ejecting speed of the ejected ink droplet is not included within the predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sung-wook Kim, Byung-hun Kim
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Patent number: 7690744Abstract: A discharge failure nozzle, which cannot print, can be complemented by a printable discharge nozzle according to a simple, low-cost method capable of a high-speed process. A printing apparatus, which prints by using an inkjet head having nozzle arrays formed by arraying a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink while scanning the inkjet head on a printing medium, includes a storage unit which stores the position of an abnormal nozzle that abnormally discharges ink among the plurality of nozzles arrayed in the nozzle arrays, an assignment unit which assigns data subjected to discharge by the abnormal nozzle to a plurality of normal nozzles positioned near the abnormal nozzle in a nozzle array including the abnormal nozzle in accordance with predetermined priorities, and a control unit which controls to perform assignment of data subjected to discharge by the abnormal nozzle every time column data along the scanning direction are created by a predetermined number of columns.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideki Nakanishi, Kazuhisa Kuruma, Takayuki Murata, Yuichiro Suzuki, Hitoshi Nishikori, Masao Maeda
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Patent number: 7690745Abstract: Angles of inclination of the left and right end edges of recording paper as a recording medium are detected. In the case where it is determined an image having a size extended from an image recording region of the recording paper is recordable over the image recording region or even in the case where it is determined that the image represented by the image data is not recordable over the image recording region of the recording paper, when an input operation is performed indicating the user's intention to continue recording, an image data conversion process is performed for converting a color of a portion of the image data, which is not to be recorded in the image recording region of the recording paper, into a color of which ink is not to be ejected. Thereby, ink is ejected only to the image recording region of the recording paper.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tetsuya Ouchi
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Patent number: 7690746Abstract: A method for detecting a defect in an inkjet print head for printing a substantially clear ink includes including an ultraviolet or infrared sensitive material in the substantially clear ink, marking a test image on a substrate by jetting the substantially clear ink through one or more jets of the inkjet print head to be evaluated, exposing the test image to activating radiation having a wavelength to which the included ultraviolet or infrared sensitive material responds. During or following the exposing, the test image is evaluated with an image sensor, and whether the inkjet print head or any one of the one or more jets thereof being evaluated is defective is then determined based on the evaluation. A system for the method is also set forth.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: David A. Mantell, Jason O'Neil, Kenneth R. Ossman
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Patent number: 7690747Abstract: The invention provides for an inkjet printer assembly. The assembly includes a cartridge having an integrated pagewidth printhead integrated circuit (IC), and a cradle configured to receive the cartridge such that the printhead IC is adjacent a media feed path. The assembly also includes a driven mechanism configured to maintain the printhead and to feed print media through the media feed path, as well as a controller operatively connected to the cartridge and configured to determine a performance characteristic of the cartridge and to control operation of said driven mechanism and printhead IC in response to the determined performance characteristic of the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7690748Abstract: A method of printing includes the steps of rendering continuous tone (“contone”) data to a pixel level and subsequently compressing the contone data in a personal computer. The bi-level data is rendered to a dot level and subsequently compressed in said personal computer. The method also includes the steps of transmitting the contone and bi-level data and decompressing the contone data and foreground bi-level data in parallel in a printer controller. The contone data is halftoned to bi-level color data. The foreground bi-level data is composited over the bi-level color data to create composited bi-level color image data. The steps of halftoning and compositing are performed in parallel. The method further includes the step of printing the composited bi-level color image data.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley, Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7690749Abstract: The method for evaluating bleeding into a recording medium of ink discharged onto the recording medium, the method comprises the steps of: outputting a bleeding evaluation print including a plurality of bleeding evaluation patches created by recording lines of a prescribed length of ink colors, at a prescribed width, and varying at least one of a recording speed at which recording data is recorded onto the recording medium, a volume of ink discharged, and a fixing energy which fixes the discharged ink onto the recording medium, as a parameter, between a plurality of different levels; measuring density of each of the bleeding evaluation patches in the outputted bleeding evaluation print; and evaluating the bleeding of the ink into the recording medium according to a density measurement result on the bleeding evaluation patches.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Yasuhiko Kachi
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Patent number: 7690750Abstract: A method of adjusting bidirectional registration to reduce negative effects on the image such as “banding” even if bidirectional registration includes a slight amount of displacement is provided. For that purpose, correction is applied to a first adjustment value for adjusting a bidirectional registration displacement in response to an extent of inclination of a printing head to obtain a second adjustment value. Then a bidirectional printing is performed with timing adjusted on the basis of the second adjustment value. As a result of that, even if there is a slight variation in an adjustment value of the bidirectional registration and the inclination of the printing head, the banding generated by this can be reduced as much as possible.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Norihiro Kawatoko, Masashi Hayashi, Toshiyuki Chikuma, Hidehiko Kanda
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Patent number: 7690751Abstract: A temperature detection circuit acquires first temperature data detected by a temperature sensor corresponding to a heater of a recording head in a state in which no electric current is flowed into the heater, and second temperature data for the heater in a state in which an electric current is flowed into the heater. Correction data for correcting the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor is obtained based on the first and second temperature data. The temperature data detected by the temperature sensor is corrected based on the correction data.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Takabayashi, Takatsuna Aoki
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Patent number: 7690752Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for optimizing the energy supplied to a print head heater are disclosed. A resistance associated with the print head heater or actuator is determined. A range of fire pulse values is determined based at least in part on the determined resistance and a velocity optimization procedure is executed based at least in part on the determined range of fire pulse values. An optimal fire pulse for the print head heater is selected based at least in part on the results of the velocity optimization procedure.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: David Golman King, Jason Todd McReynolds, Prabuddha Jyotindra Mehta, Robert Henry Muyskens
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Patent number: 7690753Abstract: An ink which is supplied from an ink cartridge via an ink supply tube is stored in an ink tank, and is supplied to a recording head. The ink cartridge is detachably connected to the ink supply tube. At every predetermined time interval, a maintenance unit carries out an air discharge operation to discharge air accumulated in the ink tank, through an air discharge passage. Moreover, even at a time shorter than the predetermined time interval, when a frequency of replacement of the ink cartridge is higher than a predetermined value, the air discharge operation is carried out and the air accumulated in the ink tank is discharged.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hisaki Sakurai
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Patent number: 7690754Abstract: An inkjet printer head including: (a) a front head unit having (a-i) an outside surface which is to be opposed to a print media, (a-ii) an inside surface opposite to the outside surface, (a-iii) a plurality of nozzles opening in the outside surface and arranged in row, and (a-iv) an ink inlet opening in the inside surface; (b) an ink-channel defining unit supplying an ink into the front head unit through the ink inlet; (c) a head holder holding the front head unit; and (d) a reinforcement member fixed to the inside surface of the front head unit. The front head unit and the head holder are fixed to each other, with the reinforcement member being interposed therebetween. The ink-channel defining unit is fixed to one of opposite side surfaces of the reinforcement member that is remote from the front head unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hirotake Nakamura, Seiji Shimizu
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Patent number: 7690755Abstract: An image-forming apparatus having an inkjet type printer is configured to prevent ink from being wastefully consumed through a purge processing. Before next purge processing is executed, test printing is carried out. The user looks at the result of the test printing and inputs instruction indicating whether or not the next purge processing is to be executed. If the inputted instruction indicates that immediate purge processing is unnecessary, execution of the purge processing is prolonged. In this manner, a purge processing is not automatically executed but executed only when the test printing indicates that an ejection condition of ink is no good.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tetsuya Ouchi
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Patent number: 7690756Abstract: An ink-jet head includes nozzles which are configured to discharge ink droplets, an ink discharge surface which has ink discharge apertures of the nozzles formed therethrough, and a cap configured to cover the ink discharge surface. The cap includes a base member which opposes the ink discharge surface. The base member has a recess formed therein, and the recess has a communication hole formed therethrough. The cap also may include a damper film which is connected to the base member at an outer periphery of the recess and covers the recess, and a lip which is formed along an outer periphery of the base member and is configured to selectively contact the ink discharge surface. Moreover, the ink-jet head may include a cap holder which is connected to the cap and is configured to selectively apply a force to the cap toward the ink discharge surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Osamu Takagi
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Patent number: 7690757Abstract: A head capping member for capping an ejection face of a liquid ejecting head which face is provided with a nozzle for ejecting a liquid drop is provided, which includes a contact part which contacts the ejection face of the head and is made of an elastic member and a recess which forms a closed space together with the ejection head when the contact part contacts the ejection head, wherein a flat part is formed around the recess and an absorbing member is provided on the flat part so as to cover the recess.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Masanori Kusunoki, Nobuyuki Akaishi, Tetsuya Hiruma
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Patent number: 7690758Abstract: A head cleaning device that includes: an ink jet recording head including a nozzle plane formed with nozzles for ejecting ink; a positioning member capable of being brought into contact with an area outside the nozzle plane; and a cleaning roller capable of defining a minute gap between its roller plane and the nozzle plane and capable of rotating while facing the roller plane toward the nozzle plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takaichiro Umeda
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Patent number: 7690759Abstract: A liquid container including: a containing portion, adapted to store liquid; a liquid outlet port, adapted to flow out the liquid from the containing portion therethrough; an outer wall, having a liquid supply opening for exposing the liquid outlet port to an outside, and covering a periphery of the liquid outlet port while the outer wall keeps a predetermined gap from an outer end of the liquid outlet port; and a first liquid absorption member, disposed at the predetermined gap so as to absorb the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Manabu Yamada
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Patent number: 7690760Abstract: A high resolution printhead for an ink jet printer. The printhead includes a semiconductor substrate containing at least one ink feed edge and a plurality of ink ejection actuators spaced a distance from the ink feed edge. Each of the ink ejection actuators has an aspect ratio ranging from about 1.5:1 to about 6:1. A nozzle plate is attached to the semiconductor substrate. The nozzle plate contains a plurality of nozzle holes, ink chambers and ink channels laser ablated in the nozzle plate corresponding to the plurality of ink ejection actuators. Adjacent nozzle holes are spaced apart with a pitch ranging from about 600 to about 1200 dpi. The distance from the ink feed edge is substantially the same for each of the ink ejection actuators.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Colin G. Maher, James H. Powers
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Patent number: 7690761Abstract: An inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate ink supply body. The body defines a plurality of ink supply channels. An elongate cradle defines a plurality of rows of apertures and can be fast with the body so that ink within the ink supply channels can pass through respective rows. A plurality of printhead segments each includes a carrier. Each carrier defines a plurality of rows of ink supply passages arranged so that the ink supply passages can be placed in alignment with respective apertures when the carrier is cradled within the cradle. Each printhead segment further includes an elongate ink ejection printhead mounted to the carrier in fluid communication with the ink supply passages.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 7690762Abstract: A water base ink for ink-jet recording is provided, which makes it possible to secure a high recording quality with a sharp image area edge by avoiding any blurring even when recording is performed on regular paper and which has satisfactory purge restoration performance. Therefore, no bubble remains in an ink flow passage, and no discharge failure is caused. Further, the discharge operation never becomes unstable. In the water base ink for ink-jet recording, the surface tension is not less than 40 mN/m, and the amount of dissolved oxygen is not more than 4 mg/L.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideo Ohira, Hiromitsu Sago, Kazuma Goto, Narumi Koga, Masaya Fujioka, Shunichi Higashiyama