Lee Van Nice

Title: Innovations by Lee Van Nice in Printhead Technology

Introduction

Lee Van Nice is an accomplished inventor based in Corvallis, OR (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of printhead technology, holding a total of 2 patents. His work primarily focuses on enhancing the durability and performance of ink cartridge printing systems.

Latest Patents

Van Nice's latest patents include innovative designs for high-durability printheads. One of his notable inventions is a printhead structure and method for producing the same. This design features a substrate with ink ejectors, such as resistors, and an orifice plate positioned above it. The orifice plate, made from a non-metallic polymer film, includes multiple openings to facilitate ink ejection. To enhance its durability, a protective coating is applied to the surfaces of the orifice plate. This coating can consist of dielectric compositions, including diamond-like carbon, or a layer of metal. Such improvements significantly increase the abrasion and deformation resistance of the printhead, addressing common issues like 'ruffling' and 'dimpling'.

Another patent by Van Nice focuses on a printhead for an inkjet cartridge, which shares similar features with his previous invention. This design also incorporates a protective coating and an intermediate barrier layer of diamond-like carbon between the orifice plate and the substrate. This additional layer provides enhanced structural integrity to the printhead, ensuring reliable performance in various printing applications.

Career Highlights

Lee Van Nice has built a successful career at Hewlett-Packard Company, where he has been instrumental in developing advanced printing technologies. His expertise in printhead design has contributed to the company's reputation for innovation in the printing industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Van Nice has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Gerald E Heppell and Neal W Meyer. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that has led to groundbreaking advancements in printhead technology.

Conclusion

Lee Van Nice's contributions to printhead technology exemplify his commitment to innovation and excellence. His patents reflect a deep understanding of the challenges in the printing industry and provide effective solutions to enhance print quality and durability.