Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080197187 | METHOD FOR DELIVERING A GREETING CARD TO A USER - A method for delivering a greeting card using a form, the form including information relating to at least one interactive element associated with the delivery of a greeting card and coded data relating to the at least one interactive element. The coded data is coincident with the information so that when a sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the interactive element, the sensing device senses at least some of the coded data and generates indicating data using the sensed coded data. The indicating data is received by a computer system which identifies, using the indicating data, the at least one interactive element and deliveres, using the at least one interactive element, a greeting card to a recipient address. | 08-21-2008 |
20080198417 | PRINT MEDIUM HAVING LINEAR AND TWO-DIMENSIONAL CODED DATA - A print medium is provided which has a surface provided with first coded data in a linear pattern encoding first information and second coded data in a two-dimensional coordinate grid encoding second information. The first and second information are indicative of a print media identifier linked to a product. The print media identifier is able to be determined using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device. The product is retrievable from a database using the print media identifier. | 08-21-2008 |
20080199237 | SYSTEM FOR ENABLING USER INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SOFTWARE - A system for enabling user interaction with computer software is provided which has a printer. The printer receives print data, prints a form using the print data, receives indicating data from a sensing device and transfers the indicating data to a computer system. The form is printed by printing information related to at least one interactive element associated with the delivery of a greeting card and coded data indicative of the interactive element. At least some of the coded data is printed to be coincident with the information. The sensing device senses at least some of the coded data and generates the indicating data using the sensed coded data. The indicating data generated is at least partially indicative of the interactive element. The computer system interprets the transferred indicating data. | 08-21-2008 |
20080203648 | PRINTING ARRANGEMENT HAVING A PAGE BINDING SUPPORT TRAY - Provided is a printing arrangement having a driving station operatively driving print media along a path, an adhesive application station to apply adhesive to the print media, and a printing station to print upon the print media. The printing arrangement has a page binding support tray having a tray, a vibrator and a binding press. The tray is suspended from a frame via dampers, said tray operatively receiving the print media after printing and after the adhesive has been applied. The vibrator is arranged below a corner of the tray, and the binding press is arranged on the frame over the adhesive and configured to bind the print media by applying pressure to the adhesive. | 08-28-2008 |
20080204429 | Controller Arrangement For An Optical Sensing Pen - Provided is a controller arrangement for an optical sensing pen having a nib. The controller arrangement is configured to operatively sense location data by sensing location tags on a page of printed media, and to calculate an orientation of the pen and a nib-to-tag distance. The controller arrangement includes an infrared (IR) illumination LED and image sensor assembly configured to transmit IR light onto, and receive IR light reflected from, respectively, the page of printed media. The controller arrangement also includes a force sensing infrared LED and photodiode assembly configured to detect when the nib contacts the page so that the sensor assembly is only activated when the nib is in contact with said page, and an accelerometer configured to allow the controller to sense motion without reference to the location tags. The controller arrangement further includes a transceiver and antenna assembly, and a processor arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control, the sensor assembly, the photodiode assembly, the accelerometer and antenna assembly to operatively calculate the orientation of the pen and the nib-to-tag distance, and to transmit the location data to a computing system. | 08-28-2008 |
20080204486 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE WITH PRINTHEAD CAPPER AND CONTROLLED MEDIA DRIVE - A mobile telecommunications device is provided which has a printhead with an array of nozzles for printing a media substrate, a capper assembly movable between a capped position covering the nozzles and an uncapped position spaced from the nozzles, a drive shaft for feeding the media past the printhead, and a print engine controller for operatively controlling the printhead. The capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media such that it moves to the capped position upon disengagement with the media. During use, the print engine controller senses the number of complete and partial rotations of the drive shaft and adjusts the operation of the printhead in response to variations in the angular velocity of the drive shaft. | 08-28-2008 |
20080204492 | METHOD OF PRODUCING THERMOELASTIC INKJET ACTUATOR - A method of producing a thermoelastic actuator assembly having desired operating characteristics includes determining a desired negative pressure pulse characteristic for the actuator, determining a heat dissipation profile corresponding to the desired negative pressure pulse characteristic, and forming the thermoelastic actuator with a heat conduction means arranged to realize the profile. | 08-28-2008 |
20080204504 | INKJET PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH CAPPED OBLIQUELY ORIENTED PRINTHEADS - An inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate ink feed structure defining a plurality of longitudinally extending ink supply passages and a plurality of spaced apart sets of outlet holes with the holes of each set being in fluid communication with respective ink supply passages. A plurality of printhead modules is serially arranged along the ink feed structure in fluid communication with respective sets of outlet holes. Each printhead module includes an elongate printhead configured to eject ink supplied from the ink feed structure and angled with respect to the ink feed structure so that the printheads are oriented obliquely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the ink feed structure. A capping arrangement is configured to cap the printheads when not in use. | 08-28-2008 |
20080204514 | Nozzle Arrangement Having An Actuator Slot Protection Barrier To Reduce Ink Wicking - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer is provided. The arrangement includes a wafer substrate defining a supply channel, and chamber side and roof walls positioned on the substrate, said walls defining a nozzle chamber operatively supplied with ink via the supply channel, with a nozzle rim defined in the roof wall. The arrangement also includes an actuator device passing through a slot in a side wall of the chamber, the device configured to operatively eject ink from the nozzle rim. Also included is an actuator slot protection barrier mounted on the actuator device proximate the slot and configured to reduce ink wicking on the nozzle rim during ejection of ink from the nozzle rim. | 08-28-2008 |
20080204515 | Nozzle Arrangement For An Inkjet Printhead Having An Ejection Actuator And A Refill Actuator - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead is provided. The nozzle arrangement includes a wafer substrate defining a nozzle chamber and drive circuitry and ink passivation layers defining an inlet to the chamber. An etch stop layer forms a roof layer for the chamber with an ink ejection port defined in the roof layer. The nozzle arrangement also includes an ejection actuator and a refill actuator collectively spanning the inlet, said ejection actuator actuatable via the drive circuitry layer to eject ink from the ejection port, and said refill actuator actuatable via the drive circuitry layer to facilitate refilling of the chamber with ink via the inlet. | 08-28-2008 |
20080204518 | Inkjet Printer With Low Nozzle To Chamber Cross-Section Ratio - Provided is a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate defining an ink chamber with an ink ejection port and ink holes for receiving ink from an ink reservoir, and a magnetic actuation device arranged in the chamber and actuatable via an external pulsed magnetic field to eject ink via the ink ejection port. The arrangement also includes a blocking mechanism arranged in the chamber and configured to operatively block movement of the actuation device to prevent ejection of ink from the chamber. | 08-28-2008 |
20080204519 | Inkjet Printhead With Laterally Reciprocating Paddle - An inkjet printhead includes a nozzle chamber structure defining a nozzle chamber. The nozzle chamber structure further defines a pair of ink ejection nozzles and an ink supply channel in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. A movable paddle is disposed within the nozzle chamber at a location between the ink ejection nozzles. An actuator is attached to the paddle and, upon actuation, can reciprocate the paddle toward and away from a first one of the ink ejection nozzles so that ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected out through that first nozzle. | 08-28-2008 |
20080204521 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING LAMINATED INK AND AIR DISTRIBUTION STRUCTURE - A printhead assembly is provided having a pagewidth inkjet printhead and an ink distribution system. The ink distribution system has a longitudinal distribution housing having ducts extending longitudinally therealong which each correspond to a different ink, a longitudinal cover cooperating with the housing and having ink inlet ports which each correspond to, and are in fluid communication with, one of the ducts and being, and a laminated ink distribution structure fixed to the housing for distributing ink from the ducts to the printhead. The distribution structure includes multiple layers positioned one upon another with at least one of the layers having ink holes therethrough. Each ink hole conveys ink from one of the ducts en route to the printhead. At least some of the layers has an array of aligned air holes therethrough. | 08-28-2008 |
20080204531 | Ink Cartridge For A Computer System Having An Integral Printer - An ink cartridge for a computer system having an integral printer includes a media housing portion having top and bottom moldings which operatively mate to form a housing for sheets of paper, the housing portion having a print media transport mechanism. The cartridge also includes an ink storage portion having an ink storage base molding which defines a plurality of distinct ink chambers which are sealed by engaging an underside of the bottom molding. Each ink chamber terminates in an ink manifold having ink outlet nozzles for operatively arranging the ink storage portion in fluid communication with the lo printer. | 08-28-2008 |
20080204562 | CAMERA SYSTEM HAVING SERIALLY CONNECTED CAMERA DEVICES TO FACILITATE A CASCADE OF IMAGING EFFECTS - This invention provides for a camera system having a plurality of hand held camera devices connected together in series. Each camera device includes an image input configured to receive image data from a camera device preceding in the series of devices, and an instruction reader configured to read instructions from a card inserted into the camera device, said card having encoded thereon various instructions for the manipulation of the image data. Each camera device also includes a processor unit arranged in communication with the input and the instruction reader, the processor unit configured to perform image manipulation on the image data according to the instructions read from the card. Also included is an image output configured to transmit manipulated image data from the processor to a camera device following in the series of devices, the camera system operatively facilitating a cascade of imaging effects. | 08-28-2008 |
20080205762 | Optical Imaging Pen Having An Orthogonal Accelerometer - The invention provides for an optical imaging pen configured to capture and decode infrared (IR) position tags from a page. The pen includes a force sensor photodiode configured to sense when a nib of the pen is in contact with the page, and an LED configured to project IR radiation onto a portion of the page when the nib is in contact therewith. The pen also includes an image sensor configured to image the portion of the page when the nib is in contact therewith by receiving reflected IR radiation, and at least one orthogonal accelerometer configured to sense motion of the pen by sensing acceleration in x and y directions and integrating with respect to time to produce an instantaneous velocity. The pen further includes a controller arranged in signal communication with the accelerometer, photodiode and image sensor, said controller configured to control the photodiode and image sensor to capture, decode and encrypt the tags into digital ink data, and to include the instantaneous velocity of the pen into the digital ink data. | 08-28-2008 |
20080206017 | Wall Mountable Printer With A Glue Applicator Assembly And A Binder Assembly - Provided is a wall mountable printer with a glue applicator assembly operatively applying adhesive to a vertical edge of a sheet of printed paper. The printer has a binder assembly including an enclosure chassis, and a powered spike wheel assembly configured to receive the sheet of paper from a print engine of the printer. Also included is an angled platen within the chassis on which the sheet is received from the spike wheel assembly, and a binding platen operatively actuated to bind the sheet onto a preceding sheet positioned on the angled platen. The binder assembly includes a paper sensor to sense a position of bound sheets on the angled platen to facilitate accurate binding of successive sheets. | 08-28-2008 |
20080209511 | AUTHENTICATION METHOD FOR PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS HAVING CODED PACKAGING - A method for authenticating a pharmaceutical product, the pharmaceutical product being associated with packaging having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the pharmaceutical product and at least part of a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes, using a sensing device to sense at least one coded data portion. A processor then determines the identity at least one determined signature part, and uses these to authenticate the pharmaceutical product. The coded data is arranged in accordance with at least one layout having n-fold rotational symmetry, where n is at least two. The layout includes n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a centre of rotation. At least one sub-layout includes rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from each other sub-layout | 08-28-2008 |
20080209512 | AUTHENTICATION METHOD FOR PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS HAVING SYMMETRICALLY CODED PACKAGING - A method for authenticating a pharmaceutical product, the pharmaceutical product being associated with packaging having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the pharmaceutical product and at least part of a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes, using a sensing device to sense at least one coded data portion. A processor then determines the identity at least one determined signature part, and uses these to authenticate the pharmaceutical product. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a n-fold rotationally symmetric layout. The layout encodes data comprising a sequence of an integer multiple m of n-symbols. Each encoded symbol is distributed at n-locations about a centre of rotational symmetry such that decoding the symbols produces n-representations of the data each comprising a different cyclic shift of the data. | 08-28-2008 |
20080210012 | Temperature Compensating Pressure Sensor Having Active And Reference Membranes - Provided is a temperature compensating pressure sensor. The sensor includes a silicon substrate having sealed channels on which is deposited a CMOS layer, and a conductive layer and a passivation layer deposited on the CMOS layer, the conductive layer representing a first electrode. The sensor also includes a conductive active membrane spaced from the conductive layer to form an active chamber, and a conductive reference membrane spaced from the conductive layer to form a sealed reference chamber. Also included is a cap which covers the membranes, said cap having a channel to expose the active membrane to an outside fluid pressure, with the membranes representing a second electrode. The active membrane deflects due to differential stresses so that the first and second electrodes develop a capacitance C between them depending on the electrical permittivity of the fluid, with the reference membrane providing a temperature compensating reference capacitance. | 09-04-2008 |
20080210381 | WALL-MOUNTABLE PRINTER WITH INTEGRAL BINDING AND GLUE WHEEL ASSEMBLIES - The invention provides for a wall-mountable pagewidth printer and binder assembly. The binder assembly includes a support structure defining a media path. Print engines are arranged on the support structure to print on sheets of media passing along the media path. A glue wheel assembly is arranged on the support structure and is configured to apply glue to printed media passing along the media path. An integral page binding arrangement is provided for binding printed sheets of media together. The glue wheel assembly is configured to apply glue to an edge of a sheet of media passing through the printer prior to the binding arrangement binding the sheets together. The glue wheel assembly has a glue wheel and a partially hollow axle connected to the glue wheel. The axle has a rotating coupling for a glue supply hose from a cartridge of the printer. A camshaft arrangement operatively exposes the glue wheel to the sheet of media. | 09-04-2008 |
20080210476 | CONTROLLER ARRANGEMENT FOR AN OPTICAL SENSING PEN WITH AN INFRARED DATA ASSOCIATION (IRDA) INTERFACE - A controller arrangement for an optical sensing pen having a nib, the controller arrangement configured to operatively sense location data by sensing location tags on a page of printed media, and to calculate a nib-to-tag distance indicative of the location data. The controller arrangement includes an infrared (IR) illumination LED and image sensor assembly configured to transmit IR light onto, and receive IR light reflected from, respectively, the page of printed media. The arrangement also includes a force sensing infrared LED and photodiode assembly configured to detect when the nib contacts the page so that the sensor assembly is only activated when the nib is in contact with said page. The arrangement further has an infrared data association (IrDA) interface for short-range communication with a computing system, and a processor arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control, the sensor assembly, the photodiode assembly, and IrDA interface to operatively calculate the nib-to-tag distance and to transmit related location data to the computing system. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211767 | SYSTEM FOR PRINTING CODED DATA PROVIDING INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SOFTWARE - A system for enabling user interaction with computer software. The system includes a printer for receiving print data, printing a form, using the print data, with information related to an interactive element coincident with coded data indicative of the interactive element, receiving indicating data from a sensing device which is generated by the sensing device sensing the coincident coded data so as to be indicative of the interactive element, and transfer the indicating data to a computer system to allow the interaction to be interpreted. The coded data is indicative of an identity. The computer system determines, using the indicating data, the identity, determines, using the identity, a page description, and identifies, using the page description, the interactive element. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211843 | Method Of Operating A Nozzle Chamber Having Radially Positioned Actuators - Provided is a method of operating a nozzle chamber. The nozzle chamber has a wafer defining a chamber with an ink ejection port and ink supply channel along with a plurality of radially positioned actuators about the port. Each actuator has an internal serpentine core arranged in signal communication with a CMOS layer on the wafer. The method includes the steps of supplying the chamber with ink via the ink supply channel, and passing current through the serpentine cores for a predetermined period of time. The current produces thermal expansion of the actuators into the chamber to increase a chamber ink pressure to eject ink from the ejection port. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211857 | Printhead Assembly Having A Tri-Layer Outer Shell Of A Hot Rolled Laminate Of Two Different Metals - A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer is provided. The assembly includes an outer shell of a hot rolled tri-layer laminate of two different metals, and a core element within the shell, the core element defining four separate ink reservoirs. Also included are a printhead constructed using MEMS techniques to provide the ink nozzles, chambers and actuators, and a micro molding for distributing ink from the ink reservoirs to the printhead. The tri-layer shell is configured such that the effective coefficient of thermal expansion of the shell as a whole is substantially equal to that of silicon. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211858 | Inkjet Printhead With Electrical Disconnection Of Printhead Prior To Removal - A maintenance assembly for a pagewidth printer, said assembly operatively mounted between posts of a main body of the printer so that the maintenance assembly is positioned adjacent a printhead assembly of the printer. The maintenance assembly includes a maintenance chassis defining tongue portions and having ends which are shaped to fit over the posts of the main body to secure the maintenance assembly in position. The maintenance assembly also includes a retainer element operatively engaging the chassis, and a lower molding and an upper molding operatively fast with each other to sandwich an absorbent insert between them. The moldings are in turn sandwiched between the chassis and retainer element, so that the maintenance assembly is useable to wipe the printhead of the printer. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211859 | Printhead Assembly Having An Elongate Ink Delivery Extrusion With A Fitted End Cap - A printhead assembly for an ink jet printer. The printhead assembly includes an ink supply assembly having an elongate extrusion defining a number of distribution channels for distributing ink to a printhead via an end cap operatively fitted to said extrusion. The end cap includes an upper plate and a lower plate hingedly linked by means of a spine, and a plurality of plugs defined on the spine to plug said distribution channels when the cap is fitted to the extrusion. The upper plate defines apertures for operatively arranging said distribution channels in fluid communication with ink delivery hoses. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211861 | Duplex Printer Configured To Move Printheads Before Capping - The present invention relates to a duplex printer. The printer includes a support assembly and a pair of printheads mounted for movement with respect to the support assembly and configured to each eject ink upon print media. A print media feed mechanism is configured to feed the print media between the printheads during printing. A pair of movably mounted capping members is configured to cap respective printheads. A printhead movement actuating mechanism is configured to move the printheads into position for capping. A capping member actuating mechanism is configured to move the capping members into position for engagement with the moved printheads. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211865 | PRINTER ASSEMBLY WITH PRINTHEAD PURGING MEMBERS - The invention provides for a printer assembly for a pagewidth printer. The assembly includes a casing that defines a print media feed path, and duplex printheads arranged on opposite sides of the a print media feed path. Also included are two purging members each inclined at a predetermined angle to a direction of travel of print media through the path, each member defining a purging chamber. The assembly further includes extractor tubes connecting the purging chambers in fluid communication with a suction pump, and an actuating mechanism configured to displace the printheads between a printing position, where the printheads are able to print onto media fed through the feed gap, and a purging position, where the printheads are located at the predetermined angle relative to the media path adjacent the chambers to allow the suction pumps to remove material purged from said printheads. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211869 | Mounting arrangement with a support and pressure plate for a printhead assembly. - The invention provides for a mounting arrangement for a printhead assembly having a plurality of modular printhead tiles each having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements for printing on a printing medium. Each tile has a flex PCB with which to provide the tile with electrical energy. The mounting arrangement includes a support defining retaining clips and channels operatively housing electrical busbars, as well as a pressure plate defining holes shaped and dimensioned to complementarily receive the retaining clips to engage the support which urges the flex PCBs against the busbars to provide electrical power to printhead tiles. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211875 | Inkjet nozzle device with cantilevered actuating arm - A nozzle device is provided for an inkjet printer. The nozzle device includes a support structure defining an ink inlet chamber connected to a source of ink. A nozzle chamber structure defines a nozzle chamber for receiving ink from the ink inlet chamber and a nozzle opening through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. An elongate actuating arm is cantilevered relative to the support structure and terminates in a movable free end within the nozzle chamber. The actuating arm includes an active portion connected electrically to a current source, and which heats and expands upon activation of the current source. The actuating arm further includes a passive portion which is electrically isolated from the current source and is mechanically coupled to the active portion via at least one separating element. Differential expansion between the active and passive portions can cause the actuating arm to bend and the free end of the actuating arm to move within the nozzle chamber to eject ink therein through the nozzle opening. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211876 | Printhead For Use In Camera Photo-Printing - A printhead | 09-04-2008 |
20080211877 | Inkjet Printhead Having Nozzle Arrangements With Ink Spreading Prevention Rims - Provided is an inkjet printhead having a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes walls defining an ink chamber. The chamber includes an ink supply channel and an ink ejection port with an ink spreading prevention rim. Each nozzle arrangement also includes a thermal actuator mechanism configured to operatively eject ink from the chamber via the ejection port. The ink spreading prevention rim defines a pit for preventing ink from flowing across a surface of the ink jet printhead and affecting operation of said printhead. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211878 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH A THERMAL ACTUATOR INCORPORATING HEAT SINKS - The present invention relates to a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate assembly defining an inlet channel. A nozzle chamber wall and a roof wall are collectively positioned on the wafer substrate to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the inlet channel. The roof wall defines an ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. A thermal actuator is mounted to the substrate assembly and extends into the nozzle chamber to terminate in a free end. The thermal actuator includes a pair of actuating members spaced apart to form a gap and a heat sink assembly positioned in the gap. One of the actuating members is connected to an electrical supply so that differential expansion between the actuating members can cause movement of the free end and results in the ejection of ink in the nozzle chamber from the ejection port. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211879 | Pagewidth inkjet printhead assembly with nozzle arrangements having actuator arms configured to be in thermal balance when in a quiescent state - Provided is a pagewidth inkjet printhead assembly having a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes walls defining an ink chamber having an ink supply channel and an ink ejection port. The ink ejection port includes an ink spreading prevention rim. Each nozzle arrangement also includes a thermal actuator mechanism configured to operatively eject ink from the chamber via the ejection port. The actuator mechanism includes an actuator arm having two layers which are formed from a resiliently flexible conductive material. The arm includes the two layers surrounding a central material layer so that said two layers are in thermal balance with the arm in a quiescent state. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211885 | FLUID DISTRIBUTION STACK - A fluid distribution stack ( | 09-04-2008 |
20080211886 | Ink refill unit with a working outlet and other dummy outlets - An ink refill unit is provided for refilling a printer ink cartridge unit. The ink refill unit includes a base assembly which houses internal ink refilling components and defines a plurality of outlets for docking with the cartridge unit. Each outlet corresponds to a respective type of ink with only one of the outlets working. The ink refilling components include a syringe assembly coupled in fluid communication with the working outlet. A lid assembly fits onto the base assembly to cover the ink refilling components. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211888 | Ink Storage Compartment With Bypass Fluid Path Structures - The present invention relates to an ink storage compartment. The compartment includes a reservoir structure, in turn, defining a plurality of ink reservoirs from which respective ink outlets extend. Ink absorbent material is provided within respective ink reservoirs. Bypass fluid path structures extend between respective ink outlets and ink reservoirs so that, when filling the ink storage compartment by supplying ink to the ink outlets, ink can be supplied to the ink reservoirs through both the ink outlets and bypass fluid path structures. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211894 | Double-Sided Printer Having Opposed Print Engines - Provided is a double-sided printer having two print engines arranged on opposite sides of a print media path. Each print engine includes an image transfer roller configured to operatively transfer an image onto a sheet of paper fed through the media path. Also included is an ink cartridge having an integrated printhead for printing onto said image transfer roller, as well as a cleaning station configured to clean the image transfer roller after said image is transferred to the paper. Each print engine also includes a solenoid arrangement configured to park an elastomeric seal of the printhead against the transfer roller when the printer is not operational, and to move the printhead from the roller when the printer is operational. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211898 | Cover assembly for a print engine with push rod for actuating a refill unit - This invention relates to a cover assembly for a cradle unit of a pagewidth print engine. The cover assembly defines a docking port for a refill unit configured to refill a cartridge unit of the print engine. The cartridge unit is housed in the cradle. The docking port includes a rim portion, engagement means and a push rod. The rim portion is for receiving a base portion of the refill unit so that the refill unit is able to pass through the cover assembly, in use, to dock with the cartridge unit. The engagement means is located within the rim portion, the engagement means being configured to engage the refill unit to retain the refill unit securely in position to facilitate refilling of the cartridge unit. The push rod extends through a hole in the rim portion for operatively actuating the refill unit to incrementally dispense ink. | 09-04-2008 |
20080212119 | Printer unit with print engine that expands compressed image data - A printer unit is arranged to print documents received from a computer system. The printer unit has a print engine having control electronics. The control electronics are configured to receive document image data from the computer system in the form of a compressed, multi-layer page image. They buffer the image and expand the image to generate an expanded contone layer, a black layer and a layer for infrared printing. | 09-04-2008 |
20080212133 | FACSIMILE DELIVERY SYSTEM USING ASSOCIATED IDENTIFIERS - A computer system is provided for delivery of a facsimile using an interactive document printed on a substrate provided for entry of a message using a sensing device. The document includes user information and coded data on a document identity and locations on the document. The sensing device reads the coded data when placed in an operative position relative to the document. The method and computer system allocating and recording an identifier for the document, associating the document with the identifier, causing the document to be printed on the substrate by a networked printer, receiving interaction data representing interaction of the sensing device with the coded data, electronically capturing the message using the interaction data and the recorded identifier and transmitting the message to a designated recipient address for facsimile delivery. | 09-04-2008 |
20080212139 | METHOD OF ENABLING INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SOFTWARE - A method for enabling user interaction with computer software including, in a computer system generating print data, transferring the print data to a printer which prints a form in response to the print data with information related to an interactive element coincident with coded data indicative of the interactive element, receiving indicating data from a sensing device which senses the coincident coded data to generate the indicating data to be indicative of the interactive element, identifying, using the indicating data, the interactive element, and performing an action associated with the interactive element. The coded data is indicative of an identity, and the computer system determines the identity using the indicating data and a page description using the identity, and identifies the interactive element using the page description. | 09-04-2008 |
20080212140 | METHOD OF ENABLING PRINTED INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SOFTWARE - A method for enabling user interaction with computer software including, in a computer system determining information related to an interactive element, determining an identity indicative of the interactive element, determining a layout defining an arrangement for the information and coded data indicative of the identity, generating print data indicative of the identity, layout and information, transferring the print data to a printer responsive to the print data to print a form by printing the information coincident with the coded data, receiving indicating data from a sensing device generated by the sensing device sensing the coincident coded data so as to be indicative of the interactive element, identifying, using the indicating data, the interactive element, and performing an action associated with the interactive element. | 09-04-2008 |
20080213014 | METHOD OF PRINTING WITH A DUPLEXED PRINTHEAD PRINT ASSEMBLY - A method of printing with a duplexed printhead print assembly having first and second print engines arranged in an opposing in-line sequential configuration along a paper path. The method includes the steps of pushing a top sheet of paper from a paper tray of the print assembly past a paper sensor of the first print engine of the printhead, drawing said sheet into the first print engine, and sensing a position and size of the sheet using the paper sensor. The method also includes the steps of printing image data onto the sheet via the first and second print engines, and binding the printed sheet into a document using a binding assembly of the print assembly. | 09-04-2008 |
20080213021 | Print Engine Controller For A Pagewidth Printer With A Four-Stage Print Pipeline - Provided is a print engine controller for a printer having a pagewidth printhead. The controller includes a serial interface, a JPEG decoder, a fax decoder, a halftoner/compositor unit, a tag encoder, a line loader/formatter unit, and an interface to the pagewidth printhead. These components together define a print control pipeline. | 09-04-2008 |
20080213030 | Ink Cartridge For A Pen-Shaped Printer - An ink cartridge for a pen-shaped printer is provided. The ink cartridge includes a hollow tube with internal ribs defining elongate ink chambers within the tube for operatively storing ink, and a first end cap for sealing one end of the tube. The first end cap is configured to receive a battery for supplying the printer with electrical energy. The cartridge also includes a second end cap for sealing the other end of the tube, the second end cap being configured to position a printhead of the printer. Also included is a stylus nib and nib cap defining an aperture through which the nib protrudes and through which the printhead operatively prints ink onto a substrate. | 09-04-2008 |
20080218538 | Cradle Unit For A Print Engine Having A Maintenance Drive Assembly - A cradle unit for a print engine, the cradle unit configured to receive a cartridge unit having a printhead assembly. The cradle unit includes a main body defining an opening for receiving said cartridge, the main body having a frame structure including end plates with drive and exit rollers mounted therebetween. The cradle unit also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) pivotally mounted between the end plates for housing control electronics for controlling the operation of the print engine, along with a cover assembly for securing said cartridge in the opening. The cover assembly is pivotally mounted between the end plates, the cover assembly configured to pivot the PCB into electrical contact with a printhead controller on the cartridge when in a closed position, and to pivot the PCB out of electrical connection with said printhead controller when in an open position. The cradle unit also includes a maintenance drive assembly having a motor operatively connected to a maintenance gear and maintenance actuator arrangement and to a wiper gear and wiper actuator arrangement, the maintenance drive assembly operated by the PCB control electronics. | 09-11-2008 |
20080218565 | CARTRIDGE UNIT HAVING MULTIPLE INK STORAGE CAPACITY - A cartridge unit arranged for use in a print engine for an inkjet printer is provided. The cartridge unit has a body portion having ink storage compartments and a pagewidth printhead assembly configured to receive ink from ink storage compartments and distribute it to nozzles arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media. The print engine has a cradle which has a body which removably receives the cartridge unit and is configured to control the operation of the printhead assembly for printing. The ink storage compartments comprise absorption material which stores the ink therein under capillary action for supply to the nozzles. The cradle is configured to be secured to the inkjet printer to receive print media from a media input tray and to deliver printed media to a media output tray. | 09-11-2008 |
20080218567 | Ink cartridge having enlarged end reservoirs - The invention provides for an ink cartridge unit for an inkjet printer. The cartridge includes an elongate main body defining a number of rectangular ink reservoirs along a length thereof, with end reservoirs being larger than reservoirs interposed between the end reservoirs, said end reservoirs being configured to store ink more readily consumed during a printing process. The cartridge also includes a lid assembly covering the main body to seal ink inside the ink reservoirs, and a printhead assembly operatively fed with ink from the ink reservoirs in the main body. | 09-11-2008 |
20080219500 | SHREDDING DEVICE WITH A DECODER AND TRANSMITTER - A shredding device which includes a feed mechanism configured to feed a substrate having identity data encoded thereon, said identity data identifying information printed on said substrate. Also included are sensors arranged adjacent said feed mechanism and configured to sense the identity data, as well as a decoder and transmitter arranged in communication with the sensors and configured to respectively decode and transmit the identity data to a network system. The shredding device also includes a shredding mechanism configured to shred the substrate received from the feed mechanism on receipt of instructions from the network system. | 09-11-2008 |
20080225076 | METHOD OF FABRICATING PRINTHEAD HAVING HYDROPHOBIC INK EJECTION FACE - A method of fabricating a printhead having a hydrophobic ink ejection face is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a partially-fabricated printhead comprising a plurality of nozzle chambers and a relatively hydrophilic nozzle surface, the nozzle surface at least partially defining the ink ejection face; (b) depositing a layer of relatively hydrophobic polymeric material onto the nozzle surface, the polymeric material being resistant to removal by ashing; and (c) defining a plurality of nozzle openings in the nozzle surface, thereby providing a printhead having a relatively hydrophobic ink ejection face. Steps (b) and (c) may be performed in any order. | 09-18-2008 |
20080225077 | METHOD OF FABRICATING PRINTHEAD USING METAL FILM FOR PROTECTING HYDROPHOBIC INK EJECTION FACE - A method of fabricating a printhead having a hydrophobic ink ejection face, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a partially-fabricated printhead comprising a plurality of nozzle chambers and a nozzle plate having relatively hydrophilic nozzle surface, the nozzle surface at least partially defining the ink ejection face of the printhead; (b) defining a plurality of nozzle openings in the nozzle plate; (c) depositing a hydrophobic polymeric layer onto the nozzle surface; (d) depositing a protective metal film onto the polymeric layer; (e) subjecting the printhead to an oxidizing plasma; and (f) removing the protective metal film, thereby providing a printhead having a relatively hydrophobic ink ejection face. Step (b) may be performed immediately after any of steps (a), (c) or (d). | 09-18-2008 |
20080225078 | PRINTHEAD INCLUDING SEAL MEMBRANE - An inkjet printhead comprising a plurality of nozzle assemblies is provided. Each nozzle assembly has a moving portion for ejection of ink. The printhead includes a seal membrane joining the moving portions to the printhead. | 09-18-2008 |
20080225082 | Printhead having hydrophobic polymer coated on ink ejection face - A printhead having a hydrophobic ink ejection face is provided. At least part of the ink ejection face is coated with a hydrophobic polymeric material selected from the group comprising: polymerized siloxanes and fluorinated polyolefins. | 09-18-2008 |
20080225083 | PRINTHEAD HAVING MOVING ROOF STRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL SEAL - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is provided. The nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle chamber having a roof, the roof having a moving portion moveable relative to a static portion and a nozzle opening defined in the roof, such that movement of the moving portion relative to the static portion causes ejection of ink through the nozzle opening. The nozzle assembly also comprises an actuator for moving the moving portion relative to the static portion, and a mechanical seal interconnecting the moving portion and the static portion. The mechanical seal comprises a polymeric material selected from the group comprising: polymerized siloxanes and fluorinated polyolefins. | 09-18-2008 |
20080225091 | CARTRIDGE UNIT HAVING CAPPED PRINTHEAD WITH MULTIPLE INK STORAGE CAPACITY - A cartridge unit for an inkjet printer is provided which has a body portion having ink storage compartments, a pagewidth printhead configured to receive ink from the compartments and distribute the ink to nozzles arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media, and a capping assembly for capping the printhead. The capping assembly has a body configured to extend the length of the printhead, a capping element housed within the body and movable with respect thereto between first and second positions. The first position is where a portion of the capping element extends from the body and the second position is where the capping element is contained within the body. The capping element is biased into the first position. The ink storage compartments comprise absorption material which stores the ink therein under capillary action for supply to the nozzles of the printhead. | 09-18-2008 |
20080227229 | METHOD OF FABRICATION MEMS INTEGRATED CIRCUITS - A method of fabricating a plurality of MEMS integrated circuits from a wafer having a MEMS layer formed on a frontside thereof and a polymer coating over said MEMS layer, said polymer coating having a plurality of frontside dicing streets defined therethrough, said method comprising the steps of:
| 09-18-2008 |
20080230468 | HIGH FLOWRATE FILTER FOR INKJET PRINTHEAD - A filter for an inkjet printer that has a chamber divided into an upstream section and a downstream section by a filter membrane. An inlet conduit establishes fluid communication between an ink supply and the upstream section. An outlet conduit establishes fluid communication between the downstream section and a printhead. During use at least part of the inlet conduit is elevated relative to the filter membrane. By elevating the inlet conduit relative to the filter membrane, it acts as a bubble trap to retain bubbles that would otherwise obstruct the filter. This allows the filter size to be reduced for a more compact overall design. | 09-25-2008 |
20080230730 | DETACHABLE FLUID COUPLING FOR INKJET PRINTER - A detachable fluid coupling for connecting an inkjet printhead with an ink supply, the detachable coupling having a fixed valve member defining a valve seat, a sealing collar ( | 09-25-2008 |
20080231645 | Volume Element Printing System With An Object Insertion Device - The invention provides for a volume element (voxel) printing system for printing a three-dimensional object. The system includes a first printhead group having a plurality of first printheads configured to print a first voxel layer on a substrate, and at least one second printhead group having a plurality of second printheads downstream from the first group. The second group is configured to print a subsequent voxel layer on at least part of the first layer. The system also includes an object insertion device configured to insert objects into voids in the voxel layers, and a conveyor to operatively convey the substrate past the printhead groups. Also included is a control system to control and monitor the printhead groups, the object insertion device and the conveyor. | 09-25-2008 |
20080231660 | PRINTHEAD WITH INK CONDUIT WEIR FOR PRIMING CONTROL - A printhead for an inkjet printer, that has a printhead integrated circuit with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink and a support structure for mounting the printhead IC within the printer. The support structure has ink conduits for supplying the array of nozzles with ink. Within the ink conduits is a weir formation to partially obstruct ink flow so that when priming the printhead, the weir formation preferentially primes an upstream section the ink conduit. Using a weir downstream of areas that have a propensity to prime incorrectly can force them to prime more quickly or in preference to downstream sections. As long as the downstream section is one that reliably primes, albeit delayed by the weir, there is no disadvantage to priming the upstream section in preference. | 09-25-2008 |
20080231661 | PRINTHEAD WITH MENISCUS ANCHOR FOR CONTROLLED PRIMING - A printhead for an inkjet printer that has a printhead integrated circuit (IC) with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink, and a support structure for mounting the printhead IC within the printer. The support structure has ink conduits for supplying the array of nozzles with ink, the ink conduits have a meniscus anchor for pinning part of an advancing meniscus of ink to divert the advancing meniscus from a path it would otherwise take. If a printhead consistently fails to prime correctly because a meniscus pins at one or more points, then the advancing meniscus can be directed so that it does not contact these critical points. Deliberately incorporating a discontinuity into an ink conduit immediately upstream of the problem area can temporarily pin to the meniscus and skew it to one side of the conduit and away from the undesirable pinning point. Once flow has been initiated into the side branch or downstream of the undesirable pinning point, it is not necessary for the anchor to hold the ink meniscus any longer and priming can continue. | 09-25-2008 |
20080231662 | PRINTHEAD WITH DRIVE CIRCUITRY COMPONENTS ADJACENT THE PRINTHEAD IC - A printhead for an inkjet printer, that has a printhead IC with an array of nozzles 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) has drive circuitry for operating the array of nozzles on the printhead IC. The drive circuitry has circuit components connected by traces in the flex PCB, and contacts for receiving print data from the print engine controller. The flex PCB being mounted to the support structure at the contacts onto a face that does not face the paper path such that the flex PCB extends through a bent section between the printhead IC and the contacts. The printhead IC and the circuit components are adjacent each other and separated from the contacts by the bent section of the flex PCB. 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. | 09-25-2008 |
20080231670 | INK COUPLING FOR INKJET PRINTER WITH CARTRIDGE - An ink coupling for connecting an inkjet printer and a replaceable cartridge configured to not drip ink upon detachment. The coupling has a cartridge valve on the cartridge side of the coupling and a printer conduit on the printer side of the coupling. The cartridge valve and the printer conduit having complementary formations configured to form a coupling seal when brought into engagement. The cartridge valve is biased closed and configured to open when brought into engagement with the printer conduit. Upon disengagement, the coupling seal breaks after the cartridge valve closes, and an ink meniscus forms and recedes from the complementary formations as they separate, the cartridge valve having external surfaces configured so that the meniscus travels across the external surfaces and only pins itself to the printer conduit surfaces. The invention keeps residual ink off the exterior of the cartridge valve by careful design of the external surfaces with respect to known receding contact angle of the ink meniscus. As the coupling seal breaks and the meniscus forms, the ink properties and hydrophilicity of the respective valve materials will determine where the meniscus stops moving and eventually pins itself. | 09-25-2008 |
20080234000 | Method For Playing A Request On A Player Device - The present invention relates to a method for playing a request on a player device. The method includes the step of transmitting a pen stroke corresponding to a first one of a number of possible applications to a server. A form is then submitted to the first application. The method further includes the step of sending, from the server and to the player device, a play request corresponding to play information borne by the submitted form so that the player device plays a request corresponding to said play request. | 09-25-2008 |
20080236758 | Pagewidth Digital Printer Incorporating Bindery - Provided is a wall-mountable pagewidth printer and glue wheel assembly which includes a support structure defining a media path, print engines arranged on the support structure to print on sheets of media passing along the media path, and a media feed assembly for feeding the sheets of media along said media path. Also included is a glue wheel assembly arranged on the support structure and configured to apply glue to printed media received from the media feed assembly. The glue wheel assembly includes a glue wheel, a partially hollow axle driving the glue wheel, said axle having a rotating coupling for a glue supply hose from a cartridge of the printer, and a camshaft arrangement for operatively exposing the glue wheel to the sheet of media. | 10-02-2008 |
20080236903 | Method Of Determining Coordinate Values Of A Position On A Printed Document With Respect To A Plurality Of Patterns Printed On The Document - A method of determining a first coordinate value of a position on a printed document with respect to a plurality of first patterns printed on the document. Each first pattern respectively represents a first sequence with each of the first sequences having a repeating first codeword of a first cyclic position code. The cycle position code has length n | 10-02-2008 |
20080237348 | Viewing Device For Use With Coded Data On A Surface - A viewing device is used with coded data on a surface. The device includes a sensor arrangement for sensing the coded data when the device is placed on the surface, and a processor in signal communication with the sensor arrangement. The processor is configured to decode the coded data. Also included is a transceiver for transmitting the decoded data to a computer system, and to subsequently receive a file pre-associated with the decoded data from the computer system. The device also includes a display configured to display the received file to a user. | 10-02-2008 |
20080237359 | METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING SECURITY DOCUMENTS - A method for authenticating a security document having coded data thereon. The method includes, using a sensing device to sense at least one coded data portion, which is then used to generate indicating data. The indicating data is transferred to a computer system, which is responsive to determine, a received identity and a received signature part, from the indicating data. These are then used to authenticate the security document. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238962 | METHOD OF PRIMING PAGEWIDTH INKJET PRINTHEAD - A method of priming an inkjet printhead having ink ejection nozzles. The method includes: providing an ink bag containing ink for distribution to the nozzles via a fluid path between the ink bag and the nozzles; applying inwardly directed force on at least one exterior wall of the ink bag so as to reduce an available fluid volume of the ink bag, thereby causing ink to flow from the ink bag to the nozzles along the fluid path; and arranging a biasing member in the ink bag so that the biasing member applies outwardly directed force on at least one interior wall of the ink bag to restrain the reduction of available fluid volume of the ink bag only once the available fluid volume of the ink bag has been reduced to a predetermined volume. The printhead is a pagewidth printhead, having a pagewidth of 100.9 millimetres. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238985 | Printhead Maintenance Station For A Pagewidth Printer Having An Air Supply And Vacuum Assembly For Purging Excess Ink From The Printhead - Provided is a printhead maintenance station for a pagewidth printer. The maintenance station includes a capper having an open-ended capping chamber with a perimeter gasket for operatively engaging with a printhead of the printer to form a protective seal around the printhead. Also included is an engagement mechanism configured to actuate said capper into and out of sealing engagement with the printhead, as well as an air supply and vacuum assembly with valve arrangements arranged in fluid communication with the capping chamber to facilitate in purging excess ink from the printhead when the capper is engaged with said printhead. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238986 | Pagewidth Printer With A Printhead Maintenance Station Having A Capping Chamber With Inlet And A Vacuum Channels - Provided is a printhead maintenance station for a pagewidth printer. The maintenance station includes a capper having an open-ended capping chamber with a perimeter gasket for operatively engaging with a printhead of the printer to form a protective seal around the printhead. The maintenance station also includes an engagement mechanism configured to actuate said capper into and out of sealing engagement with the printhead. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238991 | Printhead assembly with a printhead, a wicking element and a pad to facilitate the transferral of ink from the printhead to the wicking element. - Provided is a printhead assembly including a support structure, and a printhead mounted on the support structure, said printhead having an ink ejection face. The assembly also includes a print media guide proximate the support structure for guiding print media past the printhead for printing, and a wicking element mounted on the support structure between the support structure and the print media guide. Further included is a pad with an angled contact surface to operatively facilitate the transferral of ink from the printhead to the wicking element. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238999 | Media Web Printer With A Pre-Heating Platen And Cutter Module - Provided is a wallpaper printer having a cabinet configured to receive replaceable ink reservoirs and cartridges of blank wallpaper, and a feed system defining a media path through the cabinet, the feed system having pilot guides for guiding the blank wallpaper from the cartridges past a pagewidth printhead for printing. The printer also includes a heated platen positioned in the media path downstream of the pilot guides for heating the blank wallpaper prior to printing. The printer also has a pagewidth printhead arranged in the cabinet for printing images on the blank wallpaper, and a cutter module for cutting the printed wallpaper before the feed system feeds said wallpaper into a container configured to roll the printed wallpaper into a roll for storage purposes. | 10-02-2008 |
20080239003 | Pagewidth Printhead Assembly Having A Plurality Of Printhead Modules Each With A Stack Of Ink Distribution Layers - Provided is a pagewidth printhead assembly having a plurality of printhead modules. Each of these modules includes a printhead integrated circuit (IC) having a plurality of ink ejection nozzles, and an ink distribution assembly formed from a stack of ink distribution layers. Each layer defines apertures therein at predetermined locations, with the layers laminated together so that the apertures complementarily define ink distribution channels to the printhead IC. Each module also includes a tape automated bonding (TAB) film connected to the printhead IC for arranging said IC in signal communication with a controller of the printhead assembly. | 10-02-2008 |
20080239005 | Inkjet Printhead Nozzle Assembly Having A Raised Rim To Support An Ink Meniscus - Provided is a nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle assembly includes a substrate defining a nozzle chamber and an ink inlet channel leading to said chamber. The nozzle assembly also includes a nozzle defined on the substrate and located over the nozzle chamber, said nozzle having a crown portion with a skirt portion depending from the crown portion, the skirt portion forming a first part of a peripheral wall portion of the nozzle chamber, the nozzle surrounded by a raised rim which supports a meniscus of a body of ink in the nozzle chamber. Also included is an actuator with a connecting arm fast with the nozzle to operatively displace the nozzle towards the substrate, wherein the nozzle, actuator and connecting arm are defined according to micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques. | 10-02-2008 |
20080239008 | Pagewidth Inkjet Printhead With Ink Ejection Devices Having A Series Of Protrusions To Facilitate Ink Ejection - Provided is a pagewidth inkjet printhead which has a plurality of ink ejection devices. Each of these devices includes a substrate defining a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet nozzle and a fluid supply channel respectively defined in opposite walls of the chamber. The chamber also defines chamber wall edge portions. Each ejection device also includes a thermal actuator and a nozzle paddle operatively located in the chamber between the edge portions. The paddle is operatively displaceable upwards by the actuator to eject ink from the fluid outlet nozzle, with the paddle spaced from the chamber wall edge portions so that ink is able to flow between a front and rear of the paddle to allow refilling of the chamber with ink via the supply channel. The paddle is further formed with a series of protrusions in a central portion thereof, the protrusions aiding in reducing outward ink flow from the centre of the paddle as the paddle moves upward. | 10-02-2008 |
20080239009 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING MEMS SENSORS FOR DIRECTIONALLY HEATED INK EJECTION - An inkjet printhead is provided having nozzles, bubble forming chambers containing ejectable ink, generally planar heater elements each bonded on one side to an associated chamber so that the other side faces into the chamber, a MEMS fluid sensor having a MEMS sensing element for detecting the presence or otherwise of the ejectable ink in the chamber, and control circuitry for measuring the current passing through the sensing element during its heating. The heater elements receive heating pulses to form gas bubbles in the ejectable ink on the side facing into the chamber which cause ink ejection from the nozzle. Each chamber has a dielectric layer proximate the side of the heater element which has a thermal product less than 1495 Jm | 10-02-2008 |
20080239012 | Inkjet Printer With A Pagewidth Printhead Having Nozzle Arrangements With An Actuating Arm Having Particular Dimension Proportions - An inkjet printer has a pagewidth printhead with a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes a substrate with an inlet channel etched therethrough, and nozzle chamber walls and a roof to define an ink chamber, with an ink ejection port defined in the roof inline with the inlet channel. The nozzle arrangement includes a thermal actuating arm inside the chamber, an upper side of the arm defining a displacement area that acts on ink in the chamber to eject ink via the ejection port. The displacement area is greater than half an area of the ink ejection port but less than twice the area of the ink ejection port. | 10-02-2008 |
20080239030 | Cradle Unit For Receiving A Print Cartridge To Form A Print Engine - Provided is a cradle unit for receiving a print cartridge to form a print engine. The cradle unit includes a main body defining an opening for receiving said cartridge, the main body having a frame structure including end plates with drive and exit rollers mounted therebetween. The cradle unit also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) pivotally mounted between the end plates for housing control electronics for controlling the operation of the print engine, and a cover assembly for securing said cartridge in the opening. The cover assembly is pivotally mounted between the end plates, with the cover assembly configured to pivot the PCB into electrical contact with a printhead controller on the cartridge when in a closed position, and to pivot the PCB out of electrical connection with said printhead controller when in an open position. Also included is a maintenance drive assembly having a motor operatively connected to a maintenance gear and maintenance actuator arrangement and to a wiper gear and wiper actuator arrangement, the maintenance drive assembly operated by the control electronics. | 10-02-2008 |
20080239390 | SYSTEM HAVING SENSING DEVICE FOR INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SOFTWARE - A system for enabling user interaction with computer software. The system includes a sensing device and a computer system. The computer system generates print data and transfers it to a printer. The printer prints a form by printing information related to an interactive element and coded data indicative of the interactive element in response to the print data. The sensing device has an image sensor for capturing images of the coded data, which is coincident with the information, and a processor for identifying the coded data from the captured images, determine an orientation and position of the coded data, decode the coded data, and generate indicating data using the determined information. The indicating data, which is indicative of the interactive element is used by the computer system to identify the interactive element and perform a corresponding action. | 10-02-2008 |
20080239391 | SYSTEM HAVING PRINTER AND SENSING DEVICE FOR INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SOFTWARE - A system for enabling user interaction with computer software including a printer and sensing device. The printer receives print data, and prints a form, using the print data, with information related to an interactive element coincident with coded data indicative of the interactive element. The sensing device has an image sensor for capturing images of the coded data and a processor for identifying the coded data from the captured images, determine an orientation and position of the coded data, decode the coded data, generate indicating data using the determined information, and transfers the indicating data to the printer. The printer is responsive to the indicating data to relay the indicating data to a computer system for interpretation. | 10-02-2008 |
20080240836 | DOUBLE SIDED PRINTER MODULE WITH A PAIR OF ENDLESS DRYING BELTS - A stackable printer module includes a housing surrounding a frame. The housing defines footing holes and print head assemblies are housed within the housing. The print head assemblies are configured to engage with print media and effect double-sided printing on the print media. A print media loading mechanism is housed within the housing and includes a pair of opposed endless drying belts between which the printed print media can be loaded. Feet extend from the housing and are spaced apart to engage in respective footing holes defined in the housing of another printer module so that the printer modules can be stacked together. | 10-02-2008 |
20080242410 | Computer Gaming System - Provided is a computer gaming system having a housing, a disk drive module inside the housing for receiving a gaming disk, and an integrated printer module inside the housing for printing business-card sized media. The printer includes a print cartridge for supplying print media and ink. The gaming console also includes a controller for controlling the disk drive module and the printer module. The controller includes an interface for providing video, audio and control input interfaces via which the controller is able to deliver visual and auditory outputs and receive input from a user. | 10-02-2008 |
20080245481 | Wall-Mountable Pagewidth Printer With Integral Page Binding And Glue Wheel Assemblies - Provided is wall-mountable pagewidth printer assembly. The printer assembly includes a support structure defining a media path, a media transport assembly configured to transport individual sheets of media along said media path, and print engines arranged on the support structure to print on the sheets in the media path. The printer assembly also includes an integral page binding arrangement for binding printed sheets together. The binding arrangement includes a document support platen for supporting bound sheets of paper, and a binding platen configured to press each sheet transported onto the document support platen to preceding sheets supported on said support platen to bind said sheets together. | 10-09-2008 |
20080245583 | CONTROLLER ARRANGEMENT FOR AN OPTICAL SENSING PEN - Provided is a controller arrangement for an optical sensing pen having a nib. The controller arrangement is configured to operatively sense location data by sensing location tags on a page of printed media, and to calculate a nib-to-tag distance indicative of the location data. The controller arrangement includes n infrared (IR) illumination LED and image sensor assembly configured to transmit IR light onto, and receive IR light reflected from, respectively, the page of printed media. The arrangement also includes a force sensing infrared LED and photodiode assembly configured to detect when the nib contacts the page so that the sensor assembly is only activated when the nib is in contact with said page. Also included are an infrared data association (IrDA) interface for short-range communication with a computing system and a processor arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control, the sensor assembly, the photodiode assembly, and IrDA interface to operatively calculate the nib-to-tag distance and to transmit related location data to the computing system. The arrangement also includes power management and orientation circuitry configured to deactivate the processor when the pen is sensed in a particular orientation for a predetermined period of time. | 10-09-2008 |
20080245852 | BINDING PRINTER HAVING STRAIGHT MEDIA PATH - A printer is provided having a print media supply, at least one pagewidth printhead arranged to print on print media as it travels therepast on a media path from the print media supply, and a binder arranged on the media path for binding the print media printed on by the printhead. The print media supply, the printhead and the binder are arranged so that the media path is substantially straight. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246206 | PRINTING ARRANGEMENT INCORPORATING PAGE BINDING - Provided is a printing arrangement having a driving station operatively driving pages along a path, an adhesive application station to apply a two-part adhesive to opposed sides of sequential pages to facilitate binding of such pages, and a printing station to print upon the pages. The printing arrangement has a page binding support tray which includes a tray suspended from a frame via dampers, said tray operatively receiving the pages after printing and after the adhesive has been applied. The tray also includes a vibrator arranged below a corner of the tray, and a number of semicircular disks spaced apart from each other and fixedly mounted to a common rotatably driven shaft extending along an axis of rotation arranged on the frame. The disks and shaft are configured to bind the pages by applying pressure to the adhesive when said shaft is driven. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246787 | Ink Refill Unit For A Print Engine Having A Compression Arrangement With Actuation Means Operable By A Controller Of The Print Engine - Provided is an ink refill unit for a print engine. The unit includes a body assembly defining an ink ejection port at one end thereof, a compressible tank located inside said body assembly, and a compression arrangement for compressing the bellows tank. The compression arrangement includes actuation means selectively operable by a controller of the print engine, a threaded wall and circular plunger assembly, and an elongate drive gear mounted within the body assembly and engaging with the plunger assembly. The drive gear is actuated by the actuation means. The threaded wall and circular plunger assembly includes an internal lead screw provided in a substantially cylindrical internal wall of the body assembly and a helical geared thread provided about the circumference of a substantially circular plunger threaded to the internal lead screw thread and extending along a length thereof. The lead screw thread is provided with a gap along the length of the body assembly in which the drive gear sits and is able to come into contact with the geared thread of the plunger. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246790 | Printer Having Controller For Offset Nozzles Of Printhead IC - A printer is provided which has a printhead integrated circuit having a row of aligned printhead nozzles and a controller for supplying data to the printhead integrated circuit. A sequential group of the nozzles at one end of the printhead integrated circuit are offset from the other nozzles of the row. The printer controller is configured to control order and timing of the supplied data to compensate for the offset nozzles during printing. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246797 | Mobile Phone With An Internal Printer Having A Print Cartridge With A Media Drive Shaft - Provided is mobile phone having an internal printer. The phone includes a print cartridge having a housing with ink bearing structures and a printhead integrated circuit, and a capper fast with the housing to operatively cap the printhead integrated circuit. The cartridge also includes a lid and cover assembly for sealing engagement with the housing to protect the housing and capper, as well as a media drive shaft rotatably mounted to the housing for driving print media past the printhead. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246798 | PRINTER ARRANGEMENT WITH PRINTHEAD AND INK TRANSPORT ASSEMBLY - A printer arrangement having a printhead mounted on a carrier, the printhead connected to a printhead controller by means of encapsulated wire bonds. The arrangement also includes an ink supply manifold having a plurality of ink reservoirs for supplying the printhead with ink, and an ink transport assembly configured to facilitate purging of ink from the printhead when the assembly is in a cleaning position. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246799 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLY HAVING A CAPPER WITH A CONSTRICTION MEMBER - Provided is a printhead maintenance assembly having an ink manifold with a printhead, the manifold operatively supplying the printhead with ink, and a capper arrangement. The capper arrangement includes a capper operatively fitted to the manifold over the printhead, the capper defining a capper chamber with a constriction member splitting said chamber into an air inlet channel and a vacuum channel. The constriction member is located proximate the printhead to define a blast channel therewith between the inlet channel and the vacuum channel. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246800 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING A DABBING DEVICE - A printhead maintenance assembly having an ink manifold with a printhead, the manifold operatively supplying the printhead with ink. The assembly also includes a capper arrangement having a capper operatively fitted to the manifold over the printhead, the capper defining a capper chamber with a constriction member splitting said chamber into an air inlet channel and a vacuum channel, the constriction member located proximate the printhead to define a blast channel therewith between the inlet channel and the vacuum channel. The assembly also includes a dabbing device to dab the printhead after disengagement of the capper with the printhead. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246802 | Printhead Maintenance Station Incorporating A Dabbing Device - Provided is a printhead maintenance station for a pagewidth printer. The maintenance station includes a capper having an open-ended capping chamber with a perimeter gasket for operatively engaging with a printhead of the printer to form a protective seal around the printhead. The station also includes an engagement mechanism configured to actuate said capper into and out of sealing engagement with the printhead. Also included is a dabbing device with a microfibre film which is operatively fed between a pair of spools to dab a non-printing portion of the printhead after the capper is disengaged from the printhead. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246807 | Printhead Having Nozzle Arrangements With Sealing Structures - 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. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246808 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING A PLURALITY OF MODULAR PRINTHEAD TILES - A printhead assembly includes a support. A plurality of modular printhead tiles is arranged on the support and the support has a retaining mechanism to retain the modular tiles in position. A plurality of elongate printhead integrated circuits is arranged on respective tiles. Each printhead integrated circuit has a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements for printing on a print medium. A flexible printed circuit board (PCB) provides the printhead integrated circuits with electrical energy. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246809 | INK EJECTION PRINTHEAD INCORPORATING A BRIDGED CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT - An ink ejection printhead includes an elongate support frame. The support frame supports ink ejection printhead modules. An end plate is mounted to an end of the support frame and defines two guide recesses. A connector arrangement is received in the guide recesses and includes a body portion interconnected to a region by at least one bridge. The connector arrangement includes a connector extending from the body portion. An end housing defines an opening and is mounted to the end plate so that the connector is accessible through the opening. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246811 | Modular Inkjet Printhead Assembly - Provided is a printhead assembly including a printhead module having a plurality of modular printhead tiles with each tile having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle assemblies for operatively printing on a printing medium. The printhead assembly also includes a ducting assembly having a laminated stack of layers, each layer of the stack having a number of apertures which, when the layers are stacked, provide ducts whereby ink is able to flow from an ink reservoir to the nozzle assemblies. The assembly further includes a number of electrical connector assemblies for operatively connecting the respective printhead tiles. Each tile is mounted to a modular support defining a raised portion and a recessed portion at an end thereof, the tile having electrical connecting strips which overlie the respective recessed portions. The connector assembly comprises a connecting member having a series of parallel spaced conducting strips, the member shaped and configured for fitment into a cavity defined by the raised and recessed portions of two abutting supports to connect the connecting strips of two tiles via said conducting strips. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246812 | Printer Assembly For A Pagewidth Printer Having A Support Frame Configured To Minimize Substantial Dimensional Changes - Provided is printer assembly for a pagewidth printer, said assembly having a support frame for supporting a printhead arrangement. The support frame includes an outer wall portion and an inner wall portion separated by an internal cavity, as well as a lower arm portion and an upper wall fast with the outer and inner wall portions. The upper wall portion defines a channel for operatively receiving the printhead arrangement, said upper wall portion and arm portion having a clipping arrangement configured to complementarily receive a printed circuit board (PCB) support having electronic for controlling the printhead arrangement. The support frame is configured to minimize substantial dimensional changes due to environmental changes to retain a positional relationship between individual printhead tiles of the printhead arrangement. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246814 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH NOZZLE ARRANGEMENTS HAVING COATED HEATER ELEMENTS - Provided is an inkjet printhead having an array of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes side walls located on a wafer substrate with a roof layer deposited on said walls to define an ink chamber. The roof layer defines a nozzle aperture and an inlet is defined in the substrate to supply the ink chamber with printing fluid. The nozzle arrangement also includes at least one heater element suspended between the side walls in the chamber, so that when electrical actuation energy of less than 500 nanojoules is applied to the heater element, a vapour bubble is formed in the fluid leading to a pressure increase in the chamber thereby ejecting the fluid via the nozzle aperture. The heater element is substantially covered by a conformal protective coating applied to all sides of the heater element simultaneously such that the coating is seamless. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246815 | NOZZLE ASSEMBLY FOR A PRINTHEAD ARRANGEMENT WITH GUTTER FORMATIONS TO PREVENT NOZZLE CONTAMINATION - A printhead arrangement for a printer, the arrangement having a plurality of nozzle assemblies formed on a wafer substrate by means of micro-electromechanical (MEMS) techniques. Each assembly includes an ink chamber with at least one ink supply channel etched into the substrate, and a heater element suspended in the ink chamber. Each assembly also includes drive circuitry for driving said heater element, and a nozzle plate defining two ink ejection nozzles. The nozzle plate has gutter formations about each nozzle to collect ink run-off. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246817 | Nozzle Arrangement With Control Logic Architecture For An Ink Jet Printhead - A nozzle arrangement for a pagewidth inkjet printhead assembly includes a substrate that defines an ink supply channel. Walls define an ink chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply channel and an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and having an ink spreading prevention rim. A thermal actuator mechanism is arranged in the substrate and is configured to eject ink from the chamber via the ejection port. The mechanism has a thermal actuator arm capable of deflection as a result of relative thermal expansion. Control logic architecture is on the substrate for controlling the thermal actuator arm. The architecture has a number of successive shift registers each having a data input and a data output. A transfer register is arranged to receive the data output from a last shift register. A firing control gate has an enabling input and a gate data input that receives an output from the transfer register. The gate operatively drives the thermal actuator according to the enabling and gate data inputs. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246818 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH TWO-PART BODY STRUCTURE CONTAINING HEATER ELEMENTS - An inkjet printhead includes a “first part” wafer assembly. The wafer assembly defines an elongate ink supply channel and an ink inlet extending from the ink supply channel. A “second part” chamber roof layer is supported by the wafer assembly. The chamber roof layer defines an elongate ink conduit in fluid communication with the ink supply channel and nozzle chambers in fluid communication with the ink conduit. In addition, the chamber roof layer includes a row of nozzle apertures, aligned with the ink conduit and through which ink from nozzle chambers can be ejected. Heater elements contained within the two parts are suspended within nozzle chambers which, upon actuation, eject ink from the chambers out through the nozzle apertures. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246819 | Inkjet Printhead Nozzle Incorporating Movable Roof Structures - A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes a plurality of nozzle arrangements arranged in staggered rows. Each nozzle arrangement includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet channel. A static nozzle chamber wall extends from the substrate assembly and surrounds the ink inlet channel. A movable roof structure defines a movable nozzle chamber wall surrounding the static nozzle chamber wall. The movable nozzle chamber wall, together with the static nozzle chamber wall, defines a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet channel. The roof structure further defines an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. A thermal actuator includes an anchor located outside the static nozzle chamber wall and a plurality of actuator arms extending from the anchor to the roof structure. The thermal actuator is configured so that, upon actuation, the roof structure moves responsive to differential expansion of the arms and ink within the nozzle chamber is thereby ejected from the ink ejection port. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246820 | INKJET PRINTHEAD NOZZLE WITH A PATTERNED SURFACE - A nozzle is provided for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle includes a wafer assembly defining an ink supply channel. A chamber roof layer is supported by the wafer assembly. The chamber roof layer defines a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply channel and a nozzle aperture through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. A thermal actuator is sandwiched between the wafer assembly and the chamber roof layer. The thermal actuator includes a heater element which, upon actuation, ejects ink from the nozzle chamber out through the nozzle aperture. The chamber roof layer defines an external patterned surface surrounding the nozzle aperture, the patterned surface being configured to inhibit dust particles from sticking to the chamber roof layer. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246824 | MODULAR PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING A FLUID DISTRIBUTION ASSEMBLY WITH ELASTOMERIC PADS FOR TAKING UP TOLERANCE - A modular pagewidth printhead assembly includes a plurality of printhead modules, a fluid delivery structure and a flexible printed circuit board. Each printhead module includes a printhead integrated circuit with a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements, and a fluid distribution assembly of liquid crystal polymer micromoldings defining a plurality of discrete fluid paths when joined for supplying discrete fluids to the nozzle arrangements. The fluid delivery structure is configured to receive the printhead modules and to supply said modules with discrete fluids. The flexible printed circuit board is sandwiched between the supply structure and the printhead modules, and is bonded to the supply structure to keep it in place. The circuit board extends around one edge of the supply structure for carrying data and power to said modules. The fluid distribution assembly includes at least one elastomeric pad to take up tolerance when the relevant module is located on the supply structure. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246827 | Modular Pen-Shaped Imaging And Printing Assembly Having A Timer Module - Provided is a modular pen-shaped imaging and printing assembly, the assembly having imaging and printing modules operatively linked via a serial bus interface through male and female connectors of each module. The assembly includes a timer module having a chassis molding, an LCD mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) within the chassis molding, and a microcontroller mounted on the PCB for managing timing functions. Also included is a control button via which a user is able to instruct the microcontroller to increment of decrement timing units maintained by the controller. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246846 | IMAGE MANIPULATION CAMERA - A handheld camera comprising a sensor adapted to sense an image, a camera manager for controlling the sensing of the image, an image processing manager for manipulating the image, a print manager for controlling printing of the manipulated image, and a guillotine adapted to cut a print media on which the manipulated image is printed from a print roll. The print manager is operable to activate the guillotine upon receipt of a signal indicative of a manual attempt to pull the print media from the camera. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246983 | PRINTED PHOTOGRAPH WITH HIGH CAPACITY ENCODED AUDIO - A data structure is printed on a photograph using infra-red ink. The data structure includes a two dimensional array of data blocks. Each adjacent pair of data blocks is separated by a gap and each of the data blocks has a data region holding encoded data. Each data region is confined by clock-marks and borders to facilitate location of the data region and recovery of data from within the data region. | 10-09-2008 |
20080247144 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CARRIER ASSEMBLY - Provided is a carrier assembly for an integrated circuit. The assembly includes a printed circuit board (PCB), and a carrier fast with the PCB. The carrier has a matrix of island contacts interconnected by respective serpentine members to allow resilient deflection of such contacts relative to each other, the matrix surrounding a passage defined through the carrier. Also included is a retainer for operatively locating the integrated circuit within said passage so that the integrated circuit is electrically connected to the carrier. | 10-09-2008 |
20080247145 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CARRIER ARRANGEMENT WITH ELECTRICAL CONNECTION ISLANDS - An integrated circuit carrier arrangement includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a receiving plate to which an integrated circuit can be mounted, and a carrier fast with the PCB. The carrier has a plurality of resilient interconnection arms and a plurality of electrical connection islands. A number of the interconnection arms interconnect adjacent electrical connection islands, and a number of the interconnection arms interconnect an electrical connection island and the receiving plate, so that a plurality of electrical connection islands surrounds the receiving plate. | 10-09-2008 |
20080247801 | Media Supply Cartridge Of A Roll-fed Printer - Provided is a wallpaper printer having a media supply cartridge. The cartridge includes a media case, a media roll assembly rotatably located within the media case, and a roller assembly configured to operatively eject blank wallpaper from the media roll assembly and out of the case for printing with the wallpaper printer. | 10-09-2008 |
20080248833 | Mobile Telephone With An Internal Inkjet Printhead Arrangement And An Optical Sensing Arrangement - Provided is a mobile telephone which includes an internal printhead, an ink cartridge and an optical sensing arrangement. The internal inkjet printhead arrangement is fed with print media via internal and external pathways defined by a body of the telephone. The ink cartridge supplies ink to the printhead. The optical sensing arrangement enables the telephone to decode tags of coded data printed on such media fed through the internal and external pathways. The sensing arrangement includes a beam splitter configured to deflect incoming light onto an image sensor of the telephone, a first infrared LED operatively directing light onto media present in the external pathway, and a filter and lens arrangement configured to receive and direct light reflected from the external media onto the beam splitter. The sensing arrangement also includes a second infrared LED operatively directing light onto media present in the internal pathway, as well as a mirror arrangement configured to direct light reflected from the internal media into the beam splitter. The coded data contains printing instructions for the printhead. | 10-09-2008 |
20080251585 | OBJECT SCANNING SYSTEM WITH A SENSING DEVICE FOR GENERATING INDICATING DATA - Provided is an object scanning system with a sensing device for generating indicating data indicative of at least one object identity and at least a position and orientation of the data and a position and orientation of the sensing device relative to the object. The sensing device includes a housing, and an optical assembly arranged within the housing and configured to scan the object. The sensing device also includes a controller arrangement inside the housing and arranged in signal communication with the optical assembly. The controller arrangement is configured to control operation of the optical assembly and to generate the indicating data for transmission to the scanning system. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252683 | PRINTER HAVING CAPPING SYSTEM FOR PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY - A printer is provided having a printhead assembly and a capping mechanism. The printhead assembly has two confronting pagewidth printheads and a plurality of nozzles located along each printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto opposite surfaces of print media as it is transported past the printheads. The capping mechanism has capping members having a length corresponding substantially to that of the printheads and actuating means arranged to effect linear movement of the capping members in a first direction and linear movement of the printheads in a second direction to a position at which nozzle capping engagement is effected between the capping members and respective ones of the printheads. The first and second directions are non-parallel. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252684 | METHOD OF CAPPING PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY - A method of capping a pagewidth printhead assembly is provided. The printhead assembly has two confronting pagewidth printheads and a plurality of nozzles located along each printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto opposite surfaces of print media as it is transported past the printheads. In the method linear movement of each printhead is effected in a first direction and linear movement of associated capping members is effected in a second direction to a position at which each capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated printhead. The first and second directions are non-parallel. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252687 | INKJET PRINTER HAVING PRINTED MEDIA TRANSPORT OF DRYING LENGTH - An inkjet printer is provided having a housing, an elongate print media transport assembly mounted in the housing, a pagewidth printhead mounted in the housing so as to be located at a print media entry side of the print media transport assembly, and an air duct mounted in the housing so as to be arranged to deliver air to said transport assembly in order to dry print media in use. The elongate print media transport assembly has one or more conveyor belts which are of a length to facilitate warm-set ink drying of the print media during operation of said belts at the predetermined speed. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252688 | PRINTING CARTRIDGE HAVING SELF-REFERENCING PRINTHEAD WITH LARGE NOZZLE NUMBER - A printing cartridge for an inkjet printer is provided having an ink supply and a printhead assembly which has at least one printhead integrated circuit having ink ejection nozzles and an ink distribution support mounting the printhead integrated circuit(s). The ink distribution support distributes ink from the ink supply to the nozzles. The printing cartridge is mounted to the printer at the ink distribution support which is provided with at least one reference feature. The reference feature(s) serves to provide information on the location of the nozzles upon mounting of the printing cartridge to the printer. The printhead integrated circuit(s) has at least 6400 nozzles | 10-16-2008 |
20080252691 | Inkjet nozzle chamber holding two fluids - An inkjet nozzle chamber configured such that it holds ink and a second fluid with a lower thermal conductivity; wherein, at least part of the actuator is positioned at the interface between the ink and the second fluid. 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. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252694 | INK JET PRINTHEAD WITH GLASS NOZZLE CHAMBERS - An ink jet printhead is provided. The printhead comprises: a silicon substrate; a CMOS layer comprising drive and control circuitry, the CMOS layer being formed on the silicon substrate; a passivation layer covering the CMOS layer; and a plurality of nozzles mounted on the passivation layer. Each nozzle comprises a chamber adapted to contain an ejectable liquid; and a droplet ejection actuator associated with each of the chambers respectively, the droplet ejection actuator being electrically connected to the drive circuitry and adapted to eject a droplet of the ejectable liquid from the nozzle. The chambers are comprised of a glass material. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252696 | Inkjet Printer Having A Printhead With A Bi-Layer Thermal Actuator Coil - Provided is a printhead for an inkjet printer. The printhead has a plurality of micro-electromechanical ejection mechanisms arranged in a wafer substrate, with each mechanism having chamber walls and a roof formed on top of said substrate to define an ink chamber. One wall of the chamber defines a slot therein. The mechanism also includes an ink supply channel defined through the substrate to said chamber. The mechanism includes a bi-layer thermal actuator coil fast with the substrate and ending in a strut extending through the slot, said strut fast with a paddle device within the chamber. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252699 | INK EJECTION PRINTHEAD INCORPORATING A CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT - An ink ejection printhead includes an elongate support frame supporting ink ejection printhead modules. An end plate is mounted to an end of the support frame and defines a guide arrangement. A connector arrangement is supported by the guide arrangement and includes a body portion defining a pair of holes. The connector arrangement includes a first connector extending from the body portion between the holes. The connector arrangement also includes a second connector configured to engage with the holes so that the first connector is located between the second connector and the body portion. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252700 | Cartridge For An Inkjet Printer With Refill Docking Interface - A printer cartridge for an inkjet printer including an ink storage reservoir; a printhead in communication with said ink storage reservoir; a refill port in communication with the ink storage reservoir and arranged to receive refill ink for replenishing the ink storage reservoir; and an integrated circuit assembly arranged to store information relating to the properties of at least one of the refill ink and the ink stored in the ink storage reservoir. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252703 | CARTRIDGE UNIT HAVING MAGNETICALLY CAPPED PRINTHEAD - A cartridge unit for an inkjet printer is provided which has a body portion having ink storage compartments, a pagewidth printhead configured to receive ink from the compartments and distribute the ink to nozzles arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media, and a capping assembly for capping the printhead. The capping assembly has a body which extends the printhead length, a capping element housed within the body and having a rim portion which caps at least a portion of the printhead and a displacement assembly housed within the body for moving the capping element between a first position where the rim portion extends from the body and a second position where the rim portion is contained within the body. The displacement assembly is controlled by an electromagnet which determines the position. The ink storage compartments comprise absorption material which stores the ink under capillary action. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252704 | PRINTER WITH CARTRIDGE DOCK FOR RUPTURING SEAL ON CARTRIDGE - An inkjet printer that has a replaceable ink cartridge with an ink storage volume and an ink outlet. The ink outlet has an outlet valve that is biased closed and opens upon installation in the printer. The cartridge also has an air bag in the ink storage volume for expanding as ink is drawn through the ink outlet to keep a constant head of ink above the outlet valve. The air bag has an air inlet with a frangible seal configured to be ruptured upon installation of the cartridge such that the air bag is vented to atmosphere. The printer also has a pressure regulating valve for establishing fluid communication between the printhead and the ink storage volume wherein, the pressure regulating valve is biased closed and opens in response to a predetermined ink pressure difference across the valve. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252732 | IMAGE MANIPULATION METHOD FOR CAMERA - A handheld camera comprises a sensor adapted to sense an image, a camera manager for controlling the sensing of the image, an image processing manager for manipulating the image, a print manager for controlling printing of the manipulated image, and a guillotine adapted to cut a print media on which the manipulated image is printed from a print roll. The print manager is operable to activate the guillotine upon receipt of a signal indicative of an attempt to dispense the print media at a rate greater than that of a print roll drive system for dispensing the print media. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252733 | CAMERA PRINTER OPERATION METHOD WITH MEDIA PULL SENSING - A method of operating a handheld camera comprises sensing an image via an image sensor, controlling the sensing of the image via a camera manager, manipulating the image via an image processing manager, and controlling printing of the manipulated image via a print manager. The step of controlling printing of the manipulated image includes causing the print manager to activate a guillotine, which guillotine is adapted to cut a print media, upon receipt of a signal indicative of an attempt to pull the print media from the camera. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252734 | CARD BASED IMAGE MANIPULATION METHOD FOR CAMERA - A method of operating a handheld camera comprises causing a sensor to sense an image, supplying predetermined data to an input of the camera via a card on which the predetermined data is disposed, and causing a processing system to obtain the image from the sensor, determine a card image in accordance with signals received from the input, rotate the card image in accordance with a skew of the card with respect to the input, and manipulate the image in accordance with the predetermined data to thereby generate a manipulated image. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252735 | CAMERA HAVING PRINTER FOR PRINTING INTERACTIVE INTERFACES - A camera is provided having a camera module, a network interface module and printing module. The camera module receives user input and captures the image with an image sensor in response to the user input. The interface module transfers the captured image to a computer system. The printing module prints an interface onto a surface including the image and coded data at least partially indicative of an identity of the image. This allows the identity of the image to be obtained from the interface. The coded data is also at least partially indicative of at least one of a plurality of locations of the interface and a region of the interface. A sensing device generates indicating data at least partially indicative of at least one of a location of the sensing device relative to the interface and an identity of the region. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252747 | VLIW IMAGE PROCESSOR - A microcontroller for an image sensing and processing apparatus is provided. The microcontroller has VLIW processor circuitry, image sensor interface circuitry connected between the VLIW processor circuitry and the image sensor, bus interface circuitry connected between the VLIW processor circuitry and a bus connectable with devices other than the image sensor, and buffer memory and queuing circuitry intermediate the image sensor and bus interface circuitry and the VLIW processor to control delivery of information to the VLIW processor. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252754 | CARD BASED IMAGE MANIPULATION METHOD WITH CARD SKEW CORRECTION - A method of operating a handheld camera comprises sensing an image via an image sensor, controlling the sensing of the image via a camera manager, receiving predetermined data in the form of a card image, the card image read from a card by a card reader, rotating the card image in accordance with a skew of the card with respect to the card reader, manipulating the image via an image processing manager, and controlling printing of the manipulated image via a print manager. | 10-16-2008 |
20080254830 | PRINT MEDIUM HAVING WEBPAGE LINKED LINEAR AND TWO-DIMENSIONAL CODED DATA - A print medium is provided which has a surface provided with first coded data in a linear pattern encoding first information and second coded data in a two-dimensional coordinate grid encoding second information. The first and second information are indicative of a print media identifier linked to a web page. The print media identifier is able to be determined using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device. The web page is retrievable from a database using the print media identifier. | 10-16-2008 |
20080254832 | METHOD FOR PLAYING A ROUTED REQUEST ON A PLAYER DEVICE - A method is provided for playing a routed request on a player device. The method includes the step of transmitting a pen stroke corresponding to a first one of a number of possible applications to a server. A form is submitted to the first application. The method involves sending, from the server and via at least one router, a play request corresponding to play information borne by the submitted form. The play request is routed to the player device, via said router, so that the player device plays a request corresponding to said play request. | 10-16-2008 |
20080259103 | PRINTER CONTROLLER FOR MONITORING AN INK DROP COUNT - Provided is a printer controller for a pagewidth printer having a printhead configured to print according to print quality information. The printer has a paper transport mechanism for transporting a sheet of paper along a media path through the printer. The controller includes a processor having an address, data and control bus, an expander unit and a decoder unit each coupled to the bus and configured to decompress a bi-level black layer and a continuous tone (contone) layer of a page to be printed. The controller also includes a replaceable ink cartridge arranged in the media path and having a first integrated circuit (IC) interfaced with the processor, the first IC containing the print quality information. Also included is a second IC interfaced to the processor. The processor is configured to count a number of drops of ink printed by the printhead, to update a remaining drop count of the ink cartridge using the counted drops printed and to write an updated remaining drop count to the second IC each time a page has been printed. The processor is also configured to control the paper transport mechanism during printing. | 10-23-2008 |
20080259113 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH PRINTHEAD IC TILES - A printhead assembly for a pagewidth printer arrangement includes a channel shaped member. A number of printhead tiles are located in the channel shaped member. Each tile has a printhead integrated circuit (IC) carrier member for receiving a printhead IC and an ink ducting member that mates with the carrier member and defines ink ducts for supplying the printhead IC with ink via the carrier member. | 10-23-2008 |
20080259122 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING NOZZLE ARRANGEMENTS WITH HYDROPHOBICALLY TREATED ACTUATORS AND NOZZLES - Provided is an inkjet printhead having a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each arrangement includes a wafer substrate defining a nozzle and an ink chamber underneath the nozzle with an ink supply channel leading to said chamber, as well as a paddle arranged in the chamber. Each arrangement also includes an actuator arrangement positioned on the substrate and configured to actuate the paddle to eject ink from the nozzle, wherein the actuator and nozzle are hydrophobically treated to prevent ejected ink from wicking after ejection. | 10-23-2008 |
20080259123 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH AN INK CASSETTE HAVING AN AIR FILTER - A printhead assembly that includes a chassis and a printhead assembly mounted on the chassis and having printhead integrated circuits each with a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements for ejecting ink. Also included is an ink distribution assembly supporting the integrated circuits, said distribution assembly defining a plurality of converging ink passages in fluid communication with respective ink nozzle arrangements. The assembly also includes an ink cassette defining a number of ink reservoirs operatively arranged in fluid communication with the ink distribution assembly via a number of ink hoses, such that inks from the respective reservoirs are ductable from the reservoirs to respective groups of the nozzle arrangements. The cassette also includes an air filter for filtering air pumped to the nozzle arrangements. | 10-23-2008 |
20080259124 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING HEAT ALIGNING PRINTHEAD MODULES - The present invention relates to a printhead assembly for a printer. The assembly includes a support member. A plurality of printhead modules is mounted to the support member. Each printhead module includes an integrated circuit manufactured using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques. The printhead modules are configured to move into alignment with each other upon heating of the printhead assembly. | 10-23-2008 |
20080259129 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING LOW MASS EJECTION HEATER - An inkjet printhead is provided having ink chambers on a first surface of a substrate. Each ink chamber has an ink ejection nozzle, a heater arranged so as to heat the ink to form a gas bubble and thereby cause ejection of an ink drop from the associated nozzle and ink supply passages formed in the substrate from an opposite, second surface of the substrate, so that each ink supply passage supplies ink to an associated one of the ink chambers. A length of the passages through the substrate from the second surface to the associated ink chambers is configured to prevent reverse ink flow into the passages after ink ejection. Each heater includes solid material and has a mass of less than 10 nanograms of the solid material, which is configured to be heated to cause formation of the gas bubble. | 10-23-2008 |
20080259132 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH NOZZLE ASSEMBLIES HAVING FLUIDIC SEALS - Provided is an inkjet printhead for a printer, the printhead having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle assemblies. Each nozzle assembly includes a substrate defining an ink inlet channel and an arm fast with a thermal actuator itself fast with said substrate via an anchor arrangement. Each nozzle assembly also includes a nozzle on the substrate defining an ink aperture over the ink inlet channel, with a nozzle rim of the nozzle being inwardly displaceable by the actuator to eject ink from the aperture. The nozzle has a skirt portion and an inwardly directed lip that forms a fluidic seal in a complementary manner between the ink aperture and the thermal actuator. | 10-23-2008 |
20080259139 | METHOD OF PRIMING PICOLITRE INKJET PRINTHEAD - A method of priming an inkjet printhead having ink ejection nozzles. The method includes: providing an ink bag containing ink for distribution to the nozzles via a fluid path between the ink bag and the nozzles; applying inwardly directed force on at least one exterior wall of the ink bag so as to reduce an available fluid volume of the ink bag, thereby causing ink to flow from the ink bag to the nozzles along the fluid path; and arranging a biasing member in the ink bag so that the biasing member applies outwardly directed force on at least one interior wall of the ink bag to restrain the reduction of available fluid volume of the ink bag only once the available fluid volume has been reduced to a predetermined volume. Each nozzle is configured to eject an ink drop having a volume of about 1.2 picolitres. | 10-23-2008 |
20080259165 | CAMERA HAVING PRINTER FOR PRINTING INTERACTIVE INTERFACES - A camera is provided having a camera module, a network interface module and printing module. The camera module receives user input and captures the image with an image sensor in response to the user input. The interface module transfers the captured image to a computer system. The printing module prints an interface onto a surface including the image and coded data at least partially indicative of an identity of the image. This allows the identity of the image to be obtained from the interface. The interface module receives response data generated by the computer system in response to performing an action, and the printing module receives the response data from the interface module, generates a second interface based at least partially on the response data, and print the second interface on the second surface. | 10-23-2008 |
20080259166 | CAMERA HAVING NETWORKED INTERACTIVE PRINTER - A camera is provided having a camera module, a network interface module and printing module. The camera module receives user input and captures the image with an image sensor in response to the user input. The interface module transfers the captured image to a computer system. The printing module prints an interface onto a surface including the image and coded data at least partially indicative of an identity of the image. This allows the identity of the image to be obtained from the interface. The interface module receives the image from the computer system and the printing module receives the image from the network interface module and print the image on a second surface. | 10-23-2008 |
20080264281 | HAND OPERATED MARKING DEVICE EMPLOYING PRINTER WITH MOVABLE PRINTHEAD AND REPLACEABLE CARTRIDGE - A hand operated marking device for printing upon print media, the marking device comprising: a pair of housings which are movably interconnected together so that a first one of the housings is adapted to be received in a second one of the housings responsive to compression of the housings between a hand and the print media; a printer which is located within the first housing and comprising a movable printhead configured to print ink; a selector arrangement operatively mounted to the second housing and enabling selection of an indicia, from a plurality of possible indicia, to be printed by the printhead; an ink connector adapted to couple with an ink cartridge via one or more ink sockets, and further adapted to couple with the movable printhead via one or more tubes; and a moving mechanism housed within at least one of the housings and which moves the printhead along the print media responsive to the compression of the housings so that the selected indicia is printed upon the print media. | 10-30-2008 |
20080264282 | Hand Operated Marking Device Employing Printer with Movable Printhead and Retractable Shutter - A hand operated marking device for printing upon print media, the marking device comprising: a pair of housings which are movably interconnected together so that a first one of the housings is adapted to be received in a second one of the housings responsive to compression of the housings between a hand and the print media; a printer which is located within the first housing and comprising a movable printhead configured to print ink; a selector arrangement operatively mounted to the second housing and enabling selection of an indicia, from a plurality of possible indicia, to be printed by the printhead; and a moving mechanism housed within at least one of the housings and which moves the printhead along the print media responsive to the compression of the housings so that the selected indicia is printed upon the print media, wherein the first housing defines an opening in which the printhead can move, and the marking device further comprises a retractable shutter which is operatively connected to move with the printhead and cover the opening when the marking device is not in use. | 10-30-2008 |
20080264569 | GLUE WHEEL ARRANGEMENT FOR A PRINTER HAVING A MEDIA FEED ASSEMBLY - Provided is a glue wheel arrangement for a printer having an integral page binding arrangement. The glue wheel arrangement is configured to apply glue to an edge of a sheet of paper passing through the printer. The glue wheel arrangement includes a glue wheel and a partially hollow axle connected to the glue wheel, said axle having a rotating coupling for a glue supply hose from a glue cartridge of the printer. The arrangement also includes a housing assembly arranged on the wheel and configured to expose the wheel when urged towards the sheet. A media feed assembly feeds the sheet of paper from the printer past the glue wheel to the binding arrangement. | 10-30-2008 |
20080265026 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING PRODUCT ITEM STATUS USING COMPUTER SYSTEM - A method of maintaining a status of a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface which has coded data including a plurality of coded data portions indicative of the product item's identity. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity therefrom, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update product status information stored in a data store. The method further includes, in the computer system, receiving the indicating data, determining the product item identity, determining a current product item status from the product status information stored in the data store, and updating the product status information in accordance with the indicating data. | 10-30-2008 |
20080265027 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING PRODUCT STATUS - A method of maintaining a status of a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface which has coded data including a plurality of coded data portions indicative of the product item's identity. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity therefrom, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update product status information stored in a data store. The interface surface includes at least one region having visible markings representing a respective product item status. The method including, in the sensing device, sensing coded data in the region and generating therefrom indicating data indicative of the respective product item status. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update the status information using the product item status. | 10-30-2008 |
20080265028 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING PRODUCT STATUS WITH INVISIBLY CODED INTERFACE - A method of maintaining a status of a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface which has coded data including a plurality of coded data portions indicative of the product item's identity. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity therefrom, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update product status information stored in a data store. The coded data is substantially invisible to the unaided eye. | 10-30-2008 |
20080265163 | OPTICAL IMAGING PEN HAVING A FORCE SENSOR - Provided is an optical imaging pen configured to detect information encoded with infrared ink on a page. The pen includes a housing with an ink pen cartridge and a stylus. The ink cartridge and stylus are configured to be individually brought forward through an open end of the housing by rotation of a pen top rotatably mounted on an end of the housing. The pen also includes an infrared LED inside the housing for providing infrared radiation for projection onto the page, and an image sensor for receiving reflected radiation from the surface. Also included is a radio frequency circuit having a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver, and a controller for controlling operation of the LED, sensor and radio frequency circuits. The controller includes a force sensor configured to detect displacement of the stylus or cartridge to enable a determination of a force being applied to a nib of either the cartridge or stylus. | 10-30-2008 |
20080266341 | CONTROL LOGIC FOR AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - Control logic for an inkjet printhead having a plurality of inkjet nozzles is disclosed. Each inkjet nozzle has an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. For each nozzle the control logic includes a shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers, the shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal, a transfer register for latching data in one of the registers of the shift register; a control gate for outputting a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register, and a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. The control logic includes at least 2000 shift registers, 2000 transfer registers, 2000 control gates and 2000 drive transistors on a single silicon integrated circuit. | 10-30-2008 |
20080266351 | PRINTHEAD ARRANGEMENT HAVING A MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLY WITH A MOLDING TO FACILITATE VENTILATION - Provided is a printhead arrangement for an inkjet printer. The arrangement has a maintenance assembly operatively positioned adjacent a printhead. The maintenance assembly includes a maintenance chassis and a lower maintenance molding having air vents to facilitate ventilation of the printhead. The assembly also includes a retainer insert provided to fit within the chassis to provide added rigidity to the maintenance assembly, and an upper maintenance molding to enclose absorbent material within the retainer insert. | 10-30-2008 |
20080266356 | COMPACT NOZZLE ASSEMBLY OF AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers, the shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal, a transfer register for latching data in one of the registers of the shift register; a control gate for outputting a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register, and a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. The nozzle assembly covers an area of less than 20,000 square microns. | 10-30-2008 |
20080266357 | MULTI-CHIP PRINTHEAD UNIT FOR A PAGEWIDTH PRINTER - Provided is an elongate multi-chip printhead unit for a pagewidth printer. The unit includes a number of integrated circuits laid end-to-end, each having a multitude of micro-electromechanical nozzles for ejecting printing fluid. The unit also includes an ink distribution molding defining a plurality of elongate conduits for distributing printing fluid to the printhead. Also included is a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to relay data signals from a printer controller to respective ends of the integrated circuits, as well as busbars positioned to provide drive current to the micro-electromechanical nozzles of the printhead. The busbars are retained in position at one end by a socket, and at both ends by wrap-around wings of the PCB. The unit further includes a support member for holding the integrated circuits, molding, busbars and PCB in appropriate alignment. | 10-30-2008 |
20080266361 | ENERGY CONTROL OF A NOZZLE OF AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers, the shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal, a transfer register for latching data in one of the registers of the shift register; a control gate for outputting a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register, and a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. Each energy pulse has energy of less than 1 microjoule. | 10-30-2008 |
20080266363 | PRINTER SYSTEM HAVING PLANAR BUBBLE NUCLEATING HEATER ELEMENTS - A printer system is provided having a printhead including nozzles with bubble forming chambers, a heater element(s) disposed in each chamber configured for thermal contact with a bubble forming liquid, and drive circuitry corresponding to the nozzles for controlling operation of the heater elements via electrodes, such that the heater element forms a gas bubble in the liquid that causes drop ejection from the nozzle. Parts of the drive circuitry is disposed on opposing sides of the chambers. The heater element has a bubble nucleation section of smaller cross section than the rest of the heater element where the bubble nucleation section and the rest of the heater element are co-planar and remain co-planar when the heater element is heated. An actuation energy of less than 500 nanojoules is required to be applied to each heater element to heat it sufficiently to form the bubble. | 10-30-2008 |
20080266364 | METHOD OF EJECTING DROPS FROM PRINTHEAD WITH PLANAR BUBBLE NUCLEATING HEATER ELEMENTS - A method of ejecting drops of an ejectable liquid from a printhead is provided. The printhead has nozzles with bubble forming chambers, a heater element(s) disposed in the chambers configured for thermal contact with a bubble forming liquid and having bubble nucleation sections of smaller cross section than the rest of the heater element, and drive circuitry for controlling operation of the heater elements via electrodes, with parts of the drive circuitry disposed on opposing sides of the chambers. The method includes heating the heater elements by applying actuation energy of less than 500 nJ to form a gas bubble in the liquid that causes drop ejection from the nozzles and supplying the nozzle with a replacement volume of the liquid equivalent to the ejected drop. The bubble nucleation sections and the rest of the heater elements are co-planar and remain co-planar when heater elements are heated. | 10-30-2008 |
20080266368 | INK SUPPLY ASSEMBLY FOR AN INKJET PRINTHEAD ARRANGEMENT - Provided is an ink supply assembly for an inkjet printhead arrangement. The assembly includes an elongate extrusion defining a number of distribution channels for distributing ink to a printhead via an end cap operatively fitted to the extrusion. The end cap includes an upper plate and a lower plate hingedly linked by means of a spine. The end cap also includes a plurality of plugs defined on the spine to plug said distribution channels when the cap is fitted to the extrusion. The printhead assembly includes ink reservoirs and an air pump linked to the channels via delivery hoses and apertures defined in the upper plate. | 10-30-2008 |
20080267645 | DOCUMENT COPIER WITH A CONTROLLER FOR DECODING OPTICAL PATTERNS ON SHEETS OF MEDIA - Provided is a document copier having an input transport mechanism and an output transport mechanism linked via a media path, the mechanisms configured to feed sheets of media through the media path. Also included is a print engine located in the media path for printing on media fed through the media path, and a code sensor arranged before the print engine in the media path, said sensor configured to capture images of a sheet surface. The copier also includes a controller for controlling the transport mechanisms, the print engine and code sensor. The controller decodes optical patterns found in the captured images to obtain one or more codes able to identify an electronic source where an electronic copy of the sheet is stored, and to print the electronic copy on a blank sheet of media with the print engine. | 10-30-2008 |
20080269940 | VOLUME ELEMENT PRINTING SYSTEM - Provided is a volume element printing system for printing a three-dimensional object. The system includes a first printhead group having a plurality of first printheads configured to print a first voxel layer on a substrate, and at least one second printhead group having a plurality of second printheads downstream from the first group. The second printhead group is configured to print a subsequent voxel layer on at least part of the first layer, said second printheads being reconfigurable as backup printheads for the first printheads in case of failure. The system also includes an object insertion device configured to insert an object into a cavity defined by the voxel layers, and a conveyor configured to convey the substrate past the printhead groups. Also included is a control system configured to control and monitor the printhead groups, the object insertion device and the conveyor, and dynamically to reconfigure the second printheads if failure of a first printhead is detected. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270259 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING PRODUCT STATUS USING REGIONALLY CODED INTERFACE - A method of maintaining a status of a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface which has coded data including a plurality of coded data portions indicative of the product item's identity. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity therefrom, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update product status information stored in a data store. The interface surface includes at least one region, including coded data indicative of an identity of the at least one region. The method further includes, in the sensing device, sensing the coded data disposed within the at least one region, and generating, using the sensed coded data, indicating data indicative of the region identity. | 10-30-2008 |
20080272186 | Security Document Database - A security document database, the database storing security document data including identity data at least partially indicative of an identity of the security document and attribute data at least partially indicative of one or more attributes of the security document. The security document database allows a computer system to use received indicating data to perform an action associated with the security document. | 11-06-2008 |
20080272193 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING PRODUCT ITEM STATUS USING CODED INTERFACE - A method of maintaining a status of a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface which has coded data including a plurality of coded data portions indicative of the product item's identity. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity therefrom, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update product status information stored in a data store. Each coded data portion is indicative of the respective position. The method further includes, generating in the sensing device and using the sensed coded data portion, indicating data indicative of at least one of a position of the sensed coded data portion on the interface surface and a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface. | 11-06-2008 |
20080272530 | PRINTING ARRANGEMENT INCORPORATING TWO-PART ADHESIVE APPLICATION - A printing arrangement includes a driving station configured to drive print media along a path. The driving station includes a pair of opposed pinch rollers between which the print media can be pinched when driven. A printing station is configured to print upon the print media. The printing station includes a pair of opposed printheads on opposite sides of the path and between which the print media can pass to be printed on opposite sides. An adhesive application station is configured to apply adhesive to the print media. The adhesive application station includes a pair of applicators on opposite sides of the path and is configured to apply respective parts of a two-part adhesive to opposite sides of the print media. | 11-06-2008 |
20080273010 | System for controlling movement of a cursor on a display device - A system for controlling movement of a cursor on a display device, the system comprising: a substrate having a position-coding pattern disposed on or in a surface thereof; a sensing device comprising: an image sensor for optically imaging the position-coding pattern; and a processor configured for: generating absolute motion data by determining a plurality of absolute positions of the sensing device relative to the surface using the imaged position-coding pattern; generating orientation data indicative of an orientation of the sensing device relative to the substrate; and using the orientation data to translate the absolute motion data into relative motion data, said relative motion data being indicative of relative motion of the sensing device from the perspective of a user; and communication means for communicating the relative motion data to a computer system; and the computer system configured for: receiving said relative motion data from the sensing device; interpreting said relative motion data as cursor movement; and generating cursor control commands for said display device. | 11-06-2008 |
20080273054 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING AN INK SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT AND A PLURALITY OF PRINTHEAD SEGMENT CARRIERS - Provided is a printhead assembly including an ink supply arrangement and a plurality of printhead segment carriers. The ink supply arrangement has a profile member defining a semi-open cross-section with a peripheral, structured side walls having free, opposing, lengthwise running edges delineating a gap extending along the entire length of the profile member. The profile member also defines three internal webs that stand out from a base wall section of the peripheral wall into the interior of said member so as to define together with the side wall sections a total of four ink supply channels which are open towards the gap. The plurality of printhead segment carriers are operatively fast with the ink supply arrangement so that the ink supply channels are arranged in fluid communication with printheads supported on said segments. | 11-06-2008 |
20080273057 | LAMINATED PRINTHEAD ARRANGEMENT FOR A PEN NIB PRINTER - Provided is a laminated printhead arrangement for a pen nib printer. The printhead includes ink distribution layers, a layer of semiconductor ejection devices operatively supplied with ink via the ink distribution layers, and a guard layer positioned on top of the ejection device layer to protect the ejection devices. The guard layer defines printing passages via which the ejection devices eject ink. Also included is a rotary capper rotatably fixed to the guard layer about a central axis of the printhead, so that rotation of the capper covers or exposes the printing passages. | 11-06-2008 |
20080273058 | Ink Ejection Nozzle Arrangement for an Inkjet Printer - Provided is an ink ejection nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer. The nozzle arrangement includes a wafer substrate with an etched ink chamber and ink channel leading to the chamber, as well as an ink ejection nozzle defined over the chamber with an ejection port etched therein. The arrangement also includes a glass actuator arm attached to the substrate via a post on the substrate, said arm having a copper nickel alloy heating means attached at a lower portion thereof proximate said post, wherein the arm extends through a slot in the chamber. The arrangement further includes a paddle fast with the arm inside said chamber, the paddle interposed between the ink channel and the ejection port. | 11-06-2008 |
20080273059 | NOZZLE ASSEMBLY OF AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers, the shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal, a transfer register for latching data in one of the registers of the shift register; a control gate for outputting a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register, and a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. The nozzle is spaced from other nozzles ejecting ink of a same colour by less than 32 microns in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of a print media upon which ink is ejected. | 11-06-2008 |
20080273062 | PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD WITH NOZZLE ARRANGEMENTS FOR WEIGHTED INK DROP EJECTION - Provided is a pagewidth printhead with a controller, the printhead having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes a multilayered substrate defining an ink inlet passage and walls extending from the substrate. Also included is a nozzle plate supported by the walls to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet passage, the nozzle plate having a nozzle rim defining an ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. Each arrangement also includes a plurality of heater elements suspended between the walls in the chamber, so that when electrical actuation energy is applied to respective heater elements a vapour bubble is formed in the fluid leading to a pressure increase in the chamber thereby ejecting the fluid via the ejection port. The controller is configured to individually actuate respective heater elements to facilitate weighted ink drop volumes to be ejected from the nozzle arrangement. | 11-06-2008 |
20080273065 | Inkjet Printer Having An Ink Cartridge Unit Configured To Facilitate Flow Of Ink Therefrom - Provided is an inkjet printer having an ink cartridge unit. The cartridge unit includes a main body defining a number of ink reservoirs. Each reservoir has a layered stack of absorbent material arranged to form a micro-capillary array for suspending ink inside said reservoir. A base of each ink storage reservoir is provided with a raised portion which surrounds an ink outlet. The raised portions are molded into the main body to separate each outlet from the base of the ink storage reservoir to facilitate a sufficient flow rate of ink from the reservoir. The cartridge unit also includes a lid assembly covering the main body to seal ink inside the ink reservoirs, as well as a printhead assembly operatively fed with ink via the ink outlets from the ink reservoirs in the main body for printing onto a printing medium. | 11-06-2008 |
20080273067 | Printer Assembly Having A Refillable Cartridge Assembly - Provided is a printer assembly having a refillable cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes an elongate main body defining a number of rectangular ink reservoirs along a length thereof, with end reservoirs being larger than reservoirs interposed between the end reservoirs, said end reservoirs being configured to store ink more readily consumed during a printing process. The cartridge assembly also includes a lid assembly covering the main body to seal ink inside the ink reservoirs, the lid assembly having an actuator to actuate a cartridge refill unit. Also included is a printhead assembly fast with the main body and operatively fed with ink from the ink reservoirs in the main body, as well as a refill unit engageable with the lid assembly to refill at least one of the reservoirs. | 11-06-2008 |
20080273071 | FLUIDIC ARRANGEMENT WITH A SUMP FOR A PRINTER - The invention relates to a fluidic arrangement for a printer. The arrangement includes an ink tank for storing ink, and an ink distribution assembly in fluid communication with the ink tank for supplying printhead integrated circuits (ICs) positioned thereon with ink from the ink tank. The arrangement also includes a valve arranged in an ink line between the ink distribution assembly and the ink tank, said valve configured to isolate ink in the ink tank from the printhead ICs whenever the printer is powered down. Further included is a pump located downstream from the ink distribution assembly, and a sump arranged in fluid communication with the pump for receiving excess ink from the ink distribution assembly. | 11-06-2008 |
20080273217 | PRINT ENGINE CONTROLLER FOR A PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY - Provided is print engine controller of a printhead assembly having a plurality of printhead modules. The controller includes a memory buffer to receive rasterized page data from a computer system, a page image expander for expanding the page data to retrieve page images, and dithering means for dithering a continuous tone (“contone”) layer over the page data. The controller also includes a compositor for compositing a black bi-level layer of the contone layer, rendering means for rendering infra-red tags over the contone layer, and an output driving the printhead modules to print the composited page data. | 11-06-2008 |
20080273909 | METHOD OF PRINTING WITH A PRINT ASSEMBLY HAVING A BINDING ASSEMBLY - Provided is a method of printing with a print assembly having first and second print engines arranged in an opposing in-line sequential configuration along a paper path. The method includes the steps of drawing a sheet of paper into the first print engine, printing image data onto the sheet via the first and second print engines, printing fixative onto the paper to aid drying of ink, and binding the printed sheet into a document using a binding assembly of the print assembly. | 11-06-2008 |
20080275581 | MP3 Player Having Coded Tag Sensor - An MP3 player is provided which has a sensor for sensing coded data on or in a substrate and for generating first data, a transmitter for transmitting, to a computer system, the first data or second data based on the first data, a receiver for receiving, from the computer system, MP3 data associated with an identity derived from the first data, and an audio output device for outputting an audio signal based on the MP3 data. The coded data comprises of a plurality of coded data tags, each coded data tag including data regarding an identity of the substrate and a position of the respective coded data tag on the substrate. The sensor is configured to sense at least one of the coded data tags and to generate the first or second data representing the substrate's identity and a position of the sensed coded data tag on the substrate. | 11-06-2008 |
20080278529 | Print Engine Controller Having Controller Circuitry With An Open Actuator Test Circuit - Provided is a print engine controller for an inkjet printhead with a plurality of nozzle arrangements operatively actuated by thermal actuators. The controller has controller circuitry with an open actuator test circuit to test each respective actuator. The controller circuitry includes an open actuator test input, a column enable input and a row enable input, as well as a drive transistor operatively linking said thermal actuator to a power supply. The circuitry also includes a bleed transistor arranged in parallel with the thermal actuator, and a sense transistor operatively linking an output of the drive transistor and inputs of the thermal actuator and bleed transistor to a sensing node. The controller circuitry is configured so that when only the column enable and row enable inputs are activated the bleed and sense transistors are deactivated and the drive transistor is activated to link the thermal actuator to the power supply. | 11-13-2008 |
20080278532 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH TEMPERATURE ZONES - A printhead IC is provided having an array of nozzles, drive circuitry for receiving print data and sending drive pulses of electrical energy to the array of nozzles in accordance with the print data, and a temperature sensor connected to the drive circuitry to adjust the drive pulse profile in response to the temperature sensor output. During use, the temperature sensor can be de-activated after a period of use. The drive circuitry is programmed with a series of temperature thresholds defining a set of temperature zones, each of the zones having a different pulse profile for the drive pulses sent to the nozzles in the region currently operating in that temperature zone. | 11-13-2008 |
20080278543 | PRINTING CARTRIDGE HAVING SELF-REFERENCING PRINTHEAD UNDER THERMALLY EXPANSIVE CONDITIONS - A printing cartridge for an inkjet printer is provided having an ink supply and a printhead assembly which has at least one printhead integrated circuit having ink ejection nozzles and an ink distribution support mounting the printhead integrated circuit(s). The ink distribution support distributes ink from the ink supply to the nozzles. The printing cartridge is mounted to the printer at the ink distribution support which is provided with at least one reference feature. The reference feature(s) serves to provide information on the location of the nozzles upon mounting of the printing cartridge to the printer. The ink distribution support is a molding formed from liquid crystal polymer. The liquid crystal polymer of the ink distribution support having thermal expansion characteristics similar to those of a silicon wafer of which the printhead integrated circuit is formed. | 11-13-2008 |
20080278545 | Method Of Operating A Thermal Bend Actuator - Provided is a method of operating a thermal bend actuator of a printhead nozzle arrangement of a printhead using an open actuator test circuit. The test circuit includes an open actuator test input, a column enable input and a row enable input; a drive transistor operatively linking said thermal actuator to a power supply; a bleed transistor arranged in parallel with the thermal actuator; a sense transistor operatively linking an output of the drive transistor and inputs of the thermal actuator and bleed transistor to a sensing node. The method includes the step of actuating the actuator to facilitate printing by enabling the column and row enable inputs to deactivate the bleed and sense transistors and to activate the drive transistor to link the thermal actuator to the power supply. The method also includes the step of testing the actuator's continuity by enabling the open actuator test input to activate the bleed and sense transistors, so that the thermal actuator is short-circuited and the sense node is pulled high if the integrity of thermal actuator is open-circuit. | 11-13-2008 |
20080278546 | PRINTHEAD WITH TURBULENCE INDUCING FILTER FOR INK CHAMBER - An inkjet printhead with an array of ink chambers, each having a nozzle, an actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle, an inlet opening allowing ink to refill the chamber and a filter structure at the inlet opening. The filter structure has rows of obstructions extending transverse to the flow direction through the opening. The rows are spaced along the flow direction and the obstructions in each row being spaced such that they are out of registration with the obstructions in an adjacent row with respect to the flow direction. Filtering the ink as it enters the chamber removes the contaminants and bubbles but it also retards ink flow into the chamber. The present invention uses a filter structure that has rows of obstructions in the flow path. The rows are offset with respect to each other to induce turbulence. This has a minimal effect on the nozzle refill rate but the air bubbles or other contaminants are likely to be retained by the obstructions. | 11-13-2008 |
20080278553 | INK REFILL UNIT WITH CONTROLLED INCREMENTAL INK EJECTION FOR PRINT CARTRIDGE - An ink refill unit for a print cartridge is provided. The unit includes a housing which defines a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet. The unit also includes an ink reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing, and an ejector assembly configured to incrementally eject ink from the reservoir when the assembly is actuated by the print cartridge. The ejector assembly includes a piston and cylinder ink reservoir. The piston has a thread which engages a screw thread in an internal wall of the cylinder and is piston rotationally biased by a wound spring and the ejector having a pawl-and-ratchet detent preventing the biased piston threading into the reservoir until the pawl is actuated by the print cartridge. | 11-13-2008 |
20080278554 | INK REFILL UNIT WITH THREADED INCREMENTAL INK EJECTION FOR PRINT CARTRIDGE - An ink refill unit for a print cartridge is provided. The unit includes a housing which defines a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet. The unit also includes an ink reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing, and an ejector assembly configured to incrementally eject ink from the reservoir when the assembly is actuated by the print cartridge. The ejector assembly includes a plunger having a toothed thread which engages with a screw thread provided in an internal wall of the housing. The ejector has a drive gear so that actuation of the drive gear imparts rotation to the toothed thread so as to rotate the plunger within the screw thread of the housing to eject ink from a bellows-like reservoir. | 11-13-2008 |
20080278557 | INK REFILL UNIT WITH INCREMENTAL MILLILITRE INK EJECTION FOR PRINT CARTRIDGE - An ink refill unit for a print cartridge is provided. The unit includes a housing which defines a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet. The unit also includes an ink reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing, and an ejector assembly configured to incrementally eject ink from the reservoir when the assembly is actuated by the print cartridge. The ejector assembly is configured so that the amount of the printing fluid ejected from the reservoir by the ejector assembly is between 6 ml and 50 ml per increment. | 11-13-2008 |
20080278559 | PRINTER ASSEMBLY WITH A CONTROLLER FOR MAINTAINING A PRINTHEAD AT AN EQUILIBRIUM TEMPERATURE - Provided is a printer assembly having a media housing unit having a number of ink reservoirs internally defined by a core portion around which print media is rolled. Also included is an ink supply and printhead unit attached to the media housing unit, said printhead unit having a guillotine blade assembly to cut the print media. The printer assembly also includes a drive unit having a platen configured to extract the print media from the media housing unit and feed it past the printhead unit, said drive unit having ink transmission channels interposed between the ink reservoirs and the ink supply and printhead unit to feed ink from the ink reservoirs to the ink supply and printhead unit. Further included is a controller for controlling operation of the printhead and drive units, said controller configured to maintain said printhead at an equilibrium temperature during printing. | 11-13-2008 |
20080278767 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRINTING USING A POSITION-CODING PATTERN - An apparatus for printing graphical information on a surface. The apparatus comprises: a printhead for printing the graphical information; an image sensor for recording an image of the surface, wherein the recorded image contains a position-coding pattern that identifies an absolute position on the surface; and a processor for converting the recorded image into a recorded absolute position. The printhead prints the graphical information onto the surface based on a comparison of the recorded absolute position and the graphical information to be printed. | 11-13-2008 |
20080278772 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - Provided is a mobile telecommunications device having a printer and image capture means for printing and interacting with printed media. The device includes a mobile phone module for operatively executing a phone operating system, and a sensor module in signal communication with the phone module. The sensor module is configured for sensing tags encoded on the printed media. The device also includes a print engine controller in signal communication with the phone module, the print engine controller being configured for controlling the printer. | 11-13-2008 |
20080279608 | FLAT PANEL COMPUTER DISPLAY - Provided is a flat panel computer display unit. The unit includes a rear cover defining an aperture therein, a base portion, arm and mounting plate fast with the rear cover to support the display unit in an upright position, as well as a pagewidth printer with an ink delivery bus operatively accessible via the aperture for receiving an ink cartridge. The unit also includes a chassis defining a chute for receiving print media therein, and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield operatively sandwiched between the printer and the chute. Further included are a flat panel display for displaying to a user images from a computer, the display supported on the chassis, and a front bezel operatively fast with the rear cover molding to enclose the printer, chassis and display. | 11-13-2008 |
20080280643 | MODULAR MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE HAVING A PRINTER - A modular mobile telecommunications device has a printer and image capture means for printing and interacting with printed media. The device includes a mobile phone module for operatively executing a phone operating system, and a sensor module in signal communication with the phone module, the sensor module configured for sensing tags encoded on the printed media. The device also includes a print engine controller module in signal communication with the phone module, the print engine controller module configured for controlling the printer. Also included is a media transport to transport the print media through the printer. | 11-13-2008 |
20080283190 | METHOD OF REMOVING MEMS DEVICES FROM A HANDLE SUBSTRATE - A method of removing MEMS devices ( | 11-20-2008 |
20080283197 | DIE PICKER WITH LASER DIE HEATER - A device for removing MEMS devices ( | 11-20-2008 |
20080283198 | DIE PICKER WITH HEATED PICKING HEAD - A device for removing MEMS devices ( | 11-20-2008 |
20080283610 | SYSTEM SURFACE FOR DECODING CODED DATA - A system for decoding coded data provided on or in a surface is provided. The coded data includes at least one data portion arranged on or in the surface and alignment data at least partially indicative of at least one clock indicator. The system includes a sensor which senses data provided in a sensing region and a decoder. The sensor senses at least part of the alignment data and at least part of the at least one data portion. The decoder determines, using the sensed alignment data part, the clock indicator, updates, using the clock indicator, a PLL, determines, using the PLL, a relative position between the sensing region and the at least one sensed data portion part, and at least partially decodes, using the relative position, the at least one data portion part. | 11-20-2008 |
20080284812 | PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY - Provided is a pagewidth printhead assembly. The assembly includes a plurality of printhead integrated circuits (ICs) each having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements for operatively ejecting printing fluid onto a printing medium, each IC defining a plurality of discrete supply channels for supplying the nozzle arrangements with fluid. Each IC has a bonding surface with a plurality of trenches etched therein, the trenches having a width of less than 10 microns to attract a liquid adhesive by capillary action. The assembly also includes an ink manifold having a mounting surface, the bonding surface of each printhead IC bonded to the mounting surface with an adhesive tape comprising a liquid-based adhesive, the adhesive tape having a plurality of laser-drilled holes defined therein, said holes being positioned to coincide with the supply channels, and said adhesive is received, at least partially, in the plurality of etched trenches. | 11-20-2008 |
20080284821 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT FOR AN INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH A DIFFUSION BARRIER - Provided is a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The arrangement includes a substrate defining an ink inlet channel and ink chamber with a CMOS layer deposited on top of the substrate, and a nozzle wall, roof and rim positioned on top of the substrate via which ink is operatively ejected from the chamber. The arrangement also includes an anchor atop the CMOS layer, said anchor linked to a stiffening beam by means of an actuator beam, the stiffening beam suspended from the CMOS layer by means of a passive beam and a carrier. Further included is a diffusion barrier about the ink chamber to inhibit the diffusion of hydroxyl ions through the CMOS layer. | 11-20-2008 |
20080284824 | THERMAL INKJET WITH MULTIPLE DROP VOLUMES PER NOZZLE - A pagewidth printhead has a controller. The printhead also has a plurality of microelectromechanical nozzle arrangements controlled by the controller. Each nozzle arrangement includes side walls located on a wafer substrate with a roof portion attached to said walls to define a printing fluid chamber, the roof portion defining an ejection port. Each arrangement also includes an inlet defined in the substrate to supply the fluid chamber with printing fluid, and a plurality of heater elements suspended between the side walls in the fluid chamber, so that when electrical actuation energy is applied to respective heater elements a vapour bubble is formed in the fluid leading to a pressure increase in the chamber thereby ejecting the fluid via the ejection port. The controller is configured to actuate respective heater elements individually to facilitate weighted ink drop volumes to be ejected from the nozzle arrangement. | 11-20-2008 |
20080284829 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING A PRESSURISED AIR SUPPLY - Provided is a printhead assembly with a pressurised air supply having an elongate ink distribution arrangement that defines a number of inlets, a number of corresponding ink distribution channels and a number of outlets in fluid communication with respective ink distribution channels. The assembly also includes an elongate ink distribution assembly mounted on the ink distribution arrangement, the ink distribution assembly having a plurality of layers together forming a stack, the layers being configured to define a plurality of inlets in fluid communication with the outlets of the ink distribution arrangement and mounting formations with passages opening into the mounting formations, the passages being in the form of ink passage sets in fluid communication with respective ink distribution channels, at least one passage from each set opening into each mounting formation. Also included are printhead integrated circuits mounted in respective mounting formations to receive ink from the passages, and an air duct having a base defining a series of air passages. The assembly further includes an air valve molding formed as a channel with a series of apertures defined in a base thereof, a spacing of the apertures corresponding to the series of air passages, the air valve molding being movable longitudinally within the air duct to facilitate alignment of the apertures with the air passages to allow pressurized air through the laminated stack to the cavity, or moved out of alignment to close off a supply of pressurized air to the cavity. | 11-20-2008 |
20080285062 | Method Of Printing A Compressed Image Having A Bi-Level Black Layer And A Contone Layer - Provided is a method of printing a compressed image. The method includes the steps of receiving, with a printer controller, the image, having a bi-level black data layer compressed in an Edge Delta and Runlength (EDRL) compression format and a continuous tone (contone) CMYK data layer, from a computer. The method includes the steps of expanding the image by simultaneously decompressing the two data layers in parallel, and halftoning the contone CMYK data layer into bi-level CMYK data layer. Also included are the steps of compositing the bi-level black data layer over the bi-level CMYK data layer to form a composited bi-level CMYK image, transmitting the composited bi-level CMYK image to a memory buffer of pagewidth printer for printing. | 11-20-2008 |
20080285811 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION TO A USER VIA AN INTERACTIVE MEDIUM - Provided is a system for providing information to a user via an interactive medium. The system includes a server with a memory, a printer and a wireless interface. The printer is configured to supply the interactive medium in the form of a printed page with visible and invisible data thereon, said invisible data indicative of page descriptors stored in the memory. The system also includes a monitoring device configured to sense user interaction with the medium and to sense and transmit the invisible data to the server via the wireless interface. The server is configured to interpret the user interaction in relation to the sensed page descriptors. | 11-20-2008 |
20080291233 | TEST CIRCUITRY FOR A PRINTHEAD NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT - Provided is test circuitry for testing a thermal actuator of a printhead nozzle arrangement of a printhead. The circuitry includes an open actuator test input, a column enable input and a row enable input. A drive transistor operatively links said thermal actuator to a power supply, and a bleed transistor is arranged in parallel with the thermal actuator. The circuitry also includes a sense transistor operatively linking an output of the drive transistor and inputs of the thermal actuator and bleed transistor to a sensing node, as well as a controller configured to deactivate the bleed and sense transistors and to activate the drive transistor when the column enable and row enable inputs are activated to link the thermal actuator to the power supply, and to activate the bleed and sense transistors when the open actuator test input is activated, so that the thermal actuator is short-circuited and the sense node is pulled high if the thermal actuator is open-circuit. | 11-27-2008 |
20080291237 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING A WICKING ELEMENT AND A PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE STATION - Provided is a printhead assembly that includes a support structure and a printhead mounted on the support structure, said printhead having an ink ejection face. The assembly also includes a print media guide proximate the support structure for guiding print media past the printhead for printing, and a wicking element mounted on the support structure between the support structure and the print media guide. Further included is a pad with an angled contact surface to facilitate the transfer of ink from the printhead to the wicking element, as well as a printhead maintenance station. The maintenance station has a body defining an elongate slot along a length thereof, said pad slidably mounted inside said body to be slidable to a first position, where the pad protrudes from the slot, and a second position, where the pad is inside the body. | 11-27-2008 |
20080291238 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH A PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE STATION - Provided is a printhead assembly that includes a support structure with a printhead mounted on the support structure, said printhead having an ink ejection face, and a print media guide proximate the support structure for guiding print media past the printhead for printing. Also included is a wicking element mounted on the support structure between the support structure and the print media guide, as well as a printhead maintenance station configured to facilitate the transferral of ink from the printhead to the wicking element. | 11-27-2008 |
20080291246 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING A LAMINATED DUCTING ASSEMBLY - A printhead assembly has a plurality of printhead modules, each having a plurality of modular printhead tiles. Each printhead tile has a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle assemblies for operatively printing on a printing medium. A ducting assembly has a laminated stack of layers, each layer of the stack having a number of apertures which, when the layers are stacked, provide ducts whereby ink is able to flow from an ink reservoir to the nozzle assemblies. A number of electrical connector assemblies operatively connect the respective printhead tiles together. The printhead modules are arranged in a casing so as to be removably mounted in linearly aligned relationship through removable engagement of each printhead module with the casing. | 11-27-2008 |
20080291250 | PRINTER CARTRIDGE FOR A PAGEWIDTH PRINTER HAVING A REFILL PORT AND A CONTROLLER BOARD - Provided is a printer cartridge for a pagewidth printer. The cartridge includes a body, a printhead integrated circuit assembly arranged on the body and including a printhead integrated circuit with a number of micro-electromechanical nozzles, and an authentication device arranged on the body and storing various manufacturer codes readable by a controller board of the printer to verify the authenticity of the printer cartridge. The cartridge also includes a plurality of reservoirs housed by the body for discretely storing printing fluids for supply to the printhead integrated circuit, as well as a refill port arranged in fluid communication with printing fluid conduits each leading to a respective reservoir, the port facilitating refilling of the reservoirs from a refill cartridge. The printhead integrated circuit assembly includes a power and data interface for interfacing the printer cartridge with the controller board configured to control operation of the printhead integrated circuit. | 11-27-2008 |
20080291256 | PRINTER WITH A DATA CAPTURE DEVICE TO IDENTIFY A PRINT SAMPLE - Provided is a wallpaper printer including a cabinet configured to receive replaceable ink reservoirs and cartridges of blank wallpaper, and a feed system defining a media path through the cabinet, the feed system having pilot guides for guiding the blank wallpaper from the cartridges past a pagewidth printhead for printing. Also included is a heated platen positioned in the media path downstream of the pilot guides for heating the blank wallpaper prior to printing, and a pagewidth printhead arranged in the cabinet for printing images on the blank wallpaper. The printer further includes a cutter module for cutting the printed wallpaper before the feed system feeds said wallpaper into a container configured to roll the printed wallpaper into a roll for storage purposes, and a data capture device configured to capture the identity of an identifier carried by a print sample and wherein, subsequent to the capture of the identity of the print sample, the printhead can print the pattern which corresponds to the print sample. | 11-27-2008 |
20080291258 | ELONGATE HAND-HELD PRINTER DEVICE WITH AN OPTICAL ENCODER WHEEL - An elongate hand-held printer device for printing on a medium when a user moves said device over the medium. The device includes an upper and a lower moulding configured to complementarily receive each other to define a housing, said housing defining an ink ejection slot along, and a printhead module housed in the housing. The module has a plurality of micro-electromechanical ejection devices for operatively ejecting ink via the ink ejection slot. The device also includes an ink supply cartridge housed in the housing, the cartridge for supplying the printhead module with ink, as well as an optical encoder wheel to facilitate regulation of a printing rate of the printhead module as the device is moved along the medium. | 11-27-2008 |
20080296363 | METHOD FOR MANAGING COMPETITION ENTRY WITH PRINTED LABELS - Provided is a method for managing competition entry by means of products having printed labels, the labels having human-readable information relating to a competition and machine-readable coded information relating to an identity of the label and being uniquely indicative of the product item. The label includes regions selected from the group consisting of information fields, buttons, and entry fields. The method includes the steps of receiving from a sensing device the machine-readable coded data, generating interaction data based on the received coded data, correlating the interaction data with a competition, and recording an entry in the competition based on the correlated interaction data. The method also includes the step of transmitting information relating to the competition entry for display on a display device. | 12-04-2008 |
20080296389 | OPTICAL IMAGING PEN WITH A RADIO ANTENNA AND ORTHOGONAL ACCELEROMETERS - An optical imaging pen configured to detect information encoded on a page with ink which is substantially invisible to the human eye. The pen includes a housing, an electronics chassis mounted inside the housing, and an infrared LED supported by the chassis for providing infrared radiation for projection onto the page. The pen also includes an image sensor for receiving reflected radiation from the surface, a radio frequency circuit having a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver, and a radio antenna mounted within the housing, said antenna in signal communication with the radio frequency transmitter and receiver. Further included are a controller circuit for controlling operation of the LED, sensor and radio frequency circuit, as well as a pair of orthogonal accelerometers mounted in a normal plane of the pen axis, said accelerometers allowing the pen to sense motion without reference to a surface location. | 12-04-2008 |
20080297554 | TEMPERATURE REGULATED INKJET PRINTHEAD - A printhead IC is provided which has an array of nozzles, drive circuitry for receiving print data and sending drive pulses of electrical energy to the array of nozzles in accordance with the print data, and a temperature sensor connected to the drive circuitry to adjust the drive pulse profile in response to the temperature sensor output. During use, the temperature sensor can be de-activated after a period of use. The drive circuitry sets the duration of the pulse profile to a sub ejection value for any of the nozzles in the row that are not to eject a drop during that firing sequence. | 12-04-2008 |
20080297558 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLY FOR AN INKJET PRINTER - A printhead maintenance assembly for an inkjet printer includes a housing. A movable chassis is arranged in the housing. A belt is mounted on the chassis with a contact surface for sealing engagement with a printhead of the printer. The chassis and thus the belt are reciprocally movable between a first position in which the contact surface is engaged with the printhead and a second position in which the printhead is disengaged from the printhead. A pair of spools are mounted on the chassis. The belt is mounted about the spools, with one of the spools being a toothed drive spool and the other being an idler spool. A drive motor is mounted on the chassis. A drive gear driven by the motor is engaged with the drive spool so that the motor can drive the belt. The drive spool, drive gear and drive motor form part of a conveyor mechanism for conveying the belt in a direction substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the printhead. A cleaning station is mounted on the chassis and positioned so that the belt moves past the cleaning station to be cleaned. | 12-04-2008 |
20080297562 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH AN INK SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT HAVING PRINTHEAD SEGMENT CARRIERS - A printhead assembly which includes an ink supply arrangement having a profile member defining a semi-open cross-section with peripheral, structured side walls having free, opposing, lengthwise running edges delineating a gap extending along the entire length of the profile member, said profile member defining three internal webs that stand out from a base wall section of the peripheral wall into the interior of said member so as to define together with the side wall sections ink supply channels which are open towards the gap. The assembly also includes a plurality of printhead segment carriers operatively fast with the ink supply arrangement so that the ink supply channels are arranged in fluid communication with a printhead operatively supported on said segments. Also included is a shield plate supported by the profile member, said plate for protecting the printhead during printing. | 12-04-2008 |
20080297565 | RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY FOR A PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE - Provided is a printhead assembly which includes a printhead module having a plurality of modular printhead tiles each having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle assemblies for printing on a printing medium. The assembly also includes a number of printhead controller integrated circuits for controlling the printhead tiles, as well as a casing having an integral heatsink arrangement for the printhead controller integrated circuits. The casing further includes a ducting assembly for ducting ink to the printhead tiles and busbars for interfacing the printhead controller integrated circuits with a controller of a printer. | 12-04-2008 |
20080297566 | INKJET PRINTHEAD NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING NON-COINCIDENT ELECTRODES - Provided is an inkjet printhead nozzle arrangement including side walls located on a wafer substrate with a roof layer deposited on said walls to define an ink chamber, the roof layer defining a nozzle aperture, and an inlet defined in the substrate to supply the ink chamber with printing fluid. The arrangement also includes at least one heater element having two opposite sides parallel to a plane of the ejection aperture and configured such that a gas bubble formed by that heater element is formed at both of said sides. The heater elements and associated electrodes are arranged in the chamber so that the electrodes are non-coincident and have an annular shape with a point of collapse of the bubble near a centre thereof. | 12-04-2008 |
20080297572 | INK CARTRIDGE UNIT FOR AN INKJET PRINTER WITH AN INK REFILL FACILITY - Provided is an ink cartridge unit for an inkjet printer. The cartridge unit includes a main body defining a number of ink reservoirs, each reservoir having a layered stack of absorbent material forming a micro-capillary array for suspending ink inside said reservoir. The unit also includes a lid assembly covering the main body to seal ink inside the ink reservoirs, and a printhead assembly operatively fed with ink from the ink reservoirs in the main body. The unit further includes a capper assembly for operatively capping the printhead assembly to prevent damage to micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements defined on a printing surface of the printhead assembly. The lid assembly includes a refill facility whereby the ink reservoirs are refillable with ink from a suitable ink refill unit. | 12-04-2008 |
20080297574 | RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY FOR A PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE - A reservoir assembly for a pagewidth printhead cartridge has a fluid distribution molding with priming inlets in fluid communication with fluid channels for supplying printing fluid to a plurality of printhead integrated circuits. The assembly includes a reservoir compartment arranged in fluid communication with the fluid channels via a fluid outlet. The reservoir compartment defines a vent hole to facilitate pressure equalisation in the compartment and a bypass fluid path interconnecting the fluid outlet and a well region defined by the compartment. A bypass valve is operatively arranged with respect to the fluid path to facilitate priming the reservoir compartment with printing fluid | 12-04-2008 |
20080297606 | DIGITAL CAMERA - Provided is a hand-held modular camera assembly with a camera module, a printer module, and a dispenser module. The assembly has a central processor which includes a RISC processor core, and a memory operatively storing operating instructions for the processor core and image data for manipulation by said core. The central processor also includes a serial bus interface for communicating with the camera module, the printer module and the dispenser module. | 12-04-2008 |
20080297850 | PRINTER CONTROLLER FOR A PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD HAVING HALFTONER AND COMPOSITOR UNIT - Provided is a printer controller for controlling a pagewidth printhead. The controller includes an interface for receiving an image having a bi-level black data layer compressed in an Edge Delta and Runlength (EDRL) compression format and a continuous tone (contone) CMYK data layer. Also included is an EDRL expander and a Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) decoder unit for expanding the image by simultaneously decompressing the two data layers in parallel, as well as a halftoner and compositor unit for halftoning the contone CMYK data layer into bi-level CMYK data layer and compositing the bi-level black data layer over the bi-level CMYK data layer to form a composited bi-level CMYK image. The controller further includes a processor and memory arrangement configured to control the interface, the expander and decoder unit, and the halftoner and compositor unit, and further configured to transmit the composited bi-level CMYK image to a memory buffer of the pagewidth printer via a printhead interface. | 12-04-2008 |
20080297855 | MOBILE PHONE HANDSET - Provided is a mobile phone handset which includes a front cover moulding with user interface buttons and a display. A chassis moulding houses telecommunication components in connection with the buttons and display. The chassis moulding has a cradle and a drive mechanism, as well as a print cartridge operatively received in the cradle. The cartridge has a printhead and an ink storage and distribution assembly. The handset also includes a rear cover molding defining an inlet and an outlet slot. The drive mechanism is configured to feed print media from the inlet slot to the outlet slot past the print cartridge for printing on the media. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300015 | PRINT CONTROLLER FOR A MOBILE TELEPHONE HANDSET - Provided is a print controller for a mobile telephone handset. The controller includes a printer central processor configured to control operation of an integral printing assembly of the handset. An image sensor is arranged in signal communication with the central processor and is configured for capturing images. The controller also includes a print media feed apparatus configured to feed print media through the printing assembly. | 12-04-2008 |
20080302874 | OPTICAL MEDIA SENSING ARRANGEMENT FOR A MOBILE TELEPHONE HAVING INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL MEDIA PATHWAYS - The invention provides for an optical sensing arrangement for use in a mobile telephone. The sensing arrangement allows the telephone to decode tags of coded data printed on media present in internal and external pathways of the telephone. The sensing arrangement includes a beam splitter configured to deflect incoming light onto an image sensor of the telephone. The arrangement also includes a first infrared LED operatively directing light onto media present in the external pathway, with a filter and lens arrangement configured to receive and direct light reflected from the external media onto the beam splitter. Also included is a second infrared LED operatively directing light onto media present in the internal pathway, with a mirror arrangement configured to direct light reflected from the internal media into the beam splitter. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303481 | CELLULAR PHONE CHARGING STAND - The present invention relates to a charging stand for charging a mobile phone. The stand includes a base defining a receptacle configured to receive the mobile phone. A battery charging circuit includes a power cord extending into the base, step-down circuitry for reducing supplied voltage from the cord, and exposed contacts configured to supply the reduced voltage to a battery of the mobile phone received in the receptacle. A removable ink cartridge is received in the receptacle and is configured to supply ink to a printer of the mobile phone received in the receptacle. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303851 | ELECTRO-THERMALLY ACTUATED PRINTER WITH HIGH MEDIA FEED SPEED - An inkjet printer that has a printhead mounted adjacent a media feed path, the printhead having an array of droplet ejectors for ejecting ink droplets on to a media substrate. Each of the droplet ejectors having an electro-thermal actuator. The printer also having a media feed drive for moving the media substrate relative to the array of droplet ejectors at a speed greater than 0.1 m/s. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303856 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH REPLACEABLE PRINTHEAD MODULES - A printhead assembly includes a chassis, an ink reservoir secured on the chassis and printhead modules attached to the reservoir. Each printhead module includes a first molding defining a plurality of ink chambers and a plurality of clips. The clips are releasably engaged with receiving formations defined by the ink reservoir. A second molding is in engagement with the fist molding to cover the ink chambers. A sub-assembly is attached to the second molding. The sub-assembly includes an ink ejection integrated circuit which is supplied with ink from the ink chambers via the second molding and a Tape Automated Bond (TAB) film which is electrically connected to the integrated circuit. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303859 | MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLY FOR A PAGEWIDTH PRINTER HAVING A MOTORIZED DRIVE - A maintenance assembly for a pagewidth printer, said assembly operatively mounted between posts of a main body of the printer so that the maintenance assembly is positioned adjacent a printhead assembly of the printer. The maintenance assembly includes a maintenance chassis defining tongue portions and having ends which are shaped to fit over the posts of the main body to secure the maintenance assembly in position, and a retainer element operatively engaging the chassis. Also included are a lower molding and an upper molding operatively fast with each other to sandwich an absorbent insert between them, the moldings in turn sandwiched between the chassis and retainer element, and a motorized drive for moving the maintenance chassis between a capped position and an uncapped position to facilitate wiping the printhead of the printer. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303863 | PAGE-WIDTH PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH STATIONARY INK EJECTION INTEGRATED CIRCUITS - A page-width printhead assembly includes an elongate casing defining a channel. An elongate printhead module is located within the channel and is configured to eject ink upon passing print media. The printhead module includes a plurality of serially arranged printhead tiles upon which respective ink ejection integrated circuits are mounted. Each printhead tile has a stepped region and the integrated circuits overlap in said stepped region. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303864 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH SHELTERED INK DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENT - The present invention relates to a printhead assembly for a printer system. The printhead assembly includes an elongate substrate defining a channel and spaced apart sets of ink supply holes. Printhead modules are mounted serially along the substrate outside the channel. Each printhead module includes an ink ejection integrated circuit in fluid communication with a respective set of ink supply holes. An ink distribution arrangement is located within the channel and distributes ink to the sets of ink supply holes. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303866 | NOZZLE ASSEMBLY FOR AN INKJET PRINTER FOR EJECTING A LOW SPEED DROPLET - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator, and control logic controls the drive transistor. The velocity of the ink droplet is less than 8 m/s. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303867 | METHOD OF FORMING PRINTHEAD BY REMOVING SACRIFICIAL MATERIAL THROUGH NOZZLE APERTURES - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. When printing 100% coverage at full print rate, each of the actuators has an average power consumption less than 1.5 mW. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303871 | NOZZLE ASSEMBLY FOR AN INKJET PRINTER FOR EJECTING A LOW VOLUME DROPLET - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator, and control logic controls the drive transistor. The volume of said droplet is less than 3 pl. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303872 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT FOR AN INKJET PRINTER CONFIGURED TO MINIMIZE THERMAL LOSSES - Provided is a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer. The nozzle arrangement includes a wafer substrate defining an ink passage and a nozzle plate supported on said substrate by side walls to define an ink chamber operatively supplied with ink via said ink passage, the nozzle plate defining an ink ejection port surrounded by a nozzle rim. The arrangement also includes a heater element bonded to the nozzle plate about said ejection port inside the chamber for thermal ejection of ink from the chamber, wherein the heater element is bonded to the nozzle plate by means of a low thermal product layer to reduce thermal losses from the heater element to the nozzle plate. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303873 | PRINTHEAD WITH RECIPROCATING CANTILEVERED THERMAL ACTUATORS - A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes a wafer assembly supporting rows of ink ejection nozzles. Each nozzle includes a nozzle structure defining a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with an ink ejection port. A cantilevered thermal actuator terminates in a free end over an ink supply channel. The thermal actuator includes a serpentine heater layer connected to a CMOS drive circuitry layer of the wafer assembly. The CMOS drive circuitry layer is configured to actuate the thermal actuator and reciprocate the actuator to eject ink in the nozzle chamber out through the ink ejection port. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303875 | INK EJECTION NOZZLE WITH OSCILLATOR AND SHUTTER ARRANGEMENT - An ink ejection nozzle has an ink reservoir with an oscillator configured to oscillate ink pressure in the reservoir. A wafer assembly defines an ink supply channel in fluid communication with the ink reservoir. A nozzle chamber structure on the wafer assembly defines a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply channel. An ink ejection port is in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. A shutter is positioned in the nozzle chamber and is configured to shut the ink ejection port to the ejection of ink from the nozzle chamber. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303878 | INK PRIMING ARRANGEMENT FOR PRINTHEAD HAVING PICOLITRE INK EJECTION - An ink priming arrangement for an inkjet printhead is provided which has an ink bag containing ink for distribution to nozzles of the printhead via a fluid path between the ink bag and nozzles, a force applicator arranged to apply inwardly directed force on at least one exterior wall of the ink bag to reduce an available fluid volume of the ink bag, thereby causing ink to flow from the ink bag to the nozzles along the fluid path, and a biasing member arranged in the ink bag to apply outwardly directed force on at least one interior wall of the ink bag so as to restrain the reduction of available fluid volume of the ink bag. The biasing member applies the outward force only once the available fluid volume has been reduced to a predetermined volume. Each nozzle ejects an ink drop having a volume of about 1.2 picolitres. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303881 | INK SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT FOR INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING LARGE NOZZLE NUMBER - An ink supply arrangement for an inkjet printhead is provided having at least one collapsible ink bag containing ink for distribution to nozzles of the printhead via a fluid path between the ink bag and nozzles, a body for housing the ink bag and the printhead, and a biasing member in the ink bag. The ink is primed in the fluid path and nozzles so as to be ejected by the nozzles, in use, thereby depleting the ink contained in the ink bag. The ink bag is attached to the body at a wall opposite a wall of the ink bag facing the printhead. The biasing member applies outwardly directed force on the wall of the ink bag facing the printhead thereby maintaining substantially constant negative pressure at the nozzles as the ink is depleted. The fluid path connects the ink bag to at least 6400 nozzles of the printhead. | 12-11-2008 |
20080303882 | INK REFILL UNIT WITH INCREMENTAL INK EJECTION ACCUATED BY PRINT CARTRIDGE CRADLE - An ink refill unit for a print cartridge is provided. The unit includes a housing which defines a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet. The unit also includes an ink reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing, and an ejector assembly configured to incrementally eject ink from the reservoir when the assembly is actuated by the print cartridge. The housing defines an aperture via which the print cartridge actuates the ejector assembly. | 12-11-2008 |
20080304888 | WALL-MOUNTABLE PRINTER HAVING A WIRELESS NETWORK INTERFACE - Provided is a wall-mountable printer having a wireless network interface for receiving image data, and a printhead assembly having ink reservoirs and a pagewidth printhead for printing the image data on a sheet of paper. The printer also includes a glue wheel assembly configured to apply glue along an edge of the sheet of paper after printing, and a page binding arrangement configured to bind successive sheets of paper together. | 12-11-2008 |
20080308622 | METHOD OF REGISTERING SENSING DEVICE WITH RELAY DEVICE - A method of registering a sensing device with a relay device is provided. The relay device allowing the sensing device to communicate with a computer system of the system. The method performs registration using a registration form having information relating to an interactive element coincident with tags mapped over the form. Each tag has coded data indicative of the interactive element and an identity associated with the form. In the method, indicating data indicative of the identity and the interactive element is received at the computer system from a sensing device via the relay device which is generated by the sensing device sensing the coded data, the interactive element from the indicating data is determined by the computer system which then causes registration of the sensing device with the relay device using the interactive element. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309693 | NOZZLE ASSEMBLY FOR EJECTING SMALL DROPLETS - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet having a diameter of less than 20 μm from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator, and control logic controls the drive transistor. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309694 | APERTURE OF A NOZZLE ASSEMBLY OF AN INKJET PRINTER - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator, and control logic controls the drive transistor. The aperture of the inkjet nozzle through which the ink droplet is ejected has a diameter of less than 15 μm. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309695 | NOZZLE ASSEMBLY FOR AN INKJET PRINTER HAVING A SHORT DRIVE TRANSISTOR CHANNEL - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator, and control logic controls the drive transistor. The channel length of the drive transistor is less than 1 μm. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309696 | G OF NOZZLES OF A PRINTHEAD OF AN INKJET PRINTER - A printhead for an Inkjet Printer is disclosed. The printhead has a large number of nozzle assemblies. Each nozzle assembly has an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of said actuator, and control logic for controlling said drive transistor. Nozzles are spaced from other nozzles ejecting ink of a same color by less than 25 μm in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of a print media upon which ink is ejected. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309697 | PRINTHEAD OF AN INKJET PRINTER HAVING DENSELY SPACED NOZZLES - A printhead for an Inkjet Printer is disclosed. The printhead has a large number of nozzle assemblies. Each nozzle assembly has an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of said actuator, and control logic for controlling said drive transistor. Nozzles are spaced from other nozzles ejecting ink of a different color by less than 400 microns. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309699 | LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION NOZZLE ASSEMBLY FOR AN INKJET PRINTER - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator, and control logic controls the drive transistor. The energy of the energy pulse is less than 1 μJ. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309711 | PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH SUPPORT MEMBER LAMINATE STRUCTURE - A pagewidth printhead assembly comprising an elongate support member, the elongate support member includes a core element defining separate ink reservoirs and a laminate structure at least partially surrounding the core element. A plurality of printhead integrated circuits is mounted to the core element so as to be substantially aligned with one another along the elongate support member. The laminate structure includes at least a first layer of a first material adjacent the core element, a second layer of a second material adjacent the first layer, and a third layer of the first material adjacent the second layer, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first material is different to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the second material. The effective coefficient of thermal expansion of the support member is substantially equal to that of the plurality of printhead integrated circuits. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309712 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH ACTUATORS CLOSE TO EXTERIOR SURFACE - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The actuator in each of the droplet ejectors is configured to generate a pressure pulse in a quantity of ink adjacent the nozzle aperture, the pressure pulse being directed towards the nozzles aperture such that the droplet of ink is ejected through the nozzle aperture. The actuator is positioned in the droplet ejector such that it is less than 30 microns from an exterior surface of the printhead surface layer. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309713 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH LOW DROPLET EJECTION VELOCITY - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The droplet ejectors are configured to eject ink droplets at a velocity less than 4.5 m/s | 12-18-2008 |
20080309714 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH LOW VOLUME INK CHAMBERS - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. Each of the droplet ejectors also has a chamber in which the actuator is positioned, the chamber having a volume less than 30,000 microns cubed. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309720 | INKJET PRINTER NOZZLE FORMED ON A DRIVE TRANSISTOR AND CONTROL LOGIC - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator, and control logic controls the drive transistor. The drive transistor and control logic are formed on a silicon substrate, and the inkjet nozzle is formed over the drive transistor and control logic. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309721 | LOW VOLTAGE NOZZLE ASSEMBLY FOR AN INKJET PRINTER - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator, and control logic controls the drive transistor. The voltage of the energy pulse is less than 10 V. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309722 | LOW PRESSURE NOZZLE FOR AN INKJET PRINTER - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator, and control logic controls the drive transistor. The actuator develops a pressure of less than 100 kPa within the inkjet nozzle. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309723 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH LARGE ARRAY OF DROPLET EJECTORS - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a single printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The array has more than 2000 droplet ejectors and all the nozzle apertures are formed in a printhead surface layer on one face of the printhead IC. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309724 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH SMALL VOLUME DROPLET EJECTORS - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture, the ejected droplets having a volume less than 3 pico-litres each. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309725 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH FILTER STRUCTURE AT INLET TO INK CHAMBERS - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. Each of the droplet ejectors has a chamber in which the actuator is positioned, the chamber having an inlet for fluid communication with an ink supply. A filter structure in positioned the inlet to inhibit ingress of contaminants into the chamber. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309726 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH INK SUPPLY CHANNEL FEEDING A PLURALITY OF NOZZLE ROWS - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The array of droplet ejectors is arranged in a plurality of rows and an ink supply channel extending parallel to the plurality of rows, and an inlet conduit extending from the supply channel to an opposing surface of the printhead IC. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309727 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH INK SUPPLY FROM BACK FACE - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on one face of a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The printhead IC having a printhead surface layer on one face which defines all the nozzle apertures on the array. The printhead IC also having a back face that is opposite said one face on which the printhead surface layer is formed, and at least one supply conduit extending from the back face to the array of droplet ejectors. The at least one supply conduit is in fluid communication with a plurality of the droplet ejectors in the array. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309728 | Method of Forming Connection Between Electrode and Actuator in an Inkjet Nozzle Assembly - A method of forming an electrical connection between an electrode and an actuator in an inkjet nozzle assembly is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substrate having a layer of drive circuitry, the drive circuitry including the electrode for connection to the actuator; (b) forming a wall of insulating material over the electrode; (c) defining a via in the wall, the via revealing the electrode; (d) filling the via with a conductive material using electroless plating to provide a connector post; (e) forming at least part of the actuator over the connector post, thereby providing electrical connection between the actuator and the electrode. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309729 | Printhead Integrated Circuit Comprising Inkjet Nozzle Assemblies Having Connector Posts - A printhead integrated circuit is provided. The printhead integrated circuit comprises a silicon substrate having a plurality of inkjet nozzles assemblies formed on a surface of the substrate. The substrate has drive circuitry for supplying power to the nozzle assemblies. Each nozzle assembly comprises: a nozzle chamber for containing ink, the nozzle chamber having a nozzle opening defined therein; an actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle opening; a pair of electrodes positioned at the surface of the substrate, the electrodes being electrically connected to the drive circuitry; and a pair of connector posts, each connector post electrically connecting a respective electrode to the actuator. Each connector post extends linearly from a respective electrode to the actuator. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309742 | PRINTER WITH PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE AND PRINTER BODY THAT SIMULTANEOUSLY ENGAGE AN INK CARTRIDGE - An inkjet printer that has a printer body, a printhead cartridge for installation in the printer body, and an ink cartridge for supplying the printhead cartridge with ink. The ink cartridge has external formations for engaging a first complementary formation on the printhead cartridge and a second complementary formation on the printer body. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309746 | PRINTING SYSTEM WITH A DATA CAPTURE DEVICE - Provided is a printing system for producing wallpaper. The printing system includes a frame, a cabinet on the frame, the cabinet configured to receive replaceable ink reservoirs and cartridges of blank wallpaper, and a pagewidth printhead arranged on the frame for printing images on the blank wallpaper. Also included are pilot guides for guiding the blank wallpaper fed from the cartridges via a media path defined in the cabinet past the pagewidth printhead to facilitate printing, and a dryer module configured to dry the printed wallpaper. The system further has a cutter module for cutting the printed wallpaper before the printed wallpaper is fed into a container which stores the wallpaper in a roll, and a data capture device configured to capture the identity of an identifier carried by a print sample. The printhead is configured, subsequent to the capture of the identity of the print sample, to print the pattern which corresponds to the print sample. | 12-18-2008 |
20080313467 | Authentication Processor Using a Signature Encoded in a Number of Data Portions - A method of authenticating an object using a processor, the object being associated with a surface having disposed thereon or therein coded data having a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion encoding: an identity of the object; and, a fragment of a signature, the signature being a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method including, in the processor: receiving from a sensing device, indicating data, the indicating data being generated in response to sensing of a plurality of coded data portions, the indicating data being indicative of: the identity of the object; and, a plurality of signature fragments; determining, from the indicating data, a received identity and a plurality of received signature fragments; determining, using the plurality of signature fragments and a secret key, a determined identity; comparing the determined identity to the received identity; and, authenticating the object using the results of the comparison. | 12-18-2008 |
20080313706 | Method of Verifying an Object - A method of verifying an object using a computer system which receives a verification request indicative of an identity of the object and at least one signature fragment, the signature being a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes determining the identity, and using this to determine at least one criterion relating to the verification from a database. The verification request is compared to the at least one criterion allowing the object to be verified if the criterion is satisfied. | 12-18-2008 |
20080314136 | MINIATURE PRESSURE SENSOR ASSEMBLY - A miniature pressure sensor assembly is provided for fitting within the valve stem of a vehicle tire. The pressure sensor assembly typically includes a reference device for temperature compensation and a measurement device for pressure measurement. Each device includes a substrate assembly defining a plurality of holes. A deflectable membrane is mounted to the substrate assembly to define a first chamber. A cap is mounted to the membrane to form a second chamber. | 12-25-2008 |
20080314653 | PRODUCT HAVING ENCODED AUTHENTICATION WRITING AREAS - A product is provided which has a plurality of coded tags and at least one authentication writing area defined by at least some of the coded tags for receiving handwritten authentication information from a sensing device operated by a user. Each coded tag encodes coordinates for a point on a tag map and an orientation feature. The orientation features enable the sensing device to determine a planar orientation of each tag relative to a yaw of the sensing device. | 12-25-2008 |
20080315493 | PRINTING ASSEMBLY FOR PRINTING AND BINDING PAGES - Provided is a printing assembly for printing and binding pages. The assembly includes pinch rollers for feeding a sheet of paper into the assembly, and a printhead arrangement arranged after the rollers for printing on the paper. The assembly also includes an adhesive applicator arranged after the printhead for applying adhesive to the printed paper, as well as a binding press arranged after the applicator for binding printed sheets of paper together. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316239 | INKJET PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A printhead IC is provided which has an array of nozzles, drive circuitry for receiving print data and sending drive pulses of electrical energy to the array of nozzles in accordance with the print data, a temperature sensor connected to the drive circuitry to adjust the drive pulse profile in response to the temperature sensor output and open actuator test circuitry for selectively disabling the actuators when they receive a drive signal while comparing the resistance of the resistive heater to a predetermined threshold to assess whether the actuator is defective. During use, the temperature sensor can be de-activated after a period of use. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316241 | NOZZLE ASSEMBLY FOR AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers is also included. The shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal. A transfer register latches data in one of the registers of the shift register. A control gate outputs a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316242 | Control Of A Nozzle Of An Inkjet Printhead - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers, the shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal, a transfer register for latching data in one of the registers of the shift register; a control gate for outputting a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register, and a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. Each energy pulse has a pulse voltage of less than 10 Volt. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316243 | PRINTHEAD IC WITH DE-ACTIVATABLE TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND MAINTENANCE MODE - A printhead IC is provided which has an array of nozzles, drive circuitry for receiving print data and sending drive pulses of electrical energy to the array of nozzles in accordance with the print data, and a temperature sensor connected to the drive circuitry to adjust the drive pulse profile in response to the temperature sensor output. During use, the temperature sensor can be de-activated after a period of use. The drive circuitry is configured to operate in two modes, a printing mode in which the drive pulses it generates are printing pulses, and a maintenance mode in which the drive pulses are de-clog pulses, such that, the de-clog pulse has a longer duration than the printing pulse. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316256 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH SANDWICHED POWER SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT - A printhead assembly is provided for a printer system. The printhead assembly includes an elongate substrate defining a channel and spaced apart sets of ink supply holes. An ink distribution arrangement is located within the channel and is configured to distribute ink to the sets of ink supply holes. A first plate is in engagement with the substrate to hold the ink distribution arrangement within the channel. A power supply arrangement is also located within the channel. A second plate is in engagement with the substrate so that the power supply arrangement is sandwiched between the plates and held within the channel. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316260 | PAGEWIDTH PRINTER HAVING AN ELONGATE BI-LITHIC PRINTHEAD UNIT - Provided is a pagewidth printer having an elongate bi-lithic printhead unit. The unit includes two integrated circuits laid end-to-end, each having a multitude of micro-electromechanical nozzles for operatively ejecting printing fluid, and an ink distribution plate for feeding printing fluid into apertures defined in the integrated circuits. The unit also includes an ink distribution molding defining a plurality of elongate conduits for distributing printing fluid to the plate along a length of the printhead, and an end plug configured for fitment onto an end of the distribution molding to arrange said conduits in fluid communication with ink reservoirs. The unit further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to relay data signals from a printer controller to respective ends of the integrated circuits. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316262 | COMPACT NOZZLE ASSEMBLY FOR AN INKJET PRINTER - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator, and control logic controls the drive transistor. The drive transistor, control logic and inkjet nozzle covers an area of less than 20,000 μm | 12-25-2008 |
20080316263 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH HIGH DENSITY ARRAY OF DROPLET EJECTORS - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a single printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The array has a nozzle aperture density of more than 100 nozzle apertures per square millimetre and all the nozzle apertures are formed in a printhead surface layer on one face of the printhead IC. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316264 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH NOZZLES IN THIN SURFACE LAYER - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The array has a nozzle aperture density of more than 100 nozzle apertures per square millimetre and all the nozzle apertures are formed in a printhead surface layer on one face of the printhead IC. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316265 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH HIGH DENSITY ARRAY OF DROPLET EJECTORS - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a single printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The printhead IC also has drive circuitry for providing the actuators with power, the drive circuitry having patterned layers of metal separated by interleaved layers of dielectric material. The layers of metal being interconnected by conductive vias, wherein the drive circuitry has more than two of the metal layers and each of the metal layers are less than 2 microns thick. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316266 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH SMALL NOZZLE APERTURES - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The nozzle apertures each have an area less than 600 microns squared. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316267 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH LOW POWER OPERATION - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. When printing 100% coverage at full print rate, each of the actuators has an average power consumption less than 1.5 mW. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316268 | PRINTHEAD WITH LOW POWER DRIVE PULSES FOR ACTUATORS - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. When printing 100% coverage at full print rate, each of the actuators has an average power consumption less than 1.5 mW. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316269 | MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING CANTILEVERED ACTUATORS - The invention provides for a micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The arrangement includes a substrate defining an inverted pyramidal ink chamber with a vertex thereof terminating at an ink supply channel defined by the substrate, said substrate having a layer of CMOS drive circuitry. The arrangement also includes a roof structure connected to the drive circuitry layer and covering the ink chamber, the roof structure defining a fluid ejection nozzle rim above said chamber. Also included is a plurality of actuators fast with and displaceable with respect to the roof structure, the actuators radially spaced about the nozzle rim between the guide rails. Each actuator has a serpentine heater element configured to expand thermally upon receiving current from the drive circuitry thereby moving said actuators into the chamber to increase a fluid pressure inside the chamber to eject a drop of ink via the ejection nozzle. Each actuator is cantilevered to a heater element in a bendable manner. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316270 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY FOR RE-DIRECTING INK DROPLETS - A printhead assembly includes a printhead, in turn, including a plurality of ink ejection nozzles. A nozzle guard is formed from hydrophobic photoresist and is mounted to the printhead. The nozzle guard defines a plurality of channels located in register with respective nozzles so that droplets of ink from the nozzles can be bounced off internal walls of the channels during printing. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316271 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT FOR AN INKJET PRINTER WITH INK WICKING REDUCTION - Provided is nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer. The arrangement includes a wafer substrate defining a supply channel and chamber side and roof walls positioned on the substrate, said walls defining a nozzle chamber operatively supplied with ink via the supply channel, a nozzle rim defined in the roof wall. The arrangement also includes a thermal bend actuator attached to said substrate via a post, the actuator passing through a slot defined in a wall of the chamber, the actuator ending in an ejection paddle inside the chamber, said actuator configured to operatively eject ink from the nozzle chamber. The arrangement further includes a poker extending from the paddle towards the nozzle rim such that an ink meniscus is formed between the rim and the poker, as well as an actuator slot protection barrier mounted on the actuator proximate the slot and configured to reduce ink wicking on the nozzle rim during ejection of ink from the nozzle rim. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316275 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING REMOVABLE PRINTHEAD MODULES - Provided is a printhead assembly having a number of printhead modules each having a plurality of support members and modular printhead tiles mounted thereon with each tile having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle assemblies for operatively printing on a printing medium. The assembly also includes a ducting assembly having a laminated stack of layers, each layer of the stack having a number of apertures which, when the layers are stacked, provide ducts whereby ink is able to flow from an ink reservoir to the nozzle assemblies. Also included is a casing having a support frame in which the printhead modules are arranged so as to be removably mounted in linearly aligned relationship through removable engagement of a support member of each printhead module with the support frame. Each support member has a first tab received in a recess of the support frame and a second tab clamped between the support frame and a mounting element mounted to the support frame to allow constrained movement of the relevant printhead module relative to the casing. The assembly further has a number of electrical connector assemblies for operatively connecting the respective printhead tiles to power and data. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316276 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT HAVING AN INK EJECTION MEMBER WITH A LAMINATED STRUCTURE - A printhead integrated circuit (IC) for an inkjet printer. The printhead IC has a wafer substrate with drive circuitry and a plurality of nozzle arrangements located thereon. Each nozzle arrangement includes nozzle chamber structures defining a nozzle chamber and an ink ejection nozzle in fluid communication with said nozzle chamber, as well as an elongate actuator attached to the substrate for displacement towards and away from the substrate in response to actuating signals from the drive circuitry. Each arrangement also includes an ink ejection member attached to the actuator, the ejection member being positioned for acting on ink within the nozzle chamber to eject a drop of ink from the ink ejection nozzle. Each elongate actuator further includes an actuator arm of a laminated structure comprising a resiliently flexible inner layer, a conductive layer and a compensation layer, the inner layer being interposed between the conductive and compensation layers. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316285 | PRINTER CRADLE FOR RECEIVING AN INK CARTRIDGE WITH A GEAR ASSEMBLY - Provided is a printer cradle for receiving an ink cartridge having a rotor element. The cradle includes a drive roller and an electrical motor having a drive shaft terminating in a worm gear that meshes with a cog affixed to the drive roller for driving said roller. The cradle also includes a flipper gear assembly that is operatively engaged with the drive roller to be driven by the drive roller between an engaged position, in which the flipper gear assembly engages the rotor element and a disengaged position in which the flipper gear assembly is disengaged from the rotor element. Further included is a controller arrangement having a controller board housing a print engine controller configured to control the motor to actuate or disengage the rotor element. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316286 | INK SUPPLY FOR A PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE WITH A CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY. - Provided is an ink supply bag for a printhead cartridge. The supply bag includes two profiled panels arranged generally coplanar and co-terminally attached to form an ink holding chamber, along with a folded leaf spring biasing said chamber into an expanded position. The supply bag further includes a connector assembly operatively arranging said chamber in fluid communication with ink supply channels of the printhead cartridge. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316508 | ONLINE ASSOCIATION OF A DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPH WITH AN INDICATOR - The present invention relates to an online method for associating an image with an indicator. The method includes the step of storing a captured image in the clipboard of a server. A selection tool selects an association operator from a number of possible operators of a printed toolbar. The method further includes the step of selecting, with the selection tool, the indicator on a printed page to associate the captured image in the clipboard with the selected indicator. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316515 | PRINT ENGINE PIPELINE SUBSYSTEM OF A PRINTER CONTROLLER - Provided is a print engine pipeline subsystem of a printer controller. The subsystem includes a print engine pipeline controller for reading and writing print engine pipeline registers, and a contone decoder unit for expanding JPEG compressed continuous tone (“contone”) layers. Also included are a lossless bi-level decoder for expanding compressed bi-level layers, a line loader unit for expanding page images for a printhead, and a printhead interface for sending dot data to the printhead and for providing line synchronization between multiple printer controllers. | 12-25-2008 |
20080317190 | SYSTEM FOR DECODING BIT STREAM PRINTED ON SURFACE - A system for decoding coded data printed in ink on a surface. The coded data includes an encoded bit stream and associated redundancy data, and a registration structure of clock tracks indicative of a position of the coded data in the direction perpendicular to an alignment direction and two alignment lines for each clock track. The system has a store for storing the coded data and a decoder for determining a codeword format for the coded data, reading the coded data from the store using the determined format, correcting errors in the encoded bit stream, and writing the corrected data to the store. The coded data is read so as to de-interleave the encoded bit stream and redundancy data into codewords. The decoder uses an alignment PLL to determine a position of the alignment lines so as to determine the position of each respective track and update the alignment PLL. | 12-25-2008 |
20080317280 | METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING SECURITY DOCUMENTS - Provided is an interactive system for use with coded data printed on an item with infrared ink to define a hyperlabel. The interacting system includes at least one hyperlabel reading device configured to scan said hyperlabel from the item and to transmit information about such hyperlabel, as well as a receiver configured to receive the transmitted information and to relay the information. The system also includes an application server configured to receive the relayed information and to generate a logical link between the hyperlabel and a specific data element. | 12-25-2008 |
20080318352 | METHOD OF BONDING MEMS INTEGRATED CIRCUITS - A method of bonding an integrated circuit to a substrate is provided. The integrated circuit is one of a plurality of integrated circuits, each having a respective frontside releasably attached to a film frame tape supported by a wafer film frame. The method comprises the steps of: (a) positioning a substrate at a backside of the integrated circuit; (c) positioning a bonding tool on a zone of the film frame tape, the zone being aligned with the integrated circuit; and (c) applying a bonding force from the bonding tool, through the film frame tape and the integrated circuit, onto the substrate. | 12-25-2008 |
20080320309 | METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING PRINT MEDIUM USING PRINTING MOBILE DEVICE - A method of using a mobile device to authenticate a print medium offline before completing printing onto the print medium, the mobile device including processing means, a printhead and a sensor, the print medium comprising a laminar substrate, the method comprising the steps of: using the sensor to sense coded data provided on a surface of the substrate; using the processing means: determining, from the sensed coded data: an identity of the print medium; and at least part of a signature, the signature being a digital signature of at least part of the identity; determining, using the at least part of the signature, a determined signature; generating, using the determined signature and a public key stored in the mobile device, a generated identity; comparing the identity to the generated identity; and authenticating the print medium using the results of the comparison; and in the event the authentication step is successful, using the printhead to print onto the print medium. | 12-25-2008 |
20090000501 | MODULAR PRINTER ASSEMBLY WITH A LOADING MECHANISM - Provided is a modular printer assembly which includes a housing having upper and lower covers, a first side wall and a second, opposed side wall, as well as a loading mechanism which includes a drive assembly with a traversing mechanism engaged with the drive assembly, and a pair of endless belts and roller assemblies operatively engaged with the traversing mechanism, so that actuation of the drive assembly displaces the traversing mechanism to push, or pull, the belt and roller mechanisms farther apart, or closer together, respectively. The printer assembly also includes a print engine having two opposed arcuate printheads each with a radius of curvature which approximates a radius of inlet rollers with each roller at least partially received in said curvature of each respective printhead, the print engine configured to print ink followed by a fixative onto the media operatively fed between the printhead. | 01-01-2009 |
20090001156 | Position-coding pattern - A product is on a surface provided with a first position code which codes locations of a plurality of first points. In at least one zone on the surface, the product is further provided with a second position code which codes locations of a plurality of second points. The zone further comprises a field which is associated with a predetermined function to be performed in consequence of a sensing device being placed in the field. Methods and devices for coding and for recording of information from a surface are also described. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002418 | PRINTER FORMED FROM COMPLEMENTARILY FITTING PARTS - A printer includes a printhead cartridge, in turn, having a printhead and ink supply for supplying ink to the printhead. The printhead includes a series of ink ejection integrated circuits (ICs) that are complementarily engaged together. Each IC includes spaced apart groups of nozzles configured to eject respective types of ink. The nozzles in each group are arranged to form staggered rows. A cradle unit complementarily engages with the printhead cartridge and has a media transport mechanism for transporting print media past the printhead. A media supply cartridge is configured to supply the media to the cradle unit. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002419 | PRINTER HAVING SELF-REFERENCING PRINTHEAD - An inkjet printer having a body configured to receive a printhead assembly of at least one printhead integrated circuit having ink ejection nozzles and an ink distribution support mounting the integrated circuit(s) to distribute ink to the nozzles, and a plurality of mounting features on the body configured to cooperate with corresponding complementary reference features of the ink distribution support upon mounting of the printhead assembly to the printer, where the cooperation provides information on the location of the nozzles. The printhead assembly is incorporated in a printing cartridge and the body of the printer has a cartridge receiving slot. The mounting features include a mesa feature and protrusions arranged in the slot The reference features include a slot in the ink distribution support which cooperates with the mesa feature and a flat surface of a plurality of corners of the ink distribution support which cooperates with the protrusions. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002421 | INKJET PRINTHEAD COMPRISING BONDED HEATER ELEMENT AND DIELECTRIC LAYER WITH LOW THERMAL PRODUCT - A thermal inkjet printhead with generally planar heater elements disposed in respective bubble forming chambers such that they are bonded on one side to the chamber so that the other side faces into the chamber. Each heater element receives an energizing pulse to heat ejectable liquid above its boiling point to form a gas bubble on the side facing into the chamber, whereby the gas bubble causes the ejection of a drop of the ejectable liquid from the nozzle. The chamber has a dielectric layer proximate the side of the heater element bonded to the chamber. The dielectric layer has a thermal product less than 1495 Jm | 01-01-2009 |
20090002423 | METHOD OF MODULATING PEAK POWER REQUIREMENT OF MODULAR PRINTHEAD - A method of modulating a peak power requirement of a modular printhead is provided. Each module of the printhead has respective segments of each of a plurality of rows of inkjet nozzles so that each nozzle row is comprised in a respective color channel. In the method each of the modules fires a respective segment within a predetermined segment-time such that at least one of the fired segments is contained in a different color channel from at least one of the other fired segments. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002432 | AIR SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT FOR A PRINT ENGINE - Provided is an air supply arrangement for a print engine having a pagewidth printhead and a driving assembly for feeding print media past the printhead. The print engine has a chassis molding for receiving the air supply arrangement. The air supply arrangement includes a receptacle cover molding defining an air supply channel leading to the printhead when said cover molding is operatively received by the chassis molding, the cover molding further defining air inlet and outlet openings. The air supply arrangement also includes an air pump attached to the cover molding and arranged to pump air from the air inlet opening to the air outlet opening, said outlet opening arranged in fluid communication with the air supply channel. Also included is an air filter assembly operatively fitted to the receptacle cover so that air is able to be pumped through the filter to the air inlet opening to facilitate cleaning of the printhead. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002434 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH A WICKING ELEMENT - Provided is a printhead assembly having a support structure with a printhead mounted on the support structure, said printhead having an ink ejection face, and a print media guide proximate the support structure for guiding print media past the printhead for printing. The assembly also includes a wicking element mounted on the support structure between the support structure and the print media guide. An ink collector is arranged on the wicking element for receiving ink that has wicked through the wicking element to ensure that wicked ink is removed away from the printhead. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002436 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH A WICKING ELEMENT - A printhead maintenance station includes a housing operatively positioned with respect to an ink ejection face to be maintained. The housing defines a pair of slots. A support arm has lugs at each end that are slidably received in respective slots. A support is mounted on the support arm. A pad is mounted on the support and is suitable for wiping ink. A motor is operatively mounted with respect to the housing. A pair of cams is rotatable by the motor and engaged with respective lugs such that the motor can slide the arms with respect to the housing, thereby moving the pad between a first operative position and a second, inoperative position. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002440 | Inkjet Printer With Droplet Stem Anchor - An inkjet printer that has an array of ink chambers, each with a nozzle, a droplet stem anchor and a thermal actuator. The thermal actuator generates a vapour bubble in the ink chamber to eject ink through the nozzle. The thermal actuator has a plurality of heater elements connected in parallel with a cross bracing structure extending between the heater elements. The cross bracing structure also providing the droplet stem anchor. During use, the vapour bubble generated by the thermal actuator grows until it vents to atmosphere through the nozzle and the ink ejected from the nozzle is attached to the droplet stem anchor by an ink stem until the stem breaks and the ejected ink forms a separate drop. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002443 | PRINTER ASSEMBLY WITH A DIMENSIONALLY STABLE SUPPORT FRAME - A printer assembly for a pagewidth printer includes a support frame having a fluid channel member and a clipping arrangement configured so that a printed circuit board can be clipped to the support frame. A printhead arrangement has printhead tiles arranged in the fluid channel member. The support frame is configured so that a positional relationship between individual tile members is substantially retained during environmental changes. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002449 | Liquid-Ejection Integrated Circuit Device Having Nozzle Shield - A liquid-ejection integrated circuit device is provided which has a substrate having a plurality of liquid inlet channels, a plurality of liquid ejection nozzles on the substrate and a nozzle shield. Each nozzle has a liquid ejection port in communication with a respective inlet channel operable to eject liquid when displaced. The nozzle shield has a plurality of apertures in alignment with respective liquid ejection ports and struts connecting the shield to the substrate so that the nozzle shield is spaced from the nozzles. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002450 | Nozzle Arrangement With Rectilinear Ink Ejection - Provided is a nozzle arrangement for an ink jet printer. The arrangement includes a wafer substrate with a layer of drive circuitry, said substrate defining an ink supply channel through the substrate leading to an ink chamber with a roof defining an ink ejection port. The arrangement also includes an ink ejection arrangement for ejecting ink from the ink chamber via the port, said ink ejection arrangement having four symmetrically arranged thermal bend actuators each connected to a respective side to ensure that the roof is operatively displaced in a rectilinear manner during ink ejection. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002451 | PRINTER CRADLE FOR VARIOUS PRINT SPEED PRINTHEADS - A printer cradle is provided which has a body for removably receiving each of a range of inkjet printheads and a controller for determining a print speed of an inserted printhead. The printheads within the range are able to operate at print speeds different than one another. Each printhead has printhead contacts for receiving data and power for operating the printhead. The body has complementary contacts for establishing electrical connection with the printhead contacts of each printhead upon insertion thereof into the body. The controller has a plurality of separate integrated circuits. Each integrated circuit has a memory buffer for print data and the controller is configured to determine how many of the integrated circuits are needed to operate the inserted printhead at the determined print speed. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002452 | Printer Having A Printhead Assembly With Module Alignment Fiducials - Provided is a printer having a printhead assembly which includes an elongate support beam. The support beam includes a silicon core, an intermediate elastomeric layer mounted to the core and an outer support structure mounted to the elastomeric layer, as well as a plurality of printhead modules mounted to the support beam. The printhead modules and support beam are configured so that the printhead modules are misaligned when the printhead assembly is at a room temperature and move into alignment when the printhead assembly heats up to an operating temperature of the printhead. The printhead assembly also includes a number of fiducials located on the respective printhead modules to allow visual verification of such alignment. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002456 | Inkjet Printhead Having High Areal Inkjet Nozzle Density - An inkjet printhead is provided having a nozzle areal density of at least 40000 inkjet nozzles per square centimetre on a printing surface. Each nozzle has an ink chamber on the printing surface having an ink ejection port, and a heater for heating the ink in the chamber to cause ink ejection from the ink ejection port. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002459 | Printhead With Low Viscous Drag Droplet Ejection - A inkjet printhead with heater elements adjacent an array of respective nozzles for heating a water-based printing fluid to form a gas bubble for ejecting a drop of the printing fluid from the nozzle. The heater is separated from the nozzle by less than 5 μm at their closest points and the nozzle length is less than 5 μm. The volume of liquid between the heater and the nozzle determines the inertia of the liquid and its acceleration in response to bubble formation. Moving the heater closer to the nozzle reduces the inertia of the liquid and increases its acceleration, so a lower bubble impulse is needed to eject a drop. This allows the printhead to use smaller heater elements with lower power requirements. Viscous drag in the nozzle reduces the momentum of fluid flowing through the nozzle. The viscous drag increases as the nozzle length (in the direction of fluid flow) increases. By reducing the nozzle length, a lower bubble impulse is needed to eject a drop. This also allows the printhead to use smaller heater elements with lower power requirements. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002466 | Ink Storage Module - Provided is an ink storage module for a printer cartridge having a number of ink storage modules. Each module operatively stores a different colored ink for delivery to a printhead of the printer. The module includes upper and lower plate members having an ink bag located between the plate members to define an ink volume, said plate members displaceable towards and away from each other. The module also includes a bag constrictor assembly engaged with said plate members and configured to act on the bag when the plate members are displaced towards each other to reduce the ink volume, as well as a valve insert having an inlet valve to facilitate refilling of the bag with ink and an outlet valve to facilitate ink delivery to the printhead. The module further has a filter cover positioned between the valve insert and the ink bag to filter contaminants and air bubbles passing between the ink bag and said valve insert. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002470 | Camera Printhead Assembly With Baffles To Retard Ink Acceleration - A printhead assembly is provided for a print-on-demand camera system. The printhead assembly includes an ink ejection printhead integrated circuit (IC). An ink distribution molding is provided to which the IC is mounted, and though which ink is distributed to the IC. A filter covers the ink distribution molding to filter ink passing to the ink distribution molding. A baffle unit is provided in which the ink distribution molding and filter is received, and includes spaced apart baffles to retard ink acceleration. A housing is provided in which the baffle unit is housed. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002727 | Printer Controller For A Printer Printing According To Print Quality Information Supplied By A Print Cartridge - The invention provides for a printer controller for a pagewidth printer having a printhead configured to print ink supplied from an ink cartridge with print quality information. The controller includes a processor having an address, data and control bus, an expander unit and a decoder unit each coupled to the bus and configured to respectively decompress a bi-level black layer and a continuous tone (contone) layer of a page to be printed. The controller also includes a replaceable ink cartridge comprising a first integrated circuit (IC) containing the print quality information and which is configured to be interfaced to the processor. The controller further includes a second IC interfaced to the processor which is configured to count a number of drops of ink printed by the printhead, to update a remaining drop count of the ink cartridge using the counted drops printed and then write an updated remaining drop count to the second IC each time a page has been printed. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002739 | METHOD OF PRINTING WITH A PERSONAL COMPUTER AND CONNECTED PRINTER - A method of printing includes the steps of rendering continuous tone (“contone”) data to a pixel level and subsequently compressing the contone data in a personal computer. The bi-level data is rendered to a dot level and subsequently compressed in said personal computer. The method also includes the steps of transmitting the contone and bi-level data and decompressing the contone data and foreground bi-level data in parallel in a printer controller. The contone data is halftoned to bi-level color data. The foreground bi-level data is composited over the bi-level color data to create composited bi-level color image data. The steps of halftoning and compositing are performed in parallel. The method further includes the step of printing the composited bi-level color image data. | 01-01-2009 |
20090009549 | PRINTHEAD HAVING GROUPED NOZZLE FIRING - A printhead having a plurality of rows of nozzles is provided. The nozzles in each row are grouped into fire groups. The printhead is configured to sequentially fire, for each row, the nozzles of each fire group, such that each nozzle in the sequence from each fire group is fired simultaneously with respective corresponding nozzles in the sequence in the other fire groups. | 01-08-2009 |
20090009550 | PRINTER CONTROLLER FOR PRINTHEAD PEAK WITH REDUNDANT INKJET NOZZLES - A printer controller is provided which is configured to supply dot data to an inkjet printhead so that each inkjet nozzle of at least one pair of inkjet nozzles of the printhead which are configurable to print a dot of the same colored ink onto a substantially same position on a print medium are controlled to print dots to a same specific line of printing on the print medium associated with said at least one pair of nozzles. | 01-08-2009 |
20090009554 | PRINT CRADLE ASSEMBLY FOR A PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE - Provided is a print cradle assembly for a printhead cartridge. The cradle assembly includes a docking bay molding and a media feed drive assembly positioned on the docking bay molding and configured to feed media through the assembly. The cradle assembly also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with a printer controller for controlling the media feed drive assembly and operation of the cartridge, as well as a heatshield mounted to the PCB for shielding the printer controller from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and user contact with the PCB. | 01-08-2009 |
20090009557 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING PRINTHEAD WITH CLEANED PAD - A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided in which a pad is moved between a first position in which the pad is sealingly engaged with the printhead, a second position in which the pad is disengaged from the printhead and a third position in which the pad is engaged with a pad cleaner. The pad is biased towards the second position relative to the third position. | 01-08-2009 |
20090009558 | Printhead Assembly With An Extrusion For Housing Bus Bars - Provided is a printhead assembly for a pagewidth printer. The assembly includes a substrate channel, and a plurality of printhead modules positioned in the channel to form a pagewidth printhead module assembly. Also included are an extrusion for housing bus bars operatively providing electrical power to the printhead modules, and a cover plate securing a flex printed circuit board (PCB) in the assembly, the PCB forming a data bus to the printhead modules. The assembly further includes compressible conductive strips between the busbars abutting contacts on an upper side of parts of the flex PCB, wherein the substrate channel defines a series of groups of holes through which the printhead modules are supplied with differently colored inks. | 01-08-2009 |
20090009571 | PRINTER RECEIVING CARTRIDGE HAVING PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD - A printer is provided configured to removably receive a cartridge. The cartridge has a body containing an enclosed volume for holding a supply of printing fluid and a pagewidth printhead in fluid communication with the enclosed volume. The printer is configured such that the body and all of the pagewidth printhead of the cartridge are simultaneously user removable and replaceable as a single component. | 01-08-2009 |
20090009576 | VALVE AND REGULATOR ARRANGEMENT FOR A PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE - Provided is an inlet valve and pressure regulator arrangement for a printhead cartridge. The arrangement includes an inlet body having a skirt engaging portion with a depressible member, and a spacer with a central hub. Also included is a diaphragm with a central opening and a spring positioned by a regulator outlet portion so that said spring biases the central opening of the diaphragm against the central hub. An increase in fluid pressure when the depressible member is operatively depressed overcomes the spring bias to allow fluid to flow from the inlet body to the regulator outlet. | 01-08-2009 |
20090009786 | PRINTER CONTROLLER FOR A PAGEWIDTH PRINTER CONFIGURED TO PERFORM INK COUNTS - Provided is a printer controller for a pagewidth printer having a printhead configured to print ink supplied from an ink cartridge with print quality information. The controller includes a processor having an address, data and control bus, an expander unit and a decoder unit each coupled to the bus and configured to receive a page having a bi-level black layer and a continuous tone (“contone”) layer, to decompress the respective layers in parallel, to halftone the contone layer data to bi-level data, and to composite the bi-level black layer over the bi-level data to form an image. The controller also includes a replaceable ink cartridge comprising a first integrated circuit (IC) containing the print quality information and which is configured to be interfaced with the processor. Also included is a second IC interfaced to the processor which is configured to count a number of drops of ink printed by the printhead, to update a remaining drop count of the ink cartridge using the counted drops printed and then write an updated remaining drop count to the second IC each time a page has been printed. | 01-08-2009 |
20090010542 | SYSTEM FOR INTERACTIVE NOTE-TAKING - A system for interactive note-taking is provided having a receiver for receiving interaction data from a note-taking device used to interact with a note-taking form having note-taking information and a plurality of coded tags printed thereon, and a processor for recording or retrieving the note-taking by identifying, from the received interaction data, at least one parameter relating to the note-taking. Each tag encodes data on an identity of the form and a location of that tag on the form. The note-taking device senses the tags and generates the interaction data with data on the sensed form identity and a position of the note-taking device relative to the sensed tags. | 01-08-2009 |
20090013178 | Integrated circuit for the authentication of a consumable storage device - An integrated circuit for the authentication of a consumable storage device by an apparatus includes a memory space which contains encrypted data defined by a message authentication code (MAC) applied to data relating to a consumable stored by the device and by at least one secret key (K) shared by the apparatus for decryption of the data. The MAC is a construction of a cryptographic function. | 01-08-2009 |
20090014513 | METHOD OF RECORDING TRANSACTION RELATING TO PACKAGED PRODUCT - A method of recording a transaction relating to an item, said item comprising a product contained in a package, said package having an interface surface containing information relating to the item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the item and of coordinates of a plurality of locations of the interface surface, the method including the steps of: marking the interface surface using an optically imaging pen having a marking nib; sensing at least some of the coded data in the vicinity of the pen; generating indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data, said indicating data comprising data regarding the identity of the item and positions of the pen relative to the interface surface; and transmitting the indicating data to a computer system. | 01-15-2009 |
20090014515 | METHOD OF FACILITATING INTERACTION BETWEEN USER AND PACKAGED PRODUCT - A method of facilitating an interaction between a user and an item, said item comprising a product contained in a package, said package having an interface surface containing information relating to the item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the item and of coordinates of a plurality of locations of the interface surface, the method including the steps of: receiving, in a computer system, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the identity of the item and at least one position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, sensing at least some of the coded data in the vicinity of the sensing device and generating the indicating data using at least some of the sensed coded data; and facilitating, in the computer system and with reference to the indicating data, the interaction between the user and the item. | 01-15-2009 |
20090014524 | WIRELESS TRANSMITTER PEN - The present invention relates to a pen for sensing coded data on a page. The coded data is printed on the page as a collection of tags using invisible ink. The pen includes an elongate housing defining an internal space. An ink marking implement is movably mounted within the space and includes an ink marking nib to mark the page with ink. A sensor is mounted within the space and is configured to sense the coded data. A transmitter is mounted within the space and is configured wirelessly to communicate data sensed by the sensor to a printer. | 01-15-2009 |
20090014526 | SCANNING DEVICE FOR SCANNING INTERFACE SURFACE OF PRODUCT ITEM - A scanning device is provided which has a beam emitter for emitting a beam, a deflector for deflecting the beam to generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch on a product item, a sensor for receiving a reflected beam from the scanning patch and sensing from the reflected beam data encoded by coded tags printed on an interface surface of the product item, and a processor for determining a description of the interface surface and at least one region of interface surface. The data encoded by each tag includes an identity of the product item, an identity of the interface surface and the position of the respective tag on the interface surface. The processor determines the description from the sensed interface surface identity and determined the region from the determined description and at least one of the position of the sensed tag and a position of the scanning patch relative to the interface surface. | 01-15-2009 |
20090015605 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE HAVING MEDIA FORCED PRINTHEAD CAPPER - A mobile telecommunications device is provided which has a printhead, a print media feed path for directing print media past the printhead, a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in which it is urged into a capping relationship with the printhead and an uncapped position in which the printhead is able to print onto the print media, and a force transfer mechanism connected to the capper such that a force provided by an edge of the media as it moves on the feed path is transferred to the capper to commence movement of the capper from the capped to the uncapped position prior to the media reaching the capper. In the uncapped position, the capper is displaced away from the printhead and is held in the uncapped position by the media such that it moves to the capped position upon disengagement with the media. | 01-15-2009 |
20090015613 | PRINTER CONTROLLER FOR PROVIDING DOT DATA TO A PRINTHEAD - Provided is a printer controller for providing dot data to a printhead. The controller is configured to modulate a peak power requirement of the printhead which includes a plurality of first nozzles and second nozzles supplied with a same colored ink. The nozzles are arranged in a plurality of sets, wherein each set of nozzles comprises one first nozzle and one corresponding second nozzle, each nozzle in a set being configurable to print a dot of ink onto a similar position on a print medium. The controller is configured to alternately select a first firing nozzle and a second firing nozzle from at least one set of nozzles, and to print dots onto the print medium using the selected firing nozzles. One set of nozzles is configured to print a column of same-colored dots down the print medium with each nozzle in the set contributing dots to the column. | 01-15-2009 |
20090015629 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH CAPPEDPRINTHEAD MODULES - A printhead assembly includes an elongate carrier. A plurality of printhead modules is serially positioned on the carrier. Each printhead module includes an ink supply arrangement mounted on the carrier and a printhead chip mounted on the ink supply arrangement to be fed with ink from the ink supply arrangement. A plurality of capping devices is mounted on the carrier. Each capping device is displaceable with respect to the carrier between an operative position in which the capping device caps the printhead chip and an inoperative position in which the printhead chip is uncapped. | 01-15-2009 |
20090015631 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH PROGRESSIVELY ENGAGING MAINTENANCE PAD AND PRINTHEAD - A printhead assembly is provided for an inkjet printer. The printhead assembly includes a printhead having an ink ejection face defining a plurality of nozzle openings from which ink can be ejected. A maintenance station is operatively mounted to the printhead. The maintenance station includes a pad having a contact surface that can be brought into contact with the ink ejection face, and an engagement mechanism configured to progressively engage the contact surface with the ink ejection face. | 01-15-2009 |
20090015634 | MODULAR INK JET PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH OBLIQUELY OVERLAPPING PRINTHEADS - A modular printhead assembly includes an elongate chassis. A plurality of elongate printhead modules is serially arranged along and engaged with the chassis. Each end of each printhead module is shaped so that each adjacent pair of printhead modules forms a complementary fit. Each printhead module includes an elongate printhead configured to eject ink. Each printhead is oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the chassis. Each adjacent pair of printheads overlaps to enable continuous printing along the axis. | 01-15-2009 |
20090015636 | INKJET NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH A STACKED CAPACITIVE ACTUATOR - An inkjet nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer includes a wafer substrate. A layer of drive circuitry is deposited on the wafer substrate, and subsequent etchant layers are deposited on the drive circuitry to define a nozzle chamber with walls and a roof structure defining an ink ejection port. The arrangement also includes a stacked capacitive actuator arranged in said chamber, said actuator having alternative electrode plates sandwiched between a compressible polymer, wherein activation of the stacked actuator draws the electrode plates together to compress the polymer storing energy therein, with subsequent de-activation releasing said energy to eject ink from the ejection port. | 01-15-2009 |
20090015637 | INKJET NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING A NOZZLE RIM TO FACILITATE INK DROP MISDIRECTION - Provided is an inkjet nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The arrangement includes a wafer substrate defining sidewalls and a roof portion to form an ink chamber, the roof portion further defining a nozzle aperture, as well as a heater element suspended inside the ink chamber for thermal expansion and subsequent ejection of ink from the chamber via the nozzle aperture. The arrangement also includes a nozzle rim defined about the aperture on the roof portion, said rim having an inner and an outer lip to facilitate ink drop misdirection during ink ejection to minimise cavitation corrosion of the heater element. | 01-15-2009 |
20090015641 | PRINTER ARRANGEMENT INCORPORATING A PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE STATION - Provided is a printer arrangement having a printhead cartridge with a molding assembly and a printhead. An ink cartridge supplies the printhead with ink via the molding assembly. The arrangement also includes a valve assembly for arranging the ink cartridge in fluid communication with the molding assembly, as well as a printhead maintenance station for maintaining the printhead. | 01-15-2009 |
20090016803 | PEN-LIKE DEVICE HAVING INKJET PRINTER - A pen-like device is provided which has an inkjet printer contained in a tubular body. The inkjet printer has a nib configured to retract into the tubular body when pressed upon print media, an ink supply having a tube defining a plurality of internal chambers containing respective ink, and a printhead in fluid communication with the ink supply. The printhead has ink ejection nozzles configured to print ink upon the print media responsive to the retraction of the nib. | 01-15-2009 |
20090020345 | METHOD OF PRINTED BILL PAYMENT USING OPTICALLY IMAGING PEN - A method of enabling payment of bills using an optically imaging pen is provided in which a coded tag printed on a bill is optically imaged with an image sensor of the pen, the position of the pen nib relative to the bill during the imaging is computed in the pen, and indicating data is generating in the pen and transmitted thereby to a computer system to enable bill payment. The bill has information on a requested payment and the coded tags. Each tag encodes the bill's identity and it's printed location. The nib position is computed from the tag location identified in the imaged tag, an observed perspective distortion on the imaged tag, and a known spatial relationship between the pen's physical axis containing the nib and the pen's optical axis containing the image sensor. The indicating data is indicative of the bill's identity and the computed nib position. | 01-22-2009 |
20090021477 | METHOD FOR MANAGING INFORMATION - The invention relates to a method of transferring data from a drawing device, which while utilizing a position-coding pattern, printed on a physical page, digitally records handwritten information, to an application in a computer system. The drawing device transfers recorded data to a memory in the computer system. A registering unit in the system determines from a page from which the recorded data originates and activates, on the basis thereof, one or more applications which are registered as “subscribers” to data from this page. When an application is activated and thus informed of the existence of new data relevant to the application, the application fetches this data. The fetching of data can be made on the basis of the contents of a page description which defines the layout of the physical page. | 01-22-2009 |
20090021547 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH A PRINTER CONTROLLER FOR CONTROLLING NOZZLE FIRING SEQUENCE - An inkjet printhead includes a number of printhead modules arranged end-to-end to span a width of a page, the printhead modules defining color channels also to span the width of the page. A plurality of inkjet nozzles is arranged on the modules such that rows of the nozzles span the width of the page, with at least one row of nozzles in fluid communication with respective channels, the nozzles capable of being fired to eject ink from their associated channels, the nozzles of each row on an associated module defining a segment of nozzles. A printer controller controls a firing sequence of the nozzles and is configured so that nozzles from segments associated with different color channels are fired sequentially during a predetermined time allocated for firing a line of nozzles. | 01-22-2009 |
20090021554 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE STATION WITH SLIDING CONTACT PAD ASSEMBLY - A printhead maintenance station is provided for an inkjet printer. The maintenance station includes an elongate housing defining internal slots at either end. An elongate support arm defines lugs at either end which are complementarily received in the slots so that the support arm is can slide within the slots. A support is mounted to the lugs and defines a recess. A sloping pad is received in the recess and has a contact surface for bringing into contact with an ink ejection face of a printhead. | 01-22-2009 |
20090021555 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE STATION WITH CURVED CONTACT PAD - A printhead maintenance station is provided for an inkjet printer. The maintenance station includes an elongate housing defining internal slots at either end. An elongate support arm assembly can be complementarily received within the slots. The support arm assembly is able to slide within the slots and also defines a pad recess. A pad is received in the recess and has a contact surface defining a curved profile that can be brought into contact with an ink ejection face of a printhead. | 01-22-2009 |
20090021559 | PRINTHEAD WITH PRINTHEAD MODULE LOCATOR - 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. | 01-22-2009 |
20090024918 | EDITING DATA - A method of editing data generated by handwriting. The method comprises the steps of detecting initiation of editing; identifying a marking stroke which marks data that is to be edited; determining an extent of the marking stroke; identifying data which is contained within the marking stroke; and performing an editing operation on said data contained within the marking stroke. | 01-22-2009 |
20090024935 | ONLINE GRAPHICAL MESSAGE SERVICE - A system and method for achieving an electronic information service (also called an online graphical message service) hosted by a computer system (e.g., a server) connected to a network. Remote users can write information into and read information from the information service over the network. In response to a request from a first user, the service may create a first information object that comprises a virtual whiteboard. The virtual whiteboard may include information written by the remote users. Then, the service may transmit the first information object via the network to the first user. Later, the service may receive a second information object from the first user corresponding to part of the virtual whiteboard. The second information object may include modifications the first user made to the virtual whiteboard. The service may then update the virtual whiteboard utilizing the received second information object. | 01-22-2009 |
20090025481 | PRESSURE SENSOR WITH DUAL CHAMBER COVER - A pressure sensor assembly is provided for fitting within the valve stem of a vehicle tire. The assembly comprises a substrate assembly defining a plurality of holes. A pressure sensor and a temperature compensation sensor are mounted to the substrate assembly. Each sensor includes a deflectable membrane defining a first chamber and a cap mounted to the membrane to form a second chamber. A cover is provided for engaging with the pressure sensor and the temperature compensation sensor to define an active chamber and reference chamber respectively. The active chamber is exposed to tire pressure when the pressure sensor assembly is fitted within the valve stem whereas the reference chamber is sealed from tire pressure. | 01-29-2009 |
20090027441 | COMPACT PRINTER WITH STATIC PAGE WIDTH PRINTHEAD - A compact printer is provided with a static page width printhead. An elongate support case defines a docking bay and has a personal computer (PC) interface connector protruding from one end thereof. A print media cartridge is configured to dock in the docking bay in a releasable manner. A page-width printhead assembly is mounted across an opposite end of the support case to said one end. The printhead assembly includes a static ink ejection printhead configured to eject ink upon print media supplied from the cartridge. | 01-29-2009 |
20090027442 | PRINT ENGINE WITH NESTED CRADLE, PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE AND INK CARTRIDGES - The present invention relates to a print engine with a nested cradle, printhead cartridge and ink cartridges that form a stack. The print engine includes a printer cradle including an elongate chassis, a media drive assembly mounted at one end of the chassis, and a print media drive roller extending along the chassis and driven by the media drive assembly. A printhead cartridge is installed in the cradle to form a plurality of docking bays and includes an ink ejection printhead. Ink cartridges are installed in respective docking bays to supply respective types of ink to the ink ejection printhead. | 01-29-2009 |
20090027448 | PRINTHEAD WITH RECIPROCATING COILS - The present invention relates to a printhead for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes a nozzle defining a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with an ink ejection port. A static coil is fixed within the chamber. A movable coil is movably attached within the chamber. An actuator is configured to provide current to the coils so that the movable coil reciprocates relative to the static coil and ink in the chamber is ejected from the ink ejection port. | 01-29-2009 |
20090027454 | PRINT ENGINE ASSEMBLY WITH CHASSIS AND PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD - A print engine assembly includes an elongate chassis to be mounted within a printer. The chassis defines a print media exit slot. A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly bears drive circuitry configured to drive a print media feed mechanism. The PCB assembly is mounted to the chassis to form an elongate channel. An ink ejection printhead is located within the channel and is configured to eject ink upon print media. The print media feed mechanism is mounted to the chassis within the channel, and is configured to feed the print media past the ink ejection printhead during ink ejection and then out through the exit slot. | 01-29-2009 |
20090027455 | MODULAR PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH SERIALLY MOUNTED PRINTHEAD MODULES - A printhead assembly has an elongate casing. A plurality of printhead modules is mounted serially on the casing. Each printhead module has a fluid channel member defining a number of channels extending along a longitudinal axis of the casing. A printhead tile defines a fluid distribution assembly mounted on the fluid channel member in fluid communication with the channels. The fluid distribution assembly is defined by a laminated structure of the printhead tile. A micro-electromechanical printhead integrated circuit is mounted on the tile to receive fluid from the fluid distribution assembly. The fluid distribution assembly is configured to supply the integrated circuit with at least ink and to adjust fluid flow to compensate for microscopic nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit. A securing arrangement is on the fluid channel member to secure each module to the casing in a replaceable manner and drive circuitry is arranged in the casing and connected to the printhead integrated circuits to control operation of the printhead integrated circuits. | 01-29-2009 |
20090027468 | CARTRIDGE WITH STACKED PRINT MEDIA SUPPLY AND INK SUPPLY PORTIONS - The present invention relates to a cartridge for a printer. The cartridge includes a first molding and a second molding which mate together to form a print media supply portion configured to house a stack of print media. A print media transport mechanism is mounted within the print media supply portion and is configured to dispense an endmost sheet of print media from the stack. An ink supply portion is configured to be mounted to the print media supply portion to define a plurality of separate ink storage chambers. | 01-29-2009 |
20090027474 | PRINTER WITH PRINT ENGINE MOUNTED WITHIN PAPER TRAY - A printer includes a housing in which a pair of guide rails is mounted. A print media tray is arranged to move along the guide rails within the housing. A motor assembly is configured to move the print media tray along the guide rails so that the print media tray can be ejected and retracted relative to the housing. A print engine is mounted within the print media tray and includes an ink ejection printhead in fluid communication with a replaceable ink cartridge. The ink cartridge can be accessed when the print media tray is ejected. | 01-29-2009 |
20090027475 | HINGED PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA) WITH INTERNAL PRINTER - A personal digital assistant (PDA) includes a body housing circuitry and an internal printer. The body bears a keypad and defines a print media ejection slot. A display is pivotally connected to the body about a hinge joint so that the display can be folded over the keypad. A releasable retainer portion is hingedly secured to the body. A print engine is housed within the body. The print engine is configured to transport the print media past the internal printer during printing and out through the print media ejection slot. | 01-29-2009 |
20090027476 | PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT INCORPORATING A PRINTER - Provided is a personal digital assistant. A printer is arranged in a body section. The printer includes a printhead, a motor driver and a media transport device arrangement for transporting print media from a roll of print media past the printhead. A motor driver and guillotine motor arrangement sever the printed print media from the roll of media. A microcontroller controls the printhead and respective motor driver arrangements. | 01-29-2009 |
20090027707 | PEN-SHAPED MODULAR CAMERA ASSEMBLY HAVING A SERIAL BUS INTERFACE - Provided is a pen-shaped modular camera assembly having a plurality of modules each with at least one connector to link the modules together. The assembly includes a camera module having an image sensor for capturing an image in an RGB (red, green, blue) color space, as well as a central processing module arranged in communication with the camera module. The central processing module has a central processor that includes a RISC processor core and a memory for storing operating instructions to operate the camera module and image data for manipulation by the processor core. The assembly also includes a serial bus interface for communicating with the camera module, the printer module and the dispenser module. | 01-29-2009 |
20090029731 | MOBILE PHONE WITH CAMERA AND PRINTER - A mobile phone includes an elongate body defining a transverse print media path there-through. A keypad and display is mounted on one side of the body. A camera device that includes at least one lens is mounted to an opposite side of the body and a image sensor is configured to capture an image viewed through the lens. A printer is mounted within the body and includes a printhead and ink supply module. The printhead and ink supply module is mounted, in a replaceable manner, to the printer and is configured to print the captured image upon print media fed along the path. | 01-29-2009 |
20090029732 | MOBILE PHONE FOR CAPTURING AND PRINTING IMAGES - A mobile phone is provided for capturing and printing images. The phone comprises a phone body defining front and rear faces. The front face has a keypad and display, and the rear face has a removable cover. The body further defines a base slot. A camera is fitted to the body and is configured to capture an image. A print media stock container is located within the body and is accessible when the cover is removed. A printer assembly is fitted within the body and includes an ink ejection printhead configured to print the captured image upon print media. The printer assembly further includes feed means configured to feed print media from the stock container and past the printhead during printing, and before the printed print media is ejected through the slot. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030539 | INTERACTIVE SYSTEM - An interactive system for playing audio. The system comprises an article having a position-coding pattern and a plurality of different print elements printed thereon; an optical sensor for reading a portion of the position-coding pattern; a processor coupled to the optical sensor for determining a position using the read portion of the position-coding pattern; a computer system configured for identifying an audio data file using the position determined by the processor; and an audio output device for playing an audio output corresponding to the identified audio data file. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030540 | AUDIO SYSTEM FOR INTERACTING WITH ARTICLE - A system for interacting with an article having a position-coding pattern and a plurality of different print elements printed thereon. Each print element corresponds to a different audio output. The system comprises: an optical sensor for reading a portion of the position-coding pattern; a processor coupled to the optical sensor for determining a position using the read portion of the position-coding pattern; a computer system configured for identifying an audio data file using the position determined by the processor; and an audio output device for playing an audio output corresponding to the identified audio data file. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030541 | HANDHELD AUDIO PLAYBACK DEVICE WITH MEMORY AND MEANS FOR DOWNLOADING AUDIO DATA FILES TO MEMORY - A handheld audio playback device for interacting with an article having a position-coding pattern and a plurality of different print elements printed thereon. Each print element corresponds to a different audio output. The device comprises: a nib for indicating a selected print element; an optical sensor for reading a portion of the position-coding pattern when the nib is used to indicate the selected print element; a processor coupled to the optical sensor for determining a position using the read portion of the position-coding pattern; a memory storing audio data files for the different audio outputs; means for retrieving an audio data file from the memory for playback; means for downloading audio data files to the memory from a personal computer; and an audio output device for playing the audio output corresponding to the audio data file. | 01-29-2009 |
20090032313 | OPTICAL IMAGING PEN WITH DISPLACEMENT DETECTION CIRCUITRY - Provided is optical imaging pen configured to detect information encoded with infrared ink on a page. The pen includes a housing. An ink pen cartridge and a stylus are mounted side by side in the housing. The ink cartridge and the stylus are configured to be individually brought forward through an open end of the housing by rotation of a pen top rotatably mounted on an end of the housing. The pen also includes an infrared LED inside the housing for providing infrared radiation for projection onto the page, and an image sensor for receiving reflected radiation from the surface. The pen further includes a controller for controlling operation of the LED and sensor, the controller having a force sensor photodiode configured to detect displacement of the stylus to enable a determination of a force being applied to a nib of either the cartridge or stylus. The controller also has analog-to-digital converter circuitry for converting analog signals from the force sensor diode into digital signals capable of encoded transmission. | 02-05-2009 |
20090032583 | SYSTEM FOR AUTHENTICATING ENCODED OBJECT - A system for authenticating an object is provided having means for sensing coded tags printed on the object which each encode an identity of the object, a signature fragment and a signature fragment identifier associated with the signature fragment, means for identifying a determined signature from the identity, signature fragment and signature fragment identifier encoded by at least one sensed coded tag, means for generating, using the determined signature and a key, a generated identity, means for comparing the identity encoded by the sensed coded tag with the generated identity, and means for authenticating the object using the results of the comparison. | 02-05-2009 |
20090032599 | SCANNER FOR SCANNING ITEMS MARKED WITH NEAR-INFRARED TAGS - A scanner for scanning items marked with near-infrared tags includes a laser configured to produce a narrowband near-infrared beam matched to a peak wavelength of near-infrared ink used to print the tags. A mirror assembly re-directs the beam. A deflecting arrangement receives the re-directed beam. A steering mirror steers the deflected beam. A scanning mirror directs the beam onto the tag to be scanned and a light collection system collects light reflected by the tags. | 02-05-2009 |
20090032600 | HANDHELD SCANNER FOR CODED SURFACES - A swipe scanner for scanning a graphic image printed on a surface. The surface has a position-coding pattern imposed with the graphic image. The swipe scanner comprises: (a) a first image sensor positioned for imaging portions of the surface during a swipe of the surface, each imaged portion containing part of the position-coding pattern; (b) a second image sensor for capturing, during the swipe, portions of the graphic image; and (c) a processor. The processor is configured for: determining absolute positions of the swipe scanner using the parts of the position-coding pattern; and (d) using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033701 | PRINTHEAD WITH MULTIPLE NOZZLES SHARING SINGLE NOZZLE DATA - An inkjet printhead for use in a printer so that it can print onto a substrate at different print resolutions. The inkjet printhead has an array of nozzles, each nozzle having an ejection aperture and a corresponding actuator for ejecting printing fluid through the ejection aperture. A print engine controller sends print data to the array of nozzles in accordance with a designated print job. During use, the print engine controller can selectively reduce the print resolution by apportioning print data for a single nozzle between at least two nozzles of the array. The invention recognizes that some print jobs do not require the printhead's best resolution—a lower resolution is completely adequate for the purposes of the document being printed. This is particularly true if the printhead is capable of very high resolutions, say greater than 1200 dpi. By selecting a lower resolution, the print engine controller (PEC) can treat two or more transversely adjacent (but not necessarily contiguous) nozzles as a single virtual nozzle in a printhead with less nozzles. The print data is then shared between the adjacent nozzles—dots required from the virtual nozzle are printed by each the actual nozzles in turn. This serves to extend the operational life of all the nozzles. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033705 | Interactive Printer/Scanner - A printer comprises: a feed mechanism and a printhead assembly. The printhead assembly comprises: a printhead for printing a position-coding pattern onto a surface and a scanhead for scanning a pre-printed graphic image. The printer further comprises an ink supply and a processor configured for generating association data. The association data indicates an association between a scanned graphic image, an impression identity and a plurality of positions. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033708 | METHOD OF OPERATING AN INKJET PRINTER - A method of operating an inkjet printer having an inkjet printhead and a rotating platen is disclosed. The platen has disposed on part of the surface of the platen an ink absorbing member and a print media supporting area for supporting print media being printed on. The method includes rotating the platen to place the ink absorbing member in an ink ejection path of the printhead, and receiving ink from the printhead by the ink absorbing member. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033709 | Inkjet printing device having rotating platen - An inkjet printing device is disclosed. The inkjet printing device includes a rotating platen. The platen has disposed on part of the surface of the platen an ink absorbing member. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033710 | INKJET PRINTER HAVING AN INKJET PRINTHEAD AND A ROTATING PLATEN - An inkjet printer is disclosed. The printer has an inkjet printhead and a rotating platen. The platen has disposed on part of the surface of the platen an ink absorbing member. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033711 | ROTATING PLATEN - A rotating platen for an inkjet printing device is disclosed. The platen includes an ink absorbing member disposed on part of the surface of the platen. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033712 | ROTATABLE PLATEN - A rotatable platen for use in an inkjet printing device. The platen is arranged to rotate about a rotational axis and has a functional outer surface around the rotational axis. The surface has first and second portions. The first portion is adapted to support print media during a printing operation. The second portion is a printhead servicing region, which includes a stationary ink absorbing member | 02-05-2009 |
20090033713 | METHOD OF OPERATING INKJET PRINTER - A method of operating an inkjet printer having a printhead and a rotatable platen. The platen has an ink absorbing member disposed in its outer surface. The method includes the steps of: (i) positioning the ink absorbing member adjacent the printhead; (ii) ejecting ink droplets from the printhead so that the ink droplets are received by the ink absorbing member; (iii) rotating the platen to an angular position wherein a print media supporting portion of the platen is adjacent the printhead; and (iv) feeding print media past the printhead and printing onto the print media. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033715 | PRINTHEAD IC WITH MORE THAN 10000 NOZZLES IN THE EXPOSURE AREA OF A PHOTO-IMAGING DEVICE - A printhead integrated circuit for an inkjet printer that has a monolithic wafer substrate supporting an array of droplet ejectors for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto print media. Each droplet ejector has nozzle and an actuator for ejecting a drop of printing fluid the nozzle. The array is formed on the monolithic wafer substrate by a succession of photolithographic etching and deposition steps involving a photo-imaging device that exposes an exposure area to light focused to project a pattern onto the monolithic substrate. The array has more than 10000 of the droplet ejectors configured to be encompassed by the exposure area. The invention arranges the nozzle array such that the droplet ejector density is very high and the number of exposure steps required is reduced. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033717 | PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD WITH MORE THAN 100000 NOZZLES - A pagewidth inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto print media led passed the printhead in a media feed direction. Each drop ejector having a nozzle and an actuator for ejecting a drop of printing fluid through the nozzle. The array has more than 100000 of the droplet ejectors and extends in a direction transverse to the media feed direct between 200 mm and 330 mm. A pagewidth printhead with a large number of nozzles extending the width of the media provides a high nozzle pitch and a very high ‘true’ print resolution—i.e. the high number of dots per inch is achieved by a high number of nozzles per inch. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033720 | PRINTHEAD HAVING EFFICIENT HEATER ELEMENTS FOR SMALL DROP EJECTION - A printhead is provided having a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of heater elements each for heating an ejectable liquid to cause ejection of a drop of the ejectable liquid from a respective one of the nozzles. Each heater element is configured such that drops having drop volumes of less than 2 picolitres are ejected with a temperature rise in the ejectable liquid of less than 40 degrees Celsius above ambient temperature. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033721 | INKJET PRINTER WITH UNIT CELLS HAVING SUSPENDED HEATER ELEMENTS - Provided is an inkjet printer having a printhead with a plurality of unit cells. Each unit cell includes a wafer substrate having a layer of micro-electromechanical drive circuitry, with a dielectric layer on the drive circuitry layer, and a passivation layer on the dielectric layer, the passivation layer defining a plurality of vias. Each unit cell also has sidewalls located on the passivation layer with a nozzle plate so that the nozzle plate and the sidewalls together form an ink chamber, as well as a heater element suspended from the sidewalls in said ink chamber. The heater element is electrically connected to the drive circuitry layer through the vias, the unit cell having an ink channel defined through the wafer substrate ending in an ejection nozzle in the nozzle plate. The vias through the passivation layer correspond with contact electrodes defined on the heater element, the vias forming a grid of apertures through said passivation layer. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033734 | PRINT ENGINE ASSEMBLY WITH DUAL MOTOR ASSEMBLIES - A print engine is provided for in an inkjet printer. The print engine includes a chassis. A print cartridge is mounted to the chassis, and includes a print roll defining a plurality of ink reservoirs and carrying a wound length of print media. A first motor assembly is mounted on the chassis and is configured to drive a roller of the print cartridge to transport the print media. A printhead assembly is engaged with the print cartridge to eject ink from the reservoirs upon the transported print media. A cutter assembly is configured to cut a printed length of print media from the remaining wound length. A second motor assembly is mounted to the chassis and is configured to drive the cutter assembly. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033953 | Interactive Flatbed Scanner - A flatbed scanner comprises: a platen for supporting a substrate and a carriage for traversing across a surface. The carriage comprises a pagewidth scanhead for scanning a pre-printed graphic image and a pagewidth printhead for printing a position-coding pattern onto the surface. The flatbed scanner further comprises an ink supply and a processor configured for generating association data. The association data indicates an association between a scanned graphic image, an impression identity and a plurality of positions. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033968 | PRINTER WITH FOLDABLE PROTECTIVE COVER AND PRINT MEDIA FEED MECHANISM - A printer includes a hollow body. The body houses an ink ejection printhead coupled to circuitry. In addition, the body bears a user interface. A foldable cover is pivotally mounted to the body to protectively cover the user interface. A print media feed mechanism includes a single motor driving rollers. The feed mechanism is configured to both grip an endmost sheet of print media from a print media stack and feed print media past the ink ejection printhead during printing. The operation of the feed mechanism is conditional upon the driven direction of the motor. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033987 | Method of Conferring Interactivity on a Pre-printed graphic Image - A method of conferring interactivity on a pre-printed graphic image. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a surface bearing the pre-printed graphic image and an imposed position-coding pattern; (ii) scanning the surface with a scanhead; (iii) imaging a position-coding pattern using an optical sensor; (iv) determining an absolute position from the imaged pattern; (v) determining an impression identity from the pattern; (vi) assembling a scanned graphic image; (vii) generating association data indicating an association between the scanned graphic image, the impression identity and a plurality of absolute positions; and (viii) communicating the association data to a computer system. The computer is can confer interactivity on the graphic image using the association data. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033988 | System for Conferring Interactivity on Previously Printed Graphic Images Containing URI Text - A system for conferring interactivity on a pre-printed image containing a URI text string, the image having been scanned and had a position-coding pattern printed thereon, the position-coding pattern identifying a plurality of absolute positions and an impression identity for the image, the system comprises a computer system configured for: (i) receiving association data indicating an association between the impression identity, the plurality of absolute positions and a scanned image; (ii) performing Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on the scanned image to convert text images into computer text; (iii) identifying a URI text string in the computer text; (iv) generating an input description for the scanned image, the input description describing a URI corresponding to the URI text string and a zone of the URI text string in the scanned image; and (v) storing a page description comprising the input description and the scanned image, the page description being indexed with the impression identity, wherein the page description is retrievable so as to confer interactivity on the image. | 02-05-2009 |
20090034000 | HANDHELD PRINTER - A swipe printer comprising: (a) a printhead for printing a graphic image and a position-coding pattern onto a surface; (b) an ink supply containing a first ink for printing the graphic image and a second ink for printing the position-coding pattern; (c) an image sensor positioned for imaging portions of the surface on which the printhead has printed during a swipe of the surface, each imaged portion containing part of the position-coding pattern printed by the printhead during the swipe; and (d) a processor for determining absolute positions of the swipe printer using the parts of the position-coding pattern. The processor is configured to use the absolute positions for controlling an output of the printhead during the swipe. | 02-05-2009 |
20090034010 | METHOD OF SCANNING REGIONS LARGER THAN THE SCAN SWATH USING A HANDHELD SCANNER - A method of swipe-scanning a graphic image pre-printed on a surface. The method comprises the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe scanner relative to the surface and swiping the scanner across the surface; (ii) capturing, during the swipe, successive images of portions of the graphic image; (iii) printing, during the swipe, successive parts of a position-coding pattern onto the surface, the position-coding pattern being superimposed with the graphic image; (iv) imaging, during the swipe, portions of the surface on which the printhead has printed the parts of the position-coding pattern; (v) determining absolute positions of the scanner using the imaged parts of the position-coding pattern; and (vi) using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image. | 02-05-2009 |
20090034013 | INTERACTIVE HANDHELD SCANNER - A swipe scanner for scanning a graphic image pre-printed on a surface. The swipe scanner comprises: (a) a printhead for printing a position-coding pattern onto the graphic image, the position-coding pattern identifying a plurality of absolute positions and an impression identity for the graphic image; (b) an ink supply containing an ink for printing the position-coding pattern; (c) a first sensor for sensing positions of the scanner during a swipe of the surface; (d) a second image sensor for capturing, during the swipe, portions of the graphic image; and (e) a processor. The processor is configured for: using the sensed positions to control an output of the printhead during the swipe; using the sensed positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image; and generating association data indicating an association between the impression identity, the plurality of absolute positions and the scanned graphic image. | 02-05-2009 |
20090034014 | METHOD OF PRINTING REGIONS LARGER THAN THE PRINT SWATH USING A HANDHELD PRINTER - A method of printing comprising the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe printer relative to a surface and swiping the printer across the surface; (ii) printing, during the swipe, successive parts of a position-coding pattern onto the surface; (iii) printing, during the swipe, successive parts of a graphic image onto the surface, the position-coding pattern and the graphic image being superimposed; (iv) imaging, during the swipe, portions of the surface on which the printhead has printed the parts of the position-coding pattern; (v) determining, during the swipe, absolute positions of the printhead using imaged parts of the position-coding pattern; and (vi) using the absolute positions to control, during the swipe, printing of the position-coding pattern and the graphic image. | 02-05-2009 |
20090034016 | Method of Conferring Interactivity on Previously Printed Graphic Images - A method of conferring interactivity on a pre-printed image containing a URI text string. The method comprises the steps of: (i) receiving association data indicating an association between an impression identity, absolute positions and a scanned image; (ii) performing Optical Character Recognition on the scanned image to convert text images into computer text; (iii) identifying a URI text string in the computer text; (iv) generating an input description for the scanned image, and (v) storing a page description comprising the input description and the scanned image. The page description is indexed with the impression identity and, further, is retrievable so as to confer interactivity on the image. | 02-05-2009 |
20090034017 | HANDHELD SCANNER - A swipe scanner comprising: (a) a printhead for printing a position-coding pattern onto a surface; (b) an ink supply containing an ink for printing the position-coding pattern; (c) a first image sensor positioned for imaging portions of the surface on which the printhead has printed during a swipe of the surface, each imaged portion containing part of the position-coding pattern printed by the printhead during the swipe; (c) a second image sensor for capturing, during the swipe, portions of a graphic image pre-printed on the surface; and (d) a processor. The processor is configured for: determining absolute positions of the swipe scanner using the parts of the position-coding pattern; using the absolute positions to control an output of the printhead during the swipe; and using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image. | 02-05-2009 |
20090034018 | METHOD OF SCANNING IMAGES LARGER THAN THE SCAN SWATH USING CODED SURFACES - A method of swipe-scanning a graphic image printed on a surface. The surface has a position-coding pattern superimposed with the graphic image. The method comprises the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe scanner relative to the surface; (ii) swiping the scanner across the surface; (iii) capturing, during said swipe, successive images of portions of the graphic image; (iv) imaging, during the swipe, successive parts of the position-coding pattern; (v) determining absolute positions of the scanner using the imaged parts of the position-coding pattern; and (vi) using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image. | 02-05-2009 |
20090034879 | METHOD OF ENABLING INTERACTIVITY TO BE CONFERRED ON A PRE-PRINTED GRAPHIC IMAGE - A method of swipe-scanning a graphic image pre-printed on a surface. The method comprises the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe-scanner relative to the surface and swiping the scanner across the surface; (ii) capturing, during the swipe, successive images of portions of the graphic image; (iii) printing, during the swipe, successive parts of a position-coding pattern onto the graphic image, the position-coding pattern identifying a plurality of absolute positions and an impression identity for the graphic image; (iv) sensing, during the swipe, positions of the scanner; (v) using the sensed positions to control, during the swipe, printing of the position-coding pattern; (vi) using the sensed positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image; and (vii) generating association data indicating an association between the impression identity, the plurality of absolute positions and the scanned graphic image. | 02-05-2009 |
20090034880 | Method of Conferring Interactivity on Previously Printed Graphic Containing Text - A method of conferring interactivity on a pre-printed image containing text. The method comprises the steps of: (i) receiving association data indicating an association between an impression identity, absolute positions and a scanned image; (ii) performing Optical Character Recognition on the scanned image to convert text images into computer text; (iii) generating an input description for the scanned image; and (iv) storing a page description comprising the input description and the scanned image. The page description is indexed with the impression identity and, further, the page description is retrievable so as to confer interactivity on the image. | 02-05-2009 |
20090034881 | System for Conferring Interactivity on Previously Printed Text - A system for conferring interactivity on a pre-printed image containing text, the image having been scanned and had a position-coding pattern printed thereon, the position-coding pattern identifying a plurality of absolute positions and an impression identity for the image, the system comprising a computer system configured for: (i) receiving association data indicating an association between the impression identity, the plurality of absolute positions and a scanned image; (ii) performing Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on the scanned image to convert text images into computer text; (iii) generating an input description for the scanned image, the input description describing words of computer text and zones of corresponding text images in the scanned image; and (iv) storing a page description comprising the input description and the scanned image, the page description being indexed with the impression identity, wherein the page description is retrievable so as to confer interactivity on the image. | 02-05-2009 |
20090035533 | ALTERNATIVE PHTHALOCYANINE DYES SUITABLE FOR USE IN OFFSET INKS - A phthalocyanine salt suitable for formulation in a solvent-based or oil-based ink vehicle is disclosed. The phthalocyanine comprises one or more sulfonate groups and a counterion of at least one sulfonate group is an ammonium cation comprising at least 15 carbon atoms. Ammonium salts of sulfonated gallium naphthalocyanines exemplify such phthalocyanine salts. | 02-05-2009 |
20090036671 | ONE-POT PREPARATION OF A BENZOISOINDOLENINE SALT FROM A TETRAHYDRONAPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE - A method of effecting a one-pot conversion of a tetrahydronaphthalic anhydride to a benzisoindolenine salt is provided. The method comprises heating the tetrahydronaphthalic anhydride with a reagent mixture comprising ammonium nitrate. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037739 | METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING A COUNTERFEIT SECURITY DOCUMENT - A method of determining a counterfeit security document which includes a number of coded data portions indicative of an identity of the security document; and at least part of a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes using a sensing device to sense at least one coded data portion and generate indicating data. The indicating data is used by a processor to obtain a determined identity and at least one determined signature part, which are then used to determine if the security document is a counterfeit document. | 02-05-2009 |
20090039148 | SECURED ACCESS USING A POSITION-CODED SYSTEM - A system and method are disclosed for controlling access to goods or services. A location may be read from a base, such as a card, using a digital pen. The system may then check if the location is within a region belonging to an authorized user. If so, access may be granted to the authorized user to the good or services. | 02-12-2009 |
20090040270 | PRINTHEAD WITH HIGH NOZZLE PITCH TRANVERSE TO PRINT DIRECTION - An inkjet printhead with an array of nozzles for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto print media. The print media moves in a print direction relative to the printhead and the nozzles in the array are spiced apart front each other by less than 10 microns in the direction perpendicular to the print direction. Wish nozzles spaced less than 10 microns apart in the direction perpendicular to the print direction, the printhead has a very high ‘true’ print resolution—i.e. the high number of dots per inch is achieved by a high number of nozzles per inch. | 02-12-2009 |
20090040271 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH HIGH DROPLET EJECTOR DENSITY - A printhead integrated circuit (IC) with a planar array of droplet ejectors, each having data distribution circuitry, a drive transistor, a printing fluid inlet, an actuator, a chamber and a nozzle, the chamber being configured to hold printing fluid adjacent the nozzle so that the drive transistor activates the actuator to eject a droplet of the printing fluid through the nozzle. The array has more than 700 of the droplet ejectors per square millimeter. With a high density of droplet ejectors fabricated on a wafer substrate, the nozzle array has a high nozzle pitch and the printhead has a very high ‘true’ print resolution—i.e. the high number of dots per inch is achieved by a high number of nozzles per inch. | 02-12-2009 |
20090040276 | PRINTHEAD WITH HEATERS OFFSET FROM NOZZLES - A thermal inkjet printhead of the roof shooter type that slightly offsets the nozzle aperture centroid from the heater element centroid to correct drop trajectory misdirection caused by vapor bubble asymmetries. | 02-12-2009 |
20090040278 | PRINTHEAD HAVING LOW ENERGY HEATER ELEMENTS - A printhead is provided having a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of heater elements each for heating an ejectable liquid to cause ejection of a drop of the ejectable liquid from a respective one of the nozzles. Each heater element is configured such that the energy required to be applied thereto to cause ejection of the drop is less than the energy required to heat a volume of the ejectable liquid equal to the volume of the drop to a temperature less than 40 degrees Celsius above ambient temperature. | 02-12-2009 |
20090040279 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH NON-UNIFORM NOZZLE CHAMBER INLETS - An inkjet printhead with an array of droplet ejectors arranged in adjacent rows, each nozzle having a nozzle, a chamber for containing printing fluid and a corresponding actuator for ejecting the printing fluid through the nozzle. Each of the chambers has a respective inlet to refill the printing fluid ejected by the actuator. A printing fluid supply channel extends parallel to the adjacent rows for supplying printing fluid to the actuator of each droplet ejector in the array via the respective inlets. The inlets for one of the adjacent rows configured for a refill flowrate that is substantially the same as the refill flowrate through the inlets for another of the adjacent rows. The invention configures the nozzle array so that several rows are filled from one side of an ink supply channel. This allows a greater density of nozzles on the printhead surface because the supply channel is not supplying just one row of nozzles along each side. However, the flowrate through the inlets is about the same for each row so that rows further from the supply channel do not tee significantly longer refill times | 02-12-2009 |
20090043108 | METHOD OF PREPARING SULTINES - A method of preparing a sultine of formula (V) from a dihalogeno compound of formula (IV) is provided. | 02-12-2009 |
20090044630 | TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED MINIATURE PRESSURE SENSOR - The present invention relates to a temperature-compensated pressure sensor assembly for fitting within the valve stem of a vehicle tire. The assembly includes a substrate assembly defining a plurality of holes. A pressure sensor is mounted to the substrate assembly. The pressure sensor includes a first deflectable membrane defining a first chamber and a first cap mounted to the membrane to form a second chamber. A temperature compensation sensor is mounted to the substrate assembly. The temperature compensation sensor includes a second deflectable membrane mounted to the substrate assembly to define a third chamber and a second cap mounted to the other membrane to form a fourth chamber. | 02-19-2009 |
20090045250 | METHOD OF RECORDING MAIL TRANSACTIONS - A method of recording an interaction with a mail item. The mail item comprises a product contained in a mailing package. The mailing package comprises an interface surface containing mailing information. The interface surface has coded data indicative of a mail item identity and of coordinates of a plurality of locations of the interface surface. The method includes the steps of: receiving, in a computer system, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the mail item identity and positions of the sensing device relative to the interface surface; and identifying and recording, with reference to the indicating data, the interaction with the mail item. | 02-19-2009 |
20090046126 | PRINTHEAD WITH DROPLET REDIRECTING NOZZLE GUARD - A printhead is provided having an ejection surface having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting droplets and a nozzle guard positioned over the ejection surface and having a plurality of channels therethrough aligned with the nozzles. The channels have hydrophobic sidewalls and are radially flared with respect to the ink ejection surface such that droplets which are ejected from the nozzles with misdirection rebound off the channel sidewalls to pass through the channels. | 02-19-2009 |
20090046127 | Inkjet Printhead With High Nozzle Area Density - Inkjet printheads with high nozzle areal density are disclosed. Various structures are shown where the areal density of nozzles is greater than 200 million per square meter. | 02-19-2009 |
20090046133 | INK SUPPLY CARTRIDGE FOR A PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY - Provided is an ink supply cartridge for a printhead assembly having a printhead integrated circuit (IC) and a guide assembly for guiding ink to the IC. The ink supply cartridge includes a first U-shaped top portion defining side walls, and a second base portion for complementarily receiving the first portion so that the side walls define elongate ink reservoirs together with the base portion. The base portion includes an end portion defining a series of air inlets with convoluted winding channels leading to the ink reservoirs, said channels hydrophobically treated to prevent ink escaping from the channels. | 02-19-2009 |
20090046309 | Inkjet Printer With Dual Page Memory And Page Expander - An inkjet printer including a body housing a print engine configured to transport and print upon print media. The print engine includes a memory buffer of sufficient size to enable printing of one compressed page whilst receiving another compressed page. Each compressed page includes compressed contone data and compressed bi-level data. The print engine is configured to expand each compressed page during printing. A retractable cover is pivotally mounted relative to the body and is able to be pivoted to form a guide which can guide print media to the print engine for printing. | 02-19-2009 |
20090046321 | Print Medium having Coded Surface for Audio data Retrieval - A print medium is provided which has a surface provided with coded data. The coded data is indicative of a print media identifier linked to audio data which is able to be determined using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device. The audio data is retrievable from a database using the print media identifier. The coded data includes first coded data in a first format and second coded data in a second format. The first coded data encodes first information and the second coded data encodes second information. At least some of the first information is indicative of the print media identifier and the first format is a linear pattern. At least some of the second information is indicative of the print media identifier and of a two-dimensional coordinate grid, and the second format is a two-dimensional pattern. | 02-19-2009 |
20090047997 | TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE CONFIGURED TO PRINT AND SENSE CODED DATA TAGS - A telecommunications device includes a printer configured to print visible information and invisible coded data tags on print media. An image sensor is configured to sense the printed data tags. A contact sensor includes a switch that is configured to close through contact so that the image sensor can sense at least one data tag. A controller decodes information relating to the sensed data tag. In one embodiment, the printer includes a replaceable printhead cartridge defining ink supply reservoirs, and a quality assurance integrated circuit is configured to authenticate the integrated circuit. | 02-19-2009 |
20090051726 | DIGITAL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPH PRINTER - The present invention relates to a printer for printing digital colour photographs. The printer includes a printhead cartridge housing an ink ejection printhead and an ink supply configured to supply ink to the printhead. A cradle unit defines a support bay in which the printhead cartridge can be fitted in a removable manner. The cradle unit houses a media transport mechanism which transports print media past the printhead. A media supply cartridge is configured to supply the media to the transport mechanism. | 02-26-2009 |
20090051743 | PRINTHEAD INCORPORATING A STATIC PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD AND ELONGATE FLUID CHANNEL - A printhead assembly comprises an elongate casing defining a longitudinally extending printhead channel, a static pagewidth printhead received within the printhead channel, the static pagewidth printhead comprising a plurality of printhead tiles each bearing a printhead integrated circuit, the tiles being shaped to serially engage together so that adjacent printhead integrated circuits overlap, and an elongate fluid channel member defining a plurality of ducts for storing respective types of ink, the elongate fluid channel extending substantially the length of the static pagewidth printhead. The fluid channel member comprises an elongate body portion defining parallel open channels, and a lid portion which is fastened to the body portion so that the open channels form the ducts, the lid portion defining a plurality of protruding ridges which can be received in respective open channels. The lid portion comprises a plurality of groups of outlet ports, each group including a number of outlet ports equal to the number of parallel open channels. | 02-26-2009 |
20090051744 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING AN ENCASED PRINTHEAD MODULE - A printhead assembly has a casing. A printhead module is positioned in the casing. The printhead module and the casing are configured so that the printhead module is removable from the casing. The printhead module includes a fluid channel member defining a number of ink ducts along its length and positioned in the casing. A number of printhead tiles are arranged on the fluid channel member. Each printhead tile has a printhead integrated circuit. The printhead tiles and the fluid channel member are configured so that ink can be supplied to the printhead integrated circuits from the fluid channel member. | 02-26-2009 |
20090051943 | DUAL PRINTHEAD CONTROLLER ARCHITECTURE FOR INK QUALITY ASSURANCE CIRCUITRY - Dual printhead controller architecture includes a master central processor capable of being interfaced with a first printhead. A slave central processor is capable of being interfaced with a second printhead. Data transfer means is operatively connected between the master central processor and the slave central processor to permit communication between the master and slave central processors. A host link is operatively connected to the master central processor to permit the master central processor to receive page data from a host processor. Ink cartridge quality assurance integrated circuitry is connected to the master central processor. | 02-26-2009 |
20090051949 | PRINT MEDIA AND FLUID CARTRIDGE OF PHOTOFINISHING SYSTEM - A print media and printing fluid cartridge is provided removably mounted to a support structure of a digital photofinishing system in juxtaposition with a printer mounted to the support structure together with a digital processor and print media drive mechanism. The cartridge has a roll of print media, a print media delivery arrangement arranged to couple with the drive mechanism so as to feed the print media from the roll to the printer, and at least one removable printing fluid first cartridge for feeding printing fluid to the printer. The digital processor is arranged to receive digitised data that is representative of a photographic image and to process the data in a manner to generate a drive signal that is representative of the photographic image for the printer. The printer processes the drive signal and page-width prints the photographic image on the fed print media using the fed printing fluid. | 02-26-2009 |
20090052879 | DIGITAL CAMERA WITH INK RESERVOIR AND INK RESERVOIR INFORMATION INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A digital camera comprises an image sensor for sensing an image; a card reader configured to read a removable data card carrying distortion information; a printer configured to print a distorted image on print media, the printer including a replaceable print roll carrying both the print media and ink to be printed upon the print media; and | 02-26-2009 |
20090054664 | INKJET INK COMPRISING METAL-CYANINE DYE WITH IMPROVED WATER-SOLUBILITY - An inkjet ink comprising an IR-absorbing dye. The dye is a metal-cyanine complex of formula (I): | 02-26-2009 |
20090056459 | TEMPERATURE COMPENSATING PRESSURE SENSOR HAVING CORRUGATED ACTIVE MEMBRANE - A temperature compensating pressure sensor comprises a substrate having sealed channels on which is deposited a CMOS layer; a conductive layer and a passivation layer deposited on the CMOS layer; a conductive active membrane spaced from the conductive layer to form an active chamber, the conductive active membrane having a corrugated cross section; a conductive reference membrane spaced from the conductive layer to form a reference chamber; and a cap which covers the membranes, said cap exposing the active membrane to an outside fluid pressure. The active membrane deflects due to differential stresses so that an active capacitance is developed between the active membrane and the conductive layer depending on the electrical permittivity e of the fluid, with the reference membrane providing a temperature compensating reference capacitance. | 03-05-2009 |
20090056460 | TEMPERATURE COMPENSATING PRESSURE SENSOR - A temperature compensating pressure sensor arrangement includes a capacitive pressure sensor having a substrate carrying CMOS layers. A conductive membrane is arranged on the substrate and defines a reference chamber such that capacitance changes resulting from displacement of the conductive membrane can be converted to pressure change values. A cap covers the conductive membrane and has openings to permit pressure changes to be detected by the conductive membrane. A capacitive temperature sensor is operatively arranged with respect to the capacitive pressure sensor and has a conductive membrane arranged on the substrate and defines a reference chamber such that capacitance changes resulting from displacement of the conductive membrane can be converted to temperature change values. The conductive member defining openings and cap covers and seals the conductive membrane from an external environment. | 03-05-2009 |
20090056986 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (IC) CARRIER ASSEMBLY WITH FIRST AND SECOND SUSPENSION MEANS - An integrated circuit (IC) carrier assembly comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), a carrier soldered to the PCB, the carrier comprising a plurality of electrical contact islands surrounding a receiving zone for receiving an IC, a first resilient suspension means interconnecting pairs of adjacent islands, and a second resilient suspension means connecting the islands adjacent to the receiving zone with the receiving zone. | 03-05-2009 |
20090057392 | METHOD OF ENABLING ONLINE PURCHASING USING ENCODED FORM - A method of enabling online purchasing via a printed form is provided in which the printed form is provided containing information relating to a purchasing transaction and a plurality of coded tags, where each tag encodes data on an identity of the form and the position of the tag on the form, and indicating data is received at a computer system which is generated by a pen sensing the data encoded by a tag on the form, where the indicating data is indicative of the identity of the form and a position of the pen relative to the form. This enables the computer system to identify at least one parameter relating to the purchasing transaction using the indicating data, and initiate the online purchasing using the at least one parameter identified. | 03-05-2009 |
20090057400 | SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING COUNTERFEIT SECURITY DOCUMENT - A system is provided having a sensing device and a processor for determining a counterfeit security document. The security document has disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the security document and a part of a digital signature of at least a part of the identity which has a plurality of signature parts. The sensing device is configured to sense one of the coded data portions and generate, using the sensed coded data portion, indicating data indicative of the identity, the part of the signature and a signature part identifier. The processor is configured to determine a determined signature using the identity, a determined signature part using the determined signature and the signature part identifier, and whether the security document is counterfeit by comparing the determined signature part and the part of the signature. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058893 | PRINTER UNIT FOR ASSEMBLY WITH IMAGE READER UNIT - A printer unit is provided having a body with a media input assembly for supporting media to be printed, and securing means for releasable engagement with complementary securing means on an image reader unit, and a print engine with a printhead and a control system to control the operation of the printhead. The body is shaped for nesting with the image reader unit such that the securing means are positioned for releasable engagement with the complementary securing means. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058901 | PRINT ENGINE HAVING PRINTHEAD CONTROL MODES - A print engine is provided which has a printhead capable of printing a maximum of n channels of print data and a controller. Each channel is associated with rows of printing nozzles of the printhead. The controller controls the printhead to print in: a first mode, in which the printhead receives from the controller, print data for a first number of the channels; and a second mode, in which the printhead receives from the controller, print data for a second number of the channels less than the first number and dummy data for a portion of each nozzle row associated with the remaining number of the channels. The first number is less than n. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058902 | METHOD OF DROP EJECTION USING WIDE HEATER ELEMENTS IN PRINTHEAD - A method of ejecting drops of an ejectable liquid from a printhead is provided. The printhead has nozzles, a bubble forming chambers and heater elements. Each heater element is an elongate strip suspended between corresponding electrodes on opposite sides of the chambers and having a cross-section with a lateral dimension different than that of each other strip of the corresponding chamber and at least triple the thickness of that strip. The thickness of each strip is less than 0.3 microns. The heater elements and associated electrodes are arranged so that the electrodes are non-coincident with the electrodes of the other heater elements. The method includes heating the heater elements above the boiling point of the bubble forming liquid to form a gas bubble that causes ejection of a drop of an ejectable liquid from the nozzle, and supplying a volume of the ejectable liquid equivalent to the ejected drop. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058903 | PRINTER CONTROLLER CONFIGURED TO COMPENSATE FOR DEAD PRINTHEAD NOZZLES - A printer controller for compensating for an inoperative nozzle in a printhead is provided. The printhead includes a plurality of nozzles associated with each pixel to be printed, the printer controller being operative to control one or more operative nozzles associated with the same pixel as the inoperative nozzle to increase the amount of printing substance expelled by the one or more operative nozzles. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058905 | METHOD OF PRINTING WITH PRINTHEAD HAVING REDUNDANT INKJET NOZZLES - A method is provided in which dot data is supplied to an inkjet printhead so that each inkjet nozzle of at least one pair of inkjet nozzles of the printhead which are configurable to print a dot of the same colored ink onto a substantially same position on a print medium are controlled to print dots to a same specific line of printing on the print medium associated with said at least one pair of nozzles. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058909 | PRINTHEAD MODULE HAVING OPERATION CONTROLLABLE ON BASIS OF THERMAL SENSORS - A printhead module having a plurality of nozzles for expelling ink is provided. The printhead module has a plurality of thermal sensors. Each thermal sensor is configured to respond to a temperature at or adjacent at least one of the nozzles. The printhead module is configured to modify operation of the nozzles in response to the temperature rising above a threshold. The printhead module is a thermal inkjet printhead module and each of the nozzles includes a thermal ink ejection mechanism. Each thermal sensor comprises at least part of one of the thermal inkjet mechanisms. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058922 | HANDHELD PRINTER WITH MOVEMENT SENSOR AND BODY INCLUDING ELONGATE MOLDING WITH RECESS - A hand-held printer comprises an elongate body defining an ink ejection slot through which ink can be ejected, an ink cartridge received in the body and defining a plurality of ink reservoirs for storing respective types of ink, a printhead module defining a plurality of ink distribution channels in fluid communication with respective ink reservoirs, and including a printhead in fluid communication with the ink distribution channels and mounted within the body so that ink can be ejected through the ink ejection slot, and a movement sensor operatively arranged with respect to the printhead module and configured to sense movement of the printhead module along print media so that the printhead module can eject ink responsive to the sensed movement. The body includes a pair of elongate moldings which can be fastened together, and at least one end cap for capping respective ends of the fastened moldings. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058923 | PRINTHEAD HAVING SELECTIVELY CAPPED PRINTHEAD MODULE CHANNELS - A printhead is provided having at least one printhead module and a capping member. The printhead module has a support member supporting a plurality of printhead integrated circuits. The support member has a plurality of channels for carrying and delivering printing fluid to nozzles of the printhead integrated circuits. The capping member caps one end of the support member so as to seal the channels at that end. The opposite ends of the support member are configured differently and complementarily to one another and the capping member is configured to selectively cap either of the opposite ends. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058924 | Printhead Capping Mechanism Having Multiple Gear Assemblies and Method of Assembling Same - A gear arrangement for a capper of an inkjet printer comprises a first gear assembly mounted to the printer so as to cooperate with a motor gear for driving rotation of the first gear assembly, the first gear assembly having a code feature; and a second gear assembly mounted to the printer so as to cooperate with the first gear assembly to be rotatable therewith, the second gear assembly, in use, cooperating with a capper for capping a printhead so that the rotation of the second gear assembly moves the capper out of and into its capping position. The code feature of the first gear assembly is arranged to cooperate with a holding feature of a mounting arrangement used to mount the second gear assembly to the printer, the code feature being configured so that the cooperation with the holding feature maintains the first gear assembly at a predetermined position during the mounting of the second gear assembly. A common shaft is mounted connecting the first gear and two second gears to the body so that each of the second gears mesh with the second gear assembly. A pin of two third gears is mounted to the body so that each of the third gears mesh with a respective one of the second gears of the first gear assembly. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058926 | PRINTER HAVING RELATIVE ARCUATELY MOVEABLE SIMPLEX PRINTHEAD AND CAPPING MECHANISM - A printer is provided having a pagewidth printhead assembly and a capping mechanism. The printhead assembly has a single pagewidth printhead and a plurality of nozzles located along the printhead and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the printhead. The capping mechanism has a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the printhead and located in a non-capping first position spaced-apart from the printhead, and an actuating mechanism arranged to move the printhead between a first and second printhead positions and to move the capping member along an arcuate path from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead when the printhead is at the second printhead position. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058929 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH SUPPORT PERMITTING FASTENING OF PCB EXTERNAL THERETO - A printhead assembly comprises an elongate support structure; a series of side wall sections extending a length of the support structure and defining ink supply channels, edges of the walls delineating a gap; a plurality of carriers positioned end-to-end in the gap and supported by said edges of the walls, the carriers defining a recess and ink supply passages in fluid communication with the recess and the ink supply channels; and a printhead integrated circuit mounted in each recess to receive ink from the ink supply channels. The elongate support structure is configured to permit a printed circuit board (PCB) to be fastened to an outside of the support structure so that the PCB can be connected to the printhead integrated circuits. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058930 | PRINTHEAD UNIT CELL HAVING RIMMED NOZZLE PLATE - A unit cell of a printhead is provided having a multi-layer substrate defining an ink inlet, one or more side walls extending from the substrate around the ink inlet, a nozzle plate supported by the side walls to define a chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet, where the nozzle plate defines an aperture through which ink in the chamber can be ejected, and a looped and elongate heater element suspended within the chamber, which can be heated so that bubbles are generated in ink within the chamber and ink is ejected from the aperture. The nozzle plate defines a protruding rim bounding the aperture. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058931 | BONDED PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY - A bonded printhead assembly comprising at least one printhead integrated circuit having a plurality of etched ink supply channels defined in a first bonding surface thereof each ink supply channel extending longitudinally along said first bonding surface a molded ink manifold having a second bonding surface and an adhesive tape sandwiched between the first bonding surface and the second bonding surface said adhesive tape having a plurality of ink supply apertures defined therein. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058936 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH MULTIPLE INK INLET FLOW PATHS - A printhead integrated circuit (IC) with an array of ink chambers defined by sidewalls extending between a nozzle plate and an underlying wafer substrate, each chamber having a nozzle in the nozzle plate plurality of nozzles, and an actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle, one of the sidewalls of each chamber having an opening to allow ink to refill the chamber; an ink conduit between the nozzle plate and underlying wafer, the ink conduit being in fluid communication with the openings of a plurality of the ink chambers; and, a plurality of ink inlets defined in said substrate; wherein, the ink conduit is in fluid communication with the plurality of ink inlets for receiving ink to supply to the ink chambers. Introducing an ink conduit that supplies several of the nozzles, and is in itself supplied by several ink inlets, reduces the chance that nozzles will be starved of ink by inlet clogging. If one inlet is clogged, the ink conduit will draw more ink from the other inlets in the wafer. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058937 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH SEALING STRUCTURE AND THERMAL ACTUATOR - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer. the nozzle arrangement comprising a substrate assembly defining an inlet channel; a nozzle chamber wall and a roof wall collectively positioned on the substrate assembly to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the inlet channel, the roof wall defining an ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber; a thermal actuator mounted to the substrate assembly and extending into the nozzle chamber to terminate in a free end, the thermal actuator comprising a pair of actuating members spaced apart to form a gap, one of the actuating members being connected to an electrical supply; a heat sink assembly positioned in the gap between the pair of actuating members; and a sealing structure provided between an end of the thermal actuator mounted to the substrate and an end of the thermal actuator terminating in the nozzle chamber, the sealing structure permitting movement of the thermal actuator therein and inhibiting fluid leakage from the nozzle chamber via surface tension. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058938 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT FOR AN INKJET PRINTER - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer is disclosed. The nozzle arrangement is formed on a substrate defining an ink supply conduit. A nozzle chamber is formed over the ink supply conduit. The nozzle chamber is defined by a floor portion, a roof portion having an ejection port defined therein, and peripheral sidewalls extending from the floor portion and the roof portion respectively. The roof portion and the sidewalls extending from the roof portion are movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the floor portion. The nozzle arrangement further includes a bend actuator fastened at one end to the substrate and at an opposite end to the roof portion of the nozzle chamber. Differential expansion of the bend actuator causes the bend actuator to bend and straighten. This in turn displaces the roof portion and varies the volume of the nozzle chamber, causing ink to be ejected through the ink ejection port. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058939 | MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH AN ACTUATING MECHANISM HAVING A SHUTTER MEMBER - Provided is a micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer. The arrangement includes a substrate having a layer of drive circuitry disposed thereon with a passivation layer on top of the drive circuitry layer, the substrate defining an ink inlet channel comprised of a number of discrete openings. The arrangement also includes a roof portion supported on the passivation layer by means of chamber walls to define an ink chamber operatively supplied with ink via the inlet channel, said roof portion defining an ink ejection port. The arrangement further includes an actuating mechanism located inside said chamber, the mechanism including a shutter member displaceable to obstruct fluid flow between the inlet channel and the ejection port or to allow fluid movement between the inlet channel and the ejection port, respectively. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058942 | METHOD OF ALIGNING TWO OR MORE PRINTHEAD MODULES MOUNTED TO A SUPPORT MEMBER IN A PRINTER - The present invention provides for a method of aligning two or more printhead modules mounted to a support member in a printer. The printhead modules are MEMS manufactured integrated circuits having at least one fiducial on each. The method includes the steps of positioning the printhead modules on the support member such that they align when the support member is at its operating temperature but not necessarily at other temperatures, and using the fiducials to misalign the printhead modules by a distance calculated from the difference between the coefficient of thermal expansion of the support member and the printhead integrated circuits, the spacing of the printhead chips along the support member and the difference between a production temperature of the modules and an operating temperature of the printer. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058943 | PRINTING SYSTEM FOR INSTALLATION IN A VEHICLE - Provided is a printing system for installation in a vehicle for providing hard-copies from a digital camera. The printing system includes a wireless communications subsystem for receiving wireless image information from a camera, and a layout engine with rasterization and page compression modules linked to a printer controller. The printer controller controls a printer having a chassis with a top cover defining an access opening for receiving a cartridge, said opening closed off by a spring-biased flap, and a printhead housed in the chassis. The printer also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted in the chassis with control circuitry linking the controller to the printer controller to control the printhead. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058946 | PRINTHEAD UNIT CELL HAVING WELLED HEATER ELEMENT - A unit cell of a printhead is provided having a multi-layer substrate defining an ink inlet, one or more side walls extending from the substrate around the ink inlet, a nozzle plate supported by the side walls to define a chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet, where the nozzle plate defines an aperture through which ink in the chamber can be ejected, and a looped and elongate heater element suspended within the chamber, which can be heated so that bubbles are generated in ink within the chamber and ink is ejected from the aperture. The elongate heater element terminates in a peripheral well in which the side walls are received. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058947 | INK DROP EJECTION DEVICE WITH NON-BUCKLING HEATER ELEMENT - A ink drop ejection device | 03-05-2009 |
20090058950 | THERMAL INK JET PRINTHEAD WITH HEATER ELEMENT POSITIONED FOR MINIMIZED INK DROP MOMENTUM - An ink jet printhead comprises a plurality of nozzles each having a nozzle aperture; a bubble forming chamber corresponding to each of the nozzles respectively; an ejectable liquid inlet for establishing fluid communication between the nozzle aperture and an ejectable liquid supply, the ejectable liquid inlet and the nozzle aperture being aligned such that they have a common central axis; and a heater element disposed in each of the bubble forming chambers. Each heater element has two bubble nucleation regions suspended within the bubble forming chamber in a plane parallel to that of the nozzle aperture. The two bubble nucleation regions are laterally offset from the central axis, such that the lateral offset of one of the bubble nucleation regions is equal and opposite to the lateral offset of the other bubble nucleation region. The bubble nucleation regions are spaced from each other such that bubbles nucleated at each will grow until they unite to form the gas bubble that causes the ejection of a drop of ejectable liquid. The heater element is positioned such that a distance between a point of collapse of the gas bubble and the nozzle aperture is less than 50 microns. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058951 | PRINTER SYSTEM HAVING WIDE HEATER ELEMENTS IN PRINTHEAD - A printer system is provided having a printhead which has nozzles, a bubble forming chamber corresponding to each nozzle, and heater elements disposed in each chamber each configured for thermal contact with a bubble forming liquid such that heating heater elements to a temperature above the boiling point of the bubble forming liquid forms a gas bubble that causes the ejection of a drop of an ejectable liquid through the nozzles. Each heater element is an elongate strip suspended between corresponding electrodes on opposite sides of the chamber. Each strip has a cross-section with a lateral dimension different than that of each other strip of the corresponding chamber and at least triple that of the thickness of that strip. The thickness of each strip is less than 0.3 microns. The heater elements and electrodes are arranged so that the electrodes are non-coincident with the electrodes of the other heater elements. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058957 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT HAVING LONGITUDINAL INK SUPPLY CHANNELS REINFORCED BY TRANSVERSE WALLS - A printhead integrated circuit that has a plurality of nozzles formed on a frontside of a monolithic wafer substrate, the nozzles being arranged in rows extending longitudinally along the substrate. Each nozzle has a respective nozzle inlet extending partially through the monolithic wafer substrate. The integrated circuit also has a plurality of ink supply channels defined in a backside surface of the monolithic wafer substrate which extend longitudinally along the backside of the substrate. Each ink supply channel is deep enough to meet the nozzle inlets such that ink fed to the backside surface of the substrate is supplied to the nozzles on the frontside. The nozzles supplied with ink from one of the ink supply channels are different to the nozzles supplied with ink by another of the ink supply channels such that different ink colors are simultaneously printed. Each ink supply channel is separated into channel sections by one or more transverse walls that structurally stiffen the monolithic wafer substrate. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058966 | HAND-HELD MODULAR SYSTEM WITH PRINTER AND INTERNAL REPLACEABLE INK CARTRIDGE - A hand-held modular printer system for printing a stored image, the printer system comprising a memory module in which the image can be stored; a printer module adapted to be releasably interconnected with the memory module, the printer module including an elongate body defining a transverse print media passage and a printer which is arranged within the body so that the stored image can be printed onto print media which passes through the passage, the printer module further including a print media feed arrangement located within the body, the print media feed arrangement comprising a plurality of rollers configured to feed the print media through the passage and a motor arrangement for driving at least one of the rollers; and a pen module adapted to be releasably interconnected with the printer module and which includes a nib which can dispense ink. The printer module is housed in a substantially cylindrical housing, and the hand-held modular printer system further comprises an ink cartridge, the ink cartridge substantially extending the length of the printer module and shaped such that a major surface of the ink cartridge has a curvature substantially matching that of an internal surface of the cylindrical housing, whereby the ink cartridge is nestled against the cylindrical housing. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058967 | INKJET PRINTER WITH RESILIENT CONNECTION BETWEEN PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE AND INK CARTRIDGE - An inkjet printer that has a printer body, a printhead cartridge for installation in the printer body, the printhead cartridge having a pagewidth inkjet printhead structure with an array of nozzles, a plurality of ink cartridges for supplying ink, each of the ink cartridges having a docking face for engagement with a complementary face partially provided by the printhead cartridge and partially provided by the printer body and, a docking frame with a plurality of resilient connectors form part of fluid paths from the ink cartridges. Longitudinal expansion and contraction of the pagewidth printhead structure relative to the docking frame is accommodated by the resilient connectors. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058973 | PRINTING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An inkjet printing device includes a printhead and a rotatable platen. The platen has an opening in which is positioned an ink absorbing member for receiving ink from the printhead. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058974 | PRINTER INCORPORATING A CAPPED PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE - A printer includes a printhead cartridge. The printhead cartridge has a printhead, an ink supply configured to supply ink to the printhead and a capper arranged to cap the printhead when the printhead is inoperative or not in use. A cradle unit engages with the printhead cartridge in a complementary manner and has a media transport mechanism for transporting print media between the printhead and the capper. A media supply cartridge is configured to supply the media to the cradle unit. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058975 | PRINT CARTRIDGE OF PHOTOFINISHING SYSTEM HAVING DRYER - A print media and printing fluid cartridge is provided which is removably mounted to a support structure of a digital photofinishing system in juxtaposition with a printer mounted to the support structure together with a digital processor and print media drive mechanism for the printer. The cartridge has a roll of print media, a print media delivery arrangement arranged to couple with the print media drive mechanism so as to feed the print media from the roll to the printer on demand, and at least one removable printing fluid first cartridge for feeding printing fluid to the printer on demand. A dryer is located in series with the printer so as to receive printed media directly therefrom. The dryer has guide rollers for transporting the printed media through the dryer and a blower arranged to direct drying air onto the printed media as it is transported therethrough. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058976 | PRINT CARTRIDGE OF PHOTOFINISHING SYSTEM HAVING SLITTER - A print media and printing fluid cartridge is provided which is removably mounted to a support structure of a digital photofinishing system in juxtaposition with a printer mounted to the support structure together with a digital processor and print media drive mechanism for the printer. The cartridge has a roll of print media, a print media delivery arrangement arranged to couple with the print media drive mechanism so as to feed the print media from the roll to the printer on demand, and at least one removable printing fluid first cartridge for feeding printing fluid to the printer on demand. A slitting device is located in series with the printer so as to receive printed media therefrom. The slitting device has a printed media guide for transporting the printed media in a longitudinal direction away from the printer, and a slitter for slitting the printed media in the longitudinal direction. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058977 | IMAGE STORING AND PRINTING DEVICE WITH REPLACEABLE CASING - An image storage device comprising a chassis carrying a memory for storing at least one image, a pagewidth print head for printing said stored image, an ink supply means for supplying ink to the print head, a supply of print media on to which said stored image is printed, and a casing surrounding and encasing said chassis so that the supply of print media is unable to be accessed without destruction of the casing. The casing comprises a front shell and a back shell, the front and back shells adapted to be snap-on fitted to each other. The back shell comprises a clamp strip adapted to clamp to the cover a wrapper label. | 03-05-2009 |
20090059032 | IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD IN A CAMERA MODULE FOR CONVERTING NON-LINEAR RGB IMAGE DATA TO L*A*B* IMAGE DATA - A method of image processing an image in a camera module, said method comprising the steps of capturing an image as a Color Filter Array image having non-linear RGB pixel data from an image sensor of said camera module; linearizing said image from said image sensor to generate a linearized image by using at least three lookup tables, one lookup table for each of three RGB colors, said linearizing step performed by using an address for current RGB pixel data being read to index the at least three lookup tables and incrementing the addresses for the RGB pixel data; generating at least three histograms of said linearized image data, one histogram for each of at least three RGB image color planes, and storing at least a high and a low threshold for each histogram; planarizing said linearized image by using at least the high and the low threshold to generate a planarized linear RGB image; and transforming said image from planarized linear RGB form to L*a*b* form. The step of transforming said image from planarized linear RGB form to L*a*b* form includes a step of referring to each of the histograms and applying a thresholding algorithm thereto. | 03-05-2009 |
20090059294 | METHOD OF DELIVERING FACSIMILE - A method of communicating through facsimiles is disclosed. The method starts by receiving a message and a destination facsimile number from a first user. A unique reply number is allocated and recorded in a pending reply list. The message and the reply number is then transmitted to the destination facsimile number. Upon receipt of a received facsimile and a received reply number addressed to the first user, it is determining whether the received reply number matches an entry in the pending reply list. The received facsimile is delivered only if a match is found. The reply number is also removed from the pending reply list. | 03-05-2009 |
20090059301 | SYSTEM FOR INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SYSTEM - A system for enabling user interaction with a computer system is provided having a printer for printing, upon receiving print data generated by the computer system, a form printed with information related to at least one interactive element and coded data that is at least partially indicative of the at least one interactive element, and a sensing device operable, when placed in an operative position relative to the printed interactive element, to sense the coded data and generate indicating data using the sensed coded data. The indicating data is at least partially indicative of the interactive element to enable the computer system to identify the at least one interactive element and perform an action associated with the at least one interactive element. | 03-05-2009 |
20090059318 | PEN-SHAPED SCANNING DEVICE HAVING A REGION IDENTITY SENSOR - Provided is a pen-shaped scanning device for scanning a surface having coded data disposed thereon which is substantially invisible to the average unaided human eye. The device is configured to determine at least two dimensions of a rotational orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, the coded data being indicative of at least two dimensions of the rotational orientation of the sensing device. The device includes an orientation sensor configured to generate, when positioned or moved relative to the surface, using at least some of the coded data, orientation data indicative of the at least two dimensions of the orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface. The device also includes a transmitter for transmitting the orientation data to a computer system, as well as a region identity sensor configured to sense, when the sensing device is positioned or moved relative to a region of the surface, and using at least some of the coded data, region identity data indicative of an identity of the region, the transmitter being configured to transmit the region identity data to the computer system. | 03-05-2009 |
20090061094 | METHOD OF PRINTING AN IR-ABSORBING DYE ONTO A SUBSTRATE - A method of printing an IR-absorbing dye onto a substrate whilst minimizing visible coloration of the substrate. The method comprises: (i) preselecting the dye from a metal-cyanine of formula (I): | 03-05-2009 |
20090061179 | SUBSTRATE HAVING IR-ABSORBING DYE DISPOSED THEREON - A substrate having an IR-absorbing dye disposed thereon. The dye is a naphthalocyanine dye of formula (I): | 03-05-2009 |
20090061562 | METHOD OF FABRICATING MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS DEVICES - A method of fabricating microelectromechanical systems devices is disclosed. A silicon substrate having a plurality of microelectromechanical systems elements formed on a first surface thereof is provided. A guard layer defining a plurality of recesses is applied to the silicon substrate such that respective microelectromechanical systems elements are located within respective recesses. The silicon substrate is then segmented into discrete parts and an adhesive layer is bonded to a second surface of the silicon substrate. The guard layer is next segmented into discrete parts corresponding to the discrete parts of the silicon substrate, thereby forming individual microelectromechanical systems devices. Finally, the adhesive layer is selectively exposed to a light source allowing removal of individual microelectromechanical systems devices. | 03-05-2009 |
20090064789 | TEMPERATURE COMPENSATING PRESSURE SENSING ARRANGEMENT - The invention provides for a temperature compensating pressure sensing arrangement. The arrangement includes a substrate having sealed channels on which is deposited a CMOS layer, with a conductive layer and a passivation layer deposited on the CMOS layer. The arrangement also includes a conductive active membrane spaced from the conductive layer to form an active chamber, and a conductive reference membrane spaced from the conductive layer to form a sealed reference chamber. Further included is a cap which covers the membranes, said cap exposing the active membrane to an outside fluid pressure. The active membrane further defines a foot which is located between the substrate and cap with a leg extending away from the substrate and terminating in a substantially planar deflectable portion, which deflects due to differential pressure stresses so that an active capacitance is developed between the active membrane and the conductive layer depending on the electrical permittivity e of the fluid. The reference membrane provides a temperature compensating reference capacitance. The arrangement also has sensor circuitry configured to determine a charge imbalance indicative of a pressure difference between the active and reference membranes. | 03-12-2009 |
20090065266 | METHOD OF INSTRUCTING A COMPUTER TO EXECUTE A COMMAND - A method of instructing a computer is disclosed. The method starts by providing a user with an interface surface. The first interface surface includes coded data indicative of positions on the interactive surface, one or more command areas each designating a command to be applied to an object, and one or more objects. The method continues by receiving indicating data from a sensing device. The indicating data is formed by the sensing device in response sensing at least some of the coded data when the sensing device is moved relative to the first interface surface. The indicating data is indicative of a sequence of positions of the sensing device relative to the first interface surface, thereby defining a stroke. Next, using the indicating data, the method determines one of the commands and at least one object designated by the stroke. Finally, the command designated by the stroke is applied to the at least one object designated by the stroke. | 03-12-2009 |
20090065475 | METHOD OF FABRICATING INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH PROJECTIONS PATTERNED ACROSS NOZZLE PLATE - A method of fabricating an inkjet printhead. The method includes the steps of: (a) forming a plurality of MEMS ink ejection assemblies on an ink-ejection surface of a silicon substrate, each ink ejection assembly being sealed with roof material spanning across the ink ejection assemblies to define a nozzle plate; (b) etching partially into the roof material to form simultaneously a respective nozzle rim for each ink ejection assembly and a plurality of projections patterned across the nozzle plate between nozzle rims; and (c) etching through the roof material to form a respective nozzle aperture for each ink ejection assembly. The projections patterned across the nozzle plate between nozzle rims are useful for reducing stiction between particulates and the nozzle plate. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066733 | Method Of Printing An Interface Onto A Surface - A method of printing an interface onto a surface is disclosed. The method starts by providing a printer comprising a data input module for receiving document data from a computer system, a coded data generator for generating coded data using at least some of the document data, the coded data being indicative of an identity of a region of a surface to be printed on and of a plurality of locations on the surface to be printed on, a printhead for printing the interface onto the surface, and an ink supply for supplying ink to the printhead, the ink supply comprising an ink set including at least one visible text/graphics ink and a coded data ink, the coded data ink being absorptive of wavelengths in the near-infrared range. Visible text/graphics and the coded data is then printed onto the surface using the printer. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066735 | STAMP HAVING WITH A GOVERNOR FOR REGULATING MOTION OF THE A PRINTHEAD - Provided is a stamp having a housing defining an opening, and a printhead and ink cartridge arrangement housed within the housing. The printhead is displaceable between a protected position within the housing and a printing position in which the printhead is exposed via the opening. The stamp also includes control circuitry configured to control the printhead for printing preprogrammed indicia on a print media, the control circuitry including a memory for storing said indicia. The stamp further includes a mechanical arrangement with a governor for displacing the printhead from the protected position to the printing position, said governor regulating motion of the printhead during printing. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066740 | PRINTER CONTROLLER FOR CONTROLLING AN INK DOT SIZE - Provided is a printer controller for an inkjet printer having a printhead with a plurality of nozzle arrangements, a paper transport mechanism, and an authentication chip. The controller has a data bus and purpose-specific functional units connected to the data bus. The controller is configured to execute software to control a dot size of ink discharged by the respective nozzles by heating the ink in a nozzle by applying at least one firing pulse of a duration less than a duration required to discharge an ink dot, sensing the temperature of the heated ink in the nozzle, and loading and updating a table having sensed values of temperature of ink in the nozzle, resistivity of an actuator heater of the nozzle and width of at least part of the actuator heater. The controller then changes the duration of a firing pulse used to discharge an ink dot in response to the updated table of sensed temperature, resistivity and width values so as to produce a uniform ink dot size. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066742 | PRINTHEAD WITH INCREASING DRIVE PULSE TO COUNTER HEATER OXIDE GROWTH - An inkjet printer that has a printhead with an array of ejection devices for ejecting drops of liquid onto a media substrate. Each of the ejection devices having a chamber for holding liquid, a nozzle in fluid communication with the chamber and a heater positioned in the chamber for contact with the liquid such that resistive heating of the heater generates a vapour bubble that ejects a drop of the liquid through the nozzle. The printer also has a controller for receiving print data and generating drive pulses to energize the heaters in accordance with the print data. The controller increases the drive pulse energy during the printhead lifetime. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066748 | U-SHAPED PRINTHEAD CAPPING DEVICE - A capping device for a printhead comprises a metal body having a U-shaped transverse profile and defining a plurality of holes through an upper surface thereof; an integral spring constructed from a side wall of the metal body, the integral spring adapted to bias the capping device away from a side of a channel in which the capping device is installed; and an elastomeric seal attached to an inner side of the upper surface of the metal body, said elastomeric seal keyed to the metal body by the holes. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066751 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH INK PRIMING ASSISTANCE FEATURES - An inkjet printhead with a wafer substrate, a plurality of ink chambers formed on one side of the wafer substrate, each having a nozzle and an actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle, an ink inlet defined by the wafer substrate in fluid communication with the ink chambers and, at least one priming feature extending through the ink inlet. The surface tension of an ink meniscus at the ink inlet acts to draw ink out of the ink inlet and toward the ink chambers. By introducing a priming feature into the plane of the inlet aperture, the surface tension in the ink meniscus can be redirected to pull the ink along the intend flow path rather than push it back into the inlet. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066754 | INK DELIVERY ARRANGEMENT WITH CMOS DRIVEN NOZZLES - An ink delivery arrangement includes a silicon substrate that defines a plurality of ink inlet channels. A CMOS drive circuitry layer is arranged on the silicon substrate. A plurality of nozzle arrangements is positioned on the silicon substrate to be in fluid communication with respective ink inlet channels. Each nozzle arrangement includes an annular nozzle wall about a respective ink inlet channel. A nozzle roof is on the nozzle wall so that the wall and roof define a nozzle chamber, the roof being movable with respect to the wall. A nozzle rim is defined by the nozzle roof so that ink can be ejected from the nozzle chamber when the roof is moved with respect to the wall. An electrically actuated beam is fast with the substrate to receive current from the drive circuitry layer and is connected to the nozzle roof to move the nozzle roof when actuated by the current. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066755 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT FOR AN INK JET PRINTER HAVING SYMMETRICALLY ARRANGED ACTUATORS - Provided is a nozzle arrangement for an ink jet printer. The arrangement includes a wafer substrate with a layer of drive circuitry, said substrate defining an ink supply channel through the substrate leading to an ink chamber with sidewalls and a roof having a fixed portion fast with the substrate and a movable portion displaceable with respect to the fixed portion and defining an ink ejection port. The arrangement also includes an ink ejection arrangement for ejecting ink from the ink chamber via the port, said ink ejection arrangement having four symmetrically arranged thermal bend actuators each connected to a respective side of the movable portion to displace said movable portions in a rectilinear manner relative to the fixed portions during ink ejection. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066756 | Printhead Having Nozzle Arrangements With Magnetic Paddle Actuators - 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. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066760 | Inkjet Printhead Assembly - A printhead assembly is disclosed. The printhead assembly comprises a printhead formed from a silicon substrate, and a support member. The support member comprises a core element defining a plurality of ink reservoirs and a multilayer shell. Each ink reservoir is in fluid communication with the printhead. The multilayer shell is formed around at least part of the core element, and has an effective coefficient of thermal expansion which is comparable to that of silicon. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066761 | INKJET HEATER WITH HEATER ELEMENT SUPPORTED BY SLOPED SIDES WITH LESS RESISTANCE - An inkjet printhead that has a chamber for holding a quantity of ink, a nozzle in fluid communication with the chamber, a pair of electrodes and, a heater for generating a vapour bubble in the ink to eject a drop through the nozzle. The heater has contacts for electrical connection with the pair of contacts, a heater element suspended in the chamber between the contacts and the nozzle, and sloped side portions extending between the heater element and the contacts. The heater element has higher electrical resistance than the contacts and the sloped side portions. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066762 | Thermal Printhead With Heater Element And Nozzle Sharing Common Plane Of Symmetry - An ink jet printhead that has a nozzle aperture | 03-12-2009 |
20090066764 | PRINTER WITH MUTUALLY ENGAGING INK CARTRIDGE, PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE AND PRINTER BODY - An inkjet printer that has a printer body, a printhead cartridge for installation in the printer body, and an ink cartridge for supplying the printhead cartridge with ink. The ink cartridge has an ink outlet valve and an air inlet, the ink outlet valve engaging an ink inlet valve on the printhead cartridge, and the air inlet engaging a complementary formation on the printer body to open the air inlet and locate the ink cartridge. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066765 | Pagewidth Printhead Assembly With Top-Fed Ink Ducts - A pagewidth printhead assembly comprises an ink conduit structure defining a plurality of longitudinal ink ducts; a pagewidth printhead mounted to said ink conduit structure on a bottom surface thereof, the pagewidth printhead being in fluid communication with the ink conduit structure; a plurality of inlet ports provided adjacent and substantially planar to the ink conduit structure and the plurality of longitudinal ink ducts; and an ink distribution structure including a plurality of ink channels connecting each of the plurality of longitudinal ink ducts with respective inlet ports. The ink channels extend from respective inlet ports above the ink conduit structure so as to feed into respective longitudinal ink ducts from above. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066767 | PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE FOR A PAGEWIDTH PRINTER HAVING A NUMBER OF INK SUPPLY BAGS - A cartridge for a pagewidth inkjet printer has a body configured to fit in a cradle of the inkjet printer. A printhead capper is mounted on the body, the capper and the body defining a print media feed path along which print media is fed. A printhead is housed in the body to print on the print media. An ink distribution support mounts the printhead to the body and distributes ink to the printhead. An ink supply is arranged in the body for supplying the printhead with ink via the ink distribution support. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066775 | Printing System For Layered Object Printing - A printing system is provided having a conveyor for conveying a substrate along a conveying direction, and a sequence of printhead groups arranged along the conveying direction for printing respective object layers onto one another. A first printhead group within the sequence prints its respective object layer onto the substrate. At least one of the printhead groups is configured to print its respective object layer with at least two materials. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066972 | Printer having dedicated coded data channel - A printer for printing an interface of visible data and machine-readable coded data onto a surface is provided. The printer has a processor for receiving document data which includes identity data indicative of at least one identity associated with the interface and generating visible and coded data using the document data, and a printhead having a visible ink channel dedicated for printing the visible data and an infrared ink channel exclusively dedicated for printing the coded data. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066974 | SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING COMPUTER-BASED OPERATIONS - A system for performing computer-based operations is disclosed. The system includes a printer for printing visible information and coded data tags on a surface substantially simultaneously. Each coded data tag encodes a region identifier for uniquely identifying a description of a region on the surface, and a position in the region. The description associates at least one instruction with one or more positions in the region. The system further includes a sensor for sensing at least one coded data tag and for generating a signal indicative of the sensed coded data tag. A computer system receives the signal, determines the region identifier and the position, relates the position to the at least one instruction using the description, and executes the at least one instruction. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066975 | System For Printing A Coded Interface - A system including a sensing device and a printer is disclosed. The sensing device and the printer are in communication with each other. The sensing device is for sensing first coded data included in a first interface disposed on a first surface. The printer is configured to receive, from the sensing device, data representative of the sensed first coded data, to send data based on the received data to a computer system, to receive response data from the computer system, the response data being derived by the computer system from the data sent to the computer system and identifying a unique identity of a second interface, to generate the second interface based at least partially on the response data, the second interface comprising second coded data encoding the unique identity of the second interface, and to print the second interface onto a second surface. | 03-12-2009 |
20090067002 | METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING PRINT MEDIA USING A MOBILE TELEPHONE - A method of using a mobile telephone to authenticate a print medium, the mobile telephone being configured for printing on print media predetermined as authentic. The print media has coded data in the form of a plurality of coded data portions, each coded data portion encoding a signature fragment. The mobile telephone has a printhead, a processing means, a print path extending past the printhead and a sensor adjacent the print path. The method comprising steps of using the sensor to sense the coded data provided on a surface of the substrate whilst the print medium is moving along the print path, using the processing means to interpret the plurality of coded data portions and determine the signature fragments from each of the coded data portions, determining a signature from the signature fragments, using the signature to assess the print medium authenticity, and using the printhead to print onto the print medium in the event that it is authentic. | 03-12-2009 |
20090071997 | PRINT MEDIA LOADING MECHANISM HAVING DISPLACEABLE ENDLESS BELTS - A print media loading mechanism for a modular printer assembly is disclosed. A pair of opposed endless belts is provided. Each belt passes around a pair of rollers. Opposed roller pairs are slidably received by sliders attached to a frame of the printer assembly. A pair of arms is attached to each opposed roller pair, the pair of arms having a common pivot point. A traversing mechanism connects to each pair of arms at the common pivot point. A drive assembly, including at least one worm screw and motor which rotates the worm screw, is also provided. The worm screw interacts with the traversing mechanism in order to move the traversing mechanisms apart and closer together respectively. This in turn moves the opposed endless belts apart and closer together respectively. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073210 | Nozzle Device With Movement Sensor - A nozzle device is provided for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle device includes a substrate assembly defining an ink supply. A chamber-defining layer defines a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with a nozzle opening and the ink supply. An actuating arm is coupled to the substrate assembly and terminates in a paddle separating the ink supply and nozzle chamber. The actuating arm is configured to pivot during actuation so that the paddle moves and causes ink within the nozzle chamber to be ejected out through the nozzle opening. A movement sensor is configured to determine the degree or rate of pivotal movement of the actuating arm. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073216 | Printing Cartridge Mounted With Adhesively Sealant Film - A printing cartridge comprises a body configured to removably engage with an inkjet printer; a printhead assembly mounted to the body, the printhead assembly including at least one printhead integrated circuit and an ink distribution support, the at least one printhead integrated circuit being mounted to an underside of the ink distribution support; a plurality of conduits provided through an underside of the ink distribution support, the conduits providing fluidic communication between a plurality of ink paths of the ink distribution support and the underside of the ink distribution support; and a sealing film for adhesively mounting the printhead integrated circuit to the ink distribution support, the sealing film including a plurality of through-holes which correspond to and align with the conduits. The sealing film provides a seal preventing mixing of ink from each of the plurality of ink paths at an underside of the ink distribution support. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073218 | Printhead Having Capped Printhead Units - A printhead is provided having a plurality of printhead units having ejection nozzles, and a capping device displaceable with respect to the printhead units between a first position in which the capping device caps the ejection nozzles and a second position in which the ejection nozzles are uncapped. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073224 | PRINT CRADLE ASSEMBLY FOR A PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE - Provided is a print cradle assembly for a printhead cartridge. The cradle assembly includes a docking bay molding, a media feed drive assembly positioned on the docking bay molding and configured to feed media through the assembly, and a printed circuit board (PCB) with a printer controller for controlling the media feed drive assembly and operation of the cartridge. The cradle assembly also includes a maintenance drive assembly for driving a capping mechanism of a printhead of the cartridge. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073229 | INK JET PRINTHEAD WITH DISPLACEABLE NOZZLE CROWN - A printhead comprises a substrate defining a plurality of ink inlet channels; a drive circuitry layer positioned on the substrate; and a plurality of nozzle arrangements positioned on the substrate. Each nozzle arrangement comprises a wall portion bounding a respective ink inlet channel, a crown portion defining an outlet through which ink can be ejected, and a skirt portion depending from the crown portion, the crown, skirt and wall portions defining a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the respective ink inlet channel and the outlet. The printhead further comprises an elongate actuator provided within the nozzle chamber and connected to the crown portion at one end and anchored to the substrate at an opposite end; and conductive pads provided at an anchor point of the elongate actuator with the substrate, the conductive pads being provided between the elongate actuator and the substrate. The elongate actuator receives electrical signals from the drive circuitry via the conductive pads, and upon receipt of electrical signals from the drive circuitry, the actuator is operable to displace towards and away from the substrate such that the crown and ink outlet is also displaced towards and away from the substrate, whereby ink is ejected from the outlet. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073230 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT FOR AN INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING DYNAMIC AND STATIC STRUCTURES TO FACILITATE INK EJECTION - Provided is a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate with side walls and a roof portion together forming an ink chamber, the substrate defining an ink supply channel leading to the ink chamber, with one side wall defining an aperture. The arrangement also includes an elongate actuator extending through said aperture into the ink chamber, as well as a dynamic structure cantilevered from the side wall below the aperture. Further included is a static structure cantilevered from the side wall below the dynamic structure. The actuator is connected to the dynamic and static structures at a point distal from the aperture such that thermal expansion of the dynamic structure moves the actuator upwards in the chamber to eject ink from the chamber via a port defined in the roof portion. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073231 | Print Assembly - A print assembly is disclosed. The print assembly includes a printhead for printing on a printing medium having encoded positional data thereon, a media feed assembly for feeding the medium past the printhead, a capper assembly movable between a capped position covering the printhead and an uncapped position exposing the printhead, and a print controller having a reader configured to operatively read the positional data to provide the print controller with a signal indicative of a position of the medium relative to the printhead. The controller is configured to derive a feed speed of the medium from the signal, and to correlate printing of the printhead with such feed speed. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073233 | MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH A ROOF STRUCTURE FOR MINIMIZING WICKING - Provided is a micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The arrangement includes a substrate defining an inverted pyramidal ink chamber with a vertex thereof terminating at an ink supply channel through the substrate, said substrate having a layer of CMOS drive circuitry. The arrangements also includes a roof structure connected to the drive circuitry layer and covering the ink chamber, the roof structure defining a fluid ejection nozzle rim above said chamber in addition to ink flow guide rails to minimize wicking along the nozzle rim according to surface tension effects of ink in the chamber. Also included is a plurality of actuators displaceable with respect to, and radially spaced about, the nozzle rim, and in between, the guide rails. Each actuator has a serpentine heater element configured to thermally expand upon receiving current from the drive circuitry thereby moving said actuators into the chamber operatively increasing a fluid pressure inside the chamber to eject a drop of ink via the ejection nozzle. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073235 | PRINTER SYSTEM HAVING PRINTHEAD WITH ARCUATE HEATER ELEMENTS - A printer system is provided which incorporates a printhead having nozzles, bubble forming chambers and heater and non-heater elements disposed in each of the chamber to overlay one another with a space therebetween. The heater and non-heater elements are formed of the same material and the heater elements are connected to electrodes so as to be in thermal contact with a bubble forming liquid in the chambers. Heating the heater elements with the electrodes to a temperature above the boiling point of the bubble forming liquid forms a gas bubble that causes the drop ejection of ejectable liquid through the nozzles. Each heater element has a bubble nucleation section which has a smaller cross section than the remainder of that heater element. Each chamber has a circular cross section and each heater element has arcuate sections that are concentric with the circular cross section. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073236 | VARIABLE-VOLUME NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT - A nozzle arrangement is provided for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet. A static wall extends from the substrate assembly and bounds the ink inlet. An active ink ejecting member has a roof and a sidewall that depends from the roof towards the substrate. The roof defines an ink ejection port and the active ink ejecting member is movably located relative to the static wall to define a variable-volume nozzle chamber. An actuator arrangement is configured to reciprocate the active ink ejection member relative to the static wall so that ink in the nozzle chamber is ejected out through the ink ejection port. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073237 | NOZZLE DEVICE WITH EXPANSIVE CHAMBER-DEFINING LAYER - A nozzle device is provided for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle device includes a substrate assembly defining an ink supply. A chamber-defining layer defines a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with a nozzle opening and the ink supply. An actuating arm is coupled to the substrate assembly and terminates in a paddle separating the ink supply and the nozzle chamber. The arm includes a thermal bend portion proximal to the substrate assembly, and is configured to bend during actuation so that the paddle moves and causes ink within the nozzle chamber to be ejected out through the nozzle opening. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073238 | PRINTHEAD HAVING SUSPENDED HEATER ELEMENTS - An inkjet printhead is disclosed. The printhead includes a substrate defining a plurality of ink inlet passages; a plurality of nozzle chambers formed on the substrate, each nozzle chamber being in fluid communication with at least one of the ink inlet passages, and at least one heater element suspended in each nozzle chamber, each heater element, when energized by an electrical signal, forms a gas bubble in ink in the nozzle chamber so that a drop of ink is ejected from the nozzle chamber. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073239 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT FOR A PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A nozzle arrangement for a printhead integrated circuit id disclosed. The arrangement includes an ink chamber having an ink ejection port, an ink ejecting member angularly displaceable within the ink chamber, a thermal bend actuator reciprocally displaceable upon receipt of a drive signal, a motion transmitting structure comprising an effort formation, a lever arm formation and a load formation, the lever arm formation being interposed between the effort formation and the load formation, the effort formation being connected to the thermal bend actuator and the ink election member being connected to the load formation, and a resiliently deformable sealing structure, interposed between a substrate upon which the nozzle arrangement is formed and the lever arm formation, to permit pivotal movement of the lever arm formation with respect to the substrate. Reciprocal displacement of the thermal bend actuator is converted into reciprocal displacement of the ink ejecting member through the motion transmitting structure, thereby ejecting ink that is in the ink chamber from the ink ejection port. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073240 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING NOZZLE ARRANGEMENTS WITH ACTUATOR PIVOT ANCHORS - Provided is an inkjet printhead having a plurality of nozzle arrangements for ejecting ink onto a printing medium. Each nozzle arrangement includes a substrate defining an ink chamber having an ink inlet and a plurality of ink ejection ports, the chamber and ink supply channel being in fluid communication via the ink inlet. Each arrangement also includes a pivot anchor arranged on the substrate, and an actuator fast with the pivot anchor and arranged to cause selective ejection of ink from any one of the ejection ports while simultaneously causing an inflow of ink from the ink supply channel into the chamber via the ink inlet. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073244 | Inkjet Printer Refill Cartridge With Sliding Moldings - An ink refill cartridge is provided for refilling an inkjet printer ink supply. The refill cartridge includes an outer molding defining a cavity. An inner molding is movably mounted to slide into the cavity and defines a recess. A deformable ink membrane is located within the recess, is configured to store ink and defines an outlet through which the stored ink can pass to the ink supply. A biasing arrangement is located within the cavity between the outer molding and the ink membrane. The biasing arrangement biases the membrane to deform and cause ink to pass from the outlet when the inner molding slides into the cavity. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073248 | INKJET PRINTER WITH RETRACTABLE COVER SERVING AS MEDIA GUIDE - An inkjet printer comprises a body housing a print engine configured to transport and print upon print media; a cover pivotally mounted relative to the body and able to be pivoted to form a guide which can guide print media to the print engine for printing; a support configured to support the print media guided to the print engine and pivotally mounted relative to the cover so that the support can be retracted between the cover and the body; and a stepper motor for driving a sheet feed roller and a paper transport. The stepper motor drives the paper transport when operated in a forward direction, and drives the sheet feed roller when operated in the reverse direction. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073249 | Digital Stamp Having A Compressible Housing - Provided is a stamp including a compressible housing having an upper housing portion telescopically receiving a lower housing portion defining an opening. The stamp also includes a printhead and ink cartridge arrangement housed within the lower housing, said printhead displaceable between a protected position within the housing and a printing position in which the printhead is exposed via the opening for printing. Also included is a mechanical arrangement comprising a pair of arms fixed at one end to a top of the printhead and at another end to the upper housing, so that when the upper housing is moved toward the lower housing, the arms move the printhead from the protected position to the printing position. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073309 | DIGITAL CAMERA HAVING PRINTHEAD AND INK SUPPLY - A digital camera is provided having a printhead for printing images digitally captured by the camera, an ink supply for supplying ink to the printhead, and a casing surrounding and encasing the printhead and ink supply so that the ink supply is unable to be accessed without destruction of the casing. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073668 | Carrier Assembly For An Integrated Circuit - A carrier assembly for an integrated circuit is described. The assembly includes a retainer for receiving the integrated circuit, and island defining portions surrounding the retainer. Each island defining portion is connected to neighboring island defining portions through a serpentine member. This arrangement allows resilient deflection between the island defining portions. | 03-19-2009 |
20090075695 | Mobile Phone Having Pagewidth Printhead - A mobile phone is provided having an elongate body defining a transverse print media path along which print media can be fed, a pagewidth printhead positioned in the body so as to extend transverse to the path, and a feed mechanism positioned in the body to feed the print media along the path during printing. | 03-19-2009 |
20090076643 | PRODUCTION LINE INCORPORATING EQUIDISTANTLY SPACED APART SETS OF PRINTHEADS - A production line is provided for forming a layered product. The production line includes a conveyor configured to convey a substrate. A plurality of elongate printheads extend transverse to the conveyance direction and is configured to print voxels upon the conveyed substrate to form the layered product. The printheads are arranged to form a plurality of sets which are equidistantly spaced apart. | 03-19-2009 |
20090077385 | Authenticating An Object - A method of authenticating an object is disclosed. The method starts by receiving indicating data. The indicating data was generated in response to sensing of a coded data portion provided on or in a surface associated with the object. The indicating data is indicative of an identity, a position of the coded data portion, and a fragment of a signature. The signature is a digital signature of at least the identity, and comprises a plurality of signature fragments. The method then proceeds by determining from the indicating data, a received identity, a received signature fragment and the position of the coded data portion. Using the position, a received signature fragment identifier is then determined. Next, using the received identity, a determined signature is determined. A determined signature fragment is also determined using the determined signature and the received signature fragment identifier. Finally, the determined signature fragment is compared to the received signature fragment, and the object is authenticated using the result of the comparison. | 03-19-2009 |
20090077461 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RETRIEVING DOCUMENTS - A document retrieval device for retrieving a second document in response to first indicating data received from a sensing device. The first interactive document has a corresponding page description stored in one of a plurality of servers. The device is configured to receive the first indicating data; determine a network address of a server handling the page description corresponding to the first interactive document; send second indicating data to the network address identified using the page identity; receive response data corresponding to the second document; and provide the second document to a user. | 03-19-2009 |
20090077962 | CORRUGATED THERMAL ACTUATOR - A thermal actuator for micro mechanical or micro electro-mechanical devices comprises a supporting substrate; an actuator extension portion; an anchor block extending from the substrate; a first group of at least two elongate corrugated arms attached at a first end thereof to a heating circuit at the anchor block and at a second end to the extension portion, the first group being arranged to be conductively heated through connection to the heating circuit; and a second group of at least two elongate corrugated arms attached at a first end to the anchor block and at a second end to the extension portion, the second group not being connected to a heating circuit and being spaced apart from the first group. The first edge of the at least two elongate corrugated arms of the first group and a first edge of the at least two elongate corrugated arms of the second group are in a common plane. | 03-26-2009 |
20090078674 | Reactive Ion Etching Process for Etching Metals - A method of etching a metal by a reactive ion etching process is provided. The etchant gas chemistry for the reactive ion etching process consists essentially of NH | 03-26-2009 |
20090078675 | METHOD OF REMOVING PHOTORESIST - A method of photoresist removal is provided. The method employs a plasma formed from a gas chemistry comprising NH | 03-26-2009 |
20090078740 | WIREBONDER FORMING LOW PROFILE WIRE BONDS BETWEEN INTEGRATED CIRCUITS DIES AND PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS - A wirebonder for electrically connecting an integrated circuit die with conductors on a printed circuit board. The wirebonder has a bonding tool for attaching wire bonds from the integrated circuit die to the conductors of the printed circuit board and a wire engaging structure for deforming the wire bonds such that they have a flatter profile shape. | 03-26-2009 |
20090078744 | METHOD OF FORMING LOW PROFILE WIRE BONDS BETWEEN INTEGRATED CIRCUITS DIES AND PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS - A method of profiling a series of wire bonds between a line of contact pads on a die, and a corresponding set of conductors on a supporting structure, by electrically connecting each of the contact pads on the die to a corresponding conductor on the supporting structure with a respective wire bond, each of the wire bonds extending in an arc from the contact pad to the conductor, and, pushing on each of the wire bonds individually to collapse the arc and plastically deform the wire bond such that the plastic deformation maintains the wire bond in a flatter profile shape. | 03-26-2009 |
20090079081 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH WIRE BONDS ADHERED BETWEEN INTEGRATED CIRCUITS DIES AND PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS - An electronic device that has an integrated circuit die with a plurality of contacts pads, a printed circuit board with a plurality of conductors corresponding to each of the contact pads respectively, wire bonds electrically connecting each of the contact pads to the corresponding conductors and, an adhesive surface positioned between the contacts pads and the corresponding conductors. The wire bonds are secured to the adhesive surface to hold them in a low profile configuration. | 03-26-2009 |
20090079692 | INTERACTIVE DIGITAL CLIPPINGS - A method of generating a self-contained interactive clipping from a printed substrate. The substrate has a graphic image and a position-coding pattern disposed thereon. The position-coding pattern identifies an identity and a plurality of locations. The method comprises the steps of: (i) receiving, in a computer system, interaction data indicative of the identity and a position of a sensing device relative to the substrate, the sensing device generating the interaction data, when operatively positioned or moved relative to the substrate, by reading the position-coding pattern; (ii) identifying and retrieving a page description corresponding to the printed substrate using the identity, the page description including a visual description describing the graphic image and an input description describing interactive elements; (iii) determining, using the page description and the position of the sensing device, a clipping zone of the substrate indicated by the sensing device, the clipping zone containing a part of the graphic image; (iv) generating the clipping using the page description and the clipping zone, the clipping comprising a clipping visual description describing the part of the graphic image contained in the clipping zone and a clipping input description describing an interactive element contained in the clipping zone; and (v) copying the clipping to a clipboard. | 03-26-2009 |
20090079710 | SCANNING DEVICE FOR SCANNING A SURFACE HAVING CODED DATA DISPOSED THEREON - Provided is a scanning device for scanning a surface having coded data disposed thereon which is substantially invisible to the average unaided human eye. The device is configured to determine at least two dimensions of a rotational orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, the coded data being indicative of at least two dimensions of the rotational orientation of the sensing device. The device includes an orientation sensor configured to generate, when positioned or moved relative to the surface, using at least some of the coded data, orientation data indicative of the at least two dimensions of the orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, a transmitter for transmitting the orientation data to a computer system, and a pressure sensor to facilitate activation of the orientation sensor when a nib of the pen-shaped device is pressed against said surface. | 03-26-2009 |
20090079789 | PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING AIR CHANNELS FOR PURGING UNNECESSARY INK - Provided is a pagewidth printhead assembly having a plurality of printhead modules. Each printhead module comprises a printhead integrated circuit (IC) having a plurality of ink ejection nozzles, and an ink distribution assembly formed from a stack of ink distribution layers, each layer defining apertures therein at predetermined locations, the layers laminated together so that the apertures of each layer complementarily define discrete ink distribution channels to the printhead IC. The module also includes air channels for directing air at the nozzles of the IC to purge unnecessary ink from said nozzles. | 03-26-2009 |
20090079793 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT SUPPORT FOR LOW PROFILE WIRE BOND - A microprocessor device that has a support structure with a chip mounting area and a conductor mounting area. An inkjet printhead IC is supported on the chip mounting area. The inkjet printhead IC has a back surface in contact with the chip mounting area and an active surface opposing the back surface. The active surface has electrical contact pads and an array of ink ejection nozzles. The active surface has electrical contact pads for its circuitry and functional elements. A plurality of electrical conductors are, at least partially, supported on the conductor mounting area and a series of wire bonds extending from the electrical contact pads to the plurality of electrical conductors supported on the conductor mounting area wherein, the chip mounting area is raised relative to the conductor mounting area. By raising the chip mounting area relative to the rest of the PCB, or at least the conductors connected to the PCB end of the wire bonds, the top of the arc formed by the layer is much closer to the active surface of the die. This, in turn, allows the bead of encapsulant to have a lower profile relative to the active surface. With a lower encapsulant bead, the active surface can be brought into closer proximity with another surface without making contact. For example, the nozzle array on a printhead IC can be 300 microns to 400 microns from the paper path. | 03-26-2009 |
20090079796 | PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD ARRANGEMENT WITH A CONTROLLER FOR FACILITATING WEIGHTED INK DROP EJECTION - Provided is a pagewidth printhead arrangement for an inkjet printer having a print engine controller. The arrangement has a wafer substrate that defines a plurality of ink inlets. A plurality of nozzles each including side walls are located on a wafer substrate with a roof portion attached to said walls to define an ink chamber. The roof portion defines an ejection port. The arrangement also includes an inlet defined in the substrate to supply the ink chamber with ink. A heater element is suspended between the side walls in the ink chamber, so that when electrical actuation energy is applied to respective heater elements, a vapour bubble is formed in the ink leading to a pressure increase in the chamber thereby ejecting the ink via the ejection port. The controller is configured to actuate the heater element to facilitate weighted ink drop volumes to be ejected from the nozzle arrangement. | 03-26-2009 |
20090079806 | PRINTHEAD HAVING LOW PRESSURE RISE NOZZLES - A printhead is provided having a plurality of chambers on a substrate which each have a nozzle, a heater arranged in each chamber so as to heat fluid within the chamber to form a gas bubble therein and thereby cause ejection of a drop from the corresponding nozzle, and a plurality of passages formed in the substrate so that each passage supplies the fluid to an associated one of the chambers. Each chamber is configured so that the transient rise in pressure therein when the gas bubble is formed is less than 20 MPa. | 03-26-2009 |
20090080015 | PRINTER DRIVER FOR INTERACTIVE PRINTER - A printer driver for printing a document at a printer. The printer driver is configured to: (i) receive a visual description for the document from a first memory, the visual description describing a graphic impression for printing; (ii) send print data corresponding to the graphic impression to the printer; and (iii) archive the visual description for a page of the document in a second memory. | 03-26-2009 |
20090080017 | PRINTER DRIVER CONFIGURED FOR RECEIVING PRINT IMPRESSION IDENTITY FROM A PRINTER - A printer driver for printing a page at a printer. The printer driver is configured to: (i) receive a visual description for the page, the visual description describing a graphic impression for printing; (ii) send print data corresponding to the graphic impression to the printer; and (iii) receive a physical impression identity from the printer. The physical impression identity is encoded in a tag pattern disposed on the page printed by the printer. | 03-26-2009 |
20090080691 | METHOD OF GENERATING A CLIPPING FROM A PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A method of generating a clipping from a printed substrate. The substrate has a graphic image and a position-coding pattern disposed thereon and the position-coding pattern identifies an identity and a plurality of locations. The method comprises the steps of: (i) receiving, in a computer system, interaction data indicative of the identity and a position of a sensing device relative to the substrate, the sensing device generating the interaction data, when operatively positioned or moved relative to the substrate, by reading the position-coding pattern; (ii) identifying and retrieving a page description corresponding to the printed substrate using the identity, the page description including a visual description describing the graphic image and an input description describing interactive elements; (iii) determining, using the page description and the position of the sensing device, a clipping zone of the substrate indicated by the sensing device, the clipping zone containing a part of the graphic image; (iv) generating the clipping, the clipping comprising a clipping identity identifying the page description and the clipping zone; and (v) copying the clipping to a clipboard. | 03-26-2009 |
20090081818 | METHOD OF WIRE BOND ENCAPSULATION PROFILING - A method for profiling a bead of encapsulant extending along an edge of a die mounted to a supporting structure, by depositing a bead of encapsulant onto wire bonds along the edge of the die, positioning a profiling surface over the die at a predetermined spacing from the die, moving the profiling surface across the bead before the bead of encapsulant has cured to reshape the bead profile and, curing the bead of encapsulant. The invention has found that the encapsulant can be effectively shaped by a profiling surface without stripping the encapsulant from the wire bonds. The normally convex-shaped upper surface of the encapsulant bead can be pushed to one side of the bead with the profiling surface. With a lower encapsulant bead, the active surface can be brought into closer proximity with another surface without making contact. For example, the nozzle array on a printhead IC can be 300 microns to 400 microns from the paper path. By collapsing or flattening the wire bond arcs before applying and profiling a bead of encapsulant, the nozzle array on the printhead IC can be less than 100 microns from the paper path. | 03-26-2009 |
20090081829 | METHOD OF ADHERING WIRE BOND LOOPS TO REDUCE LOOP HEIGHT - A method of reducing wire bond loop heights in wire bonds electrically connecting an integrated circuit die with a contact pad to a printed circuit board with a conductor, by mounting the integrated circuit die such that the contact pad is spaced from the conductor, positioning an adhesive surface between the contact pad and the conductor on the printed circuit board, attaching wire to one of the contact pad or the conductor, drawing the wire towards the other of the contact pad or the conductor, allowing the wire to contact the adhesive surface, and, attaching the wire to the other of the contact pad of the conductor to form a wire bond adhered to the adhesive surface and a point intermediate its ends. | 03-26-2009 |
20090081832 | METHOD OF REDUCING WIRE BOND PROFILE HEIGHT IN INTEGRATED CIRCUITS MOUNTED TO CIRCUIT BOARDS - A method of profiling a wire bond between a contact pad on a die, and a conductor on a supporting structure, by electrically connecting the contact pad on the die to the conductor on the supporting structure with a wire bond, the wire bond extending in an arc from the contact pad to the conductor, pushing on the wire bond to collapse the arc and plastically deform the wire bond, and then releasing the wire bonds such that the plastic deformation maintains the wire bond in a flatter profile shape. The strength of the wire bond is known to be relatively small; of the order of 3 to 5 grams force. However, the Applicant's work has found that the wire bond structure is robust enough to withstand a certain degree of work hardening from plastic deformation. The arc of the wire bond can be deformed into a flatter profile without compromising the electrical connection with the PCB. | 03-26-2009 |
20090081833 | WIRE BOND ENCAPSULANT APPLICATION CONTROL - A method of applying encapsulant to a die mounted to a support structure by providing a die mounted to the support structure, the die having a back surface in contact with the support structure and an active surface opposing the back surface, the active surface having electrical contact pads, positioning a barrier proximate the electrical contact pads and spaced from the active surface to define a gap and, depositing a bead of encapsulant onto the electrical contact pads such that one side of the bead contacts the barrier and a portion of the bead extends into the gap and onto the active surface. Placing a barrier over the active surface so that it defines a narrow gap allows the geometry of the encapsulant front (the line of contact between the encapsulant and the active surface) can be more closely controlled. Any variation in the flowrate of encapsulant from the needle tends to cause bulges or valleys in the height of the bead and or the PCB side of the bead. The fluidic resistance generated by the gap between the barrier and the active surface means that the amount of encapsulant that flows into the gap and onto the active surface is almost constant. The reduced flow variations make the encapsulant front closely correspond to the shape of the barrier. Greater control of the encapsulant front allows the functional elements of the active surface of the die to be closer to the contact pads. | 03-26-2009 |
20090081834 | METHOD OF APPLYING ENCAPSULANT TO WIRE BONDS - A method of applying encapsulant to wire bonds between a die and conductors on a supporting substrate, by forming a bead of the encapsulant on a profiling surface, positioning the profiling surface such that the bead contacts the die and, moving the profiling surface relative to the die to cover the wire bonds with the encapsulant. Wiping the encapsulant over the wire bonds with a profiling surface provides control of the encapsulant front as well as the height of the encapsulant relative to the die. The movement of the profiling surface relative to the die can closely controlled to shape the encapsulant to a desired form. Using the example of a printhead die, the encapsulant can be shaped to present an inclined face rising from the nozzle surface to a high point over the wire bonds. This can be used by the printhead maintenance facilities to maintain contact pressure on the wiping mechanism. However, it will be appreciated that the encapsulant can be shaped to have ridges, gutters, grooves and so on by using a particular shape of profiling surface and relative movement with the die. | 03-26-2009 |
20090084610 | SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF HANDWRITTEN INFORMATION - A system for electronic transmission of handwritten information. The system includes a printed product page having a writing area for entering handwritten information and an address area indicating an address to which the handwritten information is to be sent. The system further includes an electronic pen for initiating transmission of handwritten information written in the writing area to an address indicated in the address area via interaction with the writing and address areas on the product page. | 04-02-2009 |
20090084850 | SENSING DEVICE - A sensing device is disclosed. The sensing device includes a coded data sensor for sensing coded data portions disposed on a plurality of respective positions on a surface of a product item, each code data portion being indicative of an identity of the product item and the position of the respective code data portion, a barcode sensor for sensing a barcode on the surface of the product item, a processor for generating indicating data indicative of the position of each sensed coded data portion and the identity of the product item, and communication means for transferring the indicating data to a computer system. | 04-02-2009 |
20090084857 | PORTABLE SCANNING DEVICE FOR SCANNING PRODUCT ITEM - A portable scanning device for scanning a product item is provided, The product item has visible information relating thereto and a plurality of tags disposed thereon. Each tag encodes data on an identity of the product item and the location of that tag on the product item. The scanning device has a sensor for sensing the data encoded by at least one tag, and a processor for determining, from the sensed data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item and location data indicative of a location of said at least one tag on the product item. | 04-02-2009 |
20090084859 | Region Delimited Coded Data Having Unique Length Digital Signature - Coded data for disposal on or in a surface is delimited into a number of regions. The coded data encodes an identity of the region in which the coded data is disposed, and a signature formed from at least part of the identity of the region and a substantially random number. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry, where n is at least two. The layout including n sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a centre of rotation, at least one sub-layout including rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from other sub-layouts. The random number serves as a padding to pad out the identity to a length unique to the identity. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085938 | Computer Monitor Having Flat Panel Display And Printhead - A computer monitor is provided having a flat panel display for displaying images and a printhead disposed adjacent a lower portion of the computer monitor. The monitor is configured such that print media to be printed is fed manually into a feed path that directs the print media from a region adjacent the upper edge of the flat panel display, past the printhead for printing, then out of the monitor adjacent a lower edge of the flat panel display. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085943 | PRINTER HAVING SELF-REFERENCE MOUNTED PRINTING CARTRIDGE - A printer is provided with a body having a slot for removably receiving a printing cartridge and protrusions arranged in the slot to cooperate with a flat surface of a plurality of corners of the printing cartridge upon mounting of the printing cartridge to the printer. The printing cartridge has at least one printhead integrated circuit with a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles and a fluid distribution support mounting the printhead integrated circuit. The cooperation of the protrusions and corners provide information on the location of the nozzles. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085962 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE STATION - A printhead maintenance station comprises an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface adapted for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of a printhead; and an engagement mechanism for moving the pad between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face. The engagement mechanism moves the pad between the first position and the second position in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the face, and the contact surface is a curved surface, whereby the contact surface is progressively contacted with the face during sealing engagement and peeled away from the face during disengagement. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085963 | PRINTER HAVING ARCUATELY MOVEABLE PRINTHEAD AND CAPPING/PURGING MECHANISM - A printer is provided which has a printhead having a plurality of ejection nozzles, a capping member for capping the ejection nozzles, a purging member for receiving material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the printhead, a first actuating mechanism for moving the printhead along a first arcuate path from first to second to third printhead positions, and a second actuating mechanism for moving the capping and purging members along a second arcuate path from a first position to a second position at which the capping member caps the nozzles of the printhead when the printhead is in the second printhead position and the purging member is able to receive the purged material when the printhead is in the third printhead position. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085968 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE WITH PRINHEAD AND A PRINTHEAD CAPPER - A mobile device is disclosed. The mobile device includes an inkjet printhead, a print media feed path for directing print media past the printhead in a feed direction during printing, and a capping mechanism including a capper moveable between a capping position in which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position in which the capper is displaced away from the printhead thereby exposing the printhead to print media in the print media feed path. The capper is moved between the capped and uncapped position by engagement with an edge of the print media as the print media moves through the feed path. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085973 | INK JET PRINTHEAD WITH INK CONTAINMENT FORMATIONS - An ink jet printhead includes a substrate assembly. A plurality of nozzle assemblies is arranged on the substrate assembly. Each nozzle assembly includes a nozzle defining a nozzle opening in fluid communication with a nozzle chamber. A lever arm extends from the nozzle. An actuator is coupled to the lever arm and, upon actuation, causes the lever arm to move the nozzle so that ink in the nozzle chamber is ejected out though the nozzle opening. At least one ink containment formation extends from the substrate assembly and surrounds at least one of the nozzle assemblies to contain leaked ink therein. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085974 | PRINTING NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING MOVEMENT SENSOR - A printing nozzle arrangement is provided having a substrate having a CMOS layer and a chamber with a fluid inlet and ejection port, a paddle within the chamber, an actuating arm pivotally coupled between the substrate and the paddle and having an arm portion electrically connected to the CMOS layer, and a movement sensor having a moving contact element associated with the arm portion and a fixed contact element associated with the substrate. The arm portion thermally expands when an electrical current is applied thereto via the CMOS layer causing pivoting of the actuating arm thereby displacing the paddle to cause ejection of fluid from the ejection port. The moving contact completes an electrical circuit when contacted with the fixed contact element when the actuating arm pivots to a predetermined extent. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085975 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH INK SPREAD PREVENTION PIT - A nozzle arrangement is provided for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle arrangement includes a support defining an ink supply channel. A nozzle chamber structure extends from the support. The nozzle chamber structure defines a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply channel and a rim through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. An actuator mechanism is mounted to the support and is configured to eject ink from within the nozzle chamber out through the rim. An ink spread prevention wall extends from the support and, together with the nozzle chamber structure, defines a pit around the rim to prevent the spread of ink. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085976 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT FOR AN INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING AN INK EJECTING ROOF STRUCTURE - Provided is a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate defining an ink inlet channel therethrough, and side walls arranged on the substrate to define an ink chamber operatively supplied with ink via the channel. The arrangement also includes an anchor fast with the substrate proximate one side wall, and an ink ejecting roof structure pivotally mounted on the substrate and positioned as a roof over the side walls to enclose the chamber, the structure fast with the anchor via a thermal expansion actuator. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085977 | Printing Arrangement Having Printhead And Ink Supply Assemblies - A printing arrangement has a modular printhead assembly with a plurality of elongate printhead modules fast with an elongate chassis. An ink supply assembly has a number of ink reservoirs with respective ink supply devices each having two parts, namely a first part with a plurality of collars and the second part defining a number of ink chambers. Each ink chamber is configured to contain ink of a particular color and is in fluid communication with a respective ink channel of one ink reservoir via one collar. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085978 | CRADLE UNIT HAVING PIVOTED CONNECTIONS FOR PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE - A cradle unit is provided for a printhead cartridge. The cradle unit has a first printed circuit having print control circuitry of the cradle unit, and a second printed circuit board having connections for connecting the printhead cartridge with a power supply which is remote from the second printhead circuit board and the print control circuitry of the first printed circuit board. The first and second printed circuit boards have complementary connectors which cooperate to provide the connection of the printhead cartridge to the print control circuitry. The complementary connectors being arranged so that the first printed circuit board is able to pivot with respect to the second printed circuit board. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085980 | PRINTHEAD WITH NOZZLE ARRANGEMENTS INCORPORATING FLUIDIC SEALS - Provided is a printhead having a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each arrangement includes a substrate which defines an ink inlet aperture with a wall portion bounding the ink inlet aperture and a crown portion defining a nozzle opening. Each arrangement also includes a skirt portion depending from the crown portion to form part of a peripheral wall of the nozzle assembly. The crown and skirt portions are displaceable with respect to the wall portion towards the substrate to alter a volume of a nozzle chamber defined by the wall, crown and skirt portions such that when the volume is altered, ink is ejected from the nozzle opening. Each arrangement also includes a thermal actuator that interconnects the crown and skirt portions with the substrate, the actuator for displacing the crown and skirt portions. The wall portion and skirt portion are configured to define a fluidic seal to inhibit the egress of ink during such displacement. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085981 | Printhead integrated circuit with vapor bubbles offset from nozzle axis - A printhead integrated circuit for an inkjet printer that has a plurality of nozzle apertures | 04-02-2009 |
20090085990 | PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE WITH INK SUPPLY BAGS - Provided is a printhead cartridge for a pagewidth printer. The cartridge includes a cartridge body having a base and a number of ink supply bags positioned inside the base. A lid encloses the bags in the base. The cartridge also includes a printhead assembly fast with the base and arranged in fluid communication with the ink bags. Each ink supply bag has two profiled panels sealed together to form an ink holding chamber which is collapsible to reduce a volume of ink stored therein. A folded leaf spring biases the chamber into an expanded condition. Each ink bag also includes a connector assembly providing fluid communication between the chamber and ink supply channels of the printhead assembly. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085993 | PIVOTABLE PCB RETENSION ARRANGEMENT FOR INKJET CARTRIDGE CRADLE - Disclosed is a cradle for holding an ink cartridge within an inkjet printer. The cradle comprises a recess for receiving and releasably retaining the ink cartridge; an interface corresponding to an ink storage compartment of the ink cartridge; a pair of arms for receiving and retaining a PCB assembly containing a print engine, each of the arms adapted to engage with a first end of a corresponding tension spring; and a cover assembly pivotally attached to the cradle, the cover adapted to engage with a second end of the tension springs. The interface is provided on the cover assembly. The tension springs are engaged with the cover assembly and the PCB assembly such that movement of the cover assembly to an open position relieves a tension in the tension springs with respect to the PCB assembly, whereby the PCB assembly pivots away from corresponding electrical contacts of the inkjet printer. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085995 | Inkjet Printer With Elongate Array Of Nozzles And Distributed Pulse Dampers - An inkjet printer that has an elongate array of nozzles for ejecting ink and ink conduits for supplying the array of nozzles with ink. The ink conduits are aligned with the longitudinal extent of the elongate array and have a plurality of pulse dampers individually in fluid communication with the ink conduits. Each pulse damper contains a volume of gas for compression by pressure pulses in the ink conduits, distributed along the length of the elongate array. A pressure pulse moving through an elongate printheads, such as a pagewidth printhead, can be damped at any point in the ink flow line. However, the pulse will cause nozzle flooding as it passes the nozzles in the printhead integrated circuit, regardless of whether it is subsequently dissipated at the damper. By incorporating a number of pulse dampers into the ink supply conduits immediately next to the nozzle array, any pressure spikes are damped at the site where they would otherwise cause detrimental flooding. | 04-02-2009 |
20090086003 | HAND HELD PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT HAVING AN INTERNAL PRINTER - Provided is a hand held personal digital assistant (PDA). The PDA includes body and display sections interconnected via a hinge section, as well as an internal printer arranged in the body section. The internal printer includes a printhead, a motor driver and media transport device arrangement for transporting print media from a roll of print media past the printhead, and a motor driver and guillotine motor arrangement for severing the printed print media from the roll of media. Also included is a microcontroller for controlling the printhead and respective motor driver arrangements. | 04-02-2009 |
20090086221 | WEB PRINTER - A web printer is disclosed. The web printer includes a print media cartridge carrying a wound length of print media, a platen extending away from the print media cartridge to support print media provided from the print media cartridge along a print media travel path, a stationary printhead mounted within the cabinet configured to print a pattern upon print media provided from the platen. The print media travel path from the print media cartridge to the printhead forms a straight line. Also, the printhead extends at least the width of the print media. Ink reservoirs are also provided for supplying ink to the printhead. A storage stores pattern image data. A data capture device captures an identifier carried by a web sample. The identifier is associated with one of the patterns. When an identifier of a web sample is captured, image data corresponding to the pattern on the web sample is supplied to the printhead for printing. | 04-02-2009 |
20090086222 | Printer Incorporating A Binding Assembly - A printer is disclosed. The printer includes a print media supply station for storing print media. The printer further includes a print engine station arranged to receive print media from the print media supply and to print on the print media. A binding assembly station is also included which is configured to apply adhesive along an edge of each sheet of print media after printed upon, and to compile the print media into a bound stack. A receptacle station receives the bound stack. The print media supply station, the print engine station, the binding assembly station and the receptacle station are arranged vertically. | 04-02-2009 |
20090086250 | MODULAR PEN-LIKE DEVICE HAVING CAMERA, EFFECTS AND PRINTER MODULES - A modular pen-like device is provided having a camera module for capturing images, an effects module for applying visual effects to the captured images, and a printer module for printing the captured and visually effected images. The modules have respective, generally cylindrical bodies configured to be assembled together so that the assembled body of the modular pen-like device is generally cylindrical. | 04-02-2009 |
20090087245 | PRINTING SYSTEM HAVING COUPLED MEDIA CARTRIDGE AND DRIVE MECHANISM - A printing system is provided having a support structure, a print media drive mechanism mounted to the support structure and a media cartridge removably received by the support structure. The media cartridge has a casing housing a roll of print media and a print media delivery arrangement. The casing has a door which is arranged to be opened to enable the print media delivery arrangement to couple with the print media drive mechanism for feeding the print media from the roll. The print media drive mechanism has a pivotal carrier, a first drive motor arranged to impart pivotal drive to the carrier, a primary drive roller mounted to the carrier to engage the roll of print media when the door in the cartridge is open, a second drive motor arranged to impart rotary drive to the primary drive roller, and a third drive motor which engages a drive roller of the print media delivery arrangement. | 04-02-2009 |
20090087246 | MEDIA CARTRIDGE HAVING MEDIA DRIVE COUPLING TO PRINTER - A media cartridge is provided which is arranged to be removably mounted in juxtaposition to a printer and has a casing, a roll of print media rotatably housed in the casing, and a print media delivery arrangement housed in the casing and having a roller. The casing has a door which is arranged to be opened to enable the roll of print media to be contacted by a driven roller mounted to a pivotal carrier of the printer and the roller of the print media delivery arrangement to couple with a drive motor of the printer. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088206 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE WITH PRINTING AND SENSING MODULES - A mobile telecommunications includes a mobile phone module. A printer module is operatively connected to the mobile phone module and includes a print engine controller. A tag sensor module is operatively connected to the mobile phone module and includes an image sensor and processor. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088209 | MOBILE PHONE CRADLE ASSEMBLY - A cradle assembly is provided for a mobile phone. The cradle assembly includes an elongate cradle defining an end opening and one or more rails. An elongate print cartridge is configured to be axially inserted into the cradle through the end opening and along the rails. The print cartridge includes an ink ejection printhead, in turn, including a plurality of ink ejection integrated circuits. Each integrated circuit includes an array of nozzles configured to eject ink upon print media and control circuitry to actuate the nozzles. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088251 | System for Performing Games - A system for performing games based on a game participant's positioning of an optically imaging pen on a writing surface. The system comprises a pre-printed gaming form with game-related graphics and a position-coding pattern printed thereon. The position-coding pattern codes coordinate information and is spatially interrelated with the game-related graphics. An optically imaging pen detects its position on a surface of the pre-printed gaming form by optically imaging the position-coding pattern on the writing surface as the game participant positions the pen on the surface. | 04-02-2009 |
20090089061 | Audio Reader Device - An audio reader device for reading printed infrared media includes a linear sensor device sensitive to infra-red. A processor is operatively connected to the sensor device and is configured to read and decode infra-red audio data on the media. A memory is operatively connected to the processor for storing the audio data. A sound processing integrated circuit and speaker arrangement is operatively connected to the memory for playback of the audio data. A roller arrangement feeds the media past the linear sensor device. | 04-02-2009 |
20090089374 | METHOD OF ENABLING CONFERENCING USING PRINTED FORMS - A method of enabling conferencing using printed forms includes, in a computer system, receiving indicating data generated by a sensing device through interaction with conference information and coded tags printed on a first form, determining a parameter relating to the conference information and outputting a second form with coded tags and information on the parameter and a form version hierarchial tree. Each tag encodes an identity of, and the location of that tag on, the respective form. The indicating data includes the first form's identity and a sensing device position relative to the tags sensed on the first form. The computer system has a form description associated with the first form's identity and produces the hierarchical tree by associating the second form's identity with the form description by determining whether any other form is associated therewith. The parameter is determined from the indicating data and digital description. | 04-02-2009 |
20090090768 | METHOD FOR INITIATING PAYMENT OF BILL - A method for initiating payment of a bill via a printed billing form. The form contains information relating to a payment and coded data printed as a collection of tags. Each tag identifies a bill identity and a location of the tag on the bill. The method comprises the steps of: (i) interacting with the printed billing form by operatively positioning an optically imaging pen relative to the form; (ii) imaging a tag on the form; (iii) generating indicating data regarding the identity of the form and a position of the pen relative to the form; and (iv) transmitting the indicating data to a computer system. Payment of the bill is initiated in the computer system using a payment parameter identified from the indicating data. | 04-09-2009 |
20090091597 | PRINTER HAVING DRIVEN PRINTHEAD SEALING ARRANGEMENT - A printer is provided having a printhead, an arm supporting a sealing arrangement for sealing the printhead, and a clutch for selectively coupling the arm to a driven print media roller to move the sealing arrangement into and out of sealing engagement with the printhead. | 04-09-2009 |
20090091598 | Printhead Assembly With Reference Features - A printhead assembly comprises at least one printhead integrated circuit having a plurality of ink ejection nozzles; and an ink distribution support mounting the at least one printhead integrated circuit, the ink distribution support being arranged to distribute ink to the nozzles, the printhead assembly being arranged to be mounted to a printer at the ink distribution support. The ink distribution support is provided with a plurality of reference features, the plurality of reference features serving to provide information on the location of the nozzles upon mounting of the printhead assembly to the printer. The plurality of reference features include a flat surface provided at each corner of the ink distribution support, and a slot in a mounting zone of the ink distribution support. | 04-09-2009 |
20090091601 | Inkjet Nozzle Utilizing Electrostatic Attraction Between Parallel Plates - Provided is an inkjet nozzle arrangement which includes a wafer base defining an ink chamber with an ink inlet channel and an ink ejection port. The arrangement also includes an upper electrode plate and a lower electrode plate separated by at least one polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer within the chamber. The upper plate has a corrugated portion which concertinas upon movement of said top plate, wherein ink is ejected from the ink ejection port through the utilization of attraction and related movement between the plates when a potential difference is applied therebetween. | 04-09-2009 |
20090091602 | Inkjet Printer With Printhead Cartridge And Cradle That Interengage Via An Overcentre Mechanism - An inkjet printer comprising a printer body and a replaceable printhead cartridge is disclosed. The printhead cartridge has a casing that supports a printhead and a plurality of contacts for receiving print data and power. The printer body has a cradle for holding the printhead cartridge in an operative position. The printer body has corresponding contacts for connection with the plurality of contacts on the printhead cartridge when the printhead cartridge is in the operative position. During insertion of the replaceable printhead cartridge, the casing is first slid into the cradle at which point the plurality of contacts contact the corresponding contacts. Next, the casing is rotated. During the rotation the plurality of contacts remain in contact with the corresponding contacts. The rotation of the casing in the cradle forms an over centre mechanism. | 04-09-2009 |
20090091603 | Inkjet Printhead With Arcuate Actuator Path - Provided is an inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink ejection arrangements. Each arrangement includes a silicon wafer having an ink channel etched therethrough, with ink operatively supplied to a first surface of the wafer via said channel to an ink ejection chamber located along the surface of the wafer. Each arrangement also includes an external actuator arranged on the wafer, and a paddle inside the chamber and attached to the actuator which is activated so as to compress a portion of the ink within the chamber against a sidewall of said chamber to eject ink from the chamber. The chamber defines an arcuate profile shaped to guide the paddle on an arcuate path. | 04-09-2009 |
20090091607 | Method Of Refilling A Printing Unit - A method of refilling a supply of printing fluid in a printing unit. The method comprises the steps of removably mounting a dispenser unit of printing fluid to the printing unit so as to align and engage a plurality of outlets of the dispenser unit with a plurality of inlets of a plurality of printing fluid storage chambers of the printing unit, the dispenser unit being configured so that only one outlet of the plurality of outlets connects to printing fluid stored within an enclosure of the dispenser unit; determining an amount of printing fluid needed to refill the printing fluid storage chamber via the inlet engaged with said one outlet; disengaging a ratchet mechanism of the dispenser unit so as to facilitate a reduction of volume in the enclosure by a plunger; and engaging the plunger so as to effect the reduction of volume in the enclosure until the ratchet mechanism is reengaged, thereby dispensing fluid from the enclosure into the printing fluid storage chamber. The steps of disengaging the ratchet mechanism and engaging the plunger are repeated until the determined amount of printing fluid is dispensed into the printing fluid storage chamber. | 04-09-2009 |
20090091627 | Camera System With Real-Time Dithering And Printing Capabilities - A camera system includes an image sensor configured to capture an image. A memory is coupled to the image sensor and is configured to store the captured image. A printhead interface is coupled to the memory, and is configured to take a planarized linear image obtained from the stored image and produce a dithered image in real-time. A printhead is coupled to, and controlled by, the printhead interface to print the dithered image. An ink supply is provided in fluid communication with the printhead and supplies a plurality of coloured inks to the printhead for printing. | 04-09-2009 |
20090091639 | PEN-SHAPED MODULAR CAMERA ASSEMBLY HAVING AN EFFECTS MODULE - Provided is a pen-shaped modular camera assembly. The assembly includes a camera module having an image sensor for capturing an image in an RGB (red, green, blue) color space. The assembly also includes a central processing module arranged in communication with the camera module. The central processing module includes a central processor that includes a RISC processor core and a memory for storing operating instructions to operate the camera module and image data for manipulation by the processor core. The assembly also includes an effects module having a choose actuator which enables a user to choose between a number of different types of effects to be applied to a stored image; a select actuator which enables the user to select one of the effects, and an apply actuator which enables the user to apply the effect to the stored image. | 04-09-2009 |
20090091790 | COMPUTER SYSTEM WITH WIRELESS PEN AND RELAY PAIRING - A computer system includes a printer configured to print visible information and invisible coded data tags on print media. A pen-type device includes an image sensor configured to sense the data tags and wirelessly transmit associated sensed data. A relay is configured to receive the transmitted data. One or more servers are interfaced to the relay, and are configured to process the received data from the relay and to perform an action based upon the received data. | 04-09-2009 |
20090091792 | Method for Delivering Greeting Cards - A method for delivering a greeting card using a form in which information relating to at least one interactive element associated with the delivery of a greeting card, and an identity indicative of the at least one interactive element are determined, print data indicative of the information and the identity is generated, and then transferred to a printer. The printer is responsive to the print data to print the form including the information and coded data relating to the at least one interactive element, the coded data being coincident with the information. This allows a sensing device placed in an operative position relative to the information to sense at least some of the coded data and generate indicating data using the sensed coded data. | 04-09-2009 |
20090091793 | PRINTER FOR PRODUCE COOLING AND STORAGE APPARATUS - A printer for use in an apparatus for storing and cooling produce is provided. The printer has a printer module, collector and page binder. The printer module is provided in a compartment door of the apparatus and has a media store storing pages of media in a vertically disposed manner and a pagewidth printhead arranged vertically beneath the media store for printing on the vertically disposed pages of media as they pass the printhead from the media store. The collector is provided in another compartment door of the apparatus at an interface of the compartment doors to receive the vertically disposed printed pages and hold the printed pages in the vertically disposed manner. The page binder is positioned between the printer module and collector for binding multiple printed pages by applying adhesive to each printed page as it passes from the printhead without interrupting their movement past the printhead. | 04-09-2009 |
20090093897 | METHOD OF RETRIEVING AUDIO DATA VIA CODED MEDIUM - A method of retrieving audio data using a coded medium is provided in which first and second coded data printed on the coded medium is sensed using an image sensor, the first coded data being printed in a linear pattern and encoding a medium identifier linked to the audio data and the second coded data being printed in a two-dimensional pattern and encoding the medium identifier and data on a two-dimensional coordinate grid, the medium identifier is determined from the sensed first and second coded data using a processor in communication with the image sensor, and the audio data is retrieved using the determined medium identifier and the processor. | 04-09-2009 |
20090093898 | AUDIO PLAYER FOR DOWNLOAD AND PLAYBACK OF AUDIO FILES - Provided is an audio player for download and playback of audio files. The audio player includes at least one sensor device capable of sensing an image, a decoder for extracting data from the sensed image data, and a transceiver for transmitting the decoded data to a computer system and for receiving one or more audio files associated with the decoded data from the computer system. The device also includes at least one audio output device for outputting an audio signal corresponding to the audio file, and a controller configured to control operation of the sensor device, the decoder, the transceiver and the output device. | 04-09-2009 |
20090094457 | SYSTEM FOR REGISTRATION OF SENSING DEVICE WITH PRINTER - A system is provided having a sensing device for sensing coded data printed on a print media surface which is installed with a secret key and a first identifier which uniquely identifies the sensing device, a printer installed with a second identifier which uniquely identifies the printer, and a server installed with the first and second identifiers. The printer obtains the first identifier from the sensing device and communicates the first and second identifiers to the server. The server determines from the received first and second identifiers whether the sensing device should be registered with the printer and if so, authenticates the sensing device by verifying an encryption from the sensing device, using the secret key, of a challenge message. Upon successful authentication, the sensing device is registered in the server so as to be associated with the printer. | 04-09-2009 |
20090095543 | ELECTRONIC PEN WITH RETRACTION MECHANISM AND FORCE SENSOR - An electronic pen for interacting with a substrate having coded data disposed thereon. The pen comprises: an image sensor for sensing the coded data when the pen is used to interact with the surface; a cartridge having a nib for contacting the surface; a retraction mechanism for slidably moving the cartridge between a retracted position and an extended position; a force sensor cooperating with the retraction mechanism; a processor configured to generate indicating data indicative of the interaction with the substrate; and communication means for communicating the indicating data to a computer system. The image sensor is configured to sense the coded data only when the force sensor detects that the nib is in contact with the substrate. | 04-16-2009 |
20090095709 | METHOD OF ETCHING INK SUPPLY CHANNEL WITH HYDROPHILIC SIDEWALLS - A method of etching an ink supply channel for an inkjet printhead. The method comprises simultaneous etching and passivation processes. A single etching and passivating gas plasma comprises: (a) a passivating gas comprising oxygen; (b) an inert sputtering gas; (c) a fluorinated etching gas; and (d) a hydrophilizing dopant. The resultant ink supply channel has relatively hydrophilic sidewalls. | 04-16-2009 |
20090096822 | Printer With Rotated Ejection Nozzle Correction - A printer is provided having a printhead and controller. The printhead has a plurality of printhead modules each having a plurality of ejection nozzles. The nozzles of at least one of the printhead modules is rotationally displaced relative to the other printhead modules. The controller communicates ejection data to the ejection nozzles in accordance with a cumulative correction factor for each printhead module, including printhead modules having non-rotationally displaced nozzles, to at least partially compensate for the rotational displacement. | 04-16-2009 |
20090096832 | PRINTHEAD HAVING DISPLACED NOZZLE ROWS - An inkjet printhead that has a support member for mounting it into a printer body adjacent a media feed path. A plurality of printhead IC's are mounted contiguously adjacent each other along the support member. Each of the printhead IC's has an array of nozzles, the array of nozzles on each printhead IC being identical and arranged into a series of nozzle rows such that most nozzles in each nozzle row are co-linear with the corresponding nozzle row in an adjacent printhead IC. The array of nozzles on each printhead IC is elongate and has an end portion of the array with the nozzles displaced downstream from the remainder of the array with respect to the media feed path | 04-16-2009 |
20090096834 | Printhead Nozzle Arrangement With A Roof Structure Having A Nozzle Rim Supported By A Series Of Struts - The invention relates to a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle arrangement has a substrate with a layer of drive circuitry, the substrate defining an ink chamber with an ink supply channel etched through the substrate. The roof structure has a roof layer over the chamber which includes a nozzle rim, actuators, and a series of struts. The nozzle rim is positioned about an ejection port defined in the roof layer above the chamber. The actuators are radially spaced about, and displaceable with respect to, the nozzle rim, with each actuator configured to thermally expand upon receiving current from the drive circuitry. This expansion moves the actuators into the chamber to increase a fluid pressure inside the chamber to eject a drop of ink via the ejection port. The struts are interspersed between the actuators to support the nozzle rim to the roof layer. | 04-16-2009 |
20090096846 | PRINTER WITH RESERVOIR HEADSPACE PRESSURE CONTROL - An inkjet printer that has a printhead for printing onto a media substrate, and a reservoir for containing a quantity of ink, the reservoir having a lower portion for holding ink and an upper portion defining a headspace of air above the ink. A fluid connection extends between the printhead and the reservoir. A pump draws air from the headspace to lower its air pressure and thereby controls the hydrostatic pressure of the ink at the printhead. | 04-16-2009 |
20090096847 | INK REFILL UNIT WITH INCREMENTAL INK EJECTION MECHANISM - An ink refill unit for a print cartridge, said unit comprises a housing defining a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet and configured to be operatively engaged with the print cartridge; a fluid reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing; a seal for sealing off one end of the fluid reservoir, the seal being movable within the fluid reservoir; an ejector assembly comprising a spring biased plunger engaged against the seal, the plunger having defined on a side thereof a number of groves; an actuator mechanism comprising a rod to which a pawl and an arm are attached, the pawl adapted to engage with the grooves to negate a biasing force of the plunger against the seal; and an actuator shaft attached to the housing, the actuator shaft being slidable with respect to housing so as to be exposed outside of the housing. The actuator shaft, when exposed outside of the housing, is operable to engage with the arm of the actuator mechanism to disengage the pawl from a groove, whereby the biasing force of the plunger is allowed to act against the seal. | 04-16-2009 |
20090096852 | INKJET PRINTER WITH SELECTIVELY ISOLATABLE PUMP - An inkjet printer that has a printhead for printing onto a media substrate, a reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead, a pump for drawing ink from the reservoir and pumping ink into the printhead and, a valve arrangement for selectively opening fluid communication between the pump and the printhead, and closing fluid communication between the pump and the printhead while opening fluid communication between the reservoir and the printhead. | 04-16-2009 |
20090096853 | INK PRESSURE REGULATOR WITH IMPROVED LIQUID RETENTION IN REGULATOR CHANNEL - There is provided an ink pressure regulator for regulating a hydrostatic pressure of ink supplied to an inkjet printhead. The regulator comprises: an ink chamber having an ink outlet for fluid communication with the printhead via an ink line; an air inlet; a regulator channel having a first end communicating with the air inlet and a second end communicating with a headspace of the chamber, the second end defining a bubble outlet; and a wetting system for maintaining at least some liquid in the regulator channel, thereby ensuring that air entering the headspace first passes through the liquid. The wetting system comprises a first wetting chamber connected to the first end, a second wetting chamber connected to the second end, and a liquid-retaining structure positioned in the second wetting chamber. The regulator channel, the first wetting chamber, the second wetting chamber and the liquid-retaining structure are all in fluid communication with each other. The regulator channel is dimensioned to control a Laplace pressure of air bubbles drawn from the bubble outlet as result of supplying ink to the printhead, thereby regulating a hydrostatic pressure of the ink. | 04-16-2009 |
20090097905 | DEVICES METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR POSITION DETERMINATION - A device for position determination. The device comprises a processing means for determining a position on a surface on the basis of an image of a position-coding pattern printed on the surface. The processing means is arranged to decode the position-coding pattern in the image, and to cause a writing means to write on the surface only in the event of the position-coding pattern being successfully decoded. | 04-16-2009 |
20090098908 | Mobile Telephone Handset Having A Cartridge And Pen Arrangement - Provided is a mobile telephone handset having a cartridge with a universal pen arrangement, said cartridge for supplying ink to a printhead mounted on a nib of the pen arrangement. The universal pen arrangement includes a holder fast with the cartridge, and a retractable stylus slidably mounted in the holder, so that the stylus is slidable between a retracted position, in which the stylus is stored inside the holder, and an extended position, in which the printhead protrudes from the holder for printing on a substrate. The pen arrangement also includes a flexible data, power and ink conduit linking the cartridge to the stylus, as well as a stylus retaining mechanism to retain the stylus in either the retracted or extended position. | 04-16-2009 |
20090098909 | Printing Educational Material Using A Mobile Device - A system for printing educational information on a print medium, the system comprising: a mobile phone telecommunications device which comprises: a printer module to print the educational material on the print medium, wherein the print medium is provided with first coded data in a first format on a first side of the print medium and second coded data in a second format on an opposing side of the print medium, the first and second coded data encoding first and second information respectively, the first and second information being indicative of a print media identifier of the print medium; and a sensor module to sense the print media identifier of the print medium. | 04-16-2009 |
20090102794 | ELECTRONIC PEN WITH RETRACTABLE NIB - An electronic pen for interacting with a substrate having coded data disposed thereon. The pen comprises: an image sensor for sensing the coded data when the pen is used to interact with the surface; a slidably retractable nib for contacting the surface; a processor configured to generate indicating data indicative of the interaction with the substrate; and communication means for communicating the indicating data to a computer system. The image sensor is configured to sense the coded data only when the nib is configured in the extended position. | 04-23-2009 |
20090102811 | METHOD OF DISPLAYING HYPERLINKED INFORMATION USING MOBILE PHONE - A method of displaying hyperlinked information using a mobile telephone device. The method includes the steps of: (i) positioning the device over a substrate; (ii) reading coded data from the substrate; (iii) generating interaction data using the read coded data; (iv) retrieving display data corresponding to a part of the substrate overlain by the device; (v) displaying display information on a touch-sensitive display screen; (vi) interacting with a displayed hyperlink via the touch-sensitive display screen; (vii) retrieving and displaying hyperlinked information. | 04-23-2009 |
20090102882 | MST DEVICE FOR ATTACHMENT TO SURFACE WITH ADHESIVE - A micro-systems technology (MST) device for attachment to a surface with adhesive is provided. The MST device has a body, an array of fluid inlet apertures in the body, and an array of recesses interspersed with the array of inlet apertures to hold adhesive displaced from between the body and the surface when the MST device is attached with the adhesive such that the displaced adhesive does not block fluid flow within the inlet apertures. | 04-23-2009 |
20090102883 | CRADLE UNIT WHICH ELECTROMAGNETICALLY OPERATES PRINTHEAD CAPPER - A cradle unit is provided which has a body complementary to a removable printhead cartridge, the removable printhead cartridge having a pagewidth printhead and a capper assembly, a controller for controlling operation of the printhead to facilitate printing when the removable printhead cartridge is received within the body, and an electromagnet assembly on the body which is controlled by the controller for operating the capper assembly of the removable printhead cartridge to permit the operation of the printhead. | 04-23-2009 |
20090102889 | SYSTEM FOR PIVOTED CONNECTION OF CRADLE UNIT AND PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE - A system for interconnecting a printhead cartridge and a cradle unit for supporting the printhead cartridge is provided. The system has a first printed circuit having print control circuitry of the cradle unit, and a second printed circuit board having connections for connecting the printhead cartridge with a power supply which is remote from the second printhead circuit board and the print control circuitry of the first printed circuit board. The first and second printed circuit boards have complementary connectors which cooperate to provide the connection of the printhead cartridge to the print control circuitry. The complementary connectors being arranged so that the first printed circuit board is able to pivot with respect to the second printed circuit board. | 04-23-2009 |
20090102892 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH SYMMETRICAL TRI-LAYER OUTER SHELL LAMINATE - A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer comprises an outer shell of a hot rolled tri-layer laminate of two different metals; a core element within the shell, the core element defining four separate ink reservoirs; a printhead constructed using MEMS techniques to provide ink nozzles, chambers and actuators; and a micro molding for distributing ink from the ink reservoirs to the printhead. The tri-layer shell is configured such that the effective coefficient of thermal expansion of the shell as a whole is substantially equal to that of silicon, and the outer layers of the tri-layer laminate are symmetrically disposed around a central layer thereof. | 04-23-2009 |
20090102904 | CRADLE UNIT FOR A PRINTER CARTRIDGE - A printer cradle unit for a printer cartridge has a body defining an opening for receiving the cartridge. A cover assembly closes the opening and secures the cartridge in an operative position. An ink refill mechanism is arranged on the body to operate a refill unit to refill the cartridge with ink. A roller assembly is arranged on the body and is configured to feed print media from the cartridge | 04-23-2009 |
20090102909 | WALL MOUNTED PRINTER - A printer is provided for mounting to a wall. The printer includes an elongate body configured to be mounted in an upright position on the wall. A pair of print engines is mounted within the body and is configured to print ink upon either side of print media passing there-between along the body. A replaceable ink cartridge is mounted within the body and is coupled with the print engines to supply ink thereto. A binding assembly is mounted within the body and is configured to bind sheets of printed print media together. | 04-23-2009 |
20090104936 | MOBILE PHONE FOR DISPLAYING HYPERLINKED INFORMATION - A mobile phone device configured for overlaying part of a substrate. The substrate contains a printed hyperlink and coded data identifying a plurality of positions on the substrate. The device includes: a mobile telephone transceiver; an optical sensor for reading the coded data; a processor for generating interaction data using the read coded data; a wireless transceiver or memory for retrieval of display data corresponding to the part of the substrate overlain by the device; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying information based on the display data. The displayed information includes a displayed hyperlink corresponding to the printed hyperlink. User interaction with the displayed hyperlink via the touch-sensitive display screen causes display of hyperlinked information on the screen. | 04-23-2009 |
20090104937 | METHOD OF ASSOCIATING MULTIMEDIA OBJECT WITH SUBSTRATE - A method of associating a multimedia object with a substrate using a handheld viewer device. The substrate contains printed information and coded data identifying a region identity and a plurality of positions on the substrate. The substrate has a corresponding page description retrievable via the region identity. The method comprises the steps of: (a) displaying display information corresponding to part of the substrate; (b) identifying a multimedia object for association with a zone of the substrate; and (c) interacting with the display information to indicate association of the multimedia object with the zone. Subsequent interactions with the zone of the substrate using the device causes retrieval of the multimedia object from the updated page description. | 04-23-2009 |
20090109260 | INKJET PRINTHEAD COMPRISING NOZZLE PLATE HAVING IMPROVED ROBUSTNESS - An inkjet printhead comprising a reinforced bi-layered nozzle plate structure spanning across a plurality of nozzles is provided. Typically, the nozzle plate structure comprises: a first nozzle plate spanning a plurality of nozzles, the first nozzle plate having a plurality of cavities defined therein; photoresist filling the cavities; and a second nozzle plate covering said the first nozzle plate and the photoresist. | 04-30-2009 |
20090109467 | SYSTEM FOR GENERATING PRINT DATA PROVIDING INTERACTION WITH COMPUTER SOFTWARE - A system for enabling user interaction with computer software. The includes a computer system for determining information related to an interactive element, determining an identity indicative of the interactive element, determining a layout defining an arrangement for at least one of coded data indicative of the identity and the information, generating print data indicative of the identity, layout and information, transferring the print data to a printer which prints a form in response thereto by printing the information coincident with the coded data, receiving indicating data indicative of the interactive element from a sensing device which senses the coincident coded data to generate the indicating data, identifying, using the indicating data, the interactive element, and performing an action associated with the interactive element. | 04-30-2009 |
20090110846 | METHOD OF FABRICATING INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING PLANAR NOZZLE PLATE - A method of fabricating an inkjet printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a partially-fabricated printhead having a first nozzle plate comprised of a first material spanning a plurality of nozzles, the first nozzle plate having a plurality of cavities; (b) filling the cavities with a filler, such that an upper surface of the first nozzle plate and an upper surface of the filler together define a contiguous planar surface; and (c) depositing a second material onto the planar surface to form a second nozzle plate having a planar exterior surface. | 04-30-2009 |
20090115813 | HAND-HELD PRINTER WITH CAPPING DEVICE - A hand-held printer comprises an elongate body defining an ink ejection slot through which ink is ejected; an ink cartridge received in the body and defining a plurality of ink reservoirs storing respective types of ink; a movement sensor for sensing movement of the printhead module along print media; a printhead module in fluid communication with respective ink reservoirs, the printhead module including a printhead for ejecting ink through the ink ejection slot in accordance with the movement sensed by the movement sensor; and a capping device movable to expose or cover the printhead, the capping device including an elastomeric pad at an end thereof positioned to be in contact with nozzles of the printhead when the capping device covers the printhead. | 05-07-2009 |
20090115819 | MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL FLUID EJECTION MECHANISM HAVING A SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATOR - Provided is a micro-electromechanical fluid ejection mechanism. The mechanism includes a substrate defining an ink passage in fluid communication with a tapered ink chamber having an ink ejection port, as well as a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator arranged within the chamber. The actuator is configured to straighten when heated and to return to a bent state upon subsequent cooling to facilitate ejection of ink via the ejection port. | 05-07-2009 |
20090120512 | VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR A PRINTER INK CARTRIDGE HAVING A SPRING-BIASED PRESSURE REGULATOR - Provided is a valve assembly for a printer ink cartridge. The valve assembly includes a flanged valve stem defining an inlet opening with a skirt engaging portion for operatively engaging an outlet port of the cartridge, and a depressible valve member within the stem. The valve assembly also includes a pressure regulator having a spacer within a central hub and a diaphragm spanning a central inlet opening. The pressure regulator further includes a clip defining an outlet opening, the clip configured to operatively engage the valve stem to sandwich the valve member, spacer and diaphragm between the valve stem and clip. The pressure regulator also includes a spring configured to bias the diaphragm against the central inlet opening into a closed position, so that ink from the ink cartridge is only able to flow through the valve when the diaphragm is in an open position. | 05-14-2009 |
20090120902 | Method Of Fabricating Filtered Printhead Ejection Nozzle - A method of fabricating a printhead ejection nozzle is provided which includes depositing sacrificial material on a planar substrate form a scaffold of the sacrificial material on the substrate, defining openings in the sacrificial material to the plane of the substrate at positions for sidewalls of a nozzle chamber and a filter structure for the nozzle chamber, depositing roof material over, and into the openings of, the sacrificial material so as to form the sidewalls of the nozzle chamber on the substrate, a roof of the nozzle chamber bridging the sidewalls, and the filter structure, etching the roof material to the sacrificial material to form a nozzle aperture through the roof of the nozzle chamber, and removing the sacrificial material. | 05-14-2009 |
20090121031 | METHOD OF MINIMIZING VISIBLE COLORATION OF SUBSTRATE - A method of minimizing visible coloration of a substrate having an IR-absorbing dye disposed thereon. The method includes preselecting the dye such that it includes a moiety for reducing intermolecular interactions between adjacent dye molecules. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122091 | INKJET PRINTER HAVING PRINTHEAD WITH MULTIPLE CONTROLLERS - An inkjet printer is provided having a printhead having inkjet nozzles and a plurality of controllers configured to process print data for printing and to output the processed data to the printhead. The plurality of controllers are connected to a common input of the printhead. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122101 | PRINTHEAD CAPPING ARRANGEMENT WITH PIVOTABLE SHAFT MOUNTS - An inkjet printer comprises an elongate shaft adapted to rotate so as to move a capper for capping a pagewidth printhead out of and into capping position; a motor for driving the elongate shaft; a support frame; and first and second fixing plates mounted to the support frame. The first and second fixing plates each include first and second bearings for supporting the shaft at first and second longitudinal ends of the shaft so as to allow rotation of the shaft. The first and second bearings are configured to allow pivotal movement of the elongate shaft about first and second longitudinal ends thereof. The second fixing plate includes a seat for receiving the motor therein. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122102 | PRINTER ASSEMBLY HAVING A SUPPORT FRAME FOR SUPPORTING A PRINTHEAD ARRANGEMENT - Provided is a printer assembly for a pagewidth printer, said assembly having a support frame for supporting a printhead arrangement. The support frame includes an outer wall portion and an inner wall portion separated by an internal cavity. The support frame also includes a lower arm portion and an upper wall fast with the outer and inner wall portions. The upper wall portion defines a channel for receiving printhead tiles of the printhead arrangement. The upper wall portion and arm portion have a clipping arrangement configured to receive a printed circuit board (PCB) having electronics for controlling the printhead arrangement. The support frame is configured to minimize substantial dimensional changes due to environmental changes to retain a positional relationship between individual printhead tiles of the printhead arrangement. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122103 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE WITH PRINTHEAD CAPPING ASSEMBLY - A mobile telecommunications device comprises an inkjet printhead for printing to a media substrate printed with encoded data; a media feed assembly for feeding the media substrate along a media feed path past the printhead; a print engine controller for operatively controlling the printhead; a position sensor for optically reading the encoded data to provide the print engine controller with a signal indicative of the position of the media substrate relative to the printhead; and a capper assembly movable between a capped position covering the printhead nozzles and an uncapped position spaced from the printhead nozzles, the capper assembly comprising at least one actuator arm protruding into the media feed path. The at least one actuator arm is adapted to be engaged by the media substrate fed along the media feed path so as to maintain the capper assembly in an uncapped position. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122104 | Pagewidth Printhead Assembly Having A Capping Member Actuating Mechanism - Provided is a pagewidth printhead assembly. The assembly includes two printheads arranged on opposite sides of a print media path for duplex printing, and a printhead actuating mechanism configured to move the printheads relative to each other. The assembly also includes a capping member and a capping member actuating mechanism for moving the capping member between an uncapped position outside the media path and a capped position inside the media path for capping both printheads. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122109 | PRINTER WITH PRINTHEAD CHIP HAVING INK CHANNELS REINFORCED BY TRANSVERSE WALLS - An inkjet printer has a molded ink manifold bonded to a printhead by an adhesive film. The printhead has: (a) a plurality of nozzles formed on a frontside of a substrate, the nozzles being arranged in rows extending longitudinally along the substrate, each nozzle having a respective nozzle inlet; and (b) a plurality of ink supply channels extending longitudinally along a backside of the substrate. Each ink supply channel is configured for supplying ink from the backside to at least one corresponding row of nozzle inlets. Further, each ink supply channel is interrupted along its length by one or more transverse bridges. The transverse bridges provide the printhead integrated circuit with strength in a transverse direction. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122112 | PRINTHEAD ARRANGEMENT HAVING NOZZLE ASSEMBLIES WITH GUTTER FORMATIONS - Provided is a printhead arrangement for a printer. The arrangement includes a wafer substrate and a layer of drive circuitry deposited on the substrate, as well as a plurality of nozzle assemblies formed on the wafer substrate by means of micro-electromechanical (MEMS) techniques. Each of these assemblies includes an ink chamber and at least one ink supply channel etched into the substrate, a heater element suspended in the ink chamber, and a nozzle plate defining two ink ejection nozzles, the plate having gutter formations about each nozzle to facilitate ink run-off from the nozzle to prevent nozzle contamination. The drive circuitry facilitates activation of the heater element. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122113 | Printhead Having Nozzle Arrangements With Radial Actuators - A printhead for an inkjet printer has a wafer that defines a plurality of nozzle chambers and ink supply channels in fluid communication with the nozzle chambers to supply the nozzle chambers with ink. An ink ejection port is associated with each nozzle chamber. A series of actuators is associated with each nozzle chamber and is radially positioned with respect to the nozzle chamber. The actuators are operable so that, when activated, they are displaced into the nozzle chamber to generate an ink meniscus at the ink ejection port and, when deactivated, return to an original position resulting in the necking and breaking of the ink meniscus to eject an ink drop. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122114 | PRINTHEAD ARRANGEMENT HAVING OVERLAPPING PRINT REGIONS - Provided is a printhead arrangement having a number of printhead segments arranged to have overlapping print regions, and a printer controller. The controller includes a sensor for sensing a temperature of the respective segments, said temperature indicative of an extent of the overlapping print regions. The controller is configured to supply the segments with half tone patterns for the regions by means of a dither matrix with an interpolation function, such that V | 05-14-2009 |
20090122116 | FLUID EJECTION DEVICE WITH RESISTIVE ELEMENT CLOSE TO DRIVE CIRCUITS - A fluid ejection device that has a firing chamber from which heated fluid is ejected, a heating element that heats fluid in the firing chamber and drive circuitry for the heating element. At least part of the drive circuitry is positioned within 60 microns of the heating element. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122117 | NOZZLE ASSEMBLY WITH LEVER ARM AND THERMAL BEND ACTUATOR - A nozzle assembly is provided for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle assembly includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet. A nozzle extends from the substrate assembly in register with the ink inlet and defines an opening through which ink can be ejected. A lever arm extends from the nozzle. A thermal bend actuator assembly is mounted to the substrate assembly and engages with the lever arm so that, upon actuation, the lever arm moves and ink within the nozzle is ejected out through the opening. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122120 | CRADLE UNIT FOR A PRINTER ASSEMBLY - A cradle unit for a printer assembly includes a body having a printhead cartridge support bay for receiving a printhead cartridge that incorporates a printhead, an ink supply for the printhead and a capper for capping the printhead when not in use. A levered frame is positioned within the body and is movable between an open position for allowing access to the printhead cartridge support bay and a closed position to close the printhead support bay. A support frame is positioned within the body. A capper drive mechanism is mounted on the support frame to actuate the capper of the printhead cartridge. A media transport mechanism is mounted on the support frame to feed print media through the body operatively with respect to the printhead. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122352 | COMPUTER SYSTEM INCORPORATING A TARGET AND SYMBOL DATA SENSING ARRANGEMENT - A computer system includes a printer configured to print invisible coded data tags on print media. Each data tag includes a target and a dot arrangement representing a value. A pen-type device includes an image sensor configured to sense the targets and wirelessly transmit sensed data associated with the dot arrangements. A relay is configured to receive the transmitted data. One or more servers are interfaced to the relay, and are configured to process the received data from the relay and to perform an action based upon the processed data. | 05-14-2009 |
20090123209 | PRINTER FOR PRODUCING PRINTER MEDIA WEB IN CONTAINER - A printer is provided for producing printed media web which has a printhead extending at least the width of a media web, drive means to drive the media web past the printhead, and a winding area for removably receiving a container for the printed media web. The drive means is configured to drive the printed media web from the printhead through an opening in a container received in the winding area so that the printed media web is wound onto a rotatable core of the container. The container is closable about the opening so as contain the wound printed media web therein. | 05-14-2009 |
20090123211 | LOCKABLE PRINTER - A printer includes a housing. The housing surrounds a frame and defines a first set of locking formations. A print engine is housed within the housing. The print engine includes a pair of opposed print head assemblies for enabling double-sided printing to be effected upon print media passing there-between. A roller assembly is mounted within the housing. The roller assembly includes a drive roller and a driven roller to transport the print media between the opposed print head assemblies. A second set of locking formations extends from the housing and is configured to engage with the first set of locking formations of another printer so that the printers can be locked together. | 05-14-2009 |
20090124029 | METHOD OF FABRICATING RESISTOR AND PROXIMATE DRIVE TRANSISTOR FOR A PRINTHEAD - A method of fabricating a resistor-drive transistor architecture for a printhead of a printer, by depositing printer communication and drive electronics on the printhead. The drive electronics are positioned within a range of one to sixty microns from correlated resistors. | 05-14-2009 |
20090125339 | Insurance Policy Management System With Wireless Pen - The present invention relates to a computer system for managing an insurance policy. The system includes a printer configured to print visible policy information and invisible coded data tags on print media. The printer is further configured to receive transmitted sensed data associated with the data tags. A pen-type device includes an image sensor configured to sense the data tags and wirelessly transmit the sensed data to the printer. One or more servers are interfaced to the printer via a network. The servers are configured to receive the sensed data from the printer and to perform a task related to the insurance policy based upon the sensed data. | 05-14-2009 |
20090125723 | AUTHENTICATION OF AN OBJECT - A method of authenticating an object is disclosed. Coded data portions are provided on a surface of the object. Each coded data portion encodes a position of coded data portion on the surface, an identity associated with the object and a signature fragment. The signature fragment is a fragment of a digital signature of at least part of the identity associated with the object. Next, indicating data is received from a sensing device in response to the sensing device sensing coded data portions. The indicating data is representative of the data encoded in the coded data portions sensed by the sensing device. From the indicating data the identity associate with the object, a plurality of signature fragments encoded in respective coded data portions, and the position of respective coded data portions are determined. A signature fragment identifier for respective signature fragments is determined from the respective positions. Also, a determined signature is determined by arranging the signature fragments according to their respective signature fragment identifiers. The determined signature is decrypted to obtain a determined identity. The object is authenticated by comparing the identity to the determined identity. | 05-14-2009 |
20090125724 | OBJECT AUTHENTICATION - An apparatus for authenticating an object is disclosed. The apparatus receives from a sensing device indicating data. The indicating data is formed by the sensing device in response to sensing a plurality of coded data portions on a surface of the object. Each coded data portion encodes a position of coded data portion on the surface, an identity associated with the object and a signature fragment, the signature fragment being a fragment of a digital signature of at least part of the identity associated with the object. A processor then determines from the indicating data the identity associated with the object, a plurality of signature fragments encoded in respective coded data portions, and the position of respective coded data portions, determines a signature fragment identifier for respective signature fragments from the respective positions, determines a determined signature by arranging the plurality of signature fragments according to their respective signature fragment identifiers, decrypts the determined signature to obtain a determined identity, compares the identity to the determined identity, and then authenticates the object using the result of the comparison. | 05-14-2009 |
20090128601 | Inkjet Drop Ejection Apparatus With Radially Extending Thermal Actuators - An inkjet drop ejection apparatus comprises an array of ink ejection nozzles; a chamber corresponding to each ink ejection nozzle and for storing ink; and a plurality of actuators provided on top of each chamber, the actuators radially extending out from a common centre and defining an ink ejection port at the common centre. Each actuator is comprised of first material of surrounding a conductive core of a second material. Each actuator is adapted to bend inward with respect to the chamber when heated. | 05-21-2009 |
20090128604 | INKJET NOZZLE WITH PADDLE LAYER SANDWICHED BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND WAFERS - The invention provides for an inkjet nozzle which includes a first wafer, a second wafer and a paddle layer. The first wafer has active drive circuitry together with an ink jet print nozzle formed therein. The second wafer has an ink channel formed therein. The paddle layer is sandwiched between the first and second wafers in a chamber complementarily defined by the wafers. The paddle layer is arranged in signal communication with the active drive circuitry, so that ink supplied via the ink channel is ejected via the print nozzle upon actuation of the paddle layer by the circuitry. | 05-21-2009 |
20090128606 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (IC) INCORPORATING ROWS OF PROXIMAL INK EJECTION PORTS - 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. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132420 | COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR A CURRENCY TRACKING SYSTEM - A set of instructions for causing a computer system to monitor transactions involving security documents. Each security document has disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of at least an identity of the security document. The set of instructions causes the computer system to receive indicating data from a sensing device, the sensing device being responsive to sensing of coded data to generate indicating data at least partially indicative of the identity of the security document and the transaction. The computer system updates, transaction data stored in a data store, using the identity, the transaction data being indicative of the identity of the security document and the transaction. | 05-21-2009 |
20090135163 | System For Digitizing Freehand Graphics On A Printed Surface - A system for digitizing a freehand graphic. The system comprises: a base including a surface; a position-coding pattern printed on the surface and detectable by an optical sensor; a first area of the surface; and a second area of the surface. The system further comprises a drawing device including an optical sensor for detecting a position in the position-coding pattern; and a transmitter for transmitting interaction data to a processor. The interaction data identifies the detected position. The processor is adapted to determine if the detected position is in the first area or the second area. If the detected position is in the first area of the surface, then the processor interprets the position as a point in the freehand graphic. If the detected position is in the second area of the surface, then the processor interprets the position as a selection of a property for the freehand graphic. | 05-28-2009 |
20090135215 | CAMERA DEVICE INCORPORATING A COLOR PRINTER WITH INK VALIDATION APPARATUS - A camera device includes a replaceable print roll. The print roll includes an ink reservoir section storing respective types of ink. A validation apparatus is configured to validate the replaceable print roll. A printer is configured to print an image on print media upon validation of the print roll. The printer includes an ink supply unit defining a channel from which ink supply passages extend. The printer is configured to receive the ink within the ink supply passages. An ink ejection printhead is located in the channel and includes sets of ink inlets with each set being configured to receive a respective type of ink from the ink supply passages. A roller assembly is arranged to transport the print media in register with the printhead during printing of the image. | 05-28-2009 |
20090135232 | PRINT ROLL FOR A CAMERA HAVING AN INTERNAL PRINTER - The invention provides for a print roll for a camera having an internal printer. The print roll includes an ink reservoir section with a core portion configured to house ink for the printer, and a paper roll section positioned about the ink reservoir section, said paper roll section operatively locating paper for the printer. The print roll also includes an outer casing having two sections each locating a pinch roller to form a pinch roller assembly when the two sections are fitted together about the paper roll section, the pinch roller assembly configured to operatively feed paper from the paper roll to the printer. | 05-28-2009 |
20090139961 | METAL FILM PROTECTION DURING PRINTHEAD FABRICATION WITH MINIMUM NUMBER OF MEMS PROCESSING STEPS - A method of fabricating a printhead having a hydrophobic ink ejection face, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a partially-fabricated printhead comprising a plurality of nozzle chambers and a nozzle plate having relatively hydrophilic nozzle surface, the nozzle surface at least partially defining the ink ejection face of the printhead; (b) depositing a hydrophobic polymeric layer onto the nozzle surface; (c) depositing a protective metal film onto at least the polymeric layer; (d) depositing a sacrificial material onto the polymeric layer; (e) patterning the sacrificial material to define a plurality of nozzle opening regions; (f) defining a plurality of nozzle openings through the metal film, the polymeric layer and the nozzle plate; (g) subjecting the printhead to an oxidizing plasma; and (h) removing the protective metal film, thereby providing a printhead having a relatively hydrophobic ink ejection face. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141054 | PRINT ENGINE CONTROLLER FOR AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - A print engine controller for an inkjet printhead includes a data bus. A memory interface is connected to the data bus to provide read and write access to a memory. An external client interface is connected to the data bus to allow external clients to write to a memory via the memory interface. A page expansion unit is connected to the data bus to read compressed page data and to write uncompressed page data to the memory. A line loader and formatter unit is connected to the data bus to read expanded page image data from the memory and to format the expanded page image data for a micro-electromechanical printhead. A printhead interface is connected to the line loader and formatter unit for sending dot data to the printhead. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141072 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY FOR MAINTAINING PRINTHEAD - A printhead assembly comprising a printhead mounted on a substrate, an elastically deformable pad and an ink removal system mounted on the substrate. The pad has a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead. The pad being linearly moveable between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face. In order to provide a cleaning action, the contact surface is configured to progressively contact the face during sealing engagement and peel away from the face during disengagement. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141079 | Pagewidth Inkjet Printer For Printing Cartridge-Fed Sheets - A pagewidth inkjet printer includes a chassis. A pagewidth inkjet printhead is mounted on the chassis to carry out a printing operation on sheets of media fed through the printer. A cover assembly is mounted on the chassis to accommodate operative location of a printing cartridge in which the sheets of media are stored and in which an ink supply for the printhead is carried. A printed circuit board is mounted on the chassis and is connected to the printhead to control operation of the printhead. An ink supply manifold is connected to the printhead to supply the printhead with ink. Ink conduits are connected to the ink supply manifold for connection to the ink supply in the cartridge. A print media feed arrangement is mounted on the chassis to feed print media from the cartridge and through the printer operatively with respect to the inkjet printhead. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141081 | Modular Printhead Assembly - A modular printhead assembly includes a substrate member. A plurality of printhead modules is fastened to the substrate member. Each printhead module includes a layered structure through which at least differently colored inks are fed. The layered structure has at least a lower layer, a middle layer and a top layer, with the lower layer defining a number of channels in fluid communication with respective ink supplies, the middle layer defining a number of openings in fluid communication with the channels, and the top layer defining a number of channels on a bottom side and openings in a top side in fluid communication with the channels. A micro-electromechanical printhead integrated circuit is mounted on the layered structure. The printhead integrated circuit has a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzles arranged on a silicon layer. The silicon layer defines a plurality of ink channels for feeding ink to the nozzles, the openings in the top layer being substantially aligned with the ink channels. An ink supply is arranged on the substrate member and is in fluid communication with the channels in the bottom layer through openings in the substrate member. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141082 | PRINTHEAD WITH REDUNDANT NOZZLE CHAMBER INLETS FOR MINIMIZING EFFECTS OF BLOCKAGES - A printhead comprising a plurality of inkjet nozzle assemblies is provided. Each nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle chamber formed on a substrate. The nozzle chamber comprises a roof spaced apart from the substrate and sidewalls extending between the roof and the substrate. The nozzle chamber has an ink ejection opening defined in the roof, a first ink inlet defined in one of the sidewalls, and a second ink inlet defined in a floor of the nozzle chamber. Each ink inlet is in fluid communication with a common ink reservoir. The nozzle assembly further comprises an actuator for ejection of ink through the ink ejection opening. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141086 | Inkjet Printhead Unit Cell With Heater Element - A unit cell for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate that defines an ink inlet passage, the substrate incorporating drive circuitry. Side walls are arranged on the substrate. A nozzle plate is arranged on the side walls such that the nozzle plate and the side walls define an ink chamber in fluid communication with the inlet passage. The nozzle plate defines an aperture in fluid communication with the ink chamber. A heater element is connected to the drive circuitry. The heater element is configured to generate a bubble of ink to be ejected from the aperture on receipt of an electrical signal from the drive circuitry. The heater element is suspended in the ink chamber such that, when ink is supplied to the chamber, the heater element is immersed in the ink. The heater element is configured so that a collapse point of the bubble is at a position spaced from the heater element. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141088 | Inkjet Printhead Integrated Circuit - An inkjet printhead integrated circuit includes a substrate. A drive circuitry layer is positioned on the substrate, the substrate and the drive circuitry layer defining a plurality of ink inlet channels. Nozzle chamber walls and roofs spanning the nozzle chamber walls are positioned on the substrate to define nozzle chambers in fluid communication with respective ink inlet channels, the roofs defining respective ink ejection ports. Ink ejection members are positioned in respective nozzle chambers and are displaceable with respect to the roofs to eject ink from the ink ejection ports. Fulcrum formations are fast with the substrate and each fulcrum formation has an effort formation arranged on one side and a load formation on an opposite side. Each ink ejection member is fast with a respective load formation. Thermal actuators are outside of and associated with respective nozzle chambers and are connected to the drive circuitry layer to move with respect to the substrate on receipt of electrical signals from the drive circuitry layer. Each effort formation is fast with a respective thermal actuator such that reciprocal movement generated by the thermal actuators results in reciprocal movement of the ink ejection members and subsequent ink drop ejection from the ink ejection ports. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141089 | Ink Jet Nozzle Assembly Having Layered Ejection Actuator - An ink jet nozzle assembly is provided having a wafer substrate defining an ink supply passage, a drive circuitry layer formed on the wafer substrate, an ink chamber structure on the drive circuitry layer, the ink chamber structure defining an ink chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply passage and an ink ejection port, and a layered actuator having a first layer electrically coupled to the drive circuitry layer so that the drive circuitry layer can electrically actuate the actuator to thereby eject ink from the ink ejection port. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141090 | Unit Cell For A Thermal Inkjet Printhead - A unit cell for a thermal inkjet printhead includes a substrate portion that defines an ink supply passage, Drive circuitry and interconnect layers are positioned on the substrate portion. A nozzle plate defining a nozzle is provided. Side walls depend from the nozzle plate and are positioned on the substrate portion to define an ink chamber. A heater element is connected to the drive circuitry and is positioned intermediate the nozzle plate and the substrate portion. The heater element is suspended in the ink chamber in alignment with the nozzle and is shaped to be symmetrical about two planes that intersect along an axis extending through a centre of the nozzle. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141108 | PRINTER WITH MINIMAL DISTANCE BETWEEN PRESSURE-DAMPENING STRUCTURES AND NOZZLES - An inkjet printer is provided. The printer comprises an inkjet printhead having a plurality of nozzles; at least one ink reservoir; and an ink supply system for supplying ink from the reservoir to the plurality of nozzles, the ink supply system comprising at least one pressure-dampening structure for dampening pressure fluctuations experienced by the nozzles. A distance between the pressure-dampening structures and at least one of the nozzles is less than 100 microns. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141109 | PRINTHEAD WITH PRESSURE-DAMPENING STRUCTURES - An inkjet printhead is provided. The printhead comprises a plurality of nozzle assemblies; a nozzle plate covering the plurality of nozzle assemblies; an ink supply system for supplying ink to the plurality of nozzle assemblies, the ink supply system comprising at least one conduit wall defined by part of the nozzle plate; and at least one pressure-dampening structure positioned in the part of the nozzle plate. The pressure-dampening structures dampen ink pressure fluctuations in the ink supply system. | 06-04-2009 |
20090145966 | SHOPPING RECEPTACLE FOR RECEIVING INTERACTIVE PRODUCT ITEMS - A shopping receptacle for receiving a product item. The product item comprises an interface surface a position-coding pattern containing coded data is printed on the interface surface. The coded data identifies a plurality of position coordinates on the interface surface and an identity of the product item. The receptacle comprises: a receptacle body and an opening through which the product item is placed within the receptacle body. A sensing device is positioned for scanning product items as they are placed through the opening. The sensing device emits a scanning beam across the opening of the receptacle body and generates, using sensed coded data, indicating data indicative of a position coordinate on the interface surface and the identity of the product item. | 06-11-2009 |
20090147042 | MICROCAPPING OF INKJET NOZZLES - An inkjet printer comprising: a printhead comprising a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzle openings defined therein, said nozzle plate comprising a first relatively hydrophilic layer and a second relatively hydrophobic layer, said second layer defining an ink ejection face for said printhead; and a capper having a planar capping surface, said capper being moveable between a first position in which said capper is disengaged from said printhead and a second position in which said capping surface sealingly engages with said ink ejection face wherein, in said second position, a meniscus of ink contained in each nozzle opening is pinned at an interface between said first and second layers, such that a microwell is defined between said capping surface and said meniscus. | 06-11-2009 |
20090147046 | METHOD OF UNUBLOCKING NOZZLES IN A PRINTHEAD - A method of unblocking nozzles in a printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead; and (b) moving the pad from a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face to a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from said face. The movement causes the contact surface to be peeled away from the face during disengagement. | 06-11-2009 |
20090147055 | Inkjet Nozzle Arrangement Incorporating Thermal Differential Actuation - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes a wafer substrate that defines an inlet channel and incorporates CMOS layers to generate electrical drive signals. A nozzle chamber wall and a roof wall are positioned on the wafer substrate to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the inlet channel, the roof wall defining an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. A paddle is positioned in the nozzle chamber and is reciprocally displaceable to eject ink from the ejection port. An actuating arm extends through the nozzle chamber wall and is connected to the paddle. The actuating arm has an actuating portion having a pair of actuating members. One of the actuating members defines a heating circuit such that, on receipt of an electrical signal to the exclusion of the other actuating member, the actuating arm is displaced in one direction as a result of differential thermal expansion. The actuating arm is of a resiliently flexible material such that, when the electrical signal is cut off, the actuating arm is displaced in an opposite direction. | 06-11-2009 |
20090147061 | PAGEWIDTH INKJET PRINTER CARTRIDGE WITH A REFILL PORT - A printer cartridge for an inkjet printer comprises a body configured for user insertion in, and removal from, a printer; a pagewidth printhead, incorporated with the body, and having an array of nozzles for ejecting different printing fluids onto a media substrate, each of the nozzles being dedicated to one of the different printing fluids only; a plurality of printing fluid reservoirs in the body for storing each of the different printing fluids separately, each of the plurality of printing fluid reservoirs being in fluid communication with the nozzles of the array that correspond to its printing fluid; and a refill port on the body, the refill port having a plurality of inlets, each of the inlets being in fluid communication with one of the printing fluid reservoirs only; such that, each of the printing fluid reservoirs can be individually refilled to replace printing fluid ejected by the pagewidth printhead. Each of the printing fluid reservoirs has a flexible membrane that has an expanded configuration when the printing fluid reservoir is full and a collapsed configuration when the printing fluid reservoir is ink depleted such that the printing fluid reservoir defines an internal volume containing printing fluid only, and during printing, the refill port is closed and disengaged from any source of refill printing fluid. | 06-11-2009 |
20090152342 | Method Of Performing An Action In Relation To A Software Object - A method of performing an action is disclosed. The method starts by receiving, from a sensor, indicating data. The indicating data is indicative of a position of the sensor relative to a surface, and an identity of the surface. The indicating data is generated from sensing coded data on the surface. The coded data is indicative of a plurality of locations on the surface and the identity of the surface. Next the method identifies, using the indicating data, the identity of the surface and the position of the sensor relative to a surface. A request to perform the action is then determined. The request is associated with the identity and position. Next, using the request, action data indicative of the action is identified and, using the action data, the action is performed. | 06-18-2009 |
20090153608 | PRINTER CONTROLLER FOR MODULATING PRINTHEAD PEAK POWER REQUIREMENT USING OUT-OF-PHASE FIRING - A printer controller for supplying dot data to an inkjet printhead is provided. The printhead comprises a plurality of transversely aligned color channels. Each color channel comprises at least one nozzle row extending longitudinally along the printhead with each nozzle in a color channel ejecting the same colored ink. The printhead is comprised of a plurality of printhead modules with each printhead module comprising a respective segment of each nozzle row. The printer controller is programmed to supply dot data such that each of the printhead modules fires a respective segment within a predetermined segment-time, wherein at least one of the fired segments is contained in a different color channel from at least one other of the fired segments. | 06-18-2009 |
20090153614 | Printhead Assembly Comprising Ink Reservoir Containing Cleaning Liquid - An inkjet printer comprising: (a) an inkjet printhead; (b) a plurality of reservoirs in fluid communication with nozzles in the printhead, at least one of the reservoirs being an ink reservoir containing printing ink, and at least one of the reservoirs being a cleaning reservoir containing a cleaning liquid for cleaning an ink ejection face of the printhead; (c) a pressure device for positively pressurizing the cleaning reservoir; (d) a conduit providing fluid communication between the cleaning reservoir and the printhead; and (e) a valve in the conduit for controlling a supply of cleaning liquid to the printhead. | 06-18-2009 |
20090153617 | Printhead Assembly For Inkjet Printer - A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer includes an elongate attachment member for attachment to a main body of the printer and defining a number of ink feed tubes extending through the attachment member to be in fluid communication with an ink supply from the main body. An elongate ink channel assembly is mounted longitudinally on the attachment member and defines a number of longitudinally extending ink channels in fluid communication with respective feed tubes. The ink channels include a central ink channel and at least one ink channel on each side of the central ink channel. A series of elongate printhead integrated circuits is mounted serially along the ink channel member and in substantial alignment with the central ink channel. The printhead integrated circuits define longitudinally extending rows of ink inlets and the ink channel assembly defines a plurality of ink openings in fluid communication with the ink inlets and the ink channels. | 06-18-2009 |
20090153619 | INKJET NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT - A nozzle arrangement is provided for an inkjet printer. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate assembly defining an outlet port through which ink can be ejected. A retainer is mounted to the substrate assembly and defines an internal coil chamber in which a coil is retained. A plunger assembly is engaged with the retainer to form an ink chamber in fluid communication with the outlet port. The plunger assembly includes a plunger that is able to move toward the outlet port and reduce the volume of the ink chamber. Drive and control circuitry is electrically coupled to the coil, and is configured to energize the coil and cause the plunger to move toward the outlet port so that ink is ejected from the outlet port. | 06-18-2009 |
20090153621 | Modular Printhead Assembly - A modular printhead assembly includes an elongate substrate member that defines a plurality of holes. An ink conduit is mounted longitudinally on one side of the substrate member and defines a plurality of ink holes to be in fluid communication with the ink holes defined by the elongate substrate member. A plurality of printhead module assemblies is mounted along an opposite side of the substrate member. Each module assembly includes an ink feed structure in fluid communication with the ink holes defined by the elongate substrate member and a printhead integrated circuit in fluid communication with the ink feed structure. A bus bar assembly is arranged on the substrate member for providing the printhead integrated circuits with power. | 06-18-2009 |
20090158854 | CAPACITANCE SENSING CIRCUIT FOR MEMBRANE PRESSURE SENSOR - A capacitance sensing circuit for a membrane pressure sensor is provided. The sensing circuit has a controller, two switches in signal communication with the controller, a charge amplifier and a charge injector. The charge amplifier is connected to the switches via a sensor capacitor C | 06-25-2009 |
20090160909 | INKJET PRINTER NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING THERMAL ACTUATOR WITH INNER AND OUTER PORTION OF INVERSE PROFILE - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle arrangement comprising a wafer substrate assembly defining an ink inlet channel; a static ink ejection structure extending from the substrate assembly and bounding the ink inlet channel; a pair of thermal bend actuators extending from the wafer substrate assembly on opposite sides of the static ink ejection structure, each actuator having an outer passive portion and an inner active portion, the inner active portion having a profile inverse of the outer passive portion; an active ink ejection structure comprising a roof defining an ink ejection port, and at least one sidewall which depends from the roof and surrounds the static ink ejection structure; and a pair of coupling structures coupling respective thermal bend actuators to the active ink ejection structure, the thermal bend actuators adapted to bend to move the active ink ejection structure relative to the static ink ejection structure, whereby ink contained within the ink ejection structure is ejected through the ink ejection port. | 06-25-2009 |
20090160910 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH HEATER ELEMENT CLOSE TO DRIVE CIRCUITS - A printhead with drive circuitry for a heating element. At least part of the drive circuitry is positioned proximate to and within 60 microns of the heating element. Moving the drive circuitry within 60 microns of the heating element enhances the nozzle packing on the printhead substrate and improves its energy efficiency. | 06-25-2009 |
20090160911 | PRINTHEAD HAVING OVERLAYED HEATER AND NON-HEATER ELEMENTS - A printhead is provided having a plurality of nozzles, a plurality of chambers for holding a liquid for ejection from the nozzles, and heater and non-heater elements in contact with the liquid in the chambers. Each heater element overlays an associated non-heater element with a space therebetween. The heater elements are heated by connected electrodes to heat the liquid thereby forming gas bubbles in the heated liquid which cause ejection of the liquid from the nozzles. Each chamber has a circular cross section and each heater element has arcuate sections that are concentric with the circular cross section. | 06-25-2009 |
20090160912 | SELF-COOLING HIGH NOZZLE DENSITY INK JET NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT - An inkjet printhead having a high density array of micro-electromechanical nozzles arrangements. Each arrangement comprises side walls located on a wafer substrate with a roof layer deposited on said walls to define an ink chamber, the roof layer defining a nozzle aperture; an inlet defined in the substrate to supply the ink chamber with printing fluid; and at least one heater element having a mass of less than 250 picograms suspended between the side walls in the chamber, the heater element operable to form a vapour bubble when electrical actuation energy of less than 120 nanojoules is applied thereto, said heater element having an annular shape with a point of collapse of the bubble near a centre thereof. The inlet, heater element and nozzle aperture are configured such that all heat generated in the ink chamber by the heater element per actuation is negated completely between actuations by an intake of unheated ink into the ink chamber through the inlet and an expulsion of heated ink from the ink chamber through the nozzle aperture. | 06-25-2009 |
20090160916 | AIR TIGHT INK CARTRIDGE WITH UNOBSTRUCTED INK OUTLET - An ink cartridge that has a rigid housing. The housing has a docking face for abutting a printer such that, when installed, the docking face faces downwards. The cartridge also has an ink storage volume and an ink outlet valve for fluid communication with the printhead. The ink outlet valve and an air inlet are both being positioned in the docking face. A variable volume structure within the ink storage volume inflates with air as ink is drawn from the outlet. The variable volume structure has a section that displaces upwardly within the ink storage volume as it inflates with air. An air inlet spaced from the outlet valve is in fluid communication with the variable volume structure to lets air into the ink storage volume as ink is drawn out through the outlet valve. A conduit in the ink storage volume is connected to the ink outlet valve at one end, with the other end being open to ink within the ink storage volume. The other end is positioned remote from the docking face such that it does not get obstructed by the variable volume structure as the variable volume structure inflates. | 06-25-2009 |
20090160917 | PRINTER WITH INK CARTRIDGE FOR SEALED CONNECTION WITH INLET VALVE PRIOR TO VALVE ACTUATION - An inkjet printer with a printhead assembly and at least one replaceable ink cartridge, has an ink inlet valve on the printhead assembly for sealed connection to an outlet on the ink cartridge. The inlet valve has an inlet opening and a movable valve member biased into sealing engagement with the inlet opening. The outlet has a complementary member for depressing the movable valve member out of engagement with the inlet opening to open the valve. The inlet opening has an external formation about its periphery for sealing against the outlet before the complementary member depresses the movable valve member. | 06-25-2009 |
20090160986 | PIXEL SENSOR - A photodetecting circuit is disclosed. The photodetecting circuit includes a photodetector for generating a signal in response to incident light, a storage node having first and second node terminals, a transfer transistor, disposed intermediate the first node terminal of the storage node and the photodetector, for electrically connecting the first node terminal and the photodetector upon receiving a transfer signal to a gate of the transfer transistor, allowing charge stored in the storage node to change based on the signal of the photodetector, a reset transistor, disposed intermediate a reset voltage node and the first node terminal of the storage node, for electrically connecting the first node terminal to the reset voltage node upon receiving a reset signal to a gate of the reset transistor, and an output circuit for generating an output signal during a read period of the photodetecting circuit, the output signal being at least partially based on a voltage at the first terminal. The photodetecting circuit is configured to receive the reset signal, receive the transfer signal, and receive a compensation signal at the second terminal of the storage node at least during the read period, the compensation signal increasing the voltage at the first terminal whilst the output circuit generates the output signal, the compensation signal being a logically negated version of the transfer signal. | 06-25-2009 |
20090167793 | PRINTING AND DISPLAY DEVICE - A printing and display device comprising a flat panel display; a printer, including a printhead for printing onto paper; a multi-sheet paper holder; a paper sheet separator configured to separate a single paper sheet from the paper in the paper holder for supply to the printhead. | 07-02-2009 |
20090167797 | PRINTING SYSTEM FOR DEPOSITING LAYERS OF MATERIAL TO FORM 3-D OBJECTS - A device for depositing layers of material to form three dimensional objects using a plurality of printheads that can print multiple layers simultaneously and different materials into the same layer, wherein some of the printheads can be maintained at a temperature that differs from the operating temperature of the other printheads. | 07-02-2009 |
20090167810 | INKJET PRINTER CRADLE - An inkjet printer cradle including a body complementary to a removable inkjet cartridge of a type having a pagewidth printhead and an ink supply; and an integrated circuit assembly arranged to test an authentication device of said cartridge. | 07-02-2009 |
20090167811 | DOCKING PORT IN A COVER ASSEMBLY - This invention relates to a cover assembly for a cradle unit of a pagewidth print engine. The cover assembly defines a docking port for a refill unit configured to refill a cartridge unit of the print engine. The cartridge unit is housed in the cradle. The docking port includes a rim portion, engagement means and a push rod. The rim portion is for receiving a base portion of the refill unit so that the refill unit is able to pass through the cover assembly, in use, to dock with the cartridge unit. The engagement means is located within the rim portion, the engagement means being configured to engage the refill unit to retain the refill unit securely in position to facilitate refilling of the cartridge unit. The push rod extends through a hole in the rim portion for operatively actuating the refill unit to incrementally dispense ink. | 07-02-2009 |
20090174737 | INKJET PRINTER ASSEMBLY - An inkjet printer assembly includes a cartridge which has a pagewidth printhead integrated circuit (IC) and a printhead auxiliary member. The auxiliary member is operatively rotatable between a platen position, to support a printing medium proximate the IC, a blotting position, to blot the printhead IC, and a capping position, to cap the printhead IC. The assembly also includes a cradle configured to receive the cartridge such that the printhead IC is adjacent a media feed path. The cradle has a transmission assembly arranged selectively to engage and rotate the printhead auxiliary member. The assembly also includes a controller arranged to determine a performance characteristic of the cartridge and to operate said transmission assembly, printhead IC and printhead auxiliary member in response to the determined performance characteristic. | 07-09-2009 |
20090179927 | PRINTER WITH PAPER GUIDE ON THE PRINTHEAD AND PAGEWIDTH PLATEN ROTATED INTO POSITION - An inkjet printer having an inkjet printhead having at least one printhead IC for ejecting ink, and a support structure for mounting the ink jet printhead in the printer and supporting the at least one printhead IC. The support structure has a paper guide adjacent the at least one printhead IC. The printer also has a print platen for facing the at least one printhead IC during printing to define a gap between the print platen and the at least one printhead IC, the print platen having a guide surface for directing the sheets of print media into the gap. A media feed path extends through the printer along which sheets of media substrate are fed, the media feed path being partially defined by the paper guide on the support structure and the guide surface of the print platen. During use, the sheets of print media path in sliding contact with the paper guide and spaced from the guide surface during printing. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179929 | PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE PRIMING PROTOCOL - A method of priming a printhead cartridge upon installation in a printer, the printhead cartridge having a printhead with a nozzle face defining an array of nozzles for ejecting ink on to a media substrate fed past the printhead in a media feed direction, by providing a printer with at least three ink tanks for storing the inks of different colour, the printer also having a cradle for supporting the printhead cartridge adjacent a media feed path, a fluid interface in fluid communication with the ink tanks, and a latch for securing the printhead cartridge in the cradle, the latch being movable between an open position where access to the cradle is unobstructed, and a closed position where access to the cradle is obstructed, placing the printhead cartridge in the cradle while the latch is in the open position, the printhead cartridge having a fluid coupling positioned to align with the fluid interface when placed in the cradle, moving the latch to the closed position to secure the printhead cartridge in cradle, providing a mechanical linkage between the latch and the fluid interface such that the fluid interface sealingly engages the fluid coupling upon moving the latch to the closed position and, priming the printhead with ink from all of the ink tanks. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179930 | PRINTHEAD PRIMING PROTOCOL - A method of priming a printhead in an inkjet printer, the printhead having a nozzle face defining an array of nozzles for ejecting ink on to a media substrate fed past the printhead in a media feed direction, by providing a pad having a contact face dimensioned so that it can encompass all the nozzles in the array, moving the pad such that the contact face engages the nozzle face to cover the array of nozzles, forcing ink into the printhead under pressure until ink flows out the nozzles in the array and, withdrawing the pad such that the contact face disengages the nozzle face. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179943 | PRINTHEAD NOZZLE WIPER AND DOCTOR BLADE FOR INK REMOVAL - A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printhead, having a wiper member for contacting a nozzle face on the inkjet printhead, the wiper member having a resilient blade with the distal edge configured to flex upon contact with the nozzle face, a doctor blade and, a maintenance drive configured to wipe the wiper member over the nozzle face and then past the doctor blade. The resilient blade flexes to pass the doctor blade and, upon disengagement of the resilient blade and the doctor blade, the resilient blade springs back to its quiescent shape thereby projecting contaminants from its surface. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179944 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILTY WITH ELONGATE NOZZLE FACE WIPER - A maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction. The printhead has an elongate array of nozzles and the maintenance facility has a wiper member extending at least the length of the nozzle array. The wiper member mounted in the printer adjacent the media path and, the maintenance facility has a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member such that it wipes the array of nozzles in a direction normal to its longitudinal extent. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179945 | ROTATING PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY WITH TUBULAR CHASSIS - A maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction. The pagewidth printhead has an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate and the maintenance facility has a tubular chassis mounting in the printer such that it can rotate about its longitudinal axis and a plurality of maintenance stations mounted to an exterior surface of the tubular chassis. At least one of the maintenance stations is a wiper member positioned for wiping contact with the elongate array of nozzles. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179946 | ROTATING PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY WITH SYMMETRICAL CHASSIS - A maintenance facility for an inkjet printer with a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction. The pagewidth printhead has an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate and the maintenance facility has an elongate chassis for mounting in the printer such that it can rotate about its longitudinal axis and a plurality of maintenance stations mounted to an exterior surface of the elongate chassis. The elongate chassis is symmetrical about at least one plane extending through the longitudinal axis. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179947 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY WITH NOZZLE FACE WIPER HAVING INDEPENDENT CONTACT BLADES - A maintenance facility for an inkjet printer that has a printhead with an array of nozzles defined in a nozzle face. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member having a plurality of blades mounted for movement independent of each other and a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member over the printhead in the media feed direction such that the plurality of blades wipe all the nozzles defined in the nozzle face. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179948 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY WITH NOZZLE FACE WIPER HAVING A SINGLE CONTACT BLADE - A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer that has a printhead with the nozzle face defining an array of nozzles. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member for wiping the nozzle face, and a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member across the array of nozzles in the nozzle face. The wiper member has a single blade dimensioned to wipe all the nozzles in a single traverse across the nozzle face. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179949 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY WITH NOZZLE FACE WIPER HAVING MULTIPLE CONTACT BLADES - A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer that has a printhead with the nozzle face defining an array of nozzles. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member for wiping the nozzle face, and a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member across the array of nozzles in the nozzle face. The wiper member has a plurality of parallel blades, each of the plurality of blades being dimensioned to wipe all the nozzles in a single traverse across the nozzle face. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179950 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY WITH NOZZLE FACE WIPER HAVING SINGLE SKEW BLADE - A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer that has a printhead with a nozzle face defining an array of nozzles. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member for wiping the nozzle face and a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member across the array of nozzles in a wiping direction. The wiper member has a single blade extending in a line skew to the wiping direction. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179951 | PRINTHEAD NOZZLE FACE WIPER WITH MULTIPLE OVERLAPPING SKEW BLADES - A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer that has a printhead with a nozzle face defining an array of nozzles. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member for wiping the nozzle face and a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member across the array of nozzles in a wiping direction. The wiper member has a plurality of blades for wiping contact with the nozzle face, each of the plurality of blades being skew to the wiping direction and positioned such that each one wipes a corresponding portion of the array of nozzles. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179952 | PRINTHEAD NOZZLE FACE WIPER WITH ARRAY OF PADS - A maintenance facility for an inkjet printer that has a printhead with an array of nozzles defined in a nozzle face. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member having an array of contact pads mounted for movement independent of each other and a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member over the printhead in the media feed direction such that the array of contact pads wipe all the nozzles defined in the nozzle face. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179964 | PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE INSERTION PROTOCOL - A method of inserting a printhead cartridge in a printer, the printhead cartridge having a printhead with a nozzle face defining an array of nozzles for ejecting ink on to a media substrate fed past the printhead in a media feed direction, by providing a printer with at least three ink tanks for storing the inks of different colour, the printer also having a cradle defining a reference surface for engaging a datum point on the printhead cartridge to support the nozzle face at a precise spacing from a media feed path, a fluid interface in fluid communication with the ink tanks, and a latch for securing the printhead cartridge in the cradle, the latch being movable between an open position where access to the cradle is unobstructed, and a closed position where access to the cradle is obstructed, placing the printhead cartridge in the cradle such that the data point rests on the reference surface while the latch is in the open position, the printhead cartridge having a fluid coupling positioned to align with the fluid interface when placed in the cradle, moving the latch to the closed position to secure the printhead cartridge in cradle, providing a mechanical linkage between the latch and the fluid interface such that the fluid interface sealingly engages the fluid coupling upon moving the latch to the closed position wherein, any force exerted on the printhead cartridge during sealing engagement of the fluid interface and the fluid coupling is not directed to disengage the reference surface from the datum point. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179969 | PRINTER WITH ZERO INSERTION FORCE PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE - An inkjet printer that has a printhead cartridge with a pagewidth printhead defining an array of nozzles for ejecting ink onto a media substrate. The printhead cartridge has a fluid coupling in fluid communication with the array of nozzles. The printer also has a cradle for supporting the printhead cartridge such that the array of nozzles is adjacent a media feed path extending through the printer, the cradle having a latch mechanism for retaining the printhead cartridge, an ink reservoir for containing supply of ink and a complementary coupling for fluid communication with the ink reservoir. The fluid coupling and the complementary coupling are configured to establish a sealed fluid connection using mechanical advantage provided by user actuation of the latch mechanism to retain the printhead cartridge in the cradle. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179970 | PRINTER WITH FLUIDICALLY COUPLED PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE - An inkjet printer that has at least three ink tanks for storing inks of different colour, a printhead cartridge having a printhead with a nozzle face defining an array of nozzles, and a fluid coupling for supplying the printhead with ink from each of the ink tanks. The printer also having a cradle defining a reference surface for engaging a datum point on the printhead cartridge to support the nozzle face at a precise spacing from a media feed path and a latch for securing the printhead cartridge in the cradle, the latch being movable between an open position where access to the cradle is unobstructed, and a closed position where access to the cradle is obstructed. The latch is configured to apply a compressive force urging the datum point on the printhead cartridge into engagement with the reference surface. The printer further including a fluid interface in fluid communication with the ink tanks and a mechanical linkage between the latch and the fluid interface such that the fluid interface is displaced into sealed engagement with the fluid coupling upon moving the latch to the closed position, the fluid interface being displaced in a direction that does affect the compressive force between the datum point and the reference surface. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179971 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY WITH INK STORAGE AND DRIVEN VACUUM DRAINAGE COUPLING - A inkjet printhead maintenance facility that has an ink storage reservoir for holding ink ejected from the inkjet printhead during a maintenance operation and, an outlet coupling in fluid communication with the ink storage reservoir and configured for connection to a vacuum source to draw ink out of the ink storage reservoir. | 07-16-2009 |
20090185007 | PRINTHEAD WITH BACKFLOW RESISTANT NOZZLE CHAMBERS - A printhead that has an array of ink ejection nozzles, an array of chambers adapted to store ink for ejection through each of the nozzles respectively, a plurality of ink inlet channels for feeding ink the array of chambers, and a plurality of actuators, one of the actuators being positioned in each of the chambers respectively for ejecting drops of ink through the nozzle. A plurality elongate ink feed channels is connected to the ink inlet channels. Each of the ink inlet channels is long and narrow relative to the dimensions of the chamber such that ink in said chamber is restricted from flowing out during ink drop ejection by viscous drag generated by the ink inlet channel. This enhances the droplet ejection efficiency as less of the pressure pulse generated by the actuator is lost to ink back flow. | 07-23-2009 |
20090185009 | INKJET PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH RECTIFYING VALVES - Provided is a unit cell arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The unit cell arrangement includes a substrate that defines an ink inlet and sidewalls supporting a roof portion on the wafer substrate to form an ink chamber. The roof portion defines at least one nozzle rim. The unit cell also includes a heater element suspended in the chamber between the sidewalls for thermal cavitation of ink in the chamber to facilitate ink ejection via the nozzle rim. Further included is a rectifying valve arranged in the ink inlet to provide decreased hydraulic resistance to ink flowing into the chamber than ink flowing out of the chamber in order to reduce fluidic cross talk between chambers of similar unit cells on the substrate and to improve ink refill times of the chambers. | 07-23-2009 |
20090185014 | PRINTING CARTRIDGE FOR A PRINTER - Provided is a printing cartridge for a printer. The cartridge includes an upper and a lower molding configured to engage cooperatively to define a chamber, and a hollow cylindrical former with print media rolled thereon to form a print medium roll. The cartridge also includes an ink cartridge in the form of a cylindrical container internally divided into ink reservoirs, said ink cartridge co-axially rotatable inside the former, as well as an elastomeric seal molding configured to arrange the ink reservoirs in fluid communication with a printhead of the printer. | 07-23-2009 |
20090189856 | System For Interaction With Computer System Using Printed Surface - A system for enabling interaction with a computer system is provided which is configured to receive, at the computer system, identity and movement data from a sensing device used to interact with a text field on a surface, determine information stored by the computer system which is associated with the identified text field, cause the computer system to perform an action associated with the determined information based on the received movement data, determine, at the computer system, a layout defining an arrangement of coded data indicative of the identity and information, and generate, at the computer system, print data indicative of the identity, layout and information. The sensing device senses coded data which encodes an identity of the text field and generates the identity data with the sensed identity and the movement data with movement of the sensing device by determining an orientation and position of the sensed coded data. | 07-30-2009 |
20090189953 | INKJET CHAMBER WITH PLURALITY OF NOZZLES AND SHARED ACTUATOR - An inkjet drop ejection apparatus comprises a chamber with a plurality of nozzles, the plurality of nozzles being grouped in pairs, and a plurality of actuators, each of the plurality of actuators being associated with a pair of nozzles and operable to cause ink to be ejected from either one of the pair of associated nozzles. Each of the plurality of the actuators is provided midway between its associated pair of nozzles, and each of the plurality of actuators is adapted to simultaneously move towards one nozzle of the pair and away from the other nozzle of the pair, whereby ejection of ink through the nozzle towards which the actuator is moving is effected. | 07-30-2009 |
20090190175 | System For Sending E-Mail Message Via Printed Form - A system for sending an e-mail message. The system comprises comprising a printed form having a plurality of location-indicating tags printed thereon. Each tag contains coded data identifying a location of the tag on the form and an identity of the form. The system further comprises an optically imaging pen for writing a message on the form. The pen comprises a marking nib for writing a handwritten message on the form, an image sensor for imaging the tags when writing the message on the form, and a processor for computing positions of the nib using the coded data contained in the imaged tags, an inferred multiple degree-of-freedom perspective transform of the imaged tags and a known geometry of pen optics. A computer system receives indicating data generated by the processor and initiates sending of the e-mail message to a designated recipient address. | 07-30-2009 |
20090193902 | Gas Pressure Sensor With Temperature Compensation - A pressure sensor for sensing a fluid pressure comprising: a first chamber including a first conductive membrane, wherein a fluid is sealed within the first chamber at a reference pressure such that the first conductive membrane deflects from pressure differences between the reference and the fluid pressure; a second chamber including a second conductive membrane sealed from the fluid pressure, wherein the second membrane deflects in response to a change in temperature which the pressure sensor is exposed thereto; and a circuit in electrical communication with the first and second conductive membrane, the circuit being configured to obtain a first and second signal from the first and second conductive membranes respectively, the first and second signals being indicative of the deflection of the first and second conductive membranes, wherein the circuit adjusts the first signal by the second signal to generate an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure. | 08-06-2009 |
20090194600 | Surface Having Coded Data Layers - A surface is provided having disposed therein or thereon a plurality of coded data layers. The coded data layers include a raw data layer having at least one raw data portion, a fault-tolerant data layer having at least one fault-tolerant data portion, and an alignment data layer having alignment data indicative of at least two registration positions. The registration positions are indicative of a relative position of the raw and fault-tolerant data portions with respect to the surface. | 08-06-2009 |
20090194928 | Printing Assembly With Adhesive Application Station - A printing assembly comprising a printhead; a feed mechanism for feeding pages past the printhead; an adhesive application station for applying a two-part adhesive onto opposite sides of each page; and a page-binding tray for receiving the printed pages and binding the pages together. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195586 | Method Of Printing With Overlapped Segements Of Printhead - A method of printing with overlapped segments of a segmented printhead is provided in which at least one temperature sensor on the printhead measures temperatures of adjacent segments to determine an overlapped region of the adjacent segments, an overlap signal indicative of the determined overlapped region is output from the temperature sensor to a half toning circuit, and the half toning circuit adjusts, using the received overlap signal, a half toning firing pattern of a continuous tone image for coextensive nozzles of the adjacent segments within the determined overlapped region such that V | 08-06-2009 |
20090195587 | Method Of Generating Halftone Print Data For Overlapping Consecutive Printhead Segments - A method of generating halftone print data for overlapping end portions of a pair of consecutive printhead segments in an array of two or more printhead segments. Generally an end portion of a first printhead segment overlaps an end portion of a second printhead segment, in which each printhead segment includes a plurality of ink ejection nozzles. The method includes generating a dither value from a dither matrix, and then combining the dither value with an overlap signal, which represents an extent of overlap of the end portions, to produce an output value. A mathematical operation is then performed on continuous tone print data using a comparator, based on the output value, to produce the half tone data. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195590 | Telecommunications Device Having Printhead Capper For Holding Printed Media - A telecommunications device is provided having a printhead having nozzles for printing on a media substrate, and a capper movable between a capped position covering the nozzles and an uncapped position spaced from the nozzles. The capper assembly is configured to grip the printed media substrate so that it projects from the telecommunications device. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195591 | Printer Having Pivotally Capped Duplexed Printheads - A printer is provided having pagewidth printheads for printing on opposite faces of print media, pagewidth cappers pivotally mounted to the printheads, and an actuating mechanism for pivoting the cappers between respective non-capping and capping positions relative to the printheads. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195592 | CARTRIDGE UNIT INCORPORATING PRINTHEAD AND INK FEED SYSTEM - A cartridge unit for an inkjet printer comprises a printhead having an array of ink ejection nozzles; a plurality of ink storage compartment, each ink storage compartment having a variable storage volume and a displaceable wall section biased to expand the variable storage volume to generate a sustained negative pressure; an ink feed system for connecting the ink storage compartment to the printhead, the ink feed system including a plurality of channels extending parallel to a length of the printhead, each channel corresponding respectively to an ink storage compartment; and a printhead maintenance assembly, the printhead maintenance assembly having a capper spring biased against the array of ink ejection nozzles for covering the array of ink ejection nozzles. The printhead maintenance assembly includes a catch element engaged with an actuator, the catch element being movable by the actuator in a direction to counteract the biasing of the capper against the array of ink ejection nozzles. Each channel has defined along a bottom thereof a series of holes. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195594 | Printer With Movable Capping Member And Fixed Printhead And Platen - An inkjet printer that has a printhead with an elongate orifice plate and a surface that surrounds the elongate orifice plate, a platen that partially defines a media path extending passed the printhead, a capping member with a seal for sealing engagement with the surface that surrounds the printhead, and a static solenoid for moving the capping member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the elongate orifice plate. During use, the printhead, the media path and the platen all remain fixed relative to each other, and the capping member is movable through the media path. Providing a sealing surface around the orifice plate that is configured to engage the cap and seal the printhead requires less manufacturing precision than a capping mechanism that directly engages the orifice plate. Production efficiencies from lower precision assembly have particular significance for high volume products. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195597 | Drive Mechanism Of Printhead Cradle - A drive mechanism of a printhead cradle is provided which has a motor, a rotor element drive assembly coupled with the motor for operating a rotor element of a printhead received by the printhead cradle, a print media transport assembly coupled with the motor for transporting print media past the received printhead, a controller for controlling the motor, and a rotor element angle sensor in signal communication with the controller for sensing an orientation of the rotor element. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195598 | Inkjet Printhead With Shared Ink Spread Restriction Walls - A printhead for an inkjet printer. The printhead comprising a wafer assembly defining a plurality of ink supply channels; and plural groups of ink ejection nozzle arrangements extending from the wafer assembly, each group of ink ejection nozzle arrangements sharing a common ink supply channel. Each group of ink ejection nozzle arrangements includes a plurality of ink ejection nozzle arrangements arranged in a pair of rows. Each group of ink ejection nozzles includes one ink spread restriction wall shared by the group, the ink spread restriction wall being interposed between each ink ejection nozzle of the group and so as to at least partially surround each ink ejection nozzle of the group. The shared ink spread restriction wall is spaced apart from each ink ejection nozzle arrangement to define a plurality of ink spread restriction pits between the common ink spread restriction wall and respective ink ejection nozzle arrangements. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195599 | Print Cradle For Retaining Pagewidth Print Cartridge - A printer cradle is provided having a recess with an inclined face for receiving and removably locating a print cartridge, a retainer for removably retaining the print cartridge within the recess, and resilient members arranged to act against the print cartridge as it is located by the inclined face and to bias the print cartridge against the retainer once located within the recess. The print cartridge has a pagewidth printhead, a printing fluid supply and a fluid connection between the printhead and the printing fluid supply. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195600 | Inkjet Printhead With Elongate Chassis Defining Ink Supply Apertures - An inkjet printhead that has an elongate chassis with a first set of apertures, an ink distribution unit for connection to an ink supply, and a plurality of printhead modules supported along the elongate chassis. The ink distribution unit has a plurality of ink distribution passages for connecting the ink supply to a second set of apertures and is supported on the chassis such that the plurality of printhead modules are supplied with ink from the second set of apertures via the first set of apertures. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195603 | Printer For A Web Substrate - A printer for a web substrate, having a casing, a plurality of printhead tiles arranged adjacent each other, each of the printhead tiles having a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid and, a plurality of fluid channel members within the casing adjacent the printhead tiles, each of the fluid channel members having a plurality of ducts such that each of the ducts are in fluid communication with one of the fluid inlet ports respectively. The fluid channel member is provided with a female end portion and a male end portion complementary to the female portion for fluid communication between the fluid channel members. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195607 | Inkjet printhead nozzle arrangement with movement transfer mechanism. - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle arrangement comprises a substrate incorporating drive circuitry and defining an ink inlet channel; side walls extending from the substrate; a roof fast with the side walls and defining an ink ejection port in fluid communication with an ink chamber defined by the roof, the side walls, and the substrate, the ink chamber being in fluid communication with the ink inlet channel; an ink ejection member interposed between the ink inlet channel and the ink ejection port such that reciprocal movement of the ink ejection member causes ejection of ink from the ink ejection port; an actuator connected to the drive circuitry at a fixed end and having a free end reciprocally displaceable with respect to the substrate on receipt of an electrical signal from the drive circuitry; and a motion transmitting structure interposed between the free end of the actuator and the ink ejection member. The motion transmitting structure has an effort formation, a lever arm formation, and a load formation interconnecting the effort formation and the lever arm formation. The effort formation is adapted to engage with the free end of the actuator arm, and the lever arm formation is adapted to engage with the ink ejection member. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195608 | Printhead Having Laminated Ejection Fluid Distributors - A printhead is provided having a substrate with a plurality of ejection nozzles a plurality of adjacently arranged structures laminated with the substrate. Each nozzle has an inlet for supplying ejection fluid to the nozzle. The structures have a plurality of passages distributing the ejection fluid to the inlets of the nozzles. Each structure has elongate apertures to the passages. The long dimension of the elongate apertures in the abutting sides of adjacent structures are angled relative to each other. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195609 | Air Expulsion Arrangement For Printhead Assembly - A printhead assembly comprises an elongate channel member of a metal alloy, a flexible elongate fluid carrier, and a series of printhead modules mounted to an external surface of the fluid carrier. The flexible elongate fluid carrier is positioned on a floor of the channel member, and defines a plurality of passages longitudinally extending along a length of the fluid carrier. The fluid carrier further defines a repeated pattern of holes on the external surface. The holes provide fluid communication from outside the fluid carrier to respective passages of the fluid carrier. Each printhead module includes an upper micro-molding and a lower micro-molding. The lower micro-molding has an air inlet slot in fluid communication with one of the plurality of passages via a hole of the repeated pattern of holes. The upper micro-molding has an exhaust hole aligned with the air inlet slot and through which air carried in one of the passages is expelled. Each repeated pattern of holes diagonally spans a width of the fluid carrier, and the repeated pattern of holes together span a length of the fluid carrier. The air expelled through the exhaust hole facilitates repulsion of a print media from the printhead. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195610 | Printer Having Removably Constrained Printhead - A printer is provided having a pagewidth printhead and a casing having a channel in which the pagewidth printhead is removably clamped so as to constrain movement of the printhead relative to the casing across the longitudinal direction of the channel and to allow movement of the printhead along the longitudinal direction of the channel. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195611 | Printhead Assembly Having Removable Printhead Module And Controller - A printhead assembly is provided having at least one printhead module of at least two print nozzle integrated circuits and respective electrical connectors, at least one controller configured to process print data and to communicate the processed print data to microprocessing circuitry of at least one of the print nozzle integrated circuits via the respective electrical connector so as to control the printing operation of the print nozzle integrated circuit to print the processed print data, and a casing in which the printhead module and controller are removably mounted. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195613 | Movable Ink Ejection Structure And Inverse Profile Actuator Arms For Nozzle Arrangement - A nozzle arrangement for an ink jet printhead. The nozzle arrangement comprises a wafer substrate arrangement defining an ink inlet channel and a first wall surrounding the ink inlet channel; a movable ink ejection structure defining an ink ejection port and a second wall surrounding the first wall so that the wafer substrate arrangement and ink ejection structure together define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet channel and the ink ejection port; and a plurality of thermal bend actuators movably coupling the ink ejection structure to the wafer substrate arrangement. Each actuator comprises an arm for moving the ink ejection structure responsive to an applied electrical signal, whereby a volume of the nozzle chamber is varied. Each arm includes a pair of inner active portions and a pair of outer passive portions, the inner active portions having a profile inverse to that of the outer passive portions. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195614 | Inkjet Printhead Nozzle Arrangement With Actuator Arm Slot Protection Barrier - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead comprises a substrate defining an ink supply channel; a nozzle chamber structure mounted on the substrate, the nozzle chamber structure defining a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply channel and a nozzle rim defining an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber, the nozzle chamber structure further defining a slot in a first side wall thereof; a post, provided outside of the nozzle chamber, extending from the substrate; and a thermal actuator mechanism comprising an actuator arm extending from the post and through the slot to terminate freely in the nozzle chamber. The actuator arm comprises a slot protection barrier extending substantially orthogonally therefrom, the slot protection barrier positioned adjacent to the first side wall and spaced therefrom to define an ink holding area between the slot protection barrier and the first side wall. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195615 | Printhead Integrated Circuit Having Suspended Heater Elements - A printhead integrated circuit comprising a substrate having a plurality of nozzle assemblies. A nozzle plate has a plurality of nozzles openings defined therein and each nozzle opening corresponds to a respective nozzle assembly. Each nozzle assembly havs a respective nozzle chamber and a heater element positioned in the nozzle chamber. Each heater element is suspended in the nozzle chamber and parallel with a plane of the nozzle plate. The integrated circuit includes drive circuitry for controlling actuation of the heater elements. Each heater element includes solid material having a thickness of at least 0.25 microns and a mass of less than 10 nanograms. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195616 | Printhead Assembly With Ink Leakage Containment Walls For Nozzle Groups - A printhead assembly comprising a substrate defining a plurality of ink inlets; a plurality of nozzle assemblies positioned on the substrate, each nozzle assembly defining a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with a respective ink inlet and a nozzle opening from which ink is ejected; and a plurality of endless containment walls extending from the substrate. Each endless containment wall surrounds a group of nozzle assemblies and defines a containment chamber to contain leakage ink from the group of nozzle assemblies therewithin. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195617 | INKJET PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH SUSPENDED HEATER ELEMENT SPACED FROM CHAMBER WALLS - An inkjet printhead that has a plurality of nozzles and a bubble forming chamber corresponding to each nozzle. The bubble forming chamber of each nozzle has at least one side wall and at least one heater element suspended within each of the bubble forming chambers respectively. Each heater element is configured to heat a bubble forming liquid in the printhead to a temperature above its boiling point to form a gas bubble therein. The generation of the bubble causes the ejection of a drop of an ejectable liquid (such as ink) through an ejection aperture in each nozzle, to effect printing. The heater element is spaced from the side wall of the bubble forming chamber by between 0.1 microns and 20 microns. The nucleation and growth of a gas bubble causes the pressure pulse that ejects ink from the nozzle aperture. By laterally enclosing the bubble with at least one of the side walls of the chamber, most of the pressure is dissipated by ejecting ink through the nozzle. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195618 | Nozzle Arrangement With Ejection Apertures Having Externally Projecting Peripheral Rim - A nozzle arrangement ejects ink through apertures that each have an externally projecting peripheral rim. The nozzle arrangement has a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet passage and including heater element drive circuitry, a nozzle chamber structure formed on the substrate assembly, the nozzle chamber structure defining nozzle chambers in fluid communication with the ink inlet passage and apertures through which ink in each of the nozzle chambers can be ejected, and heater elements positioned between the drive circuitry and the apertures. The heater elements are connected to the drive circuitry and are individually supplied with current to eject ink from one of the apertures respectively. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195619 | Thin Nozzle Layer Printhead - An inkjet printhead that has a nozzle layer defining an array of nozzle apertures and a substrate for supporting the nozzle layer, the substrate defining a flow path for an ejectable liquid to each nozzle. Each nozzle aperture has an associated heater element positioned for heating the ejectable liquid above its boiling point to form a vapor bubble to eject a drop of the ejectable liquid through the nozzle aperture. The nozzle aperture is less than 5 microns thick in the drop ejection direction. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195620 | Inkjet Printhead With Heaters Mounted Proximate Thin Nozzle Layer - An inkjet printhead for ejecting drops of a printing fluid onto a media substrate. The inkjet printhead has an array of nozzle apertures defined in a nozzle layer less than 10 microns thick and a heater element adjacent each of the nozzles respectively for heating printing fluid to form a vapor bubble that ejects a drop of the printing fluid through the nozzle aperture corresponding to that heater element. The heater element is a layer of resistive material extending parallel to the nozzle layer and spaced less than 50 microns from the nozzle layer. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195621 | Inkjet Nozzle Arrangement Having Interleaved Heater Elements - An inkjet nozzle arrangement is provided having a wafer defining an ink chamber for holding ink and a chamber roof covering the ink chamber. The chamber roof has an ink ejection port supported by a plurality of outwardly extending bridge members and a plurality of elongate heater elements interleaved between the bridge members for causing ejection of ink held in the ink chamber through the ink ejection port. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195624 | Printhead Assembly Having Angled Nested Structure - A printhead assembly includes an elongate ink distribution assembly defining elongate ink ducts from which ink transfer ports extend. The ink distribution assembly further defines a recess in which a laminated stack structure is received in fluid communication with the ink transfer ports. The laminated stack structure has layers between which ink channels in fluid communication with the ports are interleaved. The laminated stack defines at least one cavity in which respective ink ejection print head integrated circuits (ICs) can be received in fluid communication with the ink channels. The cavity is formed in the laminated stack structure so that the ICs can be disposed at a slight angle to the longitudinal axis of the ink distribution assembly. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195630 | Modular Printer System and Print Media Dispenser - A hand-held modular printer system for printing a stored image. The printer system comprises a memory module in which the image is stored; a printer module releasably interconnected with the memory module; and a print media dispenser module defining a print media outlet at one end thereof. The printer module has an elongate body defining an entry slot along one longitudinal side thereof and an exit slot along an opposite longitudinal side thereof. The printer module further comprises a print media passage extending transversely through the elongate body, and a printer arranged across the print media passage. The print media dispenser is adapted to be releasably interconnected with the printer module along a longitudinal side thereof so that the print media outlet is in register with the entry slot, the dispenser module being configured to store a stack of sheets of print media and comprising a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a sheet of print media through the outlet and into the passage for printing. The print media dispenser is provided, adjacent the print media outlet and parallel thereto, with a channel-shaped socket. The channel-shaped socket adapted to releasably receive the elongate body of the printer module therein. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195661 | INTERCONNECTED CAMERA MODULE AND PRINTER MODULE - A camera module for a compact printer system. The camera module includes a CMOS image sensor that captures an RGB image when a take button is actuated. The RGB image is transformed to a suitable format, such as L*a*b*, for transfer directly to a printer module. The camera module incorporates a camera portion pivotally connected to a base portion, where by the camera portion is pivotal between a first position where it is aligned with on a common axis on the base portion and a second position where there is no alignment. The base portion has a connector that connects directly to a corresponding connector on the printer module, providing both a physical connection and a logical connection. The logical connection is a serial bus that communicates power and data. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195793 | Integrated Printing And Display Device - A printing and display device comprises a housing having an ejection slot in a base wall thereof; a flat panel display disposed within the housing; a printer disposed within the housing, the printer including a printhead and a print engine assembly; and a chute provided behind the flat panel display for guiding print media behind the flat panel display to the printhead. The print engine assembly includes feed means for supporting and feeding paper along a feed path passing between the flat panel display and the printhead to the ejection slot. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195805 | Digital Photograph Duplication Apparatus - An apparatus for reproducing a visible image depicted in a photograph carrying digitally encoded data printed in invisible ink. The digitally encoded data having pixel values for all pixels in the visible image. The apparatus comprises an illuminating means for illuminating the photograph with invisible radiation; a sensing means for receiving the invisible radiation illuminated on and reflected from the photograph by the illuminating means, the sensing means adapted to detect an interaction of the invisible radiation with the digitally encoded data carried on the photograph; a top substrate in which the illuminating means and the sensing means are encased, the top substrate being transparent to the invisible radiation and having a semi circular cross section in the vicinity of the illuminating means, the top substrate further having a elongated recess for receiving therein the sensing means; means for processing the invisible radiation received by the sensing means, the means for processing operable to decode the digitally encoded data; and an inkjet printer for receiving data from the means for processing data to print a copy of the visible image depicted in the photograph, the data used to print the visible image being generated from the digitally encoded data. The top substrate, in the vicinity of the sensing means, is shaped to define an array of microlenses for focusing the invisible radiation reflected from the photograph onto the sensing means. | 08-06-2009 |
20090196530 | SYSTEM FOR INITIATING ACTION IN PROCESSING SYSTEM - A system for initiating an action in a processing system. The system comprises a printed page having an interactive element enabling user interaction with the page; an optically imaging sensing device for interacting with the interactive element and generating indicating data using sensed coded data; and a processing system configured for: receiving the indicating data, identifying a page description corresponding to the printed page; identifying the interactive element and initiating an action associated with the interactive element. The printed page comprises a plurality of coded data portion, each containing a code pattern encoding a unique location on the page and identifying a page identity. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198360 | Method Of Associating Recorded Audio With Position - A method of enabling recorded audio to be associated with a position on a surface. The surface has coded data printed thereon. The coded data is indicative of a plurality of locations on the surface. The method comprises the steps of: (i) interacting with the surface using a handheld audio player incorporating an optical image sensor for reading the coded data and a microphone for recording audio; (ii) reading the coded data; (iii) initiating recording of audio using the handheld audio player; (iv) determining a position of the handheld audio player using the read coded data; and (v) associating audio data with said position. | 08-06-2009 |
20090199352 | METHOD OF MODULATING STABILITY OF SULFONATED DYE - A method of modulating a stability of a sulfonated dye, particularly its ozonefastness. The method comprises providing a salt of the dye, wherein the salt comprises at least one organic cation selected from the group consisting of:
| 08-13-2009 |
20090200387 | Printed Interface with graphical information and coded data - A printed interface for user interaction with a computer system via a sensing device is provided. The interface comprises visible graphical information and coded data readable by the sensing device. The coded data comprises a plurality of substantially undifferentiated marks positioned relative to a predetermined pattern, with an orientation target structure for allowing relative rotation of the predetermined pattern to be determined. The visible graphical information indicates an operation that the user can select and transmit to the computer system by reading the coded data with the sensing device. | 08-13-2009 |
20090201322 | Digital Device Incorporating Inkjet Printhead And Platen - A handheld print-on-demand digital device. The device comprises a pagewidth inkjet printhead and a platen assembly operatively positioned relative to the printhead. The platen assembly comprises: a planar platen member for supporting print media; a print media transport roller located on a first side of the platen member for feeding print media past said printhead; and a cutting mechanism located on a second opposite side of the platen member for severing the print media. The cutting mechanism includes a transport assembly driven by a threaded rod. The transport assembly has a body for traversing across the print media and a cutting edge fixed to the body for severing the print media during a traverse of the body. | 08-13-2009 |
20090201327 | Printer Having Sequenced Printhead Nozzle Firing - A printer is provided having a printhead having a plurality of sets of n adjacent printing nozzles in at least one nozzle row, and a controller for supplying fire signals to said nozzles, such that, for each set of nozzles, a fire signal is provided by the controller in accordance with the sequence: nozzle position 1, nozzle position n, nozzle position 2, nozzle position (n−1), . . . , nozzle position x. | 08-13-2009 |
20090201339 | Printhead Nozzle Having Shaped Heating Element - A printhead nozzle is provided having a substrate having drive circuitry and an inlet for ejection fluid, a fluid chamber having an outlet for ejection fluid, the fluid chamber arranged on the substrate to receive ejection fluid from the inlet, and a heating element connected to the drive circuitry, the heating element having a relatively reduced volume proximate the drive circuitry and being arranged to be heated by the drive circuitry to cause the ejection fluid in the fluid chamber to be ejected through the outlet. | 08-13-2009 |
20090201340 | Nozzle Arrangement With Different Sized Heater Elements - A nozzle arrangement for ejecting ink comprises a substrate assembly defining an ink supply passage and incorporating a drive circuitry layer; a heater positioned on the substrate assembly, the heater having a pair of heater elements connected to electrical contacts, which electrical contacts are electrically coupled to the drive circuitry layer; and a nozzle chamber structure extending from said heater to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply passage and in which the heater element is located, the nozzle chamber structure defining an aperture through which ink in the nozzle chamber is ejected when current is supplied from the drive circuitry layer to the heater element. The electrical contacts each have an enlarged cross-sectional area relative to the cross-section area of the heater element. A first heater element of the pair of heater elements has a surface area larger than that of the second heater element of the pair of heater elements. | 08-13-2009 |
20090201342 | Printhead Module For A Inkjet Printhead Assembly - A printhead module is provided for an inkjet printhead assembly. The printhead module includes a support. An elongate carrier is mounted to the support. The carrier defines a plurality of transverse ribs and an ink channel located between the ribs. A subassembly includes a micro-electromechanical integrated circuit (IC) configured to eject ink. The subassembly is mounted to the carrier so that the support, carrier and subassembly define a plurality of sealed ink chambers which can feed ink to the IC via the ink channel. | 08-13-2009 |
20090201348 | Refill Unit For Engaging With Ink Storage Compartment, And Fluidically Isolating Printhead - A refill unit for refilling a negatively pressurized ink storage compartment that supplies ink to a printhead assembly. The refill unit has a body with a variable volume container for holding a quantity of ink and an actuator for fluidically isolating the printhead assembly and the ink storage compartment as the refill unit engages the ink storage compartment. | 08-13-2009 |
20090201350 | Ink Cartridge For Constant Ink Pressure - An ink cartridge for an inkjet printer is configured to keep the ink pressure in the printhead constant. The cartridge has a sealed ink storage volume, an ink outlet for sealed fluid communication between the printhead and the ink storage volume, an air bag in the ink storage volume for expanding as ink is drawn through the ink outlet to keep a constant head of ink above the outlet valve. The air inlet for the air bag is a frangible that is ruptured as the cartridge is installed and the ink outlet opens. | 08-13-2009 |
20090201524 | Printer Printing Composited Print Image Planes - A printer is provided having a receiver for receiving compressed print data, a first decoder for decoding continuous tone image planes in the received compressed print data to produce first decoded data, a second decoder for decoding bi-level image planes in the received compressed print data to produce second decoded data, a ditherer for dithering separate image color planes of the first decoded data to produce dithered data, a compositor for compositing the second decoded data with the dithered data to produce composited data, and a printhead for printing the composited data. | 08-13-2009 |
20090202799 | SULFONATED DYE SALTS HAVING IMPROVED STABILITY - A salt of a sulfonated dye modulates a stability of the dye, particularly its ozonefastness. The salt comprises an organic cation selected from the group consisting of:
| 08-13-2009 |
20090203400 | Sheet Feed Assembly - A sheet feed assembly with a pair of rollers to feed sheets of media along a feed path. The roller pair has a drive roller and an idler roller. The drive roller is mounted between two bearings and for rotation about its longitudinal axis. The idler roller is shorter than the drive roller and is held against the drive roller by two guide formations and at either end. The guide formations bias the idler roller against the drive roller while allowing some lateral displacement of the idler roller from the drive roller. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204816 | Method Of Authorizing Network Publishing - A method of authorizing printing of a publication at a printer by a publisher in a network is provided, in which an alias identity of a user is created from both a sensing device identity and an application identity when the user interacts with a printed application tag associated with the publication using the sensing device, the publication is addressed to the user by the alias identity, the publication is signed using a private key of the publisher, the signed publication is sent to the printer, and it is confirmed that the signed publication may be printed at the printer by verifying the private key signature. | 08-13-2009 |
20090207208 | Nozzle Arrangement Using Unevenly Heated Thermal Actuators - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer comprises 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 comprising 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. | 08-20-2009 |
20090207209 | Print Engine Cradle With Maintenance Assembly - 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. | 08-20-2009 |
20090207255 | Camera Sensing Device For Capturing And Manipulating Images - A camera sensing device is provided for capturing and manipulating images. The device includes an image sensor configured to capture an image. A card reader includes a first roller assembly and is configured to read a card fed into the first roller assembly. The card has encoded thereon instructions for the manipulation of the captured image. A printed circuit board (PCB) bears a processor configured to manipulate the captured image in accordance with the encoded instructions. A print head unit includes a second roller assembly and includes an ink ejection printhead configured to print the manipulated image on print media fed by the second roller assembly. A media and ink supply is configured to supply ink and print media to the printhead unit. | 08-20-2009 |
20090207432 | Method For Creating A Garment - A method of creating a garment. The method comprises the steps of: (a) capturing an image of a person using a camera; (b) selecting a card having a depiction of a garment and encoded information relating to the garment depicted; (c) optically reading the encoded information on the card; (d) manipulating the captured image in accordance with the encoded information; (e) generating print data for garment pieces using the encoded information and the manipulated image; (f) communicating the print data to a garment fabric printer; and (g) printing outlines of garment pieces and a decorative finish on to a surface of a bolt of fabric. | 08-20-2009 |
20090207452 | PRINTER HAVING A CONTROLLER METHOD OF PRINTING WITH LOW AND HIGH SPEED NOZZLE FIRING MODES - A method of page expansion and printing of image data received by a printer from a computer includes the steps of receiving the image data from the computer, the data having a bi-level black layer compressed in an EDRL (Edge Delta and Runlength) format and a continuous tone (“contone”) layer, and decompressing the respective layers in parallel. The method also includes the steps of halftoning contone layer data to a bi-level data and compositing the bi-level black layer over the bi-level data to form an image, and transmitting the image to the printhead having staggered nozzles designed to match a flow of paper through the printer. The method further includes the step of operating the printhead according to one of a low-speed nozzle firing mode and a high-speed firing mode to print the image on the paper, the low-speed firing mode having a firing rate half that of the high-speed firing mode. | 08-20-2009 |
20090207457 | SYSTEM HAVING PRINTED INTERACTIVE FORM AND SENSING DEVICE - A system for computer software interaction is provided which has a printed form and sensing device. The form has information related to an interactive element coincidentally printed with coded tags. Each tag encodes data on the interactive element and an orientation and position of that tag on the form. The sensing device has an image sensor for capturing images of the tags when the sensing device is used to interact with the interactive element, and a processor. The processor determines the orientations and positions of the tags within the captured images which corresponds to the printed orientations and positions, decodes the data encoded by the captured tags at the determined orientations and positions, and sends indicating data indicative of the decoded data and the determined orientations and positions to a computer system for interpretation of the interaction. | 08-20-2009 |
20090212118 | Method Of Generating Interface Surface Having Rotationally Symmetric Coded Data - A method of generating an interface surface is provided in which machine-readable coded data is generated to be arranged in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two, the layout including n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation, each sub-layout defining the position of data elements, and including rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from at least one other sub-layout, and the coded data is printed onto a surface to generate an interface surface. | 08-27-2009 |
20090212658 | MICRO--ELECTROMECHANICAL ACTUATOR WITH SPACER SEPARATED LAYERS - A micro-electromechanical actuator comprising a pair of elongate layers of identical material heated by an electrical current; a pair of spacers separating the elongate layers at two opposite ends, the spacers fast with the layers; and an air gap provided between the pair of elongate layers. Each spacer is composed of a thermally non-conductive material. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213150 | Cartridge With Optically Readalble Print Media And Ink Information - A printing cartridge that has a roll of print media, a tubular former on which the roll of print media is wound, the former having a plurality of ink supply containers for different types of ink, a casing with a pair of molded covers which releasably fasten together to encase the roll of print media. The casing bears one or more optically readable indicia relating to the length of print media and the types of ink. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213154 | PRINTHEAD CONTROLLER FOR NOZZLE FAULT CORRECTION - A printhead controller is provided for supplying print data to a printhead having first and second rows of inkjet nozzles configured to print ink of a similar color. The controller is configured to supply the print data to the printhead such that, in the event a nozzle in the first row is faulty, a corresponding nozzle in the second row prints at a position on print media at or adjacent a position where the faulty nozzle would otherwise have printed. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213155 | PRINTHEAD HAVING SEQUENCED NOZZLE FIRING ON INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A printhead is provided having an integrated circuit having at least one row comprising a plurality of sets of n adjacent nozzles, each of the nozzles being configured to expel ink in response to fire signals, and a controller for supplying the fire signals to the integrated circuit such that (a) a fire signal is provided to nozzles at a first and nth position in each set of nozzles, then (b) a fire signal is provided to the next inward pair of nozzles in each set, then in the event n is an even number, (b) is repeated until all of the nozzles in each set has been fired, or in the event n is an odd number, (b) is repeated until all of the nozzles but a central nozzle in each set have been fired, and then the central nozzle is fired. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213162 | Printer Having Nested Media Trays - A printer is provided having a media tray, a printhead, and a delivery passage extending from a base of the printer to the printhead past the media tray via which media is supplied from the media tray to the printhead. The base is configured to be received in a recessed region of an upper surface of a first auxiliary media tray in a nested arrangement. The base has a first opening for delivering first auxiliary media supplied by the first auxiliary tray into the delivery passage. A lower surface of the first auxiliary tray is configured to be received in a recessed region of an upper surface of a second auxiliary media tray in a nested arrangement. The lower surface has a second opening for delivering second auxiliary media supplied by the second auxiliary tray into the delivery passage via an auxiliary delivery passage of the first auxiliary tray. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213172 | Inkjet Printer With A Protective Print Media Input Tray - An inkjet printer includes a body defining a print media path through which print media can pass. A printhead assembly is arranged within the body and is configured to print upon print media passing along the print media path. A user interface is located on the body. A print media input tray is pivotally mounted with respect to the body, to locate the print media in register with the print media path and which can pivot with respect to the body to form a protective cover for the user interface. A print media feed arrangement is configured to feed the print media from the input tray and through the print media path. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213175 | Printhead Assembly Having Printhead Recessed In Channel Body - The present invention relates to a printhead assembly. The printhead assembly comprises an ink supply module for supplying at least one ink. There is also provided a body defining at least one ink channel. In use, the body interfaces with the ink supply module so that a respective ink is supplied from the ink supply module to a corresponding channel. The printhead assembly also comprises a printhead which, in turn, comprises at least one set of ink inlets. In use, the printhead interfaces with the body so that a respective ink is supplied from a respective channel to a corresponding set of ink inlets. A printing device comprising the printhead assembly is also provided. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213176 | Inkjet Printhead Having Adhered Ink Distribution Structure - An inkjet printhead is provided having an integrated circuit having a plurality of inkjet nozzles formed on one surface and a plurality of ink delivery channels formed on an opposing surface for delivering ink to the nozzles, an ink distribution member having a plurality of conduits formed therethrough which each have an inlet for receiving ink from an ink supply and an outlet for distributing the received ink to the ink delivery channels of the integrated circuit, and an adhesive layer adhering the integrated circuit to the ink distribution member. The adhesive layer has a plurality of holes aligned with corresponding ones of the outlets and delivery channels so that ink can be supplied therebetween. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213177 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING DUAL EJECTION ACTUATORS - An inkjet printhead is provided having an array of ink chambers each including a nozzle and an actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle and being defined by sidewalls extending between a nozzle plate and underlying wafer substrate with one sidewall having an opening to allow ink to refill the chamber, an ink conduit between the nozzle plate and underlying substrate, and a plurality of ink inlets defined in the substrate. Each conduit is in fluid communication with the openings the chambers and with at least one of the inlets for receiving ink to supply to the chambers. The actuators are unitary planar thermal actuators which have a heater element extending between two contacts forming an electrical connection with respective electrodes provided by drive circuitry. Each of the actuators extend through at least two adjacent chambers so as to simultaneously eject ink from the adjacent chambers through their respective nozzles. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213178 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH HIGH NOZZLE DENSITY - An inkjet printhead is provided having an array of ink chambers each including a nozzle and an actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle and being defined by sidewalls extending between a nozzle plate and underlying wafer substrate with one sidewall having an opening to allow ink to refill the chamber, an ink conduit between the nozzle plate and underlying substrate, and a plurality of ink inlets defined in the substrate. Each conduit is in fluid communication with the openings the chambers and with at least one of the inlets for receiving ink to supply to the chambers. The nozzles are arranged in rows such that the nozzle centres are collinear and the nozzle pitch along each row is greater than 1000 nozzles per inch. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213179 | WIDE FORMAT PRINTER HAVING HIGH SPEED PRINTHEAD - A printer is provided having, supported by a support structure, a print assembly and feed mechanism for feeding print media though a printing zone. The print assembly has an elongate carrier mounted to the support structure which mounts printhead integrated circuits and control circuitry connected to the printhead ICs. The elongate printing zone defined by the printhead ICs is at least 914 mm. Each printhead IC incorporates nozzle arrangements having a nozzle, ink chamber, ink inlet, actuator, and drive circuit to achieve ink ejection at more than one billion ink drops per second. The printhead ICs are each positioned at a common angle of greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees with respect to a straight line extending at right angles to a feed direction of print media, with consecutive ends of the printhead integrated circuits overlapping to ensure continuous printing in the printing zone. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213180 | PRINT ASSEMBLY HAVING HIGH SPEED PRINTHEAD - A print assembly is provided having an elongate carrier that is mountable on a support structure of a printer, printhead integrated circuits mounted on the carrier, and control circuitry positioned on the carrier and operatively connected to the printhead integrated circuits to control operation thereof. The printhead integrated circuits are provided in a number and configuration such that the printhead integrated circuits define an elongate printing zone of at least 914 mm. Each printhead integrated circuit incorporates nozzle arrangements each having a nozzle, an ink chamber, an ink inlet, an actuator, and a drive circuit to achieve the ejection of ink from the nozzle arrangement. the nozzle arrangements and control circuitry are configured so that the printhead integrated circuits are controlled by the control circuitry to print more than one billion drops of ink per second. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213183 | Printhead Having Low Mass Bubble Forming Heaters - A printhead is provided having a plurality of chambers on a substrate, each chamber having a nozzle, a heater arranged in each chamber so as to heat fluid within the chamber to form a gas bubble therein and thereby cause ejection of a drop from the corresponding nozzle, and a plurality of passages formed in the substrate so that each passage supplies the fluid to an associated one of the chambers. Each heater includes solid material and has a mass of less than 10 nanograms of the solid material, which is configured to be heated to cause formation of the gas bubble. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213184 | Micro-Electromechanical Nozzles Having Low Weight Heater Elements - Provided is a pagewidth printhead having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes side walls located on a wafer substrate with a roof portion attached to said walls to define a printing fluid chamber. The roof portion defines an ejection port. Each nozzle arrangement also includes an inlet defined in the substrate to supply the fluid chamber with printing fluid, and at least one heater element having a mass of less than 10 nanograms suspended between the side walls in the fluid chamber. In operation, when electrical actuation energy of less than 500 nanojoules is applied to the heater element, the printing fluid undergoes thermal cavitation which increases fluid pressure in the chamber thereby ejecting printing fluid from the ejection port. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213185 | Inkjet Printer Utilizing Low Energy Titanium Nitride Heater Elements - An inkjet printer comprises an array of nozzles extending substantially a width of a print media fed through the inkjet printer; and a plurality of heater elements each corresponding to a nozzle, the heater elements being formed substantially of titanium nitride. The heater elements are provided in contact with a bubble forming liquid and sized to heat the bubble forming liquid above a boiling point thereof upon application of 200 nJ or less of energy to each heater element. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213186 | Inkjet Printhead Having Plural Nozzle Arrangements Grouped In Pods - An inkjet printhead has a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement comprises an ink chamber having an ink supply channel and an ink ejection port; an ink spreading prevention rim provided around and spaced apart from the ink ejection port to define a pit between the ink ejection port and the ink spreading prevention rim; and a thermal actuator mechanism configured to operatively eject ink from the chamber via the ejection port. The plurality of nozzle arrangement are grouped into pods, each pod having two rows of nozzle arrangements spatially staggered with respect to each other. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213191 | Inkjet Printer With A Cartridge Storing Ink And A Roll Of Media - An inkjet printer has a print medium cartridge configured to store a print medium roll. The print medium roll has a former carrying a length of print medium and an ink supply core which can be received within the former. An inkjet printhead prints onto the print medium and an ink transmission channel structure connected between the ink supply core and the inkjet printhead assembly to transport ink there-between. The print medium is drawn from the roll by a print medium feed arrangement that feeds the print medium past the inkjet printhead during printing. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213192 | Printhead Assembly With An Ink Supply Carrier Supporting An Ink Distributing Molding - A printhead assembly with a printhead integrated circuit (IC) for ejecting ink, an elongate molding which defines a recess for holding the printhead IC, and an elongate support member which supports the elongate molding. The molding defines a plurality of separate ink passages, each in fluid communication with the printhead IC. The elongate support member defines a plurality of separate ink reservoirs each in fluid communication with a respective ink passage. Each of the ink reservoirs extends axially along the support member. The support member has a core element that defines the ink reservoirs and a shell in which the core element can be received. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213193 | Printhead Assembly Having Printhead Integrated Circuit Carriers Arranged End-To-End On Ink Supply Support Structure - A printhead assembly comprises an elongate support structure; a series of side wall sections extending a length of the support structure and defining a plurality of ink supply channels, edges of the walls delineating a gap; a plurality of carriers positioned end-to-end in the gap and supported at a bottom surface thereof by said edges of the walls; and a printhead integrated circuit mounted to each carrier. The bottom surface of each carriers defines a plurality of apertures each in fluid communication with a respective ink supply passage defined through the carrier and respective ink supply channels defined by the series of side wall sections. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213194 | Inkjet Printer System With Interchangeable Printhead Cartridges And Cradles - An inkjet printer system comprises a first cartridge having one or more ink storage reservoirs, an ink delivery assembly, and a printhead integrated circuit. The system further comprises a second cartridge having one or more ink storage reservoirs, an ink delivery assembly, and a printhead integrated circuit, and having a performance characteristic differing from that of the first cartridge. A first cradle is provided for receiving a cartridge, the cradle having a first controller board for controlling a printhead integrated circuit of the received cartridge. A second cradle is further provided for receiving a cartridge, the cradle having a second controller board for controlling a printhead integrated circuit of the received cartridge. The first cartridge, second cartridge, first cradle, and second cradle, are user interchangeable to vary a performance of the inkjet printer system. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213432 | PRINTER CONTROLLER HAVING JPEG AND EDRL CIRCUITRY - A printer controller is provided having page data input circuitry for receiving compressed and encoded page data for expansion processing, JPEG decoding circuitry for decompressing contone data in the received page data, EDRL expansion circuitry for decompressing EDRL-compressed bi-level image data in the received page data, halftoning and compositing circuitry for halftoning and compositing the decompressed contone and bi-level data, and a printhead interface for receiving the compositing data and for writing corresponding print data to a printhead of the printer | 08-27-2009 |
20090216355 | AUDIO RECORDING AND PLAYBACK SYSTEM - A handheld electronic pen having an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. In the audio recording mode, the pen is configured to activate a microphone for recording audio, determine a position on an encoded substrate during interaction with the substrate associate said the position with the recorded audio. In the audio playback mode, the pen is configured to: determine a position on the encoded substrate, retrieve recorded audio associated with the position, and playback the recorded audio via an audio output device. | 08-27-2009 |
20090219323 | PRINTER WITH INK SUPPLY SYSTEM HAVING DOWNSTREAM CONDUIT LOOP - A printer comprising:
| 09-03-2009 |
20090219324 | PRINTER HAVING RECYCLING INK AND PRESSURE-EQUALIZED UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM INK LINES - A printer comprising a printhead and a pressure-regulating chamber containing ink at a predetermined first level relative to the printhead. The chamber comprises an outlet port, a return port positioned in a base of the chamber, a snorkel extending from the return port and terminating at a snorkel outlet positioned above the first level of ink, and an air vent open to atmosphere. An upstream ink line interconnects the outlet port and an ink inlet of the printhead. A downstream ink line interconnects the return port and an ink outlet of the printhead. The downstream ink line has a section looping below the first level of ink. In a printing configuration, a second level of ink in the snorkel is equal to the first level of ink in the chamber. | 09-03-2009 |
20090219325 | PRESSURE-REGULATING CHAMBER FOR GRAVITY CONTROL OF HYDROSTATIC INK PRESSURE AND RECYCLING INK SUPPLY SYSTEM - A pressure-regulating chamber for maintaining ink contained in the chamber at a predetermined first level relative to a printhead. The chamber comprises: an inlet port for connection to an ink reservoir via an ink supply line; an outlet port for connection to an ink inlet of the printhead via an upstream ink line; a return port for connection to an ink outlet of the printhead via a downstream ink line; a snorkel extending from the return port and terminating at a snorkel outlet positioned above the first level of ink; an air vent open to atmosphere; and a float valve for maintaining the predetermined first level of ink by controlling a flow of ink into the inlet port. | 09-03-2009 |
20090219326 | PRESSURE-REGULATING CHAMBER COMPRISING FLOAT VALVE BIASED TOWARDS CLOSURE BY INLET INK PRESSURE - A pressure-regulating chamber for maintaining ink contained in the chamber at a predetermined first level relative to a printhead. The chamber comprises: an inlet port for connection to an ink reservoir via an ink supply line; an outlet port for connection to an ink inlet of a printhead via an upstream ink line; an air vent open to atmosphere; and a float valve for maintaining the predetermined first level of ink by controlling a flow of ink into the inlet port. The float valve is biased towards a closed position by a positive ink pressure at the inlet port. | 09-03-2009 |
20090219329 | INK SENSING DEVICE - An ink sensing device for an ink supply system, the device comprising:
| 09-03-2009 |
20090219331 | METHOD OF PRIMING A PRINTHEAD WITH CONCOMITANT REPLENISHMENT OF INK IN AN INK SUPPLY CHAMBER - A method of priming a printhead. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a printhead having a plurality of nozzles for ejection of ink, an ink inlet and an ink outlet; (ii) providing an ink chamber having an outlet port connected to the ink inlet via an upstream ink line, the ink chamber having an inlet port controlled by a valve; (iii) priming the printhead by pumping ink from the ink chamber, through the printhead and into a downstream ink line connected to the ink outlet; and (iv) opening the valve if a level of ink in the chamber falls below a predetermined first level and replenishing with ink from an ink reservoir when the valve is open. | 09-03-2009 |
20090219332 | METHOD OF DEPRIMING A PRINTHEAD WITH CONCOMITANT ISOLATION OF INK SUPPLY CHAMBER - A method of depriming a printhead. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a printhead having a plurality of nozzles for ejection of ink, an ink inlet and an ink outlet; (ii) providing an ink chamber having an outlet port connected to the ink inlet via an upstream ink line, the ink chamber having an inlet port controlled by a valve; (iii) depriming the printhead by pumping ink from a downstream ink line connected to the ink outlet, through the printhead and into the ink chamber; and (iv) closing the valve when a level of ink in the chamber reaches a predetermined first level, thereby isolating the ink chamber from an ink reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet port. | 09-03-2009 |
20090219351 | PRINTHEAD DE-PRIMING SYSTEM WITH FLOAT VALVE ISOLATION OF PRINTHEAD FROM INK RESERVOIR - A printhead depriming system, the system comprising:
| 09-03-2009 |
20090219352 | METHOD OF MINIMIZING NOZZLE DROOLING DURING PRINTHEAD PRIMING - A method of priming a printhead whilst minimizing nozzle drooling, the method comprising the steps of:
| 09-03-2009 |
20090219356 | INK SUPPLY SYSTEM WITH FLOAT VALVE CHAMBER - An ink supply system for supplying ink to an inkjet printhead at a predetermined hydrostatic pressure, the ink supply system comprising:
| 09-03-2009 |
20090219357 | PRINTER HAVING INK SUPPLY SYSTEM WITH FLOAT VALVE CHAMBER - A printer comprising:
| 09-03-2009 |
20090219358 | PRINTER COMPRISING PRIMING SYSTEM WITH FEEDBACK CONTROL OF PRIMING PUMP - A printer comprising:
| 09-03-2009 |
20090219359 | PRINTHEAD PRIMING SYSTEM WITH FEEDBACK CONTROL OF PRIMING PUMP - A priming system for priming an inkjet printhead having an ink inlet, an ink outlet and a plurality of nozzles, the priming system comprising:
| 09-03-2009 |
20090219360 | BUBBLE-BURSTING BOX FOR AN INK SUPPLY SYSTEM - A bubble-bursting box for bursting bubbles of a liquid entering the box, the box comprising:
| 09-03-2009 |
20090219361 | PRINTER COMPRISING PRIMING/DE-PRIMING SYSTEM WITH COOPERATIVE PUSHING AND PULLING OF INK THROUGH PRINTHEAD - A printer comprising:
| 09-03-2009 |
20090219362 | METHOD OF PRIMING A PRINTHEAD WITH INK BUBBLES PRESENT IN A PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY - A method of priming one or more printhead integrated circuits, the method comprising the steps of:
| 09-03-2009 |
20090219363 | METHOD OF REPLACING A PRINTHEAD IN AN INKJET PRINTER WITH MINIMAL INK WASTAGE - A method of replacing a printhead in an inkjet printer with minimal ink wastage, the method comprising the steps of:
| 09-03-2009 |
20090219364 | PRINTER COMPRISING MULTIPLE COLOR CHANNELS WITH SINGLE AIR PUMP FOR PRINTHEAD PRIMING - A printer comprising:
| 09-03-2009 |
20090219365 | PRINTER COMPRISING PRIMING PUMP AND DOWNSTREAM EXPANSION CHAMBER - A printer comprising:
| 09-03-2009 |
20090219366 | METHOD OF PRIMING A PRINTHEAD HAVING DOWNSTREAM INK LINE CONNECTED TO A PRIMING PUMP - A method of priming one or more inkjet printheads, the method comprising the steps of: | 09-03-2009 |
20090219368 | PRINTER WITH INK LINE DAMPENING OF INK PRESSURE SURGES - A printer comprising: a printhead having an ink inlet and an ink outlet; an ink chamber for supplying ink to the printhead; an upstream ink line interconnecting an outlet port of the ink chamber and the ink inlet; a downstream ink line connected to the ink outlet; and a first air accumulator communicating with the downstream ink line. The first air accumulator is configured for dampening ink pressure pulses in the printhead during printing. | 09-03-2009 |
20090220291 | PRINTING CARTRIDGE HAVING OPENING FOR MEDIA DRIVE - A printing cartridge is provided which has a rotatable core for a roll of print media, and a print media delivery arrangement having an opening in the cartridge which is arranged to enable a roller of a print media drive mechanism of a printer to which the cartridge is removably mounted to contact a wound portion of the roll of print media so as to feed an unwound portion of the print media from the roll through the printer on demand operation of the roller on the wound portion. | 09-03-2009 |
20090222120 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC PEN WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK MODES - A handheld electronic pen having an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. In the audio recording mode, the pen is configured to activate a microphone for recording audio, determine a position on an encoded substrate during interaction with the substrate associate said the position with the recorded audio. In the audio playback mode, the pen is configured to: determine a position on the encoded substrate, retrieve recorded audio associated with the position, and playback the recorded audio via an audio output device. | 09-03-2009 |
20090222285 | Authentication Of Pharmaceutical Products - A method for authenticating a pharmaceutical product, the pharmaceutical product being associated with packaging having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the pharmaceutical product and at least part of a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes having a computer system receive indicating data from a sensing device, the sensing device being responsive to sensing of the coded data to generate indicating data at least partially indicative of the identity of the pharmaceutical product and the signature part. The computer system determines the identity at least one determined signature part and uses these to authenticate the pharmaceutical product. | 09-03-2009 |
20090231383 | DOUBLE LASER DRILLING OF A PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT ATTACHMENT FILM - A method of fabricating an apertured polymeric film. The method comprising the steps of: (a) masking a polymeric film with a first mask having first laser transmission zones defined therein; (b) laser-ablating first apertures through the polymeric film using the first mask; (c) masking the film with a second mask having second laser transmission zones defined therein, each second zone being aligned with a corresponding first aperture, and each second zone having greater perimeter dimensions than the corresponding first aperture; and (d) reaming the first apertures by laser-ablating the polymeric film using the second mask, the reamed first apertures defining second apertures in the film. | 09-17-2009 |
20090231384 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT ATTACHMENT FILM HAVING DIFFERENTIATED ADHESIVE LAYERS - A laminated film for attachment of printhead integrated circuits to an ink supply manifold. The film has a plurality of ink supply holes defined therein and film comprises: a central polymeric film; a first adhesive layer for bonding a first surface of the film to the ink supply manifold; and a second adhesive layer for bonding a second surface of the film to the printhead integrated circuits. The central polymeric film is sandwiched between the first and second adhesive layers. A first melt temperature of the first adhesive layer is at least 20° C. less than a second melt temperature of the second adhesive layer. | 09-17-2009 |
20090231400 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH MINIMAL LEAKAGE - A laminated film for attachment of printhead integrated circuits to an ink supply manifold. The film has a plurality of ink supply holes defined therein and film comprises: a central polymeric web; a first adhesive layer for bonding a first surface of the film to the ink supply manifold; and a second adhesive layer for bonding a second surface of the film to the printhead integrated circuits. The central polymeric web is sandwiched between the first and second adhesive layers. A first melt temperature of the first adhesive layer is at least 20° C. less than a second melt temperature of the second adhesive layer. | 09-17-2009 |
20090231401 | PRINTER WITH GAS BUBBLE OCCLUSION RESISTANT CONDUITS - An inkjet printer with a printhead and a conduit connected to the printhead. The conduit defines a flow path for the printing fluid and has an internal cross section configured such that the surface tension of printing fluid within it favors gas bubble growth along the conduit length over radial bubble growth that would fully occlude the flow path. | 09-17-2009 |
20090231443 | CAMERA HAVING NETWORKED PRINTER - A camera for capturing and printing images is provided having an image sensor for capturing images, a network interface for transferring the captured images to a computer system and for receiving identities uniquely assigned to each transferred image by the computer system, and a printing mechanism for printing the images and coded data at least partially indicative of the assigned identities onto print media. | 09-17-2009 |
20090233050 | FABRICATION OF A PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT ATTACHMENT FILM BY PHOTOPATTERNING - A method of fabricating a film for attachment of one or more printhead integrated circuits to an ink supply manifold. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an adhesive polymeric film, the film being comprised of one or more photopatternable materials; (b) exposing predetermined regions of the film through a mask; and (c) developing the film to define a plurality of ink supply holes. | 09-17-2009 |
20090236154 | METHOD OF GENERATING INTERACTIVE SUBSTRATE FROM INTERACTION WITH ANOTHER INTERACTIVE SUBSTRATE. - A method of generating a second interactive substrate in response to a first interactive substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (i) interacting with the first interface surface using an optically imaging pen having a nib; (ii) imaging and decoding a coded data tag; (iii) generating indicating data regarding the identity of the first interactive substrate and a position of the nib relative to the first printed surface; and (iv) sending the indicating data to a computer system, thereby causing a printer to print a second interactive substrate in response to the computer system receiving the indicating data. | 09-24-2009 |
20090236411 | FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC BOOK - An electronic book comprising a first housing portion; a second housing portion; a cylindrical spine interposed between the first and second housing portions and pivotally connecting the first housing portion to the second housing portion; a flexible display screen fast with inner faces of the first and second housings and spanning the spine; first and second microprocessor circuitry respectively positioned in the first and second housing portions behind the flexible display screen; a scan head for scanning a data card, the scan head provided on the first microprocessor circuitry on a surface opposite the flexible display screen, the scan head facing away from the flexible display screen; and an internal cartridge for holding a card fed pass the scan head, the internal cartridge having a clear backing window through which an un-scanned surface of the card is visible. The spine defines a recess to accommodate a curvature of the screen when the first and second housing portions are pivoted about the spine in a closed condition. | 09-24-2009 |
20090236423 | METHOD OF SENSING SYMMETRIC CODED TAGS - A method of using a sensing device to read coded data is provided. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a layout having mirror and n-fold rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two. The layout includes n identical first sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation, and n identical second sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation. Each second sub-layout is a reflection of a corresponding one of the first sub-layouts. At least one sub-layout includes rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from at least one other sub-layout and reflection-indicating data that distinguishes the reflections of reflected sub-layouts. The method includes sensing a layout using the sensing device, decoding the coded data of the sensed sub-layouts, thereby determining the rotation-indicating data of that sub-layout, and using the rotation-indicating data to interpret the meaning of the coded data. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237433 | Printhead Integrated Circuit With Low Drive Transistor To Nozzle Area Ratio - A inkjet printhead integrated circuit that has a wafer substrate with a fluid ejection surface, and an array of drop ejectors for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto a media substrate, the array being formed on the fluid ejection surface of the wafer substrate. Each drop ejector has a nozzle through which the drops are ejected, an actuator for ejecting drops through the nozzle and, a drive transistor for energizing the actuator with a drive pulse. The area of the drive transistor projected onto the fluid ejection surface is less than 37 times the area of the nozzle. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237441 | PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD WITH INK SUPPLY RESERVOIRS INTEGRATED INTO SUPPORT MEMBER - Provided is a pagewidth printhead for an inkjet printer. The printhead has a printhead integrated circuit, a molding for supporting the printhead integrated circuit and distributing ink along the printhead integrated circuit, a core element bonded to the molding, and, an outer shell with a first metal layer sandwiched between two second metal layers, so that an effective coefficient of thermal expansion of said shell is substantially equal to that of the printhead integrated circuit. The core element defines ink reservoirs in fluid communication with the molding. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237446 | Capping Device For Hand-Held Printer - An inkjet printer that includes a printhead configured to eject ink. The printhead is housed in a housing. A capping device is pivotally fastened with respect to the housing to be pivotal into and out of capping engagement with the printhead. The mechanism includes an arm pivotally mounted with respect to the housing and a capping leg extending transversely from the arm to cap the printhead. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237447 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING WIPED NOZZLE GUARD - An inkjet printhead is provided having a substrate, a plurality of inkjet nozzles arranged on the substrate, an apertured nozzle guard positioned over the nozzles so that apertures in the nozzle guard are aligned with each nozzle, and a wiper blade for wiping an exterior surface of the nozzle guard relative to the nozzles. The exterior surface has recesses around each aperture. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237449 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING AN ARRAY OF DISPLACABLE NOZZLES - An inkjet printhead with an array of nozzle assemblies | 09-24-2009 |
20090237450 | Inkjet Printhead and Printhead Nozzle Arrangement - A printhead for an inkjet printer comprises a wafer assembly defining spaced apart groups of ink supply channels; and groups of ink ejection nozzle arrangements extending from the wafer assembly and in fluid communication with respective ink supply channel groups, each group of ink ejection nozzle arrangements comprising a pair of rows of ink ejection nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes an ink ejection head from which an actuator tail extends. Each pair of rows of ink ejection nozzle arrangements are arranged such that the ink ejection heads of the ink ejection nozzle arrangements in a first row of the pair face toward and are adjacent to the ink ejection heads of the ink ejection nozzle arrangements in a second row. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237456 | Inkjet Printhead With Paddle For Ejecting Ink From One Of Two Nozzles - An inkjet printhead includes a nozzle chamber structure defining a nozzle chamber. The nozzle chamber structure further defines a pair of ink ejection nozzles and an ink supply channel in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. A movable paddle is disposed within the nozzle chamber at a location between the ink ejection nozzles. An actuator is attached to the paddle and, upon actuation, can reciprocate the paddle toward and away from a first one of the ink ejection nozzles so that ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected out through that first nozzle. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237457 | Ejection Nozzle With Multiple Bend Actuators - A inkjet nozzle arrangement that has a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet and a static wall surrounding the ink inlet. A roof structure defining a movable wall arranged to telescopically engage said static wall, the roof structure further defining an ink ejection port in fluid communication with said ink inlet. A pair of actuator assemblies is mounted to the substrate assembly and the roof structure for substantially rectilinear movement of the roof structure toward the substrate assembly to eject ink through the ink ejection port. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237458 | Inkjet Nozzle Arrangement With Rectangular Plan Nozzle Chamber And Ink Ejection Paddle - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead comprises 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. The paddle has a rectangular profile substantially corresponding to the nozzle chamber. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237459 | INKJET PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY FOR SYMMETRICAL VAPOR BUBBLE FORMATION - An inkjet printhead assembly comprises a substrate defining a plurality of ink inlet passages; drive circuitry arranged on the substrate; a plurality of nozzle chamber structures arranged on the substrate and defining (i) nozzle chambers in fluid communication with respective ink inlet passages, and (ii) ink ejection ports in fluid communication with respective nozzle chambers; and a heater element suspended within and spanning each nozzle chamber, the heater element connected to the drive circuitry to heat ink in the nozzle chamber to form a vapor bubble around the heater element, the heater element being positioned within the nozzle chamber such that a distance between a point of collapse of the vapor bubble and respective ink ejection ports is less than 50 microns. The heater element is provided with a double omega configuration having symmetrical gaps at opposed sides thereof, whereby symmetrical formation of the vapor bubble centered on an axis of the nozzle is effected. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237460 | Inkjet Printhead With Thermal Actuator Coil - Provided is a printhead for an inkjet printer. The printhead has a plurality of micro-electromechanical ejection mechanisms arranged in a wafer substrate, with each mechanism having chamber walls and a roof formed on top of said substrate to define an ink chamber. One wall of the chamber defines a slot therein. The mechanism also includes an ink supply channel defined through the substrate to said chamber. The mechanism includes a bi-layer thermal actuator coil fast with the substrate and ending in a strut extending through the slot, said strut fast with a paddle device within the chamber. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237461 | INK EJECTION NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT - A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes a wafer assembly defining a plurality of spaced apart groups of ink supply channels and a plurality of groups of ink ejection nozzle arrangements in fluid communication with respective ink supply channel groups. Each ink ejection nozzle arrangement includes a nozzle chamber structure mounted to the wafer assembly. Each ink ejection nozzle arrangement also defines a nozzle chamber for receiving ink from an ink supply channel and a nozzle rim through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. An anchor extends from the wafer assembly in a location external to the nozzle chamber. An elongate thermal actuator mechanism extends from the anchor and into the nozzle chamber. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237462 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH SEALING STRUCTURE - 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. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237463 | Inkjet Printhead With Moving Nozzle Openings - A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes a substrate assembly defining ink inlet channels. Nozzles openings formed on the substrate assembly are in fluid communication with respective ink inlet channels. Lever arms extend from respective nozzles openings and thermal bend actuators are coupled to respective lever arms and anchored to the substrate assembly. The thermal bend actuators are configured to move the nozzles towards the substrate assembly to eject ink there through. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237471 | Printing Fluid Supply Device With Channeled Absorbent Material - A printing fluid supply device for a printhead comprises a printing fluid storage compartment for storing printing fluid; an absorbent material provided in the printing fluid reservoir, the absorbent material comprising a plurality of channels formed therethrough; and a fluid trapping layer provided between the absorbent material and the printhead. The fluid trapping layer is adapted to absorb printing fluid and draw printing fluid from the printing fluid storage compartment into and through the absorbent material. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237472 | INK REFILL UNIT FOR AN INK RESERVOIR - A refill unit for an ink reservoir that has an inlet valve for receiving refill ink and an outlet valve for fluid communication with an inkjet printhead. The refill unit has a docking assembly for docking with the ink reservoir, an ink bag for storing ink, a valve actuator configured to close the outlet valve of the ink reservoir and subsequently open the inlet valve upon docking the docking assembly with the ink reservoir, an ink delivery outlet assembly for establishing fluid communication between the ink bag and the ink reservoir upon docking the docking assembly with the ink reservoir and, constrictor actuators for increasing pressure in the ink bag upon docking the docking assembly with the ink reservoir, and reducing pressure in the ink reservoir upon disengagement of the docking assembly and the ink reservoir. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237476 | INK CARTRIDGE WITH HIGH FLOWRATE, SELF SEALING OUTLET - An ink cartridge that self seals its outlet opening with an outlet valve that connects to an inlet on the printhead. The outlet valve has a radially extending flange fixed within the outlet opening and an annular skirt of resilient material extending from the side of the outlet opening to the valve seat. The annular skirt is biased into sealing engagement with the radially extending flange to close the outlet valve until installment when the printhead inlet lifts the annular skirt off the flange so that ink flows around the flange into the printhead. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237481 | Printer Incorporating Partially Arcuate Printhead - A printer comprises a housing having an upper cover, a lower cover, a first side wall and a second, opposed side wall; a print engine housed within the housing, the print engine having two pairs of print heads arranged in opposed relationship across a print media feed path, each of the print heads having an arcuate portion in the vicinity of the print media feed path; an inlet roller assembly for feeding media into the housing; and an exit roller assembly for feeding the media out of the housing. The arcuate portion of each print head has a radius of curvature approximating that of the inlet roller. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237514 | Method Of Printing From Digital Camera System - A method of printing from a digital camera system. The method includes the steps of: retrieving a planarized linear image from a memory of the camera system; producing a dithered image in real-time from the retrieved planarized linear image; and printing the dithered image using a printhead supplied with colored inks. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237703 | SYSTEM FOR COPYING INTERACTIVE DOCUMENTS - A system is provided for copying interactive documents which has a copier for scanning a surface of a document, a computer system networked with the copier and a printer networked with the computer system. The document is printed with document content and a plurality of coded tags. Each tag encodes an identity of the document and the position of that tag on the document. The copier incorporates a sensor for sensing the coded tags. The computer system identifies a digital version of the document from the document identity of a sensed tag and determines user input, requesting copy content and/or coded data from the computer system, on the scanned document using the tag position of the sensed tag. The printer prints a copy of the scanned document to incorporate the scanned document content and coded tags and the requested copy content and/or coded data. | 09-24-2009 |
20090237733 | System For Delivering Greeting Using Interactive Form - A system is provided for delivering a greeting using an interactive form. The system has means for generating print data to include an interactive element associated with the delivery of the greeting card and an identity indicative of the interactive element, and means for transferring the generated print data to a printer. The printer is responsive to the received print data to print the form with the interactive element and coded data encoding the identity coincident with the interactive element such the interaction with the printed interactive element using a sensing device enales sensing of the coded data. | 09-24-2009 |
20090238461 | System For Line Extraction In Digital Ink - A system is provided having a database storing annotation digital ink representing handwritten annotations on a printed document and a processor configured to segment the annotation digital ink into lines by obtaining a stroke sequence comprised of a sequence of strokes, removing small strokes less than a threshold length, segmenting the strokes into a sequence of substrokes by computing a relative angle for each line segment connecting successive stroke data points and segmenting the stroke into substrokes if the difference between successive relative angles is greater than a preset threshold, and identifying the substrokes at line breaks, thereby facilitating line extraction, by computing N-neighbourhood centroids, computing angular differences between N-neighbouring substrokes, or groups of substrokes and computing local maxima of the angular differences in the sequence of substrokes. | 09-24-2009 |
20090239325 | METHOD OF FABRICATING A INTEGRATED PRESSURE SENSOR - A method of fabricating a pressure sensor ( | 09-24-2009 |
20090240050 | Method Of Preparing Macrocylic Metal Cyanine Compound - A method of preparing a macrocyclic metal cyanine. The method comprises the step of providing a corresponding macrocyclic metal-free cyanine compound dissolved in a solvent and adding a metal reagent thereto. The metal reagent is highly soluble in the solvent and typically comprises one or more organic ligands. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240615 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BANKING USING CODED FORMS - Methods and systems are disclosed which relate to online banking via interface surfaces printed with information and coded data. The coded data, encoded visibly or invisibly, may be queried by an appropriate sensing device. The sensing device communicates with a computer system. Together, the interface surfaces, sensing device and computer system are capable of effecting banking transactions over a network. | 09-24-2009 |
20090242636 | PROCESSOR FOR A PRINT ENGINE ASSEMBLY HAVING POWER MANAGEMENT CIRCUITRY - Provided is a processor for a print engine assembly having a card reader for reading data from a data card. The processor includes a central processor unit having memory units, an orientation sensor, and a number of motor controllers for controlling drive motors of the print engine assembly. The processor also includes a power management circuit for managing power consumption of the print engine assembly. The processor is configured to read the data from a data card with the card reader, the data read from the card instructing the processor in a manner of processing a digital image. | 10-01-2009 |
20090242638 | DEVICE THAT READS DATA ENCODED AS DOTS - A system is disclosed for reading data encoded as a series of invisible dots carried on a substrate. The system has a detector that detects the dots on the substrate and outputs a first signal; a decoder interconnected to the detector that decodes the first signal to produce an output signal; and an output device interconnected to the processor that receives the output signal and creates a corresponding human readable output. The dots may be infrared absorbing and the encoding can include Reed-Solomon encoding of the prerecorded audio. The system can include a wand-like arm having a slot through which the photograph is inserted. | 10-01-2009 |
20090242642 | System For Interacting With Analog-Printed Substrate - A system for interacting with a coded substrate. The system comprises a substrate having human-readable information and machine-readable coded data disposed thereon and a sensing device for reading the machine-readable coded data. The coded data comprises an IR-absorbing phthalocyanine dye having sulfonate groups. A counterion of each sulfonate group is a phosphonium cation. | 10-01-2009 |
20090243183 | Document Copier Printing A Copy Of An Input Sheet By Retrieving An Electronic Document Associated With The Input Sheet - Provided is a document copier having an input transport mechanism and an output transport mechanism linked via a media path, the mechanisms configured to feed sheets of media through the media path. Also included is a print engine located in the media path for printing on media fed through the media path, and a code sensor arranged before the print engine in the media path, said sensor configured to capture images of a sheet surface. The copier also includes a controller for controlling the transport mechanisms, the print engine and code sensor. The controller decodes optical patterns found in the captured images to obtain one or more codes able to identify an electronic source where an electronic copy of the sheet is stored, and to print the electronic copy on a blank sheet of media with the print engine. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244010 | PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT HAVING PRINTHEAD - A personal digital assistant is provided which has a body housing a memory for storing personal digital assistant information, a printhead for printing the stored information, a bay extending along a first edge of the body for removably receiving a print media cartridge for supplying print media to the printhead, and control circuitry for controlling functions of the personal digital assistant, and a display pivotally mounted to the body at said first edge for displaying the stored information. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244114 | IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT UNIT WITH INBUILT PRINTER - An in-car entertainment (ICE) unit includes a compact disc (CD) player configured to play a CD. A first user console is provided to permit a user to control operation of the CD player and the radio receiver. A liquid crystal display (LCD) is provided which can be used to display information from the CD. A printer is configured to print the displayed information. A second user console is provided to permit a user to control operation of the printer. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244162 | Printhead Controller For Controlling Printhead On Basis Of Thermal Sensors - A printhead controller is provided for supplying dot data to a printhead module having a plurality of nozzles for expelling ink. The printhead module includes a plurality of thermal sensors. Each of the thermal sensors is configured to respond to a temperature at or adjacent at least one of the nozzles. The printhead controller is configured to modify operation of at least some of the nozzles in response to the temperature rising above a first threshold. The printhead module is a thermal inkjet printhead module and each of the nozzles includes a thermal ink ejection mechanism. Each thermal sensor comprises at least part of one of the thermal inkjet mechanisms. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244171 | PRINTER HAVING ECCENTRICALLY CODED CAPPING MECHANISM - An inkjet printer has a body mounting first and second gear assemblies. The first assembly cooperating with a motor gear and having a code feature. The second assembly rotatably cooperating with the first assembly and a capper for capping a printhead. The code feature cooperates with a holding feature of a mounting arrangement used to mount the second assembly so that the cooperation maintains the first assembly at a predetermined position during the mounting of the second assembly. The first assembly has first and second gears connected by a common shaft. The first gear meshes with the motor gear and the second gear meshes with the second assembly. The second assembly has a third gear mounted to the body by a pin which meshes with the second gear. The third gear is an eccentric gear. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244183 | Inkjet Printer Having Funnelled Distribution To Nozzle ICS - An inkjet printer is provided having a plurality of nozzle integrated circuits, a support member having a plurality of longitudinally extending channels for carrying ink, and a plurality of ink distribution members via which ink is distributed from the channels of the support member to the nozzles of the nozzle integrated circuits. Each ink distribution member incorporates a laminated stack of layers, each layer having apertures for distributing ink from the channels to the nozzles of a respective one of the printhead integrated circuits. The apertures of each layer from the support member to the respective printhead integrated circuit are of successively smaller diameter. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244184 | Printhead With Nozzle Face Recess To Contain Ink Floods - 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. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244185 | Printhead Having Commonly Supported Nozzle ICS - A printhead is provided having a support frame, a plurality of nozzle integrated circuits having printing fluid ejection nozzles, and a one-piece printing fluid distribution member commonly supporting the plurality of nozzle integrated circuits, the distribution member being removably engaged with the support frame. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244189 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING UNIFORM HEATER ELEMENT CONDUCTORS - 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. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244190 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING CHAMBER WITH IN COLLECTION WELL - 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. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244191 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING PARTIALLY EMBEDDED HEATER ELEMENTS - 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 heater elements include legs embedded within the nozzle chamber structure and terminate in feet embedded within the substrate assembly. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244193 | INKJET PRINTHEAD AND PRINTHEAD NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT - A printhead for an inkjet printer comprises a wafer assembly defining a plurality of spaced apart groups of ink supply channels and a plurality of groups of ink ejection nozzle arrangements. Each ink ejection nozzle arrangement comprises a nozzle chamber structure mounted to the wafer assembly. Each ink ejection nozzle arrangement further comprises an anchor extending from the wafer assembly in a location external to the nozzle chamber; and an elongate thermal actuator mechanism extending from the anchor and into the nozzle chamber. The thermal actuator mechanism comprises an elongate arm which terminates in a free end within the nozzle chamber, and a pair of layers of conductive material located on either side of the elongate arm. One of the layers is connected to a current supply for causing a differential thermal expansion in the elongate thermal actuator mechanism. A pit is defined adjacent each nozzle chamber structure for catching ink. The ink ejection nozzle arrangements of each group are arranged in a pair of rows, with the elongate thermal actuator mechanism of ink ejection nozzle arrangements of a first row extending away from those of ink ejection nozzle arrangements of a second row. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244194 | Micro-Electromechanical Integrated Circuit Device With Laminated Actuators - A micro-electromechanical integrated circuit device comprises a substrate; drive circuitry positioned on the substrate; and a plurality of elongate actuators. Each actuator comprises a fixed end portion fast with the substrate, a free end portion that is spaced from the substrate, and a heating circuit that is connected to the drive circuitry to heat the actuator. A portion of the actuator is formed of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion such that the material is capable of performing work by thermal expansion. The heating circuit is positioned to generate differential thermal expansion and contraction when heated and cooled to cause reciprocal displacement of the free end portion of the actuator. Each actuator is a laminated structure having a first metal layer and a dielectric layer, the first metal layer being interposed between the dielectric layer and the substrate and defining the heating circuit. The drive circuitry is operable to generate drive pulses of first and second widths, the pulses of the first width being sufficient to cause substantial displacement of the free end of the actuator, and the pulses of the second width being insufficient to cause substantial displacement of the free end of the actuator. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244195 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING ANNULUS SHAPED HEATER ELEMENTS - 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 is shaped to define at least one broken annulus, in turn, comprising said at least one arcuate portion. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244196 | Ink Jet Printhead with Inner and Outer Heating Loops - 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. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244197 | Thermal Inkjet Printhead With Double Omega Shaped Heating Element - An inkjet printhead for ejecting printing fluid comprises a plurality of nozzles arranged in an array; a plurality of heater elements, each heater element corresponding to one of the nozzles respectively, each heater element having a double omega shape in which two gaps are defined at an outer circumference thereof at opposite sides of the heater element; and drive circuitry for sending each of the heater elements a pulse of electrical energy to form a vapor bubble in the printing fluid. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244215 | PRINT HEAD UNIT WITH PRINTHEAD AND TRANSPORT ROLLERS - A print head unit has an elongate print head integrated circuit. An ink supply unit defines an elongate print head slot in which the print head integrated circuit is received. Ink supply vias supply ink to the print head slot. Longitudinally extending channels are in fluid communication with the print head integrated circuit through the vias and longitudinally extending aperture slots provide for the snap-in insertion of rollers for the transport of print media operatively with respect to the print head integrated circuit during printing. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244218 | Refill Unit For Refilling One Of A Number Of Ink Compartments - An ink refill unit is provided for refilling a printer ink cartridge unit. The ink refill unit includes a base assembly that has ink refilling components and outlets for engaging a docking member connected to the ink storage compartments. Each outlet corresponds to a respective type of ink with only one of the outlets working. The ink refilling components include a syringe assembly coupled in fluid communication with the working outlet. A lid assembly covers the ink refilling components. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244238 | PRINTING SYSTEM FOR CURED 3D STRUCTURES - A printing system is provided having a plurality of printers, a conveyor for serially conveying a print medium past each printer so that voxels printed by the successive printer form successive layers of a three dimensional printed structure on the conveyed print medium, and a plurality of curing mechanisms between the printing devices for curing the printed voxels. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244292 | DIGITAL CAMERA - A portable camera with an inbuilt printer device is disclosed. The camera includes a digital image capture device, an inbuilt programming language interpreter internally connected to the digital image capture device for the manipulation of the digital image captured by the capture device and a script input means for inputting a self documenting program script for the manipulation and filtering of the captured digital image to produce visual alterations of the image. A card reader optically reads the script printed as an array of dots on one surface of a portable card, which has a visual example of the likely effect of the script on a second surface of the card. The script is interpreted and executed by the interpreter to modify the captured digital image in accordance with the script to produce a modified digital image. The modification is visually exemplified on the second surface of the card. The modified digital image is then printed out on the inbuilt printer device. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244294 | Method Of Processing And Printing Autofocussed Images - A method of processing and printing an image with a processor and printer of a camera is provided, in which the processor detects structures within an image captured by a sensing device of the camera at the autofocus settings of an autofocus unit of the camera by processing the captured image utilising said autofocus settings as an indicator of positions of the structures, the processor applies image effects to the detected structures to produce a manipulated image, and the printer prints the manipulated image. | 10-01-2009 |
20090247221 | Sending A Message To A Number Via A Coded Surface - A method of sensing a message to a number using a print medium is disclosed. The method starts by sensing coded data on a surface of the print medium using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device. From the coded information a print media identifier and a position of the sensor module relative to the print medium are determined. Next, using the print media identifier and the position, the number is obtained from a database. Finally, a message editor is opened in the mobile telecommunications device, with a current message being addressed to the number. | 10-01-2009 |
20090247226 | Printing Content using a Mobile Device - A mobile telecommunications device for printing bill data on a print medium is disclosed. The mobile telecommunications device includes a sensor module for sensing data encoded on a surface of the print medium. A print media identifier is determined from the sensed data and bill data associated with the print media identifier is retrieved from a storage medium. A printer module is also provided for printing the bill data on the print medium. | 10-01-2009 |
20090247227 | Retrieving Contact Details Using A Printed Medium - A method is disclosed of retrieving contact details using a print medium. The method determines a print media identifier from the print medium using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device. The print media identifier is linked to the contact details. The mobile telecommunications device is then used to retrieve the contact details. | 10-01-2009 |
20090247294 | HAND-HELD VIDEO GAMING DEVICE WITH INTEGRAL PRINTER - A hand-held video gaming device comprises a games console comprising a disc reader module configured to load a game stored on a disc; a printer module configured to print game information on print media, the printer module being hingedly mounted above the games console, and functioning as a pivotable cover for the game console; and a controller module releasably engaged with the printer module, and configured to communicate wirelessly with the games console to enable control of the games console. | 10-01-2009 |
20090251508 | Printer With Reduced Co-Efficient Of Static Friction Nozzle Plate - An inkjet printer with a nozzle plate that has an exterior surface with formations for reducing its co-efficient of static friction. By reducing the co-efficient of static friction, there is less likelihood that paper dust or other contaminants will clog the nozzles in the nozzle plate. Static friction, or “stiction” as it has become known, allows dust particles to “stick” to nozzle plates and thereby clog nozzles. By patterning the exterior of the nozzle plate with raised formations, dust particles can only contact the outer extremities of each formation. This reduces friction between the particles and the nozzle plate so that any particles that contact the plate are less likely to attach, and if they do attach, they are more likely to be removed by printhead maintenance cleaning cycles. | 10-08-2009 |
20090251546 | DIGITAL CAMERA WITH POSTCARD PRINTING - A digital camera is provided having an image sensor for capturing an image, an image processor for processing image data from the image sensor to produce print data, a printhead for printing the print data, and a cartridge interface for receiving a cartridge having a supply of media substrates pre-printed with postcard formatting and a memory storing information relating to the dimensions of the postcard formatting. The image processor produces the print data in accordance with the stored information accessed via the cartridge interface to produce personalised postcards. | 10-08-2009 |
20090251737 | Processor For Image Capture And Printing - A processor for image capture and printing has a RISC core. A four-way parallel VLIW vector processor is connected to the RISC core via a suitable data cache. The vector processor has four processing units interconnected with a crossbar switch. A memory interface is connected to the vector processor to permit interfacing between the data cache and a memory. Interfacing circuitry is operatively connected to the vector processor. The interfacing circuitry includes at least an image sensor interface to permit interfacing between components of the processor and an image sensor and a printhead interface to permit interfacing between components of the processor and an inkjet printhead. | 10-08-2009 |
20090254755 | Object Authentication From A Signature Part - A method of authenticating an object in which a computer system receives indicating data from a sensing device. The indicating data is generated in response to sensing of coded data provided on or in a surface associated with the object and is indicative of an identity of the object and at least part of a signature. The signature is in turn a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The computer system uses the indicating to determine a received identity and a received signature part, before using the using the received identity to determine at least a determined signature part. The determined signature part is then compared to the received signature part to authenticate the object. | 10-08-2009 |
20090255986 | METHOD OF INITIATING ACTION IN COMPUTER SYSTEM VIA ANALOG-PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A method of initiating a requested action in a computer system via a printed substrate. The substrate contains human-readable information and machine-readable coded data. The method includes the steps of: positioning a sensing device in an operative position relative to the substrate; sensing the coded data; generating indicating data in the sensing device using the sensed coded data; and sending the indicating data to the computer system. The coded data comprises a phthalocyanine salt comprising one or more sulfonate groups. A counterion of at least one sulfonate group is an ammonium cation comprising at least 20 carbon atoms. | 10-15-2009 |
20090256869 | Mobile Device With Printer - A mobile device having printhead for printing onto a media substrate, a media feed path along which the media substrate is fed past the printhead, and a capper assembly. The capper assembly is movable between a capped position covering the array of nozzles and an uncapped position spaced from the array of nozzles. The capper assembly is held in the uncapped position by the media substrate such that the capper assembly moves to the capped position upon disengagement with the media substrate. | 10-15-2009 |
20090256876 | PRINTER WITH PROCESSOR HAVING BUSED DECODING AND EXPANSION UNITS - A printer comprises a processor and a printhead. The processor comprises an address, data and control bus; an expander unit and a decoder unit each coupled to the bus and configured respectively to decompress a bi-level black layer and a contone layer of a page to be printed; and a halftoner/compositor unit which is coupled to the bus, and is configured to halftone the decompressed contone layer to form a bi-level cyan, yellow, magenta, and black (CYMK) layer and then composite the decompressed bi-level black layer over the bi-level CYMK layer to form a bi-level CYMK image of the page to be printed The printhead is interfaced to the processor and comprises a plurality of nozzles grouped in pods, the nozzles of a pod sharing a common ink reservoir. | 10-15-2009 |
20090256885 | PRINTER HAVING MOVEABLE PRINTHEAD AND CAPPING/PURGING MEMBER - An inkjet printer is provided which has at least one printhead having a plurality of ink ejection nozzles, a capping/purging member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the printhead, a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the printhead in an arcuate first direction between first, second and third positions, and a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping/purging member in an arcuate second direction to cap the nozzles of the printhead when the printhead is in the second position and to permit purging of ink from the nozzles when the printhead is in the third position. | 10-15-2009 |
20090256888 | Printhead Having Ejection Nozzle Integrated Circuits - A printhead is provided having a support member for mounting the printhead in a printer, and a plurality of integrated circuits supported by the support member. Each integrated circuit has ejection nozzles defined on a substrate to eject fluid from an ejection side of the substrate and the support member is configured to supply the fluid to a supply side of the substrate. The ejection and supply sides being opposite sides of the substrate. | 10-15-2009 |
20090256889 | Pagewidth Printhead Unit - The invention provides for a pagewidth printhead unit for a printer. The unit includes two integrated circuits laid end-to-end, each having micro-electromechanical nozzles for ejecting printing fluid. The unit also includes an ink distribution plate for feeding printing fluid into apertures defined in the integrated circuits, and an ink distribution molding defining a plurality of elongate conduits for distributing printing fluid to the plate along a length of the printhead. The unit further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to relay data signals from a printer controller to respective ends of the integrated circuits, as well as a support member for holding the integrated circuits, plate, molding and PCB in alignment. | 10-15-2009 |
20090256890 | Printhead Nozzle Arrangement With Dual Mode Thermal Actuator - A pagewidth inkjet printhead assembly has a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement comprises walls defining an ink chamber having an ink supply channel and an ink ejection port having an ink spreading prevention rim; a thermal actuator mechanism for ejecting ink from the chamber via the ejection port, the thermal actuator mechanism including an actuator arm having two layers which are formed from a conductive, resiliently flexible material, said layers surrounding a central material layer so that said two layers are in thermal balance with the arm in a quiescent state; and drive circuitry for supplying the thermal actuator mechanism with a drive current, the drive circuitry being operable in a first and second operative mode. Tn the first operative mode, the drive circuitry supplies current to the thermal actuator mechanism sufficient to cause the thermal actuator mechanism to bend to a degree whereby ink is expelled from the ink ejection port. In the second operative mode, the drive circuitry supplies current to the thermal actuator mechanism insufficient to cause ink the thermal actuator mechanism to bend to such degree whereby ink is expelled from the ink ejection port. | 10-15-2009 |
20090257071 | Method Of Authenticating A Print Medium - A method of using a mobile device to authenticate a print medium online before completing printing onto the print medium, the mobile device including processing means, a printhead, a sensor, a transmitter and a receiver, the print medium comprising a laminar substrate, the method comprising the steps of: using the sensor to sense coded data provided on a surface of the substrate; using the processing means to determine, from the sensed coded data: an identity of the print medium; and at least part of a signature, the signature being a digital signature of at least part of the identity; using the transmitter to send first data to a remote computer system, the first data being indicative of the identity and the at least part of the signature; using the receiver to receive second data from the remote computer system in reply to the first data, the second data being indicative of whether the print medium is authentic based on the identity and the at least part of the signature; and in the event the print medium is authentic, using the printhead to print onto the print medium. | 10-15-2009 |
20090257102 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS HAVING CARD READER FOR APPLYING EFFECTS STORED ON A CARD TO A STORED IMAGE - An image processing apparatus for applying desired effects to a stored image. The apparatus comprises an optical reader; a feed mechanism for feeding a card having an array of dots past the optical reader; an optical reader interface that is connected to the optical reader, the optical reader interface able to control the optical reader to detect a data area on the card, to detect a bit pattern corresponding to the array of dots in the data area, and to produce raw data from the bit pattern while the card is being fed past the optical reader, the raw data used to produce an image processing script; and, a processor that is connected to the optical reader interface to receive and apply the image processing script to the stored image to generate an output image with the desired effects. The array of dots defines a first resolution and the optical reader has a sensor with a second resolution at least twice the first resolution. The optical reader has a length such that an insertion rotation of the card by the feed mechanism of up to 1 degree is accommodated. | 10-15-2009 |
20090257809 | Printing System Having Coupled Media Drive - A printing system is provided having a printhead, a media drive mechanism for driving media to the printhead for printing, and a media cartridge for supplying the media. The cartridge has a rotatable core for a roll of media and a media delivery arrangement having an opening in the cartridge. The media delivery arrangement is arranged to enable a roller of the print media drive mechanism to contact a wound portion of the roll of media so as to feed an unwound portion of the media from the roll to the printhead on demand operation of the roller on the wound portion. | 10-15-2009 |
20090261171 | Finger Tip Data Reading Device - A reading device for reading an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data. The reading device includes: a harness which is configured to tight fittingly receive at least a portion of a user's hand; a housing coupled to the harness, the housing including a void configured to tight fittingly receive therewithin a finger tip portion of a finger of the user's hand received within the harness, the housing including an aperture in a wall of the housing which is located, in use, adjacent the underside of the finger tip portion of the finger; a sensor provided in the housing for sensing at least some of the coded data through the aperture; and a processor for decoding at least some of the sensed coded data. | 10-22-2009 |
20090262149 | Print Media Cartridge For A Camera - A print media cartridge is configured to be received within a camera in fluid communication with a printhead of the camera. The print media cartridge comprises a cartridge shell having an ejection slot, and housing a print media dispenser including a supply of print media, the print media dispenser further including a cavity; an ink reservoir located within the cavity of the print media dispenser, the ink reservoir divided into a plurality of ink reservoir sections each for storing ink of a different type; and a plurality of bladders each provided in one of the plurality of ink reservoir sections, the bladders containing therein the inks. At least one of the ink reservoir sections has a volumetric dimension different to the other ink reservoir sections, and each of the ink reservoir sections have the same volumetric size. | 10-22-2009 |
20090262154 | Printer Control Circuitry For Reading Ink Information From A Refill Unit - A refill unit for refilling an ink cartridge that forms part of an inkjet printer. The printer also having a printhead, control circuitry and an interface for releasably engaging the refill unit. The refill unit has a body containing a quantity of ink, an ink outlet, and a memory circuit for storing information relating to at least one characteristic of the ink. During use the memory circuit allows to the control circuit to interrogate it to verify that the ink in the refill unit is suitable for the printer. | 10-22-2009 |
20090262163 | INKJET NOZZLE INCORPORATING PISTON ACTUATOR - A nozzle for an inkjet printer comprises 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 comprising a support. The actuator assembly comprises 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. | 10-22-2009 |
20090262166 | Printhead Having Plural Fluid Ejection Heating Elements - A printhead is provided which has a plurality of fluid chambers defined in a substrate, a plurality of covers which each cover a respective fluid chamber, each cover having a plurality of radially extending supports supporting a rim thereby defining a fluid ejection nozzle, and a plurality of heating elements positioned in each cover between respective pairs of adjacent supports, actuation of the heating elements causing ejection of fluid in the chambers through the nozzle. | 10-22-2009 |
20090262172 | Double-Sided Printer Having Opposed Print Engines - A double-sided printer having two print engines are arranged on opposite sides of a print media path. Each print engine comprises an image transfer roller configured to operatively transfer an image onto a sheet of paper fed through the media path; an ink cartridge having an integrated printhead for printing onto said image transfer roller, said printhead spanning a width of the image transfer roller, and having an elastomeric capping seal; a cleaning station configured to clean the image transfer roller after said image is transferred to the paper; and a solenoid arrangement configured to park the elastomeric capping seal of the printhead against the transfer roller when the printer is not operational, and to move the printhead from the roller when the printer is operational. The elastomeric capping seal is provided on two sides of the printhead chip transverse to the span of the printhead. | 10-22-2009 |
20090264151 | Mobile Telephone With Detachable Printing Mechanism - A mobile telephone comprises a support structure around which the mobile telephone is constructed; a camera device positioned on the support structure for electronically capturing and processing an image; a detachable printing mechanism; and a receptacle, defined in the support structure, for receiving therein the detachable printing mechanism. The detachable printing mechanism defines therethrough a print media feed path along which print media is fed for printing. The print media feed path extends from a first longitudinal side of the support structure through to a second longitudinal side of the support structure opposite the first longitudinal side. | 10-22-2009 |
20090266627 | System Enabling Initiation Of Requested Action Via Printed Substrate - A system enabling a user to initiate a requested action via a printed substrate. The system comprises: a printed substrate comprising user information and a position-coding pattern; an optically imaging pen comprising a nib, an image sensor and a processor; and a computer system for identifying and initiating the requested action. The processor is configured for decoding the imaged position-coding pattern, determining a first position using the decoded position-coding pattern, and determining a second position using the first position. The second position is different than the first position, and is used by the computer system to identify the requested action. | 10-29-2009 |
20090267872 | Electronic Book With Built-In Card Scanner - An electronic book includes a housing defining a card slot on a first face thereof, the housing including first and second housing portions; a spine member pivotally coupling the first and second housing portions, the spine defining a cavity therein; a screen display mounted on the housing on a second face thereof opposite the first face; microprocessor circuitry positioned in the housing, in between the card slot and the screen display, the microprocessor circuitry controlling an operation of the electronic book; and a card scanner mounted in the housing between the microprocessor circuitry and the card slot, and facing away from the screen display, the card scanner configured to scan a card inserted into the card slot and to convert a two-dimensional pattern on the card into data signals, the card scanner being connected to the microprocessor circuitry. The microprocessor circuitry is configured to convert the data signals into image data to be viewed on the screen display. | 10-29-2009 |
20090267915 | INPUT ARRANGEMENT FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An input arrangement for controlling an electronic device. The arrangement comprises a substrate have a position-coding pattern printed thereon. The position-coding pattern codes first and second sets of absolute positions on spatially separate areas of the substrate. The first and second sets of absolute positions are mutually exclusive and coded by first and second subsets of the position-coding pattern. A handheld image-recording device comprises an image sensor for recording images of the position-coding pattern a processor is configured for deriving an absolute position from the position-coding pattern in the recorded image and providing an instruction to the electronic device to perform a first function when the absolute position belongs to the first set and a second function when the absolute position belongs to the second set. | 10-29-2009 |
20090267983 | Print Engine Controller For Image Processing Page Data - A print engine controller is provided for an inkjet printhead. The print engine controller receives page data representing a page to be printed, the page data having a bi-level black layer in a compressed format and a contone layer in a compressed format. The processor is configured to decompress the bi-level black layer and the contone layer of the page data, halftone the decompressed contone layer to form a bi-level cyan, yellow, magenta, and black (CYMK) layer, composite the decompressed bi-level black layer over the bi-level CYMK layer to form a bi-level CYMK image of the page to be printed and carry out processing operations for printing the CMYK image. | 10-29-2009 |
20090267991 | PRINTHEAD MODULE FOR WIDE FORMAT PAGEWIDTH INKJET PRINTER - A printhead module for a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer comprises a carrier mountable on a chassis, said carrier being configured for abutment with a carrier of an adjacent printhead module; at least one printhead integrated circuit mounted on the carrier, said at least one printhead integrated circuit including a plurality of ink ejection nozzles and drive circuitry for driving actuators in the ink ejection nozzles; and a connection zone defined in the carrier for electrically connecting said at least one printhead integrated circuit to control circuitry. The ink ejection nozzles are supplied with ink from an ink distribution arrangement, and the printhead module is removably mounted to the ink distribution arrangement. | 10-29-2009 |
20090267992 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING SELECTED INTERCONNECTED CONTROLLERS - A printhead assembly is provided having a plurality of print nozzle integrated circuits, an electrical connector for connecting electrical signals to the print nozzle integrated circuits, and drive electronics having electrical contacts for electrical connection to the electrical connector, input contacts for receiving print data, and a plurality of controllers for processing the print data. Each controller is connected to a predetermined number of the print nozzle integrated circuits via the electrical contacts and being interconnected to the other controllers. The drive electronics are selected from a range of drive electronics, each having a different number of the interconnected controllers configured to each process the print data applicable to a selected number of the print nozzle integrated circuits such that the ratio of controllers to print nozzle integrated circuits can be varied to change the print speed of the printhead assembly. | 10-29-2009 |
20090267993 | Printhead Integrated Circuit With Petal Formation Ink Ejection Actuator - A printhead integrated circuit comprises an ink chamber for storing a fluid; an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the ink chamber; a plurality of actuators radially positioned about the ink ejection port in a petal formation; and a heater structure provided in each actuator, the heater structure operable to conduct current therethrough to heat a respective actuator, whereby a differential thermal expansion is established in the respective actuator to urge the respective actuator into the ink chamber. The heater structure is positioned in each actuator to heat the actuator unevenly. | 10-29-2009 |
20090267995 | Inkjet Printhead Integrated Circuit Comprising A Multilayered Substrate - An inkjet printhead integrated circuit comprising a multilayered substrate having drive circuitry and a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement comprises: 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 vapour bubble is formed in ink contained in the nozzle chamber resulting in ejection of ink via the ink ejection port. | 10-29-2009 |
20090268001 | REFILLABLE INK CARTRIDGE WITH INBUILT PRINTHEAD - A refillable ink cartridge that has a pagewidth printhead supported on a moulding assembly that defines the ink reservoirs. The printhead has a series of holes etched on a back surface thereof for the supply of ink to a front surface of the printhead for ejection. The moulding assembly has an elongate top moulding piece and an elongate bottom moulding piece that together define a plurality of elongate ink reservoirs. The bottom moulding piece having apertures for supplying ink to the series of holes on the back surface of the pagewidth printhead. Each of the ink reservoirs are in fluid communication with at least one of the apertures but each of the apertures are in fluid communication with only one of the ink reservoirs. Each of the ink reservoirs are in fluid communication with a respective refill port and corresponding air vent. | 10-29-2009 |
20090268003 | Mobile Device With Multiple Optical Sensing Pathways - A mobile device that has a media path for receiving a sheet of print medium and a media drive mechanism for directing the print medium along the media path. An optical sensor in the device is positioned to receive first optical image information via a first optical pathway, and second optical image information via a second optical pathway. The first optical information being from an area of the media path and the second optical information being from an area external to the mobile device. | 10-29-2009 |
20090268217 | Integrated Printing And Display Device With Replaceable Ink Cartridge - A printing and display device for use with an external computer. The printing and display device includes a flat panel display for displaying images from the external computer; a printer including a printhead for printing onto paper; a display data connection for selectively connecting to the external computer to receive display data used to provide the images displayed; a print data connection for selective connection to the external computer to receive print data from the external computer; and a rear cover molding enclosing therein the flat panel display. The rear cover molding includes an aperture for receiving therein an external ink cartridge. | 10-29-2009 |
20090268257 | PRINTER FOR PRINTING POSITION-CODING PATTERN ONTO A SURFACE - A printer for printing an interface of human-readable visible information and a machine-readable position-coding pattern onto a surface. The printer comprises: an input for receiving document data; a memory buffer storing dot data for the visible information and dot data for the position-coding pattern; a printhead for printing the interface; visible ink channels dedicated for printing the visible information; and an infrared ink channel exclusively dedicated for printing the position-coding pattern. The printhead is configured to print the interface onto the surface by printing the visible information and the position-coding pattern simultaneously. | 10-29-2009 |
20090272196 | Pressure Sensor Having Sealed And Apertured Chambers - A pressure sensor is provided having a substrate assembly having a first substrate bonded to a second substrate via an intermediate bonding layer so as to define sealed channels in the first substrate, a sealed reference chamber on said first substrate and having the sealed channels, and an apertured chamber on said first substrate and covering the sealed reference chamber. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273588 | FORCE-SENSING ELECTRONIC PEN WITH USER-REPLACEABLE CARTRIDGE - A force-sensing electronic pen comprises a user-replaceable cartridge, a retaining boot for securely retaining the cartridge, a force sensor coupled to the retaining boot, a spring for biasing the retaining boot towards engagement with the force sensor; and an end-stop for limiting travel of the retaining boot against the bias of the spring. The cartridge is extractable from the pen by pulling the cartridge against the bias of the spring until the retaining boot engages with the end-stop. When the retaining boot engages with the end-stop, further pulling of the cartridge releases the cartridge from the retaining boot. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273622 | Printhead Integrated Circuit With Low Operating Power - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. When printing 100% coverage at full print rate, each of the actuators has an average power consumption less than 1.5 mW. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273623 | Printhead With Low Power Actuators - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. When printing, each of the actuators has an average power consumption less than 150 mW during activation. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273628 | Clock Signal Extracting During Printing - A mobile device for printing onto a print medium, the print medium including a linear-encoded data track extending in an intended direction of printing, the mobile device including: a sensor configured to sense the data track during printing; a printhead for printing onto the print medium in response to a fire control signal; and fire control means connected to generate the fire control signal based on the sensed data track. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273632 | Printhead Integrated Circuit With Large Nozzle Array - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a single printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The array has more than 2000 droplet ejectors and all the nozzle apertures are formed in a printhead surface layer on one face of the printhead IC. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273633 | Printhead Integrated Circuit With High Density Nozzle Array - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a single printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The array has a nozzle aperture density of more than 100 nozzle apertures per square millimetre and all the nozzle apertures are formed in a printhead surface layer on one face of the printhead IC. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273634 | Printhead Integrated Circuit With Thin Nozzle Layer - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The array has a nozzle aperture density of more than 100 nozzle apertures per square millimetre and all the nozzle apertures are formed in a printhead surface layer on one face of the printhead IC. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273635 | Printhead Integrated Circuit For Low Volume Droplet Ejection - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture and is configured to eject droplets with a volume less than 3 pico-litres each. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273636 | Electro-Thermal Inkjet Printer With High Speed Media Feed - An inkjet printer that has a printhead mounted adjacent a media feed path, the printhead having an array of droplet ejectors for ejecting ink droplets on to a media substrate. Each of the droplet ejectors having an electro-thermal actuator. The printer also having a media feed drive for moving the media substrate relative to the array of droplet ejectors at a speed greater than 0.1 m/s. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273638 | Printhead Integrated Circuit With More Than Two Metal Layer CMOS - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a single printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The printhead IC also has drive circuitry for providing the actuators with power, the drive circuitry having patterned layers of metal separated by interleaved layers of dielectric material. The layers of metal being interconnected by conductive vias, wherein the drive circuitry has more than two of the metal layers and each of the metal layers are less than 2 microns thick. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273639 | Printhead Integrated Circuit With Actuators Proximate Exterior Surface - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The actuator in each of the droplet ejectors is configured to generate a pressure pulse in a quantity of ink adjacent the nozzle aperture, the pressure pulse being directed towards the nozzles aperture such that the droplet of ink is ejected through the nozzle aperture. The actuator is positioned in the droplet ejector such that it is less than 30 microns from an exterior surface of the printhead surface layer. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273640 | Printhead Integrated Circuit With Small Nozzle Apertures - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The nozzle apertures each have an area less than 600 microns squared. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273641 | Printhead IC With Ink Supply Channel For Multiple Nozzle Rows - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The array of droplet ejectors is arranged in a plurality of rows and an ink supply channel extending parallel to the plurality of rows, and an inlet conduit extending from the supply channel to an opposing surface of the printhead IC. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273642 | Printhead IC With Low Velocity Droplet Ejection - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The droplet ejectors are configured to eject ink droplets at a velocity less than 4.5 m/s. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273643 | Printhead Integrated Circuit With Ink Supply Through Wafer Thickness - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on one face of a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The printhead IC having a printhead surface layer on one face which defines all the nozzle apertures on the array. The printhead IC also having a back face that is opposite said one face on which the printhead surface layer is formed, and at least one supply conduit extending from the back face to the array of droplet ejectors. The at least one supply conduit is in fluid communication with a plurality of the droplet ejectors in the array. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273644 | Modular Printer With Printheads Proximate Feed Roller Nip - A modular printer which has a pair of opposed printhead assemblies for duplexed printing. Print media is fed along a print media path extending between the printhead assemblies. Each printhead assembly has pinch rollers to feed the print media along the print media path. Each printhead assembly also includes a printhead module configured to eject ink onto the print media. The printhead module defines a curved end portion in which the pinch rollers are received. The printhead is located at the end of the curved end portion proximal to the nip of the pinch roller. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273645 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING PROPORTIONAL EJECTION PORTS AND ARMS - An inkjet printhead is provided having ink chambers, ink ejection ports defined in the chambers, and cantilevered ejection arms positioned in the chambers. Each arm has a displacement area that acts on ink in the respective chamber through cantilevered movement of the arm to eject ink via the respective port. Each displacement area is greater than half an area of the respective port but less than twice the area of that port. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273646 | THERMAL BEND ACTUATOR COMPRISING BENT ACTIVE BEAM HAVING RESISTIVE HEATING BARS - A thermal bend actuator comprising: (a) a pair of electrical contacts positioned at one end of the actuator; (b) an active beam connected to the electrical contacts and extending longitudinally away from the contacts, the active beam defining a bent current flow path between the contacts; and (c) a passive beam fused to the active beam. When a current is passed through the active beam, the active beam heats and expands relative to the passive beam, resulting in bending of the actuator. The active beam comprises a resistive heating bar having a relatively smaller cross-sectional area than any other part of the current flow path. Heating of the active beam is concentrated in the heating bar. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273649 | Inkjet Printhead With Nozzle Layer Defining Etchant Holes - The current invention provides for an inkjet printhead for an inkjet printer. The inkjet printhead includes a wafer substrate defining an ink supply channel. Side wall portions extend away from one surface of the wafer substrate, and a nozzle layer supported on the side wall portions and extending parallel to said one surface of the wafer substrate. The nozzle layer and the side wall portions define an array of nozzle chambers for receiving ink. The nozzle layer defines ink ejection ports and etchant holes. The etchant holes are of sufficient diameter to retain ink in the nozzle chamber by surface tension. Each nozzle chamber has a thermal actuators cantilevered on the wafer substrate. The actuator partitions the nozzle chamber and has a heater layer which produces thermal expansion of said actuator upon activation. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273650 | Printhead With Columns Extending Across Chamber Inlet - 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. | 11-05-2009 |
20090273807 | Method of Obtaining a Copy of a Previously Printed Document - A method of enabling a user to obtain a printed copy of a document previously printed by the user is provided. A history list of documents previously printed by the user is maintained. A list document is printed at a printer. The list document includes history items from the history list and a user interface element associated with each history item. The user interface element allow is the user to indicate a request for a copy of a previously printed document associated with the history item by sensing the interface element in the printed list document using a sensing device. When request data is received from the sensing device, the copy is retrieved and printed. | 11-05-2009 |
20090274506 | Slitting And Cutting Mechanism - A slitting mechanism for a roll media printer is provided. The slitting mechanism has a rotatable carousel of rotatable slitting shafts which extend across the width of a media web arranged to pass the slitting shafts along a path. Each slitting shaft has at least one slitter misaligned with at least one of the slitters of the other slitting shafts. Each slitter has a cutting edge. The slitting mechanism is selectively movable and the carousel is selectively rotatable to a plurality of cutting positions within the path. Each cutting position results in a different width of roll media being output from the printer. | 11-05-2009 |
20090275151 | Method Of Forming Printhead By Removing Sacrificial Material Through Nozzle Apertures - A method of fabricating an inkjet printhead by forming a plurality of actuators on a monolithic substrate, covering the actuators with a sacrificial material, covering the sacrificial material with a printhead surface layer, defining a plurality of nozzle apertures in the printhead surface layer such that each of the actuators corresponds to one of the nozzle apertures and then, removing at least some of the sacrificial material on each of the actuators through the nozzle aperture corresponding to each of the actuators. | 11-05-2009 |
20090276633 | Retrieving Content Via A Coded Surface - A method of retrieving a content using a print medium is disclosed. The method starts by determining a print media identifier from the print medium using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device. The print media identifier is linked to the content. The method then retrieves, using the mobile telecommunications device, the content. | 11-05-2009 |
20090277698 | PEN SYSTEM FOR RECORDING HANDWRITTEN INFORMATION - A pen system for recording a track of handwritten information. The system includes a handheld pen device having an image sensor, a processor and a first memory unit. The pen device generates digital ink by interacting with a coded surface and transmits the digital ink to a second memory unit located in an external data storage device. The pen device and the second memory unit are connected in such a way that transmission of the digital ink is caused to occur automatically from the pen device to the second memory unit. Receipt of the digital ink by the second memory unit causes the second memory unit to associate the track of handwritten information with a stored description of the surface. The stored description corresponds to the surface identity. | 11-12-2009 |
20090277956 | Archiving Printed Content - A system for printing a greeting card on a print medium, the system comprising: a mobile telecommunications device which comprises: a printer module to print the greeting card on the print medium; and, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium. | 11-12-2009 |
20090278300 | Sheet Feed Mechanism - A sheet feed mechanism includes a chassis for supporting a stack of sheets; a top sheet engaging member for engaging a top most sheet of the stack; a stack engaging structure for engaging the stack and biasing the top most sheet against the top sheet engaging member, the stack engaging structure hingedly connected to the chassis at a hinge axis; a friction surface extending from the stack engaging structure, the friction surface extending in a curvature parallel to a locus of the stack engaging structure about the hinge axis; a lock mechanism having a lock arm hingedly connected to the chassis at the hinge axis, the lock mechanism further having a biased contact foot for engaging the friction surface to retard a movement of the stack engaging structure about the hinge axis; and an actuator for engaging and disengaging the contact foot from the friction surface. The friction surface is arranged to extend beneath the biased contact foot, and the actuator is adapted to pivotally actuate the biased contact foot upwards and downwards to respectively disengage and engage the biased contact foot with the friction surface. | 11-12-2009 |
20090278876 | SHORT PULSEWIDTH ACTUATION OF THERMAL BEND ACTUATOR - A method of actuating a thermal bend actuator having an active beam fused to a passive beam. The method comprises passing an electrical current through the active beam so as to cause thermoelastic expansion of the active beam relative to the passive beam and bending of the actuator. The current is delivered in an actuation pulse having a pulse width of less than 0.2 microseconds. | 11-12-2009 |
20090278885 | Printhead Maintenance Station Having Contact Pad With Sloping Profile - A printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition. The maintenance station comprises an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing contact with nozzles in an ink ejection face of the printhead. The contact surface has a sloping profile. The maintenance station has a motor and cam arrangement for moving the pad substantially perpendicularly with respect to the ink ejection face. The pad moves from a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly contacted with the nozzles to a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face. The movement and the sloping profile of the pad causes the contact surface to be peeled away from the face during disengagement. | 11-12-2009 |
20090278891 | Printhead IC With Filter Structure At Inlet To Ink Chambers - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. Each of the droplet ejectors has a chamber in which the actuator is positioned, the chamber having an inlet for fluid communication with an ink supply. A filter structure in positioned the inlet to inhibit ingress of contaminants into the chamber. | 11-12-2009 |
20090278892 | Printhead IC With Small Ink Chambers - An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. Each of the droplet ejectors also has a chamber in which the actuator is positioned, the chamber having a volume less than 30,000 microns cubed. | 11-12-2009 |
20090278893 | Variable-Volume Nozzle Arrangement - 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. | 11-12-2009 |
20090278894 | Inkjet Printhead Employing Active And Static Ink Ejection Structures - An inkjet printhead includes a wafer having a droplet ejection side and a liquid supply side opposite the droplet ejection side; a plurality of active ink ejection structures formed on the droplet ejection side of the wafer, each active ink ejection structure partially defining a nozzle chamber, and defining an ink ejection port; a plurality of individual fluid passages formed in the wafer, each fluid passage providing fluid to corresponding nozzle chambers; a plurality of static ink ejection structures formed on the droplet ejection side of the wafer and inside of corresponding active ink ejection structures, each static ink ejection structure defining a nozzle chamber with a corresponding active ink ejection structure; and droplet ejection actuators respectively corresponding to each active ink ejection structure. The droplet ejection actuators are formed on the droplet ejection side of the wafer and attached to respective active ink ejection structures. The droplet ejection actuators are operable to displace an active ink ejection structures towards a corresponding static ink ejection structure to effect ejection of fluid in the nozzle chamber through the ink ejection port. | 11-12-2009 |
20090278897 | Inkjet Printhead With Nozzle Chambers Each Holding Two Fluids - 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. | 11-12-2009 |
20090278899 | Printhead Integrated Circuit Comprising Polymeric Cover Layer - 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. | 11-12-2009 |
20090278901 | Ink Reservoir - An ink reservoir includes a first portion defining one or more channels each for providing ink to a respective output port; a second portion bearing one or more ink bladders each containing a respective type of ink, each ink bladder adapted to be in fluid communication with a respective channel; and a third portion adapted to couple with the first portion to form a pressurived cavity containing the second portion. The first, second and third portions are adapted to be received within a former of a printer roll such that the first, second, and third portions remain stationary while the printer roll rotates. | 11-12-2009 |
20090278942 | Camera Incorporating Swipe Printer - A digital camera comprises a housing having a front surface, a rear surface, a base surface and an inclined surface adjoining the rear and base surfaces, the base surface being the surface on which the digital camera is supported at rest; an image sensor for capturing an image, the image sensor provided on the front surface; a digital storage device for digitally storing the image captured by the image sensor; a printer located within the housing for printing the captured image on media external to the camera as the camera traverses the media, a printhead of the printer being provided on the inclined surface and at an angle normal thereto; and a speed sensor for sensing a speed at which the camera traverses the media. The printhead of the printer is operated in accordance with the speed sensed by the speed sensor. The inclined surface is presented parallel to the media to effect printing. | 11-12-2009 |
20090278943 | Method Of Generating Manipulated Images With Digital Camera - A method of generating manipulated images with a digital camera is provided in which objects within a digital image produced by the digital camera utilising an autofocus unit of the digital camera are detected by processing the digital image with a processor of the digital camera utilising focusing settings of the autofocus unit as an indicator of positions of said objects, and a manipulated image is generated by applying a digital image manipulating process of the processor to the detected objects. | 11-12-2009 |
20090278944 | Camera Module - An image processor for a camera module having an image sensor that captures an image for transfer to a printer module of a compact printer system including a capture unit that captures the image from the image sensor and transforms it to planarized linear RGB form. The image processor also includes one or more interface units communicating with components of said camera module under control of the central processing unit and image processing units, being an application specific integrated circuits, in communication with said image storage memory to transform said image for transmission. A Serial Bus interface communicates with the Serial Bus of a compact printer system to transfer data and power between modules. In one application, the camera module captures an image, which is transferred to the image storage memory of a printer module for printing by a printhead. | 11-12-2009 |
20090278960 | Method Of Processing Digital Image In A Digital Camera - A method of processing a digital image in a digital camera is provided in which structures within a digital image produced by the digital camera utilising an adjustable focusing technique of the digital camera are detected by processing the digital image with a processor of the digital camera utilising focusing settings of the adjustable focusing technique as an indicator of positions of said structures, and image effects are applied to the detected structures with the processor. | 11-12-2009 |
20090279140 | RELAY DEVICE FOR RELAYING DATA FROM A SENSING DEVICE TO A COMPUTER SYSTEM - A relay device is provided which is configured to relay data processed by a sensing device to a computer system and which has a memory storing an ID of the relay device, a first interface for receiving, from the sensing device, region data of an interactive surface and a sensing device ID, the region data being extracted by the sensing device through sensing coded data on the interactive surface, and a second interface for transmitting the received sensing device ID and the relay device ID to the computer system, receiving, from the computer system, permission to communicate the received region data based on a registration of the sensing device with the relay device recorded in the computer system, and transmitting the received region data to the computer system when said permission is received. | 11-12-2009 |
20090279148 | Method Of Determining Rotational Orientation Of Coded Data On Print Medium - A method of determining a first relative rotation of coded data on a print medium to be printed on by a mobile device that has a printer, a first sensor and processing means. The print medium has a substrate defining first and second opposite faces, the first face bearing coded data. The method involves capturing a first image of the coded data when the print medium is at a first position using the first sensor, determining a first relative rotation of the coded data with respect to the print medium from a known physical orientation of the print medium and the first image, using the processing means, capturing a second image of the coded data when the print medium is at a second position using the first sensor, determining a second relative rotation of the coded data with respect to the print medium from a known physical orientation of the print medium and the second image, using the processing means and calculating a third rotation from the first and second rotations using the processing means. The third rotation is a more precise measure of the first relative rotation than the first relative rotation or the second relative rotation. | 11-12-2009 |
20090279931 | PRINTER HAVING STRAIGHT MEDIA PATH - A printer is provided having a media path along which media is transported, at least one pagewidth printhead arranged to print on the media on the media path, and a binder arranged on the media path for binding the printed media. The printhead and the binder are arranged so that the media path is substantially straight. | 11-12-2009 |
20090279934 | Media Cartridge Having Drive Roller - A media cartridge is provided having a shaft about which media is rotatably wound, a drive roller for drawing the media from about the shaft, and a support member mounting the shaft and drive roller to the cartridge. A groove in the drive roller engages with a lunette of the support member so that the drive roller protrude from the cartridge. | 11-12-2009 |
20090280793 | Method Of Controlling A Communications Device - A method of enabling at least one function of a telephone to be controlled is provided. The telephone is operative to perform the function in response to a command from a computer system. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a control interface containing information relating to the function, the control interface including coded data indicative of at least one operation relating to the command; (b) receiving, in the computer system and from the sensing device, indicating data regarding the operation and movement data regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the control interface, the sensing device, when moved relative to the control interface, generating the indicating data using at least some of the coded data and generating the movement data; and (c) effecting, in the computer system and from the indicating data and the movement data, the at least one operation. | 11-12-2009 |
20090280864 | CONTROL OF A DEVICE - A method is provided of enabling a function(s) of a telephone to be controlled. The telephone is operative to perform the function(s) in response to command(s) from a printer. The method includes providing a control interface which contains information relating to the function(s) and has coded data on an identity and a reference point(s) of the control interface, receiving, in the printer, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the control interface identity and a position and/or movement of the sensing device relative thereto, and effecting, in the printer and from the indicating data, an operation(s) relating to the command(s). The coded data incorporates substantially undifferentiated marks positioned relative to a set of predetermined nominal mark positions. The sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the control interface, generates the indicating data using at least some of the coded data. | 11-12-2009 |
20090281647 | Electronic Pen Configured For Audio Playback - An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive apparatus has an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. Further, the interactive apparatus includes a writing tool for manually writing on an encoded writing medium, an audio input device for recording audio, an audio output device for playing the recorded audio. Moreover, the interactive apparatus has an optical unit for reading coded data on the encoded writing medium and for determining a position on the encoded writing medium of the writing tool. Activation of the audio recording mode enables synchronous creation of writing on said encoded writing medium and recording of audio, and recognition of a playback-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio playback mode and enables playback of the recorded audio. | 11-12-2009 |
20090282317 | METHOD OF DATA STORAGE BY ENCODING BIT STREAM ON SURFACE - A method is provided of data storage by encoding a bit stream on a surface. The method involves printing coded data on the surface which encodes the bit stream, and printing alignment data on the surface which is indicative of a position of the coded data on the surface. The alignment data has a first registration structure indicative of a plurality of reference points indicative of a position of the coded data in an alignment direction, and a second registration structure indicative of a plurality of reference points indicative of a position of the coded data in a direction perpendicular to the alignment direction. | 11-12-2009 |
20090284809 | Method Of Initiating Requested Action Via Substrate Printed With Naphthalocyanine Dye - A method of initiating a requested action in a computer system via a printed substrate. The substrate has human-readable information and machine-readable coded data printed thereon. The coded data is indicative of a substrate identity and of a plurality of locations on the substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) interacting with the substrate using an optically imaging sensing device; (b) imaging the coded data; (c) generating indicating data in the sensing device using the imaged coded data, the indicating data identifying the substrate identity and a position of the sensing device relative to the substrate; and communicating the indicating data to the computer system so that the computer system can initiate the requested action. The coded data is printed with an ink comprising an IR-absorbing naphthalocyanine dye. | 11-19-2009 |
20090289979 | Inkjet Printhead With Drive Circuitry Controlling Variable Firing Sequences - An inkjet printhead comprises: an array of ink ejection nozzles, an actuator for each nozzle and drive circuitry for receiving print data from a printhead controller and distributing fire signals to the actuators. The drive circuitry is configured to fire the actuators such that a first firing sequence for a first line of print is different to a second firing sequence for a subsequent second line of print. | 11-26-2009 |
20090289988 | Method Of Cleaning A Printhead Using Liquid Foam - A method of cleaning an inkjet printhead, by generating a liquid foam on the ink ejection face such that particulate contaminants on the ejection surface disperse into the foam, then transferring the foam, together with the particulate contaminants dispersed within, onto a rotatable transfer surface moving relative said ejection face and, rotating the rotatable transfer surface into contact with a removal surface to remove the foam and the particulate contaminants dispersed within. Ink consumption is minimized by use of a foam and damage to the face is avoided since the rotatable transfer surface does not contact the face. | 11-26-2009 |
20090289991 | Printer Module With Capping Mechanism - A printer module includes an elongate body. A motor assembly is operatively mounted to an end of the body. A quartet of rollers is rotationally mounted with respect to the body and extends along the inside of the body. The rollers include a pair of driven rollers coupled to the motor assembly and a pair of free rotation neutral rollers. The rollers are arranged in pinching pairs with each pair including a respective driven and neutral roller. An elongate printhead is operatively mounted to extend along the body, and is configured to print ink upon print media passing through the body and between the pairs of rollers. | 11-26-2009 |
20090289996 | Nozzle Arrangement With Pivotal Wall Coupled To Thermal Expansion Actuator - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet channel; a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet channel, the nozzle chamber including an ink ejection port defined through a roof of the nozzle chamber, and a pivotal wall formed as part of one sidewall of the nozzle chamber; a paddle attached to the pivotal wall in a cantilevered manner, and extending into the nozzle chamber; a pair of anchors extending from the substrate assembly, a first anchor of the pair connected to a positive electrical contact and a second anchor of the pair connected to a negative electrical contact; and a thermal expansion actuator forming a bridge between the pair of anchors and the pivotal wall, the thermal expansion actuator having two arms each respectively attached to each of the pair of anchors, the thermal expansion actuator further having a bridge portion bridging the two arm. The thermal expansion actuator is configure to expand upon application of a current supplied through the pair of anchors. | 11-26-2009 |
20090289997 | Inkjet Printhead Employing Nozzle Paddle Ink Ejecting Actuator - An inkjet printhead includes a substrate defining a fluid chamber, the fluid chamber having a fluid outlet nozzle and a fluid supply channel respectively defined in opposite walls of the chamber; a thermal actuator extending from outside of the fluid chamber into the fluid chamber via an aperture in a sidewall of the fluid chamber; and a nozzle paddle terminating the thermal actuator and positioned within the fluid chamber, the nozzle paddle operatively displaceable upwards by the thermal actuator to eject ink from within the fluid chamber out through the fluid outlet nozzle. The fluid chamber is provided with a rim extending around an inner surface of the side wall, the rim partially protruding from the inner surface into the fluid chamber. The rim is provided with a rim edge angled upwards towards the fluid outlet nozzle. The nozzle paddle is spaced from the rim edge to define a gap between an edge of the nozzle paddle and the rim edge, the gap facilitating ink flow from a side of the nozzle paddle facing the fluid supply channel to a side of the nozzle paddle facing the fluid outlet nozzle. | 11-26-2009 |
20090290926 | Media Supply Cartridge For Roll-Fed Printer - A media supply cartridge includes a media case having a molded top half and a molded bottom half, both halves defining arcuate slots; a media roll assembly rotatably provided within the media case, the media roll assembly having a shaft received in the arcuate slots of the media case and a roll of media wound around the shaft; a roller assembly for ejecting blank media from the media roll assembly out of the media case, the roller assembly including a cartridge drive roller and an idler roller; and media roller support moldings provided at each end of the shaft, the media roller support moldings being restrainedly received in locator slots defined in the media case. The shaft is provided with a notch at each end thereof to engage cooperating nibs on each support molding, the engagement of the notches with nibs restraining the shaft from rotating. The media roller support is provided with a pair of resilient extensions extending thereform, the pair of resilient extensions engaging with the roller assembly to bias the cartridge drive roller and the idler roller into close proximity with each other. | 11-26-2009 |
20090291708 | Mobile Phone Incorporating Integrated Printer - A mobile phone including a phone body defining front and rear faces, the front face having a keypad and display and the rear face having a removable cover, the phone body further defining a recess between the front and rear faces within which recess a supply of print media is received; a camera fitted to the body and configured to capture an image; a print media stock container adapted to fit within the recess and accessible with the cover removed; and a printer assembly fitted within the body, proximate to a base end of the body. The printer assembly includes an ink ejection printhead configured to print the captured image upon print media, and a feed means provided between the print media stock container and the base end of the body. The feed means is configured to feed print media from the stock container and past the printhead during printing. | 11-26-2009 |
20090293626 | PRESSURE SENSOR WITH TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION - The invention provides for a pressure sensor with compensation for temperature variations. The sensor has CMOS layers deposited on a substrate, a conductive layer connected to the CMOS and a passivation layer deposited on the CMOS layers. The arrangement also includes a conductive active membrane spaced from the conductive layer to form an active chamber, and a conductive reference membrane spaced from the conductive layer to form a sealed reference chamber. Further included is a cap which covers the membranes, said cap exposing the active membrane to an outside fluid pressure. The active membrane further defines a foot which is located between the substrate and cap with a leg extending away from the substrate and terminating in a substantially planar deflectable portion, which deflects due to differential pressure stresses so that an active capacitance is developed between the active membrane and the conductive layer depending on the electrical permittivity e of the fluid. The reference membrane provides a temperature compensating reference capacitance. The arrangement also has sensor circuitry configured to determine a charge imbalance indicative of a pressure difference between the active and reference membranes. | 12-03-2009 |
20090295860 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING SUPPORTING STRUCTURE OF ALTERNATING MATERIALS - A printhead assembly includes a support beam formed of two types of material having different coefficients of thermal expansion, the two materials being repeatedly alternated in segments over the length of the support beam to form the support beam; and a plurality of spaced apart printhead modules supported by the support beam. A first one of the materials has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of silicon, and a second one of the materials has a coefficient of thermal expansion less than that of silicon. | 12-03-2009 |
20090295864 | Printhead Assembly With Ink Supply To Nozzles Through Polymer Sealing Film - An inkjet printhead assembly with a printhead integrated circuit formed on a wafer substrate, the printhead integrated circuit having an array of ink ejection nozzles, the array having a first section with nozzles for ejecting ink of a first color, and a second section with nozzles for ejecting ink of a second color. The assembly also having an integrated circuit support structure for mounting in the printer adjacent a media feed path, the integrated circuit support structure having conduits for supplying the printhead integrated circuit with ink of the first color and the second color and, a polymer sealing film between the integrated circuit support structure and the printhead integrated circuit for fixing the printhead integrated circuit to the integrated circuit support structure. The polymer sealing has apertures that allow sealed fluid communication between the conduits of the support structure carrying ink of the first color and the nozzles of the first section and sealed fluid communication between the conduits of the support structure carrying ink of the second color and the nozzles of the second section. No fluid communication exists between the first section of the array and the second section of the array. The printhead integrated circuit has channels for supplying ink to the array of ink ejection nozzles. Each of the channels being divided into channel sections by transverse walls. The apertures in the polymer sealing film are positioned at each of the transverse walls such that each of the apertures supplies ink to both the channel sections either side of one of the transverse walls. | 12-03-2009 |
20090295868 | Printhead Having Ejection Nozzles Over Wide Printing Zone - A printhead is provided having an elongate carrier, a plurality of ejection nozzle integrated circuits mounted on the carrier, and control circuitry positioned on the carrier and operatively connected to the ejection nozzle integrated circuits to control operation thereof. The mounted ejection nozzle integrated circuits have more than 150,000 ejection nozzles | 12-03-2009 |
20090295871 | Inkjet Nozzle Assembly With Actuatable Nozzle Chamber - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet aperture; a nozzle comprising a wall portion extending from the substrate assembly to bound the ink inlet aperture, and a moveable crown portion from which a skirt portion depends, the wall portion and the skirt portion defining a peripheral wall of a nozzle chamber; an anchor extending from the substrate assembly; and a thermal bend actuator connected between the anchor and a lever arm. The lever arm is in turn connected to the nozzle. The thermal bend actuator, upon actuation, moves the crown and skirt portions relative to the wall portion to eject ink in the nozzle chamber out through the nozzle opening. The skirt portion and the wall portion are separated by a gap, and the wall portion is shaped with an inwardly directed lip in the vicinity of the gap, the inwardly directed lip facilitating the formation of a fluidic seal effected via surface tension across the gap. | 12-03-2009 |
20090295875 | INK EJECTION NOZZLE EMPLOYING VOLUME VARYING INK EJECTING MEANS - A nozzle arrangement for ejecting ink includes a substrate defining an ink supply passage; a first endless wall extending from the substrate and bounding the ink supply passage; an elongate actuator operatively anchored at a fixed end to the substrate and at a location external to the confines of the first endless wall, the actuator configured to reciprocally bend towards and away from the substrate on receipt of an electrical current; and a cover terminating a free end of the actuator, the cover defining a second endless wall suspended from the cover within the confines of the first endless wall to define an ink chamber with the first endless wall, the cover further defining an ink ejection port through which ink in the ink chamber is ejected. The reciprocal bending of the actuator towards and away from the substrate varies a volume of the ink chamber and effects ejection of ink from the ink chamber through the ink ejection port. The first and second endless walls define a gap therebetween, a width of the gap being conducive to the formation of a fluidic seal effected via surface tension of the ink. | 12-03-2009 |
20090295883 | Ink Channel Extrusion Module For Pagewidth Printhead - An extrusion module for delivering ink to an array of printhead modules defining a pagewidth printhead. The modules are substantially coextensive with the extrusion module. The extrusion module includes a plurality of discrete ink channels each for conveying ink; and a pattern of holes defined in a surface of the extrusion module via which ink from each of said discrete ink channels is fed from the extrusion module to a printhead module. The pattern of holes is repeated longitudinally along the extrusion module. one repetition of the pattern corresponds to one printhead module. | 12-03-2009 |
20090295887 | Print Media Cartridge With Ink Supply Manifold - An ink and print media cartridge for a printer device includes a print media housing assembly having a top molding coupled to a bottom molding, the top and bottom moldings defining a region therebetween in which print media is stored; an ink housing assembly attached to an underside of the bottom molding, the ink housing assembly defining with the underside of the bottom molding an ink chamber in which ink is received, the ink housing assembly further including an ink outlet in fluid communication with the ink chamber; and a spring provided between the top molding and the bottom molding, the spring positioned to bear against the top molding to bias the print media towards the bottom molding. A portion of the bottom molding extends beyond a peripheral edge of the top molding to define an ink supply connection manifold with the ink housing assembly. The ink outlet is provided on the ink supply connection manifold, spaced clear of the print media housing assembly. | 12-03-2009 |
20090295928 | Digital Camera System Incorporating VLIW Image Processor - A hand-held digital camera device includes a programmable processing circuitry incorporating a four-way parallel VLIW vector processor; an image sensor interface connected to the programmable processing circuitry and configured to receive signals from an image sensor and pass data representing the signals to the programmable processing circuitry; and a printhead interface connected to the programmable processing circuitry and configured to receive data from the programmable processing circuitry and generate control signals to be received by a printhead of a printing mechanism. The programmable processing circuitry, the image sensor interface and the printhead interface all form part of CMOS integrated circuitry provided on a common wafer. An instruction set of the VLIW vector processor is tuned for image manipulation processing. | 12-03-2009 |
20090299507 | Audio Playback Selection Using Printed Coded Data - An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive apparatus has an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. Further, the interactive apparatus includes a writing tool for manually writing on an encoded writing medium, an audio input device for recording audio, an audio output device for playing the recorded audio. Moreover, the interactive apparatus has an optical unit for reading coded data on the encoded writing medium and for determining a position on the encoded writing medium of the writing tool. Activation of the audio recording mode enables synchronous creation of writing on said encoded writing medium and recording of audio, and recognition of a playback-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio playback mode and enables playback of the recorded audio. | 12-03-2009 |
20090300915 | Method Of Producing An Inkjet Printhead - A method of producing a pagewidth inkjet printhead. The method includes forming a substrate having defined therein a nozzle chamber operable to receive and store a fluid, the chamber fed at one side by an inlet passage; forming a nozzle plate in-situ on the substrate to define a nozzle opening on an opposite side of the nozzle chamber to the inlet passage; and forming a heater element between the nozzle opening and the inlet passage, the heater element having two planar opposite sides, the heater element arranged to be in direct contact with the fluid in the nozzle chamber at the two planar opposite sides. The step of forming the nozzle plate includes a first stage of forming a recess in the nozzle plate in a region outside of an area in which the nozzle opening will later be formed, and a second stage of etching within the area to form the nozzle opening. | 12-10-2009 |
20090300916 | Inkjet Printhead Production Method - A method of producing an ink jet printhead includes steps of forming a substrate having defined therein a nozzle chamber for receiving and storing a fluid, the chamber fed at one side by an inlet passage; forming a nozzle plate in-situ on the substrate to define a nozzle opening on an opposite side of the nozzle chamber to the inlet passage; and forming first and second heater elements suspended between the nozzle opening and the inlet passage, the heater elements having two opposite planar sides and positioned to be in direct thermal contact with the fluid stored in the nozzle chamber at both opposed planar sides. The first heater element is formed on a different layer to the second heater element. The first heater element is formed with a surface area larger than that the second heater element. | 12-10-2009 |
20090301999 | Method Of Forming An Ink Supply Channel - A method of forming an ink supply channel for an inkjet printhead comprises the steps of: (i) providing a wafer having a frontside and a backside; (ii) etching a plurality of frontside trenches into the frontside; (iii) filling each of the trenches with a photoresist plug; (iv) forming nozzle structures on the frontside using MEMS fabrication processes; (v) etching a backside trench from the backside, the backside trench meeting with one or more of the plugs; (vi) removing a portion of each photoresist plug via the backside trench by subjecting the backside to a biased oxygen plasma etch, thereby exposing sidewall features in the backside trench; (vii) modifying the exposed sidewall features; and (viii) removing the photoresist plugs to form the ink supply channel. The ink supply channel connects the backside to the frontside. | 12-10-2009 |
20090302107 | Method For Online Purchasing Using Printed Form - A method of effecting a purchasing transaction includes providing a printed form having printed thereon coded data distributed over an area; capturing an image of the form using a sensing device, the captured image showing a portion of the coded data; decoding at least some of the coded data within the captured image; determining from the coded data an identity of the form, a position of the coded data on the form, and a parameter of the purchasing transaction; determining a position of the sensing device relative to the form from a distortion of the captured image and the determined position of the coded data; compiling the identify of the form, the position of the sensing device, and the parameter of the purchasing transaction as indicating data; receiving in a computer system the indicating data; and identifying, in the computer system and from the indicating data, at least one parameter relating to a purchasing transaction. | 12-10-2009 |
20090303267 | METHOD OF SUPPLYING INK TO INK EJECTION NOZZLES - A method of supplying ink to ink ejection nozzles on a printhead for an inkjet printer with a print engine controller for controlling the printhead operation involving the provision a printhead IC having an array of the ink ejection nozzles formed on a substrate, the provision of circuitry for electrical connection to the print engine controller, the provision of a support member for supporting the printhead integrated circuit and the circuitry within the printer, the provision of a thermoplastic polymer sealing film, and securing the polymer film to a mounting surface of the support member by applying heat and pressure for a predetermined time, mounting the printhead integrated circuit and the circuitry to the support member via the polymer film and, electrically connecting the circuitry to the printhead integrated circuit. The mounting surface has ink feed channels formed in it and the polymer film is attached to the mounting surface between the ink feed channels and the printhead integrated circuits. The polymer film has an array of apertures such that the ejection nozzles are in fluid communication with the ink feed channels. | 12-10-2009 |
20090303286 | Printhead For Wide Format High Resolution Printing - A printhead is provided having a plurality of printhead integrated circuits defining an elongate printing zone of at least 914 mm, each printhead integrated circuit incorporating a plurality of ejection nozzles, and control circuitry connected to the printhead integrated circuits to control | 12-10-2009 |
20090303287 | Printhead Integrated Circuit With Suspended Heater Elements - An inkjet printhead integrated circuit comprises a silicon substrate having a layer of drive circuitry and a passivation layer over the drive circuitry layer. The passivation layer defines a plurality of vias exposing a plurality of contacts in the underlying drive circuitry. Sidewalls extend from the passivation layer and meet with a nozzle plate spaced apart from the passivation layer. The nozzle plate and the sidewalls together form a plurality of ink chambers, each ink chamber having a nozzle opening defined in the nozzle plate and an ink inlet. A heater element is suspended in each of the ink chambers. Each heater element is electrically connected to a respective pair of contacts in the drive circuitry layer through a respective pair of the vias. | 12-10-2009 |
20090303290 | Nozzle Arrangement With Actuator Slot Protection Barrier - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer includes a wafer substrate defining a supply channel; side and roof walls positioned on the substrate, said walls defining a nozzle chamber operatively supplied with ink via the supply channel, and a nozzle rim defined in the roof wall; an actuator device passing through a slot in a side wall of the chamber, the device configured to operatively eject ink from the nozzle rim; and an actuator slot protection barrier mounted on the actuator device, and extending at a normal to the actuator device, the actuator slot protection barrier located proximate the slot and configured to reduce ink wicking on the nozzle rim during ejection of ink from the nozzle rim. | 12-10-2009 |
20090303292 | Printhead Integrated Circuit With Low Loss CMOS Connections To Heaters - A printhead IC with an array of nozzles | 12-10-2009 |
20090303295 | INK COMPARTMENT REFILL UNIT WITH INLET VALVE ACUTATOR, OUTLET VALVE, ACTUATOR, AND CONSTRICTOR MECHANISM ACTUATOR - A refill unit for refilling an ink storage compartment that supplies ink to a printhead assembly, the ink storage compartment having an ink interface for receiving the refill unit. The refill unit comprises a body containing a quantity of ink; an inlet valve actuator for opening an inlet valve of the ink storage compartment when the refill unit is docked therewith; an outlet valve actuator for closing an outlet valve of the ink storage compartment when the refill unit is docked therewith; and a constrictor actuator adapted to be received into an aperture of the ink storage compartment when the refill unit is docked therewith, the constrictor actuator operable to engage a bag constrictor of the ink storage compartment through the aperture to cause a volume of the bag to be decreased. | 12-10-2009 |
20090303297 | Ink Supply Unit For Ink Jet Printer - An ink supply unit for a printhead includes a plurality of ink storage chambers; an ink distribution molding for supplying ink from the ink storage chambers to a back surface of the printhead, the ink distribution molding defining a series of slots for supplying ink via respective ink outlets to the back of the printhead; and a filter configured to fit around the ink distribution molding to filter ink passing through the ink distribution molding. The ink distribution molding and the filter are inserted within a baffle unit, the baffle unit comprising a number of spaced-apart baffles formed within ink channels of respective ink storage chambers to retard acceleration of ink in respective ink storage chambers. The ink distribution molding further defines a print head aperture within which the print head is attached. | 12-10-2009 |
20090303300 | SECURING ARRANGEMENT FOR SECURING A REFILL UNIT TO A PRINT ENGINE DURING REFILLING - A securing arrangement for securing a printing fluid refill cartridge to a printing unit comprising a first engagement member arranged in the vicinity of an outlet of the refill cartridge through which printing fluid contained therein is dispensable and a second engagement member arranged in the vicinity of a refill port of the printing unit and configured to be removably securable with the first engagement member so as to engage and hold the refill port and the outlet together. | 12-10-2009 |
20090303301 | INK REFILL UNIT HAVING A CLIP ARRANGEMENT FOR ENGAGING WITH THE PRINT ENGINE DURING REFILLING - A printing fluid refill cartridge for a printing unit comprising an outlet arranged to be engageable with a refill port of the printing unit through which printing fluid contained in the refill cartridge is dispensable; a first engagement member arranged in the vicinity of the outlet and a second engagement member arranged in the vicinity of the refill port and configured to be removably securable with the first engagement member so as to engage and hold the refill port and the outlet together. | 12-10-2009 |
20090303302 | Ink Cartridge Having Enlarged End Reservoirs - A print cartridge is provided having an elongate body defining a number of printing fluid reservoirs along the elongate length with end reservoirs being larger than reservoirs interposed between the end reservoirs, a lid covering the body to seal the reservoirs, and a printhead on the body in fluid communication with the reservoirs. | 12-10-2009 |
20090303303 | Inkjet Printer Incorporating Baffle Unit in Ink Supply Assembly - An inkjet printer includes a print medium cartridge storing a print medium roll, the roll including a former carrying a wound length of a print medium; an inkjet printhead assembly including an inkjet printhead having a plurality of micro-electromechanical inkjet nozzles for printing onto the print medium; a print medium feed arrangement for feeding print medium from the roll to the inkjet printhead assembly; a baffle unit defining a plurality of ink channels through which ink is transported to the inkjet printhead, the baffle unit including a plurality of slats provided in each ink channel, the plurality of slats adapted to reduce an acceleration of ink within a respective ink channel; and an ink feeder received within the baffle unit, the ink feeder defining a plurality of passages each fed from a respective ink channel of the baffle unit, each passage arranged to feed a respective type of ink to the printhead. | 12-10-2009 |
20090303500 | Printer For Printing Form For Interaction With Sensing Device - A printer is provided having an interface for receiving print data, a printhead for printing a form, using the print data, by printing information related to at least one text field and coded data at least partially indicative of the text field, the coded data being coincident with the information, a transceiver for receiving indicating data from a sensing device, the sensing device, when moved in an operative position relative to the text field, sensing the coded data and generating the indicating data by determining an orientation and position of the sensed coded data within the text field relative to the sensing device, the indicating data being indicative of movement of the sensing device relative to the text field determined using the orientation and position of the sensed coded data, and a processor for transferring the indicating data to a computer system to allow the interaction to be interpreted. | 12-10-2009 |
20090303541 | SYSTEM FOR PRINTING AND INTERACTING WITH A DOCUMENT - A system for printing and interacting with a document. The system comprises a computer system, a printer connected to the computer system and an optically imaging pen. When the computer receives a request for printing the document, it allocates a document identity and determines coded data for the document. The printer prints the document including visible information and the coded data. The printed document is interactive with respect to the optically imaging pen, which reads the coded data and sends corresponding data to the computer system for interpretation. The sent data may be used to generate an e-mail. | 12-10-2009 |
20090303542 | PRINTER FOR PRINTING INTERACTIVE FORMS - A printer is provided having an interface for receiving print data, a printhead for printing a form, using the received print data, by printing information related to at least one interactive element associated with the delivery of a greeting card, and coded data at least partially indicative of the at least one interactive element, at least some of the coded data being coincident with the information, a transceiver for receiving indicating data from a sensing device, the sensing device when placed in an operative position relative to the information, sensing at least some of the coded data and generating indicating data using the sensed coded data, the indicating data being at least partially indicative of the at least one interactive element, and a processor for transferring the indicating data to a computer system to allow the indicating data to be interpreted. | 12-10-2009 |
20090303546 | System For Printing An Interactive Document On Demand - A system for printing an interactive document on demand. The system comprises a computer system and a printer. The computer system is configured for: identifying a document for printing; allocating a document identity to the document; recording an association between the document identity and the document; and sending print data to a printer associated with said computer system. The print data instructs the printer to print a document image for the document superimposed with a coded data pattern. The coded data pattern identifies the document identity and a plurality of locations on the printed document. The printer associated the said computer system is configured for: receiving the print data from the computer system; and printing a document image simultaneously with the superimposed coded data pattern, thereby providing the interactive printed document. | 12-10-2009 |
20090304287 | Sensing Device For Sensing A Position Within A Region - A sensing device for sensing a region provided on or in a surface having at least one region. The at least one region having printed therein or thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the at least one region, and visible information at least some of the information being at least partially related to the at least one region. The sensing device includes a sensor for sensing at least some of the coded data when the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the at least one region and generating indicating data. The indicating data is at least partially indicative of the identity of the at least one region and at least one of movement and a position of the sensing device relative to the at least one region. The sensing device includes a communicator configured to communicate the indicating data to a computer system. | 12-10-2009 |
20090304376 | Digital Camera Having Printhead And Magnetic Recorder - A digital camera is provided having a photo width printhead for printing digital images on a printing surface of magnetically sensitive print media, and a magnetic recorder for recording information associated with the digital images on a magnetic recording surface of the print media at the same time as the printhead prints the associated digital image onto the printing surface. | 12-10-2009 |
20090308917 | SECURED ACCESS USING A POSITION-CODED SYSTEM - A system and method are disclosed for controlling access to an access-protected unit. A location may be read from a base, such as form, using a digital pen. The system may then check if location is within a region belonging to an authorized user. If so, access may be granted to the authorized user to the access-protected unit or to specific programs or functions of the access-protected unit. | 12-17-2009 |
20090309909 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH FULLY STATIC CMOS CONTROL LOGIC ARCHITECTURE - A nozzle arrangement for a pagewidth inkjet printhead assembly. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate defining an ink supply channel; an ink chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply channel, the ink chamber defining an ink ejection port around which an ink spreading prevention rim is provided; a thermal actuator mechanism arranged in the substrate and configured to eject ink from the chamber via the ejection port, the mechanism having a thermal actuator arm adapted to deflect as a result of relative thermal expansion; and control logic architecture provided on the substrate for controlling the thermal actuator arm. The architecture has a plurality of successive shift registers, a transfer register for receiving data output from a last shift register, and a firing control gate. The firing control gate has an enabling input and a gate data input for receiving an output from the transfer register. The gate operatively drives the thermal actuator according to the enabling and gate data inputs. The shift register and transfer register are provided as fully static CMOS. | 12-17-2009 |
20090311026 | Method of Printing Onto Web Media - A method for printing onto a web of media is disclosed. The method starts by receiving a configuration. The configuration includes a selection of a length. A blank core is then received into a media loading area, and the web is received in a media path of a printer. The media path extends from the media loading area to a winding area. A printhead is located in the media path for printing onto the web. The web is wound onto the core after the web has been printed on, the length of web wound on the core being according to the length of the configuration. | 12-17-2009 |
20090314365 | MEMS Integrated Circuit Comprising Microfluidic Diaphragm Valve - A MEMS integrated circuit comprising one or more microfluidic diaphragm valves and control circuitry for the valves. Each valve comprises: an inlet port; an outlet port; a weir positioned between the inlet and outlet ports, the weir having a sealing surface; a diaphragm membrane for sealing engagement with the sealing surface; and a thermal bend actuator for moving the diaphragm membrane between a closed position in which the membrane is sealingly engaged with the sealing surface and an open position in which the membrane is disengaged from the sealing surface. The control circuitry is configured to control actuation of the actuator so as to control opening and closing of the valve. | 12-24-2009 |
20090314367 | Bonded Microfluidics System Comprising CMOS-Controllable Microfluidic Devices - A microfluidic system comprising an integrated circuit having a bonding surface bonded to a polymeric microfluidics platform. The microfluidic system comprises one or more microfluidics devices controlled by control circuitry in the integrated circuit. At least one of the microfluidic devices comprises a MEMS actuator positioned in a MEMS layer of the integrated circuit. The MEMS layer is covered with a polymeric layer which defines the bonding surface of the integrated circuit. | 12-24-2009 |
20090314368 | Microfluidic System Comprising Pinch Valve and On-Chip MEMS Pump - A microfluidic system comprising a pneumatic or an hydraulic pinch valve. The pinch valve comprises: a microfluidic channel defined in a compliant body; an inflatable control channel cooperating with a valve section of the microfluidic channel such that pneumatic or hydraulic pressurization of the control channel causes inflation of the control channel and pinching closure of the valve section. The microfluidic system comprises an on-chip MEMS pump in fluidic communication with the control channel for pressurizing said control channel. | 12-24-2009 |
20090314552 | Retractable electronic pen comprising actuator button decoupled from force sensor - An electronic pen comprises a retractable cartridge having a nib, a force-actuable device that is actuated by a nib force transmitted axially through the cartridge from the nib, a retraction for retracting the cartridge, a button for actuating the retraction mechanism, and a decoupling mechanism for biasing the button away from coupled engagement with the retraction mechanism and thereby the force-actuable device. | 12-24-2009 |
20090314553 | Retractable electronic pen with sensing arrangement - An electronic pen comprises a retractable cartridge, a retraction mechanism for extending and retracting the cartridge, a button for actuating the retraction mechanism, a sensing arrangement for sensing a configuration of the pen, and a processor cooperating with the sensing arrangement. The processor is adapted to configure a state of the pen in response to input signals from the sensing arrangement. The sensing arrangement comprises a button sensor coupled to the button, which senses actuation of the button and a cartridge sensor for sensing whether the cartridge is extended or retracted. | 12-24-2009 |
20090314834 | SHOPPING SYSTEM COMPRISING PRODUCT ITEM AND READING DEVICE - A shopping system comprises a product item having an interface surface and a reading device for reading coded data disposed on the interface surface. The reading device includes: (a) a radiation source for emitting radiation which exposes a coded data portion on the interface surface; (b) an image sensor for sensing the exposed coded data portion; (c) a force sensor coupled to a nib of the reading device; and (d) a processor for determining product identity data and/or position data. The reading device is adapted to sense the coded data in response to contact between the nib and the interface surface. | 12-24-2009 |
20090314970 | Mechanically-Actuated Microfluidic Pinch Valve - A microfluidic pinch valve. The valve comprises a microfluidic channel defined in a compliant body; a valve sleeve defined by a section of the microfluidic channel, the valve sleeve having a membrane wall defining part of an outer surface of the body; a compression member for pinching the membrane wall against an opposed wall of the valve sleeve; and a thermal bend actuator for moving the compression member between a closed position in which the membrane wall is sealingly pinched against the opposed wall, and an open position in which the membrane wall is disengaged from the opposed wall. | 12-24-2009 |
20090314971 | Mechanically-actuated Microfluidic Valve - A mechanically-actuated microfluidic valve. The valve comprises an inlet port; an outlet port; a thermal bend actuator; and a valve closure member cooperating with the actuator. Actuation of the thermal bend actuator causes movement of the closure member, thereby regulating a flow of fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port. | 12-24-2009 |
20090314972 | Mechanically-Actuated Microfluidic Diaphragm Valve - A microfluidic diaphragm valve. The valve comprises: an inlet port; an outlet port; a weir positioned between the inlet and outlet ports, the weir having a sealing surface; a diaphragm membrane for sealing engagement with the sealing surface; and a thermal bend actuator for moving the diaphragm membrane between a closed position in which the membrane is sealingly engaged with the sealing surface and an open position in which the membrane is disengaged from said sealing surface. | 12-24-2009 |
20090315126 | Bonded Microfluidic System Comprising Thermal Bend Actuated Valve - A microfluidic system comprising a MEMS integrated circuit bonded to a microfluidics platform. The microfluidics platform comprises a polymeric body having at least one microfluidic channel defined therein. The MEMS integrated circuit comprises at least one thermal bend actuator. The microfluidic system is configured such that movement of the actuator causes closure of the channel. | 12-24-2009 |
20090315734 | Electronic pen with automatically retractable nib - An electronic pen for interacting with a surface. The pen comprises a retractable cartridge having a nib, an automatic retraction mechanism for automatically retracting the cartridge, and a processor for controlling the automatic retraction mechanism. The processor is configured to automatically retract the cartridge in response to predetermined pen conditions. | 12-24-2009 |
20090315862 | ELECTRONIC PEN WITH RETRACTABLE NIB AND FORCE SENSOR - An electronic pen having a retractable nib for interacting with a surface. The pen comprises a slidably movable cartridge having a nib for contacting the surface, a retraction mechanism for retracting the cartridge, an actuator coupled to the retraction mechanism, a force sensor providing a reaction to an axial force transmitted from the cartridge, and a processor configured for generating force data indicative of a force detected by the force sensor. The retraction mechanism comprises a barrel for receiving the cartridge, which is adapted for seating the cartridge in either an extended position or a retracted position, whereby the axial force from the cartridge is transmitted to the barrel in the extended position. A biasing mechanism biases the cartridge towards the extended or retracted positions. | 12-24-2009 |
20090315863 | ELECTRONIC PEN HAVING FAST RESPONSE TIME - An electronic pen for interacting with a surface. The pen comprises a cartridge having a nib for contacting the surface, a capacitive force sensor cooperating with said cartridge for sensing a nib force transmitted axially through the cartridge, and a processor configured to generate force data indicative of a force detected by the force sensor. The capacitive force sensor comprises: a spring having an integral conductive moving plate resiliently biased towards a reference position, a conductive fixed plate and a dielectric separating said plates. | 12-24-2009 |
20090315864 | Electronic pen with retractable and replaceable cartridge - An electronic pen comprises a user-replaceable cartridge having a nib, a force sensor for sensing a nib force transmitted axially through the cartridge from the nib and a retraction mechanism for retracting the cartridge. The retraction mechanism comprises a barrel adapted for seating the cartridge in either an extended position or a retracted position, and a first biasing mechanism for biasing the cartridge towards the extended or retracted positions. A second biasing mechanism biases the barrel towards engagement with the force sensor. | 12-24-2009 |
20090317272 | MEMS Integrated Circuit Comprising Peristaltic Microfluidic Pump - A MEMS integrated circuit comprising a peristaltic microfluidic pump and control circuitry for the pump. The pump comprises a pumping chamber positioned between an inlet and an outlet; a plurality of moveable fingers positioned in a wall of the pumping chamber, the fingers being arranged in a row along the wall; and a plurality of thermal bend actuators. Each actuator is associated with a respective finger such that actuation of the thermal bend actuator causes movement of the respective finger into the pumping chamber. The control circuitry controls actuation of the plurality of actuators. The control circuitry is configured to provide a peristaltic pumping action in each pumping chamber via peristaltic movement of the fingers. | 12-24-2009 |
20090317273 | Thermal Bend Actuated Microfluidic Peristaltic Pump - A peristaltic microfluidic pump. The pump comprises a pumping chamber positioned between an inlet and an outlet; a plurality of moveable fingers positioned in a wall of the pumping chamber, the fingers being arranged in a row along the wall; and a plurality of thermal bend actuators. Each actuator is associated with a respective finger such that actuation of the thermal bend actuator causes movement of the respective finger into the pumping chamber. The pump is configured to provide a peristaltic pumping action in the pumping chamber via movement of the fingers. | 12-24-2009 |
20090317298 | Microfluidic System Comprising Microfluidic Pump, Mixer or Valve - A microfluidic system. The system comprises: (A) a microfluidics platform comprising: a compliant body having a microfluidic channel defined therein; an elongate chamber defined by a section of the microfluidic channel, the chamber having a membrane wall defining part of an outer surface of the body; and a plurality of compression members spaced apart along the membrane wall, each compression member being configured for pinching a respective part of the membrane wall against an opposed wall of the chamber; and (B) a MEMS integrated circuit bonded to the outer surface of the body, the MEMS integrated circuit comprising: a plurality of moveable fingers, each finger engaged with a respective compression member, each finger being configured to urge the respective compression member between a closed position in which the respective part of the membrane wall is sealingly pinched against the opposed wall, and an open position in which the respective part of the membrane wall is disengaged from the opposed wall; a plurality of thermal bend actuators, each associated with a respective finger for controlling movement of the respective finger, and control circuitry for controlling actuation of the actuators. | 12-24-2009 |
20090317301 | Bonded Microfluidics System Comprising MEMS-Actuated Microfluidic Devices - A microfluidic system comprising a MEMS integrated circuit bonded to a polymeric microfluidics platform. The system comprises one or more microfluidic devices. At least one of the microfluidic devices comprises a MEMS actuator positioned in a MEMS layer of the integrated circuit. | 12-24-2009 |
20090317302 | Microfluidic System Comprising MEMS Integrated Circuit - A microfluidic system comprising a MEMS integrated circuit. The MEMS integrated circuit comprises: a silicon substrate having one or more microfluidic channels defined therein; at least one layer of control circuitry for controlling one or more microfluidic devices; a MEMS layer comprising the microfluidic devices; and a polymeric layer covering the MEMS layer. Part of the polymeric layer provides a seal for the microfluidic devices. | 12-24-2009 |
20090318312 | Microfluidic System Comprising Mechanically-Actuated Microfluidic Pinch Valve - A microfluidic system. The system comprises: (A) a microfluidics platform comprising: a compliant body having a microfluidic channel defined therein; a valve sleeve defined by a section of the microfluidic channel, the valve sleeve having a membrane wall defining part of an outer surface of the body; and a compression member for pinching the membrane wall against an opposed wall of the valve sleeve; and (B) a MEMS integrated circuit bonded to the outer surface of the body, the MEMS integrated circuit comprising: a moveable finger engaged with the compression member, the finger being configured to urge the compression member between a closed position in which the membrane wall is sealingly pinched against the opposed wall, and an open position in which the membrane wall is disengaged from the opposed wall; a thermal bend actuator associated with the finger, the actuator configured for controlling movement of the finger; and control circuitry for controlling actuation of the actuator so as to control opening and closing of the valve sleeve. | 12-24-2009 |
20090322812 | INKJET PRINTER UTILIZING SENSED FEEDBACK TO CONTROL TIMING OF FIRING PULSES - An inkjet printer comprises a printhead having a plurality of inkjet nozzles, a controller connected to the printhead for controlling a timing of firing pulses, and feedback lines for communicating sensed printhead feedback to the controller. The controller is configured to adjust the timing of the firing pulses in response to the feedback communicated to the controller from the printhead. | 12-31-2009 |
20090322813 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH VARIABLE DRIVE PULSE - An inkjet printhead with an array of nozzles | 12-31-2009 |
20090323119 | METHOD OF DELIVERING GREETING CARD USING FORM AND COMPUTER SYSTEM - A method is provided of delivering a greeting card using a form and computer system. The form includes an interactive element associated with delivery of the greeting card and tags encoding data relating to the interactive element. The method is carried out in the computer system and includes receiving indicating data generated by a sensing device through interaction with the interactive element, identifying, using the received indicating data, the interactive element, and delivering, using the identified interactive element, a greeting card. The sensing device senses the tags through the interaction, decodes the data encoded by the sensed tags and generates the indicating data to include the decoded data. | 12-31-2009 |
20100001069 | METHOD OF PRINTING SECURITY DOCUMENTS - A method of providing a security document having a security feature includes creating the security document and determining an identity associated with the security document. The identity is then used to generate a digital signature of at least part of the identity. Coded data is generated including a number of coded data portions, each of which is indicative of the identity of the security document and, at least part of the signature. The coded data is then printed on the security document. | 01-07-2010 |
20100001074 | Decoding System For Coded Data - A decoding system is provided having decoder configured to determine a clock indicator from alignment data sensed by a sensor used to interact with coded data in a sensing region, update, from the determined clock indicator, a phase-locked loop (PLL), determine, from the updated PLL, a relative position between the sensing region and a data portion of the coded data sensed by the sensor, and decode, from the determined relative position, the sensed data portion. | 01-07-2010 |
20100001083 | POSITION-CODING PATTERN COMPRISED OF TAGS CONTAINING CONTIGUOUS CELLS - A substrate having a position-coding pattern disposed on its surface thereof. The position-coding pattern comprises a plurality of target elements defining a target grid. The target grid comprises a plurality of cells and each cell has a target element positioned at its corners so that neighboring cells share target elements. A plurality of tags are contained with the position-coding pattern, each tag being defined by a plurality of contiguous cells. Each tag comprises respective location data encoded by a respective set of data elements. | 01-07-2010 |
20100001884 | METHOD OF RECORDING INFORMATION USING FIRST AND SECOND POSITION CODES - A method for recording information from a surface of a substrate. The substrate is provided with a first position code and a second position code. The method comprises: (i) obtaining an image of the surface of the substrate using an optically imaging pen; (ii) determining whether the first position code or the second position code is present in the image; and (iii) determining the location of the pen. If the first position code is detected in the image, then the location is interpreted as handwritten input on the surface. Alternatively, if the second position code is detected in the image, then the location is used to determine if the pen is in a particular zone of the surface and a predetermined function associated with the zone is performed. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002035 | Printhead IC With Non-Ejection Maintenance - A printhead IC is provided having an ejection nozzle having a heater for heating printing fluid, and drive circuitry for generating print pulses and maintenance pulses for driving the heater of the ejection nozzle. The maintenance pulses have a series of sub-ejection pulses preceding a de-clog pulse. The print signals are generated to heat the heater to form a first vapor bubble in printing fluid that causes ejection of the printing fluid from the nozzle. The de-clog pulse is generated to have lower power and longer duration than the print pulses so as to heat the heaters to form a second vapor bubble in the printing fluid which does not cause ejection. The sub-ejection pulses are generated to have lower power than the print pulses and shorter duration than the de-clog pulse so as to heat the heater without sufficient energy to nucleate a vapor bubble in the printing fluid. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002041 | CONFIGURABLE SYSTEM FOR CREATING 3D OBJECT - A system is provided for creating a three-dimensional object. A plurality of printheads are provided with each printhead configured to print a respective portion of the object. The system is configured to enable a first printhead that is initially configured to print a first portion to be dynamically reconfigured to print a second portion, and if a second printhead initially configured to print the second portion fails, the first printhead is dynamically reconfigured to print the second portion. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002043 | PRINT CARTRIDGE WITH SINGLE DRIVE SHAFT AND OPPOSING MEDIA GUIDE - A print cartridge for a mobile telecommunications device, the cartridge comprising: a drive shaft with a media engagement surface for feeding a media substrate along a feed path; and, a media guide adjacent the drive shaft for biasing the media substrate against the media engagement surface. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002044 | Printhead Assembly Incorporating Printhead Module Retention Channel - A pagewidth modular printhead assembly comprises an elongate pagewidth support structure; an elongate ink distribution member positioned on the support structure, the distribution member defining a number of longitudinally extending ink conduits, the distribution member further defining sets of apertures, each aperture of a set being in fluid communication with respective conduits; a plurality of inkjet printhead modules mounted end-to-end on the support structure, each inkjet printhead module including an ink distribution assembly in fluid communication with a respective set of apertures and a printhead integrated circuit mounted on the ink distribution assembly; a plurality of capping devices mounted on the support structure and displaceable between an operative position capping the printhead integrated circuits and an inoperative position exposing the printhead integrated circuits; and a capping device actuating mechanism for displacing the capping devices into and out of the operative and inoperative positions. The elongate pagewidth support structure has a similar coefficient of thermal expansion to that of the plurality of inkjet printhead. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002045 | MODULAR PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY - A modular printhead assembly includes an elongate carrier. An elongate ink conduit is positioned in the carrier and is configured to feed ink along a length of the carrier. A plurality of printhead modules is serially arranged along and engaged with the ink conduit. The ink conduit is in fluid communication with the printhead modules and each printhead module includes a printhead integrated circuit for carrying out a printing operation. A pair of supports is fastenable to respective ends of the carrier. The printhead modules are located between the supports. At least one capping mechanism is arranged to cap the printhead integrated circuits. A camshaft is operatively engaged with the supports and extends between the supports and is arranged to move the, or each, capping mechanism so that the printhead integrated circuits can be capped. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002047 | PRINTHEAD PURGING SYSTEM WITH HAMMER ACTION - A printhead purging system comprises an ink conduit for supplying ink to a printhead, a hammer head for hammering a wall of a compressible part of the conduit, a spring-loading mechanism for priming the hammer head, and a release mechanism for releasing the primed hammer head. Release of the primed hammer head compresses the ink conduit and results in purging of ink from the printhead. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002053 | PRINTHEAD HAVING CONSTRAINED PRINTHEAD MODULE - A printhead is provided having a casing having a channel formed by a top wall and sidewalls of the casing, and a printhead module having at least two ejection nozzle integrated circuits supported by a support member which delivers printing fluid to the nozzle integrated circuits. The support member has a first tab which is received in a recess of the channel and a second tab clamped between the channel and a clamping arrangement so as to allow constrained movement of the printhead module relative to the channel. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002054 | EJECTION ARRANGEMENT FOR PRINTHEAD NOZZLE - An ejection arrangement is provided for a printhead nozzle. The arrangement has a chamber having an inlet defined by edge portions of a first side of the chamber and an ejection port defined in a second side of the chamber, and an ejection member located in the chamber between the edge portions. The ejection member is operable to cause ejection of fluid in the chamber through the ejection port and subsequent refill of fluid into the chamber through the inlet. The edge portions are configured to reduce fluid flow through a space between the edge portions and the ejection member during ejection. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002055 | Printhead Nozzle Arrangement With Radially Disposed Actuators - 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 comprises 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. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002056 | MODULAR PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING RESERVOIR MOUNTED PRINTHEAD MODULES - A modular printhead assembly is provided for an inkjet printer. The modular printhead assembly includes an elongate chassis defining a plurality of slots. An elongate ink reservoir is fast with the chassis. The reservoir defines longitudinally extending ink channels for storing respective types of ink, spaced apart sets of ink outlets with the outlets of each set being in fluid communication with respective channels, and receiving formations located along the reservoir which can receive printhead modules. The printhead modules are configured to releasably engage with respective sets of outlets and ink supplied from the reservoir. Each printhead module includes resilient fastening legs configured to be received within the receiving formations at particular locations during engagement so that access to the legs is thereafter enabled through the slots to facilitate disengagement of the printhead modules from the reservoir. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002058 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH LOW VOLTAGE THERMAL ACTUATORS - There is disclosed a printhead integrated circuit (IC) which comprises a plurality of nozzles and one or more heater elements | 01-07-2010 |
20100002059 | Inkjet Thermal Actuator With Parallel Current Paths - An inkjet printhead comprising: an array of ink chambers, each having a nozzle and a thermal actuator for generating vapour bubbles to eject ink through the nozzle; wherein, the thermal actuator has a pair of contacts and at least two parallel current paths between the contacts, each of the current paths having a plurality of heater elements for nucleating a vapour bubble. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002062 | Print Media Cartridge Incorporating Print Media And Ink Storage - A print media cartridge includes a housing assembly that defines a region in which a stack of print media sheets can be stored. A sheet transport mechanism is mounted in the housing assembly to feed the sheets from the housing assembly. An ink storage assembly is mounted on the housing assembly and defines at least one ink chamber in which ink can be received and an ink outlet in fluid communication with the, or each respective, ink chamber. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002063 | Printing System Having Duplex Dryer - A printing system is provided having a printer, a feed mechanism for feeding media to the printer for printing, and a dryer for drying the printed media. The printer has opposed printheads for respectively printing on first and second opposed faces of the media. The dryer has a transport mechanism for transporting the printed media from the printer past a first blower for blowing heated air onto the first face of the printed media and a second blower for blowing heated air onto the second face of the printed media. The first and second blowers are selectively operable for selectively drying the first face, the second face or both faces of the printed media during transportation. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002064 | Device having Printer and Supply of Print Media in a hinge of the Device - A hand held personal digital assistant including:
| 01-07-2010 |
20100002085 | Recyclable Digital Camera - A digital camera includes an image capture assembly; a print media transport assembly; a pagewidth ink jet printhead; a roll of print media; an internal chassis serving as a frame on which the image capture assembly, the print media transport assembly, and the printhead are directly supported; and an external casing completely encasing therewithin the internal chassis. The external casing is openable, and the internal chassis together with the assemblies and printhead supported thereon are removable from the external casing. The internal chassis is provided as an integral frame configured with pre-molded fittings adapted to receive and support the assemblies and printhead. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002111 | Photodetecting Circuit - A photodetecting circuit is disclosed which includes a photodetector for generating a signal in response to incident light, astorage node, transfer and reset transistors and an output circuit. The storage node has first and second node terminals. The second node terminal is connected to a compensation signal during a read period of the photodetection circuit. The transfer transistor is disposed intermediate the first node terminal of the storage node and the photodetector and is for electrically connecting the first node terminal and the photodetector during an integration period upon receiving a transfer signal to a gate of the transfer transistor, allowing charge stored in the storage node to change based on the signal of the photodetector. The reset transistor has a control node for receiving a reset signal, a first terminal for receiving a reset voltage, and a second terminal electrically connected to the first node terminal, such that the reset voltage is supplied to the first node terminal when the reset signal is asserted at a gate of the reset transistor. The output circuit generates an output signal during the read period of the photodetecting circuit. The output signal is at least partially based on a voltage at the first terminal. The compensation signal is a logically negated version of the transfer signal. | 01-07-2010 |
20100002937 | SENSING DEVICE FOR SENSING CODED TAGS - A sensing device is provided having an image sensor for sensing and capturing images of tags on a surface, a processor and a transmitter. Each tag encodes data on an identity associated with the surface and a location and orientation of that tag on the surface. The processor identifies the tags from the captured images, determines an orientation, within the captured images, of the identified coded tags, decodes the data encoded by the tags at the determined orientation, and generates indicating data from the decoded data to include the identity and data regarding a position and/or movement of the sensing device relative to the surface. The transmitter transmits the indicating data to a computer system. | 01-07-2010 |
20100003470 | INKJET DYES EXHIBITING REDUCED KOGATION - A salt of a sulfonated dye comprising an ammonium cation as a counterion. The ammonium cation comprises at least 3 hydroxyl groups. The salt is useful in reducing kogation in thermal inkjet printheads. One example of these salts is the compound of formula (II): | 01-07-2010 |
20100007683 | Printing And Flat Panel Display Device - A printing and display device is provided having a base unit for placement on a surface, a flat panel display unit, an arm extending between the base unit and the flat panel display unit so that the flat panel display unit is supported on the surface by the base unit, and a printer arranged within the flat panel display unit. The base unit has a receptacle for removably receiving a printing fluid cartridge. Printing fluid from the received cartridge is supplied from the base unit to the printer via hoses in the arm. | 01-14-2010 |
20100007693 | Printer Having Relative Arcuately Moveable Printhead, Capper And Purger - A printer is provided having a pagewidth printhead having a plurality of ejection nozzles located along the pagewidth, a capping mechanism having a pagewidth capping member, a first mechanism for moving the printhead in a first arc between first, second and third positions, and a second mechanism for moving the capping member in a second arc between capping and non-capping positions relative to the printhead. The capping member, in the capping position, caps the nozzles when the printhead is in the second position and permits purging of material from the nozzles when the printhead is in the third position. | 01-14-2010 |
20100007694 | Inkjet Printhead Assembly Having Printhead Modules With Nested Ends - An inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate support having a plurality of internal webs protruding from a base section to define a plurality of parallel ink supply channels; a shim mounted on the support and defining a plurality of rows of openings through which ink from respective supply channels is provided; and a plurality of elongate printhead modules mounted serially on the shim. Each module includes a carrier carrying a printhead. Each carrier defines a plurality of ink supply passages through which ink passes to the printhead from respective rows of the openings. Either end of each carrier defines complementary formations such that adjacent pairs of the carriers nest together. The plurality of internal webs protrude from the base section to define a semicircular recess in which the shim is received. The shim is received in the semicircular recess such that the each of the plurality of rows respectively align with one of the plurality of parallel ink channels. | 01-14-2010 |
20100007696 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT PRINTING - A volume element (voxel) printing system for printing a three-dimensional object is provided. The system includes a first printhead group, at least one second printhead group, a conveyor and a control system. The first printhead group includes a plurality of first printheads configured to print a first voxel layer on a substrate. The second printhead group includes a plurality of second printheads located downstream from the first group and configured for printing a subsequent voxel layer on at least part of the first layer. The second printheads are reconfigurable as backup printheads for the first printheads in case of failure. The conveyor is configured to operatively convey the substrate past the printhead groups. The control system controls and monitors the printhead groups and the conveyor, and is configured to dynamically reconfigure the second printheads if failure of a first printhead is detected. | 01-14-2010 |
20100007745 | DIGITAL CAMERA HAVING PRINTHEAD AND REMOVABLE CARTRIDGE - A digital camera is provided having an image sensor for capturing images, an image processor for processing image data from the image sensor to produce print data, a cartridge interface for receiving a cartridge having a supply of media wrapped around the supply of ink, and a printhead for printing the print data on to the media supplied by the cartridge using the ink supplied by the cartridge. | 01-14-2010 |
20100012716 | Audio-Playing System - An audio-playing system includes a surface having a printed position-coding pattern. The position-coding pattern identifies a surface identity and positions on the surface, the surface identity distinguishing the surface from other surfaces of the same type. A handheld sensing device having a housing is configured for reading the position-coding pattern and audio playback. The housing contains: (i) an optical sensor for reading codes from the position-coding pattern; (ii) a processor coupled to the optical sensor for determining the surface identity and a position of the sensing device using the read code; (iii) a memory unit comprising data for different audio outputs corresponding to different positions on the surface, and (iv) an audio output device coupled to the processor. The sensing device provides different audio outputs to a user in response to optically sensing different positions of the position-coding pattern. | 01-21-2010 |
20100013153 | Game System With Robotic Game Pieces - A game system comprises a game board having a playing area and game pieces for playing a game on the game board. Each game piece comprises a mobile robot for sensing and decoding a position-coding pattern printed on the game board. Each game piece is in communication with a computer system. The computer system is configured to send instructions for moving each game piece relative to the playing area in response to position information corresponding to the game pieces. | 01-21-2010 |
20100013890 | Inkjet Printhead With Internal Rim In Ink Chamber - An inkjet printhead includes an ink supply channel extending through a substrate; an ink chamber arranged on the substrate, into which chamber ink from the ink supply channel is supplied, the ink chamber defining an ink ejection port on one surface thereof; an internal rim provided within the ink chamber, the rim interposed between the ink supply channel and the ink ejection port; and a thermal bend actuator extending into the chamber from outside the chamber, the thermal bend actuator terminating in the chamber with a paddle. The periphery of the paddle and the internal rim are shaped with complementary edges turned towards the ink ejection port. | 01-21-2010 |
20100013900 | Device With A Printhead And Media Drive Shaft - A mobile telecommunications device is disclosed having an inkjet printhead, a drive shaft for feeding a substrate past the printhead, and a capper assembly. The capper assembly moves between a capped position covering nozzles of the printhead and an uncapped position spaced from the nozzles. The capper assembly is adapted for engagement a leading edge of the substrate to move the capper from the capped position and towards the uncapped position. The drive shaft disengages a trailing edge of the substrate before the trailing edge is printed. The trailing edge is projected past the printhead by momentum and the capper assembly grips the substrate after the substrate has been printed so that the substrate partially extends from the mobile telecommunications device in readiness for manual collection. | 01-21-2010 |
20100014119 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR PRINTING AN INTERFACE SURFACE IN RESPONSE TO RECEIVED DATA - A mobile telecommunications device is disclosed. The mobile telecommunications device includes an image sensor for sensing coded data from a printed interface whilst the mobile telecommunications device is used to physically interact with the printed interface. The mobile telecommunications device also includes a processor configured to decode the sensed coded data. The data generated by the processor is then transmitted to a computer system via a mobile telecommunications network and using a transmitter of the mobile telecommunications device. A receiver of the mobile telecommunications device receives response data via the mobile telecommunications network in response to the data being transmitted. An integral printer mechanism of the mobile telecommunications device is configured to print another interface onto print media. The other interface also includes coded data, but is at least partially based on the response data. | 01-21-2010 |
20100014784 | Sensing Device For Subsampling Imaged Coded Data - A sensing device is provided with an image sensor for capturing images of coded data disposed on a surface, a framestore for storing frames of the captured image as image data, subsampling means for subsampling the stored image date to generate subsampled image data, and an image processor for processing the subsampled image data to generate interaction data based on the sensed coded data and indicative of interaction of the sensing device with the surface. The image processor is integrated on a monolithic integrated circuit, the monolithic integrated circuit including a first subsampled framestore for storing the subsampled image data based on image data from the framestore. | 01-21-2010 |
20100020120 | PRINTHEAD IC WITH TEMPERATURE BASED DE-CLOG EJECTION - A printhead IC is provided having an ejection nozzle, drive circuitry for generating drive signals for driving the ejection nozzle, and a temperature sensor connected to the drive circuitry. The drive circuitry adjusts the drive signals in response to output of the temperature sensor so as to generate the drive signals as print signals and de-clog signals. The de-clog signals have a longer duration than the print signals. | 01-28-2010 |
20100020195 | Method Of Operating Camera Timing Module - A method of operating a timer module includes the steps of querying a non-volatile memory module to determine available digital image storage locations, each storage location having assigned thereto an image number; receiving a selection selecting one of the available digital image storage location as a starting location, and assigning an image number corresponding to the starting location as a starting image number; determining a number of image storage locations having an image number equal to or greater than the starting image number; instructing the image capture module to capture images a number of times equal to the number of image storage locations having an image number equal to or greater than the starting image number; transferring an image to the memory module each time the image capture module captures an image, the image being transferred into the memory module at a storage location corresponding to the starting image number; and updating the starting image number to correspond to a consecutively subsequent storage location. When a plurality of non-volatile memory modules are provided, a memory module physically closest to the image capture module is completely filled first before a memory module that is next closest to the image capture module is filled. | 01-28-2010 |
20100020359 | Method For Playing Audio Signals Provided On A Photograph - A method of decoding coded data provided on a photograph using a reader. The coded data is at least partially indicative of an audio signal and is provided on a photograph substrate in the same area as an image. The method includes steps of scanning the image using a scanner; locating within the image a first target boundary that is spatially displaced from the coded data; locating within the image a second target boundary that is spatially displaced from the coded data and downstream of the first target boundary in a direction in which the image is fed past the scanner; reading the coded data located between the first and second target boundaries; decoding the coded data read by the scanner to obtain an audio signal; and, playing the audio signal through an output. | 01-28-2010 |
20100020843 | Thermal Bend Actuator Material Selection - A thermoelastic device comprising an expansive element is disclosed. The expansive element is formed from a material, which is preselected on the basis that it has one or more of the following properties: a resistivity between 0.1 μΩm and 10.0 μΩm; chemically inert in air; chemically inert in the chosen ink; and depositable by CVD, sputtering or other thin film deposition technique. | 01-28-2010 |
20100021087 | Device For Reading Encoded Data Interspersed In A Printed Image - An apparatus for reading data encoded as an array of dots printed on a substrate together with an image. The dots of the array are substantially invisible to an average unaided human eye. The apparatus includes a light source for illuminating the substrate; a detector for receiving the illumination from the light source reflected off the substrate, the detector outputting a first signal representative of the array of dots, the detector extending a distance that is less than a width of the substrate; a decoder interconnected to said detector for receiving and decoding said first signal to obtain the data encoded by the array of dots; and a top substrate covering the detector and the light source. The top substrate has an emission portion and a reception portion. The emission portion is shaped with a semicircular cross section adapted to focus illumination from the light source onto the substrate. The reception portion is shaped to define a series of microlenses adapted to focus illumination reflected off the substrate into the detector. | 01-28-2010 |
20100025461 | DOUBLE CONVERSION CHEQUE-CLEARING PROCESS AND SYSTEM - A cheque clearing process includes the steps of: receiving, in a computer system, first payment information based on digital ink generated by an optically imaging pen, the digital ink identifying a unique cheque identity and representing handwritten information entered on the cheque by the pen; receiving, in the computer system, second payment information based on independently reading visible information on the cheque; and comparing the first payment information with the second payment information. | 02-04-2010 |
20100025478 | Printing Currency Documents - A method of printing a security document having a security feature, the method including, receiving the security document, and encrypted identity data at least partially indicative of an identity of the security document. The identity is decrypting using a secret key associated with the public key, allowing a signature to be generated using the determined identity. The signature is a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The signature is used in generating coded data at least partially indicative of the identity of the security document and at least part of the signature. The coded data is then printed on the security document. | 02-04-2010 |
20100026763 | PRINTHEAD HAVING CMOS DRIVE CIRCUITRY - A printhead is provided having a plurality of integrated circuits defining an elongate printing zone of at least 914 mm, each integrated circuit having a plurality of ejection nozzles, and CMOS drive circuitry operatively connected to the integrated circuits to drive operation thereof. | 02-04-2010 |
20100026765 | Inkjet Printhead With Narrow Printing Zone - 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. | 02-04-2010 |
20100033538 | Inkjet Nozzle Assembly Having Thermoelastic Actuator Beam Disposed On Nozzle Chamber Roof - An inkjet nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle chamber having a floor and a roof, the roof having a nozzle opening defined therein. A moving portion defines part of the roof so that the moving portion is moveable towards the floor. A thermal actuator defines part of the moving portion. The thermal actuator comprises a first active beam for connection to drive circuitry and a second passive 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 actuator. The first active beam is disposed on an upper surface of the passive beam relative to the floor. | 02-11-2010 |
20100033539 | Printhead With Individual Nozzle Firing Frequency At Least Once Per Decap Time - An inkjet printhead has nozzles and respective heater elements. A print engine controller actuates the heater elements to eject ink through the corresponding nozzle. During use, the print engine controller actuates each of the heater elements at least once every decap time. The decap time is a predetermined time period in which the viscosity of the ejectable liquid at the nozzle increases to a threshold, at which ejection fails and the nozzle clogs. | 02-11-2010 |
20100038153 | SYSTEM FOR RECORDING INFORMATION - A system for recording information from a surface. The system includes a base having a surface provided with a first position code coding locations of a plurality of first points and. In a zone of the surface, a second position code codes locations of a plurality of second points. The system also includes a sensing device having an image sensor for obtaining an image of the surface. A processor is configured for determining whether or not the second position code is present in the image of the surface, determining a location by means of the second position code and determining whether the sensing device is placed in a field on the surface of the base, wherein the field is associated with a function to be performed by the sensing device. | 02-18-2010 |
20100039459 | Computer Monitor Having Inkjet Printhead - A computer monitor is provided which has a flat panel display for displaying images and an inkjet printhead disposed adjacent a lower portion of the computer monitor. The monitor is configured such that print media to be printed is fed manually into a feed path that directs the print media from a region adjacent the upper edge of the flat panel display, past the printhead for printing, then out of the monitor adjacent a lower edge of the flat panel display. | 02-18-2010 |
20100039471 | Inkjet Printhead with Overlapping Segments - An inkjet printhead has a pair of adjacent printhead segments having overlapping ink ejection nozzles. A degree of overlap of the printhead segments is determined, and a half toning of a continuous tone image is provided. The half toning is provided by a dither matrix outputting a dither value to an adder, the adder having an overlap input signal which varies depending on the degree of overlap between the adjacent printhead segments. The half toning is adjusted in a region of overlap between the adjacent printhead segments to reduce artifacts between the adjacent printhead segments. | 02-18-2010 |
20100039475 | Cradle Unit For Receiving Removable Printer Cartridge Unit - A cradle unit for receiving a printer cartridge unit includes a printed circuit board (PCB) on which a print engine controller for controlling a printhead of the printer cartridge unit is provided, the PCB having a row of electrical contacts; a cover assembly movable between a closed position where the printer cartridge unit is mechanically secured in the cradle unit, and an opened position where removal of the printer cartridge unit from the cradle unit is facilitated; a pair of arms for supporting the PCB therebetween, each of the pair of arms having a grooved portion; and a pair of tension springs, one end of each tension spring being engaged with the grooved portion of respective arms, and another end of each tension spring being engaged with the cover assembly. The cover assembly, pair of arms, and tension springs are configured to bias the row of electrical contacts into electrical contact with the printer cartridge when the cover assembly is moved from the opened position to the closed position. | 02-18-2010 |
20100039478 | INKJET PRINTHEAD COMPRISING ACTUATOR SPACED APART FROM SUBSTRATE - An inkjet printhead comprising a substrate and a plurality of nozzle assemblies disposed on the substrate. Each nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber for containing ink and an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from a nozzle aperture when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. The resistive element of the actuator is spaced apart from the substrate and suspended in ink contained in the nozzle chamber. | 02-18-2010 |
20100039484 | Ink Cartridge With An Internal Spring Assembly For A Printer - A printer ink cartridge with a spring assembly pressurising the ink to dispense it when the outlet establishes fluid communication with the printer. The cartridge has an outer portion with the spring assembly and a base portion containing a deformable ink membrane for containing ink. At least part of the base portion slides against the outer portion, and the spring assembly presses the deformable ink membrane to dispense ink as the at least part of the base portion slides within the outer portion by application of a force. The cartridge also has an ink outlet for fluid communication with the printer. | 02-18-2010 |
20100039488 | Printing System Having Drying Compartment - A printing system is provided. The system has a support for supporting a media cartridge containing media web and a printhead, a drying compartment for drying the media web printed on by the printhead, and a driven roller for feeding the media web along a straight media path from the media cartridge past the printhead and through the drying compartment. The drying compartment has a door adjacent the media path, the printed media web extending from the media path as a catenary loop into a cavity of the drying compartment when the door is open. | 02-18-2010 |
20100039667 | RESTRICTING REPLIES TO COMMUNICATIONS - A method of communication is disclosed. The method starts by receiving a document and a destination communication address from a first user device. A unique number associated the first user device is allocated and recorded in a pending reply list. The document and the unique number are then communicated to the destination communication address. Upon receipt of a received document and a received reply number, the method performs the additional steps of: determining whether the received reply number matches an entry in the pending reply list, and delivering the received document to the user device associated with the unique number matching the received reply number. | 02-18-2010 |
20100043564 | Pressure Sensor With Dual Chamber Cover And Corrugated Membrane - A pressure sensor assembly for fitting within the valve stem of a vehicle tire comprises a substrate assembly defining a plurality of holes; a pressure sensor and a temperature compensation sensor mounted to the substrate assembly, each sensor including a corrugated deflectable membrane defining a first chamber and a cap mounted to the membrane to form a second chamber; and a cover configured to engage with the pressure sensor and the temperature compensation sensor to define an active chamber and a reference chamber respectively, the active chamber being exposed to tire pressure when the pressure sensor assembly is fitted within the valve stem whereas the reference chamber is sealed from tire pressure. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045717 | Print Engine For Rotated Ejection Nozzle Correction - A print engine is provided having printhead modules and a controller. Each printhead module has a plurality of ejection nozzles. The nozzles of at least one of the printhead modules is rotationally displaced relative to the other printhead modules. The controller communicates ejection data to the ejection nozzles in accordance with a cumulative correction factor for each printhead module, including printhead modules having non-rotationally displaced nozzles, to at least partially compensate for the rotational displacement. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045742 | MODULAR PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH RELEASABLE PRINTHEAD MODULES - A modular printhead assembly includes an elongate chassis; an elongate ink reservoir assembly mounted on the chassis and defining a plurality of distinct elongate ink supply channels; a plurality of printhead modules serially arranged along and releasably engaged with the ink reservoir, each printhead module having ink chambers in fluid communication with respective distinct supply channels; and a plurality of spaced apart sets of tubular filling formations serially arranged along the elongate ink reservoir, each filling formation of a set being in fluid communication with one distinct ink supply channel. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045743 | PRINTER HAVING REFERENCING FOR REMOVABLE PRINTHEAD - A printer is provided having a slot for removably receiving a printhead having a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles, and protrusions arranged in the slot to cooperate with a flat surface of a plurality of corners of the printhead upon mounting of the printhead to the printer, the cooperation providing information on the location of the nozzles. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045745 | Printhead Having Flexible Controller Connections - A printhead is provided having ejection nozzle integrated circuits, flexible printed circuit boards for connecting electrical signals to associated ones of the integrated circuits and controllers each connected to at least one of the integrated circuits via the respective flexible printed circuit board for controlling the printing operation of the integrated circuits. Each controller is provided on a respective printed circuit board. The printed circuit boards are adjacent one another and each have recessed portions which adjoin recessed portions in the adjacent printed circuit boards. The adjoined recessed portions receive an electrical connecting member for interconnecting the controllers of adjacent printed circuit boards such that each interconnected controller is able to control the printing operation of the integrated circuits. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045746 | SEALED NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT FOR PRINTHEAD - A nozzle arrangement for a printhead integrated circuit is provided having a fluid chamber having a fluid ejection port, a fluid ejecting member displaceable within the chamber to eject fluid from the ejection port, an actuator for causing displacement of the ejecting member from outside the chamber, and a resiliently deformable seal on the chamber for fluidically sealing the chamber about the ejecting member. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045747 | Printhead Having Planar Bubble Nucleating Heaters - A printhead is provided having a plurality of bubble forming chambers, ejection nozzles defined in the chambers, and heaters disposed in the chambers for heating bubble forming liquid in the chambers. Each heater has a bubble nucleation section of a smaller cross section than the rest of that heater. The bubble nucleation section is heated faster that the rest of the heater to cause formation of a gas bubble in the liquid and ejection of the bubbled liquid through the corresponding nozzle. The bubble nucleation section is co-planar with the rest of that heater and remains co-planar when the heater is heated. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045749 | Thermal Bend Actuator Comprising Bilayered Passive Beam - A thermal bend actuator comprises an active beam for connection to drive circuitry and a passive beam mechanically cooperating with the active beam. When a current is passed through the active beam, the active beam expands relative to the passive beam resulting in bending of the actuator. The passive beam is comprised of first and second layers, and the second layer is sandwiched between the first layer and the active beam. The second layer is relatively more thermally insulating than the first layer. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045750 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH SYMETRICAL HEATER AND NOZZLE SHARING COMMON PLANE OF SYMMETRY - An ink jet printhead that has a nozzle aperture that defines a planar opening having two planes of symmetry, both of which extend perpendicular to the plane of the opening. The printhead also having a heater corresponding to the nozzle aperture for generating a gas bubble in printing fluid to eject a drop of the printing fluid through the nozzle aperture. The heater element is a suspended beam that has two planes of symmetry and at least one of the heater element planes of symmetry is common to one of the nozzle aperture plane of symmetry. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045751 | Printer With Nozzles For Generating Vapor Bubbles Offset From Nozzle Axis - 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. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045803 | Camera Module Outputting Images In Device Independent Color Space - A camera module is disclosed including an image capture portion, a base portion, and a pivot assembly. The image capture portion has a lens system, an imaging sensor and an image processor. The image sensor captures an image in a first color space. The image processor receives the image in the first color space and converts the image to a second color space which is a device independent color space. The base portion has electrical contacts for connecting to a peripheral device in order to transfer the image in the second color space to the peripheral device. The pivot assembly connects the image capture portion to the base portion and allows the image capture portion to be movable about the pivot assembly. | 02-25-2010 |
20100046030 | Method of Performing an Action Using a Printed Medium - A method of performing an action is disclosed. The method starts by sensing a print medium to obtain data encoded on a surface of the print medium. The data encodes at least a print media identifier. The print media identifier is determined from the data and a digital copy of a document is retrieved, the digital copy being associated with the print media identifier and including one or more hyperlinks. The digital copy of the document is displayed and a selection of one of the hyperlinks is received from a user. A predefined action designated by the selected hyperlink is then performed. | 02-25-2010 |
20100046031 | Printer With Vertical Media Flow Path - A printer is disclosed. The printer includes a print media supply station for storing print media. The printer further includes a print engine station arranged to receive print media from the print media supply and to print on the print media. A binding assembly station is also included which is configured to apply adhesive along an edge of each sheet of print media after printed upon, and to compile the print media into a bound stack. A receptacle station receives the bound stack. The print media supply station, the print engine station, the binding assembly station and the receptacle station are arranged vertically. | 02-25-2010 |
20100046040 | Scanning Device For Scanning Interface Surface - A scanning device for scanning an interface surface is disclosed. The scanning device includes a beam generator for emitting a beam, a deflector for deflecting the beam to generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch, and a sensor for receiving a reflected beam from the scanning patch and sensing from the reflected beam data encoded by coded tags printed on an interface surface. The data encoded by each tag includes an identity of the interface surface and the position of the respective tag on the interface surface. The scanning device further includes a processor for determining a description of the interface surface from the sensed interface surface identity and at least one region of the interface surface from the determined description and the position of the sensed tag on the interface surface. | 02-25-2010 |
20100053255 | Printhead Integrated Circuit With Open Actuator Test - Provided is a printhead integrated circuit for an inkjet printer that has a nozzle and a corresponding actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle. The Printhea IC also has drive circuitry for controlling the operation of the actuator. The drive circuitry has an open actuator test circuit comprising an open actuator test input, a column enable input and a row enable input, a drive transistor operatively linking said actuator to a power supply, a bleed transistor arranged in parallel with the actuator, a sense transistor operatively linking an output of the drive transistor and inputs of the actuator and bleed transistor to a sensing node. Actuating the actuator to eject ink by enabling the column and row enable inputs, deactivates the bleed transistor and activates the drive transistor to link the actuator to the power supply. Testing the actuator involves enabling the open actuator test input to activate the sense transistor, so that the actuator is short-circuited and the sense node is pulled high if the actuator is open-circuit. | 03-04-2010 |
20100053268 | Nozzle Arrangement With Laminated Ink Ejection Member And Ink Spread Prevention Rim - A nozzle arrangement for a printhead integrated circuit includes a nozzle chamber; an ink ejection nozzle in fluid communication with said nozzle chamber, the ink ejection nozzle defining a nozzle rim around an aperture of the ink ejection nozzle; an elongate actuator adapted to displace towards and away from the ink ejection nozzle; an ink ejection paddle attached to an end of elongate actuator and positioned within the nozzle chamber for acting on ink within the nozzle chamber upon displacement of the elongate actuator; and an ink spread prevention rim provided partially around the nozzle rim, the ink spread prevention rim for catching ink spread from the nozzle rim. The elongate actuator includes an actuator arm of a laminated structure comprising a resiliently flexible inner layer, a conductive layer and a compensation layer. The inner layer is interposed between the conductive and compensation layers. | 03-04-2010 |
20100053273 | Printer Having Simple Connection Printhead - A printer is provided having a removably secured cradle in which a cartridge having a pagewidth printhead and printing fluid supply is removably received. The cradle has a printed circuit board mounted on pivoting arms such that terminals on the printed circuit board contact, upon the pivoting arms being pivoted toward the cartridge, corresponding terminals of the cartridge, and a controller for controlling operation of the received cartridge via the connected terminals of the cradle and cartridge. | 03-04-2010 |
20100053274 | INKJET NOZZLE ASSEMBLY HAVING RESISTIVE ELEMENT SPACED APART FROM SUBSTRATE - An inkjet nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle chamber positioned on a substrate and an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from a nozzle aperture when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. The resistive element of the actuator is spaced apart from the substrate. | 03-04-2010 |
20100053275 | Nozzle With Magnetically Actuated Reciprocating Plunger - An inkjet drop ejection apparatus includes a chamber defined by a plunger spaced from an ejection nozzle; and an actuator for moving the plunger towards the nozzle, the actuator including a magnetic plate and a solenoid coil provided circumferentially between the magnetic plate and the plunger, the solenoid coil for inducing a magnetic field in at least one of the magnetic plate and the plunger. The plunger has defined therethrough a series of apertures arranged around a circumference of the plunger, the apertures substantially mapping a locus of the solenoid coil. | 03-04-2010 |
20100053276 | Printhead Integrated Circuit Comprising Resistive Elements Spaced Apart From Substrate - A printhead integrated circuit comprises inkjet nozzle assemblies disposed on a substrate. Each nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle chamber having a nozzle aperture and an actuator associated with the nozzle chamber. The actuator ejects an ink droplet from the nozzle aperture when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. The resistive element of the actuator is spaced apart from the substrate. | 03-04-2010 |
20100055849 | METHOD OF ENCAPSULATING WIRE BONDS - A method encapsulating wire bonds that extend between a die and conductors on a supporting substrate, by contacting an edge of a profiling blade with the encapsulant material to form a bead of the encapsulant on the edge, positioning the edge such that the bead contacts the die and, moving the profiling blade relative to the die to cover the wire bonds with the encapsulant. Wiping the encapsulant over the wire bonds with a profiling blade provides control of the encapsulant front as well as the height of the encapsulant relative to the die. The movement of the profiling surface relative to the die can closely controlled to shape the encapsulant to a desired form. Using the example of a printhead die, the encapsulant can be shaped to present an inclined face rising from the nozzle surface to a high point over the wire bonds. This can be used by the printhead maintenance facilities to maintain contact pressure on the wiping mechanism. However, it will be appreciated that the encapsulant can be shaped to have ridges, gutters, grooves and so on by using a particular shape of profiling blade edge and relative movement with the die. | 03-04-2010 |
20100060678 | Device Having Component Controlled By Removable Controller - A device is provided having a component and an interface. The device is without a controller for controlling operation of the device and the component. The interface is configured to removably receive a controller for controlling the device to operate at a selected performance level of the component by selectively using data stored in memory of the component, or data stored in both the memory of the component and memory of the controller. | 03-11-2010 |
20100060696 | Printhead Integrated Circuit Having Glass Nozzle Chambers - 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. | 03-11-2010 |
20100060698 | Inkjet Printhead With Heaters Suspended By Sloped Sections Of Less Resistance - An inkjet printhead that has a pair of electrodes, a heater having contacts abutting the pair of electrodes, a heater element for generating a vapour bubble in a quantity of ink and sloped side portions extending between the heater element and the contacts and, a nozzle spaced from the heater such that ink is ejected through the nozzle in response to the generation of a vapour bubble. The heater element has higher electrical resistance than the contacts and the sloped side portions. | 03-11-2010 |
20100060702 | Ink Cartridge For A Computer System Having An Integral Printer - An ink cartridge for a computer system having an integral printer includes a media housing portion having top and bottom moldings mated to form a housing for storing sheets of paper therebetween, the housing portion having a print media transport mechanism; an ink storage portion having an ink storage base molding defining a plurality of distinct ink chambers, the ink storage base molding attached to an underside of the bottom molding and sealed therewith; and an ink manifold having ink outlet nozzles adapted to facilitate fluid communication with the printer, the ink outlet nozzles provided on a surface attached to and extending beyond an edge of the bottom molding. Each of the distinct ink chambers include a portion extending beyond the edge of the bottom molding, which portions form part of the ink manifold. | 03-11-2010 |
20100060744 | Camera For Capturing And Printing Images - A camera for capturing and printing an images is provided. The camer has an image sensor for capturing an image, and a printer for printing onto a page of media an interface comprising the captured image and coded data. Each page has an associated identity. The coded data is printed on the page to be indicative of the identity of that page and an identity of the image printed on that page. | 03-11-2010 |
20100063980 | SEARCHING AN ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM USING A HANDWRITTEN SEARCH QUERY AND A TEXT SEARCH QUERY - A method of providing an electronic filing system which is searchable using a handwritten search query, the method including the steps of: obtaining the handwritten search query using an input device; performing a search of at least one database based on a comparison between the handwritten search query and handwritten annotations made on interactive pages stored in the at least one database; and, providing the results of the search to a user and facilitating access to at least one interactive page identified in the results of the search. An apparatus is also disclosed. Preferably, the interactive page is provided to the user in the form of printed paper, and the handwritten annotations are user handwriting, symbols, drawings, indicia or the like. | 03-11-2010 |
20100064517 | Method Of Producing Pagewidth Inkjet Printhead - A method of producing a pagewidth inkjet printhead includes forming a substrate having defined therein a nozzle chamber operable to receive and store a fluid, the chamber fed at one side by an inlet passage; forming a nozzle plate in-situ on the substrate to define a nozzle opening on an opposite side of the nozzle chamber to the inlet passage; and forming a heater element including an electrically conductive element between the nozzle opening and the inlet passage, the heater element formed such that the electrically conductive element is in direct contact with the fluid in the nozzle chamber. The heater element is cantilever supported at one end by the nozzle chamber. The electrically conductive element includes two major face, a first major face facing the nozzle opening, and a second major face facing the inlet passage, the first and second major faces both in direct contact with the fluid in the nozzle chamber. | 03-18-2010 |
20100069116 | PRINTING SYSTEM USING A CELLULAR TELEPHONE - A printing system is provided having a cellular telephone which has an input at which a print medium is loaded into the telephone, a printer, and a sensor for sensing an identifier of the loaded print medium. The cellular telephone uses the sensed identifier to determine whether or not the loaded print medium is a valid print medium on which printing can be performed by the printer. If the loaded print medium is determined to be valid, the cellular telephone controls the printer to print on the loaded print medium. If the loaded print medium is determined to not be valid, the cellular telephone ejects the loaded print medium at the input. | 03-18-2010 |
20100071190 | Method Of Assembling Print Media Transport Arrangement - A method of assembling a media transport arrangement of a printer is provided. The method includes positioning a roller so as to be supported at a first end by a support frame, positioning a ring bearing of a fixing plate about a second end of the roller, the fixing plate being separate from the support frame, and slidably engaging the fixing plate with the support frame so as to fix the fixing plate and the roller to the support frame. During the sliding engagement, the roller pivots about the first end due to the configuration of the ring bearing. | 03-25-2010 |
20100072171 | Method Of Fabricating A Printhead IC - Provided is a method of fabricating a printhead integrated circuit (IC). The method includes the step of depositing metal layers interspersed with interlayer dielectric (ILD) layers onto a silicon wafer substrate. A passivation layer is deposited onto an outermost metal layer and at least a portion of the passivation layer is masked with a photoresist. A pit is etched into the silicon wafer substrate, said pit having a base and sidewalls. Etching is carried out along an edge of the substrate to expose the last metal layer to define bonding pads for operatively connecting a microprocessor. A step of etching portions adjacent the pit to expose the outermost metal layer to define electrode portions. The electrode portions are for supporting a heater element to be suspended in the pit. | 03-25-2010 |
20100072274 | Method And System For Associating A Sticker And An Object In A Computer System - A method is provided for associating a sticker and an object in a computer system. The object is stored in an object repository in the computer system and the object is of a type selected from a range of object types. The sticker has coded data indicative of a sticker identity and the object type. The method provides a sensing device for sensing the coded data when placed in an operative position relative to the sticker and generating indicating data that is indicative of the identity of the sticker and the object type. The indicating data is received in the computer system from the sensing device. The sticker, the object type and the object are identified so that an association between the sticker identity and the object is generated. When the object repository is empty, the computer system indicates that the association cannot be generated. The computer system is configured to initiate an action regarding the object in response to the sensing device being placed in an operative position relative to the sticker. | 03-25-2010 |
20100072275 | PRODUCT ITEM REGISTRATION - A method of registering a product item is disclosed. The product item has disposed thereon coded data portions at respective positions on a surface of the product item. Each coded data portion encodes a product item identity and the respective position of the coded data portion. The method starts by a sensing device sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity and the position of the sensed coded data portion, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system receives the indicating data, identifies that the position relates to a registration request, obtain owner data associated with the sensing device, determines an entity associated with the product item identity, and register the owner data with the entity. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073421 | Printer Having Duplex Printheads And Cappers - A printer is provided having confronting pagewidth printheads, each printhead having a plurality of nozzles arranged to print on opposite surfaces of print media, pagewidth capping members, and an actuator for moving the capping members and the printheads in non-parallel linear directions between a capped position at which the capping members cap the nozzles of the respective printheads and a non-capped position at which the capping members are spaced from the respective printheads. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073422 | Inkjet Printer With Maintenance Assembly Having Non-Absorbent Roller - An inkjet printer having a printhead maintenance assembly for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition. The maintenance assembly comprises a maintenance roller having an elastically-deformable non-absorbent contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead. An engagement mechanism moves the roller between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073426 | PRINTHEAD WITH NOZZLES HAVING INDIVIDUAL SUPPLY PASSAGES EXTENDING INTO SUBSTRATE - An inkjet printhead has a wafer substrate with a droplet ejection side and a liquid supply side opposite the droplet ejection side. Drive circuitry layers are formed on the droplet ejection side of the wafer substrate. An array of nozzles is formed on the droplet ejection side of the wafer substrate, each nozzle having a drop ejection actuator and an associated drop ejection aperture for ejecting drops of liquid. Ducting extends from the liquid supply side into the wafer substrate and terminating before reaching the droplet ejection side. Liquid inlets establish fluid communication between the ducting and the array of nozzles. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073427 | Printhead micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement with motion-transmitting structure - A micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement for a printhead integrated circuit featuring a nozzle chamber capped by an ink ejection port includes a paddle located in the nozzle chamber below the ink ejection port; an actuator arm having a fixed end fixed to the substrate and a working end displaceable towards and away from the substrate; and a motion transmitting structure interconnecting the working end of the actuator arm and a proximal end of the paddle. The actuator arm and the paddle are formed of the same material. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073428 | Printing Integrated Circuit Having Piston Ejection - A printing integrated circuit is provided which has a substrate, fluid chambers on the substrate, pistons within the chambers and actuators connected to the pistons. Each chamber has an ejection port. Each piston is displaceable within the respective chamber to generate a fluid pressure pulse within that chamber thereby causing fluid ejection from the respective ejection port. Each actuator is configured to cause the displacement of the respective piston through heating of that actuator. The pistons are arranged in the chambers so that the ejection ports are adjacent a distal end portion of the pistons with respect to the connected actuators. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073429 | Inkjet Nozzle Device With Cantilevered Actuating Arm - A nozzle device for an inkjet printer includes a support structure defining an ink chamber connected to a source of ink; a nozzle chamber for receiving ink from the ink chamber; a nozzle opening through which ink in the nozzle chamber is ejected; and an elongate actuating arm cantilevered relative to the support structure and terminating in a movable free end within the nozzle chamber, the actuating arm comprising an active portion connected electrically to a current source and a passive portion electrically isolated from the current source. The passive portion is mechanically coupled to the active portion via at least one separating element, whereby differential expansion between the active and passive portions causes the actuating arm to bend and the free end of the actuating arm to move within the nozzle chamber to eject ink therein through the nozzle opening. The elongate actuating arm divides the nozzle chamber from the ink chamber. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073430 | Ink Jet Nozzle Arrangement With A Segmented Actuator Nozzle Chamber Cover - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer comprises a nozzle chamber; an ink supply channel for supplying ink to the nozzle chamber; a cover for covering the nozzle chamber, the cover defining an ink ejection port through which ink is ejected; a plurality of thermal bend actuators radially arranged around the ink ejection port; and a plurality of heater elements each corresponding to one of the plurality of thermal bend actuators. Each heater element is provided at an end of a corresponding thermal bend actuator opposite the ink ejection port. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073431 | Nozzle Structure With Reciprocating Cantilevered Thermal Actuator - A nozzle structure for an inkjet printer printhead includes an ink ejection port; a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink ejection port and an ink supply channel of the inkjet printer printhead; and a cantilevered thermal actuator terminating in a free end over the ink supply channel. The thermal actuator includes a serpentine heater layer connected to a CMOS drive circuitry layer of the printhead. The thermal actuator is adapted to reciprocate towards and away from the ink ejection port in response to signals from the drive circuitry layer. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073432 | Ink Jet Printhead Incorporating Heater Element Proportionally Sized To Drop Size - An inkjet printhead comprises a plurality of nozzles; a supply of printing fluid in fluid communication with the plurality of nozzles; and a plurality of heater elements corresponding respectively to each of the nozzles, the heater elements for heating the printing fluid to form a gas bubble for ejecting a drop of printing fluid of a predetermined volume from the nozzle. Each of the heater elements has an area proportional to the predetermined volume. The area being such that an amount of energy generated by each heater element to form the gas bubble is substantially equal to or less than an amount of energy absorbable by a drop of printing fluid having the predetermined volume. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073441 | Ink Supply Unit For Printhead Of Inkjet Printer - An ink supply unit for supplying ink to a printhead includes an elongate manifold defining a recess for receiving the printhead, and a plurality of ink slots in fluid communication with a back surface of the printhead, the plurality of ink slots being grouped into sets; and an ink supply comprising an elongate housing and a partition unit that together define a plurality of elongate ink chambers, each elongate ink chamber being in fluid communication with a respective set of ink slots. The ink supply further comprises a baffle unit including a number of spaced apart baffles extending into each ink chamber, the baffle unit for reducing acceleration of ink in a longitudinal direction along a length of the elongate housing. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073445 | Printer With Ink Pressure Regulator - An inkjet printer includes a printhead integrated circuit (IC) with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink on to print media; an ink supply reservoir for storing ink; an ink supply line defining a flow path from the ink supply reservoir to the printhead IC; a valve in the ink supply line proximate the printhead IC selectively closing the flow path to the printhead IC; an ink purge actuator for forcing a volume of ink out of the printhead under pressure; a printhead maintenance system having a collection roller for rotating such that the collection roller surface collects ink purged from the printhead and draws the ink away; and a pressure regulator provided in the ink supply reservoir downstream from the ink supply reservoir. The pressure regulator is normally biased shut, and operable to open upon a threshold pressure difference between ink upstream of the pressure regulator and ink downstream of the pressure regulator. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073696 | Page Expansion And Printing Method - A page expansion and printing method includes the steps of receiving a first page description into a first memory buffer, the first page description having a bio-level black layer and a contone CMYK layer; decompressing the bi-level black layer and the contone CMYK layer in parallel; half-toning the contone CMYK layer to bi-level CMYK; compositing the bi-level black layer over the bi-level CMYK layer to form a printable image; and transmitting the printable image to a second memory buffer for printing by the pagewidth printer. The step of transmitting the printable image to a second memory buffer is performed simultaneously with receiving a subsequent page description in the first memory buffer. | 03-25-2010 |
20100079107 | Mobile Phone Charging Stand Incorporating Ink Refill Unit - A charging stand for charging a mobile phone, includes a base defining a receptacle for receiving the mobile phone; a battery charging circuit for supplying a charging voltage to the mobile phone; a removable ink cartridge received in the receptacle, the removable ink cartridge for supplying ink to a printer of the mobile phone; a hollow cartridge connection pin protruding from the base for effecting fluid communication with the removable ink cartridge; a hollow device connection pin protruding from the base for effecting fluid communication with the mobile phone; an ink connection provided in the base molding, the ink connection connecting the cartridge connection pin and the device connection pin; and an elastomeric molding formed around the cartridge connection pin and device connection pin, the elastomeric molding covering respective outlets of the cartridge connection pin and device connection pin. The elastomeric molding is adapted to compress upon receipt of the mobile phone in the receptacle to expose the respective outlets. | 04-01-2010 |
20100079549 | INKJET PRINTER WITH SMALL DROP SIZE - An inkjet printer configured for ejecting ink droplets having a volume in the range of 1 to 2.5 pL, the printer comprising: a printhead having a plurality of nozzles assemblies, each nozzle assembly comprising: a nozzle chamber for containing ink, the chamber having a nozzle opening and an ink inlet, the nozzle opening having a maximum dimension in the range of 4 to 12 microns; and a bend actuator for ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle opening by generating a positive pressure pulse in the ink during bending of the actuator; and an ink supply system configured for supplying ink to the printhead at a positive hydrostatic pressure in the range of 1 to 300 mm H | 04-01-2010 |
20100079550 | EFFICIENT INKJET NOZZLE ASSEMBLY - An inkjet nozzle assembly comprising a nozzle chamber for containing ink, the chamber having a nozzle opening and an ink inlet; a pair of electrical contacts positioned at one end of the assembly and connected to drive circuitry; and a thermal bend actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle opening, the actuator comprising: an active beam connected to the electrical contacts and extending longitudinally away from the contacts, the active beam defining a bent current flow path between the contacts; and a passive beam fused to the active beam, such that when a current is passed through the active beam, the active beam heats and expands relative to the passive beam resulting in bending of the actuator, wherein the actuator has a working face for generating a positive pressure pulse in the ink during the bending of the actuator, the working face having an area of less than 800 square microns. | 04-01-2010 |
20100079556 | Inkjet Printer - An inkjet printer comprising: a printhead having a plurality of nozzles assemblies, each nozzle assembly comprising: a nozzle chamber for containing ink, the chamber having a nozzle opening and an ink inlet; and a bend actuator for ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle opening by generating a positive pressure pulse in the ink during bending of the actuator; and an ink supply system for supplying ink to the printhead; and means for varying a hydrostatic pressure of ink supplied to the printhead, wherein increasing the hydrostatic ink pressure increases a volume of the ejected ink droplets, and decreasing the hydrostatic ink pressure decreases a volume of the ejected ink droplets. | 04-01-2010 |
20100079600 | Printer CPU With VLIW Processor - A controller is provided having an interface for receiving data and a very long instruction word (VLIW) processor connected to the interface for processing the received data to generate processed data. The VLIW processor has four processing units each connected by a cross bar switch and each interconnected to their nearest neighbors to form a ring, each processing unit providing two inputs to, and taking two outputs from, the crossbar switch. | 04-01-2010 |
20100080642 | Printer For Printing Pattern Input From Collection - A printer is provided having a data capture device for capturing the identity of identifiers carried by a printed collection of patterns, the printed identifiers uniquely identifying each pattern of the collection, a processor storing the collection of patterns in digital form, each stored pattern being identified by said identities, and a printhead configured to receive patterns from the processor for printing and to print a pattern upon print media corresponding to the pattern having the identity captured by the data capture device. | 04-01-2010 |
20100081471 | Mobile Telecommunications Device Having Printhead - A mobile telecommunications device is provided having a printhead for printing on print media, a capper moveable between a capped position in which the printhead is capped and an uncapped position in which the printhead is uncapped, and a mechanism for maintaining the capper in the uncapped position. The mechanism has actuation arms configured to grip and retain the print media suspended from the device once printing is complete until removal of the print media from the device by a user. | 04-01-2010 |
20100081472 | Performing an Action in a Mobile Telecommunication Device - A method of performing an action in mobile telecommunications device is disclosed. A sensor module of the mobile telecommunications device senses coded data on a document. The document has disposed thereon an image and the coded data. The coded data encodes at least an identifier. The identifier is then extracted from the coded data, and an electronic copy of the image is retrieved from a storage device, the electronic copy of the image being associated with the identifier. The electronic copy of the image is displayed on a display device of the mobile telecommunications device, together with a plurality of hyperlinks. A selection of one of the hyperlinks is received from a user, and an action associated with the selected hyperlink is performed. | 04-01-2010 |
20100085402 | Printhead Integrated Circuit With A Solenoid Piston - The invention provides for a printhead integrated circuit for an inkjet printer. The printhead integrated circuit includes a wafer substrate defining a nozzle outlet port. The printhead integrated circuit also includes an electromagnetic piston inside the chamber, the piston mounted to the wafer substrate via torsion springs, said piston operatively forced towards the outlet port when activated. Also included is a solenoid coil positioned on the wafer substrate about the piston to activate the piston when a current is passed through the coil. | 04-08-2010 |
20100090005 | Product Packaging Authentication - A method of authenticating product packaging is disclosed. The packaging has disposed thereon coded data including a number of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the packaging and a part of a signature. The signature is a digital signature of at least a part of the identity of the packaging and comprises a plurality of signature parts. The method starts by receiving indicating data from a sensing device. The sensing device is responsive to sensing one of the coded data portions to generate the indicating data which is indicative of the identity of the packaging, the part of the signature, and a signature part identifier. A determined signature is then determined using the identity of the packaging. Next, a determined signature part is determined using the determined signature and the signature part identifier. Finally the packaging is authenticated by comparing the determined signature part and the part of the signature. | 04-15-2010 |
20100090010 | Print Medium Having An Orientation Indicator - A print medium for use with a mobile device having a printer, the print medium comprising: a substrate defining first and second opposite faces; and an orientation indicator disposed on at least one of the first and second faces, the orientation indicator being indicative of at least one orientation of the print medium, thereby enabling the mobile device to determine the print medium's orientation prior to printing thereon. | 04-15-2010 |
20100090296 | WAFER ASSEMBLY COMPRISING MEMS WAFER WITH POLYMERIZED SILOXANE ATTACHMENT SURFACE - A wafer assembly comprises a wafer having a MEMS layer formed on a frontside and a polymer coating covering the MEMS layer. A holding means is releasably attached to the polymer coating so that the wafer assembly facilitates performance of backside operations on a backside of the wafer. The polymer coating is comprised of a polymerized siloxane. | 04-15-2010 |
20100091069 | Modular Printhead Assembly With Series Of Connected PCB Modules - The invention provides for a printhead assembly that has a number of modular PCBs and a number of printhead integrated circuits (ICs). Each of the printhead IC's is respectively connected to one of the modular PCBs for operative control. Modular supports in the assembly define a raised portion and a recessed portion at an end thereof. Each PCB has electrical connecting strips which operatively overlie the respective recessed portions. At least one connecting member operatively connects respective PCBs to each other. Each connecting member has a series of parallel spaced conducting strips. The member is shaped and configured for fitment into a cavity defined by the raised and recessed portions of two abutting supports to connect the connecting strips of two PCBs via the conducting strips. The assembly also has a printer controller configured to synchronize operation of the respective PCBs during printing. | 04-15-2010 |
20100091072 | Inkjet Printhead Nozzle Arrangement Having Non-Coincident Low Mass Electrode And Heater Element - An inkjet printhead nozzle arrangement includes side walls provided on a wafer substrate and a roof layer deposited on said side walls to define an ink chamber, the roof layer defining a nozzle aperture; an inlet defined in the substrate to supply the ink chamber with printing fluid; and at least one heater element having two opposite sides parallel to a plane of the ejection aperture, the heater element adapted to generate a gas bubble at both of said opposite sides. The heater elements and associated electrodes are arranged in the chamber to be non-coincident and have an annular shape facilitating a point of collapse of the bubble near a centre thereof The heater element has a mass of less than 10 nanograms. | 04-15-2010 |
20100091077 | REMOVABLE INKJET PRINTER CARTRIDGE INCORPROATING PRINTHEAD AND INK STORAGE RESERVOIRS - A printer cartridge includes body configured to facilitate insertion and removal of the printer cartridge, by an end user of the printer cartridge, to and from a complementary cradle in an inkjet printer; one or more printing fluid storages mounted to the body, each printing fluid storage including a polyethylene membrane shaped as a pocket, the polyethylene membrane adapted to expand and collapse; a pagewidth printhead mounted to the body, the pagewidth printhead having a first print chip and a second print chip, the first print chip having an array of nozzles fabricated on a first monolithic substrate and the second print chip having an array of nozzles fabricated on a second monolithic substrate separate from the first monolithic substrate; and, a fluid connection between the printing fluid storage and the first and second print chips. The length of the first print chip added to the length of the second print chip is at least equal to the length of the pagewidth printhead. The pagewidth printhead and the printing fluid storage are mounted to the body such that removal and replacement of the body by an end user of the printer cartridge simultaneously removes and replaces the printing fluid storage, the pagewidth printhead and the fluid connection. | 04-15-2010 |
20100091116 | Utilisation of Image Illumination Effects in Photographs - A camera for the output of an image sensed by the camera. The camera includes a sensor for sensing an image and a synthetic light generator for adding lighting to the sensed image to produce an illuminated image which simulates the effect of light sources projected at the sensed image. The camera also includes a printer device for printing the illuminated image. | 04-15-2010 |
20100091117 | Camera With Printhead For Printing Images With Encoded Audio Data - A handheld camera comprises a housing containing an image sensor for generating image data; an audio sensor for generating audio data; a processor for generating coded data using the audio data and a pagewidth inkjet printhead. The printhead is configured for printing the image onto a face of a substrate using the image data and at the same time printing the coded data onto the same face of the substrate in the same area as the image. | 04-15-2010 |
20100092224 | Simultaneous Duplex Digital Printer - A duplex printer includes a pair of print engines, each print engine comprising at least one printhead and one transfer roller for receiving ink ejected from the at least one printhead; a pair of print media trays provided upstream and downstream of the pair of print engines, each print media tray comprising a movable platen for supporting a stack of print media and a motorized mechanism for moving the platen; and a print media feed arrangement for feeding print media from one of the pair of print media trays to the other of the pair of print media trays along a print media feed path. The transfer rollers of the pair of print engines are provided opposite each other with respect to the print media feed path. | 04-15-2010 |
20100092225 | Duplex Printer With Internal Hard Drive - A duplex color printer includes a body defining a plurality of docking bays for receiving color ink cartridges; a pair of print engines mounted within the body in an opposed manner to define a print media feed path therebetween, each print engine comprising at least one printhead coupled in fluid communication with the color ink cartridges; a pair of print media trays mounted on either side of the body for respectively containing print media; a print media feed arrangement configured to feed print media from one of the trays, along the print media path during a printing operation carried out by the print engines and into the other one of the trays; and an internal hard drive for storing page description language (PDL) files and rasterized page images. | 04-15-2010 |
20100095777 | Capacitative Pressure Sensor - A capacitative pressure sensor that has a silicon substrate, CMOS layers deposited on the silicon substrate, a conductive layer deposited on the CMOS layer and, a passivation layer on the conductive layer. A conductive membrane extends from the substrate assembly such that it is spaced from the conductive layer. The conductive layer has a plurality of apertures and the silicon substrate to define a passage for fluid communication with fluid pressure exterior to the pressure sensor and a cap extending from the substrate assembly to cover the membrane and form a chamber on one side of the conductive membrane that is sealed from the fluid pressure exterior to the pressure sensor. | 04-22-2010 |
20100096450 | Shopping Cart With Multifunctional Data Tag Reader - A shopping cart includes a receptacle for holding shopping items, a memory storing a shopping cart identity and an optical reading device mounted to the shopping receptacle. The optical reading device is configured for reading coded data tags on a user identity card and on shopping items placed in the receptacle. The shopping cart also includes a computer system configured for associating a user identity with the shopping cart identity and updating a shopping list using the determined identities of the shopping items. The coded data tags on each shopping item and the coded data tags on the user identity card are of the same type so as to both be readable by the optical reading device. | 04-22-2010 |
20100097426 | Printhead Having Interconnected And Sealed Modules - A printhead is provided having a plurality of printing fluid ejection nozzle modules each having one or more printing fluid channels interconnected at respective complementary female and male end portions of the modules, a connector connected to the female or male end portion of one of the modules for communicating printing fluid from a fluid supply to the nozzles of all of the modules via the interconnected channels, and a sealing member connected to the female or male end portion of another one of the modules. The sealing member has female and male portions complementary to the female and male end portions of the modules and for sealing the channels of the connected module. | 04-22-2010 |
20100097430 | Inkjet Printhead Nozzle Assembly Having A Raised Rim To Support An Ink Meniscus - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate defining a nozzle chamber and an ink inlet channel in fluid communication with said chamber; a nozzle defined on the substrate and located over the nozzle chamber, said nozzle having a crown portion with a skirt portion depending from the crown portion, the skirt portion forming a first part of a peripheral wall portion of the nozzle chamber, the nozzle surrounded by a raised rim for supporting a meniscus of a body of ink in the nozzle chamber; and an actuator with a connecting arm fast with the nozzle to operatively displace the nozzle towards the substrate. The nozzle is substantially hexagonally shaped. | 04-22-2010 |
20100097432 | Ink Reservoir With Automatic Air Vent - An ink reservoir for a printer with an inkjet printhead includes a housing for storing a quantity of ink; an air inlet valve having a ball biased against an aperture of the air inlet valve for sealing an interior of the housing from atmosphere; an ink outlet valve having a circular valve seat and a ball for sealing against the valve seat; and a valve actuator having a sliding shaft extending between the ink outlet valve and the air inlet valve. The valve actuator opens the air inlet valve in response to the ink outlet valve opening to establish fluid communication with the inkjet printhead. The ball in the ink outlet valve is adapted to engage one end of the sliding shaft to slide the shaft towards the air inlet valve, whereat the other end of the shaft engages the ball of the air inlet valve against the bias applied thereon. | 04-22-2010 |
20100097480 | Camera System For With Velocity Sensor And De-Blurring Processor - A camera system for outputting deblurred still images includes a portable handheld camera device comprising an image sensor adapted to capture a still, image comprising at least one blurred pixel; a velocity detector adapted to determine the angular velocity of the camera system relative to an external environment and to produce an angular velocity output indicative thereof; a linear image sensor for sensing data provided on at least one encoded card inserted into the camera system, the at least one encoded card containing instructions for the manipulation of the blurred images; and a processor adapted to receive said image from said image sensor and said angular velocity output from said angular velocity detector and to process said blurred image under programme control determined from data sensed by the linear image sensor from the at least one encoded card, the programme control utilising the velocity output to deblur said at least one blurred pixel of said blurred image and to output said deblurred still image. | 04-22-2010 |
20100097652 | Method Of Printing A Compressed Image Having Bi-Level Black Contone Data Layers - A method of printing a compressed image includes the steps of receiving the image, having a bi-level black data layer and a continuous tone (contone) CMYK data layer, from an image host; expanding the image by decompressing the two data layers in parallel; halftoning the contone CMYK data layer into bi-level CMYK data layer; compositing the bi-level black data layer over the bi-level CMYK data layer to form a composited bi-level CMYK image; separating the color planes of the composited bi-level CMYK image, and separating each color plane into even and odd pixels; storing the odd and even pixels of each color plane in respective odd and even FIFOs for each color; and printing the composited bi-level CMYK image with a pagewidth printhead onto a print medium. | 04-22-2010 |
20100097660 | Print Engine Controller Utilizing On And Off Chip Memory For Dot Data Formatting - A print engine controller for a pagewidth printhead includes contone and bi-level decompression circuitry for decompressing a contone layer of compressed page data and a bi-level layer of compressed page data, respectively; halftoner and compositor circuitry for halftoning the decompressed contone layer to associated bi-level versions and compositing the decompressed bi-level layer over the halftoned contone layers; printhead interface circuitry for receiving the halftoned and composited data, and to generate therefrom print data suitable for printing by the printhead; and line loader and formatter circuitry for receiving dot data from the halftoner and compositor circuitry, loading dot data for a given print line into buffer storages, and formatting the dots of the given print line into an order required by the printhead interface circuitry. The line loader and formatter circuitry loads the dot data into a combination of on integrated circuit and external storage buffers. | 04-22-2010 |
20100099459 | Mobile Telephone For Printing A Business Card - A mobile telephone is provided for printing a business card on a print medium. The print medium has coded data indicative of a print medium identifier and the mobile telephone has an inbuilt printer module to print the business card on the print medium such that the print medium shows at least one contact detail relevant to a business. The mobile telephone also has an interface for connection to a remote server, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium and, a processor to generate an association between the print medium identifier and the at least one contact detail. Sensing the coded data with the sensor module to derive the print medium identifier, allows the processor to perform an action in relation to the contact detail. | 04-22-2010 |
20100101873 | METHOD OF ESTIMATING NIB POSITION USING IMAGES CAPTURED AT DIFFERENT PEN ROTATIONS - A method of estimating a position of nib of a pen relative to an optical sensor mounted on the pen. The method comprises the steps of: (a) placing the nib in contact with a coded surface; (b) capturing, using the sensor, at least two images of the coded surface at different rotations of the pen relative to the surface; (c) determining, from a perspective distortion of the coded surface in each image, an estimated rotation and viewing distance for each image; and (d) estimating, from the estimated rotations and viewing distances, the position of the nib relative to the optical sensor. | 04-29-2010 |
20100103216 | MEMS FLUID SENSOR - A fluid sensor for detecting fluid in a chamber, has a MEMS sensing element of conductive material with a resistance that is a function of temperature, and electrical contacts for connection to an electrical power source for heating the sensing element with an electrical signal, so that control circuitry can measure the current passing through the sensing element during heating of the sensing element; and determine the temperature of the sensing element from the known applied voltage, the measured current and the known relationship between the current, resistance and temperature. As the temperature of the element will be greater if it is in the presence of gas rather than liquid, the sensor determines if there is liquid or gas in the chamber. This is particularly useful to detect if the chambers of an inkjet printhead are primed with ink. | 04-29-2010 |
20100103218 | Method Of Capping Printhead Assembly - A method is provided of capping duplexed printheads having nozzles arranged to eject ink onto opposite surfaces of print media. In the method linear movement of each printhead is effected in a first direction and linear movement of associated capping members is effected in a second direction to a position at which each capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated printhead. The first and second directions are non-parallel | 04-29-2010 |
20100103219 | Inkjet Printer With Maintenance Roller Mounted On Chassis - An inkjet printer has an inkjet printhead and a printhead maintenance station. The maintenance station includes a maintenance roller which is rotatable and moveable between a first position in which a capping portion is sealingly engaged with the printhead and a second position in which the capping portion is disengaged from the printhead. The maintenance roller is mounted on a chassis which is reciprocally moveable between the first and second positions. The printer includes an engagement mechanism for moving the chassis between the first and second positions by complementary engagement with engagement formations on the chassis. | 04-29-2010 |
20100103220 | Print Engine For Inkjet Printer - A print engine for an inkjet printer includes an inkjet cartridge having a cartridge body, a pagewidth printhead, a capper unit extending a length of the pagewidth printhead and housing a capping element which is movable between a capped position in engagement with the pagewidth printhead and a retracted position spaced from the pagewidth printhead, and an ink supply. The cartridge body supports the pagewidth printhead, the capper unit and the ink supply for simultaneous removal and replacement as a unitary component. The print engine further includes a cradle having a body for receiving the removable inkjet cartridge and to control the operation of the printhead for printing, the cradle having a capper drive for engaging the capper unit and drawing the capping element to the uncapped position; and a print controller board received in the cradle, the print controller board including one or more electrical terminals for engaging with corresponding electrical terminals on the inkjet cartridge. The cradle is secured to the inkjet printer to receive print media from a media input tray and to deliver printed media to a media output tray via a media feed path extending between the pagewidth printhead and the capping element. The print controller board is pivotally received in the cradle to pivot into and out of contact with the corresponding electrical contacts of the inkjet cartridge in response to the actuation of a cover assembly for covering the cradle unit. | 04-29-2010 |
20100103234 | PULSE DAMPED INK SUPPLY ARCHITECTURE - An inkjet printer includes a printhead integrated circuit (IC) with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink on to print media; an ink supply reservoir for storing ink, the ink supply reservoir having rigid walls and an air inlet for supplying air into the ink supply reservoir; an ink supply line defining a flow path from the ink supply reservoir to the printhead IC; and a pulse damper positioned along the flow path, the pulse damper for decreasing an amplitude of pressure pulses in the ink. The pulse damper is a compliant section of the ink supply line adapted to elastically flex. | 04-29-2010 |
20100104343 | FEED MECHANISM FOR WIDE FORMAT PRINTER - A feed mechanism for a wide format printer is provided having a supply spool for supplying media web to a printhead, a take-up spool for receiving the web after printing, a take-up motor connected to the take-up spool, a take-up control system for controlling the take-up motor torque, a drive roller system positioned between the supply and take-up spools, a drive motor connected to the drive roller system, and a braking motor connected to the supply spool for generating tension in the web between the supply spool and the drive roller system. The take-up, drive and braking motors are separate motors and are separately connected to the take-up spool, drive roller system and supply spool, respectively. The web fed from the drive roller system to the take-up spool is maintained under substantially constant tension by regulating the torque of the take-up motor using the take-up control system. | 04-29-2010 |
20100106273 | Audio Data Associated With A Surface And A Position On The Surface - A method of playing audio data by a portable device is disclosed. The method starts with an optical sensor of the portable device sensing a tag on a surface. The tag encodes an identity of the surface and a location of the tag on the surface. Audio data is recorded by an audio system of the portable device. A processor of the portable device determines the identity of the surface and the location of the tag sensed by the optical sensing device on the surface. The portable device communicates the audio data, the identity of the surface and the location of the tag to a computer system where the audio data is associated with the identity of the surface and the location of the tag. Upon subsequent sensing of the tag by the optical sensor, the portable device communicates the identity of the surface and the location of the tag to the computer system, where the audio data associated with the identity of the surface and the location of the tag is retrieved and communicated to the portable device. The audio data retrieved by the portable device is then played back by the portable device. | 04-29-2010 |
20100110124 | Method Of Ejection From Nozzles Of Printhead - A method of ejection from nozzles of a printhead is provided. Each nozzle has a chamber having an ejection port and heater element which has a bubble nucleation section of a smaller cross section than the rest of that heater element. In the method, for each nozzle, actuation energy of less than 500 nJ is applied to the heater element so that the temperature of the bubble nucleation section is heated to above a boiling point of printing fluid within the chamber before the rest of the heater element thereby forming a gas bubble in the printing fluid which causes ejection of printing fluid from the ejection port. | 05-06-2010 |
20100110129 | INKJET PRINTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHS - A photo printer that prints 6″×4″ photos that has a stationary printhead. The printhead has a plurality of color channels, each color channel comprising at least one nozzle row extending along the length of said printhead, each nozzle in a color channel ejecting the same colored ink. The photo printer also has means for continuously moving 6″×4″ paper sheets past the printhead and during use, all firing nozzles of each color channel selected for one line of printing are fired within about 200 microseconds. | 05-06-2010 |
20100110130 | Printer System For Providing Pre-Heat Signal To Printhead - A printer system for providing a pre-heat signal to a printhead. The system includes a printhead having a plurality of nozzles and a print engine controller for generating drive signals in accordance with print data defining a print job for the printhead. The system is configured for selectively providing nozzles actuators with a pre-heat signal derived from a combination of signals. One of the signals in the combination is the drive signal from the print engine controller. | 05-06-2010 |
20100110139 | Mobile Device With A Printhead And A Capper Actuated By Contact With The Media To Be Printed - A mobile device that as (a) an inkjet printhead, (b) a print media feed path extending past the printhead, (c) a capping mechanism with a capper moveable between a capping position, in which the capper is urged into a capping relationship with the printhead, and an uncapped position, where the capper is spaced from the printhead, and (d) a locking mechanism configured to move the capper to the uncapped position in response to engagement with the media such that the capper returns to the capped position upon disengagement with the media. | 05-06-2010 |
20100110141 | Inkjet Printhead With Matched Number Of Color Channels And Printhead Modules - An inkjet printhead having a plurality of color channels extending longitudinally along a length of the printhead. Each color channel comprises at least one row of nozzles and each nozzle in a same color channel ejects the same colored ink. The printhead has a plurality of printhead modules and the number of color channels is equal to the number of printhead modules. | 05-06-2010 |
20100110147 | Inkjet Nozzle Assembly With Thermal Bend Actuator Defining Part Of Nozzle Chamber Roof - 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. | 05-06-2010 |
20100110454 | DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING PRINTER - A display device is provided having a flat panel display for displaying images, a stand for holding the flat panel display in at least one operative position, a printer comprising a pagewidth printhead for printing onto paper, the printhead being disposed so that the printed paper exits the device from a slot beneath the flat panel display, and a curved paper guide disposed beneath the flat panel display and external to the flat panel display and stand, such that the printed paper is urged horizontally as it exits the device via the slot. | 05-06-2010 |
20100115270 | Authentication of a Consumable - A method authenticating a consumable is disclosed. The consumable includes a first integrated circuit operative to receive data and return the data encrypted. The method receives a random number from a trusted second integrated circuit. The random number is communicated to the first integrated circuit, and in response a first message containing the random number encrypted by the first integrated circuit is received from the first integrated circuit. Also, a second message containing the random number encrypted by the trusted integrated circuit is received from the trusted second integrated circuit. By comparing the first and second messages it is determined that the consumable is authentic when the first and second messages are the same. | 05-06-2010 |
20100116564 | Optoelectronic Force Sensor - A force sensor particularly suited for use in an electronic stylus that senses the contact force on its nib for recording pen strokes and handwriting recognition. The sensor has a load bearing member movably mounted for receiving an input force to be sensed, the load bearing member being biased against the direction of the input force. The sensor also has a light source, a photo-detector for sensing levels of illumination from the light source and circuitry for converting a range of illumination levels sensed by the photo-detector into a range of output signals. During use, the illumination level sensed by the photo-detector varies with movement of the load bearing member such that the output signal from the circuitry is indicative of the input force. Using an optical sensor avoids the need to use a delicate piezo-resistive sensor that requires careful tolerancing during production. | 05-13-2010 |
20100116892 | REUSABLE STICKER - An encoded, reusable sticker is provided for temporary adhesion to a support surface. The sticker has coded data that is indicative of a sticker identity that is recorded in a computer system. The coded data is a two dimensional pattern and has an interactive element and a generation element. The interactive element is an area of the two dimensional pattern in which the coded data is also indicative of an action to be performed by the computer system. The generation interactive element is an area of the two dimensional pattern that is also indicative of an instruction for the computer system to generate an association between the sticker identity and an object stored in an object repository in the computer system. The sticker also has a visual representation of the action to be performed by the computer system and a visual representation of the generation of an association between the sticker identity and an object. The sticker allows the use of a sensing device for sensing the coded data and transmitting to the computer system to initiate the association between the sticker identity and the object by holding the sensing device in an operative position relative to the interactive element, and initiate the action performed by the computer system by holding the sensing device in an operative position relative to the interactive element. | 05-13-2010 |
20100118086 | SYSTEM FOR PRINTING 3D STRUCTURE WITH INTEGRATED OBJECTS - A system for creating a three dimensional printed structure having a plurality of layers. The system includes a plurality of printheads arranged to print voxels of material so as to define respective layers of the structure, a robot for inserting objects into voids created in the structure during printing, and a conveyance for conveying a substrate past the printheads such that the printed structure is created on the substrate. | 05-13-2010 |
20100118087 | Printhead With Flex PCB Bent Between Contacts And Printhead IC - 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. | 05-13-2010 |
20100118090 | Modular Inkjet Printhead With Mating Formations - A pagewidth printhead for an inkjet printer includes an elongate support; a plurality of printhead modules supported by the support, each printhead module comprising rows of unit cells, each unit cell comprising a nozzle through which ink is ejected and an actuator for ejecting ink from the nozzle; and an engagement mechanism having complementary formations defined on opposite edges of each printhead module to engage the printhead modules together in series along the support. The engagement mechanism includes a biasing means configured to press the serially arranged printhead modules together, the biasing means including at least one compression spring. A gap is defined between the unit cells of adjacent printhead modules, the gap extending obliquely with respect to the support. | 05-13-2010 |
20100118092 | Printhead Nozzle Arrangement Having Variable Volume Nozzle Chamber - A printhead has a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each arrangement includes a substrate defining an ink inlet aperture with a wall portion bounding the ink inlet aperture and a crown portion defining a nozzle opening; a skirt portion depending from the crown portion to form part of a peripheral wall of the nozzle assembly, the crown and skirt portions being displaceable with respect to the wall portion towards the substrate to alter a volume of a nozzle chamber defined by the wall, crown and skirt portions; and a thermal actuator interconnecting the crown and skirt portions with the substrate, the actuator for displacing the crown and skirt portions. The wall portion and skirt portions are configured to define a fluidic seal to inhibit the egress of ink during such displacement. The substrate further includes a layer of micro-electromechanical drive circuitry for actuating the actuator. The actuator has a first active beam arranged above a second passive beam, the beams fabricated from a conductive ceramic material with an electrical connection between the active beam and the drive circuitry established via conductive pads. | 05-13-2010 |
20100118093 | PRINTHEAD SYSTEM WITH SUBSTRATE CHANNEL SUPPORTING PRINTHEAD AND INK HOSE - A printhead system for an inkjet printer includes a pagewidth inkjet printhead formed from a plurality of printhead integrated circuits arranged end-to-end; a flexible ink hose extending a length of the printhead, the flexible ink hose defining a plurality of distinct and parallel ink channels and further defining plural groups of apertures repeated along the length of the flexible ink hose; and a substrate channel supporting on a top thereof the plurality of printhead integrated circuits and supporting from a bottom thereof the extruded flexible ink hose, the substrate channel provided with plural groups of repeated apertures defined therethrough and extending along a length of the channel. Each group of apertures provided on the substrate channel aligns with a respective group of apertures defined along the flexible ink hose and further with apertures provided on a bottom of one printhead integrated circuit. | 05-13-2010 |
20100118346 | DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL USING A PRINTED FORM - A method of retrieving a document from a database of hierarchical electronic document versions is disclosed. Each document version is associated with a unique document instance. In the method a search form is printed. The search form includes a search instruction input field relating to at least one parameter of a search to be carried out within the database and a plurality of coded data tags. Each coded data tag encodes a location of that coded data tag on the search form. The coded data tags are sensed by a sensing device as the sensing device is used to handwrite at least one search term on the search form. Data representing the parameter and the at least one search term is generated, with the data representing the at least one search term being generated from the locations of the coded data tags. Next, a search is carried out within the database based on the at least one search term and parameter in order to identify document versions. A results form is printed, with the results form containing data representing the document versions identified in the search and coded data tags. By sensing one or more coded data tags on the results form, the document version associated with the coded data tag sensed on the results form is retrieved and printed. | 05-13-2010 |
20100118354 | Sensing Device - A sensing device is disclosed. The sensing device interacts with a surface having coded data thereon. The coded data is made up from tags. Each tag encodes a unique identity of the surface, and the location of that tag on the surface. The sensing device has an optical sensor for capturing images of the coded data on the surface when the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the surface. The sensing device also has a processor for processing the captured images to determine the unique identity of the surface and the operative position of the sensing device on the surface. A movement sensor for generating movement data is also included in the sensing device. A transmitter of the sensing device transmits indicating data to a computer system. The indicating data includes data regarding the identity of the surface, data regarding the operative position of the sensing device and said movement data. | 05-13-2010 |
20100119159 | METHOD OF SENSING CODED DATA ON A SURFACE - A method of sensing coded data on a surface is disclosed. Images of the coded data on the surface are captured using a sensor of a sensing device. The coded data is formed from tags, with each tag encoding a unique identity of a region of the surface and the position of the tag within the region. A perspective distortion of the coded data is estimated and compensated for when detecting data elements in the tags. The unique identity of the region from the images is determined, and the position of the sensing device within the region from the position of at least one tag in at least one image captured by the sensor is determined. | 05-13-2010 |
20100119286 | Printing System Having Selectively Controlled Slitter - A printing system is provided having a printhead for printing on media supplied from a roll, a slitter having a plurality of slitting blades mounted on rotatable shafts and a rotatable, selectively positional turret supporting the rotatable shafts and a controller. The position of each slitting blade in relation to the printed media is preselected so as to provide preselected slit widths of the printed media. The controller receives width options selected by an operator, drives rotation of the turret so as to select the shafts having the slitting blades positioned for the received width options, and control the printhead and slitter to effect printing and slitting of the media at the received width options. | 05-13-2010 |
20100123766 | PRIMING SYSTEM FOR PAGEWIDTH PRINT CARTRIDGE - An ink priming system for a cartridge includes a priming inlet provided on a pagewidth printhead assembly, the priming inlet including a valve incorporating an elastomeric seal; an ink flow passage providing fluid connection between the pagewidth printhead assembly and an ink storage compartment of the cartridge, the ink flow passage terminating at the ink storage compartment to form an ink outlet; an ink filter provided across the ink outlet; a vent hole defined through a surface of the ink storage compartment, the vent hole being defined through a surface opposite the ink outlet; and an ink retaining member provided within the ink storage compartment for receiving and storing ink, the ink retaining member being interposed between the ink outlet and the vent hole. Ink is supplied to the priming inlet of the pagewidth printhead assembly to flow from the pagewidth printhead assembly into the ink storage compartment via the ink flow passage and across the ink filter. The ink received via the ink flow passage primes both the printhead assembly and the ink retaining member of each ink storage compartment with ink substantially simultaneously. | 05-20-2010 |
20100124803 | WIRE BOND ENCAPSULANT CONTROL METHOD - A method of depositing encapsulant on a line of wire bonds to a die is described, the die having a back surface in contact with the support structure and an active surface opposing the back surface, the active surface having electrical contact pads and functional elements spaced from the contact pads. The method involves the steps of providing a die mounted to the support structure, positioning a barrier between the contact pads and the functional elements, the barrier being proximate to, but spaced from the active surface, depositing a bead of encapsulant onto the electrical contact pads while the barrier remains stationary such that the barrier prevents the encapsulant from contacting the functional elements, removing the barrier when the bead of encapsulant has been deposited. The fluidic resistance generated by the gap between the barrier and the active surface means that the amount of encapsulant that flows into the gap and onto the active surface is almost constant. The reduced flow variations make the encapsulant front closely correspond to the shape of the barrier. Greater control of the encapsulant front allows the functional elements of the active surface of the die to be closer to the contact pads. | 05-20-2010 |
20100125451 | Natural Language Recognition Using Context Information - A method of recognising digital ink input by a user into a computer-based digital ink recognition system is disclosed. The user interacts with a paper-based document. The paper-based document has disposed thereon coded data indicative of a particular field of the paper-based document and of at least one reference point of the paper-based document. An image sensor in a sensing device captures images of at least some of the coded data when the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the paper-based document. The sensing device then decodes at least some of the coded data to form indicating data indicative of the identity of the field of the paper-based document containing the coded data and at least one of a position and a movement of the sensing device relative to the paper-based document. A server receives the indicating data from the sensing device, and processes the indicating data using a recognizer residing on the server to produce intermediate format data. The intermediate format data is then transmitted to an application which decodes the intermediate format data into computer-readable format data using context information associated with the paper-based document. | 05-20-2010 |
20100128082 | METHOD OF FABRICATING NOZZLE ASSEMBLY HAVING MOVING ROOF STRUCTURE AND SEALING BRIDGE - A method of fabricating an inkjet nozzle assembly having a seal member bridging between a moving portion and a stationary portion. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a partially-fabricated printhead comprising a nozzle chamber sealed with a roof, (b) etching a via through the roof to define the moving portion on a first side of the via and the stationary portion on a second side of the via; (c) plugging the via with a plug of sacrificial material; (d) depositing a layer of flexible material over the plug; and (e) removing the plug to provide the inkjet nozzle assembly. The resultant seal member is comprised of the flexible material. | 05-27-2010 |
20100128085 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLY WITH MOVABLE CHASSIS AND MAINTENANCE ROLLER - A maintenance assembly for maintaining an ink ejection face of a pagewidth inkjet printhead in an operable condition. The maintenance assembly comprises: a chassis movable between a first position and a second position relative to the printhead; a maintenance roller for receiving ink from the face; a first mechanism for moving the chassis between the first position and the second position; and a second mechanism for rotating the maintenance roller when the chassis is positioned in the second position. | 05-27-2010 |
20100128086 | PRINTHEAD INCLUDING MOVING PORTIONS AND SEALING BRIDGES - An inkjet printhead comprising: a stationary portion; a plurality of moving portions for ejection of ink; and a plurality of seal members. Each seal member connects a respective moving portion with the stationary portion. Each seal member has a non-planar profile configured for facilitating movement of the moving portion. | 05-27-2010 |
20100128087 | INKJET NOZZLE ASSEMBLY HAVING MOVING ROOF STRUCTURE AND SEALING BRIDGE - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber with a roof having a nozzle opening defined therein. The roof includes a moving portion moveable relative to a stationary portion, such that movement of the moving portion relative to the stationary portion causes ejection of ink through the nozzle opening. The nozzle assembly also includes an actuator for moving the moving portion and a seal member. The seal member is configured as a bridge spanning between the moving portion and the stationary portion. | 05-27-2010 |
20100128090 | Mems Bubble Generator Incorporating Superalloy Heater In Direct Contact With Bubble Formation Liquid Without Intervening Protective Coating - A MEMS vapor bubble generator includes a chamber for holding liquid; and a heater positioned in the chamber, the heater being formed using a sputtering technique. The heater is formed from a superalloy material. The superalloy material of the heater is in direct contact with the liquid, without any intervening protective coating. The superalloy has a crystalline structure with a grain size less than 100 nano-metres. The superalloy is MCrAlX, where M is one or more of Ni, Co, Fe with M contributing at least 50% by weight, Cr contributing between 8% and 35% by weight, Al contributing more than zero but less than 8% by weight, and X contributing less than 25% by weight, with X consisting of zero or more other elements, preferably including but not limited to Mo, Re, Ru, Ti, Ta, V, W, Nb, Zr, B, C, Si, Y, Hf. | 05-27-2010 |
20100128094 | Print Engine With A Refillable Printer Cartridge And Ink Refill Port - A print engine for a printhead assembly includes a refillable cartridge having a body defining a plurality of fluid chambers, the body having a lid assembly with a plurality of ink refill ports leading to respective fluid chambers, the lid assembly having an actuator to actuate a refill unit; a number of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements configured to operatively eject printing fluid onto a printing medium; and a fluid distribution member operatively arranging the nozzle arrangements in fluid communication with respective fluid chambers. The lid assembly engages with the refill unit to actuate the refill unit. The refill unit includes an outlet adapted to engage with the plurality of ink refill ports, a fluid reservoir, and an ejector assembly configured to incrementally eject fluid from the reservoir when the ejector assembly is actuated by the actuator during operative engagement of the print cartridge by the lid assembly. Each fluid chamber includes a stack of polymer layers with a micro-capillary array of channels formed therein to form an absorbent assembly within the fluid chamber. | 05-27-2010 |
20100129006 | ELECTRONIC PEN WITH RETRACTABLE NIB - An electronic pen for interacting with a substrate having coded data disposed thereon. The pen comprises: an image sensor for sensing the coded data when the pen is used to interact with the surface; a slidably retractable nib for contacting the surface; and a processor configured to generate indicating data indicative of the interaction with the substrate. The image sensor is configured to sense the coded data only when the nib is configured in the extended position. | 05-27-2010 |
20100133323 | METHOD OF WIRE BONDING AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DIE AND A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD - A method of profiling a series of wire bonds between a line of contact pads on a die, and a corresponding set of conductors on a supporting structure. The method involves electrically connecting each of the contact pads on the die to a corresponding conductor on the supporting structure with a respective wire bond, each of the wire bonds extending in an arc from the contact pad to the conductor and, pushing on each of the wire bonds individually to collapse the arc and plastically deform the wire bond such that the plastic deformation maintains the wire bond in a flatter profile shape. The support structure has a chip mounting area for supporting the die. The die has a back surface in contact with the chip mounting area and an active surface opposing the back surface, the active surface having the contact pads, and the chip mounting area being raised relative to the remainder of the support structure such that the contact pads are raised relative to the conductors. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134449 | Image-Sensing Pen With Retractable Cartridge And Force Sensor - An electronic pen for interacting with a substrate having coded data disposed thereon. The pen comprises: an image sensor for sensing the coded data when the pen is used to interact with the surface; a cartridge having a nib for contacting the surface; a retraction mechanism for slidably moving the cartridge between a retracted position and an extended position; a force sensor cooperating with the retraction mechanism; and a processor configured to generate indicating data indicative of the interaction with the substrate. The image sensor is configured to sense the coded data only when the force sensor detects that the nib is in contact with the substrate. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134540 | METHOD OF PRIMING PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD - A method of priming ejection nozzles of a printhead is provided in which inwardly directed force is applied on an exterior wall of a bag containing fluid for distribution to the nozzles so as to reduce an available fluid volume of the bag, thereby causing fluid to be distributed from the bag to the nozzles, and a biasing member in the bag is caused to apply outwardly directed force on an interior wall of the bag so as to restrain the reduction of available fluid volume of the bag only once the available fluid volume of the bag has been reduced to a predetermined volume. The printhead is a pagewidth printhead having a pagewidth of greater than 100 millimetres. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134553 | PRINTER FOR NESTING WITH IMAGE READER - A printer is provided having a body shaped for nesting with an image reader, and a printhead for printing of print media. The body is configured so that the nested image reader extends outwardly therefrom such that printed media from the printhead is collected on a surface of the image reader. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134554 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT HAVING SENSING AND TEST CIRCUITRY - A printhead IC is provided having ejection nozzles, drive circuitry for sending drive pulses to resistive heaters of the nozzles to cause ejection from the nozzles, sensing circuitry being activated to sense the temperature of the printhead IC and adjust the profile of the sent drive pulses in accordance with the sensed temperature and being de-activated after a period of use, and test circuitry for selectively disabling the resistive heaters when they receive the drive pulses while comparing the resistance of the resistive heaters against a predetermined threshold to assess whether the resistive heaters are defective. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134559 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING LAMINATED INK DISTRIBUTION STACK - An elongate printhead assembly for a pagewidth printer includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having mounted thereon various electronic components to facilitate operation of the printer; one or more printhead integrated circuits, each angularly disposed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the PCB; one or more printed circuit interconnections for providing signal communication between the one or more printhead integrated circuits and the electronic components; an ink distribution molding for receiving ink from an ink reservoir, the ink distribution molding having defined therein a plurality of ink ducts and a plurality of transitional ducts provided below the ink ducts, the ink ducts and transitional ducts being connected via ink transfer ports; and a laminated stack arranged between the ink distribution molding and the one or more printhead integrated circuits, the laminated stack having defined therethrough a plurality of ink holes for feeding ink to the printhead integrated circuits. The transitional ducts are angled acutely with respect to the ink ducts to align with the plurality of ink holes. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134562 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH FIRST AND SECOND NOZZLE PLATES - An inkjet printhead with first and second nozzle plates. The first nozzle plate is comprised of a first material spanning a plurality of nozzles. The first nozzle plate has a plurality of cavities filled with a filler such that an upper surface of the first nozzle plate and an upper surface of the filler together define a contiguous planar surface. The second nozzle plate is comprised of a second material disposed on the planar surface. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134563 | Modular Printer With Arcuate Printheads - A modular printer includes a housing having an upper and lower cover, a first side wall having an air duct with an air inlet, and a second side wall defining air exit vents, the air duct, air inlet and air vent facilitating ducting of warm air over print media passing through the housing; entry and exit media feed roller assemblies located at opposite ends of the housing for feeding the print media through the housing, each roller assembly having a pair of rollers with a print media feed path interposed between the rollers; and a print engine having two opposing printhead assembly, each printhead assembly having two arcuate printheads. Each printhead has a radius of curvature approximating a radius of the rollers. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134565 | Inkjet Nozzle Device With Static And Movable Nozzle Chamber Portions - A nozzle device for an inkjet printer includes a support structure defining an ink inlet chamber connected to a source of ink; an elongate actuating arm cantilevered relative to the support structure; and a nozzle chamber structure defining a nozzle chamber for receiving ink from the ink inlet chamber, the nozzle chamber structure comprising a static portion extending from the support structure, and further comprising a movable wall portion mounted to the actuating arm between the ends of the elongate actuating arm. The elongate actuating arm terminates in a free end within the nozzle chamber, the free end adapted to move within the nozzle chamber to eject ink therefrom. The elongate actuating arm is positioned to divide the nozzle chamber from the ink inlet chamber. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134567 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH HEATER ELEMENTS HAVING PARALLEL CURRENT PATHS - An inkjet printhead having an array of ink chambers is disclosed. Each ink chamber has a nozzle and a heater element for generating vapour bubbles to eject ink through the nozzle. The heater element has multiple current paths connected in parallel. Each current path has at least one portion with a reduced cross-section relative to the remainder of the current path. A cross bracing structure is also provided for connecting intermediate portions of the current paths. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134573 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH INK SUPPLY SHUT OFF - A printhead assembly with a printhead and a shut off ( | 06-03-2010 |
20100134575 | REFILLABLE INK CARTRIDGE WITH INK BYPASS CHANNEL FOR REFILLING - A refillable ink cartridge has an ink port for both supplying ink to a printhead and refilling the cartridge. An ink reservoir has ink absorbent material disposed therein with a main fluid channel extending between the ink port and the ink absorbent material. A bypass fluid channel with a control valve extends between the main fluid channel the said absorbent material. The bypass control valve is configured to allow ink to flow through the bypass fluid channel only when refilling the ink reservoir via the ink port. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134577 | Inkjet Printhead With Pressure Pulse Priming - An inkjet printer that has a printhead with an array of ink ejection nozzles, an upstream ink line for connecting the printhead to an ink supply, a downstream ink line for connecting the printhead to a sump, a pump in the downstream ink line for drawing fluid out of the printhead, a gas inlet in communication with the printhead, the gas inlet being configured to open to atmosphere during a printhead de-priming operation, and close to atmosphere during a printhead priming operation and, an accumulator positioned in the upstream ink line for generating a positive pressure pulse for priming the printhead. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134579 | Hand Operated Marking Device Incorporating Printer With Movable Printhead And Replaceable Cartridge - A hand operated marking device includes a pair of housings movably interconnected together, a first one of the housings adapted to be received in a second one of the housings responsive to a compression of the housings; a printer located along a bottom surface of the first housing, the printer including a movable printhead exposed through an aperture of the first housing; a moving mechanism housed within at least one of the housings, the moving mechanism for moving the printhead in a printing direction responsive to the compression of the housings; and a shutter for covering the aperture of the first housing, the shutter adapted to be retracted as the moving mechanism moves the printhead. The moving mechanism includes a pair of arms pivotally mounted at one end to the second housing and at the other end to the printhead, and further comprising an extension return spring extending between the other end of the arms and the first housing. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134815 | Printing a List on a Print Medium - A system for printing a list on a print medium is disclosed. The system has a device which has a sensor module for sensing a print media identifier coded on a surface of the print medium, and a printer module for printing the list on the print medium. The system further has a means for storing the list in association with the print medium identifier in a database. The list is retrievable from the database using the print media identifier. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134843 | Printing Content on a Print Medium - A method of printing content on a print medium is disclosed. The method starts by receiving the print medium in a media feed path. The media feed path includes a sensor module and a printer module. A print media identifier is read from a surface of the print medium using the sensor module. The print medium identifier uniquely identifies the print medium. The content is then on the print medium using the printer module and the content is stored in association with the print medium identifier in a database. The content is retrievable from the database using the print media identifier. | 06-03-2010 |
20100134845 | Digital Photo Frame With Rotatable Screen - A digital photo frame for storing and displaying photos. The photo frame has a photo-sized display screen rotatably mounted on a support such that the display screen is configurable in landscape-viewing or portrait-viewing orientations by rotation of the screen. A memory stores photo image files tagged as either landscape orientation or portrait orientation and a user interface receives instructions to display photos stored in the memory. A processor is configured for receiving orientation data regarding an orientation of the display screen, retrieving only photo image files from the memory that are tagged with an orientation corresponding to the orientation of the display screen, and displaying the retrieved photo image files as photos on the display screen. | 06-03-2010 |
20100135485 | SYSTEM FOR AUTHENTICATING OBJECTS - A system for authenticating an object is disclosed. The system has a sensing device for sensing coded tags printed on the object. Each coded tags encodes an identity of the object and a signature fragment. An entire signature is encoded in multiple coded tags. The system further has a processor for determining a signature fragment identifier associated with respective signature fragments. The processor also generates the entire signature from the signature fragments and associated signature fragment identifiers. The entire signature is then decrypted to obtain a generated identity. By comparing the identity encoded by the coded tags with the generated identity, the object is authenticated. | 06-03-2010 |
20100135679 | CARTRIDGE FOR USE IN PRINTER FOR PRINTING CODED DATA - A cartridge including identifier data that is indicative of a plurality of globally unique identifiers. The cartridge is configured for use in a printer capable of printing machine-readable coded data onto a surface. The printer has an interface for receiving the cartridge, a reader for reading the identifier data, a coded data generator and a printhead. The coded data generator is configured for allocating a globally unique identifier from the identifier data and generating coded data on the basis of the allocated identifier. The coded data includes a machine-readable pattern of coded data identifying a unique region identity for association with a substrate to be printed. | 06-03-2010 |
20100138663 | Method Of Providing Security Document - A method of providing a security document is provided in which a computer system generates a digital signature of at least part of an identity associated with the security document, generates a plurality of coded data tags to each encode data on the identity and a respective part of the digital signature, and prints, with a printer networked therewith, the security document with the tags tiled thereacross. The tags are generated and printed so that interaction with only one of the tags to detect the identity and respective signature part encoded thereby allows authentication of the entire digital signature. | 06-03-2010 |
20100140216 | Method Of Forming A Nozzle Chamber Incorporating An Ink Ejection Paddle And Nozzle Chamber Rim - A method of forming a nozzle chamber of a printhead includes steps of forming a first laminate of sacrificial layers on a substrate, the first laminate of sacrificial layers being formed as a ring on the substrate; photoimaging the first laminate of sacrificial layers to cause edges thereof to angle inwards, forming an approximate trapezoidal cross-section; depositing a TiN layer over the first laminate of sacrificial layer and the substrate, the TiN layer being inclined at portions deposited over the inwardly angled edges; etching the TiN layer to form a paddle and a nozzle chamber rim, the paddle incorporating an inner inclined portion and the nozzle chamber rim incorporating a complementary outer inclined portion, the paddle and nozzle rim defining an aperture therebetween; and removing the one or more sacrificial layers. | 06-10-2010 |
20100140352 | Method Of Updating Product Status - A method of maintaining a status of a product is provided in which indicating data is generated at a sensing device from data encoded by a tag of a plurality of tags tiled across the product through interaction of the sensing device with the tag at any orientation of the product, and the indicating data is transferred to a computer system to cause updating of a status of the product stored by the computer system. The encoded data of each tag used to generate the indicating data includes an identity of the product and an identity of a region of the product on which that tag is tiled. The status of the product is updated in accordance with the product and region identities of the indicating data. | 06-10-2010 |
20100141706 | NON-CONTACT METHOD OF MAINTAINING INKJET PRINTHEAD - A method of maintaining an ink ejection face of a pagewidth printhead. The method includes the steps of: flooding the face with ink; positioning a transfer roller adjacent the face and without contacting the face; rotating the transfer roller and simultaneously transferring flooded ink from the ink ejection face onto the transfer roller; and removing ink from the transfer roller. | 06-10-2010 |
20100141710 | Nozzle Device With Expansive Chamber-Defining Layer - A nozzle device for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate assembly defining an ink supply; a chamber-defining layer defining a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with a nozzle opening and the ink supply; and an actuating arm coupled to the substrate assembly and terminating in a paddle separating the ink supply and nozzle chamber, the arm including a thermal bend portion proximal to the substrate assembly and configured to bend during actuation so that the paddle moves and causes ink within the nozzle chamber to be ejected out through the nozzle opening. A portion of the chamber-defining layer is supported by the thermal bend portion and the substrate assembly. | 06-10-2010 |
20100144396 | MOBILE PHONE FOR INTERACTING WITH UNDERLYING SUBSTRATE - A mobile phone device configured for overlaying part of a substrate. The substrate contains a printed hyperlink and coded data identifying a plurality of positions on the substrate. The device includes: a mobile telephone transceiver; an optical sensor for reading the coded data; a processor for generating interaction data using the read coded data; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying information based on the interaction data. The displayed information includes a displayed hyperlink corresponding to the printed hyperlink. User interaction with the displayed hyperlink via the touch-sensitive display screen causes display of hyperlinked information on the screen. | 06-10-2010 |
20100147445 | METHOD OF FABRICATING PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY - A printhead assembly includes a molded ink manifold, a plurality of printhead integrated circuits, and an adhesive film sandwiched between the ink manifold and the printhead integrated circuits. A manifold bonding surface of the molded ink manifold includes a polymer coating. The polymer coating plugs fissures resulting from a molding process used to mold the ink manifold. | 06-17-2010 |
20100147940 | System For Decoding Coded Data With PLL - A system for decoding coded data printed in ink on a surface is provided. The coded data has a registration structure which has at least two clock tracks indicative of a position of the coded data in the direction perpendicular to an alignment direction and two alignment lines for each clock track. The two alignment lines are indicative of the position of the respective clock track. The system has a decoder for determining, using an alignment phase-locked loop (PLL), a position of the alignment lines for a respective clock track, determining, using the position of the alignment lines, the position of each respective track, and updating the alignment PLL. | 06-17-2010 |
20100147941 | METHOD OF DISPENSING A PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCT - A method of dispensing a pharmaceutical product is disclosed. The pharmaceutical product has associated packaging. The packaging has disposed thereon coded data. The coded data is indicative of an identity of the pharmaceutical product. The coded data is sensed by a sensing device and indicating data indicative of the identity of the pharmaceutical product is generated based on the sensed coded data. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry. The layout including n sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a center of rotation. A processor receives the indicating data from the sensing device and determines at least one criterion for dispensing the pharmaceutical product. The processor causes the pharmaceutical product to be dispensed when the at least one criterion is satisfied. | 06-17-2010 |
20100147942 | METHOD OF COUNTING AND VALIDATING CURRENCY DOCUMENTS - A method of counting and validating the value of a currency document includes the steps of sensing at least one coded tag printed on the currency document; determining a scanning time at which the sensing device sensed the coded tag; determining from the sensed coded tag and determined scanning time a unique identity of the currency document; comparing the unique identity of the currency document with a list of suspect identities to determine a validity of the currency document; and determining a value for the currency document from the unique identity. | 06-17-2010 |
20100148930 | PRODUCT ITEM HAVING LOCATION-INDICATING CODED DATA AND RFID TAG - An object comprising first coded data disposed on or in a surface thereof and an RFID tag is provided. The first coded data identifies a plurality of locations on the surface and the RFID tag identifies a unique identity of the object. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149230 | PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE CRADLE HAVING CONTROL CIRCUITRY - A printhead cartridge cradle is provided having a frame, a printed circuit board pivotally supported by the frame, a cover pivotally supported by the frame to pivot between a closed position at which a printhead cartridge is secured within the frame and the printed circuit board is pivoted to connect control circuitry on the printed circuit board with a controller of the secured cartridge and an open position at which access for the cartridge with the frame is provided and the printed circuit board is pivoted to disconnect the control circuitry and controller, and a motor operatively connected to a maintenance gear and actuator arrangement and a wiper gear and actuator arrangement for maintaining and wiping a printhead of the secured cartridge under control of the connected control circuitry. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149239 | PRINTHEAD IC WITH SUB EJECTION CONTROL - A printhead IC is provided having an array of ejection nozzles, sensing circuitry for sensing a temperature of the nozzle array which is de-activatable after a period of use, and drive circuitry for receiving print data and providing drive pulses to the nozzles to cause ejection in accordance with the print data. The drive circuitry is configured to set the duration of the drive pulses to a sub-ejection value for any nozzle which is not to eject in accordance with the print data. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149243 | Printhead IC Having Temperature Based Ejection - A printhead IC is provided having an array of ejection nozzles, sensing circuitry for sensing temperatures of regions of the nozzle array, and drive circuitry for providing drive pulses to the nozzles to cause ejection. The drive circuitry is configured to set a different profile of the drive pulses for each region of the nozzle array in accordance with the sensed temperatures. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149244 | Printhead IC With Multiple Operating Modes - A printhead IC for receiving print data from a print engine controller (PEC) which may be one of a plurality of different types of PEC. The printhead IC has an array of nozzles for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto a media substrate and drive circuitry for driving the array of nozzles. The drive circuitry is configured for connection to a power source in the printer. The drive circuitry is configured to reset itself to a known initial state in response to receiving power from the power source after a period of not receiving power from the power source. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149250 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH AIR EXPULSION ARRANGEMENT - A printhead assembly includes an elongate channel member of a metal alloy; a flexible elongate fluid carrier positioned on a floor of the channel member, the fluid carrier defining a plurality of passages longitudinally extending along a length of the fluid carrier, the fluid carrier further defining a repeated pattern of holes on an external surface thereof, the holes providing fluid communication from outside the fluid carrier to respective passages of the fluid carrier; and a series of printhead modules mounted to the external surface of the fluid carrier, each printhead module including an upper micro-molding and a lower micro-molding, the lower micro-molding having an air inlet slot in fluid communication with one of the plurality of passages via a hole of the repeated pattern of holes at one end and a series of alternating air inlets and outlets on the upper micro-molding at an opposite end. Each repeated pattern of holes diagonally spans a width of the fluid carrier, and the repeated pattern of holes together span a length of the fluid carrier. The alternating air inlets and outlets divert air from the air inlet slot to the printhead modules to facilitate cleaning of debris from the printhead modules. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149251 | PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE INCORPORATING INK SUPPLY AND MOVEABLE MAINTENANCE STATION - A printhead cartridge for an inkjet printer is removably receivable in the printer. The cartridge comprises: a pagewidth printhead, an ink delivery system and a maintenance station. The maintenance station comprises: a chassis reciprocally moveable between a first position and a second position, and a printhead maintenance system mounted on the chassis. The printhead maintenance system is moveable by the chassis between the first position in which the printhead is maintained by the maintenance system and the second position in which the maintenance system is disengaged from the printhead. The chassis comprises an engagement formation for complementary engagement with an engagement arm of an engagement mechanism in the printer. The chassis is moveable by means of the engagement mechanism. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149255 | PRINTHEAD NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING INK EJECTING ACTUATORS ANNULARLY ARRANGED AROUND INK EJECTION PORT - A printhead for an inkjet printer includes a wafer defining a plurality of nozzle chambers and a plurality of ink supply channel in fluid communication with the plurality of nozzle chambers for supplying the plurality of nozzle chambers with ink; an ink ejection port associated with each nozzle chamber; and a plurality of actuators associated with each nozzle chamber, the plurality of actuators each including a petal formation. A plurality of petal formations are arranged around an ink ejection port of each nozzle chamber to annularly surround the ink ejection port. Each actuator is operable to displace a respective petal formation into the nozzle chamber. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149256 | PRINTER INCLUDING DOT DATA GENERATOR WITH STOCHASTICALLY RAMPED PRINT DATA - A printer including a print media transport path, a plurality of printhead modules located across the print media transport path, each printhead module having an elongate printhead, said printheads being slanted and nozzles of respective printheads overlap with nozzles of printheads of neighboring printhead modules, and a dot data generator for providing print data to nozzles such that print data is stochastically ramped from one neighbouring printhead module to a next neighbouring printhead module. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149257 | MOLDED INK MANIFOLD WITH POLYMER COATING - A printhead assembly includes a molded ink manifold, a plurality of printhead integrated circuits, and an adhesive film sandwiched between the ink manifold and the printhead integrated circuits. A manifold bonding surface of the molded ink manifold includes a polymer coating. The polymer coating plugs fissures resulting from a molding process used to mold the ink manifold. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149266 | Mems Integrated Circuit With Polymerized Siloxane Layer - A MEMS integrated circuit comprises: a silicon substrate having a passivated CMOS layer, a MEMS layer disposed on the passivated CMOS layer, and a polymer layer disposed on the MEMS layer. The CMOS layer comprises drive circuitry for actuating actuator devices in the MEMS layer and the polymer layer comprises a polymerized siloxane. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149267 | NOZZLE ASSEMBLY WITH THERMAL BEND ACTUATOR FOR DISPLACING NOZZLE - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet; a nozzle defining an opening through which ink is ejected, the nozzle including a crown portion and a skirt portion depending from the crown portion; wall portion extending from the substrate towards the nozzle and bounding the ink inlet; thermal bend actuator assembly mounted to the substrate assembly; and a lever arm extending from the thermal bend actuator to the nozzle, the lever arm supporting the nozzle above the wall portion. The thermal bend actuator assembly is adapted to actuate the lever arm such that the crown portion of the nozzle is displaced with respect to the wall portion, whereby ink contained in the nozzle is ejected out through the opening. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149268 | Inkjet Printer With Low Drop Volume Printhead - An inkjet printer with a printhead and an ink supply. The printhead has inkjet nozzles assemblies, which eject ink droplets having a drop volume of about 1 picoliter. The ink supply, which supplies ink to the nozzle assemblies, contains ink having a viscosity in the range of 0.7 to 15 centipoise and a surface tension in the range of 25 to 65 mN/m at a temperature of 25° C. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149269 | Modular Printhead Incorporating Alignment Mechanism For Printhead Module - A modular printhead includes a chassis; a plurality of printhead modules mounted in the chassis; a plurality of alignment mechanisms each corresponding to a respective printhead modules, each alignment mechanism being interposed between the chassis and a respective printhead module, each alignment mechanism including a lever provided on a first side of a fulcrum point of the lever and a printhead module engagement plate coupled to the lever at a second side of the fulcrum point; a plurality of adjuster blocks corresponding to respective alignment mechanisms, each adjuster block engaged with respective levers via an aperture defined through each lever; and a plurality of adjustment mechanisms corresponding to respective adjuster blocks, each adjustment mechanism coupled to the chassis at one end and to a respective adjuster block at another end. The lever and the printhead module engagement plate are formed as a unitary piece. Each alignment mechanism further includes a number of hinged arms facilitating linear and parallel movement of the engagement plate in a direction towards and away from adjacent printhead modules in response to operation of the adjustment mechanism. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149270 | MODULAR PRINTER ASSEMBLY WITH ARCUATE PRINTHEADS - A modular printer assembly includes a housing having an upper cover, a lower cover, a first side wall, and a second side wall opposing the first side wall; a pair of communication ports, a first communication port of the pair for connecting the modular printer assembly with a first external printer assembly, and the second communication port of the pair for connecting the modular printer assembly with a second external printer assembly, whereby the modular printer assembly is included in a daisy chain of printer assemblies; and a print engine having two printhead assemblies defining a media feed path therebetween, each of the two printhead assemblies having two arcuate printheads provided adjacent each other in a downstream direction. Each arcuate printhead has a radius of curvature approximating a radius of a respective roller assembly provided adjacent each arcuate printhead. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149271 | MODULAR, DUPLEXED PRINTER WITH SUBSTANTIALLY IDENTICAL PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLIES - A modular printer that has a housing with an upper and an lower cover to define a print media inlet at one end between the covers and a print media outlet at an opposite end between the covers. An inlet roller assembly is mounted proximate the print media inlet for feeding a web of print media into the housing. A pair of opposed inkjet printhead assemblies are mounted downstream of the inlet roller assembly to define a printing zone between the printhead assemblies. The inlet roller assembly is configured to feed the web of print media between the printhead assemblies. An exit roller assembly is proximate the print media outlet to feed the web of print media from the outlet. Each inkjet printhead assembly includes a series of substantially identical printhead modules. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149273 | INKJET PRINTHEAD INCORPORATING MULTIPLE HEATER ELEMENTS FOR WEIGHTED INK DROP EJECTION - A pagewidth printhead includes a printhead controller; a wafer substrate defining a plurality of inlets; and a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements on the wafer substrate and under control of the controller. Each nozzle arrangement includes side walls disposed on the wafer substrate with a roof portion attached to said side walls to define a printing fluid chamber in fluid communication with one inlet, the roof portion defining an ejection port; and at least two heater elements suspended between the side walls in the fluid chamber for forming a vapour bubble in response to electrical actuation energy being applied thereto, whereby a pressure increase in the chamber is effected and fluid in the fluid chamber ejected therefrom via the ejection port. The controller is configured to actuate the at least two heater elements individually to facilitate ejection of weighted ink drop volumes from the nozzle arrangement. A size of a first of the at least two heater elements is different to a size of a second of the at least two heater elements. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149274 | Energy Control Of A Nozzle Of An Inkjet Printhead - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of a control pulse. Each energy pulse has energy of less than 200 nanojoule. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149275 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY WITH COMPENSATION CONTROLLER - A printhead integrated circuit assembly includes a substrate having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements formed thereon, each micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement including a nozzle chamber defined by a crown portion, a skirt portion, and a wall portion; a lever arm included with the micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement, the lever arm connected at one end to the crown and skirt portions, and at another end to an actuator, the lever arm adapted to move the crown and skirt portions with respect to the wall portion; drive circuitry for supplying a current to the actuator, the current for heating a portion of the actuator to bend the actuator through thermal expansion; containment walls extending from the substrate to surround each micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement; and a nozzle guard mounted on the containment walls to individually enclose therein, together with the containment walls, each micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement, the nozzle guard defining therethrough a plurality of apertures aligned with nozzle openings of respective micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements | 06-17-2010 |
20100149276 | NOZZLE CHAMBERS HAVING SUSPENDED HEATER ELEMENTS - 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. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149277 | Ink Ejection Device With Circular Chamber And Concentric Heater Element - An ink drop ejection device with a bubble forming chamber for holding an ejectable liquid, a nozzle in fluid communication with the bubble forming chamber, and at least one heater element in the bubble forming chamber for thermal contact with the bubble forming liquid. Heating the heater element to a temperature above the boiling point of the bubble forming liquid forms a gas bubble to eject a drop of the ejectable liquid through the nozzle. The bubble forming chamber has a circular cross section and the heater element has arcuate sections that are concentric with the circular cross section. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149278 | Printhead Having Low Energy Heating Circuitry - A printhead is provided having a plurality of nozzles and heating circuitry for heating an ejectable liquid to cause ejection of the ejectable liquid from the nozzles. The heating circuitry is configured such that the energy required to be applied thereto to cause the ejection causes heating of the ejectable liquid of less than 40 degrees Celsius above ambient temperature. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149279 | INKJET NOZZLE ASSEMBLY HAVING HEATER ELEMENT BONDED TO CHAMBER WALL VIA DIELECTRIC LAYER - An inkjet nozzle assembly has a chamber with a nozzle opening for ejecting a liquid, a heater element disposed in the chamber, and a dielectric layer sandwiched between the heater element and a wall of the chamber. The dielectric layer has a thermal product of less than 1495 Jm | 06-17-2010 |
20100149282 | PRINTHEAD NOZZLE CELL HAVING PHOTORESIST CHAMBER - A nozzle cell of a printhead is provided which has a multi-layer substrate defining a fluid inlet, side walls extending from the substrate around the fluid inlet and comprising walls of silicon nitride encapsulating hardened photoresist, an apertured roof supported by the side walls to define a chamber, and a heater within the chamber, the heater heating the fluid in the chamber so that bubbles are generated therein to cause ejection of the fluid from a nozzle defined with the apertured roof. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149291 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH PRINTHEAD IC TILES - A printhead assembly for a pagewidth printer arrangement includes a channel shaped member; and a number of printhead tiles located in the channel shaped member. Each tile includes a printhead integrated circuit (IC) carrier member for receiving a printhead IC; and an ink ducting member that mates with the carrier member and defines ink ducts for supplying the printhead IC with ink via the carrier member. The carrier member is a first molding that defines a channel in which the associated printhead IC is received. The first molding has conductive ribs on one side of the channel, the conductive ribs wired to electrical contacts of the printhead IC. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149294 | INKJET PRINTER WITH ELONGATE NOZZLE ARRAY SUPPLIED THROUGH PULSE DAMPED CONDUITS - An inkjet printer that has an elongate array of nozzles for ejecting ink, a plurality of ejection actuators, each configured to eject ink through one of the nozzles respectively, a plurality of ink conduits aligned with a longitudinal extent of the elongate array of nozzles, the ink conduits extending adjacent the elongate array for supplying the array of nozzles with ink and, a plurality of pulse dampers positioned along each of the ink conduits, each pulse damper being individually in fluid communication with one of the ink conduits and each containing a volume of gas for compression by pressure pulses in the ink conduits. A pressure pulse moving through an elongate printheads, such as a pagewidth printhead, can be damped at any point in the ink flow line. However, the pulse will cause nozzle flooding as it passes the nozzles in the printhead integrated circuit, regardless of whether it is subsequently dissipated at the damper. By incorporating a number of pulse dampers into the ink supply conduits immediately next to the nozzle array, any pressure spikes are damped at the site where they would otherwise cause detrimental flooding. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149582 | Printing on Pre-Tagged Media - A method performed in a telecommunication device is disclosed. Document information is printed onto a plurality of print areas with a printer of the telecommunication device. Each of the print areas is encoded with identity data which differentiates the print areas from each other. The identity data is sensed with a sensor incorporated in a media feed path of the printer. The identity data and the document information are then transmitted to a computer system with a transmitter of the telecommunication device where the document information printed on respective print areas is associated with the identity data of the respective print areas. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149622 | DIGITAL MICRO-MIRROR DEVICE - A digital micro-mirror device comprising an array of micro-mirror assemblies positioned on a substrate. Each micro-mirror assembly comprises: a mirror spaced apart from the substrate; a stem supporting the mirror; and first and second electrodes positioned on either side of the stem. The stem is comprised of a resiliently flexible material, such that the mirror can tilt either towards the first electrode or towards the second electrode by an electrostatic force. The digital micro-mirror device may be used in data projectors and the like. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149623 | METHOD OF FABRICATING MICRO-MIRROR ASSEMBLY - A method of fabricating a micro-mirror assembly. The method comprises the steps of: (a) forming a pair of electrodes spaced apart on a surface of a substrate; (b) depositing a layer of sacrificial material over the electrodes and the substrate; (c) defining a stem opening in the sacrificial material so as to form a scaffold; (d) depositing a layer of resiliently flexible material over the scaffold; (e) depositing a metal layer over the flexible layer; (f) etching through the metal layer and the flexible layer to define an individual micro-mirror; and (g) removing the sacrificial material to provide the micro-mirror assembly. The method produces a micro-mirror assembly with minimal number of MEMS fabrication steps. | 06-17-2010 |
20100150637 | Document Binder - A binder assembly integrated with a printer comprises a powered spike wheel assembly for transferring a sheet of paper from the printer; an angled platen for receiving the sheet of paper from the spike wheel assembly, the angled platen provided vertically below the printer, and receiving the sheet of paper in a substantially upright portrait configuration; a binding platen provided opposite the angled platen; and a cable winder mechanism including a cable winder shaft, a system of wheels, and a steel cable attached to the cable winder shaft and arranged around the system of wheels. The cable winder mechanism is engaged with the binding platen and adapted to propel the binding platen towards the angled platen. | 06-17-2010 |
20100151600 | METHOD OF BONDING SELECTED INTEGRATED CIRCUIT TO ADHESIVE SUBSTRATE - A method of bonding an integrated circuit to an adhesive substrate. The integrated circuit is one of a plurality of integrated circuits, each having a respective frontside releasably attached to a film frame tape supported by a wafer film frame. The method includes the steps of: (a) selecting one of the integrated circuits for bonding to the adhesive substrate; (b) positioning the adhesive substrate at a backside of the selected integrated circuit; (c) positioning a bonding tool on a zone of the film frame tape, the zone being aligned with the selected integrated circuit; and (d) applying a bonding force from the bonding tool through the film frame tape and the selected integrated circuit onto the adhesive substrate, so as to bond the backside of the selected integrated circuit to the substrate. | 06-17-2010 |
20100155467 | SECURITY DOCUMENT SCANNER - A sensing device for use with a security document is disclosed. The security document has disposed thereon or therein coded data including a plurality of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the security document and a signature part. The signature part is a part of a digital signature of at least the identity. The sensing device has a sensor for sensing coded data portions and a processor. The processor determines, using sensed coded data portions, a sensed identity, a plurality of signature parts, and an identifier for each signature part, generates a sensed signature from the plurality of signature parts by arranging signature parts according to respective identifiers, determines a generated identity from the sensed signature, and authenticates the security document by comparing the sensed identity and the generated identity. | 06-24-2010 |
20100156991 | PRINTHEAD HAVING LAYERED HEATER ELEMENTS AND ELECTRODES - A printhead is provided having nozzles and heaters having heater elements and electrodes connecting current from a power source to the heater elements to heat, and form gas bubbles in, liquid within the nozzles which causes ejection of the liquid from the nozzles. The heaters are formed of layers of a single material. A first layer of the single material has portions of different thickness respectively defining the heater elements and electrodes. A second layer of the single material overlaying and spaced from the first layer has a single thickness defining the electrodes. | 06-24-2010 |
20100157001 | INK MANIFOLD WITH MULTIPLE CONDUIT SHUT OFF VALVE - An ink manifold defining multiple fluid flow paths has openings arranged for detachable connection with conduits in an interface. Shut off valves at each of the openings respectively, are biased open. An actuator biased to a closed position by a resilient element, where it holds all the shut off valves closed. The actuator engages the interface such that moving the interface into connection with the openings simultaneously moves the actuator to an open position where the shut off valves are able to open. The resilient element generates a bias greater than a combined bias exerted by the shut off valves on the actuator. | 06-24-2010 |
20100157005 | Industrial Printer With Cutter And Dryer Modules - An industrial printer includes a frame; a cabinet defining a media path; a pagewidth printhead arranged on the frame for printing images on blank web media; pilot guides for guiding the blank web media fed from cartridges via the media path past the pagewidth printhead to facilitate printing; a dryer module configured to operatively dry the printed web media; and a cutter module for cutting the printed web media before the printed web media is fed into a container for storing the web media in a roll. The cutter module includes a frame having end plates, and a pair of entry rollers and a pair of exit rollers serving as a transport mechanism for the web media through the module. The cutter module further includes a slitter gang composed of a plurality of slitters each having a plurality of blades, the slitter gang being located between the end plates. The dryer module includes a plenum defined vertically downward through the cabinet for supplying air received from a top of the plenum to the media path. | 06-24-2010 |
20100157008 | HAND OPERATED MARKING DEVICE EMPLOYING PRINTER WITH MOVABLE PRINTHEAD AND RETRACTABLE SHUTTER - A hand operated marking device for printing upon print media, the marking device comprising: a pair of housings which are movably interconnected together so that a first one of the housings is adapted to be received in a second one of the housings responsive to compression of the housings between a hand and the print media; a printer which is located within the first housing and comprising a movable printhead configured to print ink; a selector arrangement operatively mounted to the second housing and enabling selection of an indicia, from a plurality of possible indicia, to be printed by the printhead; and a moving mechanism housed within at least one of the housings and which moves the printhead along the print media responsive to the compression of the housings so that the selected indicia is printed upon the print media, wherein the first housing defines an opening in which the printhead can move, and the marking device further comprises a retractable shutter which is operatively connected to move with the printhead and cover the opening when the marking device is not in use. | 06-24-2010 |
20100159163 | SUBSTRATE HAVING GALLIUM NAPHTHALOCYANINE SALT DISPOSED THEREON - A substrate having an IR-absorbing dye disposed thereon. The dye is a naphthalocyanine dye of formula (I): | 06-24-2010 |
20100164168 | PRINTER HAVING GEARED MEDIA PICK-UP ROLLER - A printer is provided having a sheet media transport mechanism, a pick-up roller arranged to be rotated so as to contact and pick-up sheet media from a sheet media supply, and a gear assembly for communicating a driving force of a motor to the pick-up roller to rotate the pick-up roller. A first gear of the gear assembly is directly coupled with a second gear of the gear assembly which is concentric with the pick-up roller. The first gear is configured to disengage from the second gear substantially at the point of delivery of a leading edge of the picked sheet media to the sheet media transport mechanism so as to cease communication of the driving force of the motor to the pick-up roller. | 07-01-2010 |
20100165037 | PRINT CARTRDGE CRADLE UNIT INCORPORATING MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLY - A cradle unit for receiving a print cartridge to form a print engine, the cradle unit includes a main body defining an opening for receiving said cartridge, the main body having a frame structure including end plates with drive and exit rollers mounted therebetween; a printed circuit board (PCB) pivotally mounted between the end plates for housing control electronics for controlling the operation of the print engine; a cover assembly for securing said cartridge in the opening, the cover assembly pivotally mounted between the end plates, the cover assembly configured to pivot the PCB into electrical contact with a printhead controller on the cartridge when in a closed position, and to pivot the PCB out of electrical connection with said printhead controller when in an open position; and a maintenance assembly mounted to the main body, the maintenance assembly movable between a capping state where a printhead of the print cartridge is capped, and a printing stage where a printhead of the print cartridge is uncapped. | 07-01-2010 |
20100165038 | MODULAR PRINTHEAD WITH A PLURALITY OF PRINTHEAD MODULES - A modular printhead is disclosed which includes an elongate channel and a plurality of printhead modules. The printhead modules are received in the elongate channel. Each printhead module has a carrier, an elongate ink delivery member mounted in the carrier and a printhead. The elongate ink delivery member defines longitudinal conduits, each conduit carrying a respective ink. The elongate ink delivery member further defines sets of apertures, each set of apertures including apertures which are each in register with a corresponding conduit. The printhead includes inkjet nozzles, each inkjet nozzle being in fluid communication with a respective conduit. | 07-01-2010 |
20100165045 | PRINT ENGINE ASSEMBLY WITH ROTATABLE PLATEN DEFINING CAVITY FOR HOLDING BLOTTING MATERIAL - A print engine assembly includes an elongate chassis; a pair of bearing moldings operatively mounted to either end of the chassis; a rotatable platen supported by a rotary shaft extending between and mounted in the pair of bearing moldings; and a printhead assembly mounted to the chassis, the printhead assembly including an elongated pagewidth printhead having a plurality of ink printing integrated circuits. The rotatable platen includes an extruded material shaped to define a cavity in which a blotting material is disposed, and the rotatable platen defines an aperture extending along a length thereof through which aperture the blotting material is exposed. | 07-01-2010 |
20100165046 | VOLUME ELEMENT PRINTING SYSTEM FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY PRINTING MULTIPLE LAYERS - A three dimensional object creation system for printing a three dimensional object comprised of layers stacked vertically with respect to each other includes a series of printheads for printing the layers, the series of printheads simultaneously printing at least two layers of different vertical positions within the stack; and a semiconductor memory for storing data defining at least one layer. The series of printheads are arranged in groups of one or more printheads per group, each group being fixedly positioned downstream of a preceding group with respect to the three dimensional object. Each group of printheads is adapted to print a layer at a predetermined vertical position within the stack. | 07-01-2010 |
20100165047 | PRINTING SYSTEM FOR LAYERED OBJECT PRINTING INCORPORATING GROUPS OF MULTIPLE PRINTHEADS - A printing system includes a conveyor for conveying a substrate along a conveying direction; and a sequence of printhead groups arranged along the conveying direction for printing respective object layers onto one another, a first of the sequence of printhead groups printing an object layer onto said substrate. Each printhead group includes a plurality of printheads. At least one of the printheads in each printhead group is for printing a material different to the material printed by the other printheads in the same group. | 07-01-2010 |
20100165051 | PRINTHEAD HAVING WIDE HEATER ELEMENTS - A printhead is provided having corresponding nozzles, chambers and heaters. Each heater has a heater element and electrodes connecting current from a power source to the heater elements to heat, and form gas bubbles in, liquid within the chambers which causes ejection of the liquid from the nozzles. Each heater element has a cross section with a lateral dimension at least triple that of the thickness of that heater element and different than a lateral dimension of each other heater element of the corresponding chamber. The thickness of each heater element is less than 0.3 microns. The heater elements and associated electrodes are arranged so that the electrodes are non-coincident with the electrodes of the other heater elements. | 07-01-2010 |
20100165058 | Ink Refill Unit Having Discretely Incrementable Variable Storage Volume - A printing fluid refill unit for a print engine includes a reservoir having a variable storage volume for holding an amount of printing fluid, the variable storage volume having a plurality of discrete volumetric increments, each of the discrete volumetric increments having equal volumes, the reservoir further having an actuator for reducing the variable storage volume by one or more of the discrete volumetric increments; a ratchet system forming part of the actuator, the ratchet system effecting variation of the storage volume by a minimum increment of one discrete volumetric increment; an information storage element for storing information on the amount of printing fluid contained in the refill unit and for connecting with an information reader incorporated in the print engine for reading the information stored by the storage element when the refill unit is mounted to the print engine; a selector for activating the actuator to dispense a volume of the printing fluid equal to a selected multiple of the discrete volumetric increments, wherein the information stored by the storage element enables the reader to control the selector so as to derive the selected multiple of the volumetric increments; and a sensor for sensing the position of the ratchet, whereby a remaining volume of ink in the variable storage volume is determined. | 07-01-2010 |
20100165059 | DISPENSER UNIT FOR REFILLING PRINTING UNIT - A dispenser unit for dispensing ink to refill a supply of printing fluid in a printing unit includes a body assembly; a plurality of ink outlets provided on a bottom side of the body assembly, the plurality of ink outlets each for engaging with respective ink inlets of the printing unit; a compressible ink storage volume provided within the body assembly, the compressible ink storage volume having a sealed end and an outlet end connected to no more than one of the plurality of ink outlets; a plunger provided within the housing and abutting the sealed end of the compressible ink storage volume; and a compressing actuator for compressing the plunger against the sealed end of the compressible ink storage volume, thereby facilitating a dispensing of ink from within the compressible ink storage volume into the printing unit via the ink outlet to which the outlet end of the compressible ink storage volume is connected. | 07-01-2010 |
20100165141 | IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD FOR CONVERTING NON-LINEAR RGB IMAGE DATA TO L*A*B* IMAGE DATA - An image processing method includes the steps of linearizing a Color Filter Array image having non-linear RGB pixel data to generate a linearized image, the step of linearizing using at least one lookup table for each of the three RGB colors, the step of linearizing further performed using an address for current RGB pixel data being read to index the lookup tables and incrementing the addresses for the RGB pixel data; generating a histogram for each of three RGB image color planes of the linearized image data, and storing at least a high and a low threshold for each histogram; planarizing the linearized image using the high and the low thresholds to generate a planarized linear RGB image; and transforming the planarized linear RGB image from planarized linear RGB form to L*a*b* form. The step of transforming the planarized linear RGB image from planarized linear RGB form to L*a*b* form performs additional steps of white balancing, range expansion, resampling, color conversion, and sharpening. The additional steps read and write to a plurality of buffers such that the additional steps are performed in parallel. | 07-01-2010 |
20100165400 | PRINTER HAVING CODED TAG GENERATOR - A printer is provided having a tag generator configured to generate tags each encoding first data on an identity of an interface onto which the tags are to be printed and a position of that tag on the interface and second data on a perspective of that tag relative to the interface, and a printhead configured to print the interface with the tags and graphic information. | 07-01-2010 |
20100165401 | MOBILE DEVICE FOR PRINTING A SECURITY IDENTIFICATION - A mobile telecommunications device is disclosed. The mobile telecommunications device has a media feed path, a sensor module in the media feed path for sensing data encoded on a surface of a print medium, the data encoding at least a print media identifier, a print medium identifier identifying the print medium, processor for determining the print media identifier from the data, communication means for communicating a request to a remote server, the request including the print media identifier, and for receiving a security identification associated with the print media identifier from the remote server, and a printer module in the media feed path for printing the security identification on the print medium. | 07-01-2010 |
20100165415 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION THROUGH INTERACTION WITH A PRINTED PAGE - A system for providing information is disclosed. The system has a server which stores page descriptors. A printer is also includes which prints a printed page with visible and invisible data. The invisible data is indicative of one or more of the page descriptors. A sensing device senses the invisible data when placed in an operative position relative to the printed page, and transmits information extracted from sensed invisible data to the server. The server is configured to interpret the positioning of the sensing device based upon the page descriptors indicated by sensed invisible data and to provide information associated with the page descriptors. | 07-01-2010 |
20100167786 | MOBILE PHONE WITH PRINTER AND MEDIA FEED PATH DEFINED THROUGH MOBILE PHONE - A mobile phone includes an elongate body defining a transverse print media path there-through; a keypad and display mounted on one side of the body; a camera device including at least one lens mounted to another side of the body opposite said one side, and an image sensor configured to capture an image viewed through said lens; and a printer mounted within the body and including a printhead and ink supply module, the printhead and ink supply module mounted in a replaceable manner to the printer and configured to print the captured image upon print media fed along the path. An entry to the transverse print media path is provided along a first longitudinal side of the elongate body, and an exit to the transverse print media path is provided along a second longitudinal side of the elongate body opposite the first longitudinal side. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168413 | ONE-POT SYNTHESIS OF BENZISOINDOLENINES USED IN THE PREPARATION OF NAPHTHALOCYANINES - A method of effecting a one-pot conversion of a tetrahydronaphthalic anhydride of formula (I): | 07-01-2010 |
20100170951 | Image transformation device - This patent describes an alternative form of user interface for operating a device such as a camera comprising a card which is inserted in a machine. On the face of the card is contained a visual representation of the effect the card will have on the output of the machine. Preferably the camera device is capable of transforming a sensed image substantially in accordance with the transformation of a standard image comprising the visual representation and the transformation of the sensed image is printed out on the printer. Alternatively the machine comprises a book reader and the card includes a book's content for display by the book reader as indicated by the visual representation on the front of the card. On one surface of the card, the visual representation of the effect is displayed, and on a second surface, an optically encoded representation of the effect able to be read by a sensing device of the machine and decoded so as to produce the effect. | 07-08-2010 |
20100171790 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE SYSTEM FOR STATIONARY PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD - A printhead maintenance system comprises: a stationary pagewidth printhead having an ink ejection face; an elastically deformable roller having a contact surface for contacting the ink ejection face; and a mechanism for rolling the roller across the face. In use, the printhead remains stationary when the roller is rolled across the face. | 07-08-2010 |
20100171795 | INKJET PRINTHEAD INTERGRATED CONFIGURED TO MINIMIZE THERMAL LOSSES - Provided is an inkjet printhead integrated circuit that has a wafer substrate that has an ink passage, and a nozzle plate supported on the substrate by side walls to define an ink chamber supplied with ink via the ink passage. The nozzle plate has an ink ejection port corresponding to the ink chamber. A heater element is bonded to the nozzle plate inside the chamber for vaporising ink to generate a vapour bubble that ejects ink through the ejection port. The heater element is bonded to the nozzle plate with a low thermal product layer. The thermal product thermal product is less than 1495 Jm | 07-08-2010 |
20100171800 | INK STORAGE MODULE WITH DISPLACEABLE UPPER AND LOWER PLATES AND DISPLACEABLE UPPER AND LOWER COLLARS - An ink storage module for a printer cartridge includes upper and lower plate members and an ink bag located between the upper and lower plate members to define an ink volume, said lower plate member displaceable towards and away from the upper plate member; a bag constrictor assembly having an upper collar, a lower collar, and a plurality of bowed panels extending between the upper and lower collar, the upper collar being displaceable towards the lower collar; a lid to which the upper plate member is fixedly attached, the lid having a first port and a second port both in fluid communication with the ink bag; and a valve insert located between the lid and the ink bag, said valve insert having an inlet valve and an outlet valve arranged in fluid communication with respective first and second ports in the lid, the inlet valve facilitating refilling of the bag with ink, and the outlet valve to facilitate ink delivery to the printhead. The bowed panels bow inwardly onto the ink bag when the upper collar is displaced towards the lower collar. | 07-08-2010 |
20100171967 | PERFORMING A SEARCH THROUGH SENSING A SEARCH FORM WITH A SENSING DEVICE - A method of performing a search is disclosed. A search request form including information relating to a search request and coded data portions is printed. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the search request form and of a position of that coded data portion on the search request form. Indicating data is received from a sensing device which is responsive to movement of the sensing device relative to the search request form to sense at least some of the coded data portions and generate the indicating data. The indicating data is indicative of the identity of the search request form, and movement of the sensing device. Using the indicating data, movement of the sensing device is determined and using the determined movement, a search request is determined. A search is then performed using the determined search request and results of the search are printed. | 07-08-2010 |
20100172686 | Flat Panel Display - A monitor having a flat panel display, a printer and a sheet feeder disposed within a housing is disclosed. The flat panel display displays a video signal provided from an external computer through a video input socket of the monitor. The printer is disposed behind the flat panel display as viewed by the user. The printer includes a pagewidth printhead which prints onto print media print data provided from the external computer through a serial data connection of the monitor. The sheet feeder feeds a sheet of print media from a stack of print media past the pagewidth printhead. The stack of print media is located behind the flat panel display such that, immediately prior to commencement of printing, at least an edge of the print media is visible above an upper edge of the flat panel display. | 07-08-2010 |
20100174399 | VOLUME ELEMENT PRINTING SYSTEM WITH PRINTHEAD GROUPS OF VARYING VERTICAL DISPLACEMENT FROM SUBSTRATE - A volume element (voxel) printing system for printing a three-dimensional object includes a first printhead group having a plurality of first printheads configured to print a first voxel layer on a substrate; at least one second printhead group having a plurality of second printheads downstream from the first group, the second printhead group configured to print a subsequent voxel layer on at least part of the first layer, said second printheads being reconfigurable as backup printheads for the first printheads in case of failure; a conveyor configured to convey the substrate past the printhead groups; and a control system configured to control and monitor the printhead groups, the object insertion device, and the conveyor, and dynamically to reconfigure the second printheads upon detection of failure of a first printhead. The at least one second printhead group is vertically spaced from the substrate by a greater distance than the first printhead group. | 07-08-2010 |
20100177135 | INKJET PRINTER ASSEMBLY WITH DRIVEN MECHANISMS AND TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY FOR DRIVING DRIVEN MECHANISMS - An inkjet printer assembly includes a cartridge having an integrated pagewidth printhead integrated circuit (IC); a cradle for receiving the cartridge; an air compressor for providing compressed air to the cartridge, the air compressor including a fan housing, an air filter, and an impeller, the fan housing having an air outlet adapted to mate with an air inlet port of the cartridge; a motor having a transmission assembly provided with a direct drive coupling from a spindle of the motor to the impeller of the air compressor; and a controller for determining a performance characteristic of the cartridge and to control an operation the printhead IC in response to the determined performance characteristic of the cartridge. | 07-15-2010 |
20100177144 | INKJET PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH PRINTHEAD SEGMENT CRADLE MEMBER - An inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate ink supply body defining a plurality of ink supply channels; an elongate cradle member defining a plurality of rows of apertures, the elongate cradle member being fastened to the elongate ink supply body to communicate ink within the ink supply channels through respective ones of said rows of apertures; and a plurality of printhead segments each having a carrier defining a plurality of rows of ink supply passages arranged in alignment with respective apertures of the cradle member, each printhead segment further having an elongate ink ejection printhead mounted to the carrier in fluid communication with the ink supply passages. Each carrier defines a complementary formation for mating serially with the cradle member. | 07-15-2010 |
20100177145 | PRINTHEAD HAVING NOZZLE PLATE FORMED ON FLUID DISTRIBUTORS - A printhead is provided having a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles defined therethrough and a plurality of adjacently arranged structures on which the nozzle plate is formed. The structures have a plurality of passages for distributing fluid to the nozzles and each structure has elongate apertures to the passages. The long dimension of the elongate apertures in the abutting sides of adjacent structures are angled relative to each other. | 07-15-2010 |
20100181375 | Sticker including a first and second region - A method of associating an electronic object with a sticker placed on a surface is disclosed. The sticker has first and second regions. The first region has disposed thereon coded data encoding an identity of the sticker. The second region exposes a position on the surface. The position on the surface has disposed thereon coded data which encodes an identity of the surface and data identifying the position on the surface. A sensing device senses the coded data on the first region and, through the second region, the coded data on the surface, and then generates indicating data from the sensed coded data. The indicating data is indicative of the identity of the sticker, the identity of the surface and the position on the surface exposed by the second region. The method receives the indicating data from the sensing device, and identifies, using the indicating data, the identity of the sticker, the identity of the surface and the position on the surface exposed by the second region. The electronic object is also identified. Finally, the electronic object is associated with the identity of the sticker, the identity of the surface, and the position on the surface exposed by the second region. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182268 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR INTERACTING WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A handheld display device for displaying and interacting with information corresponding to a printed substrate. The device comprises: a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information; an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; and a touch-sensitive screen for displaying display information based on retrieved display data. The touch-sensitive screen enables user interaction with the display information. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182269 | METHOD OF PLAYING VIDEO USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of playing video using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an optical sensor, the printed substrate containing printed content associated with a video; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving video data associated with the printed content; and playing, on the touch-sensitive screen, the video based on the retrieved video data. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182372 | INKJET PRINT ENGINE HAVING PRINTER CARTRIDGE INCORPORATING MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLY AND CRADLE UNIT INCORPORATING MAINTENANCE DRIVE ASSEMBLY - An inkjet print engine includes a printer cartridge having an elongate body and a pair of mounting posts provided at either end of the elongate body, the printer cartridge further and defining a plurality of partitions; an ink storage module assembly having a row of ink storage modules interleaved with the partitions; a printhead assembly mounted to the elongate body and including at least one ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) connected to receive ink from the ink storage modules; an elongate maintenance assembly mounted between the posts and configured to cap and clean the IC; a cradle unit for removably receiving the printer cartridge; and a maintenance drive assembly mounted to the cradle unit for actuating against the maintenance assembly to facilitate cleaning of the IC. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182373 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE STATION HAVING NON-POROUS ROLLER - A printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance station comprises an elastically deformable roller having a contact surface for contacting an ink ejection face of the printhead, and a mechanism for rolling the roller across the face. The contact surface of the roller is configured so as to avoid trapping of ink on or in the roller surface. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182379 | FLUID-EJECTING INTEGRATED CIRCUIT UTILIZING ELECTROMAGNETIC DISPLACEMENT - A fluid ejecting integrated circuit (IC) includes a nozzle chamber defined by chamber side walls extending from a wafer substrate, and a roof wall provided on the chamber side walls; a fluid ejecting member provided within the nozzle chamber between the roof wall of the nozzle chamber and the wafer substrate; a support formation provided within the nozzle chamber and spaced inwardly away from the chamber side walls, the support formation extending from the wafer substrate to support the fluid ejecting member thereon; a first planar electrode layered to the fluid ejecting member; a second planar electrode layered on the wafer substrate; and a projection provided on the first planar electrode on a side facing the second planar electrode, the projection for contacting the second planar electrode to prevent contact between the first planar electrode and the second planar electrode. The first and second planar electrode establish a potential therebetween to deform the first planar electrode towards the second planar electrode. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182380 | PRINTHEAD WITH LOW DRAG NOZZLES APERTURES - An inkjet printhead that has a nozzle layer defining an array of nozzle apertures, each nozzle aperture having an associated heater element positioned for heating the ejectable liquid above its boiling point to form a vapor bubble to eject a drop of the ejectable liquid through the nozzle aperture. The nozzle aperture is less than 5 microns thick in the drop ejection direction. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182383 | INKJET PRINTERWITH ACTIVE CONTROL OF INK PRESSURE - An inkjet printer comprises an inkjet printhead and an ink reservoir contained in a pressurizable chamber, with an ink conduit interconnecting the ink reservoir and the printhead. An air compressor is in fluid communication with the chamber and a valve is positioned between the air compressor and the chamber. A first air conduit interconnects an outlet of the air compressor and the valve, while a second air conduit interconnects an inlet of the air compressor and the valve. The valve is switchable between a first configuration in which the valve interconnects the outlet and the chamber via the first air conduit, and a second configuration in which the valve interconnects the inlet and the chamber via the second air conduit. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182387 | RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY FOR SUPPLYING FLUID TO PRINTHEAD - A fluid reservoir assembly for supplying fluid to a printhead is provided. The assembly has a reservoir compartment in fluid communication with fluid channels for supplying the fluid to the printhead via a fluid outlet, the reservoir compartment having an air vent and a bypass fluid path interconnecting the fluid outlet and a well region within the compartment, and a valve in the bypass fluid path for priming the reservoir compartment with fluid via the bypass fluid path. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182411 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING DISPLAY DATA - A method of retrieving display data for a handheld display device. The method comprises the steps, in a server, of: receiving interaction data from the handheld display device, the interaction data being generated by the device using image data acquired by imaging an area of a printed substrate containing printed content; identifying a page description corresponding to the interaction data; retrieving display data using the identified page description, the display data corresponding to at least some of the printed content imaged by the device; and sending the display data to the handheld display device. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182646 | INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL DEVICE - An interactive document retrieval device that has a processor for receiving first indicating data identifying a page identity and one or more locations on a first interactive document having a corresponding page description stored in one of a plurality of servers and, a print engine having a printhead. The processor is configured to use the page identity contained in the first indicating data to determine a network address of a server handling the page description corresponding to the first interactive document, send second indicating data to said network address identified using the page identity, said second indicating data being based on the first indicating data, receipt of said second indicating data by said server initiating a request for a second interactive document such that the processor receives response data corresponding to the second interactive document, and instruct the print engine to provide the second interactive document via the printhead. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182647 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR MAGNIFYING PRINTED INFORMATION - A method of magnifying printed content using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of the substrate containing printed content and generating image data using an optical sensor; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving, using the interaction data and the page description, display data corresponding to the printed content; displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information based on the display data, the display information including displayed content corresponding to the printed content; and interacting with the displayed content via the touch-sensitive screen. Interacting with the displayed content via the touch-sensitive screen magnifies the displayed content on the screen. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182648 | DETERMINE MOVEMENT OF A PRINT MEDIUM RELATIVE TO A MOBILE DEVICE - A method of using a mobile device to determine movement, relative to the mobile device, of a print medium being printed on by the mobile device is disclosed. The mobile device includes a printer. The mobile device further includes a sensor in a media feed path of the printer and a processing means. A surface of the print medium bears coded data indicative of a plurality of locations on the surface. The method uses the sensor to sense the coded data at a plurality of locations on the surface. The sensed coded data is decoded in order to determine the locations, and the movement of the print medium relative to sensor is determined from the locations. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184461 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR INTERACTING WITH PRINTED HYPERLINKS - A handheld display device for imaging and displaying a printed substrate containing a printed hyperlink. The device comprises: an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieving display data corresponding to the printed substrate using the substrate identity; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display information based on the display data. The display information comprises a displayed hyperlink corresponding to the printed hyperlink on the substrate. The device is configured such that user interaction with the displayed hyperlink via the touch-sensitive display screen causes retrieval and display of hyperlinked information on the screen. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184462 | METHOD OF DISPLAYING HYPERLINKED INFORMATION USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of displaying hyperlinked information using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an optical sensor, the printed substrate containing a printed hyperlink; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving display data corresponding to the substrate; displaying display information based on said display data; interacting with the displayed hyperlink via the touch-sensitive display screen; retrieving hyperlinked information corresponding to the hyperlink; and displaying the hyperlinked information on the screen. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184463 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR ASSOCIATING MULTIMEDIA OBJECTS WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATES - A handheld display device for associating a multimedia object with a zone of a printed substrate. The device comprises: a memory storing multimedia objects; an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieval of display data corresponding to the printed substrate; and a touch-sensitive screen for displaying display information based on the display data. The device is configured such that a predetermined user interaction with the display information indicates an association of one of the multimedia objects with the zone of the printed substrate. Subsequent interaction with the zone of the printed causes retrieval of the multimedia object. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184464 | METHOD OF ASSOCIATING MULTIMEDIA OBJECT WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A method of associating a multimedia object with a printed substrate using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The printed substrate has a corresponding page description retrievable via a substrate identity. The method comprises the steps of: displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information corresponding to the printed substrate; identifying a multimedia object for association with a zone of the printed substrate; and interacting with the display information to indicate association of the multimedia object with the zone, thereby causing the page description to be updated in accordance with the indicated association. Subsequent interaction with the zone of the printed substrate using the device causes retrieval of the multimedia object from the updated page description. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184465 | METHOD OF MAGNIFYING PRINTED INFORMATION USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of magnifying printed content using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information, The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of the substrate containing printed content and generating image data using an optical sensor; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving, using the interaction data and the page description, display data corresponding to the printed content; displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information based on the display data, the display information including displayed content corresponding to the printed content; and interacting with the displayed content via the touch-sensitive screen. Interacting with the displayed content via the touch-sensitive screen magnifies the displayed content on the screen. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184466 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR TRANSLATING PRINTED TEXT ON A SUBSTRATE - A handheld display device for imaging a printed substrate and translating printed text. The device comprises: an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieval of display data, the display data identifying the printed text translated into a second language; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display information based on the display data. The display information comprises displayed text corresponding to the printed text translated into the second language. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184467 | METHOD OF REVEALING HIDDEN CONTENT ON A PRINTED SUBSTRATE USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of revealing hidden content associated with a printed substrate using a handheld display device having touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of the substrate containing printed content and generating image data using an optical sensor; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving display data comprising first data corresponding to the printed content and second data corresponding to the hidden content; and displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information based on the display data. The display information includes first content corresponding to the printed content and second content corresponding to the hidden content, thereby revealing the hidden content on the screen. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184468 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR REVEALING HIDDEN CONTENT ON A PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A handheld display device for imaging a printed substrate and revealing hidden content associated with the printed substrate. The device comprises: an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieval of display data corresponding to the printed substrate, the display data comprising first data corresponding to the printed content and second data corresponding to the hidden content; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display information based on the display data. The display information includes first content corresponding to the printed content and second content corresponding to the hidden content, thereby revealing the hidden content on the screen. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184469 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR PLAYING VIDEO ASSOCIATED WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A handheld display device for imaging a printed substrate and playing video associated with the printed substrate. The device comprises: an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieval of video data corresponding to the printed substrate; and a touch-sensitive display screen for playing the video based on the video data. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184470 | METHOD OF PLAYING AND CONTROLLING VIDEO USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of controlling video playback using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an optical sensor, the printed substrate containing printed content associated with a video; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving video data associated with the printed content; displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, the video or display information identifying the video together with a static element for controlling video playback; and controlling video playback by interacting with the static element via the touch-sensitive screen. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184471 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR PLAYING AND CONTROLLING VIDEO ASSOCIATED WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A handheld display device for imaging a printed substrate and controlling playback of video associated with the printed substrate. The device comprises: an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieval of video data corresponding to part of the printed substrate; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying the video, or display information identifying the video, together with a static element for controlling video playback. Interaction with the static element via the touch-sensitive screen controls video playback. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184472 | METHOD OF PLAYING AND CONTROLLING AUDIO USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of controlling audio playback using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an optical sensor, the printed substrate containing printed content associated with audio; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving audio data associated with said printed content; displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information identifying the audio together with a static element for controlling audio playback; and controlling audio playback by interacting with the static element via the touch-sensitive screen. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184473 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR PLAYING AND CONTROLLING AUDIO ASSOCIATED WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A handheld display device for imaging a printed substrate and controlling playback of audio associated with the printed substrate. The device comprises: an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieval of audio data corresponding to part of the printed substrate; a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display information identifying the audio together with at least one static element for controlling audio playback; and an audio output means for outputting the audio based on said retrieved audio data. Interaction with the static element via the touch-sensitive screen controls audio playback. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184474 | METHOD OF FILLING IN FORM USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of filling in a form using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an optical sensor, the printed substrate containing a printed form; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving display data corresponding to the form; displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information based on the display data, the display information including a displayed form field of the form; and interacting with the displayed form field via the touch-sensitive screen so as to enter form data into the device and cause the page description to be updated with the form data. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184475 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR FILLING IN FORMS - A handheld display device for imaging a printed substrate containing a printed form and for filling in the form. The device comprises: an optical sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate and for generating image data; a processor for determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; a transceiver for retrieval of display data corresponding to the form; and a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display information based on the display data, the display information including a displayed form field of the form. The device is configured such that user interaction with the displayed form field via the touch-sensitive display screen enters form data into the device and causes a page description to be updated with the form data. | 07-22-2010 |
20100184477 | SYSTEM FOR RETRIEVING DISPLAY DATA FOR HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A system for retrieving display data has a handheld device and a server. The handheld device includes an optical sensor for imaging an area of a printed substrate containing printed content; a processor for determining interaction data; a transceiver; and a touch-sensitive screen. The server is configured for: receiving the interaction data from the handheld display device; identifying a page description corresponding to the interaction data; retrieving display data using the identified page description; and sending the display data to the handheld display device. The display data corresponds to the printed content imaged by the device. | 07-22-2010 |
20100185433 | METHOD OF TRANSLATING PRINTED TEXT USING HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of translating printed text using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of the substrate containing printed text in a first language and generating image data using an optical sensor; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity, the substrate identity being indexed with a page description corresponding to the printed substrate; retrieving display data using the interaction data and the page description, the display data identifying the printed text translated into a second language; and displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information based on the display data. The display information comprises displayed text corresponding to the printed text translated into the second language. | 07-22-2010 |
20100188445 | CARD-TYPE PRINTING DEVICE - A card-type printing device includes a support structure defining an exposed body portion; an electrical connector located at a first end of the support structure, the electrical connector adapted for insertion into a corresponding electrical socket to send and receive data; a printhead assembly located at a second end of the support structure opposite the first end, the printhead assembly electrically coupled to the electrical connector; a printhead and a feed arrangement for feeding print media to the printhead, the printhead and the feed arrangement included in the printhead assembly; a print media cartridge releasably mounted in the exposed body portion of the support structure, between the electrical connector and the printhead assembly; and a cover engaging the support structure in a releasable manner to cover the printhead assembly. The feed assembly includes a row of ink storage channels provided within an outer ink reservoir, and a channeling structure provided below and in fluid communication with the row of ink storage channels. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188446 | INKJET PRINTER EMPLOYING DISPOSABLE SHEET FOR PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE - An inkjet printer comprises a printhead having an ink ejection face and an ink supply system including a face flooding system. A sheet feed arrangement feeds a disposable sheet past the printhead and through a maintenance zone spaced apart from the face, and a print media feed arrangement feeds print media past the printhead and through a print zone. The maintenance zone is nearer the face than the print zone, and no part of the disposable sheet makes contact with the printhead. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188458 | TEST CIRCUITRY FOR A PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A printhead integrated circuit that has a nozzle, a thermal actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle, an open actuator test input, a column enable input, a row enable input, a drive transistor for connecting the thermal actuator to a power supply when the column enable input and the row enable input are asserted, a sense node, and a sense transistor for connecting the sense node to the drive transistor drain when the open actuator test input is asserted. During use the sense node is pulled high when the row enable input, the column enable input and the open actuator test are all asserted, and the thermal actuator is open circuit. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188460 | NON-CONTACT METHOD OF REMOVING FLOODED INK FROM PRINTHEAD FACE - A method of removing flooded ink from an ink ejection face of a printhead. The method comprises moving a surface past said face and transferring the flooded ink onto the moving surface, wherein no part of the surface contacts the face. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188463 | NOZZLE DEVICE INCOPORATING MOVEMENT SENSOR - A nozzle device for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate assembly defining an ink supply; a chamber-defining layer defining a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with a nozzle opening and the ink supply; an actuating arm coupled to the substrate assembly and terminating in a paddle separating the ink supply and nozzle chamber, the actuating arm configured to pivot during actuation to cause ink within the nozzle chamber to be ejected out through the nozzle opening; and a movement sensor configured to determine the degree or rate of pivotal movement of the actuating arm. The actuating arm further includes a bridge between the paddle and the thermal bend portion which supports a portion of the chamber-defining layer. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188703 | Associating an Electronic Document with a Print Medium - A method of printing an electronic document using a mobile telecommunications device is disclosed. The electronic document is first identified using the mobile telecommunications device. The electronic document is then printed on a print medium in a media feed path of a printer module of the mobile telecommunications device. Coded data encoded on the print medium is also sensed using a sensor module in the media feed path of the printer module. A print media identifier which identifies the print medium is identified from the coded data, and an association between the print media identifier and the electronic document is formed. The electronic document is retrievable using the print media identifier. | 07-29-2010 |
20100189490 | PRINTER HAVING GUIDED PRINT ZONE - A printer is provided having a printhead assembly having a carrier frame, a pagewidth printhead with a corresponding pagewidth print zone defined by a plane adjacent the printhead assembly mounted at a base of the carrier frame, an approach guide mounted to the carrier frame on a first side of the printhead and an exit guide mounted to the carrier frame on a second side of the printhead, and a feed mechanism for continuously feeding a web of print media through the print zone. The web is unsupported in the print zone and is guided therethrough by the guides. The approach guide curves about the carrier frame base to terminate upstream with a leading angular edge abutting with the web such that the natural path of the web is deflected downwards and around the approach guide, and the exit guide curves about the carrier frame base to terminate downstream. | 07-29-2010 |
20100190525 | PRINT ONTO A PRINT MEDIUM TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE ORIENTATION OF PREVIOUSLY PRINTED CONTENT - A method is describe in which an orientation indicator on a print medium inserted into a printer is sensed, the orientation indicator identifying the orientation of content previously printed on the print medium, the orientation of the content previously printed on the print medium is determined, and print data is rotated prior to printing the print data onto the print medium by the printer to take into account the orientation of the content previously printed on the print medium. | 07-29-2010 |
20100194797 | METHOD OF INTERACTING WITH SUBSTRATE COMPRISING IR-ABSORBING CODING PATTERN - A method of interacting with a printed substrate comprising a coding pattern printed with an IR-absorbing ink. The method comprises the steps of: operatively positioning an optically-imaging sensing device relative to the substrate and sensing part of the coding pattern; and generating interaction data using the sensed coding pattern. The IR-absorbing ink comprises a dye of formula (I): | 08-05-2010 |
20100194799 | PRINTER WITH PRESSURE REGULATED INK SUPPLY - An inkjet printer that has a printhead, a container for maintaining a quantity of ink at a pressure less than ambient pressure, an ink outlet for sealed fluid connection to the printhead, and, an air inlet with a pressure regulator that allows air into the container at a predetermined pressure difference between the container interior and atmosphere. The pressure regulator is a porous member with a first surface for exposure to atmosphere and a second surface for contacting the ink in the container. During use, air at the first surface moves to the second surface and forms bubbles and, the porous member is a membrane in a side wall of the reservoir. The membrane is positioned closely adjacent an internal wall such that ink is held between the wall and the membrane by capillary action when the ink level drops below the membrane. | 08-05-2010 |
20100194802 | PRINTER HAVING SELF-REFERENCING PRINTING CARTRIDGE - A printer is provided with a body having a slot for removably receiving a printing cartridge, a mesa feature arranged in the slot to cooperate with a complementary slot in the fluid distribution support of the printing cartridge upon mounting of the printing cartridge to the printer, and protrusions arranged in the slot to cooperate with a flat surface of a plurality of corners of the printing cartridge upon mounting of the printing cartridge to the printer The printing cartridge has at least one printhead integrated circuit with a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles and a fluid distribution support mounting the printhead integrated circuit. The cooperation of the mesa feature and complementary slot and the protrusions and corners provides information on the location of the nozzles. | 08-05-2010 |
20100194818 | INKJET PRINTER WITH RECIPROCALLY MOVABLE MAINTENANCE STATION - An inkjet printer comprises a stationary pagewidth inkjet printhead and a printhead maintenance station. The maintenance station comprises a chassis having a maintenance roller and a transfer roller mounted thereon. An engagement mechanism reciprocally moves the chassis towards and away from the printhead such that a contact surface of the maintenance roller is sealingly engaged with or disengaged from the face. A rotation mechanism rotates the maintenance roller only when the maintenance roller is disengaged from the face, and the transfer roller receives ink from the maintenance roller during rotation of the maintenance roller. | 08-05-2010 |
20100194831 | REFILL UNIT FOR INCREMENTAL MILLILITRE FLUID REFILL - A refill unit for a fluid container is providing. The refill unit has a housing defining a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet and configured to be operatively engaged with the fluid container, a fluid reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing, and an ejector assembly configured to incrementally eject between 6 ml and 50 ml per increment of fluid from the reservoir when the assembly is actuated by operative engagement of the fluid container with the housing. | 08-05-2010 |
20100194832 | REFILL UNIT FOR INCREMENTALLY FILLING FLUID CONTAINER - A refill unit for a fluid container is provided. The unit has a housing defining a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet and configured to be operatively engaged with the fluid container, a fluid reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing, and an ejector assembly having a piston and cylinder reservoir, said piston having a thread which engages a screw thread in an internal wall of the cylinder, the piston rotationally biased by a wound spring and the ejector assembly having a pawl-and-ratchet detent preventing the biased piston threading into the reservoir until the pawl is actuated by operative engagement of the fluid container with the housing to incrementally eject fluid from | 08-05-2010 |
20100194833 | REFILL UNIT FOR FLUID CONTAINER - A refill unit for a fluid container is provided. The unit has a housing defining a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet and configured to be operatively engaged with the fluid container, a fluid reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing, and a plunger having a toothed thread which engages with a screw thread provided in an internal wall of the housing, the ejector having a drive gear so that actuation of the drive gear imparts rotation to the toothed thread so as to rotate the plunger within the screw thread of the housing to incrementally eject fluid from the fluid reservoir when the drive gear is actuated by operative engagement of the fluid container with the housing. | 08-05-2010 |
20100194844 | SYSTEM FOR PRINTING UNIQUE INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT IN RESPONSE TO PRINT REQUEST - A system for printing and interacting with documents comprising: (a) a computer system configured for: receiving a print request; allocating a unique document identifier to the document in response to receiving the print request; and associating the document identifier with a description of the document; (b) a printer for printing the document containing human-readable content together with a coding pattern on a surface; and (c) an optically imaging pen for sensing a portion of the coding pattern during handwritten input on the document and for generating a signal indicative of the unique document identifier and a position of the pen relative to the document. The computer system is further configured for: receiving the signal from the pen; determining the document identifier and the position of the pen; retrieving the description associated with the document identifier; interpreting the positions as a path of handwritten input; and updating the description with information corresponding to the handwritten input. | 08-05-2010 |
20100194923 | DIGITAL CAMERA HAVING INTERCONNECTED IMAGE PROCESSING UNITS - A digital camera is provided having a memory for digitally storing an image captured by the camera, and a plurality of substantially identical processing elements functionally interconnected to each other via a crossbar switch for processing the stored image. The processing elements are connected to the memory via a bus external to the crossbar switch. The crossbar switch is selectively configurable to pass data of the stored image directly between the processing elements. | 08-05-2010 |
20100199110 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT HAVING OBSCURED STATE CHANGE CIRCUITRY - An integrated circuit is provided having first and second circuitry which are configured to emit light when undergoing changes in state. The first and second circuitry being operated to change state at the same time so as to hinder optical detection of the light emitted by the first circuitry. | 08-05-2010 |
20100200167 | SYSTEM FOR PRINTING 3D SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTS - A system for printing three-dimensional semiconductor products. The system includes printheads for printing various so as to create a three-dimensional structure including cavities, and a robot for incorporating semiconductor objects into the cavities created during the printing process. The robot incorporates the semiconductor objects into the cavities during printing of the three-dimensional structure. | 08-12-2010 |
20100201728 | PRINTING NOZZLE HAVING FAULT SENSOR - A printing nozzle is provided having a chamber defined over a fluid inlet in a substrate and having a fluid ejection port, an actuator for causing ejection of fluid within the chamber from the fluid ejection port, a controller for controlling operation of the actuator by applying a current pulse having a predetermined energy level to the actuator, and a sensor for sensing operation of the actuator. The controller applies a current pulse having an energy level significantly greater than said predetermined energy level to the actuator when the sensor senses faulty operation of the actuator. | 08-12-2010 |
20100201740 | PRINTHEAD CRADLE HAVING ELECTROMAGNETIC CONTROL OF CAPPER - A printhead cradle is provided for removably receiving a printhead. The cradle has a controller for controlling operation of the received printhead and an electromagnet for causing movement of a movable capper of the printhead under control of the controller. | 08-12-2010 |
20100201742 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE METHOD WITH PURGING, INK REMOVAL AND PRINTING STEPS - A method of purging and printing from an inkjet printhead. The method comprises the steps of: (i) purging the printhead using a purging ink, thereby flooding an ink ejection face of the printhead; (ii) removing the flooded ink from the ink ejection face by feeding a transfer surface past the printhead, wherein no part of the transfer surface makes contact with the printhead; and (iii) printing from the printhead using a printing ink. | 08-12-2010 |
20100201745 | Printhead Assembly - A printhead assembly includes an elongate support structure; a series of wall sections extending a length of a first surface of the elongate support structure, the series of wall sections delineating ink supply channels therebetween; a plurality of carriers positioned end-to-end in the gap and supported by said edges of the walls, the carriers defining therethrough ink supply passages in fluid communication with the ink supply channels; a printhead integrated circuit mounted on each carrier to receive ink from respective ink supply channels; and a serrated channel extending a length of a second surface of the elongate support structure, the serrated channel for receiving fastening means therein. | 08-12-2010 |
20100201750 | FLUID EJECTION DEVICE WITH OVERLAPPING FIRING CHAMBER AND DRIVE FET - A fluid ejection device with a firing chamber from which fluid is ejected, a heating element that heats fluid in the firing chamber and, drive circuitry for the heating element having a field effect transistor (FET). At least part of the firing chamber overlaps the FET when viewed in a direction parallel to the direction of fluid ejection, and the firing chamber and the FET is separated by a layer of insulating material. | 08-12-2010 |
20100201751 | INKJET NOZZLE ASSEMBLY WITH LOW DENSITY SUSPENDED HEATER ELEMENT - An inkjet nozzle assembly comprises: a nozzle chamber for containing ink, the nozzle chamber having a nozzle opening defined in a roof thereof; and a bubble-forming heater element positioned in the nozzle chamber. The heater element is suspended in the nozzle chamber and parallel with a plane of the roof. The heater element is comprised of solid material having a total mass of less than 10 nanograms. | 08-12-2010 |
20100201766 | INKJET PRINTER WITH BUBBLEPOINT PRESSURE REGULATOR HAVING SLOT-SHAPED BUBBLE OUTLET - An inkjet printer includes an inkjet printhead and an ink pressure regulator connected to the printhead via an ink line. The ink pressure regulator includes: an ink chamber having an ink outlet connected to the ink line; an air inlet open to atmosphere; and an air channel connected to the air inlet. The air channel has a constriction defining a bubble outlet, with the bubble outlet being configured as a slot positioned for bubbling air into ink contained in the chamber. A width dimension of the slot is dimensioned to control a Laplace pressure of air bubbles drawn into the ink as result of supplying ink to the printhead, and thereby regulates a hydrostatic pressure of the ink. | 08-12-2010 |
20100201767 | INKJET PRINTER WITH BUBBLEPOINT PRESSURE REGULATOR AND RECIRCULATING INK SUPPLY - An inkjet printer comprises: (a) an inkjet printhead having an inlet channel and an outlet channel; (b) an ink reservoir; (c) an ink pressure regulator for regulating a hydrostatic pressure of ink supplied to the printhead; (d) a first ink line connecting the ink outlet and the inlet channel of the printhead; and (e) a second ink line connecting the outlet channel of the printhead and a return inlet of said ink reservoir, such that ink is supplied in a recirculating circuit. The ink pressure regulator comprises: an ink chamber having an ink outlet; an air inlet open to atmosphere; and an air channel connected to the air inlet. The air channel has a constriction defining a bubble outlet, which is configured as a slot. A width dimension of the slot is dimensioned to control a Laplace pressure of air bubbles drawn into the ink as result of supplying ink to the printhead, and thereby regulates a hydrostatic pressure of the ink. | 08-12-2010 |
20100201846 | METHOD OF PROCESSING DIGITAL IMAGES IN CAMERA - A method of processing, in a digital camera, an image captured by the camera is provided, which includes locating faces within the captured image by detecting regions of contiguous color which map a hue, saturation and value of the range of human face colors and passing the detected regions through heuristic tests which produce a resulting probability of a face being present in the image, locating eyes of the located faces, and determining if the captured image of the located eyes has been modified by the act of capturing the image. If the image has been modified any unwanted distortions of the located eyes are located in the captured image that have occurred as a result of the act of capturing the image, and the captured image is modified to at least reduce the effect of the unwanted distortions and to produce a modified image. | 08-12-2010 |
20100202021 | METHOD OF CREATING PRINTED INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT - A method of creating a printed interactive document using a printer connected to a computer. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving a print request for the interactive document at the computer; (b) sending a request for a unique document identity to a server in response to the print request; (c) receiving the unique document identity from the server; (d) indexing the document with the unique document identity and archiving the indexed document in a database; (e) sending the unique document identity and the document to the printer; and (f) printing the graphic content of the document together with coded data coincident with the graphic content onto a substrate so as to create the printed interactive document. The coded data identifies the unique document identity and a plurality of locations on the substrate. | 08-12-2010 |
20100202122 | CARRIER ASSEMBLY FOR AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A carrier assembly for an integrated circuit is disclosed. The carrier assembly has a retainer with electrical contacts for receiving the integrated circuit, and island defining portions arranged about the retainer. Each island defining portion is connected to neighboring island defining portions through a serpentine member. This connection allows resilient deflection between the island defining portions. | 08-12-2010 |
20100202704 | SYSTEM FOR ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATION VIA INTERACTIVE SURFACE - A system for anonymous communication between a user and a software application is provided, via interaction of an optical imaging device with an interactive surface to generate interaction data. The device has a unique identity which is associated with the user's identity. The interaction data includes data on the application and device identities. The system has a computer system which receives the interaction data generated by the optical imaging device, identifies the application and the device from the identity data included in the received interaction data, translates the identified application and device identities into an alias identity, sends the alias identity and interaction data to the identified application, receives information from the identified application addressed to the alias identity, and forwards the information from the application to the user via the alias identity. | 08-12-2010 |
20100206950 | Link Software Object to Sticker - A system for generating an association between a software object and a sticker on a surface, and then retrieving the software object, is disclosed. The sticker has disposed thereon coded data indicative of a sticker identity. A sensing device is provided for sensing the coded data in order to determine the sticker identity, and to generate indicating data at least partially indicative of the sticker identity. A computer system receives the indicating data from the sensing device, stores object data indicative of each of a plurality of software objects in an object repository, orders the object data stored in the object repository according to when the software object data was stored in the object repository, determines, using the order of the object data in the object repository, the software object which has been most recently stored in the object repository, generates the association based at least partially on the most recently stored software object and the sticker identity, receives further indicating data from the sensing device, the indicating data being at least partially indicative of the sticker identity, and retrieves the software object associated with the sticker identity. | 08-19-2010 |
20100207992 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH INK SUPPLY VIA EXTRUSION - A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer, which has a printhead with a plurality of inlets for receiving ink, an extrusion having a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the plurality of inlets such that the extrusion supplies ink to the printhead, the extrusion having a plurality of ink channels in fluid communication with the plurality of outlets, a plugging device at one end of the extrusion configured to supply ink from the printer to each of the channels respectively, the plugging device having a first plate, a second plate, a series of plugs and a spine, the first and the second plate hingedly connected via the spine such that the series of plugs seal respective open ends of the plurality of channels and the first and second plates overlap and clamp around the exterior surface of the first end of the extrusion. The plugging device also having inlets for receiving ink from the printer, and directing the received ink into respective channels of the extrusion. The first plate has the plurality of inlets, and the extrusion has a plurality of apertures which align with the plurality of inlets. | 08-19-2010 |
20100207997 | PRINTHEAD NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING INTERLEAVED HEATER ELEMENTS - A printhead nozzle arrangement is provided having a wafer defining a chamber for holding ejection fluid, an ejection port supported by a plurality of bridge members which extend from the ejection port to sides of the chamber, and a plurality of heater elements interleaved between the bridge members for causing ejection of fluid held in the chamber through the ejection port. | 08-19-2010 |
20100207999 | PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH INK AND DATA DISTRIBUTION - A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer, that has an elongate ink distribution member mounted with a series of inlets spaced along the length of the elongate ink distribution member, one or more integrated circuits fixed to the ink distribution member, the or each integrated circuit having nozzles for ejecting ink supplied by the distribution member onto a passing media substrate, and an electrical connector for transmitting data to the or each integrated circuit, the electrical connector having an elongate array of contacts for electrical connection with a corresponding array of contacts on the inkjet printer. | 08-19-2010 |
20100208000 | PRINTHEAD WITH HIGH DRAG NOZZLE CHAMBER INLETS - A printhead that has an array of ink ejection nozzles, an array of chambers adapted to store ink for ejection through each of the nozzles respectively, a silicon substrate for supporting the array of chambers and defining a plurality of ink inlet channels for feeding ink to the array of chambers, the silicon substrate having a planar structure with one surface that supports the chambers and an opposing surface from which the elongate ink feed channels extend, a plurality of actuators, one of the actuators being positioned in each of the chambers respectively for ejecting drops of ink through the nozzle, a plurality of ink inlet channels connecting the ink feed channels to the array of chambers and, layers of CMOS drive circuitry supported on the silicon substrate. The ink inlet channels each extend through the layers of CMOS drive circuitry and each of the ink inlet channels being long and narrow relative to the dimensions of the nozzle such that ink in said chamber is restricted from flowing out during ink drop ejection by viscous drag generated by the ink inlet channel. | 08-19-2010 |
20100208002 | INKJET NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT INCORPORATING THERMAL DIFFERENTIAL ACTUATOR - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes a wafer substrate defining an inlet channel; a nozzle chamber wall and a roof wall positioned on the wafer substrate to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the inlet channel, the roof wall defining an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber; a paddle positioned in the nozzle chamber and reciprocally displaceable to eject ink from the ejection port; and an actuating arm extending through the nozzle chamber wall and connected to the paddle, the actuating arm comprising an actuating portion having a pair of actuating members, one of the actuating members including a heating circuit. On receipt of an electrical signal to the exclusion of the other actuating member, the actuating arm is displaced in a first direction. The actuating arm is comprised of a resiliently flexible material, whereby on cessation of the electrical signal, the actuating arm is displaced in a second direction opposite to the first direction. | 08-19-2010 |
20100208003 | PRINTHEAD WITH MULTIPLE HEATERS IN EACH CHAMBER - An inkjet printhead with an array of ink chambers, each chamber having a plurality of nozzles. Multiple heater elements are positioned in each of the ink chambers, and electrically connected to each other in series. Drive circuitry selectively provides the heaters with drive signals such that a single drive signal simultaneously actuates the all the heater elements. Each generates a separate vapour bubble to eject ink through each of the plurality of nozzles. By putting multiple actuators in a single chamber, and providing each actuator with a corresponding nozzle (or nozzles), each nozzle ejects drops of smaller volume, and having different misdirections. Smaller drops with differing misdirections are less likely to create any visible artefacts. | 08-19-2010 |
20100208012 | REFILL UNIT FOR AN INK STORAGE COMPARTMENT CONNECTED TO A PRINTHEAD THROUGH AN OUTLET VALVE - A refill unit for refilling an ink storage compartment for a printhead assembly. The ink storage compartment is fluidically connected to the printhead assembly via an outlet valve. The refill unit a variable volume container for holding a quantity of ink and a valve actuator for closing the outlet valve as the refill unit engages the ink storage compartment. | 08-19-2010 |
20100208014 | INK CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WEAKLY ACIDIC NAPHTHALOCYANINE INK FORMULATION - An ink cartridge for an inkjet printer contains an aqueous ink formulation. The ink formulation comprising an IR-absorbing naphthalocyanine dye of formula (II): | 08-19-2010 |
20100208085 | DIGITAL CAMERA FOR PROCESSING AND PRINTING IMAGES - A digital camera for processing and printing an image is provided having an image sensor for capturing image data from images sensed at an auto exposure setting, an image processor for processing the image to produce processed data, a printer for printing the processed data, and an interface for receiving a cartridge having postcard media and memory storing information regarding a size of each postcard. The image processor produces the processed data using the auto exposure setting and the information regarding the size of each postcard read from the cartridge memory. | 08-19-2010 |
20100213252 | SYSTEM FOR ALLOWING HANDWRITTEN INTERACTION WITH A COMPUTER - A system for enabling user interaction is disclosed. The system includes a printer for printing print data on a form. The print data is indicative of a plurality of marks. Each mark has a predetermined pattern common to all marks and coded data. The predetermined pattern includes a rotationally invariant pattern. A sensing device is also included for sensing the marks when moved relative to the form, for using the rotationally invariant pattern to correct for perspective distortion of the marks, for decoding the coded data of the marks, and for generating indicating data indicative of movement of the sensing device relative to the form. | 08-26-2010 |
20100213878 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING OPTICAL EMISSIONS IN AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - An integrated circuit is provided with first circuitry having first and second transistors which emit light during a change in state between states of low and high resistance and second circuitry having third transistors which emit light during a change in state. The third transistors are disposed near at least one of the first and second transistors so that light emissions from the third transistors hinder optical detection of a pattern of light emitted by the first and second transistors. | 08-26-2010 |
20100214337 | PRINTER WITH RESOLUTION REDUCTION BY NOZZLE DATA SHARING - A printer is shown that can selectively reduce its print resolution by sharing print for one nozzle in the nozzle array between several nozzles. Each nozzle has an ejection aperture and a corresponding actuator for ejecting printing fluid through the ejection aperture. A print engine controller sends print data to the array of nozzles in accordance with a designated print job. During use, the print engine controller can selectively reduce the print resolution by apportioning print data for a single nozzle between at least two nozzles of the array. This recognizes that some print jobs do not require the best resolution—a lower resolution is completely adequate for the purposes of the document being printed. This serves to extend the operational life of all the nozzles. | 08-26-2010 |
20100214358 | Inkjet Printer Incorporating Capping Mechanism Actuated By Flexible Arm - An inkjet printer includes a printhead assembly for ejecting ink upon print media; a capping molding for engaging a face of the printhead assembly; and an actuator for actuating the capping molding against and away from the printhead assembly. The actuator includes a flexible arm attached at one end to the capping molding and at the other end to slip and drive wheels. The slip and drive wheels facilitating actuation of the capping molding via the flexible arm. The flexible arm facilitates conformation of the capping molding against the printhead assembly. | 08-26-2010 |
20100214362 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH ACTUATORS SHARING A CURRENT PATH - A printhead for an inkjet printer is disclosed. The printhead has an elongate wafer substrate and an array of nozzles fabricated on the elongate wafer substrate. The array of nozzles is arranged in a first row and a second row extending parallel to each other and the longitudinal extent of the wafer substrate. Each nozzle has an ejection aperture and an actuator for ejecting printing fluid through the ejection aperture. Each of the actuators has a pair of electrodes spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to a long edge of the wafer substrate such that one of electrode of each of the electrode pairs is proximate the long edge of the wafer substrate and the other electrode of each of the electrode pairs is remote from the long edge. The printhead also has drive circuitry formed on one surface of the wafer substrate for supplying current to the electrodes of the actuators. The drive circuitry is supplied with power and data along the long edge of the wafer substrate. At least one of the electrodes remote from the long edge of the first row share a current path which conducts current from the drive circuitry to the electrodes with at least one of the electrodes proximate the long edge of the second row, the first row being nearer to the long edge than the second row. | 08-26-2010 |
20100214363 | METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A MODULAR PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY - A method for assembling a modular printhead assembly having an ink delivery member and a plurality of printhead modules received in a channel at a predetermined pitch is disclosed. The method includes the steps of flexing the channel apart at a first location to enable receipt of a first printhead module into the channel at the first location, the step of flexing being performed against a pivot point located along a centreline of an underside of the channel; and flexing apart a first capping device to enable pushing of the first capping device over the first printhead module. | 08-26-2010 |
20100214365 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH CONTROLLED DROP MISDIRECTION - A printhead integrated circuit that has an array of ink chambers, each having a nozzle and an actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle. The nozzle has a nozzle rim defining a nozzle aperture and a localized irregularity on the nozzle rim extending toward the centre of the nozzle aperture. | 08-26-2010 |
20100214366 | PRINTHEAD WITH DOUBLE OMEGA-SHAPED HEATER ELEMENTS - An ink jet printhead has a plurality of nozzles and a bubble forming chamber corresponding to each of the nozzles respectively. The bubble forming chambers are adapted to contain a bubble forming liquid and a heater element is disposed in each of the bubble forming chambers respectively. The heater elements are configured for thermal contact with the bubble forming liquid and, a pair of electrodes for each of the heater elements are positioned adjacent each other such that the heater element provides a single current path between the electrodes of each pair. Each of the heater elements has a double omega shape in which a smaller, inner omega shape is concentric with, and encircled by, a larger, outer omega shape. | 08-26-2010 |
20100214367 | PRINTHEAD HAVING NOZZLES WITH STACKED CAPACITIVE ACTUATORS - A printhead is provided having a fluid ejection nozzles which each have a substrate, a layer of drive circuitry deposited on the substrate, and subsequent etchant layers deposited on the drive circuitry to define a nozzle chamber with walls and a roof structure defining a fluid ejection port. Each nozzle also has a stacked capacitive actuator arranged in the chamber. The actuator has alternate electrode plates sandwiched between a compressible polymer, wherein activation of the stacked actuator draws the electrode plates together to compress the polymer storing energy therein, with subsequent de-activation releasing the energy to eject fluid within the chamber from the ejection port. | 08-26-2010 |
20100214381 | PLUNGE ACTION REFILL DISPENSER FOR INKJET PRINTER CARTRIDGE - A printing fluid dispenser includes a housing with first and second portions, the first portion being displaceable relative to the second portion, and the second portion defining a collar at a bottom end thereof; a deformable membrane housed within the second portion for storing a quantity of printing fluid; and a resilient member adapted to deform in response to displacement of the first portion relative to the second portion. The first portion has a maximum displacement relative to the second portion that corresponds to a maximum possible pressure applied by the resilient member to the printing fluid. The deformable membrane includes an outlet pipe extending therefrom and fitting within the collar. | 08-26-2010 |
20100214382 | PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE VALVE ASSEMBLY WITH DIAPHRAGM PRESSURE REGULATOR - A valve assembly for a printhead cartridge includes an inlet valve for engaging with an outlet valve of an ink cartridge, the inlet valve having a conical structure defining an inlet opening at a top thereof; a valve seat defined on an inner surface of the conical structure; a depressible valve member provided within the inlet valve, the depressible valve member being normally biased against the valve seat to form therewith a fluidic seal; a skirt engaging portion defined on the inner surface of the conical structure above the valve seat, the skirt engaging portion for engaging a resilient skirt of the ink cartridge, and a pressure regulator provided below the depressible valve member, the pressure regulator having a diaphragm and a regulator inlet defined through the diaphragm, the regulator inlet for facilitating flow of ink from a valve-side of the diaphragm to a printhead-side. The skirt engaging portion is dimensioned to engage the resilient skirt of the ink cartridge simultaneously with an engagement of a valve stem of the ink cartridge with the depressible valve member. | 08-26-2010 |
20100214383 | CARTRIDGE FOR PRINTER HAVING FLUID FLOW ARRANGEMENT - A cartridge for a printer is provided having a body defining a number of fluid reservoirs, a lid covering the body to seal fluid inside the reservoirs, and a printhead operatively fed with fluid from the reservoirs. A base of each reservoir is provided with a raised portion which surrounds a fluid outlet through which fluid flows for supply to the printhead. Each raised portion being moulded in the body to separate the outlet from the base of each reservoir to ensure a sufficient flow rate of fluid from the reservoir. | 08-26-2010 |
20100214385 | Drying System for Web Printer - A drying system for a printer is provided. The printer feeds a media web along a media path past a printhead to an exit region. The drying system has a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web between the printhead and exit region, a heating element within the first chamber, a fan positioned to direct air past the heating element to produce heated air, and a second chamber positioned on the other side of the media web opposite the first chamber, the second chamber having an opening through which the heated air from the first chamber passes. The opening is configured so that the printed media web extends from the media path as a loop to hang within the second chamber through the opening from opposite sides of the opening. | 08-26-2010 |
20100214386 | PRINT ENGINE ASSEMBLY WITH DUAL MOTOR ASSEMBLIES - A print engine for in an inkjet printer includes a chassis; a print cartridge mounted to the chassis, the print cartridge including a wound length of print media and defining therewithin a plurality of ink reservoirs; a first motor assembly mounted to the chassis, the first motor assembly driving a roller of the print cartridge to transport the print media; a printhead assembly engaged with the print cartridge, the printhead assembly ejecting ink from the reservoirs onto the transported print media; a cutter assembly for cutting a printed length of print media from the remaining wound length; a second motor assembly mounted to the chassis, the second motor assembly driving the cutter assembly; and a capping mechanism displaceable towards and away from the printhead by a displacement mechanism, the capping mechanism including a carrier having an elongate rib positioned to abut with the printhead. | 08-26-2010 |
20100214621 | SYSTEM FOR GENERATING INTERFACE SURFACE - A system for generating an interface surface is provided having a code generator for generating machine-readable coded data and a printer for printing the generated coded data onto a surface to generate an interface surface. The coded data is generated to be arranged in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two, the layout including n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation. Each sub-layout defines the position of data elements and includes rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from at least one other sub-layout. | 08-26-2010 |
20100218901 | PRINTER INCORPORATING ADHESIVE APPLICATOR - A printer includes a driving station for driving print media between a pair of pinch rollers; a printing station for printing upon the driven print media; an adhesive application station for applying an adhesive to the print media; a collection station for collecting a stack of printed print media bearing adhesive, and including a binding press configured to bind the stack together, the collection station further including a tray having a non-level floor, the tray having a lowermost corner lower than all other corners of the tray; and a vibrator provided beneath the lowermost corner of the tray. At least one of the printing station and the adhesive application station is configured to apply respective fluids to both sides of the print media. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219239 | METHOD OF INTERACTING WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A method of interacting with a printed substrate. The comprises the steps of: interacting with the substrate using an optically imaging pen having a nib; optically imaging target elements and coded data; calculating a position of the nib; and generating digital ink in the pen, the digital ink being indicative of the identity of the substrate and the position of the nib relative to the substrate; and sending the digital ink to a computer system such that the computer system can identify the interaction with the substrate. The position of the nib is calculated using the coded data, a perspective transform and a known spatial relationship between an optical axis of the pen and the nib. The perspective transform is determined using the imaged target elements which are perspective-distorted due to a tilt of the pen. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219244 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING PRODUCT STATUS USING CODED TAGS - A method of maintaining a status of a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface which has coded data including a plurality of coded data portions indicative of the product item's identity. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity therefrom, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update product status information stored in a data store. Each coded data portion is indicative of the respective position. The method further includes, generating in the sensing device and using the sensed coded data portion, indicating data indicative of at least one of a position of the sensed coded data portion on the interface surface and a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220126 | VERTICAL FORM FACTOR PRINTER - A printer having a substantially vertical form factor includes a base for supporting the printer; a substantially vertically extending body extending from the base; a print engine for printing an image onto print media, the print engine supported at a top of the substantially vertically extending body and overhanging a front surface of the substantially vertically extending body; a source tray assembly for holding a supply of print media, the source tray assembly provided against a back surface of the substantially vertically extending body; and a media collector arranged beneath the overhanging print engine, the media collector having a media collection surface defined from the front surface of the substantially vertically extending body, and one or more guide ribs provided on the media collection surface each terminating in a foot portion projecting from the front surface to catch sheets falling from an outlet of the overhanging print engine. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220135 | INK SUPPLY FOR PRINTHEAD INK CHAMBERS - An inkjet printhead having a wafer substrate defining a planar support surface is disclosed. Ink chambers are includes adjacent the planar support surface of the wafer substrate. The ink chambers are defined by sidewalls extending between a nozzle plate and the wafer substrate. One of the sidewalls of each chamber has an opening to allow ink to refill the chamber. An ink conduit is included between the nozzle plate and wafer substrate. The ink conduit is in fluid communication with the openings of the ink chambers. Ink inlets defined in the wafer substrate are also provided, the ink conduits receiving ink to supply to the ink chambers from at least one of the ink inlets. Each of the ink inlets has an ink permeable trap and a vent sized so that the surface tension of an ink meniscus across the vent prevents ink leakage. During use the ink permeable trap directs gas bubbles to the vent where the gas bubbles vent to atmosphere. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220136 | PRINTER WITH CONTROLLER FOR GENERATING COMBINED PRINT DATA AND CLOCK SIGNAL - An inkjet printer that has a printhead IC an array of nozzles for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto a media substrate and drive circuitry for driving the array of nozzles and, a print engine controller (PEC) for sending print data to the printhead IC. The drive circuitry is configured to extract a clock signal from the data transmission from the PEC. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220142 | PRINTHEAD WITH INK DISTRIBUTION THROUGH ALIGNED APERTURES - An inkjet printhead that has an elongate chassis, first groups of apertures spaced along the elongate chassis, an ink distribution unit defining a plurality of ink distribution passages and second groups of apertures in fluid communication with respective ink distribution passages, the ink distribution unit being mounted to the elongate chassis so that the first group of apertures and the second group of apertures coincide and, a plurality of printhead modules for ejecting ink supplied through the ink distribution passages and the aligned first and second groups. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220144 | METHOD OF MAINTAINING INKJET PRINTHEAD USING NON-CONTACT ROLLER - A method of maintaining an ink ejection face of an inkjet printhead. The method comprises the steps of: (i) flooding the ink ejection face with ink from nozzles in the printhead; and (ii) rotating a roller adjacent the face, such that flooded ink is transferred from the face onto an outer surface of the roller. The outer surface of the roller does not contact the face during rotation of the roller. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220147 | PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING LCP MICROMOLDING - A pagewidth inkjet printhead assembly includes a printhead integrated circuit; an LCP ink manifold; and a flex PCB wire-bonded to bond pads on the printhead integrated circuit. The flex PCB wraps around the LCP ink manifold. The ink manifold includes an LCP lower micromolding having a plurality of ink inlets and an LCP upper micomolding having a plurality of ink outlets. The printhead integrated circuit is bonded to the LCP upper micromolding; | 09-02-2010 |
20100220151 | CRADLE UNIT FOR PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE HAVING MOVABLE CONNECTORS - A cradle unit for a printhead cartridge is provided having a support bay for removably receiving the printhead cartridge, and an interface mounted on a slanted face within the support bay, the interface comprising connections which are movably tilted on said slanted face so as to be exposed within the support bay for connection with connections of the printhead cartridge when received in the support bay. The connections of the interface connect the printhead cartridge with a power supply which is remote from the interface. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220153 | PRINTHEAD HAVING ANNULAR SHAPED NOZZLE HEATERS - A printhead is provided having a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles. Each nozzle has a chamber on a printing surface having an ejection port, and an annular shaped heater for heating fluid in the chamber to cause ejection from the ejection port. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220155 | THERMAL INK JET PRINTHEAD - An ink jet printhead includes a plurality of nozzles each having a nozzle aperture; a plurality of bubble forming chambers, each corresponding respectively to one of the plurality of nozzles; an inlet for communicating printing fluid between the nozzle aperture and a printing fluid supply, the inlet and the nozzle aperture being aligned along a common central axis; and a heater element disposed in each of the bubble forming chambers. Each heater element has two bubble nucleation regions suspended within the bubble forming chamber in a plane parallel to that of the nozzle aperture. The two bubble nucleation regions are laterally offset from the central axis, such that the lateral offset of one of the bubble nucleation regions is equal and opposite to the lateral offset of the other bubble nucleation region. The bubble nucleation regions are spaced from each other such that bubbles nucleated at each will grow until they unite to form the gas bubble that causes the ejection of a drop of ejectable liquid. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220158 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH NOZZLES SUPPLIED THROUGH APERTURES IN THE CHASSIS - An inkjet printhead has an elongate chassis, an ink distribution unit for connection to an ink supply, and a plurality of printhead modules supported along the elongate chassis. The printhead modules each define an elongate array of ink ejection nozzles. During use, the printhead modules are each supplied with ink from apertures in the elongate chassis which are in turn supplied by the ink distribution unit. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220161 | Modular Ink Delivery Assembly - An ink delivery assembly for delivering ink from an ink supply unit to an inkjet printhead includes an elongate fluid channel member defining a plurality of longitudinally arranged parallel open channels, the elongate fluid channel member made up of a plurality of interconnected fluid channel modules; a lid portion for capping the elongate fluid channel member, the lid portion defining a plurality of ribs received in the open channels of the fluid channel member; and a plurality of spaced apart sets of outlets defined through the lid portion from a first face of the lid portion to a second opposing face of the lid portion, each outlet of each set being in fluid communication with a respective one of the channels. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220164 | PRINTING SYSTEM HAVING MEDIA GUIDING DRYER - A printing system is provided having a printhead mounted to a support structure, a print media and printing fluid cartridge removably mounted to the support structure in juxtaposition with the printer, the cartridge having a roll of print media and a removable printing fluid cartridge for feeding printing fluid to the printhead, a print media feed mechanism for feeding the print media from the roll to the printhead, and a dryer located in series with the printhead to receive printed media directly from the printhead. The dryer has guide rollers for transporting the printed media through the dryer, and a blower arranged to direct drying air onto a face of the printed media as it is transported through the dryer. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220168 | MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE INCORPORATING PRINTER AND PRINT MEDIA ROLL - A personal digital assistant includes a body section; a display section pivotally engaged with the body section; a hinge section joining the display portion with the interface portion, and facilitating the display section to pivot with respect to the body section; an internal printer arranged in the body section; and a print media roll disposed within the hinge section. The print media roll feeds print media to the internal printer. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220199 | Method of Processing and Printing Digital Images - A method of processing and printing an image captured by a digital camera, said digital camera comprising an image sensor, a processor and a 100 millimeter pagewidth printhead connected to the processor, said method being performed within and by THE processor and comprising the steps of:
| 09-02-2010 |
20100221671 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT ATTACHMENT FILM - A method of fabricating a film used in attaching a printhead integrated circuit to an ink supply manifold is disclosed. An adhesive polymeric film having a protective liner is provided. Photoresist is then deposited onto the protective liner, and the photoresist is photopatterned. Ink supply holes are etched through the adhesive polymeric film and the protective liner, with the photoresist acting as a mask for the etching. Finally, the protective liner including the photoresist is removed from the adhesive polymeric film after the etching step is complete. | 09-02-2010 |
20100222103 | Printing Content on a Print Medium based upon the Authenticity of the Print Medium - A mobile telecommunications device having a printer module and sensor module in a media feed path is disclosed. A drive means transports a print medium through the media feed path. The sensor module senses data encoded on a surface of the print medium in the media feed path. The data encodes a print media identifier which uniquely identifies the print medium and at least part of the digital signature of the print media identifier. The print media identifier and at least part of the digital signature are determined from the data, and it is determined whether the digital signature is authentic. The printer module prints content on the print medium in the media feed path if the digital signature is authentic. | 09-02-2010 |
20100223393 | Method of downloading a Software Object - A method of downloading a software object using a printable surface having disposed therein or thereon coded data is disclosed. Data indicative of the software object is downloaded from a server. Next, a print medium is received in a media feed path of a printer. The print medium includes coded data indicative of an identity of the print medium. A sensor module in the media feed path is used to sense at least some of the coded data, and the identity of the print medium is identified using the sensed coded data. A representation of the software object is next printed on the print medium. Association data associating the software object and the identity of the print medium is generated and transferred to the server. | 09-02-2010 |
20100224319 | METHOD OF ASSEMBLING PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD - A method of assembling a pagewidth printhead. The method includes: aligning a multilayered adhesive film an said ink supply manifold such that ink supply holes in the film are aligned with respective ink outlets in the ink supply manifold; bonding a first adhesive layer of the film to a manifold bonding surface; heating a printhead integrated circuit and positioning the heated printhead integrated circuit on an opposite side of the film such that each ink supply hole is aligned with an ink inlet defined in a printhead bonding surface of the printhead integrated circuit; and repeatedly bonding printhead integrated circuits to the film to provide the pagewidth printhead. | 09-09-2010 |
20100224679 | System for User Interaction with a Computer System - Provided is a system for user interaction with a computer system. The system includes a printed surface having visible graphical information indicating a user selectable operation, and coded data. The coded data has a plurality of marks positioned relative to a predetermined pattern, the predetermined pattern having a rotationally invariant structure and an orientation target structure. The system further includes an optical sensing device for capturing images of the coded data, and a processor for determining relative rotation of the coded data from the images. | 09-09-2010 |
20100225049 | SHEET FEED MECHANISM - A sheet feed mechanism includes a chassis for supporting a stack of sheets; a top sheet engaging member for engaging a top most sheet of the stack; a stack engaging structure, a first end of the stack engaging structure engaging the stack of sheets to bias a top most sheet of the stack of sheets against the top sheet engaging member, the stack engaging structure being supported from the chassis by a resilient member; a friction surface extending perpendicularly from a second end of the stack engaging structure opposite to the first end; a lock mechanism having a lock arm hingedly connected to the chassis, the lock mechanism including a biased contact foot for engaging the friction surface to retard a rectilinear movement of the stack engaging structure; and an actuator for engaging and disengaging the contact foot from the friction surface. | 09-09-2010 |
20100225684 | DRIVE MECHANISM OF A PRINTER INTERNAL TO A MOBILE PHONE - Provided is a mobile phone having a chassis with a drive mechanism incorporated therein. A replaceable print cartridge received by the chassis is also provided. The replaceable print cartridge has a housing with ink-bearing structures and a printhead, as well as a media drive shaft rotatably mounted to the housing for driving print media past the printhead. The media drive shaft has a drive wheel driven by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism has a piezo-electric element supported by an arm extending from the chassis. Actuation of the piezo-electric element causes an oscillating movement of the arm to contact the drive wheel upon each oscillation to thereby cause rotational movement of the drive wheel and the media drive shaft. | 09-09-2010 |
20100225698 | PAGEWIDTH PRINTER WITH MOVABLE CAPPING MEMBER FOR PRINTHEAD - A pagewidth inkjet printer that has a printhead with a nozzle surface and a surrounding surface that surrounds the nozzle surface, a platen that partially defines a media path extending passed the printhead, a capping member for sealing engagement with the surrounding surface, a solenoid for moving the capping member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the nozzle surface. During use, the printhead, the media path and the platen all remain fixed relative to each other, and the capping member is movable through the media path. Production efficiencies from lower precision assembly have particular significance for high volume products. | 09-09-2010 |
20100225700 | PRINT CARTRIDGE WITH PRINTHEAD IC AND MULTI-FUNCTIONAL ROTOR ELEMENT - A print cartridge that has a printhead integrated circuit having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements, a rotor element rotatable between a blot position where the rotor element blots the printhead integrated circuit, a seal position where the rotor element seals the nozzle arrangements, and a platen position in which the rotor element positions a printing medium proximate the printhead integrated circuit, an air distribution channel configured to deliver air along the printhead, communicable with an air supply, a plurality of reservoirs for printing fluids for the printhead integrated circuit and, a refill port arranged in fluid communication with printing fluid conduits each leading to one of the reservoir respectively, the port facilitating refilling of the reservoirs from a refill cartridge. | 09-09-2010 |
20100225701 | WALL MOUNTABLE PRINTER HAVING HIDDEN PRINT ENGINE - A printer unit is provided comprising a print engine for printing on print media, a print media supply for supplying print media to the print engine and a body arranged to house the print engine and to be mountable to a substantially vertical surface so as to suspend the printer unit. The print engine and print media supply are contained in the body so as to be substantially hidden. Such a wall mountable printer is capable of blending into the design of a home or a work space within office environment whilst providing high-speed, e.g., more than 30 pages per minute, and high-quality, e.g., images of about 1200 dots per inch or more, printing capabilities and ease of use. | 09-09-2010 |
20100225702 | Printhead Assembly Incorporating Plural Printhead Integrated Circuits Sealed To Support Member With Polymer Sealing Film - A pagewidth printhead assembly includes a plurality of printhead integrated circuits linked end to end across a width of the pagewidth printhead assembly; a support molding to which the plurality of printhead integrated circuits are sealed, the support molding defining a plurality of ink channels; a plurality of etched channels provided on an underside of each printhead integrated circuit, each etched channel defining along a length thereof a plurality of ink inlets for receiving ink from one of the plurality of ink channels; and a polymer sealing film for sealing the printhead integrated circuits to the support molding, the polymer sealing film defining therethrough a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of etched channels is divided into two or more separate channel sections separated by respective channel wall structures. Each opening of the polymer film is in fluid communication with ink inlets of two separate channel sections. | 09-09-2010 |
20100225703 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH MULTIPLE PRINTHEAD MODULES AND PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS IN SINGLE CASING - A printhead assembly that has a casing with a series of module mounting sites, printed circuit board mounting sites and busbar support formations. A printhead module is mounted to each module mounting site respectively. Each printhead module has a printhead integrated circuit (IC). A plurality of printed circuit boards control the printhead IC's, one of the printed circuit boards being fixed to each of the printed circuit board mounting sites respectively. Busbars are secured in the busbar support formations for receiving data and power from the printed circuit boards. The printhead modules are electrically connected to the busbars to provide the printhead integrated circuits with power and data. | 09-09-2010 |
20100225705 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING MODULAR PRINTHEAD TILE SUPPORT STRUCTURE WITH INTEGRATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES - A printhead assembly includes a printhead module having at least first and second modular printhead tiles, the first printhead tile having a first set of connection strips, and the second printhead tile having a second set of connection strips; an electrical connector assembly for electrically connecting the first and second printhead tiles, the electrical connector assembly having printed on a surface thereof a plurality of conducting strips; and first and second modular supports arranged end to end for respectively receiving the first and second printhead tiles, the first and second modular supports shaped to complementarily define a first cavity portion therebetween. The first printhead tile is received in the first modular support such that the first set of connection strips extend over the cavity portion. The second printhead tile is received in the second modular support such that the second set of electrical connection strips extend over the cavity portion. The electrical connector assembly is received in the cavity portion such that the conducting strips are in electrical contact with the first and second set of electrical connection strips. | 09-09-2010 |
20100225714 | REFILL UNIT HAVING FLUID STORAGE ACTUATORS - A refill unit is provided for refilling a fluid storage compartment of a printer. The refill unit has a body containing fluid, and a plurality of actuators defined in the body for actuating a constrictor of the storage compartment as the refill unit engages with the storage compartment and deactivating the constrictor as the refill unit disengages from the storage compartment. The constrictor constricts a flexible wall of the storage compartment. | 09-09-2010 |
20100225717 | PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE WITH COLLAPSIBLE INK BAGS - Provided is a printhead cartridge for a pagewidth printer. The cartridge has a cartridge body, a number of ink supply bags positioned inside the cartridge body, each ink supply bag having two panels sealed together to form a collapsible ink holding chamber, a printhead assembly in fluid communication with the ink supply bags, the printhead assembly having ink supply channels, a leaf spring for biasing said ink holding chamber to increase an internal volume of the ink holding chamber and, | 09-09-2010 |
20100225724 | PRINTING UNIT INCORPORATING INTEGRATED DATA CONNECTOR, MEDIA SUPPLY CARTRIDGE AND PRINT HEAD ASSEMBLY - A printing unit includes a support structure having a body portion with a tray positioned at one end of the body portion and a power and data connector positioned at an opposite end of the body portion; a media supply cartridge located between the connector and the tray, the media supply cartridge storing a stack of print media; a feed arrangement including a primary feed roller on an in-feed side of the tray for feeding a sheet of print media from the stack of print media towards the tray, and a secondary feed roller on an out-feed side of the tray for feeding the sheet of print media out of the tray; and a print head assembly mounted on the tray, the print head assembly for printing on the sheet of print media fed by the feed arrangement. | 09-09-2010 |
20100225949 | RETRIEVE INFORMATION BY SENSING DATA ENCODED ON A CARD - A method of retrieving information using a device is disclosed. Data encoded on a surface of the print medium is read using a sensor module of the device. The data encodes a print media identifier which uniquely identifies the print medium and position data with respect to the surface of the print medium. The print media identifier and the position of the sensor module relative to the surface of the print medium are determined from the data encoded on the surface. Finally, information is retrieved from a database. The information is indexed by the print media identifier, a region with respect to the surface of the print medium, and an identity of the device, the position of the sensor module being within the region. | 09-09-2010 |
20100225975 | PRINTER FOR GENERATING AND PRINTING CODED TAGS - A printer for printing an interface is provided. The printer has a coded tag generator configured to generate coded tags based on identity data indicative of an identity associated with the interface and position data defining a relative position of each tag on the interface, and a printhead for printing the interface with the coded tags at the positions defined by the position data and having the identity data. | 09-09-2010 |
20100229393 | METHOD OF ASSEMBLING PRINTHEAD CAPPING MECHANISM - A method of assembling a gear arrangement for a capper of an inkjet printer includes the steps of: mounting a first gear assembly to the printer to cooperate with a motor gear for driving rotation of the first gear assembly, the first gear assembly including a driving gear from which a code feature protrudes, the driving gear meshed with the motor gear; engaging the printer with a jig; and mounting a second gear assembly to the printer using the jig, the second gear assembly mounted to cooperate with the first gear assembly to be rotatable therewith and to further cooperate with a capper for capping a printhead so that the rotation of the second gear assembly moves the capper out of and into capping position. The step of mounting the second gear assembly further includes a step of sliding a slider block of the holding feature about the code feature of the driving gear, whereby the code feature cooperate with the holding feature to maintain the first gear assembly at a predetermined position during the mounting of the second gear assembly. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231624 | PRINTHEAD SYSTEM FOR MODULATING PRINTHEAD PEAK POWER REQUIREMENT USING REDUNDANT NOZZLES - A printhead system comprising an inkjet printhead and a printer controller for supplying dot data to the printhead is provided. The printhead comprises a plurality of first nozzles and a plurality of second nozzles supplied with a same colored ink. The first nozzles and second nozzles are configured in a plurality of sets, wherein each set of nozzles comprises one first nozzle and one corresponding second nozzle. Each nozzle in a set is configurable by the printer controller to print a dot of the ink onto a substantially same position on a print medium. The printer controller is programmed to supply dot data such that the first nozzles and the second nozzles each contribute dots to a line of printing. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231633 | MOBILE PRINTING SYSTEM - A mobile printing system includes a print medium having coded tags printed in IR-absorbing ink over a first face, each coded tag encoding data indicative of a location of that coded tag on the first face, an identifier of the print medium and a unique digital signature associated with the identifier. A mobile device for printing on the print medium includes a sensor for capturing an image of the coded tags when the print medium is positioned in a media feed path; a processor for decoding the sensed coded tag; verifying the digital signature; authorizing use of the print medium if the digital signature is verified; and determining the position of the print medium in the media feed path using the determined location of the sensed coded tag. The mobile device has a printer for printing information in registration with the sensed coded tag. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231642 | PRINTER CARTRIDGE INCORPORATING PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A desktop printer includes a printhead cartridge defining an ink reservoir and including a printhead integrated circuit having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements, the ink reservoir and the printhead integrated circuit substantially spanning a width of a medium transfer path along which print medium is transported past the printhead cartridge; a cradle for removably receiving the printhead cartridge, the cradle supplying data and power to the printhead cartridge; and a capping mechanism attached to the cradle and actuatable between an open position where the nozzles are exposed, and a closed position where the nozzles are sealed, the capping mechanism substantially spanning a width of the medium transfer path. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231645 | PRINTHEAD INCORPORATING ROWS OF INK EJECTION NOZZLES - A printhead for an inkjet printer includes a wafer assembly defining rows of spaced apart ink supply channels; and rows of ink ejection nozzle groups extending from the wafer assembly, each nozzle group including a pair of rows of ink ejection nozzles, each ink ejection nozzle including an ink ejection head from which an elongate actuator tail extends, all of the ink ejection heads of each group being in fluid communication with a respective ink supply channel. In each nozzle group, the actuator tails of one pair of rows of ink ejection nozzles extend in an opposite direction to the actuator tails of the other pair of rows of ink ejection nozzles. The actuator tails from adjacent rows of ink ejection nozzle groups are interleaved. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231648 | PRINTING SYSTEM HAVING FUNNELLED FLUID DISTRIBUTION - A printing system is provided having a fluid delivery member, a fluid ejection nozzle integrated circuit, and a fluid distribution member incorporating a laminated stack of layers for distributing fluid from the delivery member to the nozzles of the integrated circuit via distribution apertures. The distribution apertures of each successive layer of the stack from the delivery member to the nozzles having a successively smaller diameter. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231649 | INKJET PRINTER UTILIZING LOW ENERGY TITANIUM NITRIDE HEATER ELEMENTS - An inkjet printer includes an array of nozzles extending substantially a width of a print media fed through the inkjet printer; and a plurality of heater elements each corresponding to a nozzle, each heater element being formed substantially of titanium nitride and suspended in direct contact with a bubble forming liquid with the bubble forming liquid surrounding the heater element. Each heater element has a mass of less than 10 nanograms, and sized to heat the bubble forming liquid above a boiling point thereof upon application of 200 nJ or less of energy to each heater element. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231653 | PRINTHEAD NOZZLES HAVING LOW MASS HEATER ELEMENTS - Provided is a printhead having a plurality of nozzles formed on a wafer substrate. Each nozzle has a fluid chamber for holding printing fluid, the fluid chamber having an ejection port, a fluid inlet defined in the wafer substrate for supplying the fluid chamber with printing fluid, and a heater element suspended in the fluid chamber. The heater element has a mass of less than 10 nanograms. Upon application of electrical energy to the heater element, a vapour bubble is formed in the printing fluid, thereby ejecting the fluid via the ejection port. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231654 | Ink Chamber with Droplet Step Anchor - Provided is an inkjet printhead having an array of ink chambers formed on a planar support surface of a wafer substrate. Each ink chamber in the array has a nozzle, a thermal actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle and a droplet stem anchor. The thermal actuator has two sections with higher resistance than the remainder of the thermal actuator. The droplet stem anchor is positioned between the two sections with higher resistance of the thermal actuator. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231656 | METHOD OF EJECTING FLUID USING WIDE HEATER ELEMENT - A method of ejecting fluid from a printhead nozzle is provided. The printhead nozzle has a fluid chamber, a fluid ejection port, electrodes on opposite sides of the chamber and a heater element suspended between the electrodes. The heater element has a cross section with a lateral dimension at least triple that of the thickness of heater element. The he thickness of the heater element being less than 0.3 microns. In the method the heater element is heated to a temperature above the boiling point of the fluid to form a gas bubble that causes ejection of a drop of the fluid from the ejection port, and the chamber is supplied with a replacement volume of the fluid equivalent to the ejected drop. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231665 | CARTRIDGE UNIT FOR PRINTER - Provided is a cartridge unit for a printer. The cartridge unit has upper and lower plate members having an ink bag located between the plate members to define an ink volume. The plate members can be displaced towards and away from each other by an external force. A bag constrictor assembly engages the plate members and is configured to act on the bag when the plate members are displaced towards each other to reduce the ink volume. A valve insert has an inlet valve to facilitate refilling of the bag with ink and an outlet valve to facilitate ink delivery to a printhead. A filter cover is positioned between the valve insert and the ink bag to filter contaminants and air bubbles passing between the ink bag and said valve insert. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231666 | CARTRIDGE FOR PRINTING SYSTEM - A cartridge for a printing system is provided which has a body, print media disposed within the body, and a sliding door in the body arranged to be opened during printing so as to expose the print media to enable a print media feed mechanism of the printing system to contact the print media. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231678 | PRINT MEDIUM HAVING CODED DATA AND AN ORIENTATION INDICATOR - Provided is a print medium for use in a printer. The print medium has a laminar substrate defining first and second opposite faces. The print medium further has coded data distributed as a two dimensional pattern across a print area of the print medium. The two dimensional pattern comprises pattern elements, each pattern element encoding the two dimensional position of that pattern element in the print area. The print medium further has an orientation indicator indicative of an orientation of the two dimensional pattern. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231971 | RETRIEVING CONTACT DETAILS USING A PRINTED MEDIUM - A method of retrieving contact details using a print medium is disclosed. Data encoded on a surface of the print medium is sensed using a sensor module. The sensed data encodes a print media identifier which uniquely identifies the print medium, and a two-dimensional position with respect to the surface of the print medium. The print media identifier and the position of the sensor module relative to the surface of the print medium are determined from the sensed data. Contact details referenced by the print media identifier and the position of the sensor module are then retrieved from a database. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231981 | RETRIEVING LOCATION DATA BY SENSING CODED DATA ON A SURFACE - Provided is a method of retrieving location data using a print medium. A coded data portion encoded on a surface of the print medium is sensed using a sensor module when the sensor module is positioned on the surface. The surface has a plurality of coded data portions encoded thereon. Each coded data portion encodes at least a print media identifier which identifies the print medium and a two-dimensional coordinate grid position of the coded data portion on the surface of the print medium. The print media identifier and the two-dimensional coordinate grid position of the coded data portion sensed by the sensor module are determined from the coded data. Location data referenced by the print media identifier and a region on the surface of the print medium is retrieving from a database when the two-dimensional coordinate grid position of the coded data portion sensed by the sensor module is within the region. | 09-16-2010 |
20100232730 | PEN SYSTEM FOR RECORDING HANDWRITTEN INFORMATION - A pen system for recording a track of handwritten information created by a handheld electronic pen. The pen system includes the handheld electronic pen and a second memory unit located in an external data storage device. The electronic pen has an image sensor for optically imaging a position-coding pattern printed on a surface, a processor for recording the handwritten information as digital ink and a first memory unit for storing the digital ink. The first and second memory units are connected in such a way that a transmission of digital ink is caused to occur automatically from the first memory unit to the second memory unit. Receipt of the digital ink by the second memory unit causes the second memory unit to associate the track of handwritten information with a stored description of the surface. | 09-16-2010 |
20100232859 | PRINTING ARRANGEMENT INCORPORATING TWO-PART ADHESIVE APPLICATOR - A printing arrangement includes a driving station for driving print media along a path, the driving station comprising a pair of opposed pinch rollers between which print media is pinched when driven; a printing station for printing upon print media, the printing station comprising a pair of opposed printheads on opposite sides of the path and between which print media passes; an adhesive application station for applying adhesive to print media, the adhesive application station comprising a pair of applicators on opposite sides of the path and configured to apply respective parts of a two-part adhesive to opposite sides of print media; and a binding station for collecting printed media in a stack, the binding station including a tray, and a press having a plurality of spaced semicircular disks mounted to a common pivotal shaft. The tray defines a plurality of vertical slots through which respective semicircular disks pass. | 09-16-2010 |
20100233499 | SUBSTRATE HAVING IR-ABSORBING DYE WITH BRANCHED AXIAL LIGANDS - A substrate having an IR-absorbing dye disposed thereon. The IR-absorbing dye is a metal phthalocyanine dye having branched axial ligands. The branched axial ligands minimize interaction between π systems of adjacent dye molecules, and assist in reducing absorption of visible wavelengths. | 09-16-2010 |
20100234052 | MESSAGING USING A CODED SURFACE - A method of sending a message using a print medium is disclosed. A tag on a surface of the print medium is sensed using a sensor module. The surface includes a plurality of tags with each tag encoding an identifier which uniquely identifies the surface and a position with respect to the surface. From the tag sensed by the sensor module the identifier and the position with respect to the surface of the tag sensed by the sensor module are determined. A communications address is obtained, using the identifier and the position, from a database where the communications address is indexed by the identifier and the position. A message editor in a communications device is then opened, with a current message being addressed to the communications address. | 09-16-2010 |
20100234067 | MOBILE TELEPHONEHAVING INTERNAL INKJET PRINTHEAD ARRANGEMENT AND AN OPTICAL SENSING ARRANGEMENT - A mobile telephone includes an optical sensing arrangement enabling the telephone to decode tags of coded data printed on media fed through the telephone via internal and external media pathway defined by a body of the telephone; a beam splitter deflecting incoming light onto an image sensor of the telephone; a first infrared LED directing light onto media present in the external pathway; a filter and lens arrangement receiving and directing light reflected from the external media onto the beam splitter; a second infrared LED directing light onto media present in the internal pathway; and a mirror arrangement directing light reflected from the internal media into the beam splitter. The coded data contains printing instructions for the printhead, and the filter and lens arrangement includes an infrared filter for removing non-infrared ambient light, whereby a signal to noise ratio of the reflected light is improved. | 09-16-2010 |
20100234069 | METHOD OF LINKING OBJECT TO STICKER PRINT MEDIUM - A method of linking an object to a sticker print medium is provided which includes submitting a request to associate the object with a print media identifier of the sticker print medium, submission of the request facilitating identification of the object and the print media identifier, recording the requested association of the object and the print media identifier in a database, the object being retrievable from the database using the print media identifier, once the requested association is recorded attaching the sticker print medium to a physical representation of the object, receiving the sticker print medium in a media feed path of the mobile telecommunications device, and reading the print media identifier from the sticker print medium using the sensor module of the mobile telecommunications device. | 09-16-2010 |
20100235643 | AUTHENTICATION OF AN OBJECT - A system for authenticating an object is disclosed. The system includes an optical sensing device and a processor. The optical sensing device senses coded data provided on a surface associated with the object. The coded data is indicative of a position on the surface, an identity associated with the object, and a part of a signature. The signature is a digital signature of the identity. The processor determines, using the sensed coded data, a sensed identity and a sensed signature part, determines, using the position, a sensed signature part identity, determines, using the sensed identity, at least a determined signature, determines, using the determined signature and the sensed signature part identity, a determined signature part, compares the determined signature part to the sensed signature part, and authenticates the object using the result of the comparison. | 09-16-2010 |
20100237145 | TRANSACTION RECORDAL SYSTEM - A system for recording a transaction relating to a security document, the security document having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of at least an identity of the security document. The system includes a computer system that receives indicating data from a sensing device, in response to sensing of the coded data. The computer system determines the identity of the security document and the transaction and uses this to update transaction data indicative of the identity of the security document and the transaction. | 09-23-2010 |
20100238521 | SCANNER FOR SCANNING ITEMS MARKED WITH TAGS - A scanner for scanning items marked with tags is disclosed. The scanner has a laser for producing a beam, a mirror assembly to re-direct the beam, a deflecting arrangement to receive the re-directed beam, the deflecting arrangement including a horizontal deflector, a vertical deflector and a pair of synchronised drivers to drive the deflectors, a steering mirror to steer the deflected beam, a scanning mirror to direct the beam onto the tag to be scanned, and a light collection system to collect light reflected by the tags. | 09-23-2010 |
20100242617 | AIR PRESSURE SENSOR WITH TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION - An air pressure sensor that has a first conductive membrane configured for deflection in response to pressure differences between air at a reference pressure and air at a pressure to be sensed. The sensor also has a second conductive membrane configured for deflection in response to a change in temperature to which the pressure sensor is exposed. The sensor uses a circuit in electrical communication with the first and second conductive membranes, that obtains a first signal and second signal from the first and second conductive membranes respectively. The first and second signals are indicative of the deflection of the first and second conductive membranes. The circuit adjusts the first signal by the second signal to generate an output signal indicative of the air pressure. | 09-30-2010 |
20100243727 | METHOD OF RECORDING RECEIPT OF SHIPPED ITEM - A method of recording receipt of an item, the item comprising a product contained in a package, the package comprising an interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the item and of coordinates of a plurality of locations of the interface surface. The method includes the steps of: marking the interface surface using an optically imaging pen having a marking nib; sensing the coded data in the vicinity of the pen; generating indicating data using the sensed coded data, the indicating data including data regarding the identity of the item and positions of the pen relative to the interface surface; and transmitting the indicating data to a computer system. | 09-30-2010 |
20100244282 | ASSEMBLY OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS - An electronic component assembly that has a supporting structure, an integrated circuit die with a plurality of contacts pads, a printed circuit board with a plurality of conductors, the integrated circuit die and the PCB being mounted to the supporting structure by a die attach film such that they are adjacent and spaced from each other and, wire bonds electrically connecting the contact pads to the conductors. An intermediate portion of each of the wire bonds is adhered to the die attach film to lower the profile of the wire bond arcs. | 09-30-2010 |
20100245422 | METHOD OF THREE DIMENSIONALLY LOCATING PRINTHEAD ON PRINTER - A method of locating a printhead on a printer is provided in which a printhead is provided which has at least one integrated circuit having a plurality of ejection nozzles, the printhead is mounted to the printer by bringing each of a slot defined with respect to the x-coordinate of the printhead into cooperation with a mesa feature of the printer, an angled surface defined with respect to the x- and y-coordinates of the printhead into cooperation with a protrusion across the slot of the printer, and a flat surface defined with respect to the z-coordinate of the printhead into cooperation with protrusion located within the slot of the printer, and the location of the nozzles with respect to the x-, y- and z-coordinates is determined from the cooperation. | 09-30-2010 |
20100245472 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING INK CASSETTE AND INK DISTRIBUTION ASSEMBLY - A printhead assembly includes a printhead assembly having printhead integrated circuits each with a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements for ejecting ink; an ink distribution assembly supporting the printhead integrated circuits, said ink distribution assembly defining a plurality of longitudinal ink ducts extending along a length of the assembly, and a plurality of ink inlet ports in fluid communication with respective ink ducts; a plurality of ink crossover channels defined over and across the plurality of longitudinal ink ducts, the ink crossover channels connecting the ink inlet ports to respective longitudinal ink ducts; and an ink cassette defining a plurality of ink reservoirs in fluid communication with the ink ducts via a ink hoses engaged with respective ink inlet ports. | 09-30-2010 |
20100245473 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING CROSSOVER INK DISTRIBUTION ASSEMBLY - A printhead assembly includes an elongate ink distribution arrangement defining a number of inlets, a number of corresponding ink distribution channels, and a number of outlets in fluid communication with respective ink distribution channels; an elongate ink distribution assembly mounted in the ink distribution arrangement, the ink distribution assembly having a plurality of layers together forming a stack, and a plurality of ink passages in fluid communication with respective ink distribution channels of the ink distribution arrangement; and a printhead integrated circuit mounted to the elongate ink distribution assembly to receive ink from the ink passages. The stack defines a plurality of inlets in fluid communication with the outlets of the ink distribution arrangement. The elongate ink distribution assembly defines mounting formations, into which the ink passages open, and to which the printhead integrated circuit is mounted. The elongate ink distribution arrangement defines a plurality of ink crossover channels defined over and across the ink distribution channels, the ink crossover channels connecting the inlets to respective ink distribution channels. | 09-30-2010 |
20100245483 | UNIT CELL FOR THERMAL INKJET PRINTHEAD - A unit cell for a thermal inkjet printhead includes a substrate portion that defines an ink supply passage; drive circuitry and interconnect layers positioned on the substrate portion; a nozzle plate defining a nozzle; side walls depending from the nozzle plate and positioned on the substrate portion to define an ink chamber; and a heater element connected to the drive circuitry and positioned intermediate the nozzle plate and the substrate portion, the heater element being suspended in the ink chamber in alignment with the nozzle and being shaped to be symmetrical about two planes that intersect along an axis extending through a centre of the nozzle. The drive circuitry is partially on one side of the ink chamber with a remainder of the drive circuitry on an opposite side. | 09-30-2010 |
20100245484 | THERMAL INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING ANNULUS SHAPED HEATER ELEMENTS - A thermal inkjet printhead has an array of nozzle arrangements provided for ejecting ink. Each 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 is shaped to define at least one broken annulus, in turn, comprising said at least one arcuate portion. | 09-30-2010 |
20100245485 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH SUSPENDED HEATER ELEMENT SPACED FROM CHAMBER WALLS - An inkjet printhead is provided having a substrate defining inlet passages, sidewalls extending from the substrate, and a nozzle plate supported by the sidewalls and defining nozzle apertures. The nozzle plate, the sidewalls and the substrate define chambers. The printhead further has a heater element suspended within each of the chambers. The heater element has a planar structure parallel to the plane of the nozzle plate, and a spacing between the heater element and each sidewall of the chamber is between 0.1 microns and 20 microns. The heater element heats a liquid in the chamber to form a gas bubble. The gas bubble causes the ejection of a drop of the liquid through the nozzle aperture. | 09-30-2010 |
20100245503 | INKJET PRINTER WITH RELEASABLE PRINT CARTRIDGE - An inkjet printer includes a cradle; a print cartridge removably received in the cradle, the print cartridge housing a plurality of ink storage reservoirs and a pagewidth printhead; a rotor element provided on the print cartridge, the rotor element having a platen face, a capping face, and a blotter face; and a rotor element drive assembly provided on the cradle for rotating the rotor element to position one of the platen face, the capping face, and the blotter face adjacent to the pagewidth printhead. The print cartridge is provided with a pair of end plates attached to opposite ends of the print cartridge, each end plate defining a slot within which a spring is provided. The rotor element is mounted within the slots and biased towards the printhead by the springs. | 09-30-2010 |
20100245505 | INK USAGE TRACKING IN A PRINT CARTRIDGE - A print cartridge is disclosed. The print cartridge has at least one ink reservoir, a storage means configured to store information indicative of an amount of printing achievable by the cartridge based on the amount of ink in the at least one ink reservoir, the information being stored in the form of a plurality of bits, the storage means including a plurality of first fusible links, each of the first fusible links storing one of the bits, an information changing mechanism for changing a value of the information by selectively blow one or more of the first fusible links each time a predetermined amount of ink is consumed, and a printhead having a second fusible link which destructs the printhead in response to the value of the information reaching a predetermined threshold. | 09-30-2010 |
20100248686 | METHOD OF PRINTING AND RETRIEVING INFORMATION USING A MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A method of printing first information using a mobile telecommunications device and retrieving further information. The method comprises the steps of: providing a print medium having a linear data track and a two-dimensional coding pattern; printing the first information; automatically reading and decoding the data track during printing to determine a print media identifier; communicating the print media identifier to a computer system; interacting with the print medium and sensing the coding pattern; decoding the sensed coding pattern to determine the print media identifier and a two-dimensional coordinate position; and retrieving further information. | 09-30-2010 |
20100248781 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE WITH IMAGE SENSOR DIRECTED INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY - The invention provides for a mobile telecommunications device that decodes tags of coded data printed on media present at points internal and external of the device. The device has an image sensor and a beam splitter for deflecting incoming light onto the image sensor. The device also includes a first infrared LED operatively directing light onto external media at the external point, with an infrared filter configured to receive light reflected from the external media onto the beam splitter. Also included is a second infrared LED operatively directing light onto media present in the internal pathway, with a mirror arrangement configured to direct light reflected from the internal media into the beam splitter. | 09-30-2010 |
20100249514 | HANDHELD PRINTING DEVICE FOR OPTICAL MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS - A handheld device for performing an optical medical examination of a patient. The device comprises a handle; an image sensor positioned at an end of the handle; a trigger provided in the handle; an image memory for storing the image data upon activation of the trigger; a roll of print media mounted in the handle; an ink supply within a core of the roll of print media; a media transportation mechanism; a pagewidth print head extending longitudinally within the handle; a guillotine mechanism for severing a printed image from the transported print media; and a print engine controller. | 09-30-2010 |
20100253719 | PRINTER CONTROLLER FOR MONITORING AN INK DROP COUNT - Provided is a printer controller for a pagewidth printer having a printhead configured to print according to print quality information. The printer has a paper transport mechanism for transporting a sheet of paper along a media path through the printer. The controller includes a processor having an address, data and control bus, an expander unit and a decoder unit each coupled to the bus and configured to decompress a bi-level black layer and a continuous tone (contone) layer of a page to be printed. The controller also includes a replaceable ink cartridge arranged in the media path and having a first integrated circuit (IC) interfaced with the processor, the first IC containing the print quality information. Also included is a second IC interfaced to the processor. The processor is configured to count a number of drops of ink printed by the printhead, to update a remaining drop count of the ink cartridge using the counted drops printed and to write an updated remaining drop count to the second IC each time a page has been printed. The processor is also configured to control the paper transport mechanism during printing. | 10-07-2010 |
20100253730 | GENERATING HALFTONE PRINT DATA FOR OVERLAPPING CONSECUTIVE PRINTHEAD SEGMENTS - A method of generating halftone print data for overlapping end portions of a pair of consecutive printhead segments in an array of two or more printhead segments is disclosed. Generally an end portion of a first printhead segment overlaps an end portion of a second printhead segment, in which each printhead segment includes a plurality of ink ejection nozzles. The method includes generating a dither value from a dither matrix, and then combining the dither value with an overlap signal, which represents an extent of overlap of the end portions, to produce an output value. A mathematical operation is then performed on continuous tone print data using a comparator, based on the output value, to produce the half tone data. | 10-07-2010 |
20100253736 | Inkjet Printhead Incorporating Ink Spillage-Containment Gaps - A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes a substrate assembly defining rows of ink inlet channels. Rows of nozzle arrangements are disposed on the substrate assembly and include rows of nozzles defining nozzle chambers in fluid communication with respective ink inlet channels. The nozzle arrangements include respective actuators arranged in rows which are configured to eject ink from corresponding nozzles. Ink spillage-containment gaps are defined between respective adjacent rows of nozzle arrangements. | 10-07-2010 |
20100253737 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLY FOR INKJET PRINTER - A printhead maintenance assembly for an inkjet printer includes a movable chassis arranged in a housing; an endless belt mounted on the chassis, the endless belt having a contact surface reciprocally movable between a first position in which the contact surface is engaged with the printhead and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the printhead; a pair of spools mounted on the chassis and on which the belt is mounted, one of the spools being a toothed drive spool and the other being an idler spool; a drive gear driven by a drive motor and engaged with the drive spool, the drive gear, the drive spool, and the drive motor forming a conveyor mechanism for conveying the belt in a direction substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the printhead; and a cleaning station mounted on the chassis and positioned to clean the belt as the belt moves past. The contact surface is sloped with respect to the printhead | 10-07-2010 |
20100253739 | DUPLEX PRINTER ASSEMBLY HAVING CAPPING PRINTHEADS - A printer assembly for a pagewidth printer includes a casing defining a print media path; two pagewidth printheads mounted on opposite sides, respectively, of a print media path defined by the casing; capping members located adjacent respective printheads, each capping member inclined at a predetermined acute angle to a direction of travel of the print media through said path; and actuating mechanisms engaged with the printheads to rotate the printheads to the predetermined angle, and to move each capping member towards the respective printhead to cap nozzle arrangements located on printing zones of the printheads. The actuating mechanisms move each capping member along a path parallel to the print media path. | 10-07-2010 |
20100253741 | PRINTER WITH PRINT HEAD AND INK TRANSFER ROLLER - A printer that has a chassis, a retractable print media tray assembly mounted on the chassis, an ink ejecting printhead assembly configured to eject ink onto an associated ink transfer roller, and at least one cleaning station for removing residual ink from the ink transfer rollers after transfer of ink from the transfer roller onto the print media. | 10-07-2010 |
20100253744 | FLEXIBLE PRINTHEAD MODULE INCORPORATING STAGGERED ROWS OF INK EJECTION NOZZLES - A printhead module assembly includes a printhead integrated circuit (IC) assembly having a plurality of ink ejection nozzles arranged to form staggered rows, and defining a plurality of ink channels for supplying ink to the ink ejection nozzles; a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) electrically connected to supply both power and data to the IC assembly; a support sheet defining a plurality of ink holes and to which the IC assembly is bonded so that the ink channels are aligned with the ink holes; and a channel layer mounted to the support sheet adjacent to the IC assembly, the channel layer defining a plurality of slots aligned with respective air holes defined in the support sheet. | 10-07-2010 |
20100253745 | PAGEWIDTH INKJET PRINTHEAD INCORPORATING POWER AND DATA TRANSMISSION FILM POSITIONING PROTUBERANCES - A pagewidth inkjet printhead includes an elongate ink distribution assembly connectable to an ink supply; a printhead intergrated circuit mounted to the ink distribution assembly to receive ink from the ink distribution assembly; a plurality of positioning protuberances protruding from the ink distribution assembly; a power and data transmission film positioned about the ink distribution assembly using the plurality of positioning protuberances; at least one power busbar positioned about the ink distribution assembly also using the plurality of positioning protuberances; and a cover attached to the ink distribution assembly, the power and data transmission film and the at least one power busbar interposed between the cover and the ink distribution assembly. | 10-07-2010 |
20100253747 | THERMAL INKJET PRINTHEAD INTERGRATED CIRCUIT WITH LOW RESISTIVE LOSS ELECTRODE CONNECTION - A thermal inkjet printhead integrated circuit has an array of ink chambers formed on a wafer substrate, each having a nozzle aperture and a thermal actuator. The thermal actuator has a heater element extending between two contacts. The printhead IC also has CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) drive circuitry formed by a plurality of flat, metal layers interleaved with interlayer dielectric for selectively providing the thermal actuators of the array with drive signals. The CMOS drive circuitry has a top-most metal layer providing electrodes for each of the thermal actuators respectively. The electrodes each have a flat surface that the contacts of each of the thermal actuators overlie for face to face contacting engagement. The contacts and the heater element are coplanar such that the thermal actuator is an integral planar structure. Each of the chambers has an opening for refill ink, and the thermal actuator is positioned such that during use the refill ink flows over one of the contacts to enter the chamber. | 10-07-2010 |
20100253791 | CAMERA SENSING DEVICE FOR CAPTURING AND MANIPULATING IMAGES - A camera sensing device includes an image sensor for capturing an image; a card reader including a linear image sensor having a series of LEDs for illuminating a card inserted therein, and a series of integrated lenses for focuses the illumination reflected from the card, whereby encoded instructions printed on a surface of the card is read; a printed circuit board (PCB) bearing a processor for manipulating the captured image in accordance with the encoded instructions; a print head unit including a second roller assembly and including an ink ejection printhead configured to print the manipulated image on print media fed by the second roller assembly; and a media and ink supply configured to supply ink and the print media to the printhead unit. | 10-07-2010 |
20100253978 | FACSIMILE DELIVERY THROUGH INTERACTION WITH PRINTED DOCUMENT - A method of delivering a facsimile is provided. The method starts by printing, by a printer, a document on a substrate. The document has printed thereon visible user information and invisible coded tags. Each tag encodes an identity of the document and a location of the tag on the substrate. A sensing device senses the printed coded tags when the sensing device is moved relative to the document by a user so as to compose a message. The message is electronically captured by the sensing device using the identity of the document and a sequence of the respective locations of tags sensed by the sensing device. The message is then transmitted to a recipient address for facsimile delivery. | 10-07-2010 |
20100254694 | DIGITAL CAMERA SYSTEM FOR SIMULTANEOUS PRINTING AND MAGNETIC RECORDING - A digital camera system includes a print medium having a printing area and a magnetically-sensitive area, and a digital camera. The digital camera includes a photo-width printhead for printing digital images on the printing area of the print medium, and a magnetic recorder for recording information associated with the digital images on the magnetically-sensitive area of the print medium at the same time as the printhead prints the associated digital images onto the printing area. | 10-07-2010 |
20100262539 | METHOD OF INTERACTING WITH PRINTED FORM - A method of interacting with a printed form. The method includes the steps of: maintaining a page description corresponding to a printed form; receiving, indicating data from an optically imaging pen operated by the user, the indicating data being indicative of the identity of the form and of a position of a nib of the pen relative to the form; retrieving the page description using the identity of the form; and identifying an interaction with the form using the position of the nib and the retrieved page description. The position of the nib is determined by inferring a perspective transform from perspective-distorted corners of a tag of known size when sensing the coded data and using the perspective transform together with a known geometry of pen optics to compute the position of the nib. | 10-14-2010 |
20100263571 | IR-ABSORBING GALLIUM NAPHTHALOCYANINE DYE - An IR-absorbing naphthalocyanine dye of formula (I): | 10-21-2010 |
20100265288 | PRINTER CRADLE FOR INK CARTRIDGE - A printer cradle for receiving an ink cartridge having a rotor element includes a drive roller and an electrical motor for driving the drive roller; a flipper gear assembly engaged with the drive roller and driven by the drive roller between an engaged position where the flipper gear assembly is engaged with the rotor element and a disengaged position where the flipper gear is disengaged from the rotor element; a controller arrangement having a controller board housing a print engine controller configured to control the motor to actuate or disengage the rotor element; and one or more cradle connectors provided as slots, for facilitating electrical contact with the ink cartridge received in the printer cradle. | 10-21-2010 |
20100265298 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH INTERLEAVED DRIVE TRANSISTORS - An inkjet printhead includes a plurality of inkjet nozzles arranged in nozzle rows. Each nozzle row has a respective row of drive transistors. Drive transistors corresponding to one nozzle row are interleaved with drive transistors corresponding to an adjacent nozzle row. | 10-21-2010 |
20100265304 | Printing cartridge with radio frequency identification - A printing device includes: a processor; a printing cartridge having a housing and a supply of media; a memory storing at least one of: (a) a plurality of values representing various characteristics of the printing cartridge, and (b) a script containing instructions relating to an operation of a printhead of the print device; a data lookup table storing a plurality of first codes, each of the first codes corresponding either one of the plurality of values stored in the memory, or the script; a radio frequency tag embedded within the housing of the printing cartridge and carrying one or more second codes; and a radio frequency tag reader communicating the one nor more second codes to the processor. The processor applies an algorithm to the one or more second codes to identify a first code associated therewith, and further determines a value or a script stored in the memory corresponding to the identified first code. | 10-21-2010 |
20100265339 | CENTRAL PROCESSOR FOR DIGITAL CAMERA - A central processor for a camera having printing capabilities includes a CPU core for interpreting a programming script inputted thereto; a vector processor connected to the CPU core via a data cache, the vector processor for executing image processing processes instructed by the programming script; an input buffer connected to the vector processor; an image sensor interface adapted to write data to the input buffer for processing by the vector processor; an output buffer connected to the vector processor, the output buffer receiving data processed by the vector processor; and a printhead interface adapted to read processed data from the output buffer and provide the processed data to a print head. | 10-21-2010 |
20100265550 | SYSTEM FOR PRINTING INTERACTIVE DOCUMENTS - A system for printing a second document by interacting with a first document. The system includes: a first document having visible textual information and first coded data; a handheld optically imaging sensor which generates indicating data indicative of the position of the sensor relative to the first document using sensed coded data; and a printer for printing the second document in response to interpretation of the indicating data by a computer system. The second printed document includes visible textual information and second coded data in the form of a plurality of tags, each tag defining unique coded data identifying the second document and a position of that tag on the second document. | 10-21-2010 |
20100271421 | MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLY FOR PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD - A maintenance assembly for a pagewidth printer mounted between posts of a main body of the printer and positioned adjacent a printhead assembly of the printer includes a maintenance chassis defining tongue portions and having ends shaped to fit over the posts of the main body to secure the maintenance assembly in position; a retainer element operatively engaging the chassis; and a lower molding and an upper molding operatively fast with each other to sandwich an absorbent insert between them, the moldings in turn sandwiched between the chassis and retainer element, the maintenance assembly for wiping the printhead of the printer. The lower maintenance molding is made from a plastic material and forms a body having closed ends and an open top, the ends of the lower maintenance molding defining air vents to facilitate ventilation of the maintenance assembly. | 10-28-2010 |
20100271422 | PRINTER HAVING MECHANISM FOR ARCUATE CAPPER MOVEMENT - A printer is provided having printheads for printing on opposite faces of print media, cappers for capping the printheads, and a transport mechanism for moving the cappers from respective non-capping positions to respective capping positions in an arcuate direction that is approximately normal to the printheads as the capping positions are approached. | 10-28-2010 |
20100271426 | LAMINATED INK SUPPLY STRUCTURE MOUNTED IN INK DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENT OF AN INKJET PRINTER - A laminated structure mounted in an ink distribution structure of an inkjet printer includes a first layer having a plurality of discrete ink holes defined therethrough, the plurality of discrete ink holes being arranged in rows, the first layer further defining a pair of recesses for communicating ink from the two centremost rows of ink holes towards a centre of the laminated structure; a second layer defining a pair of slots each communicating ink from the pair of recesses vertically through the second layer, the second layer further defining a plurality of ink holes aligned with the ink holes of rows other than those of the two centremost rows; a third layer defining a plurality of ink holes aligned with the two outermost rows of ink holes, the third layer further defining channels for communicating ink from the plurality of ink holes in the third layer towards a centre of the laminated structure; and a fourth layer having an array of integrated circuit slots each for receiving a printhead integrated circuit. | 10-28-2010 |
20100271427 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH CAPILLARY CHANNELS IN FLUID CHAMBERS - A printhead assembly is provided. The cartridge includes a body assembly defining fluid chambers that each comprise a stack of polymer layers with a micro-capillary array of channels formed therein to form an absorbent assembly. The printhead assembly includes a plurality of printhead integrated circuits (IC) each having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements for ejecting printing fluid onto a printing medium, in use. The printhead assembly also includes a fluid distribution member operatively arranging each chamber in fluid communication with each IC. | 10-28-2010 |
20100271429 | INK EJECTION NOZZLE WITH OSCILLATOR AND SHUTTER ARRANGEMENT - An ink ejection nozzle includes an ink reservoir with an oscillator configured to oscillate ink pressure in the reservoir; a wafer assembly defining an ink supply channel in fluid communication with the ink reservoir; a nozzle chamber structure on the wafer assembly and defining a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply channel, and an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber; and a shutter positioned in the nozzle chamber and configured to shut the ink ejection port to the ejection of ink from the nozzle chamber. The shutter is moved by a thermoelastic actuator having a coiled serpentine heater. | 10-28-2010 |
20100271430 | PRINTHEAD PROVIDED WITH INDIVIDUAL NOZZLE ENCLOSURES - A unit cell, a plurality of which make up a printhead, includes a substrate including an ink inlet passage; a chamber defined by chamber sidewalls and a nozzle plate defining an aperture for ejection of ink from the chamber, the chamber being in fluid communication with the inlet passage; and a nozzle enclosure comprising enclosure sidewalls and a roof defining an opening for ejection of ink, the nozzle enclosure surrounding the aperture such that ink ejected from the aperture is directed to the opening of the nozzle enclosure, thereby isolating the aperture from an adjacent aperture of an adjacent unit cell. The opening has a greater diameter than the aperture. | 10-28-2010 |
20100271434 | PRINTHEAD WITH MOVABLE EJECTION ORIFICE - An inkjet printhead that has a first layer with an opening, a second layer with a hole and a flexible element supported by the second layer. The flexible element has an orifice through which ink is ejected. An actuator deflects the flexible element to force the ink through the orifice. The hole and the opening are in fluid communication to supply ink to the flexible element. | 10-28-2010 |
20100271437 | MOVABLE INK EJECTION STRUCTURE WITH ENDLESS WALLS - A nozzle arrangement for an ink jet printhead. The nozzle arrangement includes a wafer substrate arrangement defining an ink inlet channel and a first wall surrounding the ink inlet channel; a movable ink ejection structure defining an ink ejection port and a second wall surrounding the first wall so that the wafer substrate arrangement and ink ejection structure together define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet channel and the ink ejection port; and a plurality of thermal bend actuators movably coupling the ink ejection structure to the wafer substrate arrangement. Each actuator includes an arm for moving the ink ejection structure responsive to an applied electrical signal, whereby a volume of the nozzle chamber is varied. Each wall is endless. | 10-28-2010 |
20100271439 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH THERMALLY SENSING HEATER ELEMENTS - A printhead integrated circuit including a MEMS layer having a plurality of nozzle assemblies and a CMOS layer having control circuitry. Each nozzle assembly includes a heater element for ejecting ink and sensing a temperature of the nozzle assembly. The control circuitry modifies operation of the heater elements in response to a sensed temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold. | 10-28-2010 |
20100271440 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT HAVING LOW MASS HEATER ELEMENTS - A printhead integrated circuit includes: a plurality of nozzle chambers disposed on a substrate; a heater element positioned in each nozzle chamber; drive circuitry for supply power to each heater element; and a plurality of ink supply channels defined in the substrate for supplying fluid to the nozzle chambers. Each heater element consists of solid material having a mass of less than 10 nanograms. In use, the solid material is heated to cause formation of a gas bubble inside each nozzle chamber. | 10-28-2010 |
20100271442 | PRINTER WITH FOAMING SYSTEM FOR CLEANING EJECTING FACE - An inkjet printer that has a printhead with an ink ejection face, an ink supply system for supplying ink to the printhead and a foaming system for generating a liquid foam on the ejection face. The liquid foam is a matrix of liquid membranes forming randomly-packed Voronoi polyhedra. | 10-28-2010 |
20100271446 | INK SUPPLY CARTRIDGE FOR PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY - An ink supply cartridge for a printhead assembly has a printhead integrated circuit (IC) and a guide assembly for guiding ink to the IC. The ink supply cartridge includes a U-shaped top portion defining side walls; and a base portion for complementarily receiving the top portion so that the side walls define elongate ink reservoirs together with the base portion, wherein the base portion includes an end portion defining a series of air inlets with convoluted winding channels leading to the ink reservoirs, said channels hydrophobically treated to prevent ink escaping from the channels. Each ink reservoir includes a sponge-type material to stabilize ink in said reservoirs and to inhibit ink from moving around in the reservoirs. The ink supply cartridge is formed from a multi-part plastic injection mold having mold pieces adapted to snap together around the sponge material. | 10-28-2010 |
20100273525 | LINK OBJECT TO POSITION ON SURFACE - A method of generating an association between a software object and a position on a surface is disclosed. The method starts by sensing, by a sensing device placed on the position on the surface coded data at the position on the surface. The coded data at the position on the surface encodes an identity of the surface and the position of the coded data relative to the surface. The sensing device then generates indicating data using the sensed coded data. The indicating data is indicative of the identity of the surface and the position of the sensed coded data relative to the surface. Upon receiving the indicating data from the sensing device by a computer system, the computer system identifies, using the indicating data, the identity of the surface and the position of the sensed coded data relative to the surface. The computer system also identifies the software object, and then generates an association between the identity of the surface, the position of the sensed coded data relative to the surface, and the software object. | 10-28-2010 |
20100273527 | MOBILE PHONE SYSTEM FOR PRINTING WEBPAGE AND RETRIEVING CONTENT - A system for printing a webpage and retrieving content via the printed webpage. The system includes a print medium provided with first and second coded data encoding a print media identifier in different formats, and a mobile telecommunications device. The mobile telecommunications device includes: a media feed path; a printer positioned in the media feed path for printing the webpage onto the print medium; an optical encoder for reading the first coded data; a transceiver; and a sensor module for sensing at the second coded data. The processor determines a print media identifier from the first coded data, initiates linking of the webpage to the print media identifier, determines the print media identifier and a coordinate location from the second coded data, and initiates retrieval of the content using the print media identifier and the coordinate location. | 10-28-2010 |
20100275063 | METHOD OF TESTING VALIDITY OF AUTHENTICATION IC - A method in which a test function is called in a system's internal authentication IC multiple times with a known incorrect value such that, if the internal IC is invalid, an expected invalid response is not generated and, otherwise, the internal IC generates a secret random number and its signature and encrypts these using a first secret key, an external authentication IC connected to the system calls a read function which decrypts the encrypted random number and signature using the first key, calculates the decrypted random number's signature, compares the signatures and upon a match encrypts the decrypted random number and a message of the external IC using a second secret key, the internal IC calls the test function which encrypts the random number and message using the second key, compares the encrypted random numbers and messages, validates the external IC if they match and invalidates the external IC otherwise. | 10-28-2010 |
20100276481 | SYSTEM FOR RECORDING RECORDATION OF PACKAGED ITEM - A system for recording a transaction of a packaged item. The system includes the item having a product contained in a package and an optically imaging pen. The package has a printed interface surface containing information relating to the item and coded data indicative of an identity of the item and of coordinates of a plurality of locations on the interface surface. The pen has a marking nib for marking the interface surface; an image sensor for optically imaging the coded data when said marking nib is used to mark the interface surface; a processor for generating indicating data indicative of the identity of the item and of a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface; and a transceiver for communicating the indicating data to a computer system so as to initiate recordation of the transaction. | 11-04-2010 |
20100276483 | RETRACTABLE ELECTRONIC PEN FOR SENSING CODED DATA - An electronic pen for interacting with a substrate having coded data disposed thereon. The pen includes: an image sensor for sensing the coded data when the pen is used to interact with the surface; a cartridge having a nib for contacting the surface; a retraction mechanism for slidably moving the cartridge between a retracted position and an extended position; a force sensor cooperating with the retraction mechanism; and a processor configured to generate indicating data indicative of the interaction with the substrate. The image sensor is configured to sense the coded data only when the force sensor detects that the nib is in contact with the substrate. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277527 | PRINTER HAVING PRINTHEAD WITH MULTIPLE CONTROLLERS - A printer is provided having a printhead having ejection nozzles and a plurality of controllers configured to process print data for printing and to output the processed data to the printhead. The plurality of controllers are connected to a common input of the printhead. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277528 | REPLACEABLE PRINT CARTRIDGE WITH AN OPTICAL SENSOR FOR RECEIVING PRINT DATA - A mobile telecommunications device is disclosed. The mobile telecommunications device has a body with a cradle formed therein, a print engine controller within the body, and a replaceable print cartridge received by the cradle. The print engine controller has a light emitting beacon for transmitting print data as an optical data signal. The print cartridge has a printhead with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink, a sensor for receiving the optical data signal from the light emitting beacon and converting the optical data signal into an electrical data signal, and print data circuitry for receiving the electrical data signal and for providing the nozzles with print data. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277531 | PRINTER HAVING PROCESSOR FOR HIGH VOLUME PRINTING - A printer is provided having a printhead having a plurality ejection integrated circuits each having a plurality of ejection nozzles on a wafer substrate, and a processor for processing print data and controlling operation of at least 10,000 of the ejection nozzles of the ejection integrated circuits based on the processed print data. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277532 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING INTERCONNECTED CONTROLLERS - A printhead assembly is provided having a support member, a plurality of ejection integrated circuits supported by the support member, and a plurality of controllers mounted on respective printed circuit boards supported by the support member. Each ejection integrated circuit has a plurality of ejection nozzles. Each controller is connected to a plurality of the ejection integrated circuits via individual flexible printed circuit boards and to the other controllers. Each controller is configured to control operation of at least 10,000 of the ejection nozzles of the connected ejection integrated circuits. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277536 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING ESSENTIAL HARDWARE AUTHENTICATION - An electronic device having an embedded computer system is provided. The device has a processor supporting a real-time operating system (RTOS). The processor further supports user and supervisor modes. The computer system is programmed such that only code portions directly controlling essential hardware in the device are run in supervisor mode. The code portion directly controlling essential hardware communicates with at least one authentication chip in the device before an operation of the hardware, the authentication chip authorizing the operation | 11-04-2010 |
20100277538 | PRINT ENGINE ASSEMBLY WITH TWIN BEARING MOLDINGS RECEIVED WITHIN CHASSIS - A print engine assembly includes an elongate chassis defining a print media exit slot; an elongate printhead assembly mounted relative to the chassis and configured to eject ink onto print media; a paper feed mechanism configured to transport the print media past the elongate printhead and out through the exit slot, the paper feed mechanism comprising a pair of bearing moldings received within and mounted on opposite ends of the chassis, the paper feed mechanism further comprising at least one roller mounted between the bearing moldings and a motor mounted to one of said bearing moldings to drive said at least one roller; and a platen member extending parallel to the printhead, the platen member mounted in the bearing moldings. A pair of spacers is mounted to either end of the chassis and on which said printhead assembly is mounted. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277542 | CAPPING MECHANISM FOR PRINTHEAD HAVING CUTTER - A capping mechanism is provided for a printhead having a plurality of ejection nozzles. The capping mechanism has a capping member formed from flexible sheet material, a transport mechanism for moving the capping member between positions at which the capping member contacts and substantially covers the ejection nozzles of the printhead and at which the capping member is remote from the printhead, and a cutter mechanism for separating spent capping material from the capping member when the capping member is remote from the printhead. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277543 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE STATION HAVING ONE-PIECE ELASTOMER PAD FOR PEELING ENGAGEMENT WITH NOZZLES - A printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition. The maintenance station has an elastically deformable pad coextensive with the printhead. The pad is a one-piece elastomer pad having a uniform contact surface configured for sealing contact with all nozzles in an ink ejection face of the printhead. A mechanism is configured for reciprocally moving the pad between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly contacted with all nozzles in the ink ejection face, and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face. The pad and the mechanism cooperate such that the contact surface is progressively contacted with the face during sealing engagement and peeled away from the face during peeling disengagement. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277544 | INKJET PRINTER WITH MAINTENANCE STATION HAVING NON-CONTACT FILM - An inkjet printer has a carrier frame supporting an ink supply manifold; a pagewidth printhead with an ink ejection surface; an encapsulant defining a film guide and a maintenance station. The maintenance station includes: a chassis; a plurality of rollers mounted on the chassis; a film wound in a loop around the rollers; and a drive motor operatively connected to one of the rollers such that actuation of the drive motor rotates the film around said rollers. The chassis is moveable between a printing position in which the film is remote from the printhead and a cleaning position in which the film engages the film guide so that a cavity is defined by the film, the encapsulant and the ink ejection surface. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277545 | PRINTER HAVING DISENGAGEABLE MEDIA PICK UP - A printer is provided having a support frame, a media cartridge removably engaged with the support frame, the media cartridge having a supply of sheet media, a driven roller arranged to be rotated so as to contact and pick-up sheet media from the media cartridge and deliver the picked sheet media to a sheet media transport mechanism of the printer, and a gear assembly for engaging driving power from a motor to the driven roller. The gear assembly has a first gear on a shaft of the driven roller and a second gear directly coupled with the first gear. The gear assembly is configured to decouple the second gear from the first gear to thereby disengage said driving power upon delivery of the picked sheet media to the sheet media transport mechanism. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277546 | MODULAR PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH CONNECTOR ARRANGMENT - A printhead assembly has a plurality of printhead modules, each with a plurality of printhead integrated circuits (ICs). The printhead modules also have a print engine controller for controlling the operation of the plurality of printhead ICs. An elongate support frame supports the printhead modules and a connector arrangement is supported by the end plate. The connector has a pair of holes, a first connector extending from the body portion between the holes and a second connector configured to engage with the holes. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277547 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING A CASING PART FOR SUPPORTING PRINTHEAD MODULES - A printhead assembly is disclosed. The printhead assembly includes at least one printhead module having at least two printhead integrated circuits, a drive electronics part incorporating at least one controller for controlling the printing operation of at least one of the at least two printhead integrated circuits, and a casing part for supporting the drive electronics part and the at least one printhead module. The casing part incorporates a clamping arrangement for removably clamping the at least one printhead module to the casing part. The clamping arrangement allows movement of the at least one printhead module relative to the casing during operation of the printhead assembly. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277549 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT FOR INKJET PRINTER WITH INK WICKING REDUCTION - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer includes a wafer substrate defining a supply channel; chamber side and roof walls positioned on the substrate, said walls defining a nozzle chamber operatively supplied with ink via the supply channel, the roof wall having a nozzle rim defined thereon; a thermal bend actuator attached to said substrate via a post, the actuator passing through a slot defined in a wall of the chamber, the actuator ending in an ejection paddle inside the chamber, said actuator configured to eject ink from the nozzle chamber; a poker extending from the paddle towards the nozzle rim such that an ink meniscus is formed between the rim and the poker; and an actuator slot protection barrier mounted on the actuator proximate the slot and configured to reduce ink wicking on the nozzle rim during ejection of ink from the nozzle rim. The actuator includes a conductive heater portion which is normally balanced with a corresponding layer in thermal equilibrium. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277550 | PRINTHEAD HAVING HEATER AND NON-HEATER ELEMENTS - A printhead is provided having a plurality of nozzles, a plurality of heater elements, and a plurality of non-heater elements formed of the same heater material as the heater elements. Each heater element is disposed in a corresponding one of the nozzles and is connected to corresponding electrodes so as to heat fluid within the nozzle thereby forming a gas bubble in the fluid which causes ejection of fluid through the a port in the corresponding nozzle. Each non-heater element is disposed in a corresponding one of the nozzles. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277551 | MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING CANTILEVERED ACTUATOR - A micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate defining an inverted pyramidal ink chamber with a vertex thereof terminating at an ink supply channel defined by the substrate, said substrate having a layer of CMOS drive circuitry; a roof structure connected to the drive circuitry layer and covering the ink chamber, the roof structure defining a fluid ejection nozzle rim above said chamber; a plurality of actuators fast with and displaceable with respect to the roof structure, the actuators radially spaced about the nozzle rim between the guide rails, each actuator having a serpentine heater element configured to expand thermally upon receiving current from the drive circuitry thereby moving said actuators into the chamber and increasing a fluid pressure inside the chamber to eject a drop of ink via the ejection nozzle, wherein each actuator is cantilevered to a heater element in a bendable manner; and a central arm which having metal and PTFE portions to provide structural support for the actuators. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277553 | INKJET PRINTER WITH INK SUPPLY CONFIGURABLE FOR BOTH PRINTING AND PURGING - A printer includes an inkjet printhead and an ink supply system. The ink supply system includes: an ink reservoir for storing ink, the ink reservoir being contained in a pressurizable chamber; an ink conduit providing fluid communication between the ink reservoir and the printhead; an air compressor for positively pressurizing the chamber; and a valve in the ink conduit for controlling a supply of ink to the printhead. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277556 | PRINT ENGINE WITH INK STORAGE MODULES INCORPORATING COLLAPSIBLE BAGS - A print engine for an inkjet printer unit includes a cradle unit and a replaceable cartridge unit to be releasably received within the cradle unit. The cartridge unit includes an elongate body defining a row of cavities; an ink storage module assembly including a plurality of ink storage modules received within the cavities, each ink storage module including a collapsible ink storage bag extending between a pair of plates; and a printhead assembly mounted to the body and including an ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) connected to receive ink from the ink storage modules. Each ink storage module further includes a biasing means configured to bias the plates apart so that the bag expands and thereby maintains ink within the bag at negative pressure. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277558 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH BUBBLE TRAP AND AIR VENTS - An inkjet printhead that has an array of ink chambers arranged to remove air bubbles entrained in the ink supply flow. Each of the ink chambers has a nozzle and a thermal actuator respectively, the array of ink chambers defined by sidewalls extending between a nozzle plate and an underlying wafer substrate. The printhead also has ink inlets extending through the underlying wafer substrate. Each of the ink inlets has an ink permeable trap and a vent sized such that the surface tension of an ink meniscus across the vent prevents ink leakage. The ink permeable trap has columns extending from the underlying wafer substrate to the vent to direct gas bubbles entrained in a flow of ink through the ink inlet towards the vent. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277559 | PRINTER WITH HIGH FLOWRATE INK FILTER - An inkjet printer that has a filter with a chamber divided into an upstream section and a downstream section by a filter membrane. An inlet conduit establishes fluid communication between an ink supply and the upstream section. An outlet conduit establishes fluid communication between the downstream section and a printhead. During use at least part of the inlet conduit is elevated relative to the filter membrane. By elevating the inlet conduit relative to the filter membrane, it acts as a bubble trap to retain bubbles that would otherwise obstruct the filter. This allows the filter size to be reduced for a more compact overall design. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277768 | SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONICALLY CAPTURING INFORMATION - A system for electronically capturing information is disclosed. The system includes a user input device movable by a user relative to a first interface surface provided on a first document. The first interface surface has visual information and coded data disposed thereon. The coded data encodes an identity of the first document and coordinates of a plurality of locations of the first interface surface. The user input device includes an image sensor for sensing at least some of the coded data and for generating movement data from the coordinates encoded in sensed coded data. The system further includes a computer system arranged to receive the movement data from the user input device and for generating print data in response to the movement data. The system also includes a printer for receiving the print data from the computer system and for printing a second document using the print data. The second document is printed with a second interface surface thereon. The second interface surface has visual information and coded data disposed thereon. The coded data again encodes an identity of the second document and coordinates of a plurality of locations of the second interface surface. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277771 | METHOD OF PROVIDING PRINTED INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT WITH ADVERTISING MATERIAL - A method of providing a printed interactive document with printed user information and printed advertising material. The method includes the steps of: receiving a print request from a user, formatting the user information in the electronic document so as to include a first user interactive element; determining the advertising material for printing with the user information; formatting the advertising material so as to include a second user interactive element; and causing the formatted user informationa and the formatted advertising material to be printed together with coincident coded data on a substrate. The coded data is readable by a sensing device and is indicative of a document identity and the first and second interactive elements. | 11-04-2010 |
20100278952 | DIMENSIONAL PRINTER SYSTEM EFFECTING SIMULTANEOUS PRINTING OF MULTIPLE LAYERS - A printer system for developing a three dimensional (3D) printed structure includes a plurality of spaced apart sets of printing devices; a conveyor system arranged to serially convey a print medium past each set of printing devices, whereby the print medium receives printed voxels from each successive set of printing devices to form successive layers of voxels into a 3D printed structure upon the print medium; a placement mechanism configured to place an object upon layers of the 3D printed structure, the placement mechanism comprising a translation mechanism configured to translate the object at substantially the same velocity as the conveyance of the print medium during placement of the object; and a plurality of curing mechanisms interleaved between the sets of printing devices fur curing the printed voxels. At least one printhead of a first of the plurality of spaced apart sets is operable to print voxels simultaneously with a printhead of a second of the plurality of spaced apart sets, whereby multiple layers of voxel are formed at the same time. | 11-04-2010 |
20100279735 | PRINTING CONTENT ON A MOBILE DEVICE - A method of printing content is disclosed. The method starts by a server receiving a request for content. The server renders the content into a pre-rendered format before transferring the content in the pre-rendered format to a mobile telecommunications device. The content is then printed on a print medium in a media feed path of a printer module of the mobile telecommunications device. During the printing step, coded data disposed on the print medium is sensed using a sensor module in the media feed path of the printer module. The coded data encodes a print medium identifier which uniquely identifies the print medium. Finally, the content is associated with the print medium identifier for later retrieval using the print medium identifier. | 11-04-2010 |
20100281115 | METHOD OF ENABLING CONFERENCING USING ENCODED FORMS - A method of enabling conferencing using encoded forms is provided in which a computer system receives indicating data from a sensing device used to interact with a first form, determines conference information, and outputs a second form. The first form has first tags and an identity associated with a form description in the computer system. Each first tag encodes data on the identity and the location of that tag on the first form, which is included in the indicating data. The computer system determines the conference information from the indicating data and form description. The second form is output with second tags, the conference information and a hierarchical tree of form versions. The computer system produces the hierarchical tree by associating the second form identity with the form description. Each second tag encodes data on the second form identity and the location of that tag on the second form. | 11-04-2010 |
20100281266 | SYSTEM FOR SECURE INTERACTION WITH SECURE DOCUMENT - A system for secure interaction with a secure document is provided. The secure document has coded tags which each encode data associated with the document identity and a location of that tag on the document. The system has memory for recording a correspondence between the document identity and information relating to the document, a receiver for receiving data from a sensing device used to interact with the document, and a processor for verifying the interaction with the document using the received data and the recorded correspondence. The received data is generated by the sensing device through sensing of the data encoded by the coded tags to identify the document identity and a position of the sensing device relative to the document. | 11-04-2010 |
20100283817 | PRINTER PRINT ENGINE WITH CRADLED CARTRIDGE UNIT - A print engine for a printer unit includes a cradle unit including a print engine controller provided on flex printed circuit board, and a cover assembly for covering a recess defined by the cradle; a replaceable cartridge unit received within the recess of the cradle unit in a releasable manner, the replaceable cartridge having a body, an ink storage module assembly, and a pagewidth printhead assembly; and a print media transport means for transporting print media. The ink storage module assembly includes a plurality of ink storage modules received in the body from a first side, and the pagewidth printhead assembly is mounted to the body at a second side opposite the first side. The cover assembly is engaged with the flex printed circuit board to pivot the flex printed circuit board in and out of electrical engagement with the pagewidth printhead assembly upon closing and opening of the cover assembly with respect to the recess. | 11-11-2010 |
20100289855 | INKJET NOZZLE ASSEMBLY WITH MOVING NOZZLE OPENING DEFINED IN ROOF OF NOZZLE CHAMBER - An inkjet nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber comprising a floor and a roof. The roof has a moving portion which is moveable relative to the floor. A thermal bend actuator is configured for actuating the moving portion. The thermal bend actuator includes an active beam for connection to drive circuitry and a passive beam mechanically cooperating with the active beam. When a current is passed through the active beam, the active beam expands relative to the passive beam resulting in bending of the moving portion towards the floor of the nozzle chamber. The nozzle opening is defined in the moving portion of the roof, such that the nozzle opening is moveable relative to the floor. | 11-18-2010 |
20100294833 | METHOD OF GAINING ACCESS TO GOODS OR SERVICES - A method of gaining access to goods or services includes the steps of: writing a signature within a verification zone of an encoded base using an optically imaging pen having a marking nib; optically reading a sequence of absolute locations corresponding to the signature from the encoded base; and checking if the locations are within a region registered as belonging to an authorized user. Access to the goods or services is granted if the location is within the region belonging to the authorized user and the sequence of locations corresponds to a previously registered signature of the authorized user, otherwise access is denied. | 11-25-2010 |
20100295887 | PRINTER ASSEMBLY WITH CONTROLLER FOR MAINTAINING PRINTHEAD AT EQUILIBRIUM TEMPERATURE - A printer assembly includes a media housing unit having a number of ink reservoirs internally defined by a core portion around which print media is rolled; an ink supply and a printhead unit attached to the media housing unit; an ink manifold provided between the ink supply and the printhead, the ink manifold having an aperture to which the printhead is attached; a drive unit having a platen for extracting the print media from the media housing unit and feeding the print media past the printhead unit, the drive unit defining ink transmission channels interposed between the ink reservoirs and the ink supply; and a controller for controlling operation of the printhead and drive units, the controller configured to maintain the printhead at an equilibrium temperature during printing. | 11-25-2010 |
20100295894 | INKJET PRINTER HAVING ROTATABLE SERVICING MEMBER - An inkjet printer includes an inkjet printhead and a servicing assembly. The servicing assembly includes a rotatable elongate servicing member arranged to rotate about an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the printhead. The rotatable elongate servicing member integrally comprises a plurality of radially disposed elongate working surfaces which rotate with the servicing member to service the printhead. One of the working surfaces comprises a blotting material. | 11-25-2010 |
20100295899 | PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING LAMINATED SUPPORT STRUCTURE - A printhead assembly extending in pagewidth direction includes an elongate support beam; an elongate shell at least partially enclosing and restraining the support beam; and a plurality of printhead integrated circuits mounted to the support beam and substantially aligned with one another in the pagewidth direction. The support beam has formed therein at least one printing fluid reservoir arranged in fluid communication with the plurality of printhead integrated circuits. | 11-25-2010 |
20100295902 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT FOR INKJET PRINTHEAD INCORPORATING A PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead, the nozzle arrangement includes a substrate defining a nozzle chamber bounded by walls and a roof, the roof defining an ink ejection port; an ink-ejecting member positioned in the nozzle chamber, the ink-ejecting member displaceable towards the ink ejection port to eject ink from the ink ejection port; a work-transmitting structure displaceable with respect to the substrate, the work-transmitting structure connected to the ink-ejecting member; an actuator connected to the work-transmitting structure, the actuator for displacing the work transmitting structure upon receipt of an electrical drive signal; and a covering formation defining an air chamber. The actuator is positioned within the air chamber. The roof, the work transmitting structure and the covering formation together defining a protective structure for the nozzle arrangement. | 11-25-2010 |
20100295903 | INK EJECTION NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT FOR INKJET PRINTER - An ink ejection nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer includes a wafer substrate with an etched ink chamber and ink channel leading to the chamber; ink ejection nozzle defined over the chamber with an ejection port etched therein; a dielectric actuator arm attached to the substrate via a post on the substrate, the arm having a heating means formed of an electrically conductive material attached at a lower portion thereof proximate the post, wherein the arm extends through a slot in the chamber; and paddle fast with the arm inside the chamber, the paddle interposed between the ink channel and the ejection port. The slot in the chamber defines corrugations to inhibit leaking of ink from the slot. | 11-25-2010 |
20100295906 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING INK SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT AND PLURALITY OF PRINTHEAD SEGMENT CARRIERS - A printhead assembly includes an ink supply arrangement, the ink supply arrangement having a profile member defining a semi-open cross-section, the profile member having peripheral, structured side walls defining free, opposing, lengthwise running edges delineating a gap extending along the entire length of the profile member, the profile member further defining three internal webs protruding from a base wall section of the peripheral wall into the interior of the profile member to define, together with the side walls, four ink supply channels opening towards the gap; and a plurality of printhead segment carriers attached to the ink supply arrangement, each of the printhead segment carriers arranged on the ink supply arrangement in fluid communication with the ink supply channels of the ink supply arrangement. The internal webs and the wall sections are arranged to define a semi-circular cross-sectional channel. Each of the ink supply channels opens into the semi-circular cross-sectional channel. | 11-25-2010 |
20100295914 | DIGITAL STAMP HAVING A COMPRESSIBLE HOUSING - A stamp includes a compressible housing having an upper housing portion telescopically receiving a lower housing portion, the lower housing portion defining an aperture at a lower end thereof substantially spanning a width of the lower housing portion; a printhead and ink cartridge arrangement housed within the lower housing, the printhead displaceable from a protected position within the housing to traverse the aperture of the lower housing portion; a mechanical arrangement comprising a pair of arms fixed at one end to a top of the printhead and at another end to the upper housing, the arms acting on the printhead in accordance with a movement of the upper housing portion with respect to the lower housing to effect traversal of the printhead from the protected position across the aperture; and a spring engaged at one end with the printhead and engaged at another end with the lower housing, the spring for returning the printhead to the protected position. | 11-25-2010 |
20100295951 | MODULAR CAMERA AND PRINTER - A modular camera and printer is disclosed. A camera module is provided having an image sensor for capturing an image in a RGB format. The camera module also has a central processing unit with program memory for storing program steps for execution by the central processing unit to operate the camera module, and an image storage memory for storing the captured image in the RGB format. An image processing unit of the camera module is in communication with the image storage memory and transforms image data in the image storage memory into a L*a*b* format. The camera module also has a serial bus for outputting transformed image data in the L*a*b* format. A printer module is provided also having a serial bus in communication with the serial bus of the camera module. The printer module receives the image data from the camera module in the L*a*b* format, converts the image data to a color space of the printer module, and then prints the image data on a printhead. | 11-25-2010 |
20100296125 | CONTROL OF A COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A method of controlling a communications device is disclosed. A printer prints on a surface visual information relating to at least one operation of the communications device and coded data portions. Each coded data portion encodes a region identifier which uniquely identifies a region on the surface, and a portion identifier which uniquely identifies the coded data portion. A sensing device placed in an operative position relative to the coded data portions, generate indicating data regarding the region identifier and the portion identifier. A computer system receives the indicating data and determines an operation associated with the region identifier and the portion identifier. Finally, the computer system sends one or more commands to the communications device, thereby effecting the at least one operation. | 11-25-2010 |
20100296132 | DOCUMENT COPIER PRINTING A COPY OF AN INPUT SHEET BY RETRIEVING AN ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT CONTAINING CONTENT OF THE INPUT SHEET - A document copier is disclosed. The document copier has a code sensor for sensing coded data on a surface of a source page. The source page contains the coded data and content. A sheet transport mechanism configured to feed sheets of media through a media path and a print engine located in the media path for printing on sheets of media fed through the media path are also provided. A controller of the document copier identifies from the coded data an electronic document containing the content. That electronic document is retrieved by the controller, and the content is printed on a blank sheet of media. | 11-25-2010 |
20100298028 | HANDHELD MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE INCORPORATING PAGEWIDTH PRINTER APPARATUS - A handheld mobile communications device includes a chassis; mobile communications circuitry and components mounted on the chassis; a printer apparatus mounted on the chassis, the printer apparatus having a pagewidth printhead and an ink supply module arranged on the printhead; and a print media feed mechanism mounted on the chassis to feed print media through the printer apparatus. The ink supply module is a molded multi-part structure defining a plurality of converging ink flow paths. The printer apparatus is detachable from the chassis for replacement after a predetermined amount of usage. | 11-25-2010 |
20100301112 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION TO USER WITH EVERY INTERACTION WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A system for providing information to a user via a printed substrate. The substrate comprises user information and coded data. The coded data is indicative of a region identity associated with the substrate and of a plurality of locations on the substrate. The system includes an optically imaging sensing device for sensing the coded data and generating interaction data. Receipt of the interaction data by a computer system causes the computer system to identify and retrieve a page description corresponding to the printed substrate; determine whether the sensing device is positioned within a zone of a hyperlink on the substrate; and (i) if the sensing device is positioned within the zone of the hyperlink: send a hyperlink URI or a hyperlinked resource corresponding to the hyperlink to the user; or (ii) if the sensing device is positioned outside the zone of the hyperlink: generate a query expression, form a request and send search results to the user. | 12-02-2010 |
20100302314 | INKJET NOZZLE ASSEMBLY HAVING SUSPENDED BEAM HEATER ELEMENT OFFSET FROM NOZZLE APERTURE - An inkjet nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber having a planar roof spaced apart from a floor. A heater element is suspended in the nozzle chamber and is configured as a planar beam extending longitudinally and parallel with a plane of the roof. A nozzle aperture defined in the roof has a centroid offset from a longitudinal centroid of the planar beam. | 12-02-2010 |
20100302315 | MODULAR PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY INCLUDING FLUID DISTRIBUTION ASSEMBLY AND ELASTOMERIC PADS FOR TAKING UP TOLERANCE - A modular pagewidth printhead assembly includes a plurality of printhead modules each having: a printhead integrated circuit with a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements, and a fluid distribution assembly of joined liquid crystal polymer micromoldings defining a plurality of discrete fluid paths for supplying discrete fluids to the nozzle arrangements. The modular pagewidth printhead assembly further including a fluid delivery structure configured to receive the printhead modules and to supply said modules with discrete fluids; and a flexible printed circuit board sandwiched between the supply structure and the printhead modules The flexible printed circuit board is bonded to the supply structure. The circuit board extends around one edge of the supply structure for carrying data and power to the modules. The fluid distribution assembly includes at least one elastomeric pad to take up tolerance when the relevant module is located on the supply structure. Each printhead module has a film layer of an inert polymer interposed between the micromoldings, the film layer defining a plurality of holes for fluid flow between said portions. | 12-02-2010 |
20100302317 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH A PLURALITY OF PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUITS EACH WITH A STACK OF INK DISTRIBUTION LAYERS - Provided is a printhead assembly that has a plurality of printhead integrated circuits (ICs) each with ink ejection nozzles, a tape automated bonding (TAB) film connected to the printhead IC's, a controller in signal connection with each of the printhead ICs via the TAB film and, a stack of ink distribution layers secured to each of the printhead ICs, each layer defining apertures to provide ink distribution channels. | 12-02-2010 |
20100302320 | HEATER ASSEMBLY FOR PRINTHEAD - A heater assembly for a printhead is provided having a heating element including a heating layer and a non-heating layer, and a heat conduction means positioned in the middle of the non-heating layer so as to be spaced from the heating layer to conduct heat generated by the heating element away from the actuator assembly. | 12-02-2010 |
20100302321 | INKJET NOZZLE ASSEMBLY WITH MOVABLE CROWN AND SKIRT PORTION - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet aperture; a nozzle having an endless wall portion extending from the substrate assembly and a moveable crown portion from which a skirt portion depends, the nozzle defining a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet aperture and a nozzle opening in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber; an anchor extending from the substrate assembly; and a thermal bend actuator connected between the anchor and the nozzle via a lever arm, the thermal bend actuator operable to move the crown and skirt portions relative to the endless wall portion to eject ink from the nozzle opening. The endless wall portion defines an inwardly directed lip serving as a fluidic seal for inhibiting an escape of ink during displacement of the crown and skirt portions. | 12-02-2010 |
20100302328 | PRINTER INK SUPPLY CARTRIDGE INCORPORATING INTERNAL SUPPORT RIBS AND TAPERED INK RESERVOIRS - An ink supply assembly includes an elongate ink supply cartridge defining a plurality of ink reservoirs each extending along a length of the ink supply cartridge; a plurality of guide walls separating the plurality of ink reservoirs, the plurality of guide walls tapering in a direction normal to the extension of the plurality of ink reservoirs to form a narrow end portion; a plurality of block portions spaced at regular intervals along a length of the ink supply cartridge, the plurality of block portions mechanically supporting the plurality of guide walls; and an elongate ink ejection printhead unit extending along the length of the ink supply cartridge, the elongate ink ejection printhead being received within the ink supply cartridge to abut the narrow end portion. | 12-02-2010 |
20100302426 | PIXEL SENSOR WITH VOLTAGE COMPENSATOR - A photodetecting circuit is disclosed. The photodetecting circuit includes a photodetector, a storage node with first and second node terminals, a transfer transistor disposed intermediate the first node terminal of the storage node and the photodetector for electrically connecting the first node terminal and the photodetector upon receiving a transfer signal to a gate of the transfer transistor, a reset transistor disposed intermediate a reset voltage node and the first node terminal of the storage node for electrically connecting the first node terminal to the reset voltage node upon receiving a reset signal to a gate of the reset transistor, and an output circuit for generating an output signal based on a voltage at the first terminal. First the reset signal is applied, followed by the transfer signal. Next, a compensation signal is applied at the second terminal of the storage node. The compensation signal increases the voltage at the first terminal whilst the output circuit generates the output signal. The compensation signal is a logically negated version of the transfer signal. | 12-02-2010 |
20100302591 | CONTROL OF A DEVICE - A method is disclosed of controlling a function of a device. The device is operative to perform the function in response to a command from a printer. The method starts by printing a control interface containing information relating to the function and coded data. The coded data is indicative of an identity of the control interface and of at least one reference point of the control interface. Next, indicating data is received by the printer from a sensing device. The indicating data contains the identity of the control interface and at least one position of the sensing device relative to the control interface. The sensing device forms the indicating data when placed in an operative position relative to the control interface using the coded data. Finally, the printer issues the command relating to the function to the device. | 12-02-2010 |
20100304728 | METHOD FOR ACCESSING HYPERLINKS AND HYPERLINKED CONTENT VIA MOBILE PHONE - A method for accessing content from a computer network, the method comprising the steps of: (a) capturing an image of a substrate with a mobile phone having an optical image sensor; (b) forming on the mobile phone, a request based on the captured image; (c) transmitting, from the mobile phone via an associated mobile phone network, the request to a server on the computer network, the computer network being interoperable with the mobile phone network; (d) identifying content associated with the first identifier; and (e) receiving the content in the mobile phone. | 12-02-2010 |
20100309248 | INKJET PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING RELEASABLY ATTACHED PRINTHEAD MODULES - An inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate ink feed structure defining a plurality of longitudinally extending ink supply passages and a plurality of spaced apart sets of ink outlets in fluid communication with respective ink supply passages. A plurality of printhead modules are releasably attached to the ink feed structure. Each printhead module is in fluid communication with a respective set of ink outlets, and each printhead module includes an elongate printhead chip configured to eject ink supplied from the ink feed structure. Each printhead chip is obliquely angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the ink feed structure. A capping arrangement configured to cap nozzles on each printhead chip. | 12-09-2010 |
20100309250 | PRINTHEAD FOR PEN NIB PRINTER - A printhead for a pen nib printer is provided having ejection devices operatively supplied with ink for ejection, a guard for protecting the ejection devices and defining printing passages via which the ejection devices eject ink, and a rotary capper rotatably fixed to the guard about a central axis of the printhead, so that rotation of the capper covers or exposes the printing passages. | 12-09-2010 |
20100309252 | EJECTION NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT - An ejection nozzle arrangement having a substrate, a fluid port in the substrate, a chamber on the substrate so as to have the fluid port therein, a roof on the chamber having an ejection port, and an arm extending through an opening in the chamber into the chamber for causing ejection of fluid within the chamber from the ejection port. The arm is suspended within the opening so that the arm is spaced from both the substrate and the chamber within the opening. | 12-09-2010 |
20100309253 | PRINTHEAD HAVING CAPPED FLUID PASSAGES - A printhead is provided having a casing mounted on a moulding to define a fluid reservoir and a first passage in fluid communication between the fluid reservoir, a wafer at least defining at least a part of a channel spaced from the first passage and at least a part of a second passage arranged to provide fluid communication between the first passage and channel, a plurality of ink ejection devices in fluid communication with the channel, and a metal cap portion which encloses the casing and moulding. | 12-09-2010 |
20100309254 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING HEAT ALIGNING PRINTHEAD MODULES - A printhead assembly for a printer comprises a support member having a silicon core mounted within a metal channel; a plurality of printhead modules mounted on the support member, each printhead module including an integrated circuit manufactured using micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS) techniques; and an elastomeric layer positioned between the core and the metal channel. The printhead modules and support members are configured to move into alignment with each other upon heating of the printhead assembly, and each printhead module is mounted to the silicon core with a neck portion. | 12-09-2010 |
20100309261 | EJECTION NOZZLE ASSEMBLY - An ejection nozzle assembly is provided having a substrate defining a fluid supply passage, drive circuitry on the substrate, a chamber on the drive circuitry and in fluid communication with the fluid supply passage and an ejection port, an ejection member disposed between the fluid supply passage and the ejection port, and a heater element electrically coupled to the drive circuitry and the ejection member for causing ejection of fluid from the ejection port. | 12-09-2010 |
20100309267 | INKJET PRINTER HAVING ROBUST BUBBLE-POINT INK PRESSURE REGULATOR - An inkjet printer includes an inkjet printhead and an ink pressure regulator in fluid communication with the printhead via an ink line. The regulator includes an ink chamber having an ink outlet connected to the ink line; an air inlet; a regulator channel having a first end communicating with the air inlet and a second end defining a bubble outlet; and a wetting system for maintaining liquid in the regulator channel. The regulator channel is dimensioned to control a Laplace pressure of air bubbles drawn from the bubble outlet as result of supplying ink to the printhead, thereby regulating a hydrostatic pressure of the ink. | 12-09-2010 |
20100315468 | INKJET NOZZLE ASSEMBLY WITH THERMAL BEND ACTUATOR DEFINING MOVING PORTION OF NOZZLE CHAMBER ROOF - 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. | 12-16-2010 |
20100315516 | CAMERA UNIT INCOPORATING PROGRAM SCRIPT SCANNER - A camera unit includes a display for displaying an image to be captured; an image sensor for digitally capturing the displayed image; a card reader having a linear scanner for scanning a surface of a removable card to sense a plurality of dots printed on the surface of the removable card, the plurality of dots representing a bit pattern encoding a program script; a card interface for receiving a signal from the card reader indicative of the sensed plurality of dots printed on the surface of the card, and decoding the sensed plurality of dots into the program script; and a printer configured to print a distorted image on print media, the distorted image being a version of the captured image distorted in accordance with the program script. | 12-16-2010 |
20100327239 | INKJET CONTAINING PHTHALOCYANINE DYE WITH NON-PLANAR GROUPS - An inkjet ink comprising an IR-absorbing dye of formula (A): | 12-30-2010 |
20100328701 | Performing an Action Using a Printed Medium - A method of performing an action is disclosed. The method starts by sensing a print medium to obtain data encoded on a surface of the print medium. The data encodes at least a print media identifier. The print medium has a representation of a document printed thereon. The print media identifier is determined from the data and a digital copy of the document corresponding to the representation is retrieved. The digital copy is associated with the print media identifier and includes one or more hyperlinks. The digital copy of the document is displayed and a selection of one of the hyperlinks is received from a user. A predefined action designated by the selected hyperlink is then performed. | 12-30-2010 |
20110012971 | Printing System Having Media Loop Dryer - A printing system is provided having a printhead for printing on a media web, a dryer and drying chamber for drying the printed web, and a feed mechanism for feeding the web past the printhead, dryer and drying chamber so that the printed web hangs into the drying chamber as a loop from opposite sides of an opening in drying chamber. The dryer directs heated air into the drying chamber through the opening to dry the printed web. | 01-20-2011 |
20110018903 | AUGMENTED REALITY DEVICE FOR PRESENTING VIRTUAL IMAGERY REGISTERED TO A VIEWED SURFACE - An augmented reality device for inserting virtual imagery into a user's view of their physical environment. The device comprises: a see-through display device including a wavefront modulator; a camera for imaging a surface in the physical environment; and a controller. The controller is configured for capturing an image of the surface; determining the virtual imagery to be displayed at a predetermined position relative to the surface; determining a position of the surface relative to the augmented reality device; generating an image based on the virtual imagery and on the position of the surface relative to the augmented reality device; and displaying the generated image via the display device. Based on pixel depth information, the controller modulates the wavefront curvature of light emitted for each pixel so that the user sees the virtual imagery at the predetermined position relative to the surface regardless of changes in position of the user's eyes with respect to the display device. | 01-27-2011 |
20110018939 | INKJET PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING BACKSIDE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION - An inkjet printhead assembly comprising an ink supply manifold; printhead integrated circuits and a connector film for supplying power to drive circuitry in the printhead integrated circuits. Each printhead integrated circuit has a frontside comprising the drive circuitry and inkjet nozzle assemblies, a backside attached to the ink supply manifold, and ink supply channels providing fluid communication between the backside and the inkjet nozzle assemblies. A connection end of the connector film is sandwiched between part of the ink supply manifold and the printhead integrated circuits. | 01-27-2011 |
20110018940 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CONFIGURED FOR BACKSIDE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION - A printhead integrated circuit has a frontside comprising drive circuitry and inkjet nozzle assemblies, a backside for attachment to an ink supply manifold and ink supply channels providing fluid communication between the backside and the inkjet nozzle assemblies. The backside has a recessed portion for accommodating part of a connector film, which supplies power to the drive circuitry. | 01-27-2011 |
20110018941 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED COMPRISING THROUGH-SILICON CONNECTORS - A printhead integrated circuit comprising a silicon substrate defining a frontside and a backside, inkjet nozzle assemblies positioned at the frontside, drive circuitry for supplying power to the inkjet nozzle assemblies and through-silicon connectors extending from the frontside towards the backside. The through-silicon connectors provides electrical connections between the drive circuitry and corresponding integrated circuit contacts. The integrated circuit contacts are positioned for connection to a backside-mounted connector film supplying power to the drive circuitry. | 01-27-2011 |
20110020964 | METHOD OF FABRICATING INKJET PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING BACKSIDE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS - A method of fabricating an inkjet printhead assembly having backside electrical connections. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing printhead integrated circuits, each having a backside recessed edge portion and connectors extending through the integrated circuit, each connector having a head connected to frontside drive circuitry and a base in the recessed edge portion; (b) positioning a connection end of a connector film in the recessed edge portion; (c) connecting each film contact to the base of a corresponding connector; and (d) attaching the backside of each printhead integrated circuit together with the connector film to an ink supply manifold so as to provide the inkjet printhead assembly having backside electrical connections. | 01-27-2011 |
20110020965 | METHOD OF FABRICATING PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH BACKSIDE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS - A method of fabricating a printhead integrated circuit configured for backside electrical connections. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a wafer comprising a plurality of partially-fabricated nozzle assemblies on a frontside of the wafer and through-silicon connectors extending from the frontside towards a backside of the wafer; (b) depositing a conductive layer on the frontside of said wafer and etching to form an actuator for each nozzle assembly and a frontside contact pad over a head of each through-silicon connector; (c) performing further MEMS processing steps to complete formation of nozzle assemblies ink supply channels through-silicon connectors; and (d) dividing the wafer into individual printhead integrated circuits. Each printhead integrated circuit thus formed is configured for backside-connection to the drive circuitry via the through-silicon connectors the contact pads. | 01-27-2011 |
20110023751 | AQUEOUS FORMULATION COMPRISING LOW VISIBILITY NAPHTHALOCYANINE DYE - An aqueous formulation comprises a sulfonated water-soluble IR-absorbing naphthalocyanine dye having a central metal atom moiety. A pH of the formulation is in the range of 4 to 6.5, which minimizes visibility of the formulation. | 02-03-2011 |
20110024389 | METHOD OF ETCHING BACKSIDE INK SUPPLY CHANNELS FOR AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - A method of etching backside ink supply channels for an inkjet printhead. The method includes the steps of: (a) attaching a frontside of the printhead to a handle wafer; (b) etching the backside of the printhead using an anisotropic DRIE process to form a plurality of ink supply channels, the DRIE process including alternating etching and passivation steps, the passivation steps depositing a polymeric coating on sidewalls of the ink supply channels; and (c) removing the polymeric coating by etching the backside of the printhead in a biased plasma etching chamber using an O | 02-03-2011 |
20110024492 | DIGITIZING SYSTEM HAVING PRINTED BASE, IMAGING PEN AND RELAY DEVICE - A system for digitizing a freehand graphic. The system comprises: a base including a surface; a position-coding pattern printed on the surface with first and second areas. The system further comprises an optically imaging pen including for detecting a position in the position-coding pattern; and a transmitter for transmitting interaction data to a relay device. The relay device communicates the interaction to a processor, which is adapted to determine if the detected position is in the first area or the second area. If the detected position is in the first area of the surface, then the processor interprets the position as a point in the freehand graphic. If the detected position is in the second area of the surface, then the processor interprets the position as a selection of a property for the freehand graphic. | 02-03-2011 |
20110024493 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ANONYMOUS COMPETITION ENTRY - A system for providing anonymous competition entry is provided. The system has a sensing device configured to sense coded data on a form and generate interaction data there from. The coded data has a plurality of tags each encoding data on an identity of the form and the location of that tag on the form. The interaction data represents the interaction of the sensing device with the tags. The system further has a computer system configured to identify a digital description associated with the form from the form identity represented by the interaction data, capture a competition entry by determining locations in the digital description associated with the locations of the interacted tags represented in the interaction data, and assign a competition alias identifier to the interaction data. | 02-03-2011 |
20110025787 | PRINTHEAD SUPPORT STRUCTURE WITH CAVITIES FOR PULSE DAMPING - A printhead for an inkjet printer is disclosed. The printhead has one or more a printhead integrated circuits (ICs) with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink. A support structure of the printhead supports the printhead ICs. The support structure has ink conduits for supplying the array of nozzles with ink. Each ink conduit includes cavities distributed along a roof of the ink conduit. An opening to each respective cavity has an upstream edge and a downstream edge. The upstream edge contacts the ink before the downstream edge during initial priming of the ink conduits from an ink supply. The upstream edge has a transition face between the ink conduit and the cavity interior. The transition face is configured to inhibit ink from filling the cavity by capillary action during initial priming of the ink conduit. This causes gas to be trapped within the cavity. The gas acts to compress pressure pulses in the ink. | 02-03-2011 |
20110027550 | SUBSTRATE HAVING INKJET INK COMPRISING NAPHTHALOCYANINE DYE DISPOSED THEREON - A substrate having an inkjet ink disposed thereon. The ink comprises an IR-absorbing naphthalocyanine dye of formula (I): | 02-03-2011 |
20110037796 | COMPACT NOZZLE ASSEMBLY OF AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers, the shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal, a transfer register for latching data in one of the registers of the shift register; a control gate for outputting a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register, and a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. The nozzle assembly covers an area of less than 20,000 square microns. | 02-17-2011 |
20110037797 | CONTROL OF A NOZZLE OF AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers, the shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal, a transfer register for latching data in one of the registers of the shift register; a control gate for outputting a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register, and a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. Each energy pulse has a pulse voltage of less than 10 Volt. | 02-17-2011 |
20110037809 | NOZZLE ASSEMBLY FOR AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers is also included. The shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal. A transfer register latches data in one of the registers of the shift register. A control gate outputs a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. | 02-17-2011 |
20110037816 | INK PRESSURE REGULATOR WITH REGULATOR CHANNEL POSITIONED IN CHAMBER ROOF - An ink pressure regulator for regulating a hydrostatic pressure of ink supplied to an inkjet printhead. The regulator includes an ink chamber having an ink outlet for fluid communication with the printhead via an ink line. A roof of the ink chamber includes: an air inlet; a regulator channel having a first end communicating with the air inlet and a second end communicating with a headspace of the chamber, the second end defining a bubble outlet; and a wetting system for maintaining liquid in the regulator channel, thereby ensuring that air entering the headspace first passes through the liquid. The regulator channel is dimensioned to control a Laplace pressure of air bubbles drawn from the bubble outlet as result of supplying ink to the printhead. | 02-17-2011 |
20110043554 | CONTINUOUS WEB PRINTER FOR PRINTING NON-IDENTICAL COPIES WITHIN A PRINT RUN - A continuous web printer that has an inlet for receiving a web of media from a media web roll unwinder, an outlet for delivery to a media web roll winder, a media feed path extending from the inlet to the outlet, a plurality of pagewidth inkjet printhead assemblies positioned adjacent the media feed path for printing on both sides of the web and a central processor for inputting print data to the pagewidth inkjet printhead assemblies such that during a print run, the pagewidth inkjet printhead assemblies print many copies of a document The central processor is configured to selectively alter one or more of the copies to be non-identical to the remainder of the copies without interruption to the print run. | 02-24-2011 |
20110043580 | Continuous web printer with short media feed path - A continuous web printer that has an inlet for receiving a web of media from a media web roll unwinder, an outlet for delivery to a media web roll winder, a media feed path extending from the inlet to the outlet and pagewidth inkjet printhead assemblies positioned adjacent the media feed path for printing on both sides of the web. The media feed path extends less than 10 meters from a point where during use, the web is blank, to a point where both sides of the web are printed. | 02-24-2011 |
20110043581 | WEB PRINTER WITH DUAL PRINT ZONES HAVING OPPOSING FEED DIRECTIONS - A continuous web printer that has an inlet for receiving a web of media from a media web roll unwinder, an outlet for delivery to a media web roll winder, a media feed path extending from the inlet to the outlet and pagewidth inkjet printhead assemblies positioned adjacent the media feed path for printing on both sides of the web. The media feed path has a first print zone positioned adjacent a second print zone. The first print zone is a section of the media feed path in which one side of the web is printed. The second print zone is a section of the media feed path in which the other side of the web is printed. During use the web is fed along the media feed path in a feed direction, the feed direction in the first print zone is opposed to the feed direction in the second print zone. | 02-24-2011 |
20110043582 | CONTINUOUS WEB PRINTER WITH AUTOMATED WEB THREADING MECHANISM - A continuous web printer that has an inlet for receiving a web of media from a media web roll unwinder, an outlet for delivery to a media web roll winder, a media feed path extending from the inlet to the outlet and pagewidth inkjet printhead assemblies positioned adjacent the media feed path for printing on both sides of the web. The printer also having a web threading mechanism for engaging one end of the web and threading the web along the media feed path in response to user activation. | 02-24-2011 |
20110043583 | CONTINUOUS WEB PRINTER WITH AIR PLATEN - A continuous web printer that has an inlet for receiving a web of media from a media web roll unwinder, an outlet for delivery to a media web roll winder, an air platen frame for generating an air cushion at least partially defining a media feed path and a plurality of pagewidth inkjet printheads positioned adjacent the media feed path for printing on both sides of the web. | 02-24-2011 |
20110043584 | CONTINUOUS WEB PRINTER WITH PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD IN A PRINTHEAD DRAWER - A continuous web printer that has an inlet for receiving a web of media from a media web roll unwinder, an outlet for delivery to a media web roll winder, a media feed path extending from the inlet to the outlet, a plurality of pagewidth printhead assemblies for printing on both sides of the web and a printhead drawer for mounting at least one of the pagewidth printhead assemblies adjacent the media feed path. The printhead drawer is configured to move transverse to the media feed path such that the at least one pagewidth printhead assembly is exposed for servicing. | 02-24-2011 |
20110043585 | CONTINUOUS WEB PRINTER WITH UPPER AND LOWER PRINT ZONES FOR OPPOSING SIDES OF WEB - A continuous web printer that has an inlet for receiving a web of media from a media web roll unwinder, an outlet for delivery to a media web roll winder, a media feed path extending from the inlet to the outlet and a plurality of pagewidth printhead assemblies for printing on both sides of the web. The media feed path has an upper print zone positioned above a lower print zone. The upper print zone is a section of the media feed path in which one side of the web is printed and the lower print zone being a section of the media feed path in which the other side of the web is printed. | 02-24-2011 |
20110043586 | CONTINUOUS WEB PRINTER WITH FLAT PRINT ZONES FOR PRINTING OPPOSING SIDES OF THE WEB - A continuous web printer that has an inlet for receiving a web of media from a media web roll unwinder, an outlet for delivery to a media web roll winder, a plurality of pagewidth inkjet printhead assemblies for printing on both sides of the web; and a media feed path extending from the inlet to the outlet. The media feed path has a first print zone where one side of the web is printed and a second print zone where the other side of the web is printed. The first print zone and the second print zone are flat, and the first print zone is upstream from the second print zone with respect to a media feed direction. | 02-24-2011 |
20110048259 | ANALOG PRINTER INCLUDING INK SUPPLY CONTAINING IR-ABSORBING PHTHALOCYANINE DYE - A printing module for an analog printer. The printing module includes an ink supply, a printing plate and an ink applicator for disposing ink from the ink supply onto the plate. The ink contains an IR-absorbing phthalocyanine dye formulated in a solvent-based or oil-based ink vehicle. The phthalocyanine dye has sulfonate groups, wherein a counterion of each sulfonate group is a phosphonium cation. Each phosphonium cation is of formula: P | 03-03-2011 |
20110050807 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING SELECTIVELY ACTUABLE NOZZLES ARRANGED IN NOZZLE PAIRS - An inkjet printhead includes a substrate having an array of nozzles grouped in nozzle pairs. Each nozzle pair has a common nozzle chamber and a single actuator configured to selectively eject ink from one or other of the nozzles in the nozzle pair. | 03-03-2011 |
20110050818 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING GAS DUCT - A printhead assembly includes an ink distribution assembly including an ink distribution molding, the ink distribution molding including a plurality of ducts; at least one printhead integrated circuit in fluid communication with the ink distribution assembly; and a rotary platen having at least three surface, each surface for providing one of a platen surface, capping portion, and a blotting portion. The ink distribution assembly delivers delivers ink via one or more of the plurality of ducts to the at least one printhead integrated circuit, and delivers a gas into a vicinity of a printing surface region of the at least one printhead integrated circuit via at least one of the plurality of ducts. The ink distribution molding includes a plurality of ink inlet ports in fluid communication with an ink cassette via a plurality of ink hoses. | 03-03-2011 |
20110050961 | IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD USING SENSED EYE POSITION - A method for processing an image previously captured by a camera and stored in a memory of the camera, includes the steps of sensing the position of an eye in the captured image; generating eye position information; and processing said captured image using the eye position information. The step of processing involves detecting a face within the capture image, and applying a morph to the detected face to modify the captured image. The step of processing further involves a step of applying a graphical object at a location within the image and relative to the detected face. | 03-03-2011 |
20110057989 | INKJET PRINTING DEVICE HAVING ROTATING PLATEN - An inkjet printing device is disclosed. The inkjet printing device includes a rotating platen. The platen has disposed on part of the surface of the platen an ink absorbing member. | 03-10-2011 |
20110058235 | OPTICAL SENSOR HAVING DUAL OPTICAL PATHWAYS FOR SENSING CODED DATA - A device having a printer and an image sensor is disclosed. The printer prints on print media in a media feed path defined through the device. The image sensor has a first optical pathway for sensing coded data on print media within the media feed path and a second optical pathway for sensing coded data on a surface external to the housing. | 03-10-2011 |
20110059770 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR PRINTING A COMPETITION FORM - A mobile telecommunications device is shown for printing a competition entry form on print media with coded data encoding a print media identifier. The mobile telecommunications device has an inbuilt printer module to print the competition entry form on the print medium such that the print medium displays at least one entry form detail, a media feed path along which the print media moves during printing by the inbuilt printer module, an interface to a remote server, and a sensor module adjacent the media feed path for reading the print media identifier on one of the print media whilst in the feed path and generating an association between the print media identifier and the at least one entry for detail. During use, the sensor module transmits the association and the user interaction to the remote server via the interface such that user interaction with the at least one entry form detail and subsequent submission of the interaction and the print media identifier to the remote server is a competition entry. | 03-10-2011 |
20110063363 | INKJET PRINTER HAVING AN INKJET PRINTHEAD AND A ROTATING PLATEN - An inkjet printer is disclosed. The printer has an inkjet printhead and a rotating platen. The platen has disposed on part of the surface of the platen an ink absorbing member. | 03-17-2011 |
20110063364 | ROTATING PLATEN - A rotating platen for an inkjet printing device is disclosed. The platen includes an ink absorbing member disposed on part of the surface of the platen. | 03-17-2011 |
20110063365 | METHOD OF OPERATING AN INKJET PRINTER - A method of operating an inkjet printer having an inkjet printhead and a rotating platen is disclosed. The platen has disposed on part of the surface of the platen an ink absorbing member and a print media supporting area for supporting print media being printed on. The method includes rotating the platen to place the ink absorbing member in an ink ejection path of the printhead, and receiving ink from the printhead by the ink absorbing member. | 03-17-2011 |
20110063370 | METHOD OF EJECTING SOLVENT-BASED INK COMPOSITION COMPRISING PYRROLIDINONE SOLVENT - A method of ejecting ink from a thermal inkjet printhead. The method comprises the steps of: (i) supplying an ink to at least one nozzle chamber of the printhead; and (ii) actuating a heater element in the nozzle chamber and heating the ink to a temperature sufficient to form a bubble therein, thereby causing the ink to be ejected from a nozzle opening associated with the nozzle chamber. The ink is a solvent-based ink composition comprising:
| 03-17-2011 |
20110063371 | METHOD OF EJECTING SOLVENT-BASED INK COMPOSITION COMPRISING KETONE SOLVENT - A method of ejecting ink from a thermal inkjet printhead. The method comprises the steps of: (i) supplying an ink to at least one nozzle chamber of the printhead; and (ii) actuating a heater element in the nozzle chamber and heating the ink to a temperature sufficient to form a bubble therein, thereby causing the ink to be ejected from a nozzle opening associated with the nozzle chamber. The ink is a solvent-based ink composition comprising:
| 03-17-2011 |
20110063372 | METHOD OF EJECTING SOLVENT-BASED INK COMPOSITION COMPRISING ACETATE SOLVENT - A method of ejecting ink from a thermal inkjet printhead. The method comprises the steps of: (i) supplying an ink to at least one nozzle chamber of the printhead; and (ii) actuating a heater element in the nozzle chamber and heating the ink to a temperature sufficient to form a bubble therein, thereby causing the ink to be ejected from a nozzle opening associated with the nozzle chamber. The ink is a solvent-based ink composition comprising: | 03-17-2011 |
20110063373 | METHOD OF EJECTING SOLVENT-BASED INK COMPOSITION COMPRISING ETHER SOLVENT - A method of ejecting ink from a thermal inkjet printhead. The method comprises the steps of: (i) supplying an ink to at least one nozzle chamber of the printhead; and (ii) actuating a heater element in the nozzle chamber and heating the ink to a temperature sufficient to form a bubble therein, thereby causing the ink to be ejected from a nozzle opening associated with the nozzle chamber. The ink is a solvent-based ink composition comprising:
| 03-17-2011 |
20110063375 | EJECTION NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING DYNAMIC AND STATIC STRUCTURES - An ejection nozzle arrangement is provided having a fluid chamber having a wall and a fluid port, an arm extending through an aperture in the wall, a dynamic structure cantilevered from the wall adjacent the aperture, a static structure cantilevered from the wall adjacent the dynamic structure. The arm is connected to the dynamic and static structures at a point distal from the aperture such that thermal expansion of the dynamic structure moves the arm upwards in the chamber to eject fluid from the chamber through the port. | 03-17-2011 |
20110064919 | SOLVENT-BASED INK COMPOSITION FOR THERMAL INKJETS COMPRISING PYRROLIDINONE SOLVENT - A solvent-based ink composition for a thermal inkjet printhead. The ink composition comprises:
| 03-17-2011 |
20110064920 | SOLVENT-BASED INK COMPOSITION FOR THERMAL INKJETS COMPRISING KETONE SOLVENT - A solvent-based ink composition for a thermal inkjet printhead. The ink composition comprises:
| 03-17-2011 |
20110064921 | SOLVENT-BASED INK COMPOSITION FOR THERMAL INKJETS COMPRISING ACETATE SOLVENT - A solvent-based ink composition for a thermal inkjet printhead. The ink composition comprises:
| 03-17-2011 |
20110064922 | SOLVENT-BASED INK COMPOSITION FOR THERMAL INKJETS COMPRISING ETHER SOLVENT - A solvent-based ink composition for a thermal inkjet printhead. The ink composition comprises:
| 03-17-2011 |
20110064923 | Solvent-Based Inkjet Inks Comprising Surface-Modified Pigments - A solvent-based ink composition for a thermal inkjet printhead comprises a surface-modified pigment. The ink composition comprises:
| 03-17-2011 |
20110069127 | Phthalocyanine dye formulations - An aqueous formulation containing an IR-absorbing phthalocyanine dye. A pH of the formulation is in the range of 3.5 to 7. The formulation has a red-shifted Q-band whilst maintaining compatibility with CMYK inkjet inks | 03-24-2011 |
20110069351 | CREATING DATA ASSOCIATING A SURFACE WITH INFORMATION PRINTED ON THE SURFACE - A system is disclosed for creating association data associating document information with a surface of a print medium the document information is printed upon. The system has a printer for printing the document information onto the surface of the print medium. The print medium has tags on respective surfaces of the print medium. Each tag encodes an identity unique to the surface. The system further has at least one sensor for sensing the tags of the print medium in a media feed path of the printer, and a computer system for creating association data associating the document information printed onto the surface of the print medium with the identity of the surface. | 03-24-2011 |
20110069354 | PRINTING SYSTEM UTILIZING CARTRIDGE PRE-STORED WITH IDENTIFIERS WITH IDENTIFYING PRINTED PAGES - A printer system for printing pages belonging to an interactive page system includes a cartridge comprising a data storage area in which is pre-stored a range of identifiers, each identifier being unique throughout the interactive page system; and a printer comprising an interface for receiving the cartridge, a reader for reading an identifier from the range of pre-stored identifiers, a coded data generator for generating a page identifier from the identifier, and a printing mechanism for printing the page identifier onto a page. The reader reads a previously unread identifier from the range of identifiers each time the coded data generator is to generate a page identifier. | 03-24-2011 |
20110081092 | METHOD OF STORING DATA ON A PHOTOGRAPH - A method of storing data on a photograph containing an image includes the steps of: delimiting a plurality of data block regions on the photograph; compressing data representing the image contained in the photograph with a compression technique; redundantly encoding the compressed data using Reed-Solomon encoding techniques; shuffling the redundantly encoded compressed data in a deterministic manner to reduce potential effects of localized encoded data damage to the image of said photograph; and printing the shuffled data as dots within the data block regions on the photograph. The printing of the shuffled data is performed simultaneously with a printing out of the image of the photograph. | 04-07-2011 |
20110084130 | METHOD OF IDENTIFYING OBJECT USING PORTION OF RANDOM PATTERN IDENTIFIED VIA FIDUCIAL - A method of identifying an object having coded data identifying a plurality of fiducials on a surface of the object and a random pattern superimposed with the coded data. The random pattern defines a fingerprint for the object. The method includes the steps of: receiving, in a computer system, fingerprint data from a data reader interacting with the surface, the fingerprint data identifying some of the random pattern and a fiducial; using the fiducial to identify a portion of the random pattern; and identifying, using the identified portion of the random pattern, an object identity. | 04-14-2011 |
20110084141 | METHOD FOR READING BARCODES IN ABSENCE OF LOCATION-INDICATING TAGS - A method of recovering a waveform representing a linear bar code, the method including the steps of: moving a sensing device relative to the barcode, said sensing device having a two-dimensional image sensor; capturing, using the image sensor, a plurality of two-dimensional partial images of said bar code during said movement; determining, from at least one of the images, a direction substantially perpendicular to the bars of the bar code; determining, substantially along the direction, a waveform fragment corresponding to each captured image; determining an alignment between each pair of successive waveform fragments; and recovering, from the aligned waveform fragments, the waveform. The method is performed only in the absence of a location-indicating tag in a field of view of the image sensor. | 04-14-2011 |
20110085006 | Printhead having Mirrored Rows of Print Nozzles - A printhead having at least first and second rows of print nozzles. Each nozzle has first circuitry of a first type arranged asymmetrically to second circuitry of a second type. The respective positions of the first and second circuitry of each nozzle of the first row are arranged mirrored with respect to the first and second circuitry of each nozzle of the second row. | 04-14-2011 |
20110085008 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING RECESSED PRINTHEAD - A printhead assembly of a body and printhead is provided. The body has a first side, a second side opposed to the first side, the second side having a channel connected to a fluid supply, a recess separately defined in the second side, a plurality of passages defined through the body from the channel to the first side, and a plurality of fluid openings defined through the body from the first side to the recess, the fluid openings being individually connected to the channel via the passages. The printhead has fluid inlets connected to ejection nozzles, the printhead being received in the recess so that the fluid inlets interface with the fluid openings. | 04-14-2011 |
20110085010 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH MINIMAL LEAKAGE - A printhead assembly includes an ink manifold having a plurality of ink outlets defined in a manifold bonding surface; one or more printhead integrated circuits, each printhead integrated circuit having a plurality of ink inlets defined in a printhead bonding surface; and an adhesive film sandwiched between said manifold bonding surface and said one or more printhead bonding surfaces, said film having a plurality of ink supply holes defined therein, each ink supply hole being aligned with an ink outlet and an ink inlet. The adhesive film is a laminated film comprising a central polymeric film sandwiched between a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer, the first adhesive layer has a melt temperature lower than that of the second adhesive layer. | 04-14-2011 |
20110085011 | INK SUPPLY SYSTEM HAVING DOWNSTREAM CONDUIT LOOP - An ink supply system for an inkjet printer. The ink supply system includes: an upstream ink conduit for connection with an ink inlet of a printhead; a pressure-regulating chamber having an outlet port connected to the upstream ink conduit, the chamber containing ink at a first level below the printhead, wherein a headspace above the first level of ink is open to atmosphere; and a downstream ink conduit for connection with an ink outlet of the printhead, the downstream ink conduit extending above the first level of ink and being open to atmosphere. The downstream ink conduit has a loop section passing below the first level of ink, such that, in a printing configuration, a second level of ink in the loop section is equal to the first level of ink in the chamber. | 04-14-2011 |
20110086446 | METHOD OF FORMING THERMAL BEND ACTUATOR WITH CONNECTOR POSTS CONNECTED TO DRIVE CIRCUITRY - A method of forming a thermal bend actuator in an inkjet nozzle assembly. The method includes: depositing sidewalls and a roof layer to define a nozzle chamber; defining first and second vias in one sidewall to reveal first and second electrodes; filling the vias with a conductive material using electroless plating to provide first and second connector posts; depositing an active beam material onto the roof layer; etching the active beam material to define a planar active beam member comprising a bent or serpentine beam element; and etching the roof layer to define the thermal bend actuator. | 04-14-2011 |
20110090266 | COMPACT PRINTER WITH STATIC PAGE WIDTH PRINTHEAD - A printer includes an elongate support case defining a docking bay and having a personal computer interface connector protruding from a first end thereof; a print media cartridge configured to dock in the docking bay in a releasable manner; a page-width printhead assembly mounted across a second end of the support case opposite the first end, the page-width printhead assembly including a static ink ejection printhead for ejecting ink upon print media supplied from the print media cartridge; and a series of ink channel reservoirs including one reservoir for each color printed by the ink ejection printhead. The reservoirs are formed around the ink ejection printhead with feed channels progressively reducing in size to feed the printhead. | 04-21-2011 |
20110090280 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY HAVING FLUID DRAINAGE - A printhead maintenance facility is provided having a storage reservoir for storing fluid ejected by a printhead and a core movable relative to the printhead. The has an internal structure defining the storage reservoir and having a port in fluid communication with the storage reservoir, and an external structure movable relative to the internal structure and having a drain movable into registration with the port to establish fluid communication between the drain and storage reservoir. | 04-21-2011 |
20110090285 | PRINTHEAD HAVING DISPLACABLE NOZZLES - A printhead is provided having a plurality of nozzles defined on a substrate. Each nozzle is configured to hold fluid and has an ejection port and an actuator for moving the nozzle relative to the substrate to eject the held fluid through the ejection port. | 04-21-2011 |
20110090286 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT HAVING EXPOSED ACTIVE BEAM COATED WITH POLYMER LAYER - A printhead integrated circuit includes: a substrate comprising drive circuitry; a ceramic nozzle plate spaced apart from the substrate, the nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzle openings and a plurality of moveable portions defined therein; an active beam disposed on each moveable portion of the nozzle plate, such that each moveable portion is moveable towards the substrate when a current from the drive circuitry is passed through a respective active beam; and a polymer layer coating the nozzle plate and the active beams, wherein the polymer layer is comprised of a polymerized siloxane. | 04-21-2011 |
20110090287 | PRINTHEAD HAVING EJECTION NOZZLES WITH DISPLACEABLE FLUID CHAMBERS - A printhead is provided having a plurality of ejection nozzles defined in an array along a substrate. Each nozzle has a wall portion bounding a respective fluid inlet defined in the substrate, a crown portion defining an ejection port, a skirt portion depending from the crown portion to form part of a peripheral wall of the nozzle, and an actuator. The crown and skirt portions are displaceable with respect to the wall portion to alter a volume of a fluid chamber defined by the wall, crown and skirt portions such that when the volume is altered, fluid is ejected from the ejection port. The crown portion defines a rim surrounding the ejection port so as to facilitate formation of a meniscus of the fluid. The actuator causes the displacement of the crown and skirt portions. | 04-21-2011 |
20110090288 | NOZZLE ASSEMBLY OF AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers, the shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal, a transfer register for latching data in one of the registers of the shift register; a control gate for outputting a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register, and a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. The nozzle is spaced from other nozzles ejecting ink of a same colour by less than 32 microns in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of a print media upon which ink is ejected. | 04-21-2011 |
20110090519 | CONTROLLER HAVING TAG ENCODER FOR PRINTHEAD - A controller for a printhead is provided having an encoder for encoding tags to be printed on a page. The encoder has an input at which to receive a tag structure template having at least one predetermined mark position, an input at which to receive fixed data bits, an input at which to receive variable data bits, and a dot generator which uses the input tag structure template, and fixed and variable data bits for outputting, for at least one mark position of a respective tag, a single bit indicating if a dot is to be provided at the at least one mark position, for the respective tag. | 04-21-2011 |
20110092250 | MOBILE DEVICE WITH DUAL OPTICAL SENSING PATHWAYS - A mobile device mobile device having an internal printer is disclosed. A media path is provided for receiving a print medium and a media drive mechanism transport the print medium along the media path past a printhead of the printer. An optical sensor and two separate optical pathways are also provided. The first optical pathway allows the optical sensor to image a surface of the print medium in the media path. The second optical pathway allows the optical sensor to image an area external to the mobile device. | 04-21-2011 |
20110096041 | METHOD OF INTERACTING WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A method of interacting with a printed substrate. The method includes the steps of: interacting with the printed substrate using an optically imaging pen having a nib; imaging a tag on the substrate to provide image data; identifying target elements in the image data and inferring a perspective transform using perspective distortion of the target elements due to a tilt of the pen; acquiring and decoding coded data contained in the imaged tag; calculating a nib position using a tag location, the perspective transform and a known geometry of pen optics; and communicating digital ink to a computer system. The digital ink identifies the nib position and the substrate identity such that the computer system can interpret the digital ink and perform an action in response to the interaction with the printed substrate. | 04-28-2011 |
20110096122 | INKJET NOZZLE WITH PADDLE LAYER ARRANGED BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND WAFERS - An inkjet nozzle includes a first wafer having active drive circuitry together with an ink jet print nozzle formed therein; a second wafer having an ink channel formed therein; and a paddle layer sandwiched between the first and second wafers in a chamber complementarily defined by the wafers. The paddle layer is in signal communication with the active drive circuitry so that ink supplied via the ink channel is ejected via the print nozzle upon actuation of the paddle layer by the circuitry. The first wafer includes a silicon wafer upon which is fabricated an epitaxial boron doped layer, an epitaxial silicon layer, drive transistors and distribution circuitry forming a CMOS logic and drive transistor level, and a silicon nitride layer. | 04-28-2011 |
20110096123 | INKJET PRINTER CRADLE WITH SHAPED RECESS FOR RECEIVING A PRINTER CARTRIDGE - An inkjet printer system including a plurality of inkjet printer cartridges; and a number of inkjet printer cradles each including a body defining a recess and arranged to receive and operate each of a set of supported inkjet printer cartridges of the plurality of inkjet printer cartridges;wherein those inkjet cartridges of said plurality not belonging to the set of supported inkjet printer cartridges, in respect of a particular one of said number of inkjet printer cradles, are shaped to prevent their reception into the recess of said particular inkjet printer cradle. | 04-28-2011 |
20110096125 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH NOZZLE LAYER DEFINING ETCHANT HOLES - An inkjet printhead for an inkjet printer includes a wafer substrate defining an ink supply channel therethrough; side wall portions extending away from a surface of the wafer substrate; a nozzle layer supported on the side wall portions and extending parallel to the surface of the wafer substrate, the nozzle layer and the side wall portions defining an array of nozzle chambers, the nozzle layer defining ink ejection ports and etchant holes, the etchant holes being of sufficient diameter to retain ink in the nozzle chamber by surface tension; and a plurality of thermal actuators cantilevered on the wafer substrate, each thermal actuator being respectively positioned in a nozzle chambers to partition the nozzle chamber. A portion of each thermal actuator facing away from a respective ink ejection port is hydrophobic to facilitate the forming of an air bubble between the thermal actuator and the wafer substrate. | 04-28-2011 |
20110097128 | BINDING PRINTER - A binding printer is provided which has a media transport assembly configured to transport individual sheets of media along a media path, a printhead assembly configured to print on the sheets transported along the media path, and a binding assembly configured to bind together the printed sheets transported along the media path. The binding assembly has a binding platen configured to press each printed sheet transported onto a support platen to preceding sheets supported on the support platen to bind the printed sheets together, and a chassis defining an inlet for receiving the transported printed sheets and an exit hatch from which the bound printed sheets are removable. | 04-28-2011 |
20110098084 | MOBILE PHONE WITH RETRACTABLE STYLUS - A mobile phone includes: a phone body having a stylus holder; a retractable stylus slidably mounted in the holder, the stylus being slidable between a retracted position and an extended writing position, the stylus having a nib including an inkjet printhead; an ink cartridge, housed in the phone body, for supplying ink to the inkjet printhead of the stylus; and a flexible conduit linking the cartridge to the stylus. The flexible conduit is configured for carrying data, power and ink. | 04-28-2011 |
20110098858 | SYSTEM FOR MOVING MOBILE ROBOTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PREDETERMINED ALGORITHM - A system for moving robots in accordance with a predetermined algorithm. The system includes: a surface having a position-coding pattern which identifies the surface; mobile robots for moving across the surface, each robot being configured for sensing and decoding the position-coding pattern; and a computer system in communication with the mobile robots. The computer system is configured to send instructions for moving each mobile robot relative to the surface in response to position information corresponding to that mobile robot. Further, the computer system is configured to determine instructions for moving each mobile robot using a predetermined algorithm. The predetermined algorithm is selected on the basis of the identity of the surface. | 04-28-2011 |
20110102379 | ELECTRONIC STYLUS WITH FORCE SENSING ARRANGEMENT - An electronic stylus including: an elongate body; a nib extending from one end of the elongate body; a load bearing member mounted to the elongate body for receiving an input force caused by contact on the nib, the load bearing member having a first protrusion with a rounded end; a coupling for transmitting the input force to the load bearing member, the coupling having a second protrusion extending centrally from a flange such that the distal end of the second protrusion engages the rounded end; circuitry for converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force; and a housing defining a recess for the circuitry. The rounded end of the first protrusion from the load bearing member extends proud of the recess for engaging the coupling. | 05-05-2011 |
20110102845 | METHOD OF PRINTING A COPY OF A PREVIOUSLY PRINTED DOCUMENT - A method is disclosed of printing copy of a document previously printed. The method starts by printing a list of documents previously printed by printing a list of history items and coded data associated with respective history items. Each history item corresponds to one of a plurality of documents previously printed. A sensing device then senses the coded data associated with one of the history items, and a computer system receives request data from the sensing device. The request data is dependent upon the coded data sensed by the sensing device. A copy of the document previously printed corresponding to the history item associated with the coded data sensed by the sensing device is retrieved and printed. | 05-05-2011 |
20110104455 | SUBSTRATE HAVING DYE WITH DENDRIMER AXIAL LIGANDS DISPOSED THEREON - A substrate having an IR-absorbing metal-cyanine dye disposed thereon. The dye is a metal-cyanine complex of formula (I): | 05-05-2011 |
20110109700 | INK EJECTION MECHANISM WITH THERMAL ACTUATOR COIL - A micro-electromechanical ejection mechanism is disclosed for ejecting an ink droplet. The mechanism has a wafer substrate and an ink chamber formed on the wafer substrate. The ink chamber has an ink ejection nozzle formed in a roof thereof and an ink inlet port formed in a floor thereof. A paddle device is arranged inside the ink chamber between the inlet port and the ejection nozzle A bi-layer thermal actuator coil is also included with a first end thereof fast with the substrate and a second end connected to the paddle device. Heating of the thermal actuator coil displaces the paddle device, causing ejection of an ink droplet through the ink ejection nozzle. | 05-12-2011 |
20110109940 | CONTACT DETAILS RETRIEVAL USING A PRINTED MEDIUM - A system for retrieving contact details using a print medium is disclosed. A sensor module senses data encoded on a surface of the print medium is sensed using. The sensed data encodes a print media identifier which uniquely identifies the print medium, and a two-dimensional position with respect to the surface of the print medium. A processor determines from the sensed data the print media identifier and the position of the sensor module relative to the surface of the print medium. The processor then retrieves contact details referenced by the print media identifier and the position of the sensor module from a database. | 05-12-2011 |
20110110609 | DEVICE WITH MOTION SENSING ACCELEROMETERS - A device is disclosed having an elongate housing. A pair of orthogonal accelerometers and an infrared sensor arrangement are mounted in the elongate housing. The infrared sensor arrangement is configured to sense information printed on a surface in infrared ink. The pair of orthogonal accelerometers is configured to sense relative positions of the elongate housing. A transceiver is also includes in the housing for communicating the information and relative positions to a remote computer system. | 05-12-2011 |
20110116856 | PRINTING DEVICE HAVING RETRACTABLE NIB ACTUATED PRINTER - A printing device is provided having a nib configured to retract into the device when pressed upon a surface, an ink supply, and ink ejection nozzles in fluid communication with the ink supply and configured to print ink upon the surface responsive to the retraction of the nib. | 05-19-2011 |
20110122183 | PRINTHEAD INCORPORATING PRESSURE PULSE DIFFUSING STRUCTURES BETWEEN INK CHAMBERS SUPPLIED BY SAME INK INLET - An inkjet printer includes a printhead having a plurality of ink chambers fed be an ink inlet, each ink chamber having a heater element for ejecting drops of ink from a nozzle aperture of each chamber; a plurality of pressure pulse diffusing structure positioned between the plurality of ink chambers fed by the ink inlet, the plurality of pressure pulse diffusing structures for retarding a propagation of pressure waves generated by each ink chamber to adjacent ink chambers; and a controller for receiving print data and generating drive pulses to energize the heater elements in accordance with the print data. The controller increases the drive pulse energy during the printhead lifetime such that the drive pulse energy is never less than that of a preceding drive pulse. | 05-26-2011 |
20110122201 | PRINTHEAD HAVING RELATIVELY DIMENSIONED EJECTION PORTS AND ARMS - A printhead is provided having chambers for fluid, ejection ports defined in the chambers, and ejection arms positioned in the chambers, each arm having a displacement area which is displaced against fluid in the respective chamber to eject the fluid from the respective ejection port. Each displacement area is greater than half an area of the respective ejection port and less than twice the area of that ejection port. | 05-26-2011 |
20110122203 | THERMAL BEND ACTUATOR WITH CONDUCTION PAD AT BEND REGION - A thermal bend actuator includes: a first active cantilever beam for connection to drive circuitry, the first beam having a bent planar beam element; a second passive cantilever beam fused to the first beam; a conduction pad sandwiched between the first and second beams; and first and second adjacent electrode contacts positioned at one side of the actuator. A first end of the beam element is connected to the first contact and a second end of the beam element is connected to the second contact. The conduction pad is positioned at a bend region of the planar beam element so as to facilitate electrical conduction around the bend region | 05-26-2011 |
20110122209 | INKJET PRINTER WITH PRESSURE REGULATOR - An inkjet printer has an inkjet printhead and an ink pressure regulator for regulating a hydrostatic pressure of ink supplied to the printhead. The regulator includes a bubble outlet positioned in a headspace of an ink chamber for bubbling air bubbles directly into the headspace at all operative ink levels. A capillary channel supplies ink from the chamber to the bubble outlet by capillary action and an air channel connects an air inlet with the bubble outlet. The bubble outlet is dimensioned to control a Laplace pressure of air bubbles drawn into the ink chamber as result of supplying ink to the printhead, thereby regulating a hydrostatic pressure of the ink. | 05-26-2011 |
20110122261 | Camera Unit Incorporating A Printer Configured To Print Distorted Images - A camera unit includes a display configured to display an image to be captured. An image sensor is configured to digitally capture the displayed image. A card reader is configured to read a removable data card carrying distortion information. A printer is configured to print a distorted image on print media. The distorted image is a version of the captured image which has been distorted in accordance with the distortion information. The printer includes a replaceable print roll carrying both the print media and ink to be printed upon the print media. A validation apparatus is configured to validate the replaceable print roll and enable the printer to print the distorted image only subsequent to validation of the print roll. | 05-26-2011 |
20110122263 | CAMERA SYSTEM FOR WITH VELOCITY SENSOR AND DE-BLURRING PROCESSOR - A camera system for outputting deblurred still images includes a portable handheld camera device comprising an image sensor for recording an image; a two-dimensional accelerometer for detecting an angular velocity of the camera system relative to an external environment and to produce an angular velocity output indicative thereof; a linear image sensor for sensing data provided on an encoded card inserted into the camera system, the encoded card containing instructions for the manipulation of the image; and a processor for receiving the image from the image sensor, receiving the angular velocity output from the two-dimensional accelerometer, and processing the image in accordance with the instructions sensed from the encoded to deblur any blurred pixels present in the image in consideration of the angular velocity output. | 05-26-2011 |
20110122431 | CONTROL OF A COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A system for controlling a communications device is disclosed. A printer prints on a surface visual information relating to at least one operation of the communications device and coded data portions. Each coded data portion encodes a region identifier which uniquely identifies a region on the surface, and a portion identifier which uniquely identifies the coded data portion. A sensing device placed in an operative position relative to the coded data portions, generate indicating data regarding the region identifier and the portion identifier. A computer system receives the indicating data and determines an operation associated with the region identifier and the portion identifier. Finally, the computer system sends one or more commands to the communications device, thereby effecting the at least one operation. | 05-26-2011 |
20110122445 | METHOD OF DISPLAYING PHOTOS ON DIGITAL PHOTO FRAME - A method of displaying photos on a digital photo frame. The digital photo frame has a photo-sized display screen rotatably mounted on a support such that the display screen is configurable in landscape-viewing or portrait-viewing orientations by rotation of the screen. The method includes the steps of: receiving an instruction to display photos stored in a memory associated with the digital photo frame; determining an orientation of the display screen; retrieving only photo image files from the memory that are tagged with an orientation corresponding to the orientation of the display screen; and displaying the retrieved photo image files as photos on the display screen. | 05-26-2011 |
20110128326 | PRINTHEAD HAVING DUAL ARM EJECTION ACTUATORS - A printhead is provided which has a plurality of fluid chambers and nozzles for ejection of fluid from the chambers defined on a substrate having electrical circuitry. Each chamber has an actuator cantilevered on the substrate with a first arm connected to the electrical circuitry and a second arm connected at each end to the first arm. Electrical current from the electrical circuitry causing heating and expansion of the first arm relative to the second arm thereby deflecting the actuator relative to the substrate. Each actuator has an ejection member connected to the free end and positioned within the chamber so that the deflection of the actuator causes displacement of the ejection member resulting in ejection of fluid from the chamber through the nozzle. | 06-02-2011 |
20110129168 | PEN-SHAPED SENSING DEVICE FOR SENSING SURFACE REGIONS - A pen-shaped sensing device is provided for sensing coded data disposed which is substantially invisible to the average unaided human eye on a surface. The device has a region identity sensor configured to sense, when the sensing device is positioned or moved relative to a region of the surface, and using at least some of the coded data, region identity data indicative of an identity of the region, and a transmitter configured to transmit the sensed region identity data to the computer system to a computer system. | 06-02-2011 |
20110134173 | METHOD OF OPERATING PRINTER WITH INCORRECTLY OPERATING NOZZLES - A method is provided of operating a printer which has a printhead having ejection nozzles configured to print an array of rows and columns of dots and control means. The method includes monitoring for incorrectly printed columns with the control means, and increasing the duration of a signal delivered with the control means to correctly operating nozzles neighbouring incorrectly operating nozzles associated with the incorrectly printed columns. | 06-09-2011 |
20110134189 | INKJET PRINTER HAVING MODULAR PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD - An inkjet printer having a modular pagewidth printhead. The printhead includes: an elongate spine defining a plurality of ink outlets, each ink outlet being in fluid communication with a corresponding ink channel; a plurality of printhead modules serially engaged along the spine, each printhead module defining ink inlets aligned with respective ink outlets; and an elongate U-channel retaining the plurality of printhead modules and the spine within a cavity defined by the U-channel. The U-channel exerts a retaining force on the spine and each printhead module such that ink inlets defined in each printhead module are sealingly engaged with respective ink outlets in the spine. | 06-09-2011 |
20110134193 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH AN ACTUATOR HAVING IRIS VANES - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate defining an ink inlet; a plurality of posts extending from the substrate; a roof portion defining an ejection port, the roof portion supported by the plurality of posts; a plurality of vanes extending from the substrate and arranged to form a wall of a chamber around the ink inlet; and a plurality of thermal bend actuators respectively positioned at a base of each vane, each thermal bend actuator having a fixed end in the vicinity of one of the plurality of posts and a displaceable end opposite the fixed end. The plurality of thermal bend actuator are adapted to bend said vanes inwards with respect to the chamber in an iris-type manner to reduce a volume of the chamber, whereby ink is ejected from the chamber via the ejection port. | 06-09-2011 |
20110134198 | PRINTER HAVING SELECTIVELY ISOLATABLE PUMP - A printer is provided having a printhead for printing fluid onto media, a reservoir for supplying fluid to the printhead, a pump for drawing fluid from the reservoir and pumping the drawn fluid into the printhead, and a valve arrangement for selectively opening fluid communication between the pump, reservoir and printhead such that the pump is not in fluid communication with the reservoir whenever the pump is in fluid communication with the printhead. | 06-09-2011 |
20110136538 | Mobile Phone Incorporating Removable Printer - A mobile phone includes a phone body defining front and rear faces, the front face having a keypad and display and the rear face having a removable cover, the phone body further defining a recess between the front and rear faces for receiving a supply of print media; a print media stock container adapted to fit within the recess and accessible with the cover removed; a print media exit slot defined between the front and rear faces, at a base end of the body; a print media feed means for feeding print media from the recess between the front and rear faces through to the print media exit slot at the base end of the body; and a printer assembly removably fitted within the body between the recess and the print media exit slot, the printer assembly including a printhead. | 06-09-2011 |
20110142520 | COLLECTIVE DOCUMENT MARK-UP - Provided is a method of collaborative document mark-ups. A first document including first coded data tags is printed. Coded data tags are indicative of an identity unique to the document the tags are printed on and the position of the respective tags on that document. First indicating data is then received from a first sensing device used to mark-up the first document. The first indicating data includes the identity unique to the first document and positions of markings made on the first document using the first sensing device. A first document version including the markings made on the first document is recorded, and a second document including the markings made on the first document and second coded data tags is printed. The process is then repeated with the second document resulting in the recording of a second document version including the markings made on second document linked to the first document version. | 06-16-2011 |
20110148989 | INK EJECTION DEVICE EMPLOYING CORRUGATED THERMAL ACTUATOR - An ink ejection device for ejecting ink from a nozzle chamber includes an anchor block extending from a supporting substrate, the anchor block including a heating circuit; a first group of elongate corrugated arms attached at a first end thereof to the heating circuit, the first group of elongate corrugated arms being in a first horizontal plane; a second group of elongate corrugated arms attached at a first end to the anchor block and electrically insulated from the heating circuit, the second group of elongate corrugated arms being in a second horizontal plane different from the first horizontal plane; a cross arm joining the first group of at least two elongate corrugated arms and the second group of at least two elongate corrugated arms at a second end of the corrugated arms; and a paddle attached to the cross arm. A first edge of the elongate corrugated arms of the first group and a first edge of the elongate corrugated arms of the second group are in a common horizontal plane between the first and second horizontal planes. | 06-23-2011 |
20110151905 | MESSAGING USING A CODED SURFACE - A method of sending a message using a print medium is disclosed. Coded data on a surface of the business card is sensed by a sensor module in a media feed path of a communications device. The coded data encodes an identifier which uniquely identifies the surface. The identifier is determined from sensed coded data, and a representation of the business card is retrieved using the identifier. The representation of the business card is displayed on display of the communications device, with the representation including fields, with one of the fields being a messaging field. Upon receiving a selection of the messaging field, a communications address is retrieved from a database where the communications address is indexed by the identifier. A message editor is opened in the communications device, with a current message being addressed to the communications address. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153633 | SEARCHING FOR HANDWRITTEN ANNOTATIONS APPEARING A GIVEN DISTANCE FROM DOCUMENT CONTENT - A method of searching a database containing documents with handwritten annotations stored in association with document content is disclosed. The method receives as inputs a handwritten annotation as a handwritten search input and a content element as a content search input. A search is then performed of the database for handwritten annotations in a document matching the handwritten search input and less than a given physical distance from document content equal to the content search input in the document. | 06-23-2011 |
20110157280 | PRINTHEAD NOZZLE ARRANGEMENTS WITH MAGNETIC PADDLE ACTUATORS - A printhead has a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle 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; a magnetic coil arrangement positioned around the inlet of the nozzle chamber; bridge members spanning over the magnetic coil arrangement, the bridge members being supported on support posts protruding from the magnetic coil arrangement and having a resilient characteristic; and a magnetic paddle supported from the bridge members over the inlet, the magnetic paddle for ejecting ink from the chamber via the ejection port. | 06-30-2011 |
20110164081 | ENERGY CONTROL OF A NOZZLE OF AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of a control pulse. Each energy pulse has energy of less than 200 nanojoule. | 07-07-2011 |
20110164099 | INK CARTRIDGE WITH BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE REGULATOR DEFINED IN LAMINATED WALL - An ink cartridge for an inkjet printer having a laminated wall. The laminated wall defines: an air inlet; a regulator channel having a first end communicating with the air inlet and a second end defining a bubble outlet; and a wetting system for maintaining liquid in the regulator channel so as to ensure that air entering a headspace of the cartridge first passes through said liquid. The regulator channel is dimensioned to control a Laplace pressure of air bubbles drawn from the bubble outlet as result of supplying ink to a printhead, and thereby regulates a hydrostatic pressure of the ink. | 07-07-2011 |
20110164264 | Linking an Object to a Position on a Surface - A method of generating an association between a software object and a position on a surface is disclosed. The method starts by sensing, by a sensing device placed on the position on the surface coded data at the position on the surface. The coded data at the position on the surface encodes an identity of the surface and the position of the coded data relative to the surface. The sensing device then generates indicating data using the sensed coded data. The indicating data is indicative of the identity of the surface and the position of the sensed coded data relative to the surface. Upon receiving the indicating data from the sensing device by a computer system, the computer system identifies, using the indicating data, the identity of the surface and the position of the sensed coded data relative to the surface. The computer system also identifies the software object, and then generates an association between the identity of the surface, the position of the sensed coded data relative to the surface, and the software object. | 07-07-2011 |
20110164286 | METHOD OF PRINTING DITHERED IMAGES - A method of printing a dithered image is provided which includes retrieving a planarized linear image from a memory, interpolating, with a processor, the resolution of said retrieved planarized linear image to an intermediate resolution in dependence of the color planes of said retrieved planarized linear image, interpolating, with the processor, the intermediate resolution to a print resolution, producing, with the processor, a dithered image in real-time from said interpolated image at the print resolution, and printing the dithered image using a printhead. | 07-07-2011 |
20110169785 | OPTICALLY IMAGING PEN FOR CAPTURING CONTINUOUS NIB FORCE DATA IN RESPONSE TO CONTROL DATA - An optically imaging pen for sensing a position relative to a surface. The pen includes a nib for interacting with a surface; a force sensor coupled to the nib, an image sensor and a processor. The pen is configured for imaging data portions on the surface; determining if the image data portion contains control data; generating digital ink indicative of a position of the nib relative to the surface; and generating force data as continuous nib force readings only if the imaged data portion contains the control data. | 07-14-2011 |
20110169892 | INKJET NOZZLE INCORPORATING ACTUATOR WITH MAGNETIC POLES - A nozzle for an inkjet printer includes a roof layer defining a nozzle port; a substrate layer defining a nozzle chamber wall supporting the roof layer; an actuator assembly attached to the substrate, the actuator assembly including a support and a lever arm cantilevered from the support to terminate in a piston within the nozzle chamber wall; and a solenoid provided at an end of the lever arm opposite to that of the piston, the solenoid including a movable magnetic pole and a fixed magnetic pole spaced apart from the movable magnetic pole. | 07-14-2011 |
20110174882 | PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR DIGITIZING FREEHAND GRAPHICS - A processing system for digitizing a freehand graphic created by an optically imaging pen. The processing system is configured for: receiving digital ink representing interaction of the pen with a surface having a position-coding pattern printed thereon, the digital ink identifying one or more positions detected by the pen; determining if the detected position is in a first area or a second area of the surface; if the detected position is in the first area of the surface, then interpreting the position as a point in a freehand graphic; and if the detected position is in the second area of the surface, then interpreting the position as a selection of a property for the freehand graphic. | 07-21-2011 |
20110175969 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT INCLUDING ACTIVE AND STATIC INK EJECTING MEMBERS DEFINING VARIABLE-VOLUME CHAMBER - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes an ink inlet; a static ink ejecting member bounding the ink inlet; an active ink ejecting member having a roof defining an ink ejection port and sidewalls depending from the roof towards the substrate, the active ink ejecting member and the static ink ejecting member together defining a 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, the static ink ejecting member includes a sealing structure defined along an edge of the static ink ejecting member and spaced from the sidewall, and the sealing structure is shaped to facilitate a surface tension of a fluid in the variable-volume nozzle chamber to form a fluidic seal between the active and static ink ejecting members. | 07-21-2011 |
20110175970 | INKJET PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT INCORPORATING FULCRUM ASSISTED INK EJECTION ACTUATOR - An inkjet printhead integrated circuit includes a substrate; a drive circuitry layer positioned on the substrate, the substrate and the drive circuitry layer defining a plurality of ink inlet channels; nozzle chamber walls positioned on the substrate, the nozzle chamber walls supporting roof structures to define nozzle chambers in fluid communication with the ink inlet channels; ink ejection ports defined in the roof structures; ink ejection members positioned in respective nozzle chambers and displaceable with respect to the roof structures to eject ink from the ink ejection ports; fulcrum formations fast with the substrate, each fulcrum formation having an effort formation on one side and a load formation on an opposite side; and thermal actuators outside of and associated with respective nozzle chambers and connected to the drive circuitry layer to move with respect to the substrate on receipt of electrical signals from the drive circuitry layer. Each ink ejection member is fast with a respective load formation. Each effort formation is fast with a respective thermal actuator, whereby reciprocal movement generated by the thermal actuators results in reciprocal movement of the ink ejection members and subsequent ink drop ejection from the ink ejection ports The fulcrum, effort and load formations are composite with a primary layer and a secondary layer. | 07-21-2011 |
20110176178 | SYSTEM FOR GENERATING PRINTED INTERFACE SURFACE - A system for generating an interface surface is provided which has a code generator for generating coded data and a printer for printing the generated coded data onto a surface to generate an interface surface. The code generator generates the coded data to be arranged in accordance with a layout having order n rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two. The layout includes n sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation. Each sub-layout includes rotation-indicating data. | 07-21-2011 |
20110181737 | CAMERA INCORPORATING SWIPE PRINTER AND REMOVABLE INK CARTRIDGE - A digital camera includes a housing having a front surface, a rear surface, a base surface and an inclined surface adjoining the rear and base surfaces; an image sensor for capturing an image, the image sensor provided on the front surface; a printer located within the housing for printing the captured image on media external to the camera, a printhead of the printer being provided on the inclined surface and at an angle normal thereto; an ink cartridge having one or more longitudinal ink reservoirs, the ink cartridge removably received in a receptacle defined in the rear surface and biased into ink communication pins in the receptacle by a resilient member arranged at one end of the ink cartridge opposite the ink communication pins; and a speed sensor for sensing a speed at which the camera traverses the media. The printhead of the printer is operated in accordance with the speed sensed by the speed sensor, and the inclined surface is presented parallel to the media to effect printing. | 07-28-2011 |
20110181915 | COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR GENERATING PRINT DATA FOR PRINTING INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT - A computer system for generating print data for an interactive document. The computer being is configured for: receiving a print request from a user; formatting user information in an electronic document so as to include a first user interactive element; determining advertising material for printing with the user information; formatting the advertising material so as to include a second user interactive element; and generating print data for printing the formatted user information and the formatted advertising material together with coincident coded data on a substrate. The coded data is readable by a sensing device and is indicative of a document identity and the first and second interactive elements. | 07-28-2011 |
20110187386 | METHOD OF DETECTING MEM DEVICE FAULTS WITH SINGLE CURRENT PULSE - A method of detecting a fault within a micro electro-mechanical device is provided. The micro electro-mechanical device has a support structure and an actuating arm that is movable relative to the support structure because of thermal expansion of at least part of the actuating arm caused by heat inducing current flow through at least that part. The method comprises the steps of passing a first current pulse having a predetermined duration t | 08-04-2011 |
20110193911 | METHOD OF MINIMIZING KOGATION IN THERMAL INKJET PRINTHEADS - A method of minimizing kogation of a heater element in a thermal inkjet printhead. The method comprises the steps of: (i) supplying an inkjet ink to a nozzle chamber of the printhead; and (ii) repeatedly actuating a heater element in the nozzle chamber so as to heat a portion of the ink to a temperature sufficient to form a bubble therein, thereby causing droplets of ink to be ejected from a nozzle opening associated with the nozzle chamber. The ink comprises an acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature (T | 08-11-2011 |
20110197443 | INKJET PRINTHEAD PRODUCTION METHOD - A method of producing an ink jet printhead includes steps of forming a substrate having defined therein a nozzle chamber for receiving and storing a fluid, the chamber fed at one side by an inlet passage; forming a nozzle plate in-situ on the substrate to define a nozzle opening on an opposite side of the nozzle chamber to the inlet passage; forming first and second heater elements suspended between the nozzle opening and the inlet passage, the heater elements each having two opposite planar sides and each positioned to be in direct thermal contact with the fluid stored in the nozzle chamber at both opposed planar sides; connecting the first heater element to a first drive circuit; and connecting the second heater element to a second drive circuit separate from the first drive circuit. The first heater element is formed on a different layer to the second heater element, and the first heater element is formed with a surface area larger than that the second heater element. | 08-18-2011 |
20110199451 | PRINTER HAVING ARCUATE PRINTHEAD - A printer is provided having housing, and print head and inlet roller assemblies housed by the housing. The print head assembly has at least one print head for printing on print media fed along a print media feed path and the print head has an arcuate portion in the vicinity of the print media feed path. The inlet roller assembly has at least one inlet roller for feeding print media along the print media feed path. The arcuate portion of the print head has a radius of curvature approximating that of the inlet roller. | 08-18-2011 |
20110205304 | Thermal Bend Actuator With Resistive Heating Bar - A thermal bend actuator including: a pair of electrical contacts positioned at one end of the actuator; an active beam connected to the electrical contacts and extending longitudinally away from the contacts, the active beam defining a bent current flow path between the contacts; and a passive beam fused to the active beam. When a current is passed through the active beam, the active beam heats and expands relative to the passive beam, resulting in bending of the actuator. The active beam includes a resistive heating bar having a relatively smaller cross-sectional area than any other part of the current flow path. Heating of the active beam is concentrated in the heating bar. | 08-25-2011 |
20110208966 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT FOR AUTHENTICATION OF CONSUMABLE STORAGE DEVICE - An integrated circuit is provided for the authentication of a consumable storage device by an apparatus. The integrated circuit has a memory space which contains encrypted data defined by a message authentication code (MAC) applied to data relating to a consumable stored by the device. The MAC is a construction of an asymmetric cryptographic function whereby a public key K | 08-25-2011 |
20110211020 | PRINTHEAD MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH MOTION-TRANSMITTING STRUCTURE - A micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement for a printhead integrated circuit the nozzle arrangement includes a nozzle chamber bounded by a distal sidewall and a proximal sidewall, and capped by a roof defining an ink ejection port; a paddle located in the nozzle chamber below the ink ejection port; an actuator arm positioned outside of the nozzle chamber in the vicinity of the proximal sidewall, the actuator arm having a fixed end fixed to a substrate of the nozzle arrangement and a working end displaceable towards and away from the substrate; and a motion transmitting structure interconnecting the working end of the actuator arm and the paddle. The motion transmitting structure defines part of the proximal sidewall. | 09-01-2011 |
20110211023 | PRINTHEAD EJECTION NOZZLE - A printhead ejection nozzle is provided having a substrate defining a supply passage for ejection fluid, a chamber in fluid communication with the supply passage and an ejection port, an ejection member disposed between the supply passage and the ejection port, and a heater element coupled to the ejection member for causing ejection of the ejection fluid supplied via the supply passage from the ejection port. | 09-01-2011 |
20110211025 | PRINTHEAD NOZZLE HAVING HEATER OF HIGHER RESISTANCE THAN CONTACTS - A printhead nozzle is provided having a plurality of electrodes, a heater having contacts abutting the electrodes, a heater element for heating a quantity of fluid and sloped side portions extending between the heater element and the contacts, and a nozzle spaced from the heater such that the heated fluid is ejected through the nozzle. The heater element has higher electrical resistance than the contacts and the sloped side portions. | 09-01-2011 |
20110211048 | DIGITAL CAMERA HAVING IMAGE PROCESSOR AND PRINTER - A digital camera is provided having an image sensor for imaging a scene, a processor for processing the imaged scene in accordance with a programmable scene transformation requirement, and a printer having a consumables cartridge and a printhead for printing the processed scene directly from the processor onto print media of the cartridge. | 09-01-2011 |
20110211080 | IMAGE SENSING AND PRINTING DEVICE - An image sensing and printing digital camera device includes a housing defining a slot for receiving a printed instruction card having printed thereon an array of dots representing a programming script, the housing further storing therein a roll of print media; an area image sensor for sensing an image and generating pixel data representing the image; a linear image sensor for scanning the array of dots on the card and converting the array of dots into a data signal; a microcontroller provided in the housing, the microcontroller for decoding the data signal into the programming script and applying the programming script on the pixel data; a printing mechanism for printing on the pixel data, having applied thereto the programming script, on the roll of print media; a guillotine for cutting the roll of print media; and a print manager for activating the guillotine upon receipt of a signal indicate of a manual attempt to pull the print media from the housing. | 09-01-2011 |
20110215145 | METHOD OF DISPENSING A PRODUCT - A method of dispensing a product is disclosed. The product has associated packaging. The packaging has disposed thereon coded data. The coded data is indicative of an identity of the product. The coded data is sensed by a sensing device and indicating data indicative of the identity of the product is generated based on the sensed coded data. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry. The layout including n sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a center of rotation. A processor receives the indicating data from the sensing device and determines at least one criterion for dispensing the product. The processor causes the product to be dispensed when the at least one criterion is satisfied. | 09-08-2011 |
20110216116 | PRINTER INCLUDING DOT DATA GENERATOR WITH STOCHASTICALLY RAMPED PRINT DATA - A printer including a plurality of printhead modules located across a print media transport path is disclosed. Each printhead module has an elongate printhead. Nozzles of respective printheads overlap with nozzles of printheads of neighboring printhead modules. The printer further includes a dot data generator for providing print data to nozzles such that print data is stochastically ramped from one neighbouring printhead module to a next neighbouring printhead module. | 09-08-2011 |
20110216332 | SYSTEM FOR CREATING GARMENTS USING CAMERA AND ENCODED CARD - A garment creation system includes a card, a camera and a processing system. The has printed thereon a depiction of a garment and encoded information. The encoded information carries instructions for generating garments pieces corresponding to the garment and manipulating an input image so as to be mapped onto the garment pieces. The camera and processing system are configured for: optically reading the encoded information on said card; capturing an image; mapping the captured image onto the garment pieces; generating print data for the garment pieces; and communicating the print data to a garment fabric printer. | 09-08-2011 |
20110216369 | METHOD OF STORING DATA ON A PHOTOGRAPH - A method of storing data on a photograph includes delimiting a plurality of data block regions on the photograph, the plurality of data block regions superposing a region of the photograph delimited for the printing of a photographic image; compressing data representing the image contained in the photograph with a compression technique; redundantly encoding the compressed data using Reed-Solomon encoding techniques; shuffling the redundantly encoded compressed data in a deterministic manner to reduce potential effects of localized encoded data caused by damage to the photograph; and printing the shuffled data as dots within the data block regions on the photograph. The printing of the shuffled data is performed simultaneously with a printing of the image of the photograph. | 09-08-2011 |
20110226156 | METHOD OF FORMULATING INK HAVING MINIMAL VISIBLE COLORATION - A method of formulating an aqueous ink having minimal visible coloration. The method includes the steps of: providing an aqueous ink formulation containing a sulfonated water-soluble IR-absorbing naphthalocyanine dye having a central metal atom moiety; and adjusting a pH of the formulation to a pH value in the range of 4 to 6.5 so as to minimize visible coloration of the formulation. | 09-22-2011 |
20110226520 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CARRIER ASSEMBLY - A carrier assembly for an integrated circuit is disclosed. The assembly has a printed circuit board, a receiving zone for operatively locating the integrated circuit, and a matrix of island contacts surrounding the receiving zone. The matrix of island contacts is separated from the receiving zone by a passage and is in electrical contact with the PCB. The receiving zone electrically connects the integrated circuit to the island contacts. | 09-22-2011 |
20110226851 | METHOD OF INTERACTING WITH SUBSTRATE IN CURSOR AND HYPERLINKING MODES - A method of interacting with a substrate and communicating with a computer system using a sensing device operable in a plurality of modes including a cursor control mode and a hyperlinking mode. The method includes the steps of: actuating a nib switch of the sensing device when a nib force exceeds a predetermined threshold; optically imaging coded data printed on the substrate; generating cursor control data when the sensing device is in said cursor control mode; generating interaction data using the imaged coded data when the sensing device is in the hyperlinking mode; and communicating the cursor control data or the interaction data to a computer system. The cursor control data initiates a cursor control response in the computer system while the interaction data initiates a hyperlinking response in the computer system. | 09-22-2011 |
20110226862 | SURFACE BEARING CODED DATA - A surface bearing machine-readable coded data is provided. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two, and having mirror symmetry. The layout has n identical first sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation, and n identical second sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation. Each second sub-layout is a reflection of a corresponding first sub-layout. The sub-layout(s) has rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from another sub-layout(s), and reflection-indicating data that distinguishes the reflection of that sub-layout from the reflection of a corresponding reflected sub-layout. | 09-22-2011 |
20110227821 | ELECTRONIC BOOK WITH BUILT-IN CARD SCANNER - An electronic book includes a housing having a first body section and a second body section pivotable with respect to each other, the first and second body sections together defining a pair of internal faces and a pair of external faces; a spine member coupling the first and second body sections, the spine member defining a longitudinal cavity therethrough and a longitudinal slot providing entry into the longitudinal cavity; a card slot provided on one of the external faces; a flexible display screen extending across both internal faces; microprocessor circuitry positioned in the housing between the card slot and the display screen; and a card scanner mounted in the housing between the microprocessor circuitry and the card slot, the card scanner facing away from the display screen and configured to scan a card inserted into the card slot and to convert a two-dimensional pattern on the card into data signals. In a pivoted position where pair of internal faces oppose each other, a middle portion of the flexible display screen extends into the longitudinal cavity of the spine member via the longitudinal slot to form a loop. | 09-22-2011 |
20110227882 | SENSING DEVICE FOR SENSING CODED DATA ON SURFACE - A sensing device for sensing coded data on a surface is provided having marking and non-marking nibs for contact with the surface, a selection mechanism for moving the nibs relative to each other to select which nib contacts the surface, an image sensor for sensing the coded data, memory for storing respective identities of the nibs, and a processor for identifying the selected nib from the stored nib identities and processing the sensed coded data. The coded data is encoded in coded tags printed across the surface and indicates the position of that tag on the surface and an identity of the surface which is associated with a digital description of the surface maintained by a processing device. The processor determines an orientation and a position of the sensing device relative to the surface from the sensed coded data and the digital description. | 09-22-2011 |
20110227974 | CONTROLLER FOR ENCODING TAGS FOR PRINTING BY PRINTHEAD - A controller is provided for encoding tags to be printed by a printhead controlled by the controller. The controller has an input at which to receive a tag structure template having at least one predetermined mark position, an input at which to receive fixed data bits, an input at which to receive variable data bits, and a dot generator which uses the input tag structure template, and fixed and variable data bits for outputting, for at least one mark position of a respective tag, a single bit indicating if a dot is to be provided at the at least one mark position, for the respective tag. | 09-22-2011 |
20110227975 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT HAVING POWER MONITORING - A printhead integrated circuit is provided having a substrate having a plurality of ejection nozzles, actuation circuitry positioned on the substrate for operatively actuating the nozzles to eject drops of printing fluid, and a controller configured to monitor the power required to eject a printing fluid drop from each nozzle. The controller causes deactivation of the nozzles, and compensation with other nozzles, when the controller monitors a required power that exceeds a predetermined required power. The nozzles are arranged in staggered rows on the substrate to allow for close packing of the nozzles. | 09-22-2011 |
20110227977 | METHOD OF MODULATING PEAK POWER FLUCTUATIONS IN MULTI-COLORED PRINTHEAD HAVING RESPECTIVE POWER SUPPLY - A method of printing from a single multi-colored pagewidth inkjet printhead powered by a respective power supply. The printhead has transversely aligned color channels with first nozzles contained in a first color channel and second nozzles contained in a second channel supplied with a same colored ink as the first color channel. The first and second nozzles are configured in sets, such that each nozzle in a set is configurable to print a dot of ink onto a same position on a print medium. The method includes the steps of: (i) providing power sequentially to each nozzle row of the printhead from the power supply; and (ii) printing a line of dots across the print medium such some of the first nozzles and some of the second nozzles each contribute dots to the line. | 09-22-2011 |
20110227981 | PRINT CONTROL METHOD - A print control method performed by a print controller of an inkjet printer includes steps of heating the ink in a nozzle of the printer by applying a firing pulse of a duration less than a duration required to discharge an ink dot; sensing the temperature of the heated ink in the nozzle; sensing a voltage at an actuator heater of the nozzle; loading and updating a table listing (i) sensed values of ink temperature in the nozzle, (ii) resistivity of an actuator heater of the nozzle, and (iii) a width of the actuator heater; and changing the duration of a firing pulse used to discharge an ink dot in reference to the sensed voltage and the updated table of sensed temperature, resistivity and width values so as to produce a uniform ink dot size. | 09-22-2011 |
20110228000 | Printhead Assembly Employing Modular Printheads And Common Substrate Channel - A printhead assembly for a pagewidth printer includes a substrate channel; a plurality of printhead modules positioned in the channel to form a pagewidth printhead module assembly; an ink hose positioned within the substrate channel to supply the printhead modules with ink; an extrusion for housing bus bars providing electrical power to the printhead modules; a cover plate securing a flex printed circuit board (PCB) in the assembly, the PCB forming a data bus to the printhead modules; and compressible conductive strips provided between the busbars abutting contacts on an upper side of parts of the flex PCB. The substrate channel defines a series of groups of holes through which the printhead modules are supplied with differently colored inks. The hose defines parallel channels extending a length of the hose, the channels connected to ink containers at one end and sealed with a channel extrusion cap at the other end. | 09-22-2011 |
20110228001 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT HAVING CONNECTOR POSTS ENCAPSULTED WITHIN NOZZLE CHAMBER SIDEWALLS - A printhead integrated circuit includes a substrate having a plurality of inkjet nozzles assemblies formed on a surface of the substrate. The substrate contains drive circuitry for supplying power to the nozzle assemblies. Each nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber for containing ink, the nozzle chamber having a roof and sidewalls extending from the roof to the surface of said substrate, the roof having a nozzle opening defined therein; an actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle opening; a pair of electrodes positioned at the surface of the substrate; and a pair of connector posts encapsulated within the sidewalls, each connector post electrically connecting a respective electrode to the actuator. Each connector post extends linearly from a respective electrode to the actuator. | 09-22-2011 |
20110228004 | METHOD OF HYDROPHOBIZING EJECTION FACE OF PRINTHEAD - A method of hydrophobizing an ejection face of a printhead is provided which avoids hydrophobizing fluid distribution structures of the printhead. The method involves (a) filling fluid distribution structures of the printhead exposed to the ejection face with a liquid, and (b) depositing a hydrophobizing material onto the ejection face of the printhead, provided that step (a) is performed prior to step (b). | 09-22-2011 |
20110228007 | INK PRINTHEAD HAVING CERAMIC NOZZLE PLATE DEFINING MOVABLE PORTIONS - An inkjet printhead includes a ceramic nozzle plate having a plurality of movable portions defined therein and a polymeric material covering the nozzle plate and the plurality of movable portions. | 09-22-2011 |
20110228008 | PRINTHEAD HAVING RELATIVELY SIZED FLUID DUCTS AND NOZZLES - A printhead is provided having a substrate having a droplet ejection side and a liquid supply side opposite the droplet ejection side, at least one nozzle formed on the droplet ejection side of the substrate having a drop ejection actuator and an associated drop ejection aperture for ejecting drops of liquid, ducting extending from the liquid supply side into the substrate and terminating before reaching the droplet ejection side, and at least one liquid inlet for establishing fluid communication between the ducting and the nozzle. The ducting has a smaller cross section transverse to flow direction than that of the drop ejection aperture of the nozzle. | 09-22-2011 |
20110228009 | PRINTHEAD NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT EMPLOYING VARIABLE VOLUME NOZZLE CHAMBER - A printhead has a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes an ink inlet aperture for receiving ink into the nozzle arrangmenet; a wall portion bounding the ink inlet aperture; a crown portion arranged opposite the ink inlet aperture and defining a nozzle opening; a skirt portion depending from the crown portion to form part of a peripheral wall of the nozzle arrangement, the crown and skirt portions being displaceable with respect to the wall portion towards the substrate to alter a volume of a nozzle chamber defined by the wall, crown and skirt portions; and a thermal actuator interconnecting the crown portion with the substrate, the actuator for displacing the crown and skirt portions. The wall portion is angled inwardly with respect to the nozzle chamber defined by the wall, crown, and skirt portions. The wall portion defines a lip at a to free end thereof, the lip for facilitating the formation of a fluidic seal with the skirt portion. | 09-22-2011 |
20110228010 | PRINTHEAD WITH BUBBLE VENTS - An inkjet printhead includes a plurality of ink chambers fed by a common ink inlet, the plurality of ink chambers sharing a common roof structure; a plurality of heater elements respectively allocated to each of ink chambers; a plurality of nozzle apertures defined through the common roof structure and respectively aligned with the heater element of each ink chamber; and a bubble vent defined in the common roof of the ink chambers and aligned with the common ink inlet, the bubble vent sized to allow ink surface tension to restrict an egress of ink, and permit egress of gas bubbles therefrom. | 09-22-2011 |
20110228017 | SHUT OFF VALVE FOR DISCONNECTING A PRINTHEAD FROM AN INK SUPPLY - A shut off valve is disclosed for connecting and disconnecting an ink supply to a printhead of an inkjet printer. The shut off valve has an ink inlet for connection to the ink supply and an ink outlet for connection to the printhead. A valve seat and a diaphragm biased into sealing engagement with the valve seat to disconnecting the ink supply to the printhead are also provided. The ink outlet and the ink inlet are both in fluid communication with one side of the diaphragm. Unsealing the diaphragm draws the diaphragm away from the valve seat to lower the fluid pressure in the ink inlet and the ink outlet. | 09-22-2011 |
20110228018 | INKJET PRINTER WITH FLOAT VALVE REGULATION OF HYDROSTATIC INK PRESSURE - An inkjet printer includes: an inkjet printhead; an ink reservoir containing a supply of ink; and a pressure-regulating chamber for maintaining ink contained therein at a predetermined first level. The chamber includes: an inlet port connected to the ink reservoir via an ink supply line; an outlet port connected to an ink inlet of the printhead via an upstream ink line; an air vent open to atmosphere; and a float valve for maintaining the predetermined first level of ink. The float valve includes: an arm pivotally mounted about a pivot; a float mounted at one end of the arm; and a valve stem attached to the arm, said valve stem having a valve head for closure of a valve seat, the valve seat being positioned at the inlet port of the pressure-regulating chamber. | 09-22-2011 |
20110228026 | DIGITAL CAMERA SYSTEM FOR SIMULTANEOUS PRINTING AND MAGNETIC RECORDING - A digital camera system includes a print medium having a first surface delimiting an area in which images are printed, and a second surface pre-treated to be magnetically sensitive; a photo-width printhead integrated with a digital camera, the photo-width printhead for printing digital images on the first surface of the print medium; and a magnetic recorder for recording information associated with said digital images on the second surface of the print medium at the same time the printhead prints the digital images onto the printing area. | 09-22-2011 |
20110228288 | DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPH REPRODUCTION METHOD - A photo reproduction method includes scanning redundantly encoded data from a photograph, the redundantly encoded data being scanned from out of the photographic image; decoding the redundantly encoded data to obtain a digital representation of the photographic image from which the redundantly encoded data was scanned; and printing the digital representation of the photographic image to obtain a copy of the photographic image. | 09-22-2011 |
20110228334 | SYSTEM FOR GENERATING FORM FOR DELIVERY OF GREETING CARDS - A system is provided for generating a form for delivery of a printed communication. The system associates coordinate information of a form with an interactive element of the form, assigns an identity to the interactive element, associates delivery information on delivery of a printed communication with the interactive element, and generates print data to include the coordinate information and the identity as coded data and the interactive element and delivery information as visual data. A printer is responsive to the print data to print the form by printing the coded and visual data such that a sensing device senses the printed coded data through interaction with the printed interactive element to generate indicating data indicative of the delivery information. | 09-22-2011 |
20110228336 | DECOUPLED APPLICATIONS FOR PRINTED MATERIALS - A method for providing interactive digital content for printed content. The method includes the steps of: receiving an image of a coded data pattern of a writing surface; determining a plurality of available applications for a particular printed content associated with the received pattern; receiving a selection from a user of a particular available application from the plurality of available applications; and executing the particular available application, the executing comprising invoking a function related to the printed content. | 09-22-2011 |
20110228345 | PRINTER HAVING CODED TAG GENERATOR AND CONTROLLER FOR PRINTING CODED INTERFACE - A printer is provided having a coded tag generator configured to generate coded tags based on identity data indicative of an identity associated with an interface and position data defining a relative position of each tag on the interface, and a controller for controlling printing of the interface with the coded tags at the positions defined by the position data and having the identity data. | 09-22-2011 |
20110229058 | INTERACTIVE SYSTEM INCLUDING SUBSTRATE AND ELECTRONIC PEN WITH RETRACTABLE NIB - An interactive system including a printed substrate having coded data disposed thereon an an electronic pen for interacting with the substrate. The pen includes an infrared light source; an image sensor; a cartridge having a nib for contacting said substrate; a retraction mechanism for slidably moving the cartridge between a retracted position and an extended position; a force sensor cooperating with the retraction mechanism; and a processor configured to generate indicating data indicative of the interaction with the substrate. The image sensor is configured to sense said coded data only when said force sensor detects that said nib is in contact with said substrate. | 09-22-2011 |
20110230233 | TELEPHONE FOR PRINTING ENCODED FORM - A telephone for printing an encoded form on print media is provided having a printer for printing the form encoded with region data on the print media, a transport path along which the print media is transported during printing, an interface to a remote server, and a sensor on the transport path for sensing identifiers encoded on the print media and generating an association between the sensed identifiers and the region data. The generated association is transmitted to the remote server via the interface such that user interaction with the regions of the identified printed form communicated to the remote server provide selection of the region data. | 09-22-2011 |
20110234691 | PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY HAVING FLUID DRAINAGE - A printhead maintenance facility is provided having a storage reservoir for storing fluid ejected by a printhead, and a core movable relative to the printhead. The core has an internal structure defining the storage reservoir and having a port in fluid communication with the storage reservoir, and an external structure movable relative to the internal structure and having a drain movable into registration with the port to establish fluid communication between the drain and storage reservoir. The printhead is pagewidth and the internal and external structures are at least as long as the pagewidth. | 09-29-2011 |
20110240733 | OPTICALLY IMAGING PEN CONFIGURED FOR CALCULATING ACCURATE NIB POSITIONS - An optically imaging pen for interacting with a printed substrate. The pen includes: a nib for interacting with the printed substrate; an image sensor for imaging an area of the printed substrate to provide image data; a processor configured for: (i) identifying target elements in the image data and inferring a perspective transform due to a tilt of the pen; (ii) acquiring and decoding coded data contained in the image data; (iii) calculating a nib position using a tag location, the perspective transform and a known geometry of pen optics; and (iv) generating digital ink based on the nib position. | 10-06-2011 |
20110242221 | PRINTHEAD HAVING NESTED MODULES - A printhead is provided having an elongate support having a plurality of internal webs protruding from a base section to define a plurality of parallel fluid supply channels, a shim supported by the support and defining a plurality of rows of openings through which fluid from respective supply channels is supplied, and a plurality of elongate printhead modules supported serially on the shim. Each module defines a plurality of fluid supply passages through which fluid passes to fluid ejection nozzles from respective rows of the openings. Either end of each module defines complementary formations such that adjacent modules nest together. | 10-06-2011 |
20110249287 | SYSTEM FOR COPYING INTERACTIVE DOCUMENTS - A system for copying interactive documents is provided having a scanner for scanning a surface of a document so as to copy document content on the document surface and sense coded tags on the document surface, where each tag encodes data an identity of the document and data on the position of that tag on the document, a computer system networked with the scanner for identifying a digital version of the document from the document identity of a sensed tag and determining user input requesting copy content and/or coded data from the computer system on the scanned document using the tag position of the sensed tag, and a printer networked with the computer system for printing a copy of the scanned document incorporating the scanned document content and coded tags and the requested copy content and/or coded data. | 10-13-2011 |
20110264742 | METHOD OF CONFERENCING USING FORMS - A method of conferencing is provided in which a computer system receives interaction data generated by a sensing device through interaction with a first conferencing form, the indicating data being generated to include data on an identity of the first form associated with a form description in the computer system and a position of the sensing device relative to the first form. The computer system then determines conference information from the interaction data and form description. The computer system then outputs a second conferencing form having the determined conference information and a hierarchical tree of form versions. The hierarchical tree of form versions is produced by associating an identity of the second form with the form description. | 10-27-2011 |
20110276596 | SYSTEM FOR INTERPETING DIGITAL INK - A system for interpreting digital ink is provided having a pen for imaging tags printed on a page to produce one or more types digital ink, an input for input of the digital ink, memory storing a page description having an identifier, a database of digital ink types, and searching algorithms specialized for searching the database, and a processor for interpreting the input digital ink using the stored description and algorithms. Each tag encodes its location on the page and the page identifier. The digital ink includes data on the page identifier and the pen motion relative to the imaged tags. The processor determines the input digital ink types, selects the algorithms specialized to the determined types, processes the input digital ink with the selected algorithms, searches the database for matches to the processed digital ink using the selected algorithms, and interprets the matches relative to the stored description. | 11-10-2011 |
20110278355 | CAMERA UNIT INCOPORATING PROGRAM SCRIPT SCANNER - A camera unit includes a display for displaying an image to be captured; an image sensor for digitally capturing the displayed image; a card reader having a linear scanner for scanning a surface of a removable card to sense a plurality of dots printed on the surface of the removable card, the plurality of dots representing a bit pattern encoding a program script; a card interface for receiving a signal from the card reader indicative of the sensed plurality of dots printed on the surface of the card, and decoding the sensed plurality of dots into the program script; and a printer configured to print a distorted image on print media, the distorted image being a version of the captured image distorted in accordance with the program script. The card reader comprises a moulding housing therewithin a plurality of light sources, the moulding being transparent to light from the light sources and shaped to focus the light on the removable card | 11-17-2011 |
20110279869 | INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL METHOD - A method is disclosed which produces a second interactive document. The method starts by a processor receiving first indicating data identifying a page identity of a first interactive document and one or more locations on the first interactive document. The processor uses the page identity to identify a network address of a server storing a first page description. The first page description describes a relationship between visual elements and positions on the first interactive document. The processor then retrieves from the network address, using the locations on the first interactive document, a second page description. The second page description describes a relationship between visual elements and positions on the second interactive document. Finally a print engine is controlled to print visible elements and invisible coded data tags to provide the second interactive document. Each coded data tag encodes a page identity of the second interactive document and location of the coded data tag on the second interactive document. | 11-17-2011 |
20110284635 | OBJECT COMPRISING CODED DATA AND RANDOMLY DISPERSED INK TAGGANT - An object has first coded data and a random pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The first coded data identifies a plurality of fiducials on the surface and the random pattern defines a fingerprint for the object. The random pattern is defined by a taggant randomly dispersed in ink printed on the surface. A data reader for reading the first coded data and random pattern includes first and second optical sensors. | 11-24-2011 |
20110285790 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING NOZZLE CHAMBERS WITH REDUNDANT INK INLETS - An inkjet printhead includes row of nozzle chambers. Each nozzle chambers has a roof spaced apart from a floor and sidewalls extending between the roof and the floor. Each nozzle chambers has an ink ejection opening defined in the roof, a first ink inlet defined in one of the sidewalls, and a second ink inlet defined in the floor. Each of the first and second ink inlets is in fluid communication an ink supply channel defined in the printhead for supplying ink to the row of nozzle chambers. | 11-24-2011 |
20110285791 | INKJET NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH DISPLACEABLE PARTIAL CHAMBER WALL - A nozzle arrangement includes a wafer substrate defining an inlet channel; a nozzle chamber wall and a roof wall provided on the wafer substrate to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the inlet channel, the roof wall defining an ink ejection port and the nozzle chamber wall defining a first gap; a paddle positioned in the nozzle chamber and reciprocally displaceable to eject ink from the ejection port; an actuating arm connected to the paddle, the actuating arm having a pair of actuating members and a heating circuit connected to one of the actuating members, and a sealing structure supported on the actuating arm, the sealing structure being positioned in first gap. The pair of actuating members comprise a resiliently flexible material. On receipt of an electrical signal, the actuating arm is displaced in a first direction, and on cessation of the electrical signal the actuating arm is displaced in a second direction opposite to the first direction. | 11-24-2011 |
20110285793 | METHOD OF CONFIGURING PRINTHEAD TO EJECT INK DROPLETS OF PREDETERMINED VOLUME - A method of configuring a printhead to eject ink droplets of a predetermined volume. The method includes the steps of: (i) providing a printhead having a plurality of bend-actuated nozzles assemblies; (ii) varying a bulk hydrostatic pressure of ink supplied to the printhead so as to vary a volume of ejected ink droplets; (iii) determining an optimal bulk hydrostatic ink pressure corresponding to the predetermined volume; and (iv) configuring an ink supply system to supply ink to the printhead at the optimal bulk hydrostatic ink pressure. | 11-24-2011 |
20110286024 | DOCUMENT COPIER - A document copier is disclosed. The document copier has a code sensor for sensing coded data on a surface of a source page. The source page contains the coded data and content. A controller is provided for identifying from the coded data an electronic document containing the content, and for retrieving the electronic document. A print engine then prints the content on a blank page. | 11-24-2011 |
20110286025 | METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING A PRINT MEDIUM WITH PLURALITY OF CODED DATA PORTIONS - A method of using a mobile device to authenticate a print medium before completing printing onto the print medium, the mobile device including processing means, a printhead and a sensor, the print medium comprising a substrate, the method comprising the steps of: using the sensor to sense coded data provided on a surface of the substrate, the coded data having a plurality of coded data portions; using the processing means to interpret the plurality of coded data portions to authenticate the print medium; and in the event the authentication step is successful, using the printhead to print onto the print medium. | 11-24-2011 |
20110287809 | MOBILE PHONE FOR PRINTING AND INTERACTING WITH WEBPAGES - A mobile telecommunications device for printing a webpage and retrieving content via a printed webpage. The device includes a media feed for receiving an encoded print medium; a printer positioned in the media feed path; an optical encoder for reading a linear pattern on the print medium during printing; a processor configured for determining a print media identifier by decoding the read linear pattern; a transceiver for communicating the print media identifier to a computer system; and a sensor module for sensing a two-dimensional pattern on the print medium. | 11-24-2011 |
20110288949 | SYSTEM FOR ONLINE PURCHASING USING PRINTED CODED FORM - A system for enabling online purchasing includes a printed form having printed thereon coded data distributed over an area, the coded data indicative of an identity of the form; a sensing device for sensing the coded data from the printed form, the sensing device containing data representing an identity of a user of the sensing device; and a computer system for receiving from the sensing device data containing the identity of the user and the identity of the form, and for identifying from the received data a purchasing transaction. The sensing device further includes: (a) an image sensor adapted to capture images of the coded data; and (b) a processor adapted to identify coded data from the captured images, determine an orientation, within the captured images, of the coded data; decode the coded data; and generate the data regarding the identity of the form using the decoded coded data. | 11-24-2011 |
20110292077 | METHOD OF DISPLAYING PROJECTED PAGE IMAGE OF PHYSICAL PAGE - A method of displaying an image of a physical page relative to which a handheld display device is positioned. The method includes the steps of: capturing an image of the physical page using an image sensor of the device; determining a page identity for the physical page; retrieving a page description corresponding to the page identity; rendering a page image based on the retrieved page description; estimating a first pose of the device relative to the physical page; estimating a second pose of the device relative to a user's viewpoint; determining a projected page image for display by the device; and displaying said projected page image on a display screen of said device. The display screen provides a virtual transparent viewport onto the physical page irrespective of a position and orientation of the device relative to the physical page. | 12-01-2011 |
20110292078 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING PROJECTED IMAGE OF PHYSICAL PAGE - A handheld display device for displaying an image of a physical page relative to which the device is positioned. The device includes: an image sensor for capturing an image of the physical page; a transceiver for receiving a page description corresponding to a page identity of the physical page; and a processor configured for: rendering a page image based on the received page description; estimating a first pose of the device relative to the physical page;
| 12-01-2011 |
20110292120 | MEMS INTEGRATED CIRCUIT HAVING BACKSIDE INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CONTACTS - A MEMS integrated circuit includes a silicon substrate having a frontside with a drive circuitry layer and a backside. A MEMS layer is disposed on the drive circuitry layer. The MEMS layer includes a plurality of MEMS devices electrically connected to the drive circuitry layer. Integrated circuit contacts are positioned at a backside of the substrate. The integrated circuit contacts are electrically connected to the drive circuitry layer via respective connector rods extending through the substrate. | 12-01-2011 |
20110292121 | MEMS INTEGRATED CIRCUIT HAVING BACKSIDE CONNECTIONS TO DRIVE CIRCUITRY VIA MEMS ROOF LAYER - A MEMS integrated circuit includes a silicon substrate having a frontside with a drive circuitry layer and a backside. A MEMS layer is disposed on the drive circuitry layer. The MEMS layer includes a plurality of MEMS devices electrically connected to the drive circuitry layer. Connector posts extends from the drive circuitry layer to a contact pad positioned in a roof of the MEMS layer and through-silicon connectors extending linearly from the contact pad, through the drive circuitry layer and the silicon substrate, towards the backside of the silicon substrate. Each through-silicon connector terminates at a backside integrated circuit contact, such that each integrated circuit contact is electrically connected to the drive circuitry layer via the contact pad positioned in the roof of the MEMS layer. | 12-01-2011 |
20110292128 | INKJET PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS VIA CONNECTOR RODS EXTENDING THROUGH PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUITS - An inkjet printhead assembly includes: an ink supply manifold; printhead integrated circuits attached to the ink supply manifold, each printhead integrated circuit having a frontside including drive circuitry and a plurality of inkjet nozzle assemblies disposed on the drive circuitry; and a connector film for supplying power to the drive circuitry. An integrated circuit contact positioned in a backside recessed portion of each printhead integrated circuit is connected to the connector film. The integrated circuit contact is electrically connected to the drive circuitry via a connector rod extending through the printhead integrated circuit. | 12-01-2011 |
20110292198 | MICROSCOPE ACCESSORY FOR ATTACHMENT TO MOBILE PHONE - A microscope accessory for attachment to a mobile phone having a display positioned in a first face and a camera positioned in an opposite second face. The microscope accessory includes: engagement features for releasably attaching the microscope accessory to the mobile phone; and an optical assembly having: a first mirror positioned to be offset from the camera; a second mirror positioned for alignment with the camera; and a microscope lens positioned in the optical path. The optical assembly is matched with the camera, such that a surface is in focus when the mobile phone lies flat against the surface. | 12-01-2011 |
20110292199 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE WITH MICROSCOPE OPTICS - A handheld display device having a substantially planar configuration. The device includes: a housing having first and second opposite faces; a display screen disposed in the first face; a camera having an image sensor positioned for receiving images from the second face; a window defined in the second face, the window being offset from the image sensor; and microscope optics defining an optical path between the window and the image sensor. The microscope optics are configured for magnifying a portion of a surface upon which the device is resting. A majority of the optical path is parallel with a plane of the device. | 12-01-2011 |
20110292463 | SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING PHYSICAL PAGE CONTAINING PRINTED TEXT - A system for identifying a physical page containing printed text from a plurality of page fragment images. The system includes: (A) a handheld electronic device having: a camera for capturing a plurality of page fragment images at a plurality of different capture points when the device is moved across the physical page; motion sensing circuitry for measuring a displacement or a direction of movement; and a transceiver; (B) a processing system configured for: performing OCR on each captured page fragment image to identify a plurality of glyphs in a two-dimensional array; and creating a glyph group key for each page fragment image; and (C) an inverted index of the glyph group keys. | 12-01-2011 |
20110293184 | METHOD OF IDENTIFYING PAGE FROM PLURALITY OF PAGE FRAGMENT IMAGES - A method of identifying a physical page containing printed text from a plurality of page fragment images captured by a camera. The method includes the steps of: placing a handheld electronic device in contact with a surface of the physical page; moving the device across the physical page and capturing the plurality of page fragment images at a plurality of different capture points; measuring a displacement or direction of movement; performing OCR on each captured page fragment image; creating a glyph group key for each page fragment image; looking up each created glyph group key in an inverted index of glyph group keys; comparing a displacement or direction between glyph group keys in the inverted index with a measured displacement or direction between the capture points for corresponding glyph group keys created using OCR; and identifying a page identity corresponding to the physical page using the comparison. | 12-01-2011 |
20110293185 | HYBRID SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING PRINTED PAGE - A hybrid system for identifying a printed page. The system includes: (i) the printed page having human-readable content and a coding pattern printed in every interstitial space between portions of human-readable content, the coding pattern being either absent from the human-readable content or unreadable when superimposed with the human-readable content; and (ii) a handheld device for overlaying and contacting the printed page. The handheld device includes: a camera for capturing page fragment images; and a processor configured for: decoding the coding pattern and determining the page identity in the event that the coding pattern is visible in and decodable from the captured page fragment image; and otherwise initiating OCR or SIFT techniques to identify the page. | 12-01-2011 |
20110293194 | SYSTEM FOR DECODING DATA ENCODED ON SURFACE - A system for decoding data encoded on a surface is provided. The coded data has at least two clock tracks indicative of a position of the coded data in the direction perpendicular to an alignment direction and two alignment lines for each clock track. The two alignment lines are indicative of the position of the respective clock track. The system has a decoder for determining, using an alignment phase-locked loop (PLL), a position of the alignment lines for a respective clock track, determining, using the position of the alignment lines, the position of each respective track, and updating the alignment PLL. | 12-01-2011 |
20110294543 | MOBILE PHONE ASSEMBLY WITH MICROSCOPE CAPABILITY - A mobile phone assembly for magnifying a portion of a surface. The assembly includes: a mobile phone having a display screen and a camera with an image sensor; and an optical assembly including: a first mirror offset from the image sensor for deflecting an optical path substantially parallel with the surface; a second mirror aligned with the camera for deflecting the optical path perpendicular to the surface and onto the image sensor; and a microscope lens positioned in the optical path. The optical assembly has a thickness of less than 8mm and is configured such that the surface is in focus when the mobile phone assembly lies flat against the surface. | 12-01-2011 |
20110296688 | Method for Hydrophilizing Surfaces of a Print head Assembly - A method for hydrophilizing surfaces of a printhead assembly includes decontaminating the printhead assembly; plasma activating the surfaces of the printhead assembly; treating the surfaces of the printhead assembly with a treatment solution; drying the printhead assembly; baking the printhead assembly; and performing a print quality and electrical test on the printhead assembly. The step of decontaminating the printhead assembly is performed before the step of plasma activating the surfaces of the printhead assembly. | 12-08-2011 |
20110297643 | METHOD OF HYDROPHOBIZING AND PATTERNING FRONTSIDE SURFACE OF INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A method of hydrophobizing a frontside surface of an integrated circuit. The method includes the steps of: (a) depositing a hydrophobic polymeric layer onto the frontside surface; (b) depositing a protective metal film onto the hydrophobic polymeric layer; (c) depositing a sacrificial material onto the metal film; (d) patterning the sacrificial material; (e) etching through the metal film, the hydrophobic polymeric layer and the frontside surface; (f) performing MEMS processing steps on a backside of the integrated circuit; (g) subjecting the integrated circuit to an oxidizing plasma, wherein the metal film protects the hydrophobic polymeric layer from the oxidizing plasma; and (h) removing the protective metal film to provide an integrated circuit having a relatively hydrophobic patterned frontside surface. | 12-08-2011 |
20110298861 | ELONGATE HAND-HELD PRINTER DEVICE WITH MANUALLY ACTUABLE CAPPING DEVICE - An elongate hand-held printer device includes an upper and a lower moulding configured to receive each other in a complementary fashion to define a housing, said housing defining an ink ejection slot; a printhead module housed in the housing, the module having a plurality of micro-electromechanical ejection devices configured to eject ink via the ink ejection slot; | 12-08-2011 |
20110298867 | METHOD FOR HYDROPHILIZING SURFACES OF INK PATHWAY - A method of hydrophilizing surfaces of an ink pathway configured for supplying ink to nozzles in an inkjet printhead. The method includes the steps of: treating the surfaces of the ink pathway with a solution comprising an alkoxylated polyethyleneimine; and drying the surfaces. | 12-08-2011 |
20110298868 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING HYDROPHILIC INK PATHWAYS - An inkjet printhead comprising a hydrophilic ink pathway. The surfaces of the ink pathway comprise a layer of an alkoxylated polyethyleneimine. | 12-08-2011 |
20110298869 | METHOD OF PROVIDING PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING COMPLEMENTARY HYDROPHILIC AND HYDROPHOBIC SURFACES - A method of providing a printhead assembly having a hydrophilic ink pathway and a hydrophobic ink ejection face. The method includes the steps of: providing a printhead assembly comprising a printhead attached to an ink supply manifold, the printhead comprising a nozzle plate having a hydrophobic coating and a protective metal film disposed on the hydrophobic coating; treating surfaces of an ink pathway in the printhead assembly with a solution comprising an alkoxylated polyethyleneimine; drying the surfaces; and removing the protective metal film so as to reveal the hydrophobic coating. | 12-08-2011 |
20110298881 | PRINTING SYSTEM FOR CURED 3D STRUCTURES - A printing system is provided having at least one printhead for printing material to create a printed product, and an object incorporation device that incorporates inorganic semiconductors into the product being printed whilst the at least one printhead prints the product. | 12-08-2011 |
20110302197 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION VIA CONTEXT SEARCHING OF PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A method of providing information to a user via a printed substrate, said substrate comprising user information and coded data indicative of a region identity associated with the substrate and of a plurality of locations on the substrate, said method comprising the steps of: receiving, in a computer system, interaction data indicative of the region identity and at least one position of a sensing device relative to the substrate, the sensing device generating the interaction data, when operatively positioned or moved relative to the substrate, by reading at least some of the coded data; identifying and retrieving at least part of a page description corresponding to the printed substrate using the region identity; generating a query expression comprising one or more search terms, at least one of said search terms being identified using the page description and the at least one position of the sensing device; forming a request using the query expression; and sending the request, or a results resource including search results obtained using the request, to the user. | 12-08-2011 |
20110304672 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY WITH MOLDED INK MANIFOLD HAVING POLYMER COATING - A printhead assembly includes: a molded ink manifold having a plurality of ink outlets defined in a manifold bonding surface; and printhead integrated circuits bonded to the manifold bonding surface. The manifold bonding surface includes a polymer coating, which plugs fissures in the molded ink manifold. | 12-15-2011 |
20110304677 | REMOVABLE INKJET PRINTER CARTRIDGE INTEGRATING PRINTHEAD, PRINTING FLUID STORAGE AND CAPPER - A printer cartridge includes a body adapted for user insertion and removal to and from a complementary cradle in an inkjet printer; a printing fluid storage mounted to the body, the printing fluid storage having a polyethylene membrane for storing printing fluid, the polyethylene member being adapted to expand and collapse; a pagewidth printhead mounted to the body; an ink refill port provided on the body, the ink refill port defining an ink inlet in fluid communication with the printing fluid storage; and a fluid connection for communicating fluid from the printing fluid storage to the pagewidth printhead. The ink refill port is shaped to receive an external ink refill cartridge, and adapted to receive from the ink refill cartridge a supply of ink for refilling the fluid storage via the ink inlet. | 12-15-2011 |
20110304679 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING MULTIPLE PRESSURE-DAMPENING STRUCTURES DEFINED IN NOZZLE PLATE - An inkjet printhead includes: a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzle apertures and ink supply conduits for supplying ink to the nozzle apertures. Each of the ink supply conduits has a conduit wall defined by part of the nozzle plate. Each of the conduit walls includes a plurality of pressure-dampening structures for dampening pressure fluctuations experienced at the nozzle apertures. | 12-15-2011 |
20110304889 | FACSIMILE DELIVERY THROUGH INTERACTION WITH PRINTED DOCUMENT - A method of delivering an electronically transmitted document is provided. The method starts by printing, by a printer, a document on a substrate. The document has printed thereon visible user information and invisible coded tags. The user information includes information indicative of a send instruction. Each tag encodes an identity of the document and a location of the tag on the substrate. A sensing device senses the printed coded tags when the sensing device is moved relative to the document by a user so as to compose a message. The message is electronically captured by the sensing device using the identity of the document and a sequence of the respective locations of tags sensed by the sensing device. Upon sensing coded tags coincident with the send instruction, the message is transmitted to a recipient address for electronically transmitted document delivery. | 12-15-2011 |
20110309139 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION VIA INTERACTIVE SURFACE - A system for providing information via an interactive surface is provided. The surface has information for searching and coded data. The coded data encodes coordinates on the surface and a region identity associated with the surface. A sensing device interacted with the surface senses the coded data and generates interaction data indicative of the region identity and a coordinate position of the sensing device relative to the surface. The system identifies and retrieves a page description corresponding to the surface using the region identity received from the sensing device, determines the information for searching corresponding to a zone of the page description containing the coordinate position of the sensing device, creates a query expression having a search term(s) based on the determined information for searching, form a request using the query expression, and sends the request, or a results resource including search results from the request, to a display device. | 12-22-2011 |
20110310146 | PRINTHEAD NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH MAGNETIC PADDLE ACTUATOR - A nozzle arrangement includes a nozzle chamber having a roof defining an ink ejection port and a floor defining an ink supply inlet; a magnetic coil arrangement positioned around the ink supply inlet of the nozzle chamber; bridge members spanning over the magnetic coil arrangement, the bridge members supported on support posts protruding from the magnetic coil arrangement and having a resilient characteristic; and a paddle containing magnetic material and supported from the bridge members over the ink supply inlet, the paddle having a shape matching that of the ink supply inlet. The bridge members normally support the paddle in an open position spaced from the ink supply inlet. The magnetic coil arrangement is configured to attract the magnetic material of the paddle with a force exceeding the supporting tension of the resilient bridge members. | 12-22-2011 |
20110310180 | PRINTHEAD MODULE FOR AN INKJET PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY - A printhead module is provided for an inkjet printhead assembly. The printhead module includes a support. An elongate carrier is mounted to the support. The carrier defines a plurality of transverse ribs and an ink channel located between the ribs. A subassembly includes a micro-electromechanical integrated circuit (IC) configured to eject ink. The subassembly is mounted to the carrier so that the support, carrier and subassembly define a plurality of sealed ink chambers which can feed ink to the IC via the ink channel. | 12-22-2011 |
20110310186 | PRINTHEAD SUPPORT STRUCTURE WITH CAVITIES FOR PULSE DAMPING - A structure for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The printhead structure has an elongate support structure for supporting a printhead integrated circuit, and ink conduits formed in the elongate support structure for supplying ink to an array of nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit. Each ink conduit includes cavities distributed along a roof of the ink conduit. An opening to each cavity has an upstream edge and a downstream edge. The upstream edge contacts the ink before the downstream edge during initial priming of the ink conduits from an ink supply. The upstream edge has a transition face between the ink conduit and the cavity interior, the transition face being configured to inhibit ink from filling the cavity by capillary action during initial priming of the ink conduit. This causes gas to be trapped within the cavity. The gas acts to compress pressure pulses in the ink. | 12-22-2011 |
20110310201 | PRINTER UTILIZING PRESSURE CONTROL OF AIR IN SUMP - An inkjet printer includes a printhead for printing onto a media substrate, the printhead defining a plurality of nozzles from which ink is expelled; an ink tank provided upstream of the printhead; a sump provided downstream of the printhead for collecting unused ink from the printhead, the sump having a lower portion for holding the unused ink and an upper portion defining a headspace of air above the unused ink; a first fluid conduit extending between the printhead and the sump for communicating the unused ink from the printhead to the sump, the first fluid conduit connecting the sump to a position in the printhead upstream of the plurality of nozzles; and a pump connected to the sump, the pump for drawing air from the headspace of the sump into atmosphere and effecting a negative pressure in the printhead upstream of the nozzles. Communication of ink from the ink tank to the printhead is effected by the negative pressure generated by the drawing of air from the headspace of the sump. | 12-22-2011 |
20110310209 | PRINT CARTRIDGE HAVING INTERNAL TUBULAR INK RESERVOIR CORE - A printing cartridge includes a roll of print media; a tubular former around which the roll of print media is wound, the tubular former being internally separated into two or more sections along a longitudinal axis of the tubular former and adapted to store supplies of fluid therein; a casing comprising a pair of molded covers, the pair of molded covers being configured to releasably fasten together to encase the roll of print media; and an ink collar for sealing an end of the tubular former, the ink collar defining two or more slits adapted to receive therethrough fluid communication pins, whereby access to the supplies of fluid in the tubular former is effected. | 12-22-2011 |
20110310720 | METHOD OF RECORDING AND PLAYING BACK AUDIO USING HANDHELD ELECTRONIC PEN - A method of recording and playing back audio using a handheld electronic pen. The method includes the steps of method comprising the steps of: recording audio via a microphone whilst interacting with an encoded substrate using the pen; and playing back the recorded audio by subsequently interacting with the encoded substrate and retrieving the recorded audio which is associated with the identity of the substrate and a position on the substrate. | 12-22-2011 |
20110312346 | Printing a List on a Print Medium - A system for printing a list on a print medium is disclosed. The system includes a mobile device able to determine a current geographical location of the mobile device. The mobile device determines a list of destination locations using the current geographical location of the mobile device, and then prints the list of destination locations on the print medium using a printer module of the mobile device. The print medium has coded data printed on a surface thereof, with the coded data encoding an identity of the print medium and positions on the surface. The mobile device also has a sensor module for sensing the coded data on the surface of the print medium. The system further includes a computer system for storing in a database each entry in the list of destination locations in association with the identity of the print medium and the position of the entry on the surface. The entry is retrievable from the database using the print media identifier and the position of the entry on the surface. | 12-22-2011 |
20110312377 | PRINT MEDIUM HAVING LINEAR DATA TRACK AND CONTIGUOUSLY TILED POSITION-CODING TAGS - A print medium configured to be printed on by a pagewidth printhead in a print direction. The print medium includes: a laminar substrate defining first and second opposite faces; a data track containing first information encoded in accordance with a linear encoding scheme, the data track extending in a linear read direction across a portion of the first face of the print medium, the read direction being oriented at between 45 and 135 degrees with respect to the print direction; and a plurality of contiguous tags tiled across the laminar substrate. Each of the tags identifies second information and a two-dimensional coordinate position on the laminar substrate. Each of the tags is encoded in accordance with a second encoding scheme distinct from the linear encoding scheme. The information is indicative of the second information. | 12-22-2011 |
20110312378 | TELEPHONE HAVING PRINTER AND SENSOR - A telephone is provided having an input at which a print medium is loaded, a sensor for sensing an identifier of the loaded print medium, and a printer for determining whether or not the loaded print medium is a valid print medium on which printing can be performed. If the loaded print medium is determined to be valid, the printer prints on the loaded print medium. If the loaded print medium is determined to not be valid, the loaded print medium is ejected at the input. | 12-22-2011 |
20110312381 | System For Product Retrieval Using Identifiable Print Medium - A system is provided of retrieving a product using a print medium having an identifier linked to the product. The system has a telecommunications device having a sensor for sensing the identifier from coded tags printed on the print medium. Each tag has a structure which includes a target and encoded data. The targets are sensed by the sensor to determine the presence of the tags and the encoded data encodes the identifier, such that the product is retrieved using the telecommunications device and the identifier. | 12-22-2011 |
20110315782 | PRINTED CHEQUE ENABLING DETECTION OF FRAUDULENT HANDLING - A cheque for enabling detection of fraudulent handling during a clearing process. The cheque is printed with an optically readable position-coding pattern and independently readable cheque information. The position-coding pattern encodes a plurality of locations on the cheque and identifies a unique cheque identity. | 12-29-2011 |
20110316806 | METHOD OF INTERACTING WITH PRINTED CONTENT VIA HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of interacting with printed content using a handheld display device. The method includes the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an image sensor; determining interaction data using the image data, retrieving display data using an identified page description, the display data corresponding to the printed content; displaying, on an opaque touch-sensitive display screen of the handheld display device, display information based on the display data; and interacting with the display information via the opaque touch-sensitive display screen. The opaque touch-sensitive display screen has real-time virtual transparency through the screen to the printed content from a user's perspective to provide a virtual window to the printed content. | 12-29-2011 |
20110316874 | METHOD OF REVEALING HIDDEN CONTENT VIA HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of revealing hidden content associated with printed content using a handheld display device. The method includes the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an image sensor; determining interaction data using the image data; retrieving display data using an identified page description, the display data including the hidden content associated with the printed content; displaying, on an opaque touch-sensitive display screen of the handheld display device, display information based on the display data and including the hidden content. The opaque display screen has real-time virtual transparency through the screen to the printed content from a user's perspective to provide a virtual window to the printed content. The opaque display screen additionally displays the hidden content in real-time as if it were printed on the printed substrate. | 12-29-2011 |
20110316931 | PRINTING SYSTEM FOR FORMING THREE DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS - A printing system for forming a three dimensional object is disclosed. The printing system has a semiconductor memory for storing data that defines layers defining the three dimensional object, printhead groups. The printhead groups deposit at least two different materials simultaneously in at least one of the layers. | 12-29-2011 |
20110316936 | GALLIUM NAPHTHALOCYANINE SALTS EXHIBITING REDUCED KOGATION - A sulfonated dye salt of formula (II): | 12-29-2011 |
20110316944 | PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE FOR RELEASABLE MOUNTING IN A PRINTER - A printhead cartridge for releasable mounting in a printer. The printhead cartridge includes a pagewidth printhead and an ink manifold defining multiple fluid flow paths in fluid communication with respective ink channels in the printhead. The ink manifold includes a plurality of openings for detachable connection with conduits in an interface of the printer; a plurality of shut off valves at each of the openings respectively, each shut off valve having a biasing member configured for biasing each shut off valve into an open position; an actuator biased towards a closed position by a resilient element such that the actuator holds all the shut off valves closed when in the closed position. The actuator is configured for engagement with the interface such that movement of the openings into connection with the interface simultaneously moves the actuator to an open position wherein the shut off valves are held open. | 12-29-2011 |
20110316946 | PRINT MEDIA CARTRIDGE WITH INK SUPPLY MANIFOLD - An ink and print media cartridge for a printer device includes a print media housing assembly configured for insertion and removal to and from the printer device, the print media housing assembly having a top molding coupled to a bottom molding and a print media storage volume defined therebetween; an ink housing assembly attached to an outer surface of the bottom molding, the ink housing assembly defining an ink chamber with the outer surface of the bottom molding; a spring provided between the top molding and the bottom molding, the spring positioned to bear on one side against the top molding and on an opposite side against print media stored in the print media storage region; and a feed mechanism provided within the print media housing, the feed mechanism having a drive gear protruding externally from the print media housing. The drive gear is positioned to engage with a complimentary drive mechanism of the printer device upon insertion of the print media housing into the printer device. | 12-29-2011 |
20110318853 | METHOD FOR FORMING NOZZLE CHAMBER OF INKJET PRINTHEAD - A method for forming a nozzle chamber of an inkjet printhead includes the steps of depositing a sacrificial layer on a wafer substrate; etching the sacrificial layer to define a deposition area for forming sidewalls of the nozzle chamber; depositing a structural layer over the sacrificial layer and into the deposition area; etching the structural layer to define an ink ejection port and a plurality of etchant holes, the etchant holes being etched to a dimension for facilitating the establishment of sufficient surface tension across the etchant hole to restrict egress of ink therethrough from the nozzle chamber; and etching away the sacrificial layer using a sacrificial etchant, the sacrificial etchant being applied to the sacrificial layer via the etchant holes. | 12-29-2011 |
20110318854 | METHOD OF MOUNTING MEMS INTEGRATED CIRCUITS DIRECTLY FROM WAFER FILM FRAME - A method mounting a MEMS integrated circuit on a substrate. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a film frame tape supported by a wafer film frame, the film frame tape having the plurality of MEMS integrated circuits releasably attached via respective frontsides to the film frame tape; (b) treating a backside surface oxide layer of each MEMS integrated circuit with liquid ammonia; (c) positioning a substrate at the backside of one of said MEMS integrated circuits; (d) positioning a bonding tool on a zone of the film frame tape aligned with the MEMS integrated circuit; and (e) applying a bonding force from the bonding tool so as to bond the backside of the MEMS integrated circuit to the substrate. | 12-29-2011 |
20110320917 | METHOD OF DETERMINING A COORDINATE VALUE WITH RESPECT TO PATTERNS PRINTED ON A DOCUMENT - A method is disclosed of determining a coordinate value with respect to patterns printed on a document. Each pattern represents a sequence, with each sequence consisting of a repeating codeword of a cyclic position code. The pattern is sensed, and from each sensed pattern a respective sub-sequence of symbols is obtained. Each of the sub-sequences is then mapped to a respective mapped codeword of the cyclic position code. An offset between each mapped codeword and the codeword is determined, and a difference is derived between pairs of offsets. The coordinate value is derived by interpreting one of the differences as a marker separating the coordinate value from an adjacent coordinate value, and the remaining differences as digits of the coordinate value. | 12-29-2011 |
20120001989 | INKJET PRINTER WITH FLOAT VALVE PRESSURE REGULATOR - An inkjet printer includes: an ink reservoir; a printhead having an ink inlet and an ink outlet; an upstream ink conduit connected to the ink inlet; a downstream ink conduit connected to the ink outlet; and a pressure-regulating chamber. The pressure-regulating chamber includes: an inlet port connected to the ink reservoir via a supply conduit; an outlet port connected to the upstream ink conduit; a vent open to atmosphere; and a float valve for maintaining a set level of ink in the pressure-regulating chamber. The float valve includes: an arm pivotally mounted about a pivot; a float mounted at one end of said arm; and a valve head connected to the arm for sealing engagement with a valve seat at the inlet port. | 01-05-2012 |
20120004921 | METHOD FOR RETRIEVING AUDIO SIGNAL STORED ON PHOTOGRAPH - A method of decoding coded data provided on a photograph using a reader includes steps of irradiating an image-side of the photograph from a first end thereof to an opposing second end thereof with infra-red illumination; receiving infra-red illumination reflected from the image; processing the reflected infra-red illumination to locate within the photograph a first target boundary; processing the reflected infra-red illumination received after location of the first target boundary to obtain audio data; storing the audio data in a memory; processing the reflected infra-red illumination to locate within the image a second target boundary downstream of the first target boundary; ceasing the processing of the reflected infra-red illumination to obtain coded data upon location of the second target boundary; and decoding the audio data stored in the memory to obtain an audio signal. | 01-05-2012 |
20120006906 | CODING PATTERN WITH CELLS HAVING TRANSLATION DATA DEFINING A TRANSLATION OF THE CELL - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof is disclosed. The coding pattern has target elements defining a target grid. The target grid has cells. A plurality of data elements are contained in each cell. Tags are defined by a plurality of contiguous cells and each tag has respective local tag data encoded by a respective set of the data elements. Each cell contains translation data encoded by a respective set of data elements. The translation data identifies a translation of the cell relative to the tag containing that cell. | 01-12-2012 |
20120007838 | SENSING DEVICE FOR SENSING SURFACE REGIONS - A sensing device is provided for sensing data encoded on a surface. The device has a region identity sensor and a transmitter. The region identity sensor senses region identity data of the coded data when the sensing device is positioned or moved relative to a region of the surface. The region identity data is indicative of an identity of the region. The transmitter transmits the sensed region identity data to a computer system. | 01-12-2012 |
20120007919 | NOZZLE ASSEMBLY HAVING POLYMERIC COATING ON MOVING AND STATIONARY PORTIONS OF ROOF - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle assembly includes: a nozzle chamber including a roof having a nozzle opening and a moving portion movable relative to a stationary portion of the roof. An actuator is configured to displace the moving portion relative to the stationary portion and cause ejection of ink through the nozzle opening. A polymeric coating covers the moving portion and the stationary portion. The polymeric coating is absent from a gap between the moving portion and the stationary portion. | 01-12-2012 |
20120007923 | PRINTHEAD HAVING CONTROLLED VAPOR BUBBLE GENERATORS - A printhead is provided having vapor bubble generators which each have a chamber having a fluid ejection port and a heater, and circuitry configured to provide current pulses to the heater to generate vapor bubbles in fluid within the chamber. The pulses have a heating pulse of a first voltage and duration immediately followed by an ejection pulse of a second voltage and duration, the second voltage being higher than the first voltage. | 01-12-2012 |
20120007924 | INK EJECTION NOZZLE WITH THERMAL ACTUATOR COIL - A printhead for an inkjet printer is disclosed. The printhead has ink nozzles formed on a print face of the printhead. Each ink nozzle has an ink chamber with an ink ejection port and an ink inlet port. A paddle device is arranged inside each chamber. Each ink nozzle further has a bi-layer thermal actuator coil with a fee end connected to the paddle device. Heating of the thermal actuator coil displaces the paddle device, causing ejection of an ink droplet through the ink ejection port. | 01-12-2012 |
20120009978 | METHOD OF DISPLAYING HYPERLINKED INFORMATION VIA HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE - A method of displaying hyperlinked information using a handheld display device. The method includes the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an image sensor; determining interaction data using the image data; retrieving display data using an identified page description, the display data including a hyperlink associated with the printed content; displaying, on an opaque touch-sensitive display screen of the handheld display device, display information based on the display data and including the hyperlink; interacting with the displayed hyperlink; retrieving hyperlinked information; and displaying the hyperlinked information. The opaque touch-sensitive display screen has real-time virtual transparency through the screen to the printed content from a user's perspective to provide a virtual window to the printed content; | 01-12-2012 |
20120011214 | METHOD OF DELIVERING ELECTRONIC GREETING CARD - A method of delivering a greeting card to a recipient address. The method includes the steps of: writing a handwritten message on a substrate using a pen or stylus; generating digital ink representing the handwritten message; indexing, in a computer system, the digital ink with an identifier for an electronic greeting card; and delivering the electronic greeting card, including the handwritten message represented by the digital ink, to a recipient address. | 01-12-2012 |
20120018905 | ELECTRONIC COMPONENT ASSEMBLY HAVING PROFILED ENCAPSULATED BONDS - An electronic component assembly is provided having an integrated circuit supported on a first mounting area such that a first surface of the integrated circuit contacts the first mounting area, electrical conductors supported on a second mounting area, and a series of wire bonds extending from contact pads on a second surface of the integrated circuit, opposite the first surface, to the electrical conductors. The first and second mounting areas are stepped relative to one another and the wire bonds are covered in a bead of encapsulant. The bead of encapsulant has a profiled surface that is flat and inclined relative to the second surface. | 01-26-2012 |
20120019601 | MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH PYRAMIDAL INK CHAMBER FOR AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - This invention relates to a micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The arrangement includes a substrate defining an inverted pyramidal ink chamber with a vertex thereof terminating at an ink supply channel through the substrate. The substrate includes a layer of drive circuitry. The arrangement also includes a roof structure connected to the drive circuitry layer and covering the ink chamber, the roof structure defining a fluid ejection nozzle rim above said chamber. Also included is a plurality of actuators radially spaced about, and displaceable with respect to, the nozzle rim, each actuator having a serpentine heater element configured to thermally expand upon receiving current from the drive circuitry thereby moving said actuators into the chamber and operatively increasing a fluid pressure inside the chamber to eject a drop of ink via the ejection nozzle. | 01-26-2012 |
20120019602 | PRINTING NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING FAULT DETECTOR - A printing nozzle arrangement is provided having an electrical current source, a fluid chamber having a fluid inlet and fluid ejection port, a heating element within the chamber electrically connected to the electrical current source, and a microprocessor. The heating element is configured such that electrical current applied by the electrical current source at a predetermined energy level causes resistive heating and ejection of the fluid from the fluid ejection port. The microprocessor is configured to test for faulty operation of the heating element by causing application of electrical current for a predetermined duration which does not result in fluid ejection. When faulty operation is determined, the microprocessor is configured to cause application of electrical current at an energy level significantly greater than the predetermined energy level in an attempt to clear fluid blockages associated with the chamber. | 01-26-2012 |
20120038695 | NOZZLE ASSEMBLY OF AN INKJET PRINTHEAD - A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle, and control logic for outputting a control pulse in response to input data. The nozzle assembly also includes a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. Each energy pulse applied to the actuator for ejecting the ink droplet has a pulse voltage of less than 5 Volt and energy of less than 800 nano Joule. | 02-16-2012 |
20120038729 | CAPPING DEVICE FOR HAND-HELD PRINTER - A handheld inkjet printer is disclosed. The printer has a housing, a printhead fixedly mounted in the housing, and a capping device mounted external to the housing. The capping device has an arm, a capping leg extending transversely from the arm and an elastomeric pad affixed to the capping leg and in capping engagement with the printhead. The arm has a resilient portion deformable towards the housing upon receipt of a force. The housing defines a fulcrum with the arm and the leg being positioned on opposite sides of the fulcrum. Deformation of the arm towards the housing causes displacement of the capping leg, which in turn causes the elastomeric pad to move out of capping engagement with the printhead. | 02-16-2012 |
20120038730 | METHOD OF STORING DATA ON A PHOTOGRAPH - A method of storing data on a photograph includes delimiting a plurality of data block regions on the photograph, the plurality of data block regions superposing a region of the photograph delimited for the printing of a photographic image; compressing data representing the image contained in the photograph with a compression technique; redundantly encoding the compressed data using Reed-Solomon encoding techniques; shuffling the redundantly encoded compressed data in a deterministic manner to reduce potential effects of localized encoded data caused by damage to the photograph; and printing the shuffled data as dots within the data block regions on the photograph. Each of the plurality of data blocks is printed on a first side with a first column of orientation dots, and on a second side with a second column of orientation dots. | 02-16-2012 |
20120044184 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING PROCESSOR FOR RENDERING DISPLAY OUTPUT TO PROVIDE REAL-TIME VIRTUAL TRANSPARENCY - A handheld display device for interacting with printed content. The device includes: an optical sensor for imaging an area of a printed substrate containing the printed content and generating image data; an opaque touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display output to a user; a processor configured for: monitoring the identity of the substrate and the position of the device relative to the substrate using the image data; retrieving display data; rendering the display output to the display screen; and interpreting user input captured via the display screen. The opaque touch-sensitive display screen has real-time virtual transparency through the screen to the printed content from a user's perspective to provide a virtual window to the printed content. | 02-23-2012 |
20120044185 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING PROCESSOR FOR RENDERING DISPLAY OUTPUT WITH REAL-TIME VIRTUAL TRANSPARENCY AND VIDEO PLAYBACK OPTION - A handheld display device for interacting with printed content and playing associated video. The device includes: an optical sensor for imaging an area of a printed substrate containing the printed content and generating image data; an opaque touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display output to a user; a processor configured for: monitoring the identity of the substrate and the position of the device relative to the substrate using the image data; retrieving display data; rendering the display output to the display screen; interpreting user interaction with a video playback icon via the touch-sensitive display screen; retrieving video data; and initiating video playback. The opaque touch-sensitive display screen has real-time virtual transparency through the screen to the printed content from a user's perspective to provide a virtual window to the printed content. | 02-23-2012 |
20120044186 | HANDHELD DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING PROCESSOR FOR RENDERING DISPLAY OUTPUT WITH REAL-TIME VIRTUAL TRANSPARENCY AND FORM-FILLING OPTION - A handheld display device for interacting with printed content and filling in a form. The device includes: an optical sensor for imaging an area of a printed substrate containing the printed content and generating image data; an opaque touch-sensitive display screen for displaying display output to a user; a processor configured for: monitoring the identity of the substrate and the position of the device relative to the substrate using the image data; retrieving display data; rendering the display output to the display screen; and interpreting user input to a displayed form via the touch-sensitive display screen. The opaque touch-sensitive display screen has real-time virtual transparency through the screen to the printed content from a user's perspective to provide a virtual window to the printed content. | 02-23-2012 |
20120044283 | PRINTING CARTRIDGE STORING OPERATION SCRIPT FOR CONTROLLING PRINTHEAD - A printing device includes a processor; a printing cartridge having a housing and a supply of media; a memory storing a plurality of scripts containing instructions for controlling an operation of a printhead of the print device; a data lookup table provided in the processor, the data lookup table storing a plurality of first codes respectively corresponding to the plurality of scripts; a radio frequency tag embedded within the housing of the printing cartridge and carrying a second code; and a radio frequency tag reader communicating the second code to the processor. The processor applies an algorithm to the second code to identify the first code associated therewith, identifies a script from the plurality of scripts stored in the memory corresponding to the identified first code, and operates the printhead in accordance with the identified script. | 02-23-2012 |
20120044300 | MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH DISPLACEABLE INK EJECTION PORT - A micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement that has a substrate defining an ink inlet channel, an ink chamber having an active roof structure defining an ink ejection port, drive circuitry between the substrate and the ink chamber, a pair of thermal actuators connected to the drive circuitry and connected to the active roof structure for displacement of the ink ejection port towards the substrate, and a pair of coupling structures for respectively coupling the thermal actuators to the active roof structure. The pair of coupling structures are each configured to convert arcuate displacement at a connection to the thermal actuator into linear displacement at a connection to the active roof structure. | 02-23-2012 |
20120056934 | PRINTER HAVING PRINTHEAD PURGING MEMBERS - A printer is provided having duplex printheads arranged in a printing position on opposite sides of a print media path, two purging members each inclined at a predetermined angle to the print media path, tubes connecting the purging members with a suction pump, and a displacement mechanism configured to displace the printheads between the printing position and a purging position at which the printheads are located at the predetermined angle adjacent the purging members. | 03-08-2012 |
20120056941 | PRINTHEAD HAVING FLUID SUPPLY THROUGH SEALING FILM - A printhead is provided having a printhead integrated circuit having ejection nozzles and fluid channels for supplying fluid to the nozzles, a support structure supporting the integrated circuit, the support structure having conduits for supplying fluid to the channels, and a sealing film fixing the integrated circuit to the support structure. The sealing film has apertures providing sealed fluid communication between the conduits and the channels. The channels are divided into isolated channel sections by walls. Each aperture of the sealing film is positioned at one of the walls so as to provide fluid communication to both of the channel sections either side of the respective wall. | 03-08-2012 |
20120056942 | EJECTION NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT HAVING DYNAMIC STRUCTURE - An ejection nozzle arrangement is provided having a fluid chamber, an arm extending through an aperture in the chamber, and a dynamic structure cantilevered from the chamber adjacent the aperture. The arm is connected to the dynamic structure at a point distal from the aperture such that thermal expansion of the dynamic structure moves the arm upwards in the chamber to eject fluid from the chamber. | 03-08-2012 |
20120056951 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING INK DISTRIBUTION ASSEMBLY - A printhead assembly includes an ink distribution assembly including an ink distribution molding, the ink distribution molding including a plurality of first ducts; at least one printhead integrated circuit in fluid communication with the ink distribution assembly; and a rotary platen having at least three surface, each surface for providing one of a platen surface, capping portion, and a blotting portion. The ink distribution assembly further includes a plurality of second ducts acutely angled with respect to the plurality of first ducts, a plurality of transfer ports facilitating fluid communication between the plurality of first ducts and the plurality of second ducts, and a plurality of ink inlet ports facilitating fluid communication between an ink cassette and the plurality of first ducts. | 03-08-2012 |
20120056952 | PRINTHEAD WITH FLUID FLOW CONTROL - A printhead is provided having a plurality of ejection nozzles defined on a substrate, each nozzle having a fluid chamber and ejection port, a plurality of supply channels defined through the substrate, a plurality of feed channels connecting the supply channels to the chambers thereby supplying fluid from the supply channels to the chambers, and a plurality of ejection actuators positioned in respective ones of the chambers for causing ejection of the supplied fluid from the ejection ports. Each feed channel is long and narrow relative to the dimensions of the ejection nozzles such that the fluid in the chamber is restricted from flowing into the feed channels during fluid ejection by viscous drag generated in the feed channels. | 03-08-2012 |
20120057919 | PEN-SHAPED PRINTING DEVICE - A pen-shaped printing device is provided having a pen-shaped body, a plurality of intersecting ribs longitudinally extending along the body to define internal chambers for printing fluid, and a printhead having ejection nozzles configured to eject the printing fluid from the chambers onto a surface. | 03-08-2012 |
20120062632 | PRINTHEAD WITH CONTROLLER FOR GENERATING COMBINED PRINT DATA AND CLOCK SIGNAL - An inkjet printhead that has a support member, and a plurality of printhead IC's mounted adjacent each other on the support member. Each of the printhead IC's has an array of nozzles for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto a media substrate, and drive circuitry for driving the array of nozzles. A print engine controller (PEC) sends print data to each of the printhead IC's and the drive circuitry extracts a clock signal from the data transmission from the PEC. | 03-15-2012 |
20120062653 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING BILAYERED NOZZLE PLATE COMPRISED OF TWO DIFFERENT CERAMIC MATERIALS - An inkjet printhead includes a bi-layered nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzle apertures. The bi-layered nozzle plate being includes a lower first nozzle plate formed from a first material and an upper second nozzle plate disposed on the first nozzle plate, the second nozzle plate being formed from a second material. The first and second materials are different from each other and are each independently selected from the group consisting of: silicon nitride, silicon oxide and silicon oxynitride. | 03-15-2012 |
20120062664 | INK CARTRIDGE WITH HIGH FLOW RATE SUPPLY TO PRINTHEAD - An ink cartridge supplies an inkjet printhead by forming a sealed engagement with an inlet on the printhead. The ink cartridge has an ink storage volume, an outlet opening in fluid communication with the ink storage volume, an outlet valve for connection to an inlet on the inkjet printhead, the outlet valve having a radially extending flange portion fixed within the outlet opening and, an annular skirt of resilient material extending from the outlet opening to the flange portion. The resilient material elastically biases part of the annular skirt into sealing engagement with the flange portion to close the outlet valve. Engagement with the inlet on the printhead during installation of the ink cartridge, compresses the annular skirt to open the outlet valve such that ink flows from the ink storage volume around the radially extending flange portion to the printhead. | 03-15-2012 |
20120062953 | APPLICATION FOR GENERATING INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT CONTAINING ADVERTISING MATERIAL - An application for execution on a computer system which generates print data for an interactive document. The application is configured to operatively control the computer system so as to perform the steps of: receive a print request from a user; format user information in an electronic document so as to include a first user interactive element; determine advertising material for printing with the user information; format the advertising material so as to include a second user interactive element; and generate print data for printing the formatted user information and the formatted advertising material together with coincident coded data on a substrate. | 03-15-2012 |
20120063701 | PORTABLE DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE SENSORS FOR NETWORKED COMMUNICATION - A portable device is provided having image and motion sensors, a controller and network interface. The image sensor images encoded tags printed on a surface. The tags encode identity data indicative of an identity associated with the surface. The motion sensor senses motion of the device relative to the surface. The controller controls decoding of the data of the imaged tags in accordance with the sensed device motion. The network interface communicates the data with a network. | 03-15-2012 |
20120064647 | METHOD OF FABRICATING MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS DEVICES - A method of fabricating microelectromechanical systems devices is disclosed. A silicon substrate having a plurality of microelectromechanical systems elements formed on a first surface thereof is provided. A guard layer defining a plurality of recesses is applied to the silicon substrate such that respective microelectromechanical systems elements are located within respective recesses. The silicon substrate is then segmented into discrete parts and an adhesive layer is bonded to a second surface of the silicon substrate. The guard layer is next segmented into discrete parts corresponding to the discrete parts of the silicon substrate, thereby forming individual microelectromechanical systems devices. Finally, the adhesive layer is selectively exposed to a light source allowing removal of individual microelectromechanical systems devices. | 03-15-2012 |
20120069074 | GENERATING HALF TONE PRINT DATA FOR OVERLAPPING CONSECUTIVE PRINTHEAD SEGMENTS - A method of generating half tone print data is disclosed. The method starts by determining an extent of overlap caused by temperature variations of overlapping end portions of a pair of consecutive printhead segments. A dither value is also generated from a dither matrix, and the dither value is combined with the extent of overlap to produce an output value. A mathematical operation is performed on continuous tone print data based on the output value, to produce the half tone print data. | 03-22-2012 |
20120069096 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT FOR PRINTHEAD - A nozzle arrangement for a printhead is provided which has a chamber defined on a substrate configured to hold fluid, an ejection port defined in the chamber, and an actuator for moving the ejection port relative to the substrate to eject the held fluid therethrough. | 03-22-2012 |
20120073135 | METHOD OF FORMING A NOZZLE CHAMBER INCORPORATING AN INK EJECTION PADDLE AND NOZZLE CHAMBER RIM - A method of forming a printhead nozzle chamber includes steps of forming a first laminate of sacrificial layers on a substrate, the first laminate of sacrificial layers being formed as a ring on the substrate; hard-baking the first laminate of sacrificial layers to cause a shrinkage in the first laminate of sacrificial layers, the shrinkage further causing edges of the first laminate of sacrificial layers to angle inwards and form an approximate trapezoidal cross-section; depositing a TiN layer over the first laminate of sacrificial layer and the substrate, the TiN layer being inclined at portions deposited over the inwardly angled edges; etching the TiN layer to form a paddle and a nozzle chamber rim, the paddle incorporating an inner inclined portion and the nozzle chamber rim incorporating a complementary outer inclined portion, the paddle and nozzle rim defining an aperture therebetween; and removing the first laminate of sacrificial layers | 03-29-2012 |
20120081325 | METHOD OF ACCESSING DIGITAL CONTENT USING MOBILE PHONE WITH ORIENTATION DETERMINATION - A method for accessing digital content from a computer network. The method includes the steps of: (a) capturing an image of machine-readable coded data printed on a page using a mobile phone having an optical image sensor; (b) determining an orientation of the mobile phone relative to the page; (c) forming a request based on the captured image; (d) transmitting the request to a server on the computer network and retrieving digital content associated with the printed graphic content; (e) receiving the digital content in the mobile phone; and (f) displaying the received digital content on a display screen of the mobile phone. | 04-05-2012 |
20120083252 | MESSAGING VIA A CODED BUSINESS CARD AND MOBILE TELEPHONE - A method of sending a message using a business card with data encoded on a surface, and a mobile phone. The data includes an identifier which uniquely identifies the surface and the mobile telephone senses the coded data to determine the identifier. Using the identifier, the phone retrieves a representation of the business card, which has a plurality of fields, one of which being a messaging field. The business card is displayed on the phone such that the messaging field can be user selected, a message generated and transmitted to a communications address retrieved from a database. | 04-05-2012 |
20120086744 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS WITH NESTED PRINTER AND SCANNER - An image processing apparatus has a compact arrangement of an inkjet printer; and a flat bed scanner unit. The scanner has a scanner head, a glass panel for receiving media to be scanned and a lid having an inner surface for flat engagement with the glass panel. The lid also has an outer surface presenting a flat surface for receiving media printed by the printer and awaiting collection. | 04-12-2012 |
20120086748 | PRINTHEAD HAVING MIRRORED ROWS OF PRINT NOZZLES - A printhead having at least first and second rows of print nozzle cells. Each each nozzle cell has an ink chamber, control circuitry and drive circuitry. Each nozzle cell in the first row has a corresponding nozzle cell in the second row. The drive circuitry of each nozzle cell of the first row is arranged adjacent the drive circuitry of the corresponding nozzle cell in the second row and distant the control circuitry of the corresponding nozzle cell in the first row. | 04-12-2012 |
20120086756 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT WITH AN ACTUATOR HAVING IRIS VANES - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate; a plurality of posts extending from the substrate; a roof portion defining an ejection port, the roof portion supported by the plurality of posts; a plurality of vanes extending from the substrate and arranged to define a chamber with the substrate and the roof portion; and a plurality of thermal bend actuators respectively positioned at a base of each vane, each thermal bend actuator including a rigid arm and an expandable arm attached to an end of the rigid arm. Each expandable arm contains therewithin a heater element. The plurality of thermal bend actuator are adapted to bend the vanes inwards with respect to the chamber in response to an electrical signal applied to each heater element, the plurality of thermal bend actuators bending the vanes in an iris-type manner to reduce a volume of the chamber. | 04-12-2012 |
20120092420 | FLUID EJECTION NOZZLE HAVING STACKED CAPACITIVE EJECTOR - A fluid ejection nozzle arrangement is provided having drive circuitry deposited on a substrate, subsequent etchant layers deposited on the drive circuitry to define a nozzle chamber with walls and a roof structure defining a fluid ejection port, and a stacked capacitive actuator arranged in the chamber. The actuator has alternate electrode plates sandwiched between a compressible polymer. Activation of the stacked actuator draws the electrode plates together to compress the polymer storing energy therein, with subsequent de-activation releasing the energy to eject fluid within the chamber from the ejection port. | 04-19-2012 |
20120104089 | ELECTRONIC PEN FOR INTERACTING WITH SUBSTRATE - An electronic pen for interacting with a substrate having a pattern of coded data printed thereon. The pen includes an infrared light source for illuminating an area of the substrate; an image sensor for imaging the coded data illuminated in the area; a force sensor for sensing an interaction between the pen and the substrate; a processing system configured for: determining digital ink from the imaged coded data; storing the digital ink in a memory buffer; determining whether the pen is positioned within a predetermined functional zone of the substrate; and initiating a response in the pen in the event that the pen is positioned within the predetermined functional zone. The response is initiated without reference to a remote computer system. | 05-03-2012 |
20120105383 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIGITIZING FREEHAND GRAPHICS AND SELECTING PROPERTIES THEREFOR - A method of digitizing a freehand graphic created by an electronic pen having a marking nib. The method includes the steps of: interacting with a surface using the electronic pen; generating digital ink representing interaction of the pen with the surface, the digital ink identifying positions of the pen on the surface; determining if the position is in a first area or a second area of the surface; if the identified position is in the first area of the surface, then interpreting the position as a point in a freehand graphic; and if the identified position is in the second area of the surface, then interpreting the position as a selection of a property for the freehand graphic. | 05-03-2012 |
20120105551 | NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT INCLUDING ACTIVE AND STATIC INK EJECTING MEMBERS DEFINING VARIABLE-VOLUME CHAMBER - A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes an ink inlet; a static ink ejecting member bounding the ink inlet; an active ink ejecting member having a roof defining an ink ejection port and sidewalls depending from the roof, the active ink ejecting member and the static ink ejecting member together defining a nozzle chamber; and an actuator arrangement for reciprocating the active ink ejection member relative to the static ink ejecting member. The static ink ejecting member includes a sealing structure defined along an edge thereof, the sealing structure shaped to form a fluidic seal between the active and the static ink ejecting members by surface tension of a fluid in the nozzle chamber. | 05-03-2012 |
20120105552 | INKJET NOZZLE ASSEMBLY HAVING DISPLACEABLE ROOF DEFINING EJECTION PORT - An inkjet nozzle assembly includes: a nozzle chamber having a floor and a roof spaced apart from the floor, the roof having a displaceable portion defining an ejection port; and an actuator for displacing the displaceable portion of the roof towards the floor. Displacement of the displaceable portion of the roof alters a volume of the nozzle chamber such that when the volume is altered, fluid is ejected from the ejection port. | 05-03-2012 |
20120111939 | TRANSACTION RECORDAL METHOD - A method of recording a transaction relating to a security document is disclosed. Coded data portions are provided on the security document, with each coded data portion encoding an identity of the security document and part of a signature. The signature is a digital signature of the identity. A sensing device senses at least one coded data portion. From the coded data portion sensed by the sensing device a determined identity and a determined signature part are determined. The security document is authenticated using the determined identity and the determined signature part. Transaction data associated with the security document, stored in a data store, is updated upon successful authentication. | 05-10-2012 |
20120112403 | SHEET FEED ASSEMBLY - A sheet feed assembly with a pair of rollers to feed sheets of media along a feed path. The roller pair has a drive roller and an idler roller. The drive roller is mounted between two bearings and for rotation about its longitudinal axis. The idler roller is shorter than the drive roller and is held against the drive roller by two guide formations and at either end. The guide formations bias the idler roller against the drive roller while allowing some lateral displacement of the idler roller from the drive roller. | 05-10-2012 |
20120113191 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH A SOLENOID PISTON - A printhead integrated circuit comprising a wafer substrate defining a nozzle outlet port; an electromagnetic piston mounted to the wafer substrate via torsion springs, said piston operatively forced towards the outlet port when activated; and a solenoid coil positioned on the wafer substrate about the piston to activate the piston when a current is passed through the coil. The piston is magnetised during a final high temperature step in a fabrication process of the nozzle apparatus to ensure that the Curie temperature is not exceeded after magnetisation | 05-10-2012 |
20120113293 | IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICE WITH FOUR PROCESSING UNITS - An image capture device that has an image sensor, a RISC core, four processing units connected in parallel to the RISC core via a data cache, the four processing units being interconnected with a crossbar switch and an image sensor interface. The image sensor interface is configured to receive image data from the image sensor for parallel processing by the four processing units in accordance with processing instructions from the RISC core. | 05-10-2012 |
20120120156 | INKJET PRINTHEAD WITH INK LEAKAGE CONTAINMENT WALLS FOR NOZZLE GROUPS - An inkjet printhead that has a substrate, a plurality of nozzle assemblies positioned on the substrate, each nozzle assembly having a nozzle opening from which ink is ejected and an actuator for receiving an activation pulse and, containment walls positioned on the substrate for separating the nozzles assemblies into a plurality of groups. Each of the containment walls surrounds a group of nozzle assemblies to restrict ink leaked from one of the groups of nozzle assemblies from contacting another of the groups of nozzle assemblies. | 05-17-2012 |
20120127240 | SOLVENT-BASED INK COMPOSITION WITH KETONE SOLVENT AND SURFACE-MODIFIED PIGMENT - A solvent-based ink composition for a thermal inkjet printhead. The composition includes: (a) 10-80 wt. % of a compound of formula (B): | 05-24-2012 |
20120140280 | ELECTRONICALLY TRANSMITTED DOCUMENT DELIVERY THROUGH INTERACTION WITH PRINTED DOCUMENT - A system for delivering an electronic document is disclosed. The system has a printer for printing on a substrate user information indicative of a send instruction which is visible to a user and coded tags invisible to the user. A sensing device senses the coded tags when the sensing device is moved relative to the substrate by the user interacting with the user information. A computer system electronically captures a message composed with the sensing device via movement of the sensing device relative to a predetermined area on the substrate. The computer system determines the predetermined area on the substrate and electronically captures the message. When the sensing device senses coded tags coincident with the send instruction, the computer system transmits the message to a recipient address. | 06-07-2012 |
20120147433 | PROVIDING INFORMATION THROUGH INTERACTION WITH A PRINTED PAGE - A method for providing information is disclosed. Page descriptors are stored in a server. A printed page is printed by a printer with visible and invisible data. The invisible data is indicative of one or more of the page descriptors. A sensing device senses the invisible data when placed in an operative position relative to the printed page, and transmits information extracted from sensed invisible data to the server. The page descriptor of the printed page is identified by the server, and information associated with the page descriptor and positioning of the sensing device relative to the printed page is provided by the server. | 06-14-2012 |
20120202565 | MOBILE PHONE FOR RETRIEVING AND PLAYING VIDEO - A mobile phone includes: a body; an image sensor positioned in the body for imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data; a display screen for outputting video; a processor coupled to the sensor, the processor being configured for: retrieving video data based on an identity of the substrate and a position of the mobile phone relative to the substrate, and rendering video output to the display screen; and a memory coupled to the processor. | 08-09-2012 |
20120237140 | OPTICALLY IMAGING STYLUS FOR INTERACTING WITH SUBSTRATE HAVING IMAGEABLE POSITION-CODING PATTERN - An optically imaging stylus for interacting with a substrate having an imageable position-coding pattern identifying a plurality of locations on the substrate. The stylus includes: a nib; an image sensor; and a processor configured for: (i) inferring a perspective transform using perspective-distorted features of the imaged position-coding pattern; (ii) determining a rotational orientation of the stylus relative to the position-coding pattern; (iii) acquiring and decoding coded data contained in the imaged position-coding pattern, the decoded coded data identifying an imaged location on the substrate; (iv) calculating a nib position using: the imaged location, the perspective transform and the determined rotational orientation, the nib position being different than the imaged location; and (v) generating digital ink identifying the nib position. | 09-20-2012 |
20120273567 | MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR RETRIEVING AUDIO DATA VIA CODED MEDIUM - A mobile telecommunications device retrieves audio data using a coded medium with coded data. The coded data is encoded in a linear pattern and a two-dimensional pattern on the coded medium. The linear pattern and the two-dimensional pattern encode a medium identifier linked to the audio data, and the two-dimensional pattern also encodes a two-dimensional coordinate grid. The mobile telecommunications device has a first image sensor for sensing the coded data printed in the linear pattern on the coded medium, a second image sensor for sensing the coded data printed in the two-dimensional pattern and, a processor for determining the medium identifier from the coded data printed in a linear pattern and the coded data printed in a two dimensional pattern, and retrieving the audio data using the determined medium identifier. | 11-01-2012 |
20120274682 | INTEGRATED PRINTING AND DISPLAY DEVICE WITH REPLACEABLE INK CARTRIDGE - A printing and display device includes a flat panel display for displaying images from an external computer; a printer having an inkjet printhead; a video socket adapted to engage with a video plug and video cable from the external computer to receive therefrom a video signal; a print data connection for selective connection to the external computer to receive therefrom print instructions; a rear cover molding enclosing therein the flat panel display; a paper chute ; and an ink delivery bus provided within the rear cover molding. The rear cover molding includes an aperture for receiving therein an external ink cartridge. The aperture facilitates coupling of the external ink cartridge with the ink delivery bus. The ink delivery bus includes fluid ports for engaging with the external ink cartridge, each of the one or more fluid port including a hollow needle adapted to penetrate a seal of the external ink cartridge. | 11-01-2012 |
20120274704 | PAGEWIDTH INKJET PRINTER FOR PRINTING CARTRIDGE-FED SHEETS - A pagewidth inkjet printer includes a chassis; a pagewidth inkjet printhead mounted on the chassis; a cover assembly mounted on the chassis to accommodate a printing cartridge storing sheets of media and an ink supply; a printed circuit board mounted on the chassis and connected to the printhead to control operation of the printhead; an ink supply manifold connected to the printhead to supply the printhead with ink, the ink supply manifold being connected the ink supply of the printing cartridge via ink conduits; and a print media feed arrangement mounted on the chassis to feed print media from the cartridge through the printer. The cover assembly includes a rotatable axle and a cog mounted on each end of the rotatable axle, the cogs engage corresponding racks on the printing cartridge to inhibit skewing of the cartridge as the printing cartridge is inserted into and withdrawn from the cover assembly. | 11-01-2012 |
20120274956 | DUPLEX PRINTER WITH INTERNAL HARD DRIVE - A duplex color printer includes a pair of print engines mounted in an opposed manner to define a print media feed path therebetween, each print engine including a printhead and a transfer roller for receiving ejected ink from the printhead; a pair of print media trays mounted on either side of the body for respectively containing print media; a print media feed arrangement for feeding print media from one of the trays along the print media path into the other one of the trays; an internal hard drive for locally storing pre-rasterized documents; an interface for facilitating user selection of a locally stored pre-rasterized document for printing by the pair of print engines; and a cleaning station provided in each print engine. Each cleaning station includes a resilient wiper and an absorbent sponge. The resilient wiper is provided downstream of the absorbent sponge with respect to the transfer roller. | 11-01-2012 |
20120274987 | ELECTRONICALLY MESSAGE CAPTURE THROUGH INTERACTION WITH PRINTED DOCUMENT - A system for capturing an electronic message is disclosed. The system includes a printer, a sensing device and a computer system. The printer prints on a substrate user information visible to a user and coded tags invisible to the user. Each coded tag encodes an identity unique to the substrate and a location of the coded tag on the substrate. The user information defines a message area on the substrate. The sensing device senses the coded tags on the substrate when the sensing device is moved relative to the substrate. The computer system electronically captures a message composed with the sensing device via movement of the sensing device relative to the message area, the computer system using the identity of the substrate and a sequence of respective locations of coded tags sensed by the sensing device for determining the movement relative to the message area and the message. | 11-01-2012 |
20120287204 | INK EJECTION NOZZLE EMPLOYING VOLUME VARYING INK EJECTING MEANS - A nozzle arrangement for ejecting ink includes a substrate defining an ink supply passage; a first endless wall extending from the substrate and bounding the ink supply passage; an elongate actuator anchored at a fixed end to the substrate, the actuator configured to bend towards and away from the substrate; and a cover terminating a free end of the actuator, the cover defining a second endless wall suspended from the cover within the confines of the first endless wall to define an ink chamber with the first endless wall. The bending of the actuator varies a volume of the ink chamber and effects ejection of ink through an ink ejection port. The first and second endless walls define a gap therebetween. The width of the gap is conducive to the formation of a fluidic seal effected via surface tension of the ink. | 11-15-2012 |
20120314004 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING TITANIUM ALUMINIUM NITRIDE HEATER ELEMENTS - Provided is an inkjet printhead integrated circuit that has a wafer substrate that has an ink passage, and a nozzle plate supported on the substrate by side walls to define an ink chamber supplied with ink via the ink passage. The nozzle plate has an ink ejection port corresponding to the ink chamber. A heater element is bonded to the nozzle plate inside the chamber for vaporising ink to generate a vapour bubble that ejects ink through the ejection port. The heater element is bonded to the nozzle plate with a low thermal product layer. The thermal product thermal product is less than 1495 Jm | 12-13-2012 |
20120327471 | METHOD FOR PRINTING INTERACTIVE PAGES - A method for printing an interactive page for a collection of interactive pages includes steps of storing, in a cartridge holding a volume of printing fluid, a seed for generating a range of identifiers; generating, from the seed, an identifier that is unique within the collection of interactive pages; printing the unique identifier on a page together with human visible markings representing the information to be presented on the page; and storing the unique identifier in association with a page description describing a layout of the printed page. | 12-27-2012 |
20120327472 | Device for rendering display output associated with printed content overlayed by the device - A device for interacting with printed content is disclosed. The device has an optical sensor for imaging an area of a printed substrate containing the printed content when the device is placed over the printed content. A touch-sensitive display screen is also provided for displaying display content. The device further has a processor for determining an identity of the printed substrate from output of the optical sensor and then retrieves display data based on the identity of the printed substrate. The processor also determines the position and orientation of the device relative to the printed substrate. Display content is rendered to the touch-sensitive display screen, with the display content being based on the retrieved display data, the position and orientation of the device relative to the printed substrate. User input is received from the touch-sensitive display screen when the user interacts with the display data. | 12-27-2012 |
20120328216 | Interactivity for Printed Content - A method for providing interactivity for printed content is disclosed. An image of a writing surface containing the printed content is captured by an optical imaging pen device. The image includes a pattern printed on the writing surface. A plurality of available options associated with the printed content coincident with the pattern in the image is then determined and a selection from a user of one of the plurality of available options is received. An application is executed, with the execution using the selected option. | 12-27-2012 |
20130006772 | SYSTEM FOR PERSONAL EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING CONTENT DELIVERY - A system is provided for enabling personal editorial and advertising content delivery. The system has a publication server which receives information regarding interests of a user and selects editorial content in accordance with the information. The publication server also receives information regarding a locality and demographic of the user and selects advertising content in accordance with the information and the published editorial content. Further, the publication server publishes a personalised publication with the selected editorial and advertising content. | 01-03-2013 |
20130010076 | MULTI-CORE PROCESSOR FOR PORTABLE DEVICE WITH DUAL IMAGE SENSORS - A multi-core processor is used in a portable device that has first and second image sensors spaced from each other for capturing images of a scene from slightly different perspectives. The multi-core processor has a first image sensor interface for receiving data from the image sensor, a second image sensor interface for receiving data from the second image sensor, multiple processing units and, the four processing units and the first and second sensor interfaces being integrated onto a single chip. The processing units are configured to simultaneously process the data from the first and second image interfaces to generate stereoscopic image data. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010082 | PORTABLE HAND-HELD DEVICE HAVING STEREOSCOPIC IMAGE CAMERA - A portable hand-held device is provided having a digital camera and a processor. The digital camera has two image sensors respectively arranged to capture corresponding images of the same scene. The processor image processes the images captured by the image sensors so as to output three dimensional stereoscopic images. The processor has two interfaces for respectively receiving the images captured by the image sensors. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010083 | PORTABLE DEVICE WITH DUAL IMAGE SENSORS AND QUAD-CORE PROCESSOR - A portable device that has first and second image sensors and a central processor. The central processor has four processing units and a first image sensor interface and a second image sensor interface for receiving data from the from the first and second image sensors respectively. The four processing units and the first and second sensor interfaces are integrated onto a single chip such that the four processing units are configured to simultaneously process the data from the first and second image interfaces to generate stereoscopic image data. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010122 | HAND HELD IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICE WITH MULTI-CORE PROCESSOR AND WIRELESS INTERFACE TO INPUT DEVICE - A hand held electronic device that has a CMOS image sensor for capturing image data, a wireless device port for wireless connection to a user input device and, a central processor. The central processor has multiple processing units, an image sensor interface and a wireless device interface integrated onto a single chip. The image sensor interface receives the image data from the CMOS image sensor, and the wireless device interface being configured to receive user inputs from the wireless device port. The multiple processing units are configured to process the image data in parallel together with the user inputs from the wireless device interface. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010123 | PORTABLE HAND-HELD DEVICE HAVING NETWORKED QUAD CORE PROCESSOR - A portable hand-held device is provided having a processor chip. The processor chip has, on-chip, a network interface and four interconnected processing units. The processing units are configured to process information communicated over the network interface. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010125 | HANDHELD DIGITAL CAMERA DEVICE WITH ORIENTATION SENSING AND DECODING CAPABILITIES - A handheld digital camera device including an image sensor for capturing images and generating image data; a color display for displaying captured images to a user; an orientation sensor for generating orientation data; and an integral processor configured for: controlling operation of the image sensor and the color display; determining a landscape or portrait orientation of the camera device using the orientation data; decoding an imaged coding pattern printed on a substrate; and performing an action in the handheld electronic device based on the decoded coding pattern. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010126 | DIGITAL CAMERA WITH QUAD CORE PROCESSOR - A digital camera that has a CMOS image sensor and a central processor. The central processor has four processing units and an image sensor interface integrated onto a single chip. The image sensor interface receives data from the CMOS image sensor and the four processing units simultaneously process the data. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010127 | MULTI-CORE PROCESSOR FOR HAND-HELD, IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICE - A multi-core processor for installation in a hand-held device that has first and second image sensors. The multi-core processor has a first sensor interface for receiving data from the first image sensor, and a second sensor interface for receiving data from the second image sensor. Multiple processing units in the multi-core processor are configured to operate in parallel for processing data from the first and second sensor interfaces. The multiple processing units and the first and second sensor interfaces are all integrated onto a single chip. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010128 | HANDHELD IMAGING DEVICE WITH MULTI-CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR INTEGRATING COMMON BUS INTERFACE AND DEDICATED IMAGE SENSOR INTERFACE - A handheld imaging device includes an image sensor for sensing an image; a multi-core processor for processing the sensed image; and a program memory provided external to the multi-core processor, and communicating therewith via a communication bus. The multi-core processor includes a bus interface for interfacing with the communication bus, and further includes an image sensor interface for interfacing with the image sensor separately from the communication bus and the bus interface. The multi-core processor includes a plurality of parallel processing units connected by a crossbar switch to form the multi-core. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010129 | HANDHELD IMAGING DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED CHIP INCORPORATING ON SHARED WAFER IMAGE PROCESSOR AND CENTRAL PROCESSOR - A handheld imaging device includes an image sensor for sensing an image; an integrated chip provided on a wafer substrate, the integrated chip integrating on the wafer substrate a dedicated image processor for processing the sensed image, and an image sensor interface for receiving signals from the image sensor; a plurality of processing units provided in the dedicated image processor, the plurality of processing units connected in parallel by a crossbar switch to form a multi-core processing unit for the processor; and a CPU provided in the integrated chip for performing general operating system duties. A transfer of data from the image sensor interface to the dedicated image processor is conducted entirely within the integrated chip and on the shared wafer substrate. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010130 | QUAD-CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR FOR DEVICE WITH IMAGE DISPLAY - A quad-core processor for a hand-held device with a color display, has an image sensor interface for receiving data from an image sensor, four interconnected processing units for color converting the data from the image sensor interface into a color space for the color display and, a color display interface for outputting color converted data to the color display. The four processing units, the image sensor interface and the color display interface are integrated onto a single chip. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010131 | PORTABLE DEVICE WITH IMAGE SENSOR AND QUAD-CORE PROCESSOR FOR MULTI-POINT FOCUS IMAGE CAPTURE - A multi-core processor is used in a portable device that has first and second image sensors spaced from each other for capturing images of a scene from slightly different perspectives. The multi-core processor has a first image sensor interface for receiving data from the image sensor, a second image sensor interface for receiving data from the second image sensor, multiple processing units and, the four processing units and the first and second sensor interfaces being integrated onto a single chip. The processing units are configured to simultaneously process the data from the first and second image interfaces to generate stereoscopic image data. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010132 | MULTI-CORE PROCESSOR FOR PORTABLE DEVICE WITH IMAGE SENSOR AND MULTI-POINT FOCUS IMAGE CAPTURE - A multi-core processor is used in a portable device with image sensor with adjustable focal length for sensing a scene. The multi-core processor has multiple processing units incorporated onto a single chip and an image sensor interface on the chip. The image sensor interface is configured to provide the processing units with image data from the image sensor, and the processing units are configured to divide the image data into selected regions of the scene and simultaneously derive an image sharpness metric for each of the regions. This metric is used to determine an optimal focal length for each of the selected regions when the image sharpness metric for that region of the scene is above a threshold. Using this data, the portable device captures an image of the scene at each of the optimal focal lengths. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010135 | PORTABLE HANDHELD DEVICE WITH MULTI-CORE MICROCODED IMAGE PROCESSOR - A portable handheld device including a CPU for processing a script; a multi-core processor for processing an image; an input buffer for receiving data for processing by the multi-core processor, the input buffer being provided under the control of the multi-core processor to send data thereto; and an output buffer for receiving data processed by the multi-core processor, the output buffer being provided under the control of the multi-core processor to receive data therefrom. The multi-core processor comprises a plurality of micro-coded processing units. The CPU is configured with authority to clear and query the input and output buffers. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010136 | PORTABLE HANDHELD DEVICE WITH MULTI-CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR - A portable handheld device includes an image sensor for capturing an image; and a one-chip microcontroller having integrated therein a CPU for processing a script language and a multi-core processor for processing an image captured by the image sensor. The multi-core processor includes therein multiple processing units connected in parallel by a common crossbar switch. Each processing unit includes an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), each ALU defining therein two internal crossbar switches for internal data transfer within one processing unit. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010140 | PORTABLE HAND-HELD DEVICE FOR DEBLURRING SENSED IMAGES - A portable hand-held device is provided having an image sensor for sensing an image of a scene, a motion sensor for detecting motion of the device relative to the scene, and a processor for receiving image manipulation instructions via encoded media. The processor processes the sensed image to remove blur therein based on the detected relative device motion and the received image manipulation instructions. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010141 | HANDHELD DIGITAL CAMERA DEVICE WITH MOTION SENSING AND DECODING CAPABILITIES - A handheld digital camera device including: an image sensor for capturing images and generating image data; a two-dimensional motion sensor for generating motion data; and an integral processor configured for: controlling operation of the image sensor; estimating an angular velocity of the camera device relative to an external environment using the motion data; decoding an imaged coding pattern printed on a substrate; and performing an action in the handheld electronic device based on the decoded coding pattern. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010148 | PORTABLE IMAGING DEVICE WITH MULTI-CORE PROCESSOR - A portable imaging device that has a CMOS image sensor, a color display for displaying an image sensed by the CMOS image sensor and a central processor. The central processor has an image sensor interface for receiving data from the CMOS image sensor, multiple processing units for parallel operation to simultaneously process the data, and an image display interface for sending processed data to the color display. The central processor is integrated onto a single chip. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010149 | PORTABLE DEVICE WITH IMAGE SENSORS AND MULTI-CORE PROCESSOR - A portable device that has first and second image sensors and a central processor. The central processor has a first sensor interface and a second sensor interface for receiving data from the from the first and second image sensors respectively such that the data is simultaneously processed in the multiple processing units. The central processor integrates the multiple processing units and the first and second sensor interfaces onto a single chip. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010150 | PORTABLE HANDHELD DEVICE WITH MULTI-CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR - A portable handheld device includes an image sensor for capturing an image; an orientation sensor for determining a rotation of the image sensor; and a system-on-chip processor having integrated on a common wafer a CPU for processing a script language, a multi-core processor for processing an image captured by the image sensor, and a common synchronization register. The multi-core processor includes multiple processing units connected in parallel by a crossbar switch. Each processing unit stores one or more synchronization bits for identifying which of the other processing units are functioning as a single process therewith. The common synchronization register contains therein synchronization bits from each of the processing units. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010151 | PORTABLE HANDHELD DEVICE WITH MULTI-CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR - A portable handheld device includes an image sensor for capturing an image; an image sensor interface for receiving data from the image sensor; a DRAM for storing the data received by the image sensor interface; an image processor for storing the image the DRAM, the image processor including a plurality of micro-coded processing units; a central processor for instructing the image processor; and an orientation sensor for sensing a rotation of the protable handheld device at a time of sensing the image. The central processor is configured to load the plurality of micro-coded processing units of the image processor with micro-code for performing an affine transform of the data in the DRAM to rotate the data in the DRAM by a rotation corresponding to the rotation sensed by the orientation sensor. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010152 | HAND HELD IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICE WITH MULTI-CORE PROCESSOR FOR FACIAL DETECTION - A hand held image capture device that has a camera with an image sensor to capture a scene viewed by the camera and, a central processor having multiple processing units and an image sensor interface integrated onto a single chip. The image sensor interface is configured to receive data from the image sensor and the multiple processing units being configured for processing in the data. The processing of the data includes detecting faces within the scene. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010159 | PORTABLE HANDHELD DEVICE WITH MULTI-CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR - According to an aspect of the disclosure, a portable handheld device includes a CPU for processing a script; a multi-core processor for processing an image, and a DRAM for storing image data. The CPU and multi-core processor are integrated on one wafer and share a data cache provided on the same wafer. The DRAM is provided external to the wafer. The portable handheld device further comprises a DRAM interface for receiving and sending data to the DRAM, the DRAM interface being provided on the same wafer and sharing the data cache with the CPU and the multi-core processor. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010167 | HANDHELD IMAGING DEVICE WITH IMAGE PROCESSOR AND IMAGE SENSOR INTERFACE PROVIDED ON SHARED SUBSTRATE - A handheld imaging device includes an image sensor for sensing an image; a processor for processing the sensed image; a plurality of processing units provided in the processor, the plurality of processing units connected in parallel by a crossbar switch to form a multi-core processing unit for the processor; and an image sensor interface for converting signals from the image sensor to a format readable by the plurality of processing units, the image sensor interface sharing a wafer substrate with the processor. The image sensor interface provides communication between the micro-controller and the image sensor. The bus interface provides communication between the micro-controller and devices external to the micro-controller other than the image sensor. Communication between the image sensor interface and the micro-controller is conducted entirely on the shared wafer substrate. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010173 | PORTABLE HAND-HELD DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING ORIENTED IMAGES - A portable hand-held device is provided having a network interface for sharing images between the device and a network, an image display for displaying the shared images, an orientation sensor for sensing an orientation of the device, and a processor for processing the displayed images based on the sensed device orientation and outputting the processed images to the image display. | 01-10-2013 |
20130013839 | MULTI-CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR FOR PORTABLE DEVICE - A portable handheld device including a CPU for processing a script; a multi-core processor for processing an image; an input buffer for receiving data for processing by the multi-core processor, the input buffer being provided under the control of the multi-core processor to send data thereto; and an output buffer for receiving data processed by the multi-core processor, the output buffer being provided under the control of the multi-core processor to receive data therefrom. The multi-core processor comprises a plurality of micro-coded processing units. The CPU is configured with authority to clear and query the input and output buffers. | 01-10-2013 |
20130013893 | PORTABLE HANDHELD DEVICE WITH MULTI-CORE MICROCODED IMAGE PROCESSOR - A portable handheld device includes a CPU for processing a script; a multi-core processor for processing images; and a flash memory connected to the CPU, the flash memory storing therein a table of micro-codes. The multi-core processor includes a plurality of micro-coded processing units. The CPU is configured to read one or more micro-codes from the flash memory and load the one or more micro-codes into the processing unit to execute the script being processed thereby | 01-10-2013 |
20130015239 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH DUAL IMAGE SENSORS AND PROCESSOR FOR DECODING IMAGED CODING PATTERN - A handheld electronic device including: first and second image sensors for capturing images and generating image data; a color display for displaying captured images to a user; and an integral processor configured for: controlling operation of the first and second image sensors; controlling operation of the color display; decoding an imaged coding pattern printed on a substrate; and performing an action in the handheld electronic device based on the decoded coding pattern. Decoding of the coding pattern includes the steps of: determining a data area in the image data received from the first or second image sensor; and decoding the coding pattern contained in the determined data area. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016227 | HAND-HELD QUAD CORE PROCESSING APPARATUS - A hand-held apparatus is provided having a digital camera, a display, a miniature keyboard, a network interface, and four interconnected processing units arranged to jointly run programs for the operation of the digital camera, display, miniature keyboard, and network interface. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016228 | HAND HELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH CAMERA AND MULTI-CORE PROCESSOR - A hand held electronic device that has a camera with a CMOS image sensor and a central processor integrated onto a single chip. The central processor having multiple processing units and an image sensor interface. The multiple processing units are configured for operating in parallel and the image sensor interface is configured for receiving data from the CMOS image sensor for simultaneous processing in the multiple processing units. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016229 | CENTRAL PROCESSOR WITH MULTIPLE PROGRAMMABLE PROCESSOR UNITS - A central processor for installation in an imaging device with a CMOS image sensor. The central processor had an image sensor interface for receiving data from the CMOS image sensor and multiple processing units configured to operate in parallel for processing data from the image sensor interface. Each of the processing units has rewritable memory for microcode that operatively controls that processing unit. The multiple processing units and the image sensor interface are integrated onto a single chip. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016230 | CAMERA WITH LINKED PARALLEL PROCESSOR CORES - A camera with a CMOS image sensor, an image sensor interface for receiving data from the CMOS image sensor and multiple processing units interconnected with each other for parallel processing of data from the image sensor interface. The multiple processing units and the image sensor interface are integrated onto a single chip. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016231 | QUAD-CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR - A quad-core processor for use in a hand-held device with a CMOS image sensor. The quad-core processor has an image sensor interface for receiving data from the CMOS image sensor and four processing units interconnected with each other for parallel processing of data from the image sensor interface. The four processing units and the image sensor interface are integrated onto a single chip. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016232 | HANDHELD IMAGING DEVICE WITH IMAGE PROCESSOR PROVIDED WITH MULTIPLE PARALLEL PROCESSING UNITS - A handheld imaging device includes an image sensor for sensing an image; a micro-controller integrating therein a dedicated image processor for processing the sensed image, a bus interface, and an image sensor interface; and a plurality of processing units connected in parallel by a crossbar switch, the plurality of processing units provided within the micro-controller to form a multi-core processing unit for the processor. The image sensor interface provides communication between the micro-controller and the image sensor. The bus interface provides communication between the micro-controller and devices external to the micro-controller other than the image sensor. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016233 | HANDHELD IMAGING DEVICE INCORPORATING MULTI-CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR - A handheld imaging device includes an image sensor for sensing an image; a processor for processing the sensed image; a plurality of processing units provided in the processor, the plurality of processing units connected in parallel by a crossbar switch to form a multi-core processing unit for the processor; and an image sensor interface for converting signals from the image sensor to a format readable by the plurality of processing units, the image sensor interface sharing a wafer substrate with the processor. A transfer of data from the image sensor interface to the plurality of processing units is conducted entirely on the shared wafer substrate. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016234 | PORTABLE IMAGING DEVICE WITH MULTI-CORE PROCESSOR AND ORIENTATION SENSOR - A portable imaging device that has a CMOS image sensor, a color display for displaying an image sensed by the CMOS image sensor, an orientation sensor for sensing the device orientation and, a central processor. The central processor has an image sensor interface for receiving data from the CMOS image sensor and an output from the orientation sensor, multiple processing units configured for simultaneously processing the data, and an image display interface for sending processed data to the color display. The central processor is integrated onto a single chip. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016235 | HANDHELD IMAGING DEVICE WITH QUAD-CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR INTEGRATING IMAGE SENSOR INTERFACE - A handheld imaging device includes an image sensor for sensing an image; a processor for processing the sensed image; a quad-core processing unit provided in the processor, the quad-core processing unit having four processing units connected in parallel by a crossbar switch; and an image sensor interface for converting signals from the image sensor to a format readable by the quad-core processing unit, the image sensor interface sharing a wafer substrate with the processor. A transfer of data from the image sensor interface to the quad-core processing unit is conducted entirely on the shared wafer substrate. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016236 | HANDHELD IMAGING DEVICE WITH MULTI-CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR INTEGRATING IMAGE SENSOR INTERFACE - A handheld imaging device includes an image sensor for sensing an image; a processor for processing the sensed image; a multi-core processing unit provided in the processor, the multi-core processing unit having a plurality of processing units connected in parallel by a crossbar switch; and an image sensor interface for converting signals from the image sensor to a format readable by the multi-core processing unit, the image sensor interface sharing a wafer substrate with the processor. A transfer of data from the image sensor interface to the plurality of processing units is conducted entirely on the shared wafer substrate. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016237 | PORTABLE HAND-HELD DEVICE HAVING QUAD CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR - A portable hand-held device is provided having an image sensor for capturing images, and a processor chip for image processing the images captured by the image sensor. The processor chip has an on-chip interface for receiving the captured images and four interconnected processing units configured to process the received images. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016241 | PORTABLE HAND-HELD DEVICE FOR MANIPULATING IMAGES - A portable hand-held apparatus is provided having a memory for storing images, a motion sensor for detecting motion of the device, and a processor for receiving image manipulation instructions via encoded media. The processor processes the stored images based on the detected device motion and the received image manipulation instructions to produce output images. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016247 | CAMERA DEVICE WITH COLOR DISPLAY AND PROCESSOR FOR DECODING DATA BLOCKS CONTAINING PREDETERMINED AMOUNT OF DATA - A handheld digital camera device including: a digital camera unit having a first image sensor for capturing images and a color display for displaying captured images to a user; and an integral processor configured for: controlling operation of the first image sensor and color display; decoding an imaged coding pattern printed on a substrate; and performing an action in the handheld digital camera device based on the decoded coding pattern. The decoding includes the steps of: identifying a data block in the imaged coding pattern, the data block containing a data area having an encoded control block, the control block containing encoded information regarding the size of data to be extracted from the data area; decoding the control block to determine the size of data to be extracted from the data area; and decoding the coding pattern contained in the data area of the data block. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016248 | MULTI-CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR FOR PORTABLE DEVICE - A processor for a portable handheld device having an area image sensor includes a shared wafer substrate; an image sensor interface provided on the shared wafer substrate, the image sensor interface for receiving image data capture by an image sensor; an image processor provided on the shared wafer substrate, the image processor for processing the image data received by the image sensor interface; a central processor provided on the shared wafer substrate, the central processor for loading the image processor with instructions; a first internal bus provided on the shared wafer substrate, the first internal bus effecting communication between the image sensor interface and the image processor; and a second internal bus provided on the shared wafer substrate, the second internal bus effecting communication between the central processor and the image processor. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016265 | QUAD-CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR FOR FACIAL DETECTION - A quad-core processor for a hand held device with a CMOS image sensor to capture a scene. The quad-core processor has an image sensor interface for receiving data from the CMOS image sensor and four processing units for simultaneously processing the data. The image sensor and the four processing units being incorporated onto a single chip and the processing units are configured to detect faces within the scene. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016266 | HANDHELD IMAGING DEVICE WITH VLIW IMAGE PROCESSOR - A handheld imaging device includes an image sensor for sensing an image: a Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) processor for processing the sensed image; a plurality of processing units provided in the VLIW processor, the plurality of processing units connected in parallel by a crossbar switch to form a multi-core processing unit for the VLIW processor; and an image sensor interface for receiving signals from the image sensor and converting the signals to a format readable by the VLIW processor, the image sensor interface sharing a wafer substrate with the VLIW processor. A transfer of data from the image sensor interface to the VLIW processor is conducted entirely on the shared wafer substrate. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016279 | PORTABLE HAND-HELD DEVICE HAVING POWER MANAGEMENT - A portable hand-held device is provided having components housed in a body. The components include a power supply, an image sensor for sensing images of a scene, a flash unit for illuminating the scene, a network interface for sharing images between the device and a network, and an integrated circuit processor. The processor has integrated circuit parts for respectively operating the other components and is configured so that the respective components and integrated circuit parts are powered by the power supply only during use. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016280 | IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICE WITH LINKED MULTI-CORE PROCESSOR AND ORIENTATION SENSOR - An image capture device that has an image sensor for capturing a scene, a multi-core processor with plurality of linked, identical processing units and an image sensor interface, all incorporated onto a single chip. The device also has an orientation sensor for sensing the device orientation. The processing units are configured for receiving data from the image sensor interface and an output from the orientation sensor, to simultaneously process the data. | 01-17-2013 |
20130021408 | METHOD OF MINIMIZING INK CONSUMPTION DURING PRINTHEAD PRIMING - A method of minimizing ink consumption during printhead priming in an inkjet printer. The printhead has a nozzle face defining an array of nozzles for ejecting ink on to a media substrate. The method includes the steps of: providing a porous pad having a contact face dimensioned so that it can encompass all the nozzles in the array; moving the porous pad such that the contact face engages the nozzle face to cover the array of nozzles; forcing ink into the printhead under pressure until ink flows out the nozzles in the array and into the porous pad engaged with the nozzle face; and withdrawing the porous pad such that the contact face disengages the nozzle face. | 01-24-2013 |
20130021443 | CAMERA SYSTEM WITH COLOR DISPLAY AND PROCESSOR FOR REED-SOLOMON DECODING - A camera system including: a substrate having a coding pattern printed thereon and | 01-24-2013 |
20130021444 | CAMERA SYSTEM WITH COLOR DISPLAY AND PROCESSOR FOR REED-SOLOMON DECODING - A handheld digital camera device including: a digital camera unit having a first image sensor for capturing images and a color display for displaying captured images to a user; an integral processor configured for: controlling operation of the first image sensor and color display; decoding an imaged coding pattern printed on a substrate, the printed coding pattern employing Reed-Solomon encoding; and performing an action in the handheld digital camera device based on the decoded coding pattern. The decoding includes the steps of: detecting target structures defining an extent of a data area; determining the data area using the detected target structures; and Reed-Solomon decoding the coding pattern contained in the determined data area. | 01-24-2013 |
20130021480 | MULTIPROCESSOR CHIP FOR HAND HELD IMAGING DEVICE - A multiprocessor chip for operating a hand held imaging device with a CMOS image sensor such as a digital camera. The multiprocessor chip has multiple processing units configured for working in parallel and an image sensor interface for receiving data from the CMOS image sensor. The multiple processing units simultaneously process the data from the image sensor interface. | 01-24-2013 |
20130021481 | QUAD-CORE CAMERA PROCESSOR - A quad-core processor for a camera with a CMOS image sensor. The quad-core processor has an image sensor interface for receiving data from the CMOS image sensor and four processing units configured for operating in parallel to process the data from the image sensor interface. The four processing units and the image sensor interface are integrated onto a single chip. | 01-24-2013 |
20130021482 | HANDHELD IMAGING DEVICE WITH SYSTEM-ON-CHIP MICROCONTROLLER INCORPORATING ON SHARED WAFER IMAGE PROCESSOR AND IMAGE SENSOR - A handheld imaging device includes an image sensor for sensing an image; and a micro-controller provided on a wafer substrate, the micro-controller integrating on the same wafer substrate as a system-on-chip device, a plurality of processing units and an image sensor interface for effecting data communication between the image sensor the plurality of processing units. | 01-24-2013 |
20130024660 | PORTABLE HANDHELD DEVICE WITH MULTI-CORE IMAGE PROCESSOR - A portable handheld device includes an image sensor for capturing an image; and a one-chip microcontroller having integrated therein a CPU for processing a script language and a multi-core processor for processing an image captured by the image sensor. The multi-core processor includes therein multiple processing units connected in parallel by a crossbar switch. Each processing unit includes an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU). Each ALU includes a first register set for accepting data from the first crossbar switch, and a second register set for loading data to the crossbar switch. | 01-24-2013 |
20130033429 | METHOD OF NOTETAKING WITH SOURCE DOCUMENT REFERENCING - A method of notetaking includes the steps of: displaying a source document on a display device; writing notes on a substrate relating to the displayed source document to create handwritten notes; generating digital ink representing the handwritten notes; and indexing the digital ink with an identifier for the displayed source document so that the displayed source document is retrievable when accessing the notes. The displayed source document has no association with the substrate prior to writing the notes. | 02-07-2013 |
20130033460 | METHOD OF NOTETAKING USING OPTICALLY IMAGING PEN WITH SOURCE DOCUMENT REFERENCING - A method of notetaking includes the steps of: displaying a source document on a display device; writing notes on a printed substrate relating to the displayed source document using an optically imaging pen to create handwritten notes; imaging a position-coding pattern whilst writing the notes and generating digital ink; and indexing the digital ink with an identifier for the displayed source document so that the displayed source document is retrievable when accessing the notes. The displayed source document has no association with the printed substrate prior to writing the notes. | 02-07-2013 |
20130033461 | SYSTEM FOR NOTETAKING WITH SOURCE DOCUMENT REFERENCING - A system for notetaking includes: a display device for displaying a source document to a user; a printed substrate for receiving handwritten notes relating to the displayed source document, the printed substrate having a position-coding pattern identifying a substrate identity and a plurality of coordinate locations on the substrate; an optically imaging pen having a writing nib, the pen being configured for imaging the position-coding pattern whilst writing the notes and generating digital ink; and a computer system configured for indexing the digital ink with an identifier for the displayed source document so that the displayed source document is retrievable when accessing the notes. | 02-07-2013 |
20130038662 | PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLY HAVING FIRST AND SECOND TRANSFER ROLLERS - A printhead maintenance assembly for maintaining an ink ejection face of an inkjet printhead. The printhead maintenance assembly includes: a first transfer roller having a transfer surface for receiving ink from the ink ejection face; a drive mechanism configured for rotating the first transfer roller; and a second transfer roller for engagement with the first transfer roller. During use, the second transfer roller receives ink from the first transfer roller. | 02-14-2013 |
20130063568 | CAMERA SYSTEM COMPRISING COLOR DISPLAY AND PROCESSOR FOR DECODING DATA BLOCKS IN PRINTED CODING PATTERN - A camera system including: a substrate having a coding pattern printed thereon and | 03-14-2013 |
20130075482 | Coding pattern comprising tags with x and y coordinate data divided into respective halves of each tag - A substrate has disposed on a surface a coding pattern. The coding pattern includes a plurality of tags each comprising x-coordinate data and y-coordinate data. A y-axis is nominally defined as north-south and an x-axis is nominally defined as east-west. The coding pattern further includes a plurality of data elements contained in each tag. The x-coordinate data is represented by a first set of data elements and the y-coordinate data is represented by a second set of data elements. The first set of data elements includes two replications of the x-coordinate data, a first replication of the x-coordinate data positioned in a western half of said tag and a second replication of the x-coordinate data positioned in an eastern half of said tag. The first replication of the x-coordinate data is positioned within one tag distance of a second replication of x-coordinate data of an adjacent tag. | 03-28-2013 |
20130076702 | Estimating relative nib position from images captured at different orientations - A method of estimating a position of nib of a pen relative to an optical sensor removably mounted on the pen. The optical sensor captures at least two images of a coded surface when the nib contacts the coded surface. The images are captured with the nib at a same position on the coded surface and the pen at different orientations relative to the coded surface. From a perspective distortion of the coded surface in each image, an estimated rotation and viewing distance for each image are estimated, and from the estimated rotations and viewing distances, the position of the nib relative to the optical sensor is estimated. | 03-28-2013 |
20130090481 | Sulfonated dye salts exhibiting reduced kogation - A sulfonated dye salt of formula (II): | 04-11-2013 |
20130095638 | Method of Fabricating Integrated Circuits - A method of fabricating integrated circuits is provided in which sacrificial material is provided on a first surface of a substrate to define structural elements, integrated circuit material is provided on the sacrificial material to provide integrated circuit structures as defined by the structural elements, the sacrificial material is removed from the first surface of the substrate to provide partially fabricated integrated circuits defined by the integrated circuit structures, a carrier handle is attached to the partially fabricated integrated circuits, and the substrate is thinned from a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface to provide the fabricated integrated circuits. | 04-18-2013 |
20130100297 | Method of enabling association of object with surface - A method is provided of enabling association of an object with a surface. In the method a server receives an image of the surface captured with an image sensor of a mobile device networked with the server, receives a request to associate a selected object with the captured image, receives specification of a location on the surface with which the selected object is to be associated, and associates the selected object with the specified location of the captured image of the surface. | 04-25-2013 |
20130120497 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING ROWS OF PRINTHEAD SEGMENTS - An inkjet printhead includes: a first row of longitudinally spaced apart first printhead segments, each first printhead segment having a plurality of nozzle rows configured for ejecting a plurality of different colored inks; and a second row of longitudinally spaced apart second printhead segments, the second row being parallel with the first row, each second printhead segment having a plurality of nozzle rows configured for ejecting a plurality of different colored inks The first and second printhead segments overlap in a media feed direction transverse to the first and second rows so as to provide seamless printing across a width of the printhead. | 05-16-2013 |
20130169714 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR TRANSMITTING POWER AND DATA - A cartridge for a printer is provided having a body defining a number of fluid reservoirs, a lid covering the body to seal fluid inside the reservoirs, and a printhead operatively fed with fluid from the reservoirs. A base of each reservoir is provided with a raised portion which surrounds a fluid outlet through which fluid flows for supply to the printhead. Each raised portion being moulded in the body to separate the outlet from the base of each reservoir to ensure a sufficient flow rate of fluid from the reservoir. | 07-04-2013 |
20130169830 | IMAGE SENSING AND PRINTING DEVICE - An image sensing and printing digital camera device includes a housing defining a slot for receiving a printed instruction card having printed thereon an array of dots representing a programming script, the housing further storing therein a roll of print media; an area image sensor for sensing an image and generating pixel data representing the image; a linear image sensor for scanning the array of dots on the card and converting the array of dots into a data signal; a microcontroller provided in the housing, the microcontroller for decoding the data signal into the programming script and applying the programming script on the pixel data; and a printing mechanism for printing the pixel data, having applied thereto the programming script, on the roll of print media. The microcontroller integrates on a single chip a VLIW processor, a printhead interface, and an output buffer effecting communication between the VLIW processor and the printhead interface | 07-04-2013 |
20130176221 | SENSING DEVICE HAVING CURSOR AND HYPERLINKING MODES - An optical sensing device for controlling a computer system is disclosed. The device has a nib for receiving a nib force upon the nib being pressed against a substrate and a nib switch coupled to the nib. An optical sensor images optically coded data printed on the substrate. A processor effects a mode change between a cursor control mode and a hyperlinking mode upon the nib force actuating the nib switch, generates cursor control data when the optical sensing device is in the cursor control mode, and generates interaction data when the optical sensing device is in the hyperlinking mode. The interaction data indicates a coordinate position of the optical sensing device relative to the substrate. The cursor control data or the interaction data is then communicated to the computer system, where the cursor control data initiates a cursor control response and the interaction data initiates a hyperlinking response. | 07-11-2013 |
20130176366 | PRINTER WITH INK LINE DAMPENING OF INK PRESSURE SURGES - A printer comprising: a printhead having an ink inlet and an ink outlet; an ink chamber for supplying ink to the printhead; an upstream ink line interconnecting an outlet port of the ink chamber and the ink inlet; a downstream ink line connected to the ink outlet; and a first air accumulator communicating with the downstream ink line. The first air accumulator is configured for dampening ink pressure pulses in the printhead during printing. | 07-11-2013 |
20130176441 | User interface system employing printed substrate and substrate sensing device - A user interface system includes a substrate having printed thereon user information and coded data, the coded data identifying various spatial regions of the printed substrate, and identifying a position of each coded data on the printed substrate; an optically imaging device configured to interact with the coded data on the substrate, generate interaction data indicating the physical region in which the device is interacting with the substrate; and a first computer system for receiving the interaction data, the first computer system configured to retrieve a digital version of the substrate, identify a digital region in the digital version corresponding to the physical region indicated by the interaction data, generate a query expression comprising of a search term identified from the digital region, and form a request from the query expression. | 07-11-2013 |
20130182020 | Disposable digital camera with printing assembly - A digital camera includes an image capture assembly; a print media transport assembly; a pagewidth ink jet printhead; a roll of print media; an internal chassis serving as a frame on which the image capture assembly, the print media transport assembly, and the printhead are directly supported; and an external casing completely encasing therewithin the internal chassis. The external casing is openable, and the internal chassis together with the assemblies and printhead supported thereon are removable from the external casing. The internal chassis is provided as an integral frame configured with pre-molded fittings adapted to receive and support the assemblies and printhead. | 07-18-2013 |
20130182039 | INKJET PRINTER WITH WEB FEED MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLY - An inkjet printer includes: (a) a pagewidth inkjet printhead having a plurality of nozzles for delivering ink onto print media fed past the printhead; and (b) a maintenance assembly for maintaining the printhead. The maintenance assembly includes: (i) an elongate web of material; (ii) rollers for supporting the web; (iii) a maintenance member positioned opposite the printhead; (iv) a web-feeding mechanism for advancing the web past the printhead; and (v) an actuating mechanism for configuring the printer in either one of a maintenance position and a printing position. A gap is defined between the web and the printhead in the printing position. | 07-18-2013 |
20130186953 | CAMERA UNIT INCOPORATING PROGRAM SCRIPT SCANNER - A camera unit includes a display for displaying an image to be captured; an image sensor for digitally capturing the displayed image; a card reader having a linear scanner for scanning a surface of a removable card to sense a plurality of dots printed on the surface of the removable card, the plurality of dots representing a bit pattern encoding a program script; a card interface for receiving a signal from the card reader indicative of the sensed plurality of dots printed on the surface of the card, and decoding the sensed plurality of dots into the program script; and a printer configured to print a distorted image on print media, the distorted image being a version of the captured image distorted in accordance with the program script. The card reader comprises a moulding housing therewithin a plurality of light sources, the moulding being transparent to light from the light sources and shaped to focus the light on the removable card. | 07-25-2013 |
20130193104 | METHOD OF FORMING INKJET NOZZLE CHAMBER - A method of forming an inkjet nozzle chamber includes the steps of: (a) depositing a layer of chamber material onto a substrate, the layer of chamber material defining a depth of the nozzle chamber; (b) removing a predetermined region of the layer of chamber material to define sidewalls of the nozzle chamber and an internal volume of the nozzle chamber; (c) depositing a sacrificial material to fill the internal volume contained within the sidewalls; (d) depositing a roof layer onto the sacrificial material and the sidewalls; (e) etching the roof layer to define a nozzle opening therein; and (f) removing the sacrificial material contained in the internal volume so as to form the nozzle chamber. | 08-01-2013 |
20130208052 | INKJET PRINTHEAD HAVING SUSPENDED HEATER ELEMENT AND INK INLET LATERALLY OFFSET FROM NOZZLE APERTURE - An inkjet printhead includes a plurality of nozzle chambers disposed on a substrate. Each nozzle chamber includes: a floor having an ink inlet defined therein; a roof having a nozzle aperture defined therein; sidewalls extending between the floor and the roof; and a heater element suspended in the nozzle chamber, the heater element being connected to corresponding electrodes so as to heat fluid within the nozzle chamber thereby forming a gas bubble in the fluid which causes ejection of fluid through the nozzle aperture. The ink inlet is laterally offset from the nozzle aperture and a plane of the heater is parallel with a plane of the roof. | 08-15-2013 |
20130215199 | PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT HAVING FRONTSIDE INLET CHANNELS AND BACKSIDE INK SUPPLY CHANNELS - Provided is a cartridge unit for a printer. The cartridge unit has upper and lower plate members having an ink bag located between the plate members to define an ink volume. The plate members can be displaced towards and away from each other by an external force. A bag constrictor assembly engages the plate members and is configured to act on the bag when the plate members are displaced towards each other to reduce the ink volume. A valve insert has an inlet valve to facilitate refilling of the bag with ink and an outlet valve to facilitate ink delivery to a printhead. A filter cover is positioned between the valve insert and the ink bag to filter contaminants and air bubbles passing between the ink bag and said valve insert. | 08-22-2013 |
20130222490 | LAMINATED INK SUPPLY STRUCTURE MOUNTED IN INK DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENT OF AN INKJET PRINTER - An ink distribution assembly for distributing different inks from respective ink sources to a plurality of print chips which together define an inkjet printhead. The assembly includes: a longitudinal distribution molding having an ink duct for each of the different inks extending longitudinally therealong; an ink inlet port corresponding to each ink duct, each ink inlet port being in fluid communication with a respective ink source for delivering ink from each ink source to a respective one of the ink ducts; and a laminated ink distribution stack in fluid communication with the distribution molding for distributing ink from the ducts to the print chips. | 08-29-2013 |
20130222617 | DIGITAL CAMERA HAVING IMAGE PROCESSOR AND PRINTER - A digital camera is provided having an image sensor for imaging a scene, a processor for processing the imaged scene in accordance with a programmable scene transformation requirement, and a printer having a consumables cartridge and a printhead for printing the processed scene directly from the processor onto print media of the cartridge. | 08-29-2013 |
20130229467 | NON-CONTACT METHOD OF REMOVING FLOODED INK FROM PRINTHEAD PAGE - An ink supply system for an inkjet printhead. The ink supply system includes: an ink reservoir for containing ink, the ink reservoir having a flexible wall; a spring contained within the ink reservoir, the spring being configured for biasing the flexible wall away from an opposite wall of the ink reservoir; an ink conduit providing fluid communication between the ink reservoir and the printhead; and a pressure device for positively pressurizing the flexible wall of the ink reservoir against the bias of the spring. The pressure device includes an air pump for positively pressurizing an air chamber communicating with the flexible wall, such that actuation of the air pump causes the wall to move towards the opposite wall against the bias of the spring. | 09-05-2013 |
20140022312 | Inkjet nozzle assembly with elliptical nozzle aperture and offset beam heater element - An inkjet nozzle assembly includes: a nozzle chamber having a planar roof spaced apart from a floor, the roof having a nozzle aperture defined therein; and a heater element disposed in the nozzle chamber, the heater element being configured as a planar beam extending longitudinally and parallel with a plane of the roof. The nozzle aperture is elliptical having a centroid, a major axis and a minor axis, the major axis of the nozzle aperture is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the beam, the centroid of the nozzle aperture is offset from a longitudinal centroid of the planar beam, and the minor axis of the nozzle aperture overlaps with a whole width of the beam. | 01-23-2014 |
20140028754 | METHOD OF OPERATING INKJET PRINTHEAD IN PRINTING AND MAINTENANCE MODES - A method of operating an inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink chambers, each ink chamber including a heater element for generating a bubble and causing ejection of ink droplets from a nozzle defined in the ink chamber. The method includes the steps of: operating the printhead in a normal printing mode whereby relatively shorter drive pulses are delivered to the heater elements to eject ink droplets used in normal printing; and operating the printhead in a maintenance mode whereby relatively longer drive pulses are delivered to the heater elements. The relatively longer drive pulses generate high impulse bubbles for recovering nozzles affected by decap. | 01-30-2014 |
20140028755 | REPLACABLE PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE FOR INKJET PRINTER - A replaceable printhead cartridge includes: an elongate cartridge body having an elongate structure with a plurality of longitudinally extending channels; a pagewidth printhead mounted on the elongate structure; a first fluid coupling positioned towards one end of the elongate structure; and a second fluid coupling positioned towards an opposite end of the elongate structure. The first and second fluid couplings each has an interface plate supporting a plurality of spouts positioned for sealed engagement with corresponding apertures in a complementary socket of a printer. The spouts are in fluid communication with the respective ends of corresponding longitudinally extending channels. The spouts extend from respective interface plates in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge body and parallel with a media feed direction. | 01-30-2014 |
20140063143 | LAMINATED INK SUPPLY STRUCTURE MOUNTED IN INK DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENT OF AN INKJET PRINTER - An ink distribution assembly for distributing different inks to a plurality of print chips. The assembly includes: a longitudinal distribution molding having longitudinally extending ink ducts for the different inks; an ink inlet port corresponding to each ink duct; and a laminated ink distribution stack in fluid communication with the distribution molding. The laminated ink distribution stack includes: a first layer having a plurality of first and second ink inlet holes defined therethrough, as well as first channels for distributing ink to a transverse location of the first layer; a third layer having a plurality of outlet slots defined therethrough; and a second layer sandwiched between the first and third layers. The second layer has a plurality of ink holes and a plurality of slots defined therethrough, as well as second channels for distributing ink to a transverse location of the second layer. | 03-06-2014 |
20140094601 | Sulfonated dye salts having improved stability - A sulfonated dye salt is disclosed. The sulfonated dye salt has a phosphazene cation of formula (C): | 04-03-2014 |
20140111578 | INKJET PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY COMPRISING PRINTHEAD MODULES HAVING CONVERGING INK GALLERIES - A printhead is provided having an elongate support having a plurality of internal webs protruding from a base section to define a plurality of parallel fluid supply channels, a shim supported by the support and defining a plurality of rows of openings through which fluid from respective supply channels is supplied, and a plurality of elongate printhead modules supported serially on the shim. Each module defines a plurality of fluid supply passages through which fluid passes to fluid ejection nozzles from respective rows of the openings. Either end of each module defines complementary formations such that adjacent modules nest together. | 04-24-2014 |
20140218447 | PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING INK DISTRIBUTION ASSEMBLY - A printhead assembly includes an ink distribution assembly including an ink distribution molding, the ink distribution molding including a plurality of first ducts; at least one printhead integrated circuit in fluid communication with the ink distribution assembly; and a rotary platen having at least three surface, each surface for providing one of a platen surface, capping portion, and a blotting portion. The ink distribution assembly further includes a plurality of second ducts acutely angled with respect to the plurality of first ducts, a plurality of transfer ports facilitating fluid communication between the plurality of first ducts and the plurality of second ducts, and a plurality of ink inlet ports facilitating fluid communication between an ink cassette and the plurality of first ducts. | 08-07-2014 |
20140253636 | PRINTHEAD HAVING NESTED MODULES - An inkjet printhead assembly includes a molded plastics module defining a plurality of converging ink channels. Each ink channel has an inlet for receiving ink, an outlet and tapered sidewalls extending between the inlet and the outlet. Each outlet is defined in a mounting surface of the molded plastics module. A printhead chip is mounted on the mounting surface, which receives different colored inks from the outlets. The inlets are spaced wider apart than the outlets and the inlets have larger dimensions than the outlets. | 09-11-2014 |
20140345521 | PRINTING SYSTEM FOR FORMING THREE DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS - A three dimensional object creation system that prints objects layer by layer, the system including a plurality of printheads, the system printing at least part of each of multiple layers simultaneously, wherein the printheads are configured to enable printing of at least two different materials in at least one layer. | 11-27-2014 |
20150062261 | PRINTHEAD HAVING NESTED MODULES - An inkjet printhead assembly includes: an elongate ink supply structure having a plurality of longitudinally extending ink supply channels corresponding to a plurality of different colored inks and a plurality of outlet openings; and a plurality of individual printhead modules arranged along a length of the ink supply structure. Each printhead module includes: a carrier having a plurality of inlets for receiving ink from a respective set of the outlet openings, a mounting surface having a plurality of ink supply slots defined therein and a plurality of converging walls extending from the inlets towards the ink supply slots, the converging walls defining a plurality of converging ink galleries for supplying the plurality of different colored inks. A printhead segment is bonded to each mounting surface, the printhead segment receiving the different colored inks from the plurality of ink supply slots. | 03-05-2015 |