Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.P.

Nanyang Technological University

Yu Zhao

Tong Nam Samuel Low

Teck Peng Loh

Poovendhran S/o Kannayah

Ling Hwee Vincent Ong

Xiaoxi Huang

Gim Sian Tan

Lip Kiat Ho

Tong-Nam-Samuel Low

Poo Heng Ng

Chiew-Teng Toh

Lin Rong Bao

Yih-Shun Ng

Kuan Chum Raymond Oei

An apparatus including an illuminator to emit light on a media to be printed on is provided. The apparatus also includes an optical sensor disposed proximate to the illuminator to detect an amount of reflected light. In addition, the apparatus includes a processor to control the illuminator and the optical sensor. The processor is to calibrate the illuminator to determine a first brightness level for high sensitivity at the optical sensor. The processor is to calibrate the illuminator to determine a second brightness level iteratively based on a signal to noise ratio. The processor is to compare the second brightness level with the first brightness level to determine whether to proceed with detection of an edge of the media using the second brightness level.

Illuminator calibrations for media edge detections

The present disclosure describes a power supply with multiple operating modes, to detect a load condition of an electronic device, and to automatically change between the multiple operating modes to supply an output direct current (DC) signal to the electronic device based on the load condition detected by the load detection mechanism. The power supply includes multiple control topologies that are each associated with one of the operating modes. Changing from a first operation mode to a second operation mode includes changing from a first control topology associated with the first operation mode to a second control topology associated with the second operating mode to supply the output DC signal at a predetermined voltage level.

Power supply with multiple control topologies

A printer includes an energy storage device and a charger for charging the energy storage device and for providing a first DC voltage. The printer includes a first DC-to-DC voltage converter for converting the first DC voltage to a second DC voltage. The printer includes first printer electronics powered by the second DC voltage.

Printer having energy storage device

The present invention relates to a cyclization process of forming a multiple ring compound from an isoprenoid compound. The cyclization process involves reacting the isoprenoid compound with an acetal initiator under conditions sufficient to form the multiple ring compound. The isoprenoid compound is contacted with an initiator and optionally with a catalyst. Cyclization occurs by reaction of the initiator with the isoprenoid compound. Cyclic acetal compounds wherein the acetal forms part of 6-membered unsaturated ring are also defined.

Cyclisation process of forming a multiple ring compound

The present invention relates to a cyclization process of forming a multiple ring compound from an isoprenoid compound. The cyclization process involves reacting the isoprenoid compound with an acetal initiator under conditions sufficient to form the multiple ring compound. The isoprenoid compound is contacted with an initiator an optionally with a catalyst. Cyclization occurs by reaction of the initiator with the isoprenoid compound. Cyclic acetal compounds wherein the acetal forms part of 6-membered unsaturated ring are also defined. 

A host device capable of communicating with an external network. The host device may comprise a power-application unit and a network interface. The power-application unit may receive from a power-supply unit a first power-supply output having a first voltage level and a second power-supply output having a second voltage level. The power-application unit may be controllable for producing selectively a first power-application output having a third voltage level from the first power-supply output and a second power-application output having a fourth voltage level from the second power-supply output. The network interface may transmit data to and receive data from an external network, and may be powered at least in part by the first and second power-application outputs.

Applying power to a network interface

A vending machine capable of refilling used ink cartridges as well as dispensing filled ink cartridges is closed. The vending machine includes at least one cartridge receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge, a user interface, a display unit, a nozzle health check module, a printhead servicing module, an ink reservoir, an ink refilling unit, a compartment containing new ink cartridges, a compartment containing filled, second-hand ink cartridges, and a recycle compartment for receiving discarded ink cartridges. The user is presented by the display unit with the option of (a) refilling a used cartridge, (b) purchasing a filled cartridge, or (c) returning a used cartridge in exchange for a purchase rebate or a discount voucher. When the user selects the option of refilling, the vending machine executes a refilling subroutine which includes checking the nozzle health.

Ink cartridge vending machine

A pen voltage regulator is provided for supplying a regulated pen voltage to one or more printheads of an inkjet printer. The pen voltage regulator includes: a regulator switch arranged between an input terminal and an output terminal; a linear lifting circuit connected to the regulator switch; a soft start circuit arranged between the regulator switch and the output terminal; an output filter arranged between the soft start circuit and the output terminal; and a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller connected to the linear filtering circuit. The PWM controller is arranged to provide a pulse width modulated control signal to the linear filtering circuit. The linear filtering circuit is configured to transmit a smoothed control signal to the regulator switch and to ensure that the regulator switch is operable in a linear region. The soft start circuit is configured to provide a soft-start mode of operation so as to prevent the generation of large inrush currents and to provide overload protection.

Growing community of inventors

Singapore, Singapore

Yu Zhao