James R Huffman

US Patent:

8398210, Mar 19, 2013

Filed:

Apr 19, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/089521

Inventors:

Michael F. Baumer - Dayton OH, US
James D. Huffman - Pittsford NY, US
Hrishikesh V. Panchawagh - Rochester NY, US
Jeremy M. Grace - Penfield NY, US
Yonglin Xie - Pittsford NY, US
Qing Yang - Pittsford NY, US
David P. Trauernicht - Rochester NY, US
John A. Lebens - Rush NY, US

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

B41J 2/04

US Classification:

347 54, 347 73, 347 74

Abstract:

A continuous liquid ejection system includes a substrate defining a liquid chamber. An orifice plate, affixed to the substrate, includes a MEMS transducing member. The MEMS transducing member includes a first portion anchored to the substrate and a second portion extending over and free to move relative to the liquid chamber. A compliant membrane, positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member, includes an orifice and a first portion covering the MEMS transducing member and a second portion anchored to the substrate. A liquid supply provides a liquid to the liquid chamber under a pressure sufficient to eject a continuous jet of the liquid through the orifice located in the compliant membrane. The MEMS transducing member is selectively actuated to cause a portion of the compliant membrane to be displaced relative to the liquid chamber to cause a drop of liquid to break off from the liquid jet.

US Patent:

8506039, Aug 13, 2013

Filed:

Apr 19, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/089610

Inventors:

James A. Katerberg - Kettering OH, US
James D. Huffman - Pittsford NY, US

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

B41J 2/015

US Classification:

347 20, 347 54, 347 89

Abstract:

A liquid dispenser includes a substrate. A first portion of the substrate defines a liquid dispensing channel including an outlet opening. A second portion of the substrate defines a liquid supply channel and a liquid return channel. A liquid supply provides a continuous flow of liquid from the liquid supply through the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel through the liquid return channel and back to the liquid supply. A diverter member, positioned on a wall of the liquid dispensing channel that includes the outlet opening, is selectively actuatable to divert a portion of the liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel through outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel. The diverter member includes a MEMS transducing member anchored to the wall of the liquid dispensing channel. A compliant membrane is positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member.

US Patent:

8517516, Aug 27, 2013

Filed:

Apr 19, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/089632

Inventors:

James A. Katerberg - Kettering OH, US
James D. Huffman - Pittsford NY, US

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

B41J 2/04

US Classification:

347 54, 347 65, 347 89

Abstract:

A method of ejecting a liquid includes providing a liquid dispenser including a substrate. A first portion of the substrate defines a liquid dispensing channel including an outlet opening. A second portion of the substrate defines a liquid supply channel and a liquid return channel. A diverter member is positioned on a wall of the liquid dispensing channel that includes the outlet opening. The diverter member includes a MEMS transducing member anchored to the wall of the liquid dispensing channel. A compliant membrane is positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member. The diverter member is selectively actuated to divert a portion of the liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel through outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.

US Patent:

8529021, Sep 10, 2013

Filed:

Apr 19, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/089594

Inventors:

Michael F. Baumer - Dayton OH, US
James D. Huffman - Pittsford NY, US
Hrishikesh V. Panchawagh - Rochester NY, US
Jeremy M. Grace - Penfield NY, US
Yonglin Xie - Pittsford NY, US
Qing Yang - Pittsford NY, US
David P. Trauernicht - Rochester NY, US
John A. Lebens - Rush NY, US

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

B41J 2/04

US Classification:

347 54, 347 65, 347 89

Abstract:

A method of continuously ejecting liquid includes providing a liquid ejection system that includes a substrate and an orifice plate affixed to the substrate. Portions of the substrate define a liquid chamber. The orifice plate includes a MEMS transducing member that extends over at least a portion of the liquid chamber. A compliant membrane is positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member. The compliant membrane includes an orifice. Liquid is provided under a pressure sufficient to eject a continuous jet of the liquid through the orifice located in the compliant membrane of the orifice plate by a liquid supply. A drop of liquid is caused to break off from the liquid jet by selectively actuating the MEMS transducing member which causes a portion of the compliant membrane to be displaced relative to the liquid chamber.