Drop-on-demand Patents (Class 347/54)
  • Publication number: 20110148988
    Abstract: A system for ejecting droplets of a fluid is described. The system includes a substrate having a flow path body that includes a fluid pumping chamber, a descender fluidically connected to the fluid pumping chamber, and a nozzle fluidically connected to the descender. The nozzle is arranged to eject droplets of fluid through an outlet formed in an outer substrate surface. The flow path body also includes a recirculation passage fluidically connected to the descender. The system for ejecting droplets of a fluid also includes a fluid supply tank fluidically connected to the fluid pumping chamber, a fluid return tank fluidically connected to the recirculation passage, and a pump fluidically connecting the fluid return tank and the fluid supply tank. In some implementations, a flow of fluid through the flow path body is at a flow rate sufficient to force air bubbles or contaminants through the flow path body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Paul A. Hoisington, Mats G. Ottosson, Tadashi Kyoso, Kanji Nagashima
  • Patent number: 7963634
    Abstract: A liquid ejection head includes: an ejection port through which liquid is ejected; a liquid chamber which is connected to the ejection port, the liquid chamber being filled with the liquid; a pressurization device which is arranged on a wall of the liquid chamber, the pressurization device pressurizing the liquid in the liquid chamber; and a movable member which has a free end on a side of the ejection port and a fixed end on a side opposite to the ejection port, the free end being arranged at a prescribed distance from the wall of the liquid chamber so as to face the wall of the liquid chamber, the movable member including a first layer that is an internal layer, and second and third layers that are respectively arranged on both surfaces of the first layer, the second and third layers having a stress lower than the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: FujiFilm Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Yokouchi
  • Publication number: 20110141197
    Abstract: When an insulating layer is provided in order to protect an energy generating element, there arises a possibility that the layer dissolves in a contacting liquid. Therefore, in order to eject liquid, a first protection layer containing metal is provided on the insulating layer facing a substrate for a liquid-ejection head and a second protection layer containing metal is provided on the surface of a liquid supply port to which a base containing silicon is exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroto Komiyama, Yoshinori Tagawa, Satoshi Ibe, Mitsuru Chida, Kazuhiro Asai
  • Publication number: 20110134190
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a first carriage having a recording head that ejects black liquid droplets and is movable in a main scanning direction, a second carriage having a recording head that ejects color liquid droplets and is detachably attachable to the first carriage to move in the main scanning direction together with the first carriage while attached to the first carriage, and a cap member that caps the recording head of the second carriage while the first carriage is moving with the second carriage separated from the first carriage. Attachment and detachment of the second carriage to and from the first carriage are performed within a scanning range through which the first carriage is movable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Ryusuke MASE, Ichiro Komuro, Mamoru Yorimoto, Shinichiro Naruse, Soichi Saiga
  • Publication number: 20110128316
    Abstract: A liquid ejector is provided that includes a structure defining a plurality of chambers with one of the plurality of chambers including a first surface and a second surface. The first surface includes a nozzle orifice. A drop forming mechanism is located on the second surface of the chamber opposite the nozzle orifice. A first liquid feed channel and a second liquid feed channel are in fluid communication with the chamber. A first segment of a segmented liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the first liquid feed channel and a second segment of the segmented liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the second liquid feed channel. The first segment of the segmented liquid inlet is also in fluid communication with another one of the plurality of chambers and the second segment of the liquid inlet is also in fluid communication with another one of the plurality of chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher N. Delametter, John A. Lebens, David P. Trauernicht, James M. Chwalek, Yonglin Xie, Gary A. Kneezel, Christopher R. Morton, Cathie J. Burke
  • Patent number: 7950774
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead includes a supporting wafer substrate; an array of drop ejection apparatuses formed in a first side of the supporting wafer substrate, the array of drop ejection apparatuses configured as pairs of rows of drop ejection apparatuses, each drop ejection apparatus including a chamber with a nozzle, and an actuator extending into the nozzle; and a common ink channel extending between each pair of rows of drop ejection apparatuses. Each chamber has a sidewall adjacent to the common ink channel, the side wall provided with a grill portion for facilitating an in-flow of ink from the common ink channel into the chamber, the grill portion adapted to further filter the ink flowing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7950776
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead is disclosed. The printhead includes a substrate, nozzle chambers formed on the substrate, and at least one heater element suspended in each nozzle chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7950775
    Abstract: A printhead integrated circuit includes a silicon substrate; a CMOS layer having drive and control circuitry; a passivation layer covering the CMOS layer; and nozzle assemblies disposed on the passivation layer. Each nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber having a nozzle opening and a droplet ejection actuator associated with each of the chambers. The droplet ejection actuator is electrically connected to the drive circuitry and adapted to eject a droplet of the ejectable liquid from the nozzle opening. Each chamber comprises a roof and sidewalls extending from the passivation layer to the roof. The roof and sidewalls are both comprised of a glass material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7946685
    Abstract: An inkjet printer that has a plurality of nozzle apertures, each with a nozzle axis normal to, extending through the center of the nozzle aperture. A chamber corresponds to each of the nozzles respectively. An inlet to supply the bubble forming chamber with liquid. A heater element is disposed in each of the bubble forming chambers respectively. The heater element configured as a beam suspended at its ends for immersion in the liquid such that heating the heater element forms a gas bubble that ejects a drop of the liquid through the nozzle corresponding to that heater element. The heater element is a planar structure parallel to the nozzle aperture and nucleates the gas bubble with a bubble centre offset from the nozzle axis towards the inlet. Offsetting the gas bubble towards the inlet reduces the variation in drop trajectories caused by reverse flow out of the inlet when the pressure pulse is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7942508
    Abstract: The present application is directed to electrostatic actuators, and methods of making electrostatic actuators. In one embodiment, an electrostatic actuator of the present application can include an electrode layer and a mechanical member. The electrode layer can include a removed portion that is free of a landing pad. The mechanical member can be positioned in proximity to the electrode layer so as to provide a gap therebetween. The mechanical member can further include a dimple structure protruding out into the gap and aligned with the removed portion of the electrode layer. When in operation, the mechanical member can be capable of deflecting toward the electrode layer. The electrostatic actuator can be used in a fluid drop ejector for ink jet recording or printing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Degroot, Peter Michael Gulvin, Jun Ma
  • Patent number: 7942501
    Abstract: An electrostatic inkjet head providing high pressure to ink in order to enable high quality printing. The electrostatic actuator providing the pressure to the membrane (200) compressing the ink in a chamber (50) with an opening (20) is characterized by an overlapping area of the actuation electrode (300) and the moveable electrode (500) not determined by the area of the membrane (200) covering the chamber (50) with the ink. The maximum pressure that can be applied can be adapted by means of the ratio of the overlapping area (220) of the two electrodes and the area (210) of the membrane (200) covering the chamber (50) with the ink. Use of said head to eject a liquid drug used in an injection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Wilhelmus Leonardus Antonius Maria Van Lierop, Antonius Johannes Maria Nellissen, Hermanus Mathias Joannes Rene Soemers, Johannes Antonius Theodorus Gollatz, Hans Reinten
  • Patent number: 7942504
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet; a static ink ejecting member extending from the substrate assembly and bounding the ink inlet; an active ink ejecting member having a roof and sidewalls that depends from the roof towards the substrate, the roof defining an ink ejection port and the active ink ejecting member movably located relative to the static ink ejecting member to define a variable-volume nozzle chamber; and an actuator arrangement configured to reciprocate the active ink ejection member relative to the static ink ejecting member to eject ink in the nozzle chamber out through the ink ejection port. The static ink ejecting member is located within bounds delimited by the sidewalls of the active ink ejecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7942500
    Abstract: A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer that has a print engine controller for receiving print data and sending it to the printhead. The printhead has a printhead IC for ejecting ink and a support structure for mounting the printhead IC in the printer adjacent a paper path. The printhead IC is mounted on a face of the support structure that, in use, faces the paper path. A flexible printed circuit board (flex PCB) that has contacts for receiving print data mounted to the support structure on a face that does not face the paper path. The bent section reduces the likelihood of trace cracking by holding the flex PCB at a set radius rather than allowing the flex to follow an irregular curve and thereby risking localized points of high stress on the traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Brian Robert Brown, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson, Paul Timothy Sharp, John Douglas Peter Morgan, Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa, Michael John Hudson, Christopher Hibbard, Samuel George Mallinson, Paul Justin Reichl
  • Patent number: 7942502
    Abstract: A cradle unit for use in a print engine to receive a cartridge unit that has a printhead assembly. The cradle unit has a main body with an opening for receiving the cartridge and drive rollers for feeding sheets of media past the printhead assembly, a printed circuit board (PCB) movably mounted to the main body, the PCB having control electronics for operative control of the print engine, a cover assembly movably mounted to the main body, the cover assembly being configured for securing the cartridge in the opening and engaging the PCB such that the PCB is moved into electrical contact with the cartridge when in a closed position, and to move the PCB out of electrical connection with the cartridge when in an open position and, a maintenance assembly operated by the PCB control electronics for capping and wiping the printhead assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa, Christopher Hibbard, Paul Ian Mackey, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson
  • Patent number: 7942506
    Abstract: An inkjet printer head includes a substrate, an insulating layer having a groove and disposed on the substrate, a heating member having a concavely curved upper surface and disposed on an upper portion of the groove, an electrode to make contact with the heating member to apply electric current to the heating member, a chamber layer disposed on the heating member, and a nozzle layer having one or more nozzles and disposed on the chamber layer. According to the inkjet printer head, the heating member has a curved structure to increase a length of the heating member, so that resistance of the heating member can be increased. Thus, the heating member can stably operate regardless of current variation applied thereto, and the printing work can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Joon Park, Tae-Jin Kim, Young Hye Park, Dai Geun Kim
  • Patent number: 7942492
    Abstract: An ink transporting head includes a head main body in which, an ink channel is formed, a transporting electrode which is arranged on an inner surface of the ink channel, an insulating layer which is arranged on the inner surface of the ink channel to cover the transporting electrode, and which changes a wetting angle of liquid on a surface according to an electric potential of the transporting electrode, and a heat generator which heats the ink inside the ink channel. Accordingly, there is provided a liquid transporting apparatus which is capable of suppressing a temperature fluctuation of the liquid inside the liquid channel, and transporting the liquid stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroto Sugahara
  • Patent number: 7942503
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead that has a silicon wafer substrate that defines a plurality of ink inlet channels and a plurality of replicated nozzle arrangements positioned on the substrate to receive ink from the ink inlets and eject ink droplets onto a media substrate. Each of the nozzle arrangements has nozzle chamber walls, and a roof positioned on the nozzle chamber walls defining an ink ejection port. The roof defines a recess about the ink ejection port to inhibit ink spread from any nozzle face floods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7941908
    Abstract: A plurality of application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips with different functions is provided. Each of the ASICs performs one or more functions along an ultrasound data path. The chips include communications protocols or processes for allowing scaling. For example, ASICs for backend processing include data exchange ports for communicating between other ASICs of the same type. As another example, receive beamformer ASICs cascade for beamformation. By providing ASICs implementing many or most of the ultrasound data path functions, with scalability, the same ASICs may be used for different system designs. A family of systems from high end to low-end using the same types of ASICs, but in different configurations, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert N. Phelps, David A. Petersen, John C. Lazenby
  • Publication number: 20110109697
    Abstract: A method of forming a fluid ejector includes positioning a fluid ejection module such that it is adjacent to a mounting frame, applying heat to a thermohardening glue that is between the fluid ejection module and the mounting frame, and curing the glue to secure the fluid ejection module to the mounting frame. The heat is applied with a heating element at least partially embedded in the glue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Steve Deming
  • Publication number: 20110109698
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel and a liquid ejector channel that includes an outlet opening. A liquid supply provides a flow of a pressurized liquid through the liquid ejector channel from the liquid supply channel. The pressurized liquid has a momentum as the liquid moves through the liquid ejector channel. A liquid return channel receives the liquid after the liquid passes through the liquid ejector channel. A diverter member forms at least a portion of a wall of the liquid ejector channel. A portion of the diverter member is selectively movable away from the liquid flowing through the liquid ejector channel. The momentum of the liquid causes some of the liquid to be diverted through the outlet opening when the portion of the diverter member is moved away from the liquid flowing through the liquid ejector channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Yonglin Xie, Michael J. Piatt, Joseph Jech, JR., Qing Yang
  • Publication number: 20110109699
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel and a liquid ejector channel that includes an outlet opening. A liquid supply provides a flow of a pressurized liquid through the liquid ejector channel from the liquid supply channel. The pressurized liquid has a momentum as the liquid moves through the liquid ejector channel. A liquid return channel receives the liquid after the liquid passes through the liquid ejector channel. A diverter member forms at least a portion of a wall of the liquid ejector channel. A portion of the diverter member is selectively movable into the liquid flowing through the liquid ejector channel. The momentum of the liquid causes some of the liquid to be diverted through the outlet opening when the portion of the diverter member is moved into the liquid flowing through the liquid ejector channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Yonglin Xie, Michael J. Piatt, Joseph Jech, JR., Qing Yang
  • Patent number: 7938509
    Abstract: The present invention relates a printhead for an inkjet printer. The printhead has a plurality of nozzle arrangements, with each arrangement having a substrate defining an ink inlet channel leading to a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet channel and an ink ejection port through which ink from the nozzle chamber is ejected. Each arrangement also includes an ink ejection paddle extending across the nozzle chamber between the ink inlet channel and the ink ejection port, and a thermal bend actuator configured to operatively actuate the paddle. Also included is a sealing structure interposed between a working end of the actuator arm and a proximal end portion of the paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7938507
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate with a layer of drive circuitry, the substrate defining an ink chamber with an ink supply channel etched through the substrate; and a roof structure having a roof layer over the chamber. The roof structure includes a nozzle rim positioned around an ejection port defined in the roof layer above the chamber; a plurality of actuators radially spaced about, and displaceable with respect to, the nozzle rim, each actuator having an internal copper core for receiving therethrough a current, each actuator configured to thermally expand into the chamber upon receiving the current; and a series of struts interspersed between the actuators to support the nozzle rim with respect to the roof layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Gregory John McAvoy
  • Publication number: 20110102511
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a substrate for an ink jet head, including formation of an ink supply port in a silicon substrate, the method includes a step of forming, on one side of the substrate, an etching mask layer having an opening at a position corresponding ink supply port; a step of forming unpenetrated holes through the opening of the etching mask layer in at least two rows in a longitudinal direction of the opening; and a step of forming the ink supply port by crystal anisotropic etching of the substrate in the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: TOSHIYASU SAKAI, SHUJI KOYAMA, KENJI ONO, JUN YAMAMURO
  • Publication number: 20110102512
    Abstract: In a liquid-discharging-head substrate including a plurality of ink supply ports, if lines are provided on the substrate between adjacent elements, energy generating elements cannot be arranged in high density. A liquid-discharging-head substrate according to the present invention includes an element array in which a plurality of elements configured to generate energy for discharging liquid are arranged, a first common line, a second common line, first individual lines configured to connect the elements and the first common line, and second individual lines configured to connect the elements and the second common line. The element array is provided between the first common line and the second common line, the first individual lines are provided in an area between the element array and the first common line, and the second individual lines are provided in an area between the element array and the second common line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Hirayama, Yusuke Imahashi
  • Patent number: 7934805
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement is provided for ejecting ink. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet passage. A nozzle chamber structure extends from the substrate assembly to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet passage. The nozzle chamber structure defines an aperture through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. A pair of parallel heater elements extends from the nozzle chamber structure and into the nozzle chamber, and can be supplied with current so that ink in the nozzle chamber is ejected out through the aperture. The nozzle chamber structure defines a protruding rim bounding the aperture and an endless ink collection well surrounding the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7934803
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate assembly incorporating an electrical drive circuitry layer and defining an ink inlet channel; a nozzle chamber structure extending from the substrate assembly and defining a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet channel and an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber, the nozzle chamber being rectangular in plan; an anchor extending from the substrate assembly; a thermal bend actuator extending from the anchor and electrically coupled to the drive circuitry layer; and a lever arm coupled to the thermal bend actuator, pivotally supported by the substrate assembly and terminating in a paddle within the nozzle chamber. Upon receipt of a driving signal from the drive circuitry layer, the thermal bend actuator bends to induce movement of the paddle and effect ejection of ink in the nozzle chamber through the ink ejection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Kia Silverbrook
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7934808
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors, each having a chamber with a nozzle and an actuator for ejecting drops of ink through the nozzle. During use, each of the chambers hold ink and a gas, the gas remaining in the chamber during activation and deactivation of the actuator. The actuators each have a part with a hydrophilic coating for contacting ink in preference to other parts of the actuator such that the gas and the ink are in direct contact with each other at an interface within the chamber, and at least part of the actuator is positioned at the interface between the ink and the gas. By insulating at least some of the actuator from the printhead substrate, more heat is directed into the ink that is ejected from the nozzle. If the actuator is a thermal or thermal bend, the insulating fluid allows the resistive elements to heat more quickly and use less power. This reduces the overall power consumption of the printhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7934807
    Abstract: A printhead integrated circuit comprises a substrate having drive circuitry and a plurality of nozzle assemblies positioned on the substrate. Each nozzle assembly has a moving portion moveable relative to a stationary portion for ejection of ink. The printhead integrated circuit is covered with a polymeric layer. The polymeric layer covers a gap defined between each moving portion and each stationary portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook, Emma Rose Kerr, Misty Bagnat, Vincent Patrick Lawlor
  • Patent number: 7934804
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement is provided for ejecting ink. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet passage. A nozzle chamber structure extends from the substrate assembly to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet passage. The nozzle chamber structure defines an aperture through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. A pair of parallel heater elements extends from the nozzle chamber structure and into the nozzle chamber, and can be supplied with current so that ink in the nozzle chamber is ejected out through the aperture. Each heater element includes an elongate conductor, in turn, having at least one arcuate portion. Each elongate conductor is of substantially uniform diameter and terminates in a pair of enlarged contacts at either end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7934806
    Abstract: A nozzle for an inkjet printer includes a roof layer defining a nozzle port through which ink is ejected; a substrate layer fast with the roof layer and defining a nozzle chamber wall; and an actuator assembly fast with the substrate layer and including a support. The actuator assembly includes a lever arm cantilevered to extend from the support and terminating in a piston. The piston is positioned within a nozzle chamber defined by the nozzle chamber wall. The nozzle chamber wall is provided along a height thereof with a gap, the gap being dimensioned to pass the lever arm therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20110096114
    Abstract: Described herein is a method and apparatus for driving a drop ejection device to produce drops having straight trajectories. In one embodiment, a method for driving a drop ejection device having an actuator includes building a drop of a fluid with at least one drive pulse by applying a multi-pulse waveform having the at least one drive pulse and a straightening pulse to the actuator. Next, the method includes causing the drop ejection device to eject the drop with a straight trajectory in response to the pulses of the multi-pulse waveform. The straightening pulse is designed to ensure that the drop is ejected without a drop trajectory error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: William R. Letendre, JR., Xi Wang, Robert Hasenbein, Marlene McDonald, Jaan Laaspere
  • Patent number: 7931353
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer includes a wafer defining an ink supply channel and a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply channel; a drive circuitry layer positioned on the wafer; a plurality of actuator devices positioned on the wafer and the drive circuitry layer to cover the nozzle chamber, each actuator device having an internal serpentine conductive core surrounded by a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer; and an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. The plurality of actuator devices are radially positioned around the ink ejection port and adapted to bend into the nozzle chamber, and the internal serpentine conductive core is disposed within the PTFE layer to heat the PTFE layer unevenly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Gregory John McAvoy
  • Patent number: 7926913
    Abstract: An inkjet nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber having a floor and a roof, wherein moving portion of the roof is moveable towards the floor for ejection of ink. A thermal bend actuator defines part of the moving portion of the roof, and an active beam of the actuator defines an upper layer of the moving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7926914
    Abstract: A liquid droplet transporting apparatus includes a first electrode which is arranged on a surface of a substrate, a second electrode which is arranged apart from the first electrode on the surface of the substrate, an insulating layer which is arranged to cover each of the first electrode and the second electrode, and a liquid repellent property on a surface of the insulating layer changes according to an electric potential difference between the electrode and an electroconductive liquid droplet on the surface, and a third electrode which cooperates with the second electrode to detect the liquid droplet on the second electrode. Consequently, it is possible to transport a liquid droplet between two areas, and also to detect as to in which area out of the two areas, the liquid droplet exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroto Sugahara
  • Patent number: 7926915
    Abstract: An inkjet nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber comprising a floor and a roof. The roof has a nozzle opening defined therein, and a moving portion moveable towards the floor. The assembly further comprises a thermal bend actuator, defining at least part of the moving portion of the roof, for ejecting ink through the nozzle opening. The thermal bend actuator comprises an upper first beam for connection to drive circuitry and a lower second beam mechanically cooperating with the first beam, such that when a current is passed through the first beam, the first beam expands relative to the second beam resulting in bending of the moving portion towards the floor of the nozzle chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7922294
    Abstract: An ink jet printhead comprising: a substrate; a plurality of chambers supported by the substrate for receiving therewithin bubble forming liquid; a nozzle aperture formed in a surface of each chamber; a beam suspended within each chamber, the beam comprising at least one respective heater element. The at least one respective heater element heats at least part of the bubble forming liquid to a temperature above its boiling point to form a gas bubble therein, thereby causing ejection of a drop of the bubble forming liquid through the nozzle aperture corresponding to the heater element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7922293
    Abstract: Provided is a printhead having a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each arrangement includes a wafer substrate defining a nozzle chamber, said chamber having a roof wall with an ink ejection port defined therein and an ink supply channel defined through the substrate for supplying the chamber with ink. Each arrangement also includes a magnetic paddle arranged within an electrical coil arrangement which is positioned about the inlet of the nozzle chamber such that the magnetic paddle ejects ink from the chamber via the ejection port when the coil arrangement receives electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7918537
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead integrated circuit including a multilayered substrate having drive circuitry and a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes: a floor having an ink inlet defined therein; a roof spaced apart from the floor; sidewalls extending between the roof and the floor so as to define a nozzle chamber; and a heater element suspended in the chamber and connected to the drive circuitry. When actuation energy is supplied to the heater element from the drive circuitry, a vapor bubble is formed in ink contained in the nozzle chamber resulting in ejection of ink via the ink ejection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Angus John North
  • Patent number: 7918525
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7918533
    Abstract: A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes an elongate spine defining a channel and first location formations. An elongate ink distribution extrusion is receivable in the channel and defines spaced apart sets of ink supply holes. A printhead module locator defines second location formations which engage with said first location formations. A set of serially arranged ink ejection printhead modules is positioned adjacent the locator, and along the extrusion, so that the printhead modules engage with respective sets of ink supply holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
  • Publication number: 20110074887
    Abstract: Drop-on-demand inkjet printing device (10) comprising a through-flow print head (20) having nozzles (22) and a fluid circulation system comprising a main reservoir (30), a supply buffer tank (38), a return manifold (64), wherein the main reservoir (30) is connected to the supply buffer tank (38) wherein the supply buffer tank (38) is in fluid communication with the nozzles (22) print head (20) the nozzles (22) being in fluid communication with the return manifold (38) wherein the return manifold (64) is connected to the main reservoir (30) and both are arranged in height with respect to the nozzles (22), wherein the supply buffer tank (38) is provided with a lockable conduit (56) connecting the supply buffer tank (38) to the main reservoir (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Stork Prints B.V.
    Inventors: Martinus Gerardus Jozef Manders, Franciscus Wilhelmus Johanna Gerardus van de Kruijs
  • Patent number: 7914119
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead for a printer that prints via an array of ink ejection devices. Each ink ejection device has a chamber for holding a quantity of ink. The chamber is partially defined by at least one sidewall and has an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber. The inlet defines a flow path into the chamber and has a series of columns extending across the flow path. The series of chambers form a barrier structure that creates a flow constriction that traps contaminants in the ink flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7914121
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel, a liquid supply adapted to feed a stream of liquid through the supply channel, a liquid return channel adapted to receive liquid from the supply channel, a liquid dispensing outlet opening, and a diverter member forming at least a portion of a wall of the liquid supply channel, said diverter member being selectively movable to form a convex surface along which liquid remains attached, thereby to divert droplets from the supply channel through the dispensing outlet opening. The motion of the diverter member is substantially orthogonal to the direction of liquid flow, so that energy associated with moving the diverter member imparts no energy to the diverted droplets. The energy associated with moving the diverter member is less than 100 nJ per pL droplet volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Yonglin Xie, Michael J. Piatt, Joseph Jech, Jr., Qing Yang
  • Patent number: 7914118
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) for a printhead. The IC includes rows of elongate nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement defines an ink ejection port at one end and has an internal cantilevered actuator anchored at the other end so that the actuator can move to eject ink out though the ink ejection port. The rows are arranged in pairs with the ports of one of the rows being proximally located to the ports of the other row, for each pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7909436
    Abstract: An inkjet head has a first substrate having first groove portions formed on one surface of the first substrate and an ink supply path connected to the first groove portions and opening toward another surface of the first substrate. A second substrate has second groove portions and is connected to the first substrate so that the first and second groove portions jointly form ink chambers. First drive electrodes are formed on sidewalls of the first groove portions. Second drive electrodes are formed on sidewalls of the second groove portions. Conduction members are formed only adjacent to the ink supply path of the first substrate and electrically connect the respective first and second drive electrodes to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: SII Printek Inc.
    Inventor: Osamu Koseki
  • Patent number: 7909424
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dispensing liquid are disclosed. The method includes the steps of storing one or more liquids in a thermal inkjet print head and providing a well plate having at least one well. At least one of the liquids is dispensed from the thermal inkjet print head into at least one well. The volume of the dispensed liquid is a fraction of the total required volume of the liquid in the at least one well, and the dispensing step is performed multiple times to dispense the required volume of the at least one liquid in at least one well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Manish Giri, Joshua M. Yu, Chris H. Bakker, Kevin F. Peters, Vincent Remcho
  • Patent number: 7905573
    Abstract: A liquid ejection head includes a nozzle plate having a nozzle that ejects liquid drops, an actuator that deforms a portion of the nozzle plate surrounding the nozzle with heat, and a flow path member opposing the nozzle plate, which forms a flow path for guiding liquid to the nozzle. A fluidity resistance path is provided in the flow path between a nozzle plate portion surrounding the nozzle and a portion of the flow path member opposing the nozzle plate portion. A fluidity resistance of the fluidity resistance path is changed by deforming the nozzle plate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Takemoto, Yasuhisa Kato, Kazuyoshi Matsumoto, Minori Ichimura, Manabu Izumikawa
  • Patent number: 7905574
    Abstract: An inkjet nozzle unit includes a first wafer having formed therein active drive circuitry and an ink ejection nozzle; a second wafer having an ink channel formed therein; an ink chamber complementarily defined between the first and second wafers; and two solenoid coils forming a paddle layer provided in the ink chamber, the paddle layer in signal communication with the active drive circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20110057992
    Abstract: A liquid ejection head is disclosed. The liquid ejection includes a flow channel plate, the flow channel plate being formed from one thin plate, the flow channel plate being formed with one or more pressure generating chambers, a fluid resistance section which supplies liquid to the pressure generating chamber, and a nozzle hole which opposes the pressure generating chamber. The flow channel plate is made of a metal material, and wherein the flow plate includes the pressure generating chamber which is formed of a groove-shaped indentation; the nozzle hole which is formed at one end in a longitudinal direction of the groove-shaped indentation; and the fluid resistance section which is formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the groove-shaped indentation. The pressure generating chamber, the nozzle head, and the fluid resistance section are formed such that they deform the thin plate in a thickness direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru TOBITA, Masayuki Kinoshita, Kaori Fujii