Records Distinguishable By Color Patents (Class 346/46)
  • Patent number: 10754075
    Abstract: An indicator light assembly includes a lightguide with a plurality of light directing optical devices each having a light receiving end, a sidewall, and a light emitting end coupled to each other to form a ring-shaped light exit surface; and a plurality of light sources positioned at the light receiving ends, such that light from the light sources enters the light receiving ends and is directed towards the light exit surface by the sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Kyle Proctor
  • Patent number: 10596835
    Abstract: In an example, a print head includes a nozzle, a fluid channel to provide printing fluid to the nozzle and a Light Emitting Diode (LED). The LED may emit light to heat printing fluid in the fluid channel causing localised vaporisation of the printing fluid and ejection of a fluid drop through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: HP SCITEX LTD.
    Inventor: Alex Veis
  • Patent number: 9609178
    Abstract: A color image processing device uses a dither pattern of blocks, each including a plurality of dots representing the gradations of each pixel of an image in a prescribed print region. The dots including one block are arranged in a growth sequence in the ascending order of gradation, and print data is written sequentially at the dots the number of which corresponds to the gradation associated with the block. An extracting unit extracts a data region holding the color components from the print data. A dither processing unit generates dither patterns for the color components extracted by the extracting unit. The dither processing unit detects whether one or more of the dots including each of the pixels forming the image are outside the data region, and moves any dot outside the data region to a certain dot including the same pixel and existing in the data region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD., NISCA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsuhisa Ashizawa
  • Patent number: 9586418
    Abstract: A recording position control device includes head units, edge sensors, head movers, a controller, and a timer. The controller performs an original-point determination operation of moving the head units to an original point and to control the head movers to move the head units in a direction to correct meandering of a recording medium. The controller performs a second round of the original-point determination operation after performing a first round of the original-point determination operation. The timer measures, as a measurement time period, a time period from when the controller issues an execution command of the second round to when the controller receives a completion status of the second round. In a case in which the measurement time period is equal to or shorter than a first threshold time period, the controller determines that the original-point determination operation of the head units has failed to be normally executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Tobita
  • Patent number: 9296231
    Abstract: In a printing apparatus, print position shift caused by a posture change of a print head is appropriately reduced irrespective of causes of the posture change. Specifically, a test pattern is printed, and then, an inclination of a carriage is calculated based on the read result. On this test pattern appears, for example, not only landing position shift caused by the rolling posture change of the carriage but also synthesized position shift caused by a plurality of kinds of posture changes of the carriage. That is to say, on the test pattern to be printed can appear synthesized position shift caused by a plurality of kinds of posture changes occurring on a print head at this time. The posture of the carriage is corrected in such a manner as to suppress the synthesized position shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoya Teraji
  • Patent number: 8489350
    Abstract: An RF test and measurement device, including a front end for receiving a time-varying signal and a real-time engine for generating digital frequency domain spectrums based on the time-varying signal. The device also includes a memory subsystem containing a frequency domain bitmap which is updated through sequential receipt and storage of the digital frequency domain spectrums. The real time engine is further configured to monitor the frequency domain bitmap for occurrence of a signal characteristic, and in response to detection of the signal characteristic, cause a capture of the time-varying signal into a storage location of the RF test and measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathryn A. Engholm, Edward C. Gee, Alfred K. Hillman, Jr., David Eby
  • Patent number: 8376516
    Abstract: A method enables changes in the operation of a web printing system in response to web dimensional changes being detected. The method includes identifying a cross-process dimensional change in a web moving through a printing system, comparing the identified cross-process dimensional change to a predetermined threshold, and changing operation of a component in the web printing system in response to the cross-process dimensional change exceeding the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: R. Enrique Viturro, Howard A. Mizes
  • Patent number: 8248656
    Abstract: A pattern printing system and data processing method thereof are disclosed, which are suitable for printing patterns on printed circuit boards or data format rearrangement printing used in displays. The pattern printing method includes a process for interpreting scription data into matrix data, a procedure for modulating the print head resolution and the printing resolution, a procedure for interpreting and transmitting data commands, a procedure for rearranging memory data, and a procedure for firing data synchronously so as to achieve high-resolution printing and to continuously modulate any print data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chih-Jian Lin, Chia-Ming Chang, Gian-Hung Liu, Chih-Hsuan Chiu, Yung-Kuo Ho, Hung-Pin Shih, Chieh-Yi Huang, Chao-Kai Cheng
  • Patent number: 7423662
    Abstract: A personal video recorder (PVR) includes a “bookmark” feature with which a user can specify and capture segments of an audiovisual program, for example, a television broadcast, that contain information or content that the user wishes to record for later access. A dedicated button on the PVR or a remote control sends a “bookmark” command to the PVR which causes it to record a predetermined number of proceeding and following seconds of the program content. The preceding video signal is taken from a buffer in the PVR, with succeeding video being recorded as it is passed through the PVR to a connected television set. Each captured clip is indexed and labeled for subsequent retrieval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Allan Unger
  • Publication number: 20040268397
    Abstract: A system and methods provide handling of variable rate playback in a multimedia computer architecture. The systems and methods provide data structures and interfaces that enable a computer architecture and components therein with the ability to playback data at speeds faster and slower than real-time, to playback data in reverse, and to change the rate of playback at any point during playback. One embodiment is a method for providing low-latency, glitch-free changes in a multimedia architecture. Other embodiments are directed to defining multimedia component responsibilities for making rate changes, allowing rate changes to work with standard playback types, coder-decoders, and renderers. The methods include determining a minimum of the maximum reported playback rates and determining minimum and maximum playback rates in a set of modes including: reverse skip mode, reverse key frame mode, reverse full mode, forward full mode, forward key frame mode, and forward skip mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Dunbar, Kirt Debique, Glenn F. Evans, Robin C. B. Speed, Stephen Rowe, Rebecca C. Weiss, Matthijs Gates
  • Publication number: 20010000966
    Abstract: A direct heat-sensitive recording method and device using a light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material in which are layered on a support a heat-sensitive recording layer and at least one light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer, which have heat recording sensitivities higher than a heat recording sensitivity of the heat-sensitive recording layer and which are fixed by electromagnetic waves of respectively different wavelengths, each layer of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material developing to a respectively different color, including: an exposing device for deactivating imagewise each of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers corresponding to respective colors by modulating light amounts of electromagnetic waves having respectively different wavelengths and illuminating the electromagnetic waves onto the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer; and a heat recording device for developing the heat-sensitive recording layer imagewise and developing undea
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventors: Mitsuru Sawano, Toshimasa Usami
  • Patent number: 5960161
    Abstract: In an ink-jet printing apparatus, an arrangement of logic gates disposed between a source of rasterized image signals and printing hardware allows real-time conversion of CMYK image signals for application to an ink-jet printhead which is capable of CMY, RGB, and process and pure black outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Bloomberg, Jefferey J. Gauronski
  • Patent number: 5929873
    Abstract: A chart recorder method and apparatus wherein a recording head records a plurality of different colored line segments on a recording medium, a head drive moves the recording head and the recording medium reciprocally relative to each other in a scanning direction, a recording medium drive moves the recording medium and the recording head relative to each other in a sub-scanning direction, a component receives a plurality of signals to be recorded on the recording medium as a corresponding plurality of traces to be recorded by the recording head, and a control circuit controls the recording head so that at least one of the traces is formed by line segments which change color cyclically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: ABB Kent-Taylor Limited
    Inventor: Umar Qureshi
  • Patent number: 5689737
    Abstract: Light source 1 is mounted to camera body 10 via supporting member 2. The image from optical system 11 is recorded on the film inside photo-taking frame 12. The light beam from the light source is recorded in an area outside the photo-taking frame as its brightness or wavelength or both are made to change over time. Image processing is conducted at the time of development based on this recorded data in the area outside the photo-taking frame so that the information pertaining to shaking may be canceled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Kanbara
  • Patent number: 5572240
    Abstract: This chart recorder with n or m (n, m=1, 2, 3, . . . ) measuring channels, one for each of n or m measurement signals to be recorded, has a printing device (5) or m continuous-line recording devices (31, 32) which produces/produce n equal colored dot sequences (8), each associated with one of the n measurement signals, or continuous lines (8', 8") each associated with one of the m measurement signals, as measurement curves on a recording medium (4, 4') moving past it/them. Those portions (81; 81', 81") of the dot sequences or continuous lines which are currently being formed lie behind a covering portion (51, 51') formed by the printing device (5) or the continuous-line recording devices (31, 32) and/or by other components of the chart recorder, and are invisible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Endress +Hauser Wetzer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5440327
    Abstract: The invention is a polychromatic pen cartridge for recording device such as a color plotter, or printer, for recording a color image on a recording m edium. The color image is characterized by a line width. The invention has tapered tubular lumens with plural hollow elongate lumens. The tubular lumens have a tip end facing the recording medium and spanning a distance on the recording medium on the order of the line width. Each of the lumens has an opening at the tip end and a large input opening at the other end. A plurality of separate ink reservoirs are connected to corresponding ones of the lumens at the input openings thereof. There are also valving apparatus for individually controlling ink flow from each of the ink reservoirs to a respective one of the lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: CalComp Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne R. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5409797
    Abstract: A heat-sensitive recording material for laser recording is provided including a support having thereon a heat-sensitive layer including at least a first substantially colorless coloring component, a second substantially colorless coloring component which reacts with the first substantially colorless coloring component to develop a color, and an infrared-absorbing dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Hosoi, Masao Yabe, Naoto Yanagihara
  • Patent number: 5293184
    Abstract: A graphic recording method and a graphic recording apparatus capable of dealing with the multi-channel measurement data involving quick and minute changes, without causing a trouble in accurate reading of the recorded data, in a simple and compact configuration. In the apparatus, the multi-channel measurement data are recorded by plotting a monochromatic continuous line for each channel of the multi-channel measurement data on a recording paper; and a channel discrimination mark having a distinctive color is plotted, with respect to each monochromatic continuous line, at a regular interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Kiminori Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 5291216
    Abstract: A simple chart recorder is described of the type which includes a strip of pressure-markable chart paper, which includes two pressure marking styluses that create traces that can be readily distinguished from one another. Each stylus has a horizontal inner portion (80, FIG. 2 ) that extends largely parallel to chart paper movement and a vertical outer portion (88), with the first stylus having an inner portion lying above the second stylus and having an outer portion lying further downpath than the second stylus. One of the styluses includes a blue pencil lead (92) whose point creates a pressure-marked trace part (116, FIG. 3 ) as well as blue lines (120, 122) on opposite sides of the trace part. Another stylus includes a wheel (180, FIG. 6) with a plurality of points spaced about its periphery to produce a multipoint trace (172). Another stylus includes two closely-spaced tips (200, 202, FIG. 7 ) that form a doubleline trace (208). Another stylus has a tip with a large radius of curvature (R1, FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Transit Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Gill
  • Patent number: 5288586
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus for exposing light-sensitive recording medium through a superposed image original, the exposure apparatus comprising at least one light source, an element transmissive to actinic radiation emitted from the light source positioned between the light source and the image original, the element capable of holding the image original against the heat-developable light-sensitive recording medium, and at least one interference filter disposed between the light source and the image original during exposure. The invention is further directed to an image forming process using the exposure apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5270732
    Abstract: A chart recorder is disclosed which has n (n=1, 2, 3, . . . ) measuring channels, one for each of n measurement signals to be recorded, a printing device (5) which produces n isochromatic dot sequences (8) as curves each associated with one of the n measurement signals on a recording medium (4) moving past it, and 1 to n writing devices (9) for 1 to n different colors which overwrite or underwrite one or more of the dot sequences (8), at least in sections, with a continuous line (10) of another one of the n colors which follows the measurement signal of the respective channel, or a color-printing device (15) for 1 to n different colors which marks selected dots of each curve with dots (18) of another one of the n colors. Thus, the n dot sequences (8) are clearly distinguishable one from the other, particularly at curve intersections, and additional functions, such as alarm markings, can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Wetzer GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Kalteis, Dieter Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5252992
    Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus wherein an image is formed on a recording material by ejection of coloring agents having different colors from plural recording heads. The apparatus includes a discriminator for discriminating whether an image having a edge and an image having high image density are to be overlaid or not; and a controller, responsive to the discriminator, for exchanging a primary coloring agent with a secondary coloring agent at a position corresponding to at least one of the edge image and a periphery of the edge image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisashi Fukushima, Nobuhiko Takekoshi, Akio Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5167456
    Abstract: A color thermal printer has a character printing thermal head and a half-tone color image printing thermal head. The character printing thermal head records a black character on an image receiving sheet by heating the back surface of a black ink film. The half-tone color image printing thermal head records a color image on the image receiving sheet by heating the back surface of a color ink film having at least cyan, magenta, and yellow ink areas cyclically formed thereon. A heating element of the thermal head of conventional size is used for character printing, and a heating element with a smaller width than that of a conventional thermal head in the sub scan direction is used for half-tone color image printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Murakoshi, Masamichi Sato
  • Patent number: 5160942
    Abstract: A serial type thermal printer for printing while moving a carriage. The printer includes two thermal heads mounted on the carriage and arranged axially of a platen roller. Two ink film cassettes are arranged side by side on the carriage to be associated with the two thermal heads, respectively. A two-direction printing is effected where one of the thermal heads is pressed upon the platen roller during a forward movement of the carriage and the other head is pressed upon the platen roller during a backward movement thereof. A two-color or multicolor printing is carried out without changing the ink film cassettes where the cassettes contain ink films of different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasukuni Omata, Yoshinori Osamura
  • Patent number: 5063392
    Abstract: An improvement is provided for printer such as the dot matrix or thermal type, in which the printhead is stepped across the paper over a multicolor ribbon supplied from a pivotally mounted cartridge and transported through a plane between the line of traverse of the printhead and the surface of the paper. The ribbon is guided by guiding surfaces positioned on each side of the printhead, close to the printhead, and mounted to move with the printhead across the paper so that the guide surfaces will guide the path the ribbon takes to one which passes between the printhead and the paper with the guide being moveable in steps in a direction normal to the traverse of the printhead and parallel to the plane of the ribbon so as to position a selected color band of the ribbon under the printhead to select the color to be printed as the printhead traverses the paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Carr, Charles R. Scally, Bill M. McClennen, Michael D. Carney, George Volkodav, Thomas J. Walsh
  • Patent number: 5021808
    Abstract: A laser actuated image recording apparatus having an ink retaining layer. Concentrated light is projected towards a flexible film ink retaining layer so as to heat ink contained thereon and cause bubbles to form in the ink. The bubbles burst and propel ink droplets towards a recording member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Mitsuaki Kohyama
  • Patent number: 4994823
    Abstract: A thermal document printer uses a row of rolling-ball ink dispensers to produce a color stripe on the thermally sensitive surface of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Miltope Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Pandolfi
  • Patent number: 4959659
    Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for forming a color picture, which can provide sufficiently satisfactory picture quality and which can be made practicable in terms of cost and reliability utilizes colorants having a plurality of different densities with respect to at least one color among yellow, magenta and cyan provided to form a color picture. Assuming that the number of densities of each color of yellow, magenta and cyan is respectively N.sub.Y, N.sub.M and N.sub.C, the magnitude relation among them is set to be N.sub.M, N.sub.C >N.sub.Y.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Nobuaki Sakurada, Hideaki Kawamura
  • Patent number: 4956652
    Abstract: A pen exchange mechanism is disclosed, by which a plurality of pen chuck mechanisms holding pens on a carriage are disposed, and a slider is engaged with the carriage at a position corresponding to a pen, which should print, among said pens, printing being effected while driving a pen chuck mechanism at a position corresponding to the slider together with the pen by means of a pen driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Onozato
  • Patent number: 4896170
    Abstract: A graphic recording system includes a pen carriage supporting a plurality of pen shuttles which support a plurality of recording pens in a linear array together with means for moving the pen carriage in a carriage path. A rotary actuation system is supported by and operative to engage selected ones of the pen shuttles to move a selected one of the recording pens into contact with the recording media. The rotary actuating system is operated by an elongated actuator beam supported in parallel with the carriage path and coupled to the rotary actuating system. A brake within the rotary actuator is operative to engage the actuator beam and permit alignment of the rotary actuator with a selected pen shuttle within the pen carriage array by movement of the pen carraige. Each recording pen is secured to its respective pen shuttle by a bayonet mounting system such that the recording pens are secured to the pen shuttles in a twist-lock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: AM International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Niemeyer, III
  • Patent number: 4894665
    Abstract: In a low resolution color printer having a color set, a set of shaded colors is generated thereby expanding the color set of the printer. The method for generating the shaded colors determines if a critical line is to be printed. Then a check is made to determine if a shaded color is to be printed. If a pattern of a shaded color is to be printed, including a non-critical line, a first algorithm is used to generate a print buffer by interspersing a dark (quasi-black) colored pixel among the colored pixels, the blending effect resulting in a shaded color. If a critical line of a shaded color is to be printed, a second algorithm is utilized (to overcome a deficiency of the first algorithm) to insure an interspersing of the dark pixels with colored pixels. Otherwise, the pattern is printed in the designated color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Randall L. Davis
  • Patent number: 4884080
    Abstract: A color image printing apparatus prints one pixel by superposing a predetermined dots of three colors within a 3.times.3 dot matrix in accordance with a density of the pixel. The positions of the printed dots within the dot matrix are stored as a dot pattern for each color. One dot pattern is used for each of a plurality of densities included in one density range. The printing energy for each of the dots included in the dot pattern is controlled in accordance with the density level of the pixel. The dot pattern is different for each color and three dot patterns are stored for each color and for each density range. These three dot patterns are repeatedly used for every three pixels which are continuous in the horizontal direction. These three dot patterns have two or three texture directions. The texture direction other than the vertical direction is different for each color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shuzo Hirahara, Hitoshi Nagato, Kazuhiko Higuchi, Kiyoshi Yamada, Tadayoshi Ohno, Tsutomu Kanai, Toshikazu Matsui
  • Patent number: 4878063
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and correcting misregistration of color separation planes in a multicolor printing process include the functions of: (i) printing on a test sheet, with a first color printing subsystem, a first array of M parallel lines which are uniformly spaced N adjustment steps apart and (ii) printing on the same test sheet with a second color printing subsystem, a second array of M parallel lines, which are uniformly spaced N+1 adjustment steps apart and which are predeterminedly juxtaposed, with respect to the lines of the first line array, so that when registration is correct, base registration lines of the first and second arrays are aligned.Upon visually inspecting the alignment of marks on said first and second line series, the operator can effect automated position shifting of the second subsystems printout color plane in an amount and direction based on which juxtaposed mark pair of said two arrays are in best alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: James A. Katerberg
  • Patent number: 4873538
    Abstract: A rotary action graphic recording system includes a pen carriage supporting a linear array of moveable pen shuttle assemblies each of which support recording pens together with means for moving the pen carriage in a carriage path. Rotary actuation means are supported by and operative upon the pen carriage to engage selected ones of the recording pens for movement into contact with the recording media. The rotary actuating means are operated by an elongated actuator beam supported in parallel with the carriage path and coupled to the rotary actuating means. Brake means within the rotary actuator are provided which are operative to engage the actuator beam and permit alignment of the rotary actuator with a selected pen within the pen carriage array by movement of the pen carriage. The moveable pen shuttle assemblies are slideably captivated within pen channels formed in the pen carriage and are supported by interposed bearings. Spring returns bias the pen shuttle assemblies to their nonrecording positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: AM International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Niemeyer, III
  • Patent number: 4864328
    Abstract: In the embodiments of the invention described in the specification, a four-color ink jet printer includes a transport mechanism for conveying a record medium in one direction and an ink jet head containing a black ink nozzle array and a primary color ink nozzle array for scanning the record medium in a transverse direction while projecting drops of ink onto the record medium. A control unit provides two printing speeds in which either high-quality or high-speed printing can be accomplished. For high-speed printing all of the nozzles of both arrays are used, and for high-quality printing one-third of the nozzles in the black ink array and all of the nozzles in the primary color ink nozzle array are used and the record medium is transported at one-third the rate used for high-speed printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Spectra, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Fischbeck
  • Patent number: 4857941
    Abstract: A recording device for thermal color recording of a medium having two color coupler layers on one side and another color coupler layer on the other side of a transparent support. The layer on the side with two layers and having the higher heat sensitivity is first thermally imaged and then optically fixed. Thereafter, the remaining layer on that side and the layer on the other side are thermally imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Kaida
  • Patent number: 4849771
    Abstract: An improvement to graphics pen plotters including a pen gripping mechanism for gripping a cylindrical bodied pen in a generally vertical orientation for sensing the presence and type of a pen in the gripping mechanism with a single sensor. There is a multi-channel sensor adapted for producing and sensing a plurality, "n+1", of parallel light beams disposed one above the other to produce a binary number at an output thereof indicating the ones of the light beams sensed by the sensor. The sensor is disposed to shine the light beams at a position past which the pen is moved by the gripping mechanism. There is also a cylindrical reflective surface disposed about a portion of the body of the pen so as to be struck by the light beams when the pen is being gripped by the gripping mechanism at the position and reflect the light beams back towards the sensor to be sensed thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Sanders Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: James Lawrence, Aftab H. Kapadya
  • Patent number: 4843406
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for sensing whether a pen is in the grasp of a pen claw of a drawing arm or a plotter or other graphics mechanism. More specifically, the present invention comprises a pen claw movable between an upward position and an downward writing position, the pen claw being connected to a detector which detects both upward and the downward movements of the pen claw. The pen is provided with an annular ring extending therefrom and the plotter mechanism has a stop provided thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Enter Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Murray, John White, George K. Branner
  • Patent number: 4837584
    Abstract: System for requiring the contemporaneous application of time clock data and personal data to a time card to prevent or signal the fraudulent application of either type of data at a time which is substantially different from the other type of data, i.e., by up to about 15 minutes. The present system includes the use of time cards having at least one color-forming chemical which may be in the form of a discontinuous coating, time clock transfer elements which may be coated with at least one complimentary color-forming chemical, pre-application of a liquid coating to the data-receiving area of the time card, which liquid coating permits the desired color-forming reaction only while it is liquid and which dries under ambient conditions before about 15 minutes, and the use of a signature-applying implement containing a special ink including at least one color-forming chemical and/or a mixture thereof with a transparent dye or pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Leedall Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Sharkey, Robert T. Emerson
  • Patent number: 4833490
    Abstract: In a device for exhanging objects, in particular writing instruments, between two holders (4, 5) open on one side, in which the object (6) is retained at least in one holder (4) by the cooperation of two retaining elements, one of which is a permanent magnet and the other is a ferromagnetic element. The retaining element provided in the one holder (4) is connected to a raceway mechanism and in the retaining position is disposed at least near the receiving zone of the holder (4), and in the separating position is located farther away from the receiving zone of the holder (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph, Inc.
    Inventor: Reinhard Zur
  • Patent number: 4833488
    Abstract: The ink jet method and thermal copying method have been developed as the method of obtaining hard copies in colors from terminals of data systems such as a computer. This inventive thermal recording apparatus can produce copies of clear images without color blurs or mixtures on multi-color heat-sensitive recording materials having a color developing mechanism which allows color development in desired hues. This invention recording head is small in size and low in cost, achieving recording of clear images without color blur at a higher speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Mizutani, Jun Yamaguchi, Tadashi Miyakama
  • Patent number: 4827293
    Abstract: A symmetrical braking system for a graphic recorder includes a generally cylindrical brake support supported by a carriage drive and having a combination of cam surfaces. A brake rotor is rotatable supported upon the brake support and defines an arrangement of captivating notches which receive a pair of brake shoes in an overlying arrangement. Bearing means are coupled to each of the brake shoes and are driven by the cam surfaces of the brake support. A coupling arrangement is secured to the brake rotor and provides a coupling for rotational forces between the brake rotor and an actuator beam extending through the brake structure. Rotational forces applied to the actuator beam are coupled to the brake rotor and the bearing means cooperate with the cam surfaces to move the brake shoes into or out of engagement with the actuator beam as a function of rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: AM International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Niemeyer, III
  • Patent number: 4812858
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a mechanism for incrementally rotating a plotter carousel holding a plurality of pens around its perimeter. The rotational increments of the carousel are spaced to present any of the plurality of pens to a drawing arm on the plotter, or other graphics. A non-servo, non-stepper electric motor, such as a DC motor commonly used in slot cars, provides the rotational power to rotate the carousel. A control device switches the motor on or off with an output connected to the base of a driver connected between the power supply and the motor. The motor, when on, rotates an incremental indexing mechanism that in turn rotates the carousel in increments, each increment being a fraction of one full rotation. A switch is provided which detects that the carousel has been rotated one increment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Enter Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Murray
  • Patent number: 4779104
    Abstract: A pen type sensor for use in a graphics pen plotter wherein plotter pens are moved along a pre-established path between a pen holding area and a plotting area for reading a plurality of vertically oriented reflective indicia positions thereon to create a binary logic output signal representative of the pen type. There is a hollow body member having a pair of angled front surfaces. Light emitting apparatus is associated with one of the pair of angled front surfaces for directing a light beam to simultaneously strike the indicia positions at a point on the path of pen movement. A plurality of light detectors are associated with the other of the pair of angled front surfaces for receiving on respective sensing surfaces thereof the light beam as it is reflected by reflective indicia on a pen at respective ones of the positions and for creating respective bi-stable output signals reflecting the presence and absense of reflected light on the sensing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Sanders Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: James Lawrence, Aftab H. Kapadya
  • Patent number: 4775868
    Abstract: A recording apparatus with plural recording units, such as an ink jet printer with plural ink jet recording heads, in which the number of flexible cables and the number of signal lines for driving the plural recording units are reduced by the common use of said signal lines for plural recording units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Susumu Sugiura
  • Patent number: 4772911
    Abstract: An image formation apparatus such as an ink-jet color printer has a head selection controller, a dither processor, and a selection switch for selecting the head selection controller or the dither processor. Dither processing or analog processing can be selected to reproduce any type of image with excellent quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Nobuaki Sakurada, Hideaki Kawamura
  • Patent number: 4763140
    Abstract: A rotary action graphic recording system includes a pen carriage supporting a plurality of recording pens in a linear array together with means for moving the pen carriage in a carriage path. Rotary actuation means are supported by and operative upon the pen carriage to engage selected ones of the recording pens for movement into contact with the recording media. The rotary actuating means are operated by an elongated actuator beam supported in parallel with the carriage path and coupled to the rotary actuating means. Brake means within the rotary actuator are provided which are operative to engage the actuator beam and permit alignment of the rotary actuator with a selected pen within the pen carriage array by movement of the pen carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: AM International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Niemeyer, III
  • Patent number: 4757330
    Abstract: In a pen pressure device including a carriage, a pen axially movably supported to the carriage in such a manner that a front end of the pen is opposed to a paper, a pen pressure spring for biasing the pen toward the paper, a return spring for biasing the pen in a direction apart from the paper; the improvement comprises a hammer mounted on the carriage and adapted to be biased by the pen pressure spring having a spring force greater than that of the return spring to thereby urge the pen, and a cam member for moving the hammer to a retracted position where the pen is not urged by the hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Alps Electrical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Onozato
  • Patent number: 4754288
    Abstract: In a multi-position graphics plotter pen carousel system employing a pen capping mechanism therein at each pen position for capping and uncapping pens held by the carousel, an improvement for allowing the sensing of pen presence at the pen positions and the indexing of the carousel with a single sensor. Each pen capping mechanism is adapted to assume a first position with a pen in the pen position and assume a second position with no pen in the pen position. A plurality of first sensible attributes are associated with respective ones of the pen capping mechanisms for exhibiting a first characteristic when a pen is contained at the associated pen position and for exhibiting a second characteristic when no pen is contained at the pen position. A plurality of second sensible attributes are associated with respective ones of the pen positions for constantly exhibiting the first characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: CalComp, Inc.
    Inventor: James Lawrence
  • Patent number: 4734704
    Abstract: The ink jet method and thermal copying method have been developed as the method of obtaining hard copies in colors from terminals of data systems such as a computer. The inventive thermal recording apparatus can produce copies of clear images without color blurs or mixtures on multi-color heat-sensitive recording materials having a color developing mechanism which allows color development in desired hues. This invention recording head is small in size and low in cost, achieving recording of clear images without color blur at a higher speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Mizutani, Jun Yamaguchi, Tadashi Miyakama