Patents Issued in February 21, 2017
  • Patent number: 9573345
    Abstract: A composite of metal and resin is provided. The composite of metal and resin includes a metal piece and a resin piece, and the surface of the metal piece includes a number of micropores. Each micropore includes a first inclining hole and a second inclining hole, and the first inclining hole and the second inclining hole are disposed inclined with the surface of the metal piece. The first inclining hole and the second inclining hole are disposed symmetrical around an axis perpendicular to the surface of the metal piece, and communicate with each other on the surface of the metal piece. The resin piece is embedded to the micropores to combine with the metal piece. The bonding strength of the composite of metal and resin is increased. A method of manufacturing the composite of metal and resin is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kar-Wai Hon
  • Patent number: 9573346
    Abstract: A method for bonding glass components using an encapsulated photo-initiated optical adhesive, and the resulting glass assemblies produced by the same. A mixture containing a catalyst and a resin is provided where at least one of either the catalyst or the resin is encapsulated. The mixture is applied to a glass component. The encapsulated catalyst may then be exposed to ultraviolet light causing the capsules to release the portions contained therein and combine to form an adhesive. A second glass component is then placed on the adhesive so that the adhesive is interposed between the glass components and the adhesive is permitted to cure. Alternatively, the mixture may be exposed to UV light after the second glass component is placed. An exemplary method uses a frame with the first glass component to create a uniform thickness of adhesive and provide a low level of optical defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: MANUFACTURING RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: William Dunn, Michael LeCave
  • Patent number: 9573347
    Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomer compositions having a desirable soft touch feel to skin, and in particular grip, especially during wet, soapy and humid conditions. In one embodiment, the composition is part of a composite system, wherein the composition is connected, for example molded, overmolded or co-extruded to a substrate, such as a thermoplastic, glass or metal. The compositions and composites are suitable for use wherever desirable feel and grip are needed, such as handles or grips of household or industrial items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: TEKNOR APEX COMPANY
    Inventors: Kevin G. Cai, Darnell C. Worley, II, Gregory J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9573348
    Abstract: A multi-layer film structure suitable as a sealable sheet used for closing foodstuff containers with a peelable seal. This multi-layer film comprises a polyester substrate layer and a heat-sealable layer. The heat-sealable layer is applied by coextrusion and contains an epoxy-containing thermoplastic polymer composition comprising residues of epoxy-containing monomers selected from glycidyl methacrylate, glycidyl acrylate, allyl glycidyl ether, 3,4-epoxy-1-butene, and a mixture of any two or more of such monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.
    Inventor: Stefanos L. Sakellarides
  • Patent number: 9573349
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a multi-layered structure includes: a) a water-impermeable substrate; b) a first layer on at least one surface of the substrate comprising a water-based tie-layer composition; c) a second layer formed over the first layer, wherein the second layer is a water-based ink-receptive composition includes: i) a multivalent metal salt; and ii) a hydrophilic binder polymer; d) a third layer including at least one water-based ink composition deposited in a single pass by an inkjet printing process, wherein the water-based ink composition includes an anionically stabilized, water-dispersible pigment; and e) additional layers deposited over the one or more ink layers and exposed second layer, the additional layers selected from one or more of the following compositions: i) an opaque white layer; ii) a protective layer; and iii) an adhesive layer, further includes a continuous protective plastic or paper layer adhered thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Dannhauser, Douglas Eugene Bugner, David D. Putnam, Brian L Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 9573350
    Abstract: Applicator devices for applying a surface covering to a part and methods for applying a surface covering to a part are disclosed. Disclosed applicator devices may include an inflatable bladder and a support structure configured to position the inflatable bladder with respect to the part and/or a support surface on which the part is positioned. The inflatable bladder may be used to apply the surface covering to the part, and may be configured to apply a uniform pressure to the surface covering and part, regardless of surface topography. The inflatable bladder may include a cover material at least partially covering the external bladder surface, which may be configured to reduce friction between the inflatable bladder and the surface covering. Such applicator devices may be particularly useful for, for example, applying a decorative laminate to a honeycomb core panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Allen James Halbritter
  • Patent number: 9573351
    Abstract: A sheet sticking apparatus 10 includes holding means 13 provided so as to be capable of holding an adhesive sheet S, and sticking means 12 that sticks the adhesive sheet S to an adherend surface W0 of an adherend W. The sticking means 12 includes a first sticking portion 15 capable of sticking a part of the adhesive sheet S held by the holding means 13 to a first sticking surface by pressure, and a second sticking portion 16 that sticks portions of the adhesive sheet S that have not yet been stuck by using the first sticking portion 15 to second sticking surfaces by pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: LINTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yohei Horiguchi, Kosaku Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9573352
    Abstract: A metal substrate includes a first insulating substrate, a second insulating substrate, a first metal layer and a second metal layer. The first insulating substrate has a first modified surface and a second surface opposite to the first modified surface. The first metal layer faces the second surface. The second insulating substrate is bonded on the first modified surface, such that the first insulating substrate is between the second insulating substrate and the first metal layer. The second metal layer is disposed on a side of the second insulating substrate, such that the second insulating substrate is between the first modified surface and the second metal layer. An original surface roughness of the first modified surface has a variation substantially less than 10% after the first modified surface is released from the second insulating substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: AZOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hung-Jung Lee
  • Patent number: 9573353
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printed product comprises provision (210) of a matrix comprising a matrix surface having a plurality of recesses. A first curable compound is applied (212) to the matrix surface to fill the recesses with the compound. The matrix surface and the filled recesses are covered (220) by a pickup layer of a second curable compound. The matrix is brought (230) in contact with the substrate surface and the first curable compound and the second curable compound are cured (232). The matrix surface is separated (234) from the substrate surface, leaving the pickup layer and the first curable compound on the substrate surface. The pickup layer and the first curable compound are thus transferred (240) together from the matrix surface onto a substrate surface of a substrate sheet. The first curable compound forms printed product micro features at the pickup layer covering the substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rolling Optics AB
    Inventor: Axel Lundvall
  • Patent number: 9573354
    Abstract: A method including applying layers of multiple constituents where the constituents are capable of producing a non-equilibrium condition on the contacting surfaces of a ceramic matrix composite component and a gas turbine engine component where one outer coating includes a first constituent and the other outer coating includes a second constituent; forming a component assembly with the ceramic matrix composite component coupled to the gas turbine engine component with contact between the outer coatings; adding an energy to facilitate an equilibrium reaction between the first constituent of the first outer coating and the second constituent of the second outer coating; and as a result of adding the energy, forming a bond structure in the component assembly with a product of the equilibrium reaction where the bond structure affixes the ceramic matrix composite component to the gas turbine engine component between the first constituent and the second constituent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Lee Chamberlain, Andrew Joseph Lazur
  • Patent number: 9573355
    Abstract: A forming tool and method for its use with flat pre-preg composite laminate assemblies which incorporates a mandrel segmented into multiple forming blocks, the forming blocks sized to receive a draped composite laminate assembly with all portions of the composite laminate assembly spaced from a shaping surface on each block. A spline plate engages the shaping surface of the forming blocks to provide a neutral axis for maintaining the entire composite laminate assembly in tension during forming. In the exemplary embodiments, the draped composite laminate assembly is formed to the forming blocks from the flat composite laminate assembly and maintained in contact with the forming blocks using a vacuum bag. The mandrel forming blocks arc then displaced to a desired curvature on the spline plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul E. Nelson, Peter D. McCowin, Worm Lund
  • Patent number: 9573356
    Abstract: An information storage/readout device for use in a system for continuously manufacturing liquid-crystal display elements comprises an information storage medium which stores therein slitting position information created based on the position of a defect detected by an inspection of a continuous polarizing composite film included in a continuous optical film laminate including a continuous polarizing composite film formed with an adhesive layer and a continuous carrier film releasably laminated on the adhesive layer, to indicate defective-polarizing-sheet slitting positions defining a defective or defect-containing polarizing sheet, and normal-polarizing-sheet slitting positions defining a normal or defect-free polarizing sheet, in the continuous inspected optical film laminate, and a roll of the continuous inspected optical film laminate which is provided with an identification indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouji Kimura, Kazuo Kitada, Tomokazu Yura, Satoru Koshio, Fumihito Shimanoe, Takuya Nakazono
  • Patent number: 9573357
    Abstract: A portable one-piece foam frame for use in securing a screen and/or screen stencil film for use in an off-contact stenciling operation. The assembly includes a paper or release covering an adhesive on one side of the frame. A non-skid coating may be applied to the base of the frame to keep it from shifting or moving during a stenciling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Patricia G. Bordeaux
  • Patent number: 9573358
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for printing cans with different print patterns in the same production sequence, without it being necessary to interrupt the production. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a process for producing cans, which uses a printing device, the can produced by the device and process, and a transfer blanket that is a graphic means that influences the final print patterns of the cans to be printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN SOUTH AMERICA S.A.
    Inventors: Joao Vilas Boas, Jeffrey Lewis
  • Patent number: 9573359
    Abstract: A method and a device for producing and transferring diffractive microstructures to a printing material include applying a fluid to an embossing cylinder and there, during the rotation of the embossing cylinder, solidifying the fluid to such an extent that the fluid is transferred to a printing material in the manner of a film with a solidified microstructure. The embossing cylinder has a cover which is preferably constructed to be either soft as a “flexoshim” or hard as a “nickel shim.” A web-fed or sheet-fed rotary printing press having the device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Immanuel Fergen, Martin Schmitt-Lewen, Andreas Henn, Joachim Sonnenschein, Karl-Heinz Walther, Thorsten Euler, Martin Haas, Evgeny Kurmakaev, Marcel Mahner
  • Patent number: 9573360
    Abstract: An intermediate transfer member containing a thermally conductive nanofiller dispersed in a polymer base, a method of forming the intermediate transfer member, and a method of printing an image to a substrate using the intermediate transfer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Carolyn Moorlag, Barkev Keoshkerian, Yu Qi, Brynn Mary Dooley
  • Patent number: 9573361
    Abstract: An image-forming method includes a reaction solution-applying step of applying a reaction solution containing a thickening agent and a colorant-aggregating component aggregating a colorant in ink to an intermediate transfer medium, a first ink-applying step of applying a first ink to the intermediate transfer medium provided with the reaction solution, a second ink-applying step of applying a second ink to the intermediate transfer medium provided with the first ink, and a transfer step of transferring an intermediate image formed on the intermediate transfer medium provided with the second ink to a recording medium. An ink layer formed on the intermediate transfer medium by applying the first ink thereto has a yield value of 0.5 Pa or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinsuke Tsuji, Tsuyoshi Kanke, Takashi Imai, Yuichiro Kanasugi, Itaru Tsuji
  • Patent number: 9573362
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ink jet head includes a discharge section, a control section that has a first receiving section, a setting section, a second receiving section, and a determination section, and a voltage applying section. The first receiving section receives setting data for setting a command code value corresponding to a command. The setting section sets the command code value with respect to the command based on the setting data received by the first receiving section. The second receiving section receives command data including the command code value. The determination section determines the command indicated by the command code value included in the command data that is received by the second receiving section based on the command code value set by the setting section. The voltage applying section applies a voltage to the actuator based on the command that is determined by the determination section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shunichi Ono, Noboru Nitta, Teruyuki Hiyoshi
  • Patent number: 9573363
    Abstract: Provided are an ink jet recording apparatus and an abnormality detection method of an ejector which are capable of performing high-accuracy abnormality detection and suppressing the generation of excessive abnormality detection with respect to a required image quality. An ink jet recording apparatus (10) includes an ink jet head (20C, 20M, 20Y, 20K) having a plurality of ejectors, a medium transport unit (22), a calculation unit (34) that calculates an index value relevant to a droplet ejection amount for each ejector on the basis of printing data, a threshold determination unit (40) that determines a threshold for ejection abnormality determination for each ejector in accordance with the index value, a threshold storage unit (44) that stores the threshold determined for each ejector, and an abnormality determination unit (54) that determines the presence or absence of ejection abnormality by comparing the threshold with a measurement amount for each ejector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Kyoso, Katsuto Sumi, Jun Yamanobe
  • Patent number: 9573364
    Abstract: A head-driving method includes outputting, to a plurality of head modules arranged in a recording head, nozzle control data via a data bus, wherein the data bus is shared between the plurality of head modules with the data being switched sequentially every bit, setting the nozzle control data for each head module to be supplied via the data bus as nozzle data for each of the head modules at a timing depending on each of the head modules, and outputting a drive voltage signal to an ejection energy generating element configured to eject liquid in each of the head modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yuta Sumiyoshi
  • Patent number: 9573365
    Abstract: A liquid ejecting device includes a driving waveform signal generating circuit that generates a driving waveform signal, a modulation circuit that performs pulse modulation on the driving waveform signal to generate a modulation signal, a digital power amplifier that amplifies power of the modulation signal to generate a power amplification modulation signal in the form of a pulse wave, a filter that smoothes the power amplification modulation signal in the pulse wave to generate the driving signal, a connection cable that connects the filter to the capacitive load and is provided such that at least one of the filter and the capacitive load is detachable, a connection line information acquiring unit that acquires connection line information associated with the connection cable, and a frequency changing unit that changes a frequency when the modulation circuit performs the pulse modulation on the driving waveform signal, on the basis of the connection line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yoshino, Kunio Tabata, Atsushi Oshima, Noritaka Ide
  • Patent number: 9573366
    Abstract: There is provided a liquid discharging apparatus including: an original driving signal generation portion which generates an original driving signal based on a source signal; a driving signal generation portion which generates a driving signal based on the original driving signal; a reference voltage generation portion which generates a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage adjusted based on an adjustment signal, and supplies the voltage to the original driving signal generation portion; a piezoelectric element which is displaced as the driving signal is applied; a cavity; and a nozzle, and discharges the liquid inside the cavity as liquid droplets in accordance with the change in the internal volume of the cavity, in which adjustment resolution of the first reference voltage is lower than adjustment resolution of the second reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takafumi Sano
  • Patent number: 9573367
    Abstract: There is provided a liquid discharging apparatus including: an integrated circuit device; a transistor which generates an amplification modulation signal amplified from a modulation signal pulse-modulated from a source signal based on an amplification control signal; a low pass filter which demodulates the amplification modulation signal and generates a driving signal; and a piezoelectric element which is displaced as the driving signal is applied, in which the integrated circuit device includes a modulation portion which generates the modulation signal; a gate driver which generates the amplification control signal based on the modulation signal; and a charge pump circuit which supplies power to the gate driver, and is included in a package which has a first side and a second side that are adjacent to each other in a plan view, in which the package includes a plurality of package terminals, which are electrically connected to the charge pump circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hidekazu Uematsu
  • Patent number: 9573368
    Abstract: An inkjet nozzle device includes a resistive heater element for ejecting ink droplets through a nozzle opening. The resistive heater element includes: an aluminide layer having a native passivating oxide and a tantalum oxide layer disposed on the native passivating oxide of the aluminide layer. The tantalum oxide layer is a relatively thin layer, which may be deposited using atomic layer deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: MEMJET TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Angus John North, Christopher Saul Barton
  • Patent number: 9573369
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a fluid ejection device includes a die including a fluid feed slot that extends from a back side to a front side of the die, a firing chamber formed on the front side to receive fluid from the feed slot, a fluid distribution manifold adhered to the back side to provide fluid to the feed slot, and a corrosion-resistant layer coating the back side of the die so as not to extend into the feed slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Rio Rivas, Ed Friesen
  • Patent number: 9573370
    Abstract: A liquid ejection head includes a plurality of liquid ejection units, each including a plate-like piezoelectric element, a first substrate and a second substrate laid one on the other in this order, the units being laid one on the other. The first substrate defines a plurality of pressure chambers for storing liquid, each of the pressure chambers communicating with an ejection port for ejecting liquid. At least either the first substrate or the second substrate defines a first liquid chamber, the first liquid chamber being either one of a feed chamber for feeding liquid to the pressure chambers and a recovery chamber for recovering liquid from the pressure chambers. The second substrate defines a second liquid chamber, the second liquid chamber being the other one of the feed chamber and the recovery chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Sasagawa, Toru Nakakubo
  • Patent number: 9573371
    Abstract: Provided is a head including a channel formation substrate that is provided with a pressure generating chamber which communicates with a nozzle for ejecting a liquid, a piezo element, a driving circuit board that is bonded to the one surface side of the channel formation substrate, and a driving circuit for driving the piezo element. The piezo element and the driving circuit are electrically connected to each other via a bump which is provided on any one of the channel formation substrate and the driving circuit board. A holding portion that holds the piezo element is provided between the driving circuit board and the channel formation substrate. The holding portion is opened to an atmosphere through an atmosphere open passage which is provided to penetrate the driving circuit board in a direction in which the driving circuit board and the channel formation substrate are stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Hamaguchi, Eiju Hirai, Yoichi Naganuma, Motoki Takabe
  • Patent number: 9573372
    Abstract: A liquid ejection apparatus and method of manufacture are disclosed. One apparatus includes a piezoelectric element corresponding to a pressure chamber in a channel substrate, a trace corresponding to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric layer, a first electrode, a second electrode disposed on a surface of the piezoelectric layer on a side opposite the channel substrate, and a protective film covering the piezoelectric layer and the second electrode. The second electrode includes a lead-out portion that extends to an area over the channel substrate where the piezoelectric layer is not disposed, and a contact portion that is provided in the lead-out portion and that is exposed from the protective film in the area. The trace is connected to the second electrode at the exposed contact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Taiki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9573373
    Abstract: An ink manifold for use with a heater chip in an inkjet printhead, including a first planar surface and a second opposite planar surface, a plurality of ink channels located on the first planar surface of the ink manifold for supplying ink to the heater chip, and a plurality of ink ports located on the second opposite planar surface of the ink manifold, each of the plurality of ink ports being in liquid communication with a respective one of the plurality of ink channels, each of the plurality of ink channels having a bottom wall defined by bottom wall portions that rise from each ink port within the ink channel to a maximum height at an angle of at least 12 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Greg Long, Jamey Anderson, Brad Drews
  • Patent number: 9573374
    Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head having a nozzle formed surface on which a nozzle which is capable of ejecting a liquid towards a target is formed, a support portion which can support the target, a carriage which can reciprocate in a scanning direction with the liquid ejecting head held, and a maintenance section which is detachably mounted on a maintenance area outside the support portion in the scanning direction to perform maintenance on the liquid ejecting head, and in which, when the maintenance section is attached or detached, the carriage has the nozzle formed surface moving to a position facing the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiko Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 9573375
    Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting unit which has an opening face to which nozzles are open; a wiping member which can wipe off the opening face; and a movement mechanism which relatively moves the liquid ejecting unit and the wiping member in a wiping direction, in which as a wiping operation in which wiping of the opening face is performed by relatively moving the liquid ejecting unit and the wiping member at a speed, and it is possible to execute a movement operation in which the liquid ejecting unit and the wiping member are caused to relatively move in a state in which the liquid ejecting unit and the wiping member do not come into contact with each other at a speed higher than the speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masato Murayama
  • Patent number: 9573376
    Abstract: A waste liquid recovery apparatus includes a container body; a liquid absorbing body which is accommodated in the container body and absorbs liquid discharged as a waste liquid; and a sealing member which seals the container body, wherein a first space into which liquid is discharged from a liquid ejecting head and a second space which links with the outside through a ventilation hole formed in the sealing member are formed in a space closed by the container body and the sealing body, and the first space and the second space are connected with each other at the ventilation hole side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9573377
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a tank for holding a fluid for delivery to a printhead, the tank being open to the atmosphere. A manifold enables the fluid to flow from the tank to the printhead, a height of the manifold being lower than a level of the fluid in the tank when the fluid is flowing from the tank to the printhead. A siphon has a lower end of the siphon that is connectable to the manifold. An upper end of the siphon extends above the level of the fluid and is openable to the atmosphere. A height of a segment of the siphon between the upper end and the lower end is lower than the height of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Industrial Printing LTD.
    Inventors: Semion Gengrinovich, Ran Vilk, Lev Superfin
  • Patent number: 9573378
    Abstract: Devices and methods for refurbishing a used print cartridge for further use in a printing device are provided. An electronic patch is attached to a circuit on the used print cartridge. The electronic patch includes contact pads that are positioned to correspond to the location of contact pads on the circuit of the used print cartridge. The electronic patch also includes a control chip and an embedded memory array that replaces one or more functions of the memory on the used print cartridge, allowing the used print cartridge to be refilled with printing ink and reused in a printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: CLOVER TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Quinn, Steven D. Iocco
  • Patent number: 9573379
    Abstract: A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer has a ink filter tower portion that contains filtered ink and includes multiple, substantially parallel extending elements. Settling of ink in an ink filter tower could clog the printhead nozzles and lessen the print quality. Therefore, in order to prevent the settling of the ink in the ink filter tower of the present design, a free-floating weighted slider is installed within the ink filter tower. The weighted slider has a top bridging member and downward-pointing shafts that are movable within trenches formed between the extending elements. During a reciprocating motion of the printhead assembly, the slider moves in a direction opposite to the direction of the printhead assembly and thereby agitates the ink within the tower. In addition to sliding from side to side of the printhead assembly, the slider may also be designed to pivot about an upper axis as it moves to further agitate the ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sam Norasak, Shane McKinney, Richard Warner
  • Patent number: 9573380
    Abstract: A printer which is configured so that an ink tank which accommodates ink is fixed and a user can refill the ink tank with the ink, includes one pair of electrodes which are disposed in the ink tank and serve as sensors for detecting whether or not the ink is present at a predetermined height (first threshold value). A control portion which controls the printer performs liquid presence detection to detect whether or not the ink is present at the predetermined height (first threshold value) by using the sensors, and performs initial filling which corresponds to the result of the detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Ishida, Shuichi Koganehira, Ryohei Ito, Masaki Tsukida
  • Patent number: 9573381
    Abstract: An embodiment of this invention implements both suppression of occurrence of a print failure, and suppression of wasteful ink consumption along with bubble exhaust. Bubble sucking is performed as follows in a printing apparatus including a printhead in which a plurality of orifices are provided for discharging ink, an ink tank for supplying ink to the printhead through an ink channel, and a suction unit configured to suck ink from the orifices. A bubble is injected to the ink channel by using, for example, a pump and hollow needle. After injecting the bubble to the ink channel, the suction unit is operated to suck the injected bubble from the orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidehiko Kanda, Monta Matsui
  • Patent number: 9573382
    Abstract: A method of compensating for an inoperable inkjet in an inkjet printer that forms printed images with multiple drop sizes has been developed. The method includes identifying at least one neighboring pixel in a region of multi-bit halftoned image data around a pixel corresponding to the inoperable inkjet and modifying the at least one neighboring pixel to enable an inkjet that neighbors the inoperable inkjet to eject an ink drop during printing operation to compensate for the inoperable inkjet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Metcalfe
  • Patent number: 9573383
    Abstract: The test image is formed in accordance with input data in which a plurality of recording elements selected every N (an integer of 1 or more) pieces in a projected recording element group is indicated as a first recording element and a recording element that is not selected as the first recording element is indicated as a second recording element, the input data allowing: a first-stage pattern to be formed in a recording area of the second recording element in accordance with a second input gradation value; a recording position in the second direction to be sequentially changed; and the first recording element and the second recording element to be sequentially switched to form a second-stage pattern to an (N+1)-th-stage pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Ukishima
  • Patent number: 9573384
    Abstract: A thermal head includes: a substrate; a heat generating portion disposed on the substrate; a first electrode electrically connected to the heat generating portion; a driving IC which controls actuation of the heat generating portion; a first cover member which covers the driving IC; a connection member which is disposed on the substrate and has a connecting section electrically connected to a second electrode; and a second cover member which covers the connecting section and extends toward the first cover member. The second cover member includes a first portion and a second portion which is thinner than the first portion. The first portion is disposed next to the connection member. The second portion lies farther away from the connection member than the first portion, and includes an overlying part which overlies the first cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masashi Yoneta
  • Patent number: 9573385
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laser based printing apparatus (100) using laser light sources (111, 112, 113, 402, 404, 406, 604, 606, 808, 810) for supplying energy to a target object (120) to form an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Holger Moench, Stephan Gronenborn, Armand Pruijmboom
  • Patent number: 9573386
    Abstract: An object forming method executed by at least one processing unit for forming a three-dimensional shape on a surface of a material, the method including: generating height information specifying a height of the three-dimensional shape, so that the height of the three-dimensional shape in a protection area surrounding a symbol area subjected to symbols on the surface of the material is higher than the height of the three-dimensional shape in the symbol area on the surface of the material, the material is subjected to a design including the symbols on the surface; and forming the three-dimensional shape on the surface of the material based on the generated height information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshimune Motoyanagi
  • Patent number: 9573387
    Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a removal portion that removes attached materials attached to a printing surface by coming in contact with the printing surface of a printing medium; a pressing portion that presses the printing surface with which the removal portion is in contact; and a liquid ejecting portion that performs printing by ejecting a liquid with respect to the printing surface pressed by the pressing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoki Shinoda, Kazuyuki Fujioka, Keiji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9573388
    Abstract: A printing method uses a reaction liquid containing an aggregating agent capable of causing the aggregation of a color material. This printing method includes: applying a first reaction liquid to a recording medium; applying a background color ink that contains a color material for a background color to a region of the recording medium which is coated with the first reaction liquid; drying the recording medium coated with the background color ink by heating the recording medium; applying a second reaction liquid to a region of the dried recording medium which is coated with the background color ink; and applying an image forming ink that contains a color material having a color different from that of the background color ink to a region of the recording medium which is coated with the second reaction liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Katagami, Kazuaki Sakurada, Kazuya Tajima, Kazuyoshi Tanase, Yuichi Washio, Kentaro Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 9573389
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inkjet printing comprising the following steps, in order: (i) providing a hybrid inkjet ink comprising an organic solvent, a radiation-curable material, a photoinitiator and optionally a colorant; (ii) printing the ink on to a substrate; (iii) pinning the ink by exposing the ink to actinic radiation at a dose of 1-200 mJ/cm2; (iv) evaporating at least a portion of the solvent from the ink; and (v) exposing the ink to additional actinic radiation to cure the ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sericol Limited
    Inventors: Nigel Gould, Jeremy Ward, Robert Augustus Fassam, Barry McGregor
  • Patent number: 9573390
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a medium supporting portion that supports a recording target medium, and an electromagnetic wave irradiator that emits electromagnetic waves onto the recording target medium on the medium supporting portion and dries ink present on the recording target medium using the electromagnetic waves. In the recording apparatus, the medium supporting portion has a thermal conductivity of equal to or higher than 0.057 w/(m·K) and equal to or lower than 2.2 w/(m·K).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuneyuki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9573391
    Abstract: A printing system includes a media transport system configured to transport a web of print media through a printing zone at a transport speed in a transport direction proceeding from up-web to down-web. A plurality of printheads each at least spanning the print zone and each configured to eject a radiation-curable ink. At least one PIN is unit positioned between two of the printheads relative the transport direction and configured to emit radiation onto the print media to partially cure the ink emitted by a printhead that is up-web from the PIN unit. A controller controls a power level of the PIN unit so that the radiative power level of the PIN unit decreases as the transport speed increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: APS Engineering
    Inventors: Zeying Ma, Jaren Dayle Marler
  • Patent number: 9573392
    Abstract: In a method to operate an ink printing apparatus, and in an ink printing apparatus, a recording medium is directed through a printer. The recording medium is subsequently supplied to a dryer having at least one heating saddle and a drying channel arranged at the heating saddle. In the dryer the recording medium is directed past the heating saddle. A negative pressure is generated in the drying channel via an air exhaust arranged at one end of the drying channel. In the printing operation, in a region of the heating saddle a negative pressure is exerted on the recording medium in a direction of the heating saddle so that the heating saddle is then in contact with the recording medium in order to dry the ink on the recording medium. Upon interruption of the printing operation with braking of the recording medium, the negative pressure in the direction of the heating saddle is deactivated at a beginning of the braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Océ´ Printing Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mehrad Biglari, Robert Heimbach
  • Patent number: 9573393
    Abstract: An inkjet printer system includes a porous printing table and thereunder a vacuum chamber that may be divided into sub-vacuum chambers by a movable vacuum divider and a brush attached to prevent contamination and vacuum leakages in the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: AGFA GRAPHICS NV
    Inventor: Luc De Roeck
  • Patent number: 9573394
    Abstract: A printing mechanism having an engaging body that is rotatable between an engaging position, in which it retains a printing roller in a position facing a thermal printing head, and a disengaging position wherein it enables the printing roller to be removed; a reversible drive shaft rotating in one direction rotates the printing roller and rotating in the opposite direction moves the engaging body to the disengaging position, owing to a unidirectional joint that connects the drive shaft to the engaging body only when the drive shaft rotates in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: CUSTOM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Campanini