Abstract:
A nozzle arrangement is provided for an ink printer. The arrangement includes a support defining an ink inlet channel. The arrangement includes a wafer substrate, an electrical drive circuitry layer positioned on the wafer substrate, and a passivation layer positioned on the drive circuitry layer. At least one upright wall is positioned on the passivation layer. A roof is positioned on the at least one wall so as to define an ink chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet channel. The roof defines an ink ejection port which is in fluid communication with the ink chamber. A type one lever mechanism has an effort formation, a fulcrum fast with the ink passivation layer and a load formation. An ink ejection member extends from the load formation and into the ink chamber. An actuator is operatively coupled to the drive circuitry and the effort formation. The actuator is configured so that the ink ejection member is displaced reciprocally within the ink chamber on receipt of an electrical signal from the drive circuitry and can thereby cause ejection of ink in the ink chamber through the ink ejection port.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an informational article on which variable information is inserted. The informational article includes a substrate having a zone for inserting the variable information. A visual security device, such as an optically variable ink, a special film, or combinations thereof is disposed in the zone on the substrate. The visual security device is sized and arranged such that at least a portion of the variable information is adapted to being inserted over the visual security device.
Abstract:
Am image presentation system employing microstructured icon elements to form an image. In one form a synthetic optical image system is provided that includes an array of focusing elements, and an image system that includes or is formed from an array or pattern of microstructured icon elements, such as those described below, wherein the microstructured icon elements are designed to collectively form an image or certain desired information, and wherein the array of focusing elements and the image system cooperate, for example through optical coupling, to form a synthetic optical image which image may optionally be magnified. In another form an image presentation system is provided that includes or is formed from an array or pattern of microstructured icon elements, such as those described below, wherein the microstructured icon elements are designed to collectively form an image or certain selected information, and wherein the image system is designed to stand alone and be the image viewed or the information read by use of a magnifying device, such as a magnifying glass or microscope, that is provided separately from the image system.
Abstract:
A printhead includes a substrate that defines a plurality of ink inlet channels. A drive circuitry layer is positioned on the substrate. A plurality of nozzle arrangements is positioned on the support. Each nozzle arrangement includes a wall portion bounding a respective ink inlet channel. A crown portion defines an outlet through which ink can be ejected. A skirt portion depends from the crown portion so that the crown, skirt and wall portions define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the respective ink inlet channel and the outlet. An elongate actuator is connected to the crown portion at one end and anchored to the substrate at an opposite end, to receive electrical signals from the drive circuitry. The actuator is configured so that, on receipt of an electrical signal from the drive circuitry layer, the actuator is displaced towards and away from the substrate to reduce and subsequently enlarge the nozzle chamber so that ink is ejected from the outlet. The nozzle arrangement is arrayed on the substrate such that the outlets form a plurality of sets of parallel rows with each adjacent pair of sets spaced apart by a fixed distance.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a counterfeit resistant ID card where a printed security feature is applied to the ID card at the issuance location at the time the card is issued. Specifically, the present invention provides for a process of producing an ID card having a unique imbedded security code that is generated and specifically matched to the particular ID card being printed and is applied at the time and place that the card is issued thereby providing a code by which the authenticity of the ID card can be cross verified. Verification is completed by comparing the code on the ID card to the date stamped log of all ID cards printed by the printer at the issuance location. Each entry in the log is encoded with a unique code number that corresponds to the specific print job and more importantly to the specific ID card printed. The present invention provides for the recording of this print log code into a central database to be maintained with the records corresponding to the particular ID card that was printed.
Abstract:
An image sensing and processing apparatus includes an image sensor that is capable of generating signals carrying data relating to an image sensed by the image sensor. The apparatus includes a microcontroller. The microcontroller includes a wafer substrate. VLIW processor circuitry is positioned on the wafer substrate. Image sensor interface circuitry is positioned on the wafer substrate and is connected between the VLIW processor circuitry and the image sensor. The image sensor interface circuitry is configured to facilitate communication between the VLIW processor circuitry and the image sensor. Bus interface circuitry that is discrete from the image sensor interface circuitry is connected to the VLIW processor circuitry so that the VLIW processor circuitry can communicate with devices other than the image sensor via a bus.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed toward a tamper evident informational article such as a temporary vehicle registration which may be made of paper or paperboard. The informational article includes a substrate having a zone for inserting information and a refractive image disposed within the zone. A covering is secured to at least a portion of the zone. In that way, efforts to remove the covering from the substrate will result in removal of a portion of the refractive image.
Abstract:
A printhead chip for an inkjet printhead includes a wafer substrate that incorporates drive circuitry. The wafer substrate defines a plurality of ink inlet channels. Nozzle arrangements are positioned on the wafer substrate. Each nozzle arrangement includes a passive nozzle chamber structure that extends from the wafer substrate and bounds a respective ink inlet channel. A dynamic nozzle chamber structure defines a nozzle chamber with the passive nozzle chamber structure and has a roof that defines the ink ejection port. The dynamic structure is displaceable towards the wafer substrate into an actuated position and away from the wafer substrate into a rest position such that a drop of ink can be ejected from the ink ejection port. An elongate micro-electromechanical actuator is connected between the wafer substrate and the dynamic structure. The actuator includes a beam assembly that has an active beam of a conductive material, capable of thermal expansion, that defines a heating circuit and is connected to the drive circuitry and a passive beam that is interposed between the active beam and the wafer substrate such that, when the active beam receives an electrical signal from the drive circuitry, the active beam expands relative to the passive beam driving the dynamic structure into the actuated position to generate the drop of ink and when the signal is cut off subsequent cooling of the active beam causes the dynamic structure to move back to the rest position, facilitating a separation of the drop of ink.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating an inkjet printhead chip for an inkjet printhead includes the step of depositing a first layer of a sacrificial material on a wafer substrate that incorporates drive circuitry. A deposition zone for a passive beam and a passive structure is formed with the first layer of sacrificial material. A metal layer is deposited on the first layer of sacrificial material. The metal layer is etched to define the passive beam and the passive structure. A second layer of a sacrificial material is deposited on the metal layer. A deposition zone for an active beam is formed on the second layer of sacrificial material. A metal layer is deposited on the second layer of sacrificial material. The metal layer is etched to define the active beam. The deposition zone is formed so that the metal layer makes electrical contact with the drive circuitry. A third layer of sacrificial material is deposited on the metal layer. A deposition zone for a dynamic structure is formed on the third layer of sacrificial material. A structural layer is deposited on the third layer of sacrificial material. The structural layer is etched to define the dynamic structure. The sacrificial material is etched away.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed toward a tamper evident informational article such as a temporary vehicle registration which may be made of paper or paperboard. The informational article has a zone for inserting information and a pattern within said zone which will resist effective counterfeiting. A transparent tape which preferably has a silicone resin coating which contains a wax is adhesively secured over information contained within the zone.