Abstract: The ejection head comprises: n (where n is an integer not less than 2) pieces of ejection aperture groups arranged in a sub-scanning direction, each of the groups including ejection aperture rows arranged at prescribed intervals in a main scanning direction, each of the ejection aperture rows including a plurality of ejection apertures aligned in an oblique direction with a prescribed angle ? (where 0°<?<90°) with respect to the main scanning direction, wherein: the ejection aperture groups are arranged in such a manner that phases of the ejection aperture groups disposed adjacently in the sub-scanning direction are varied in the main scanning direction so that, in projected ejection aperture rows that are obtained by projecting the ejection apertures of each of the ejection aperture groups to dispose the ejection apertures in the main scanning direction, one of the ejection apertures in one of the groups arranged adjacently in the sub-scanning direction is located between the adjacent ejection aperture

Abstract: A liquid-jet head includes: a plurality of head bodies, each having: a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles bored therein; a passage-forming substrate having a pressure generating chamber formed therein, which communicates with the nozzle and receives a pressure for use in ejecting a liquid droplet from a pressure generating element; and a head case disposed on the passage-forming substrate at a surface opposite to the nozzle plate and having paths for supplying liquid to the pressure generating chamber therethrough; and a fixing member bonded onto a side of the nozzle plate of each of the plurality of head bodies, to positionally fix the head bodies thereto at predetermined intervals, wherein a reinforcing portion made of a predetermined adhesive agent, which is charged in a clearance between the head bodies fixed to the fixing member, followed by setting, is disposed at the clearance.

Abstract: Provided is an inkjet nozzle arrangement which includes a wafer base defining an ink chamber with an ink inlet channel and an ink ejection port. The arrangement also includes an upper electrode plate and a lower electrode plate separated by at least one polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer within the chamber. The upper plate has a corrugated portion which concertinas upon movement of said top plate, wherein ink is ejected from the ink ejection port through the utilization of attraction and related movement between the plates when a potential difference is applied therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pedestal that protrudes from a fluid reservoir device that retains fluid for a fluid-ejection printing device. A data storage device may be mounted on the pedestal such that when the fluid reservoir device is inserted into a supporting structure, the pedestal and data storage device mounted thereon protrude into or through an opening in a surface of the supporting structure. Consequently, a disconnectable connection to the data storage device may be made at a location other than the inside of the supporting structure. Accordingly, connection to the data storage device is simplified and the risk of damage or a reduction in performance to the data storage device or its electrical contacts from fluid leaks from the fluid reservoir device is reduced.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement is provided for an inkjet printer. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate assembly defining an outlet port through which ink can be ejected. A retainer is mounted to the substrate assembly and defines an internal coil chamber in which a coil is retained. A plunger assembly is engaged with the retainer to form an ink chamber in fluid communication with the outlet port. The plunger assembly includes a plunger that is able to move toward the outlet port and reduce the volume of the ink chamber. Drive and control circuitry is electrically coupled to the coil, and is configured to energize the coil and cause the plunger to move toward the outlet port so that ink is ejected from the outlet port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heating resistor including a conducting oxide having an electric conductivity and a nonconducting oxide having insulation or nonconductivity, liquid ejecting heads and apparatus comprising the heating resistors.

Abstract: A heat transfer type ink-jet print head and a method of fabricating the same. A method of fabricating an ink-jet print head includes sequentially laminating a heat generation layer and an electrode layer on a substrate, laminating a protective layer on the top surfaces of the electrode layer and the heat generation layer by sequentially laminating a first protective layer and a second protective layer on the top surfaces of the electrode layer and the heat generation layer, and laminating an ink chamber barrier and a nozzle plate on the top surface of the protective layer to form an ink chamber to prevent defects such as “pin-holes” from being generated during the formation of the first protective layer.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element includes a lower electrode film disposed on a substrate, a piezoelectric layer 70 disposed on the lower electrode film, a upper electrode film 80 disposed on the piezoelectric layer 70, wherein the piezoelectric layer 70 is formed of a plurality of columnar grains 70a, and the upper electrode film 80 conforms to the surface shape of each of the grains 70a of the piezoelectric layer 70.

Abstract: An ink-jet head includes a channel unit and a piezoelectric actuator. The channel unit has a plurality of plates made of metal and including a cavity plate which is made of metal and in which a plurality of pressure chambers are formed and a supply plate which is made of metal and in which holes communicating with the pressure chambers respectively are formed, and the plates are diffusion-bonded with each other. The piezoelectric actuator has a vibration plate which is diffusion-bonded with the cavity plate. A groove is formed in a partition wall defining the pressure chambers or in an area overlapping the partition wall of the vibration plate, the cavity plate, and the supply plate. There is provided a liquid jetting head in which air hardly remains in the pressure chambers, and deterioration of jetting performance by the air is suppressed.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device, a method of cleaning the device, and a method of operating the device are provided. The device includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface. A nozzle plate is formed over the first surface of the substrate and has a nozzle through which fluid is ejected. A drop forming mechanism is situated at the periphery of the nozzle. A fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the nozzle and has a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall are positioned at an angle other than 90° relative to each other. A fluid delivery channel is formed in the substrate and extends from the second surface of the substrate to the fluid chamber. The fluid delivery channel is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for image correction in a direct marking system is provided using input scaling. The system and method utilize spatial dependent scale factors for each color of a liquid ink printer in the direct marking system. The value of each scale factor depends upon the ratio of the target mass to the average mass of the ink drops in the region to be corrected. The target mass is typically equal to or near the lowest average mass to insure that all regions can be adjusted to common output color. All input values received by the direct marking system and corresponding to a region to be corrected are multiplied by the appropriate scale factor to correct for drop volume variations among different printheads of the direct marking system. Each printhead includes a plurality of ejectors for depositing ink on a recording medium.

Abstract: A negative pressure ink supply system includes (1) a primary ink cartridges, (2) a secondary ink cartridges, which are connected by means of an ink tubes with the negative pressure ink cartridge assemblies provided between the secondary ink cartridges and the jet head. The ink, pumped from the primary ink cartridge, is put into the secondary ink cartridge, wherein it is supplied to the negative pressure ink cartridge and then in turn from the negative pressure ink cartridge to the jet head. The liquid level in the secondary cartridge is lower than the jet head surface and adjustable. The negative pressure ink supply system is suitable for image-printing equipment by supplying liquid ink, such as large format machines, portrait machines, plotters, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a liquid vessel including a liquid containing body having a discharge port for discharging liquid, and a liquid residual amount detection device having a liquid inflow port connected to the discharge port, a liquid lead-out portion for supplying the liquid and a vibration detection portion for applying vibration to a flow path between the liquid inflow port and the liquid lead-out portion and detecting a residual amount of liquid in the liquid containing body, the method including: connecting the liquid inflow port of the liquid residual amount detection device to the discharge port of the liquid containing body in which the liquid has been stored in advance and injecting the liquid from the liquid containing body into the liquid residual amount detection device to obtain a state in which the flow path is charged with the liquid.

Abstract: A solid ink jet image forming apparatus includes a printing unit which fires melted solid ink onto an image on a printing medium for printing, and an ink supplying unit which contains solid ink in a lateral direction of the printing unit. In the case where the solid ink jet image forming apparatus includes a scanning unit reading an image from a document, a user can simply and easily load the solid ink without moving the scanning unit, so that the solid ink jet image forming apparatus has improved installation stability and a compact size.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink-jet recording method for forming an image by applying an ink to a recording medium. The ink contains at least water, a colorant and a surfactant. The content of the surfactant is higher than or equal to the critical micelle concentration of the surfactant, and the ink used has a surface tension lower than or equal to the critical surface tension of the recording medium. The ink is applied on the recording medium, and the surface tension of the ink is increased to a surface tension higher than the critical surface tension of the recording medium after the ink contacts the recording medium.

Abstract: A maintenance system and method for maintaining an imaging member of an imaging device includes a pre-cleaning device to clean the imaging member; an applicator to apply release agent to the imaging member; a metering device to meter release agent on the imaging member; a reservoir to remotely store release agent; and a pump to supply the applicator with release agent from the reservoir. The saturation level of the applicator is monitored and maintained within a predetermined range. The applicator, pre-cleaning device and metering device may be independently actuated to engage the imaging member. Release agent collected by the pre-cleaning device and/or metering device may be recycled. Debris collected by the pre-cleaning device and/or metering device may be stored and/or removed.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: a conveyance belt for conveying a recording medium; a cleaning roller kept in contact with the conveyance belt to clean the conveyance belt; and a controller for controlling the cleaning roller so as to be able to select between two modes for its driving, wherein the two modes are the mode in which the cleaning roller is driven by the movement of the conveyance belt and the mode in which the cleaning roller is driven independently of the movement of the conveyance belt.

Abstract: A printing machine includes a transfer device including a conveyor having suction holes formed therethrough for transferring cardboard sheets one by one, a suction device for applying a suction force on one of the two surfaces of each of the cardboard sheets, which one of two surfaces faces the conveyor, and ink jet heads located to face the other of the surfaces of each of the cardboard sheets to be spaced apart therefrom. The ink jet heads are located in such a manner that a desired distance is maintained between tips of the ink jet heads and the other surface to be printed and include ink jet nozzles from each of which ink is jetted out toward said the other surface. The ink jet heads have skirts located upstream and downstream of the transferring direction of the cardboard sheets in such a manner that the skirts extend from the ink jet heads toward the other surface and have a width which covers the ink jet nozzles so as to form a partition in a space between the ink jet nozzles and the other surface.

Abstract: A partition is provided at the almost center of a parallel sheet feed tray in a main-scanning direction, and recording paper sheets such as postcards are mounted in two rows in parallel in the main-scanning direction. By bringing upper surfaces of the recording paper sheets into contact with a pick roller, the recording paper sheets are picked one by one per row and fed toward an inside of a housing. While the recording paper sheets are conveyed in a sub-scanning direction with being arranged in parallel in the main-scanning direction, ink drops are discharged to both the recording paper sheets with reciprocation of a carriage with the ink cartridges in the main-scanning direction. Images are formed on the two recording paper sheets simultaneously, thereby shortening time necessary for printing a lot of recording paper sheets.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a door which is disposed on a rear surface of the image forming apparatus that allows a portion of the rear side thereof to open. The image forming apparatus further includes an image forming unit. The door is disposed at a position accessible to the image forming unit. The door includes a swelling portion which outwardly swells and receives parts and devices therein, for example, cables and tubes of the image forming apparatus. The swelling portion has an arc shape. The door on the rear surface of the image forming apparatus serves as a door for maintenance. The image forming unit includes an inkjet type image forming unit. The image forming unit includes a gel-inkjet type image forming unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a printing unit configured to form an image on a recording medium, and a guide device configured to guide the printing unit to be drawn in a direction perpendicular to a recording medium conveying direction in which the recording medium is conveyed. Thus, because the printing unit can be drawn out from the main body of the apparatus, maintenance work to the printing unit can be easily performed in a state that the printing unit has been drawn out from the apparatus.

Abstract: A spectacle frame is disclosed as including two frame members which are pivotally movable relative to each other, each frame member being capable of holding a piece of optical lens, each frame member having an outer side and an opposite inner side, and two nose pads each with a free major surface, in which each frame member includes an extension with a tunnel, and each nose pad is engaged with a pin and a stopper for simultaneous movement, and the pins are received within the tunnel of the respective frame member for relative rotational movement to thereby rotate each nose pad relative to the respective frame member, and each stopper is adapted, during rotational movement of the nose pad relative to the respective frame member, to abut the respective frame member to limit the extent of rotational movement of the nose pad relative to the respective frame member.

Abstract: An eyeglass assembly 10 is disclosed as including a frame 2 with two brackets 21 each with a recess for receiving part of a respective piece of optical lens 1, and a screw 22 releasably engaged with the bracket 21, each bracket 21 including two protrusions 211, 212 which, when the piece of optical lens 1 is received by the bracket 21, abut a first major surface 4 of the piece of optical lens 1, and when the piece of lens 1 is received by the bracket 21, the screw 22 is adapted to abut an opposite second major surface 6 of the piece of optical lens 1 to thereby releasably engage the piece of optical lens 1 with the bracket 21.

Abstract: Eyeglasses that can be hung around the wearer's neck, without the necessity of a chain or cord, can be rotated between a normal viewing position, a conventional storage position and a hanging position. In the hanging positions, the rear ends of temple arms are spaced apart by a distance less than the diameter of a normal wearer's neck. In embodiment in which a hinge between the lens frame and the temple arms can be pivoted about three orthogonal axes, the lens frame will lie flat against the wearer's chest or neck. Two hinge configurations that allow the lens frame to lie flat include a ball and socket joint and a multiple hinge joint. The temple arms can also be extended so that the eyeglasses will more comfortably fit around the wearer's neck in the hanging position.

Abstract: There is provided a group of bi-aspherical type progressive-power lenses for which the processing costs are reduced.

Abstract: A spectacle lens is disclosed. The disclosed lens provides a vision correcting area for the correction of a wearer's refractive error. The viewing correction area provides correction for non-conventional refractive error to provide at least a part of the wearer's vision correction. The lens has a prescription based on a wave front analysis of the wearer's eye and the lens can further be modified to fit within an eyeglass frame.

Abstract: A method for the determination by optical optimization of a personalized progressive ophthalmic lens intended to be inserted into a frame chosen by a given wearer for whom a power addition has been prescribed in near vision, the method comprising the stages of: determining at least one parameter representing the frame chosen by the wearer; measuring parameters representing the wearer's head-eye behavior; weighting the parameters representing the wearer's head-eye behavior with the parameter representing the frame chosen by the wearer; determining power and resulting astigmatism defect targets for each direction of viewing under wearing conditions, the targets being associated with an individual merit function taking into account the weighted head-eye coordination parameters. The method allows the design of the lens to be adapted to the size and the shape of the frame chosen.

Abstract: A goggle based light-weight VOG system includes at least one digital camera connected to and powered by a laptop computer through a firewire connection. The digital camera may digitally center the pupil in both the X and Y directions. A calibration mechanism may be incorporated onto the goggle base. An EOG system may also be incorporated directly into the goggle. The VOG system may track and record 3-D movement of the eye, track pupil dilation, head position and goggle slippage. An animated eye display provides data in a more meaningful fashion. The VOG system is a modular design whereby the same goggle frame or base is used to build a variety of digital camera VOG systems.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus capable of performing alignment of the apparatus with respect to an examinee's eye with ease regardless of characteristics of the eye or an environment of the apparatus includes a measurement unit performing examination/measurement of the eye, a projection optical system for projecting an alignment target onto an anterior segment of the eye, an image-pickup optical system for picking up an anterior-segment image with an image of the projected target by a two-dimensional image-pickup element, and a calculation and control unit detecting the target image, and based on the detection result, detecting an alignment condition of the measurement unit with the eye, wherein the calculation and control unit detects two-dimensional luminance distribution in an image obtained by the element, and based on the detection result, changes projection light intensity of light of the target and/or gain of the element so that the target image becomes detectable.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an optical scanning system for medical applications, preferably in ophthalmology, which can be used for a large range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The optical scanning system comprises at least one controllable reflector which has an actuator and which is arranged in a first imaging beam path for deflecting at least one therapy beam and/or diagnosis beam over a work field in a scanning manner, a second imaging beam path for a fixation beam which is imaged on the work field in a spatially fixed manner with respect to the optical axis of the system, and a central control unit. The moving reflector is used to unify the two imaging beam paths and has dichroic characteristics so that it is transmissive for the fixation beam and reflective for the therapy beam and/or diagnosis beam(s). The second radiation source which serves to generate the fixation beam is controlled so as to be synchronized to the position of the moving reflector.

Abstract: Methods, systems and software for determining an optical surface model for an optical tissue system using Fourier transformation algorithms. A method of reconstructing optical tissues of an eye comprises transmitting an image through the optical tissues of the eye. The surface gradients from the transmitted image are measured across the optical tissues of the eye. A Fourier transform algorithm is applied to the surface gradients to reconstruct an optical surface model that corresponds to the optical tissues of the eye.

Abstract: A method and device to assess centration of a visual axis, evaluate retinal function, foveal function, and/or visual field.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of fitting lenses that results in correction of not only low and high order ocular aberrations, but that additionally provides correction for the effects of cortical influences, or neuro-adaptive influences.

Abstract: An optical system is provided. The optical system comprises a first polarizing beamsplitter (PBS), a first reflecting image-forming device, and a first quarter-wave retarding element. An optical system is also provided that comprises an image-forming device, a reflective polarizing layer, at least a first birefringent element disposed on an optical path between the image-forming device and the polarizing layer, and a quarter-wave retarding element. Further provided is an optical system comprising a color combiner unit, at least two polarizing beamsplitters (PBSs), and a first quarter-wave retarding element. The present application also provides methods of compensating for birefringence in an image projection system.

Abstract: A controller for a display having a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear projection screen. Elements of the light modulator may be controlled by the controller to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.

Abstract: In a projector assembly having a lamp for emitting light, and an ellipsoid reflector for capturing the light, the ellipsoid reflector having an opening through its vertex facilitating placement of the lamp, there is provided an improvement wherein the opening in the ellipsoid reflector is sized to allow a major portion of cooling air to pass therethrough into a region defined by the ellipsoid reflector. An air deflector is situated in the opening so as to facilitate distribution of cooling air along the lamp and outwardly towards the inside surface of said ellipsoid reflector from within said region.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a light engine assembly is provided. More specifically, the system comprises a housing structure including an upper portion and a lower portion, a mounting structure coupled to the housing structure, wherein the mounting structure is not affixed to the lower portion, and a light engine coupled to the mounting structure.

Abstract: A projection system and a method for operating a discharge lamp are described. The protection system comprises a discharge lamp 12 and driving electronics 14. The color wheel 18 serves as color filter for filtering light 16 emitted from lamp 12 to generate a light sequence 20 with different colors in sequential color time periods 22, 22a. In between color time periods 22, 22a, spoke time periods 24, 24a are arranged. The driving electronics provide a lamp current I with superimposed first current pulses, which are generated in at least one of the color time periods 22, 22a. In order to allow greater flexibility and be able to achieve stable arc operation and constant color point over lamp lifetime, the driving electronics 14 further provide second current pulses superimposed on the lamp current. The second current pulses are generated during at least one of the spoke time periods 24, 24a.

Abstract: An LED illumination system includes control circuitry and first, second and third colored LEDs. The control circuitry sequentially drives the first, second and third colored LEDs in a color cycle frame with relative duty cycles having a known relationship that achieves a color balance. The control circuitry also operates to introduce at least one spoke period in the color cycle frame, during which the first, second and third LEDs are driven in a manner that is controlled to provide brightness adjusting light that matches the color balance achieved by the relative duty cycles of the first, second and third LEDs during sequential driving thereof.

Abstract: A projector comprises a light source unit, a light guide element, a first focus element, a second focus element, a micromirror element and an image unit. The light source unit provides a light beam. The first focus element comprises a first focal length f1. The second focus element comprises a second focal length f2, wherein 2.0 < f 2 f 1 < 3.6 . The light beam travels from the light source unit, passing the light guide element, the first focus element, the second focus element and the micromirror element to the image unit.

Abstract: An electrically heated window intended to be fitted with an imaging device which views an object through a viewing area of the window. A resistance heating element comprises at least one electrically conductive wire extending across the viewing area a plurality of times along a plurality of arc-shaped path.

Abstract: An illuminated gauge for a vehicle instrument panel includes a single LCD having at least a first display configuration and a second display configuration different from the first display configuration. A pointer is selectively actuatable to operate within one of the first and the second display configurations. A selector is used to switch between the first and second display configurations.

Abstract: Various phosphorescence charging systems are provided for charging a phosphorescent wheel. The wheel is attached to the frame of a vehicle with nighttime or low light operation capability. The phosphorescence charging system directs electromagnetic radiation, such as ultraviolet light, onto phosphorescent portions of the wheel so as to cause subsequent phosphorescent emission therefrom.

Abstract: A backlight device includes a light guide plate opposed to fluorescent tubes, a diffusion sheet stacked on the light guide plate, and lens sheets further stacked on the diffusion sheet. A tip end of a corner portion of the diffusion sheet has a shape defined by removing a portion of the sheet along a straight line spanning between two sides constituting the corner portion. In first of the lens sheets, a tip end portion of a corner portion formed by two sides has a shape defined by removing a portion of the sheet in a larger amount than in the diffusion sheet by a circular arc which projects outward. In a second of the lens sheets, a tip end of a corner portion formed by two sides has a shape defined by removing a larger amount than in the first of the lens sheets along a straight line.

Abstract: It is an object to manufacture a highly reliable backlight device with less color unevenness and less luminance unevenness, and a high-performance and highly reliable display device including the backlight device, which can display a high quality image. A light emitting diode (LED) is used as a light source of a backlight device and thermoelectric elements are provided in a chassis for holding the light emitting diode so as to surround the light emitting diode (the thermoelectric elements are provided under the light emitting diode and on the four sides thereof). A temperature in the backlight device is adjusted by cooling and heating by the thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A lighted hair accessory includes a power source; one or more light emitting devices in electrical connection with the power source; and a switch interposed between the power source and the light emitting devices. A hair accessory configured to secure a bunch of hair is fitted with the power source, light emitting devices, and switch for the hair accessory to selectively display light by activating the switch.

Abstract: A hand held UV lamp and beam generator has resistive ballast provided by a glowing wire and thermal ballast provided by heated air coming via the same hot wire. A detachable reflector housing has curved symmetric spars in a generally parabolic shape defining an axis with an elongated axially lamp at a focal line. Heated air flows through the spars heating the lamp in a start mode and cooling the lamp in a run mode. The lamp and beam generator is made from electrical components found in a household hair dryer.

Abstract: A weapon mount tactical light trigger includes a mount for Picatinny rail to clamp to a shotgun or rifle, a light mount to clamp a tactical light, and a principle mount to joint both mounts with a trigger base fixed at the back. Components of the trigger base include a trigger to switch on/off the tactical light, a circular shaft to allocate the trigger on the trigger base and a fixing bolt to keep the trigger and switch of the light to stay connected under normal conditions. When a user presses the trigger with a finger, the trigger pivots on the circular shaft and exerts pressure to the switch of the tactical light. The structure design of the trigger base is according to the principle of leverage; via pressing the trigger, it exerts pressure to the switch to turn on/off the light; as the mechanism design of this creation avoids possible shortfall of wire conduction and enhance the performance stability of the tactical light.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a light channel disposed in a wall or door of a treatment chamber. A light source cooperating with the light channel is disposed outside of the treatment chamber and provides light beams along a first direction. First and second reflectors are disposed in the light channel to reflect respective portions of the light beams toward the treatment chamber so as to enter the treatment chamber through a transparent area in the wall or door. The second reflector extends further in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction, than the first reflector, such that the second portion of the light beams reaches the second reflector in an unhindered manner. The first and second reflectors have reflective surfaces thereon which are configured differently in the second direction and a third direction transverse to the first direction in order to prevent mutual shadowing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp structure. The lamp structure is mainly installed inside a cabinet, and by opening the cabinet door will enable the electrical circuit of the lamp structure to be a close circuit; vise versa, closing the cabinet door will result in the open circuit of the electrical circuit of the lamp structure. When the electrical circuit is a close circuit, the light emitting part of the lamp structure will generate light to illuminate the internal space of the cabinet so as clearly view the objects location in the cabinet.