A system for controlling an electricity supply to a load comprises at least one battery for storing energy. The system also comprises a controller for determining when to switch between a first mode wherein electricity is supplied to the load from a mains electricity circuit; and a discharging mode wherein electricity is supplied from the battery to the load via the mains electricity circuit. The determining is based on information associated with the electricity supply.
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 9/06 - Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
A device for conveying a hollow container having an opening comprising a rim or flange, the device comprising: a main body having a surface for receiving thereon the container to be conveyed such that the rim or flange of the container rests on the surface of the main body, the main body being adapted for attachment to a conveying means configured to convey the container along a conveying path; and a pair of opposing jaws mounted to the main body, the pair of jaws comprising a first jaw and a second jaw configured to releasably retain the container on the surface of the main body by engaging it without applying a clamping force directly onto an outer surface of the container; wherein at least the first jaw is arranged to be movable relative to the second jaw between an open position, in which the container is not retained by the pair of jaws, and a closed position, in which the pair of jaws retain the container; and wherein at least the first jaw is releasably biased towards either the open position or the closed position by releasable biasing means.
B65G 17/48 - Controlling attitudes of load-carriers during movement
B65G 47/86 - Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements the article-engaging elements being grippers
3.
System and method for controlling an electricity supply
A system for controlling an electricity supply to a load comprises at least one battery for storing energy. The system also comprises a controller for determining when to switch between a first mode wherein electricity is supplied to the load from a mains electricity circuit; and a discharging mode wherein electricity is supplied from the battery to the load via the mains electricity circuit. The determining is based on information associated with the electricity supply.
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
4.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREPARING A CYLINDRICAL OBJECT FOR DECORATING THEREON
An apparatus (200) and method for preparing a cylindrical object having a protective surface coating, such as a necked can (100), for decorating thereon using a printing technique. According to the method, a primer is applied onto the surface coating, and the primer is then dried to form a surface for decorating the object. The apparatus comprises a priming station (260) for applying a primer onto said surface coating, and a drying station (270) for drying the primer.
B41F 17/20 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein
C08F 210/14 - Monomers containing five or more carbon atoms
The present invention relates to techniques for decorating objects or containers. More specifically, the present invention provides a primer composition, use of a primer composition for preparing an object for printing, method for preparing a cylindrical object, such as a can, having a protective surface coating for decorating thereon using a printing technique, such as an inkjet printing technique, and using said primer composition. The primer composition comprises an amphiphilic copolymer comprising Formula (I) wherein A is a non- polar group; B is a polar group; and n and m are integers independently selected from 2 to 1,000,000; wherein A is defined by Formula (A- I) wherein R114012252401225240122525 alkynyl.
B41F 17/20 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein
C08F 210/14 - Monomers containing five or more carbon atoms
A system for transmitting rotational motion between a driving element and a driven element comprises a driving element that is coupled to a torque input that causes the driving element to rotate about a drive axis. The driving element comprises a first magnetic element. A driven element is configured to rotate about a driven axis. The driven element comprises a second magnetic element. Both the first magnetic element and second magnetic element are susceptible to a magnetic field, and at least one of the first and second magnetic element produces a magnetic field. A magnetic interaction between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element couples the rotational motion of the driving element and the rotational motion of the driven element. The driving and driven elements are coupled at a predetermined rotational orientation with respect to each other.
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41F 17/18 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on curved surfaces of articles of varying cross-section, e.g. bottles, lamp glasses
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41F 17/20 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors
F16D 27/01 - Magnetically-actuated clutchesControl or electric circuits therefor with permanent magnets
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
8.
Holding device for holding a necked tubular object in a printing system and method of loading and unloading object
A printing system for printing on an outer surface of a tubular object is provided. The printing system comprises at least one printing station for printing on the outer surface of the tubular object (100); and at least one holding device for holding the tubular object during a printing process. The holding device comprises: a substantially annular gripper ring (200) adapted to be partially inserted into a tubular object. The gripper ring comprises a radially compressible portion (201) configured to securely engage with an inner surface of the tubular object. The radially compressible portion exerts a radially outward mechanical restoring force when compressed.
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41F 17/18 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on curved surfaces of articles of varying cross-section, e.g. bottles, lamp glasses
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41F 17/20 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors
F16D 27/01 - Magnetically-actuated clutchesControl or electric circuits therefor with permanent magnets
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
An apparatus is provided for nebulising a liquid from a liquid supply through a membrane comprising first and second surfaces and a plurality of apertures extending through the membrane. The apparatus comprises an area for receiving a liquid supply, arranged to deliver a liquid to the first surface of the membrane, a vibrator member, arranged to vibrate the membrane to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the membrane on vibration; and a mechanical coupling means, arranged to provide a removable mechanical clamping force for clamping the membrane to the vibrator member. Various means for implementing the mechanical coupling are provided, and liquid containers and membranes for use in the device are proposed.
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
B05B 7/24 - Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
B05B 1/14 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openingsNozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
A61M 11/00 - Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
A perforate element for use in a print head for non-contact liquid printing comprises: at least one ejection element including an outlet, configured to eject a bulk flow of printing liquid out of the print head; and a liquid residence element, arranged to provide a layer of liquid over the outlet which extends laterally of the outlet and through which the bulk flow is ejected.
The present disclosure provides an apparatus for handling objects. The apparatus comprises a carrying device (104) that is configured to move along a track (102). A handling device (224) is adapted to hold an object (108) and is mounted to the carrying device (104) such that it is rotatable with respect to the carrying device about a handling axis (226). A drive device (310) is disposed at a position along the track (102) and configured to produce a torque around a drive axis. The carrying device (104) can be moved along the track (102) in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis into and out of a drive position. In the drive position, the handling axis (226) of the handling device (224) is in substantial alignment with the drive axis of the drive device (310) whereupon the drive device induces a torque in the handling device (224) causing the handling device to rotate, thereby causing the object (108) held by the handling device to rotate.
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41F 17/18 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on curved surfaces of articles of varying cross-section, e.g. bottles, lamp glasses
B41F 17/20 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors
F16D 27/01 - Magnetically-actuated clutchesControl or electric circuits therefor with permanent magnets
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
A mixer system for use with a non-contact liquid printer comprises: a printing liquid reservoir and an expansion volume; and an aspirator element, configured to reduce the pressure in the expansion volume, thereby to displace printing liquid from the reservoir to the expansion volume, and restore the pressure in the expansion volume, thereby to return the printing liquid to the reservoir so as to mix the printing liquid therein.
A method of operating an electrostatic ink jet printhead, the printhead comprising: one or more ejection tips from which, in use, ink is ejected, the one or more ejection tips defining a tip region; a printhead housing, the printhead housing defining a cavity in which the one or more ejection tips are located; the method comprising the steps of, during a printing operation, passing a vapour into the cavity to reduce evaporation of ink in the tip region.
B41J 2/39 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective supply of electric current or selective application of magnetism to a printing or impression-transfer material using multi-stylus heads
B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
34 - Tobacco; smokers' articles
35 - Advertising and business services
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Pumps for aerosols; aerosol filling machines; capping machines for aerosols. Scientific, photographic, optical, weighing, measuring and teaching apparatus and instruments; electronic control apparatus and instruments; electronic communication apparatus and instruments; electronic apparatus and instruments for processing, storing and monitoring data; diagnostic instrumentation, not for medical use; laser systems; light guides; optical apparatus and instruments; electronic apparatus, devices and instruments for sourcing, detecting and controlling light; digital printers; printers; sensors; apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; magnetic data carriers, recording discs; computers; computer software; computer systems; 3D and graphics software; modelling software; data processing apparatus; battery chargers for electronic cigarettes; USB chargers for electronic cigarettes. Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments; inhalers; drug delivery apparatus; diagnostic apparatus; lasers for medical purposes. Aerosol dispensers, not for medical purposes. Electronic cigarettes; holders for electronic cigarettes; cases for electronic cigarettes; liquid for electronic cigarettes; cartridges for electronic cigarettes; liquid nicotine solutions; flavourings, other than essential oils, for use in electronic cigarettes; personal vaporisers and flavourings and solutions therefor. Business management and consultancy services; management assistance; business research services; business advisory services relating to product development. Printing services. Computer software services; computer consultancy; updating, design and maintenance of computer software; engineering and design services and consultancy; healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical research services; drug discovery services; scientific and pharmaceutical research services; research and development of drug delivery processes; development of new products; product design and development; product development consultation; product research and development; consultancy services relating to technological research and development; information and professional consultancy relating to all the aforesaid services. Intellectual property management; licensing of intellectual property and technology; management of copyright, industrial property rights and intellectual property rights in relation to technological research and development.
A method of inspecting a material comprising: producing at least one eddy current excitation in a material under test; sensing said at least one eddy current excitation in the material under test; wherein the method comprises using a low cross-correlation coded spread spectrum to produce said at least one eddy current excitation, and using a correlation technique to make a determination of amplitude and phase of the sensed eddy current excitation; wherein the method further comprises using the determination to make an assessment of the material under test.
G01N 27/90 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables for investigating the presence of flaws using eddy currents
G01N 27/02 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
16.
Optical system for a display with an off axis projector
An optical projection system provides part of a display system that presents a displayed virtual image at a predetermined distance in front of a viewing position. Said display system comprises a projection system and a primary reflecting optic that deflects an off-axis incoming optical signal from the projection system toward the viewing position. Said projection system is arranged to provide an adapted output image signal that compensates for optical aberration effects introduced by the reflecting optic to ensure provision of a reduced aberration display image to the viewing position, and where the reflecting optic comprises a grating structure.
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
G02B 27/00 - Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups ,
The present disclosure provides a system for transmitting rotational motion between a driving element and a driven element. The system comprises a driving element that is coupled to a torque input that causes the driving element to rotate about a drive axis. The driving element comprises a first magnetic element. A driven element is configured to rotate about a driven axis. The driven element comprises a second magnetic element. Both the first magnetic element and second magnetic element are susceptible to a magnetic field, and at least one of the first and second magnetic element produces a magnetic field. A magnetic interaction between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element couples the rotational motion of the driving element and the rotational motion of the driven element. The driving and driven elements are coupled at a predetermined rotational orientation with respect to each other.
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41F 17/18 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on curved surfaces of articles of varying cross-section, e.g. bottles, lamp glasses
B41F 17/20 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors
F16D 27/01 - Magnetically-actuated clutchesControl or electric circuits therefor with permanent magnets
The present disclosure provides an apparatus for handling objects. The apparatus comprises a carrying device (104) that is configured to move along a track (102). A handling device (224) is adapted to hold an object (108) and is mounted to the carrying device (104) such that it is rotatable with respect to the carrying device about a handling axis (226). A drive device (310) is disposed at a position along the track (102) and configured to produce a torque around a drive axis. The carrying device (104) can be moved along the track (102) in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis into and out of a drive position. In the drive position, the handling axis (226) of the handling device (224) is in substantial alignment with the drive axis of the drive device (310) whereupon the drive device induces a torque in the handling device (224) causing the handling device to rotate, thereby causing the object (108) held by the handling device to rotate.
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41F 17/18 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on curved surfaces of articles of varying cross-section, e.g. bottles, lamp glasses
B41F 17/20 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
F16D 27/01 - Magnetically-actuated clutchesControl or electric circuits therefor with permanent magnets
The present disclosure provides a system for transmitting rotational motion between a driving element and a driven element. The system comprises a driving element that is coupled to a torque input that causes the driving element to rotate about a drive axis. The driving element comprises a first magnetic element. A driven element is configured to rotate about a driven axis. The driven element comprises a second magnetic element. Both the first magnetic element and second magnetic element are susceptible to a magnetic field, and at least one of the first and second magnetic element produces a magnetic field. A magnetic interaction between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element couples the rotational motion of the driving element and the rotational motion of the driven element. The driving and driven elements are coupled at a predetermined rotational orientation with respect to each other.
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41F 17/18 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on curved surfaces of articles of varying cross-section, e.g. bottles, lamp glasses
B41F 17/20 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors
F16D 27/01 - Magnetically-actuated clutchesControl or electric circuits therefor with permanent magnets
A printing apparatus for printing onto objects is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of carrying devices (104) for carrying objects (108) to be printed on, the carrying devices (104) each comprising a rotatable handling device configured to hold and rotate an object. A track (102) defines a path along which each of the plurality of carrying devices can be moved. A plurality of processing stations (106A-106F) are arranged along the track and comprising at least one printing station (106C). A controller (110) is configured to independently control the position and speed of each of the carrying devices (104) with respect to the track. The handling device is arranged to rotate an object at at least one of the plurality of processing stations by coupling to a driving device (610) disposed at the at least one processing station such that torque is transmitted from the driving device to the handling device.
B41F 17/18 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on curved surfaces of articles of varying cross-section, e.g. bottles, lamp glasses
B41F 17/20 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
F16D 27/01 - Magnetically-actuated clutchesControl or electric circuits therefor with permanent magnets
A printing system for printing on an outer surface of a tubular object is provided. The printing system comprises at least one printing station for printing on the outer surface of the tubular object (100); and at least one holding device for holding the tubular object during a printing process. The holding device comprises: a substantially annular gripper ring (200) adapted to be partially inserted into a tubular object. The gripper ring comprises a radially compressible portion (201) configured to securely engage with an inner surface of the tubular object. The radially compressible portion exerts a radially outward mechanical restoring force when compressed.
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41F 17/18 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on curved surfaces of articles of varying cross-section, e.g. bottles, lamp glasses
B41F 17/20 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
A printing apparatus for printing onto objects is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of carrying devices (104) for carrying objects (108) to be printed on, the carrying devices (104) each comprising a rotatable handling device configured to hold and rotate an object. A track (102) defines a path along which each of the plurality of carrying devices can be moved. A plurality of processing stations (106A-106F) are arranged along the track and comprising at least one printing station (106C). A controller (110) is configured to independently control the position and speed of each of the carrying devices (104) with respect to the track. The handling device is arranged to rotate an object at at least one of the plurality of processing stations by coupling to a driving device (610) disposed at the at least one processing station such that torque is transmitted from the driving device to the handling device.
B41F 17/18 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on curved surfaces of articles of varying cross-section, e.g. bottles, lamp glasses
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41F 17/20 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
F16D 27/01 - Magnetically-actuated clutchesControl or electric circuits therefor with permanent magnets
A printing system for printing on an outer surface of a tubular object is provided. The printing system comprises at least one printing station for printing on the outer surface of the tubular object (100); and at least one holding device for holding the tubular object during a printing process. The holding device comprises: a substantially annular gripper ring (200) adapted to be partially inserted into a tubular object. The gripper ring comprises a radially compressible portion (201) configured to securely engage with an inner surface of the tubular object. The radially compressible portion exerts a radially outward mechanical restoring force when compressed.
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41F 17/18 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on curved surfaces of articles of varying cross-section, e.g. bottles, lamp glasses
B41F 17/20 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
The present disclosure provides an apparatus for handling objects. The apparatus comprises a carrying device (104) that is configured to move along a track (102). A handling device (224) is adapted to hold an object (108) and is mounted to the carrying device (104) such that it is rotatable with respect to the carrying device about a handling axis (226). A drive device (310) is disposed at a position along the track (102) and configured to produce a torque around a drive axis. The carrying device (104) can be moved along the track (102) in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis into and out of a drive position. In the drive position, the handling axis (226) of the handling device (224) is in substantial alignment with the drive axis of the drive device (310) whereupon the drive device induces a torque in the handling device (224) causing the handling device to rotate, thereby causing the object (108) held by the handling device to rotate.
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41F 17/18 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on curved surfaces of articles of varying cross-section, e.g. bottles, lamp glasses
B41F 17/20 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
F16D 27/01 - Magnetically-actuated clutchesControl or electric circuits therefor with permanent magnets
Industrial printing machines and apparatus; industrial
printing machines and apparatus for decorating cylindrical
containers; industrial printing machines and apparatus for
decorating beverage cans; digital printers for industrial
purposes for decorating beverages cans; parts and fittings
for all the aforesaid goods.
Industrial printing machines; industrial printing machines for decorating cylindrical containers; industrial printing machines for decorating beverage cans; digital printers for industrial purposes for decorating beverages cans; structural parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods
An acoustic sensor comprises a side wall closed at each end by an end wall to form a cavity which, in use, contains a fluid. At least one transmitter and at least one receiver are operatively associated with one of the end walls. A maximum half width, a, of the cavity and a height, h, of the cavity satisfies the following inequality: a/h is greater than 1.2. In use, the transmitter causes oscillatory motion of the region of the end wall operatively associated with the transmitter, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the end walls such that the perpendicular oscillations of the end walls drive substantially in-plane oscillations of the fluid pressure in the cavity. The substantially in-plane oscillations in the pressure of the fluid drive substantially perpendicular oscillatory motion of the region of the end wall operatively associated with the receiver, resulting in an electrical signal from the receiver.
G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
G01N 9/22 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by observing bodies wholly or partially immersed in fluid materials by balancing the weight of the bodies with continuous circulation of the fluid
A mixer system for use with a non-contact liquid printer comprises: a printing liquid reservoir (103) and an expansion volume (105); and an aspirator element (111; 311; 411), configured to reduce the pressure in the expansion volume (105), thereby to displace printing liquid (L) from the reservoir (103) to the expansion volume (105), and restore the pressure in the expansion volume (105), thereby to return the printing liquid (L) to the reservoir (103) so as to mix the printing liquid (L) therein.
A treatment device includes a unit having an ultrasound imaging element and an ablation electrode, mechanism for receiving signals from the imaging element, the signals representing plural frames of ultrasound data; and mechanism for processing the signals to provide, in use, at least one of ultrasound data and data indicating mechanical strains within tissue being monitored by the sensor element, the strains being generated by movement of the tissue or the body being treated, the movement being generated naturally by the tissue or by the device operator's motion, or both.
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
A61B 18/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
An apparatus for inductive temperature sensing comprises a coil configuration, a target, and an impedance measurement circuit. The target has a non-zero conductivity and susceptibility and the impedance measurement circuit measures the apparent inductance of the coil configuration at a measurement frequency close to the crossover frequency to provide an indication of temperature of the target.
G01K 7/38 - Measuring temperature based on the use of electric or magnetic elements directly sensitive to heat using magnetic elements, e.g. magnets, coils the variations of temperature influencing the magnetic permeability
A maintenance cap is provided for in-situ attachment to a printhead of printing apparatus. The maintenance cap comprises a housing defining at least one chamber for receiving a liquid. An opening in the housing provides a path for the liquid to pass from the chamber into a portion of the printhead when the maintenance cap is engaged with the printhead. The maintenance cap also includes a seal disposed around the opening for engagement with the printhead. A transducer coupled to the housing is used to generate ultrasound acoustic waves in the liquid contained in the chamber and printhead so as to clean the printhead.
A nozzle plate (201) for use in a liquid droplet production apparatus and such apparatus, the nozzle plate comprising a flexible substrate having a linear array of nozzles that extend through said plate, said nozzles being arranged in at least one line, forming thereby a nozzle- bearing region, wherein the substrate is curved so as to impart an increased longitudinal stiffness to it. The apparatus comprises a piezo actuator (202, 203), which may have sllots (211) separating fingers acting on the nozzle plate (201). The nozzle plate may be seaprable form the actuator.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
A data logging device comprises a fluid reservoir (7) containing a fluid. A porous media (3) is provided through which the fluid can pass, and a valve (2) connects the reservoir (7) and the porous media (3) and controls flow there between. An actuator (6) is configured to actuate the valve (2) when the device crosses a predetermined applied parameter threshold so that the fluid can flow from the reservoir (7) along the porous media (3); such that the article is arranged to provide, in use, an indication of the progress of the fluid through the porous media (3) to indicate the total time that was spent by the device past the predetermined parameter threshold.
G01K 3/04 - Thermometers giving results other than momentary value of temperature giving mean valuesThermometers giving results other than momentary value of temperature giving integrated values in respect of time
G01K 5/62 - Measuring temperature based on the expansion or contraction of a material the material being a solid constrained so that expansion or contraction causes a deformation of the solid the solid body being formed of compounded strips or plates, e.g. bimetallic strip
G01D 1/04 - Measuring arrangements giving results other than momentary value of variable, of general application giving integrated values
A method of operating an electrostatic ink jet printhead, the printhead comprising: one or more ejection tips from which, in use, ink is ejected, the one or more ejection tips defining a tip region; a printhead housing, the printhead housing defining a cavity in which the one or more ejection tips are located; the method comprising the steps of, during a printing operation, passing a vapour into the cavity to reduce evaporation of ink in the tip region.
B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
B41J 2/39 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective supply of electric current or selective application of magnetism to a printing or impression-transfer material using multi-stylus heads
H04N 5/80 - Television signal recording using electrostatic recording
An apparatus for printing on cylindrical objects (31) comprises a plurality of printheads (32); and at least one holding device movable relative to the printheads (32) such that, in use, the holding device moves the object between the printheads. The path of the at least one holding device comprises a plurality of vertical sections (34) which are horizontally offset from one another. Each vertical section (34) comprises at least two identically orientated printheads (32) arranged such that they are vertically displaced from one another, with one directly above the others. The at least one holding device moves the object (31) between the at least two printheads (32) such that part or all of its path between the printheads is vertical.
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
A method of inspecting a material comprising: producing at least one eddy current excitation in a material under test; sensing said at least one eddy current excitation in the material under test; wherein the method comprises using a low cross-correlation coded spread spectrum to produce said at least one eddy current excitation, and using a correlation technique to make a determination of amplitude and phase of the sensed eddy current excitation; wherein the method further comprises using the determination to make an assessment of the material under test.
G01N 27/90 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables for investigating the presence of flaws using eddy currents
38.
SYSTEM FOR THE MONITORING OF A PREVIOUSLY TRAVELLED PATHWAY
A system for monitoring a previously travelled pathway. The system comprises a user device comprising means for interacting with a user and node devices arranged to be deployed on a pathway as a user travels. The nodes are arranged to communicate with at least one other node device or the user device or a device external to the system to reflect a change in a predetermined factor in the region of the deployed node device on the pathway.
G08B 7/06 - Signalling systems according to more than one of groups Personal calling systems according to more than one of groups using electric transmission
G08B 25/00 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
An apparatus for controlling ink pressure in a printhead, the apparatus comprising: an integrally formed structure having: at least one control reservoir separated into first and second chambers by a weir; at least one inlet passageway, extending from the first chamber to an inlet port on an edge of the structure, for supplying ink from a remote source into the first chamber of the reservoir; at least one fluid outlet passageway, extending from the second chamber to an outlet port on an edge of the structure, for recirculating fluid from the reservoir to the remote source of ink; and at least one ink supply port, in communication with the first chamber, for supplying ink to, or receiving ink from, a printhead.
An agitation device for agitating products held in wells of sample vessels or a laboratory microplate is disclosed. The device is arranged to retain a microplate and to agitate an agitation member comprising an array of agitation projections which enter the wells of the microplate. The agitating motion can be horizontal and damping means can be provided between an actuator and parts of the device to reduce overall vibrations. A related method of agitation of microplate or sample vessel contents is described. A novel arrangement for receiving a replaceable agitation member for the device is also disclosed.
A liquid droplet production apparatus comprising a separable perforate membrane (44), a means for supplying liquid to one side of the membrane, an actuator (41) for vibrating a membrane, so that the vibration causes liquid droplets to be ejected from the other side of the membrane, in which a magnetic force is used to connect the actuator to the membrane so that the vibration can be transmitted, wherein the magnetic force is generated by one or more arrays of magnets (43), eventually on a substrate (42), each array containing either a plurality of magnets or at least one magnet having a multiple pole configuration.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
H01F 7/04 - Means for releasing the attractive force
A nozzle assembly, configured to receive fluid at pressures of greater than 1 bar. The nozzle assembly comprises a first perforate element (1) comprising one or more orifices (2), each orifice having an inlet and an outlet and a diameter of no more than 100 μm, and at least one second perforate element (4) further comprising a plurality of orifices of a smaller size than the one or more orifices of the first perforate element (1) and having a larger number of orifices than the first perforate element (1). The second perforate element (4) is configured to act as a filter and the second perforate element (4) is attached to the first perforate element (1). A perpendicular distance between the first and second perforate elements (4) is less than the diameter of the largest orifice of the first perforate element (1).
A system comprises a head-worn optical device for monitoring one or more physiological parameters from a region of interest on, in or near the eye of a user. The device comprises a measurement sub-system positioned substantially outside the field of view of a user, and an optical beam combining element, located in the field of view, where said element is transparent to a portion of the light incident on the element, while a second portion of the light is deflected such that the measurement sub-system is able to optically access the eye via the optical beam combining element.
A61B 3/113 - Objective types, i.e. instruments for examining the eyes independent of the patients perceptions or reactions for determining or recording eye movement
According to a first aspect of the disclosure, a spray device is provided for generating an aerosol. The spray device comprises a reservoir for containing a store of a liquid; a delivery chamber for containing a dose of the liquid received from the reservoir prior to ejection; a perforate element comprising one or more nozzles; a drive mechanism configured to drive liquid from the delivery chamber through the one or more nozzles; and a fluid metering system. The fluid metering system comprises an actuated valve that is actuatable between a closed position and an open position. The opening and closing of the actuated valve can be sequenced to control the flow of fluid from the reservoir to the delivery chamber.
There is disclosed a device for delivering a fluid spray to a mouth of a user, either directly, or via a flow conductor such as a tube or pipe. The spray device uses a vibrating perforate membrane to create the spray and the vibration of the membrane is controlled in response to input from a flow rate sensor which detects a flow rate through the device or through the flow conductor. There is further disclosed a corresponding method of controlling a spray head in a spray delivery device.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
46.
OPTICAL SYSTEM FOR A DISPLAY WITH AN OFF AXIS PROJECTOR
An optical projection system provides part of a display system that presents a displayed virtual image at a predetermined distance in front of a viewing position. Said display system comprises a projection system and a primary reflecting optic that deflects an off-axis incoming optical signal from the projection system toward the viewing position. Said projection system is arranged to provide an adapted output image signal that compensates for optical aberration effects introduced by the reflecting optic to ensure provision of a reduced aberration display image to the viewing position, and where the reflecting optic comprises a grating structure.
A gas pipe security system comprises a bung device arranged so as to be placed inside the bore of a pipe in use and constructed. When gas passes through the pipe and bung the bung generates a sensing signal, and a sensor device detects the sensing signal generated by the bung and provides an alarm signal based thereon..
G01P 13/00 - Indicating or recording presence or absence of movementIndicating or recording of direction of movement
G01F 1/05 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
A method of printing a two-dimensional bit-mapped image having a number of pixels per row for printing using a plurality of overlapping printheads or a printhead or printheads indexed through overlapping positions, the or each printhead having a row of ejection channels, each ejection channel having associated ejection electrodes, the method comprising: applying a voltage to the ejection channels sufficient to cause concentration of particles in the printing fluid at the ejection channels, applying voltage pulses of respective predetermined amplitude and/or duration, as determined by respective image pixel bit values, to the electrodes of the selected ejection channels in order to cause volumes of printing fluid to be ejected from selected ejection channels of the overlapping printheads, thereby forming a pixel of a predetermined optical density, adjusting, for each row of the image, the values of the voltage pulses to be applied to the overlapping printheads to form pixels printed by overlapped ejection channels in dependence on the position of the pixel within an overlapped region of the printheads and in dependence on the predetermined optical density of the pixel, wherein, for at least one pixel in the overlapped region, the total volume of ink ejected by the overlapped channels is greater than that required if that pixel were formed by a single ejection channel.
A gas pipe blocking system comprises an electromechanical device (4) which in turn comprises at least one protruding member (10) arranged so as to lock the device (4) in place inside the bore of a pipe when the member (10) is in a first position. The member (10) is arranged such that the members (10) are moved to a second position in which the device (4) ceases to be locked in position when a power source is applied to move the members (10).
F16L 55/128 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose
F16L 55/136 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially expanding or deforming a split ring, hooks or the like
50.
METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGE OF AN ACOUSTIC FIELD AND A SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING SAID METHOD
There is provided A method for producing an electrical impedance tomographic image of an acoustic field within a fluid, comprising the steps of: a) positioning a plurality of electrodes within a fluid; b) applying an electrical signal to each electrode within a first subset of electrodes, wherein the electrical signal applied to each electrode has a different carrier frequency and/or phase; c) measuring the electrical potential at each electrode within a second subset of electrodes; and d) processing the measured data to provide an acoustic map of the acoustic field at the required acoustic frequencies. There is also provided a system for producing an electrical impedance tomographic image of an acoustic field within a fluid using the method of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of electrodes, a signal generator adapted to perform step (b), a device adapted to perform step (c), and a processor adapted to perform step (d).
G01H 11/06 - Measuring mechanical vibrations or ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves by detecting changes in electric or magnetic properties by electric means
G01N 27/02 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
51.
Fluid management for vibrating perforate membrane spray systems
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
B05B 11/00 - Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
A61L 9/00 - Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
A61M 35/00 - Devices for applying media, e.g. remedies, on the human body
A61M 11/00 - Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
A printhead maintenance cap for attachment to a printhead, the cap comprising: a main body defining a chamber into which rinse fluid passes from the printhead during a cleaning cycle; a seal for engagement with the printhead prior to a cleaning cycle starting; and a venting system for equalizing the pressure in the chamber and the surrounding atmosphere.
A method of cleaning an electrostatic printhead which has one or more ejection tips from which, in use, ink is ejected, the method comprising: stopping a prior flow of ink to a region around the ejection tip(s) for, in use, printing; causing a pressure differential to occur at the tip region thereby causing the ink meniscus to retreat from the tip; and passing a rinse into the tip region to clean the tip.
An optical system comprises a transparent display arranged to be placed in the near field view of a user. Image generation means generates an image on the transparent display, the formed image having a blank area formed therein to allow a viewer to view an image of higher resolution than the first.
A display system is arranged to be placed in front of the eye or positioned in front of an image recording device that presents a view comprising the normal visual field overlaid with an image of a transparent display panel. The system comprises a transparent display panel positioned in front of the eye, and a dual focus lens positioned between the eye and the transparent display panel the lens arranged to allow the eye to focus on both the display panel and a view through the transparent panel.
An acoustic sensor comprises a side wall closed at each end by an end wall to form a cavity which, in use, contains a fluid. At least one transmitter and at least one receiver are operatively associated with one of the end walls. A maximum half width, a, of the cavity and a height, h, of the cavity satisfies the following inequality: a/h is greater than 1.2. In use, the transmitter causes oscillatory motion of the region of the end wall operatively associated with the transmitter, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the end walls such that the perpendicular oscillations of the end walls drive substantially in-plane oscillations of the fluid pressure in the cavity. The substantially in-plane oscillations in the pressure of the fluid drive substantially perpendicular oscillatory motion of the region of the end wall operatively associated with the receiver, resulting in an electrical signal from the receiver.
G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
An apparatus is provided for nebulizing a liquid from a liquid supply through a membrane comprising first and second surfaces and a plurality of apertures extending through the membrane. The apparatus includes an area for receiving a liquid supply, arranged to deliver a liquid to the first surface of the membrane, a vibrator member, arranged to vibrate the membrane to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the membrane on vibration; and a mechanical coupling mechanism, arranged to provide a removable mechanical clamping force for clamping the membrane to the vibrator member. Various mechanisms for implementing the mechanical coupling are provided, and liquid containers and membranes for use in the device are proposed.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
B05B 7/24 - Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
B05B 1/14 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openingsNozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
A61M 11/00 - Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
A spray device for generating a slow moving aerosol, whereby the aerosol is generated from at least two impinging jets and the jets are formed by forcing liquid through a single moulded plastic nozzle assembly comprising: a. one or more thin walled sections (typically<200 µm) (18) where the thin wall sections (18) are supported by one or more thick walled sections (typically>200 µm) (17, 19). b. at least two opposing holes (13) with hydraulic diameters of 5 pm to 100µm (typically 30 µm) and axes at an angle of between 55 and 125 degrees (preferably 90 degrees) to an external surface of the thin walled section (18), such that the projected areas of the holes (13) at least partially intersect at the outlet side of the nozzle.
B05B 1/26 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with means for mechanically breaking-up or deflecting the jet after discharge, e.g. with fixed deflectorsBreaking-up the discharged liquid or other fluent material by impinging jets
A perforate element (101) for use in a print head for non-contact liquid printing comprises: at least one ejection element (103) including an outlet (103a), configured to eject a bulk flow (F) of printing liquid (L) out of the print head; and a liquid residence element (107), arranged to provide a layer of liquid over the outlet (103a) which extends laterally of the outlet (103a) and through which the bulk flow (F) is ejected.
A mixer system for use with a non-contact liquid printer comprises: a printing liquid reservoir (103) and an expansion volume (105); and an aspirator element (111; 311; 411), configured to reduce the pressure in the expansion volume (105), thereby to displace printing liquid (L) from the reservoir (103) to the expansion volume (105), and restore the pressure in the expansion volume (105), thereby to return the printing liquid (L) to the reservoir (103) so as to mix the printing liquid (L) therein.
A method of reducing and/or preventing the accumulation of concentrated ink at an ejection point of a printhead of an electrostatic inkjet printer when ink is not being ejected at the ejection point, the method comprising reversing the electric field at the ejection point of the printhead during a non-printing phase of operation to reduce the concentration of ink at the ejection point.
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
B41J 2/06 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by electric or magnetic field
The invention relates to a method of printing a two-dimensional bit-mapped image having a number of pixels per row, the printhead having a row of ejection channels and each ejection channel having associated ejection electrodes to which voltages are applied in use. During printing, in order to cause volumes of fluid to be ejected from selected ejection channels of the printhead for printing, voltage pulses having values of predetermined amplitude and duration as determined by respective image pixel bit values generated by a raster image processor are applied, at a given pulse period, to the electrodes of the selected ejection channels. The part of the raster image corresponding to an ejection channel is scanned to determine the number of adjacent non-printing pixel periods prior to a pixel to be printed and, immediately prior to the printing of said pixel, a voltage pulse, having a value predetermined in accordance with the time, measured in units of the given pixel period, between the last pixel to be printed and said pixel to be printed, is applied to the ejection electrode.
B41J 2/065 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by electric or magnetic field involving the preliminary making of ink protuberances
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
An optical device comprises an optical diffuser structure embedded between media of substantially the same optical refractive index. The structure comprises a partially reflective optical coating at the interface between the two media. The partially reflective optical coating comprises a relief profile such that, in use, the optical diffuser structure diffuses light in reflection from the partially reflective optical coating and delivers substantially no optical deflection in transmission.
A treatment device comprises a unit comprising an ultrasound imaging element and an ablation electrode means receives signals from the imaging element, the signals representing plural frames of ultrasound data; and means process the signal to provide, in use, at least one of ultrasound data and data indicating mechanical strains within tissue being monitored by the sensor element, said strains being generated by movement of the tissue or the body being treated, the movement being generated naturally by the tissue or by the device operator's motion, or both.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
A61B 8/12 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
A61B 18/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
65.
AEROSOLISATION ENGINE FOR LIQUID DRUG DELIVERY BACKGROUND
A spray device for generating an aerosol of a liquid such as a medicament. The device includes a perforate element comprising one or more nozzles, each nozzle having an inlet and an outlet. A drive mechanism causes, in use, liquid to be driven through the one or more nozzles, thereby forming a liquid spray having one or more streams of liquid. At least one impaction surface is provided onto which, in use, the liquid impacts, the impaction surface being located downstream of the nozzle outlet(s).
An apparatus for printing on cylindrical objects (31) comprises a plurality of printheads (32); and at least one holding device movable relative to the printheads (32) such that, in use, the holding device moves the object between the printheads. The path of the at least one holding device comprises a plurality of vertical sections (34) which are horizontally offset from one another. Each vertical section (34) comprises at least two identically orientated printheads (32) arranged such that they are vertically displaced from one another, with one directly above the others. The at least one holding device moves the object (31) between the at least two printheads (32) such that part or all of its path between the printheads is vertical.
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
A cartridge (10) comprises a body comprising a base (20), one or more walls (30), and a lid (40). The one or more walls are connected at a first end to the base and at a second end to the lid, so the base (20), the one or more walls (30) and the lid (40) together define an enclosed space. An infusion material is located in the enclosed space, an inlet (22) is located in the body for receiving a liquid into the enclosed space and an outlet (26) is located in the body for allowing the passage of the liquid from the enclosed space. The walls (30) are expandable such that when liquid is received into the enclosed space the area of the enclosed space increases, the cartridge (10) thereby transitioning from a first state into a second state.
A method of calibrating a printhead, for printing two-dimensional bit-mapped images having a number of pixels per row, is disclosed for printheads (1) having a row of printing channels (5). During printing, in order to cause volumes of charged particulate concentrations of one of a number of predetermined volume sizes to be ejected from selected ejection channels of the printhead to form printed pixels, control pulse values of respective predetermined amplitude and duration, as determined by respective image pixel bit values, are applied to the selected printing channels. The calibration method comprises providing an image (50) that causes each channel of the printhead to be driven with the same pulse value, and printing one or more test prints of the image. The pulse value for all channels is then varied (101) in a set of defined steps within the test print or between the test prints and the optical density of the test print or test prints measured (102) at positions arranged on a grid (51) to obtain data of print density and pulse value at positions across the printhead. A desired tone reproduction curve (52) is pre-selected for the print process represented by optical density versus image grey level. Then pulse values are calculated (104) from the measured test print or test prints that are estimated to produce the desired values of print density corresponding to selected values of image grey level and which may include non-printing pulse values, and the pulse value for each of said positions across the printhead for each of said image grey levels is recorded in memory (105,106).
An agitation device (1) for agitating products held in wells (31) of sample vessels or a laboratory microplate (30) is disclosed. The device (1) is arranged to retain a microplate (30) and to agitate an agitation member (40) comprising an array of agitation projections (41) which enter the wells (31) of the microplate (30). The agitating motion can be horizontal and damping means (47) can be provided between an actuator and parts of the device to reduce overall vibrations. A related method of agitation of microplate (30) or sample vessel contents is described. A novel arrangement for receiving a replaceable agitation member (40) for the device (1) is also disclosed.
A fluid pump comprising: a pump body having upper and lower parts, each comprising a substantially cylindrical side wall closed at one end by a substantially circular end wall and partially closed at the opposite end by an actuator disposed in a plane substantially parallel to and between the end walls, thereby forming a single cavity having upper and lower portions which encloses the actuator and is bounded by the end walls and side walls of the pump body and the surfaces of the actuator; a substantially open actuator support structure connecting the actuator to the pump body and enabling free flow of fluid between the upper and lower cavity portions; at least two apertures through the pump body walls, at least one of which is a valved aperture; wherein all apertures located substantially at the centres of the end walls are valved apertures; wherein, in use, the actuator oscillates in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the end walls causing an acoustic wrapped standing wave to exist in the cavity and thereby causing fluid flow through said apertures.
An apparatus for controlling ink pressure in a printhead, the apparatus comprising: an integrally formed structure having: at least one control reservoir separated into first and second chambers by a weir; at least one inlet passageway, extending from the first chamber to an inlet port on an edge of the structure, for supplying ink from a remote source into the first chamber of the reservoir; at least one fluid outlet passageway, extending from the second chamber to an outlet port on an edge of the structure, for recirculating fluid from the reservoir to the remote source of ink; and at least one ink supply port, in communication with the first chamber, for supplying ink to, or receiving ink from, a printhead.
A method of printing a two-dimensional bit-mapped image having a number of pixels per row for printing using a plurality of overlapping printheads or a printhead or printheads indexed through overlapping positions, the or each printhead having a row of ejection channels, each ejection channel having associated ejection electrodes, the method comprising: applying a voltage to the ejection channels sufficient to cause concentration of particles in the printing fluid at the ejection channels, applying voltage pulses of respective predetermined amplitude and/or duration, as determined by respective image pixel bit values, to the electrodes of the selected ejection channels in order to cause volumes of printing fluid to be ejected from selected ejection channels of the overlapping printheads, thereby forming a pixel of a predetermined optical density, adjusting, for each row of the image, the values of the voltage pulses to be applied to the overlapping printheads to form pixels printed by overlapped ejection channels in dependence on the position of the pixel within an overlapped region of the printheads and in dependence on the predetermined optical density of the pixel, wherein, for at least one pixel in the overlapped region, the total volume of ink ejected by the overlapped channels is greater than that required if that pixel were formed by a single ejection channel.
A method of cleaning an electrostatic printhead which has one or more ejection tips from which, in use, ink is ejected, the method comprising: stopping a prior flow of ink to a region around the ejection tip(s) for, in use, printing; causing a pressure differential to occur at the tip region thereby causing the ink meniscus to retreat from the tip; and passing a rinse into the tip region to clean the tip.
A printhead maintenance cap for attachment to a printhead, the cap comprising: a main body defining a chamber into which rinse fluid passes from the printhead during a cleaning cycle; a seal for engagement with the printhead prior to a cleaning cycle starting; and a venting system for equalising the pressure in the chamber and the surrounding atmosphere.
A droplet generation device comprising a reservoir split into at least two regions by a substantially liquid impermeable barrier, a perforate membrane connecting one of said regions, containing, in use, the liquid to be dispensed, to the atmosphere, such that vibration of the membrane causes the liquid to be ejected through the perforate membrane into the atmosphere, and a pressure control system consisting of one or more valves in which at least one valve vents gas into the reservoir in response to a pressure difference, ΔΡin, across it that is less than zero, and at least one valve is connected to a non-liquid-containing region of the reservoir and vents gas out of the reservoir in response to a pressure difference, ΔΡout, across it that is greater than ΔΡίn, where ΔΡίn and ΔΡout are the absolute pressure of the gas in the reservoir minus the absolute atmospheric pressure outside of the reservoir.
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
76.
A PRINTHEAD DRIVER BOARD ARRANGEMENT FOR 2 OR MORE PRINTHEADS
An arrangement of a 'master' electronics printed circuit board assembly for driving a printhead and a 'slave' electronics printed circuit board assembly for driving a second printhead, defined in that the 'master' electronics printed circuit board assembly comprises: a. means for receiving image data and/or timing information relating to the control of a plurality of printheads, b. means for using all or a part of the image data and/or timing information to drive a first printhead at the same rate that it receives print data, and c. means for supplying all or part of the image data and/or timing information as a data stream to a separate 'slave' electronics printed circuit board assembly for driving a second printhead and the 'slave' electronics printed circuit board assembly comprises: a. means for receiving image data and/or timing information relating to the control of just one second printhead, b. means for using the image data and/or timing information to drive a second printhead at the same rate that it receives print data, but c. no means for supplying any of the print data to a separate electronics board for driving any further printheads.
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
An apparatus is provided for nebulising a liquid from a liquid supply through a membrane comprising first and second surfaces and a plurality of apertures extending through the membrane. The apparatus comprises an area for receiving a liquid supply, arranged to deliver a liquid to the first surface of the membrane, a vibrator member, arranged to vibrate the membrane to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the membrane on vibration; and a mechanical coupling means, arranged to provide a removable mechanical clamping force for clamping the membrane to the vibrator member. Various means for implementing the mechanical coupling are provided, and liquid containers and membranes for use in the device are proposed.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
A method of reducing and/or preventing the accumulation of concentrated ink at an ejection point of a printhead of an electrostatic inkjet printer when ink is not being ejected at the ejection point, the method comprising reversing the electric field at the ejection point of the printhead during a non-printing phase of operation to reduce the concentration of ink at the ejection point.
The invention relates to a method of printing a two-dimensional bit-mapped image having a number of pixels per row, the printhead having a row of ejection channels and each ejection channel having associated ejection electrodes to which voltages are applied in use. During printing, in order to cause volumes of fluid to be ejected from selected ejection channels of the printhead for printing, voltage pulses having values of predetermined amplitude and duration as determined by respective image pixel bit values generated by a raster image processor are applied, at a given pulse period, to the electrodes of the selected ejection channels. The part of the raster image corresponding to an ejection channel is scanned to determine the number of adjacent non-printing pixel periods prior to a pixel to be printed and, immediately prior to the printing of said pixel, a voltage pulse, having a value predetermined in accordance with the time, measured in units of the given pixel period, between the last pixel to be printed and said pixel to be printed, is applied to the ejection electrode.
B41J 2/06 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by electric or magnetic field
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
An acoustic sensor includes a side wall, closed at each end by an end wall, to form a substantially cylindrical cavity, a transmitter and a receiver operatively associated with first and second respective end walls. Properties of the relative dimensions of the cavity are configured to create a desired oscillatory motion of the end walls, and oscillations of a fluid pressure in the cavity, to generate an electrical signal via the receiver to be output from the sensor. An array of acoustic sensors can be connected to allow calibration of one of the array of sensors.
G01N 29/036 - Analysing fluids by measuring frequency or resonance of acoustic waves
G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
The present Invention relates to a method for the deformation and/or fragmentation of a cell, spore or virus, the method comprising: (I) bringing a liquid sample containing the cell, spore or virus into contact with a first surface of a vibratable plate having at least one aperture, and causing the plate to vibrate; and (ii) passing the sample of the cell spore or virus through the at least one aperture in the vibrating plate so as to cause deformation and/or fragmentation: of the cell, spore or virus. It also concerns a device for carrying out the method.
A wireless power transmission system is designed to transmit power through a permeable conductive barrier layer. The system comprises a power transmitting circuit including a first inductive coil. A power receiving circuit includes a second inductive coil located on the opposite side of the barrier layer to the first inductive coil. A biasing magnet or electromagnet is provided and characterised by its ability to substantially saturate the magnetisation of the barrier layer in a region adjacent to the first and second inductive coils.
H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
H02J 50/70 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving the reduction of electric, magnetic or electromagnetic leakage fields
H02J 50/90 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
H02J 5/00 - Circuit arrangements for transfer of electric power between ac networks and dc networks
An optical device comprises an optical diffuser structure embedded between media of substantially the same optical refractive index. The structure comprises a partially reflective optical coating at the interface between the two media. The partially reflective optical coating comprises a relief profile such that, in use, the optical diffuser structure diffuses light in reflection from the partially reflective optical coating and delivers substantially no optical deflection in transmission.
A unit dose container for holding a single dose of a given liquid, the container comprising: a chamber (8) in which, in use, the given liquid is stored, the chamber having a wall through which, in use, the liquid is to be supplied; a release mechanism (7), at least part of which is internal to, or forms part of the wall of the chamber, the release mechanism being movable relative to the chamber between first and second positions; and means for allowing the release mechanism (7) to move from the first to the second positions, thereby opening a passage through the wall so that the liquid can exit the chamber (8), the means including at least one flexible wall portion.
A61J 3/07 - Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
A61M 11/06 - Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes of the injector type
B65D 25/08 - Partitions with provisions for removing or destroying, e.g. to facilitate mixing of contents
A61M 11/00 - Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
A fluid pump comprising a flow channel containing an fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and bounded by two side walls,a substantially planar flap positioned inside the flow channel, and an actuator capable of transmitting an oscillating force or torque to the flap,where the side walls extend from the inlet to the outlet and are substantially planar and parallel to the flap and extend beyond the downstream end of the flap towards the outlet by a distance such that ld ≥ lf/2, where lf is the length of the flap, where the side wall separation, h, length, lw, and width, ww, satisfy the relationships: lw > h and ww > h, whereby in use, the actuator drives oscillatory motion of the flap in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side walls with motion of the flap having larger amplitude near the outlet than near the inlet.
A liquid droplet production apparatus includes a perforate membrane, with liquid being supplied to one side of the membrane. An actuator for vibrating the membrane is provided. The vibration causes liquid droplets to be ejected from the other side of the membrane. Magnetic force is used to connect the actuator to the membrane so that the vibration can be transmitted.
A method of calibrating a printhead, for printing two-dimensional bit-mapped images having a number of pixels per row, is disclosed for printheads (1) having a row of printing channels (5). During printing, in order to cause volumes of charged particulate concentrations of one of a number of predetermined volume sizes to be ejected from selected ejection channels of the printhead to form printed pixels, control pulse values of respective predetermined amplitude and duration, as determined by respective image pixel bit values, are applied to the selected printing channels. The calibration method comprises providing an image (50) that causes each channel of the printhead to be driven with the same pulse value, and printing one or more test prints of the image. The pulse value for all channels is then varied (101) in a set of defined steps within the test print or between the test prints and the optical density of the test print or test prints measured (102) at positions arranged on a grid (51) to obtain data of print density and pulse value at positions across the printhead. A desired tone reproduction curve (52) is pre-selected for the print process represented by optical density versus image grey level. Then pulse values are calculated (104) from the measured test print or test prints that are estimated to produce the desired values of print density corresponding to selected values of image grey level and which may include non-printing pulse values, and the pulse value for each of said positions across the printhead for each of said image grey levels is recorded in memory (105,106).
A droplet dispensing apparatus has a piston rod driven by a solenoid, the rod for connection to a piston of a droplet dispensing syringe, in which the output member from the solenoid is directly connected to the rod through the entire impulse produced by the solenoid.
B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glasswareDroppers
F02B 63/04 - Adaptations of engines for driving pumps, hand-held tools or electric generatorsPortable combinations of engines with engine-driven devices for electric generators
A liquid management system for supplying or receiving liquid at a controlled pressure, comprising: a closed reservoir having an inlet for receiving liquid from a first remote location and an outlet for supplying liquid to a second remote location; and a pumped outlet disposed in the reservoir and arranged to remove liquid and gas contained within the reservoir, the pumped outlet being disposed such that the level of liquid in the reservoir can be maintained at a constant height.
A method of printing a two-dimensional bit-mapped image having a number of pixels per row for printing is disclosed. The method and apparatus use either a plurality of overlapping printheads (300) or a printhead or plurality of printheads indexed through overlapping positions. The or each printhead has a row of ejection channels (301), each of which has associated ejection electrodes to which a voltage is applied to cause particulate concentrations to be formed from within a body of printing fluid. In order to cause volumes of charged particulate concentrations of one of a number of predetermined volume sizes to be ejected as printed droplets from selected ejection channels of the overlapping printheads, voltage pulses (VE) of respective predetermined amplitude and duration, as determined by respective image pixel bit values, are applied to the electrodes of the selected ejection channels. For each row of the image, the values of the voltage pulses to be applied to the overlapping printheads to form pixels printed by overlapped ejection channels are adjusted in dependence on the position of the pixel within an overlapped region of the printheads and in dependence on the predetermined volume size of the pixel.
A system for controlling an electricity supply to a load comprises at least one battery for storing energy. The system also comprises a controller for determining when to switch between a first mode wherein electricity is supplied to the load from a mains electricity circuit; and a discharging mode wherein electricity is supplied from the battery to the load via the mains electricity circuit. The determining is based on information associated with the electricity supply.
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 3/32 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy using batteries with converting means
H02J 9/06 - Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
A storage apparatus has an annular array of stacked item storage formations, and an epicyclic selector arrangement for extracting items from the array, with a temporary storage unit.
An ink manifold for an inkjet printhead is provided, comprising a number of substantially parallel transverse channels 709,713 connected by one or more connecting passages 719. The resistance to flow provided by the connecting passages is substantially greater than the resistance to flow along the length of a transverse channel. The ink manifold provided by the present invention ensures that the ink pressure and flow rate presented to the ejectors of the printhead is uniform along the entire length of the ejector array and, moreover, does so in a shallower manifold design than has previously been known.
A fluid pump comprising one or two cavities which, in use, contains a fluid to be pumped, the chamber or chambers having a substantially cylindrical shape bounded by first and second end walls and a side wall; an actuator which, in use, causes oscillatory motion of the first end wall(s) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first end wall(s); and whereby, in use, these axial oscillations of the end walls drive radial oscillations of the fluid pressure in the main cavity; and wherein an isolator forms at least a portion of the first end wall between the actuator and the side wall and includes conductive tracks, wherein electrical connection is made to the actuator via the conductive tracks included within the isolator.
A method of producing droplets from a nozzle provided on a material layer, the method comprising the steps of supplying liquid to an inner end of an array of nozzles, the nozzles being split into M groups of one or more nozzles, generating one or more firing signals, each firing signal causing sufficient movement of a group of nozzles relative to the liquid such that liquid is projected as droplets from the outer face of the respective nozzles, generating one or more sub-firing signals associated with each group of nozzles, the one or more sub-firing signals causing movement of the group of nozzles which is insufficient to project liquid from the nozzles, the sub-firing signals of adjacent groups having a non-zero phase relationship, wherein the sub-firing signal(s) of at least one group of nozzles is independent of the firing signal(s) associated with that group.
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
B05B 12/08 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target
A device is disclosed for dispensing injecting fluids. The device comprises an inlet arranged to accept a higher viscosity fluid and a further inlet arranged to accept a lower viscosity fluid. A flow arranging part arranges the liquids from the inlets into a core-annular configuration which the higher viscosity fluid is surrounded by lower viscosity fluid. This flow is then passed out through an outlet.
A method and apparatus for generating, propagating, encoding, decoding, modulating and detecting acoustic signals in a well borehole that comprises a signal generator (10) located at a first location for generating an acoustic source signal; a medium for the propagation the acoustic source signal to a second location and the propagation of the reflections and partial reflections of acoustic signals as it propagates through the medium; an apparatus to remove a detectable amount of energy from propagated acoustic signals; a controllable signal modulator (11) for attenuating the transmitted acoustic source signal; and a receiver (12) for receiving the modulated acoustic signals reflected, partially reflected or both by at least one reflector respectively located at one or more other locations.
E21B 47/14 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves
E21B 47/18 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the well fluid
G01V 11/00 - Prospecting or detecting by methods combining techniques covered by two or more of main groups
E21B 47/16 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the drill string or casing
An acoustic sensor includes a side wall, closed at each end by an end wall, to form a substantially cylindrical cavity, a transmitter and a receiver operatively associated with first and second respective end walls. Properties of the relative dimensions of the cavity are configured to create a desired oscillatory motion of the end walls, and oscillations of a fluid pressure in the cavity, to generate an electrical signal via the receiver to be output from the sensor. An array of acoustic sensors can be connected to allow calibration of one of the array of sensors.
G01N 29/036 - Analysing fluids by measuring frequency or resonance of acoustic waves
G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
99.
SYSTEM PROVIDING INDUCTIVE TRANSMISSION OF POWER AND DATA THROUGH A PERMEABLE CONDUCTIVE BARRIER LAYER.
A wireless power transmission system is designed to transmit power through a permeable conductive barrier layer. The system comprises a power transmitting circuit including a first inductive coil. A power receiving circuit includes a second inductive coil located on the opposite side of the barrier layer to the first inductive coil. A biasing magnet or electromagnet is provided and characterised by its ability to substantially saturate the magnetisation of the barrier layer in a region adjacent to the first and second inductive coils.
H02J 5/00 - Circuit arrangements for transfer of electric power between ac networks and dc networks
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from AC mains by converters
H02J 17/00 - Systems for supplying or distributing electric power by electromagnetic waves
H05K 9/00 - Screening of apparatus or components against electric or magnetic fields
An optical device comprising an optical grating structure embedded between media of substantially the same optical refractive index, the structure having an optical coating at the interface between the two media, wherein the structure comprises grating facets inclined relative to the interface plane such that, in use, anomalous optical effects due to coating are substantially reduced.
