Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

Imation Corporation

3m Innovative Properties Company

Russell A Roiko

Kay F Schilli

James E Zenk

H Chris Gydesen

James A Baker

Mark A Sanner

Richard John Pokorny

Edward J Woo

Michael K Domroese

Claire A Jalbert

Elmont E Hollingsworth

Robert A Wandmacher

Christopher J Anton

Jai Venkatesan

Dennis M Cheesebrow

Kent E Emerson

Philip M Smith

James D Throne

Therese M Downey

Thomas W Rosckes

Joseph T Brophy

Brent J Sandstrom

The present invention pertains to an optical device useful in a projection system. The optical device can be designed for easy replacement of selected parts, if necessary, without the need for extensive realignment procedures for the projection system.

Optical device for projection system

An ink replenishment system for supplying a working solution of an ink to an electrographic imaging device. A plurality of removable ink cartridges each have at least a first compartment containing ink concentrate and a second compartment. A fluid handling system couples the first compartment of each ink cartridge to a respective working solution reservoir. A controller controls the flow of ink concentrate from each ink cartridge and liquid carrier from a source of liquid carrier to maintain a working solution concentration of working solution in each of the working solution reservoirs. A return system fluidly couples each of the developer stations to the second compartment of the respective ink cartridges. Alternate embodiments include one compartment and three compartment cartridges, and locating the working solution reservoir in the removable cartridge.

Liquid ink replenishment system for liquid electrographic imaging devices

A method and valve assembly for fluidly coupling a removable ink cartridge to an imaging device. The valve assembly includes a first assembly portion and a second assembly portion. The first assembly portion includes a first housing having a first valve portion biased to a closed position. The first valve portion has a first interface surface at a distal end. A second assembly portion includes a second housing having a second valve portion biased to a closed position. The second valve portion has a second interface surface at a distal end adapted to engage with the first interface surface at a valve interface. A forward seal adapted to engage with the first interface surface and the second interface surface is positioned at the valve interface when the first and second valve portions are in the closed position.

Valve assembly for a removable ink cartridge

An ink cartridge for use in an ink replenishment system in an electrographic imaging device. The removable ink cartridge is configured to engage with a cartridge interface assembly and a detector in an ink cartridge bay on an electrographic imaging device. The ink cartridge has an outer shell comprising at least a first compartment containing a liquid ink and a second compartment. A first valve is fluidly coupled to the first compartment. Second and third valves are fluidly coupled to the second compartment. The first, second, and third valves are adapted to engage with corresponding valves at the cartridge interface assembly. A plurality of key slots are provided for receiving one or more key tabs that identify the ink cartridge. The key tabs are positioned to engage with the detector in the ink cartridge bay. A cap for an ink cartridge is also disclosed.

Ink cartridge for liquid electrographic imaging devices

A vapor control system and an electrophotographic system having a vapor control system for reducing vapor emissions. A vapor collection mechanism collects at least some of the vaporized carrier which is then transmitted to a container having a vapor inlet and a vapor outlet containing a cooling liquid, the cooling liquid having a temperature less than the temperature of the vaporized carrier but greater than zero degrees Centigrade. A vapor inlet located at a point below the surface of the cooling liquid results in the vaporized liquid bubbling through the cooling liquid and being condensed therein. The cooling liquid is immiscible with water and, preferably is the carrier liquid. Mechanical resistance devices promote increased bubble residence time and smaller bubble size.

Vapor control system for and a liquid electrographic system

The invention is an apparatus for continuously removing excess carrier liquid from a photoreceptor comprising an image drying means which contacts the photoreceptor, wherein the image drying means has an outer layer which absorbs and desorbs carrier liquid and an inner layer having a Shore A hardness of 10 to 60 which is phobic to the carrier liquid, and a heating means which heats the surface of the image drying means for at least 0.05 seconds to no more than 5.degree. C. below the flashpoint of the carrier liquid, wherein the photoreceptor is moving at a speed of greater than 45 mm/sec. The invention is also the method of removing excess carrier liquid from a photoreceptor comprising contacting the photoreceptor with such a drying element and then heating the drying element to no more than 5.degree. C. below the flashpoint of the carrier liquid for at least 0.05 seconds.

Drying method and apparatus for electrophotography using liquid toners

A connector for communication wire pairs has an insulating body formed with sinuous channels for capturing the insulated wire, U-slot contact elements for making contact with the wires and said contacts having spring elements formed by U-shaped cuts in the periphery of the element for contact with an external circuit to connect the same in series or parallel with said spliced wires.

Voice/data communication termination connector

A composition for coating on low pressure sliding connections to enhance electrical contact comprises an admixture of an anhydride copolymer; a flexibilizing copolymer; a hydrophobic, soluble, compatible fluoroaliphatic radical-containing composition; an antioxidant; optionally a mercaptan; and a suitable solvent system. Articles coated with the contact enhancing composition are disclosed.

Contact enhancing composition

A cable connecting apparatus for locking of wires of a multipair cable in a cable connector comprises a base with longitudinal axis, a connector receiving station and a cable receiving station having supply side and product side and having first and second comb means on respective sides, means in the base for elevating the cable receiving station and rotatable arm means containing an anvil means, the arm means rotating about the axis of the base into a position above the cable connecting station.

Cable connecting station

A spring compression reserve contact element is used in both the female connector and the male connector of a standard type male-female telephone cable connector having parallel wire support channels. The contact element has an elongate wiping contact body and a bifurcate insulation and conductor connection end connected to the contact body coplanar with the adjoining portion thereof, parallel to the contact body and offset from the contact body a distance equal to one-half of the spacing between adjacent wire support channels of the connector.

Growing community of inventors

Rogers, MN, United States of America

Russell A Roiko