Blair Madison Kent

US Patent:

6394575, May 28, 2002

Filed:

Jan 31, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/773391

Inventors:

Blair M. Kent - Vancouver WA

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Company - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

B41J 2015

US Classification:

347 21, 347 2

Abstract:

An inkjet airbrush system uses inkjet printing technology in a new manner for color mixing in airbrush painting. A variety of different configurations are used to generate atomized custom colors which are blown by the inkjet airbrush onto an object. In response to firing signals, a printhead ejects a custom blend of colors which are combined in a mixing chamber and then atomized using any type of atomizer desired. The firing signals may be generated by a remote device, such as a computer, or they may be generated on-board the inkjet airbrush in response to a user input, such as a code selected from a color chart. The amount of colorant passing through the airbrush may be varied by varying the firing signal frequency. The inkjet airbrush provides fast color changes and faster clean-up than conventional systems. A method of applying a fluid on an object is also provided.

US Patent:

6406121, Jun 18, 2002

Filed:

Feb 28, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/795204

Inventors:

Trudy Benjamin - Portland OR
Blair M. Kent - Vancouver WA

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Company - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

B41J 2015

US Classification:

347 20, 347 2

Abstract:

A controller is provided for an inkjet airbrush system which uses inkjet printing technology for color mixing in airbrush painting, and for other fluid application systems. The controller is used to select a desired fluid blend or custom color which is blown by the inkjet airbrush onto an object. Firing signals, generated in response to the controller input, cause a printhead to eject a custom blend of colors which are combined in a mixing chamber and then atomized. The controller may be a remote device, or provided on-board the inkjet airbrush unit, preferably, as a joystick toggling device. The amount of colorant passing through the airbrush may be varied by varying the firing signal frequency in response to joystick motion or a separate adjustment mechanism. The inkjet airbrush system provides fast color changes and faster clean-up than conventional airbrushes. A method of controlling an inkjet airbrush is also provided.

US Patent:

6493937, Dec 17, 2002

Filed:

Mar 16, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/039604

Inventors:

James P Axtell - Portland OR
Trudy L Benjamin - Portland OR
David J Lowe - Vancouver WA
Preston D. Seu - Vancouver WA
Blair M. Kent - Vancouver WA

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Company - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

B21D 5376

US Classification:

298901, 347108, 347 49

Abstract:

A manufacturing method provides ink-jet writing engine modules for use with a compatible hard copy engine module, a hard copy apparatus based thereon, and methods of manufacturing, operation, and use. Fluidic and electronic partitioning for ink-jet hard copy apparatus is redefined. Modular separation of a hard copy engine from a writing engine allows a replaceable writing module containing all of the key elements of the ink-jet writing system based on writing system technology requirements, particularly for those most likely to age or fail as a result of time, frequency of use, or end-user actions. The writing engine subsystem includes: one or more printing modules having print head elements with concomitant ink manifold components and ink flow and pressure regulation mechanisms; one or more ink containersâeither permanent, refillable, or replaceable; one or more ink formulations; one or more ink delivery means, such as tubes and valves fluidically coupling the ink containers to the ink manifolds; service station components; and a framework to retain the elements in a unitary module, insertable cassette-like manner.

US Patent:

7040745, May 9, 2006

Filed:

Oct 31, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/285251

Inventors:

Blair M Kent - Camas WA, US

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Houston TX

International Classification:

B41J 2/18

US Classification:

347 89

Abstract:

In a recirculating inkjet print recording method and system, ink is stored at an ink supply. Fluid, including ink, is carried from the ink supply to a reservoir. Ink received from the reservoir is recorded onto a medium. Fluid, including ink and air, is carried from the reservoir to the ink supply. A proportion of ink in the fluid carried from the reservoir to the ink supply self-adjusts to prevent overfilling the reservoir.

US Patent:

7238224, Jul 3, 2007

Filed:

Oct 29, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/977277

Inventors:

Blair M Kent - Camas WA, US

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Houston TX

International Classification:

B01D 69/00
B01D 69/04
B01D 69/06

US Classification:

95 46, 96 6, 96 7, 21032164, 604126, 347 92

Abstract:

A fluid-gas separator includes a gas-permeable membrane arranged sufficiently adjacent to a fluid-permeable membrane to allow the separation of fluid and gas flowing therein independent of the orientation of the fluid-gas separator itself.

US Patent:

7563244, Jul 21, 2009

Filed:

Oct 31, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/285827

Inventors:

Blair M Kent - Camas WA, US
Clement C Lo - Oswego OR, US

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Houston TX

International Classification:

A61M 37/00

US Classification:

604 82, 604 48

Abstract:

A device and method for delivering a pharmaceutical composition. The device includes an electronically controllable jetting device in communication with a source of a pharmacologically active material and a solid or fluidic mixing medium for receiving the ejected pharmacologically active material and directing it toward an end use destination.

US Patent:

7578591, Aug 25, 2009

Filed:

Sep 14, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/532059

Inventors:

Blair M. Kent - Vancouver WA, US
James P. Axtell - Vancouver WA, US
Trudy Benjamin - Vancouver WA, US
David Lowe - Vancouver WA, US
Preston Seu - Sammish WA, US

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Houston TX

International Classification:

B41J 3/36

US Classification:

347109

Abstract:

A tip to be placed on a fluid-ejection device is filled with fluid. The fluid may be introduced into a substantially hollow body of the tip at a first end of the body. The body of the tip has a second end at which a fluid-ejection mechanism is disposed to eject the fluid as controlled by the fluid-ejection device. The fluid may be introduced into the substantially hollow body of the tip through of the fluid-ejection mechanism disposed at the second end of the body of the tip. The tip may further be identified and/or serviced, and the tip and/or the fluid-ejection device my further be validated.

US Patent:

7591639, Sep 22, 2009

Filed:

Apr 27, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/832536

Inventors:

Blair M. Kent - Camas WA, US

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Houston TX

International Classification:

F04B 43/08
F04B 43/12
F04B 45/06

US Classification:

4174778, 4174772, 4174773, 4174777

Abstract:

A peristaltic pump includes a plurality of occlusion surfaces and a plurality of rotors. The plurality of occlusion surfaces include a first occlusion surface and a second occlusion surface. The plurality of rotors includes a first rotor configured to be rotated about an axis and carrying a first set of occluding surfaces and a second rotor configured to be rotated about the axis and carrying a second set of occluding surfaces. The first set of occluding surfaces and the second set of occluding surfaces have a staggered pitch.