| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 347074000 | With individual drop generation and/or control | 70 |
| 20090027459 | INK JET BREAK-OFF LENGTH MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD - A jet break-off length measurement apparatus for a continuous liquid drop emission system is provided. The jet break-off length measurement apparatus comprises a liquid drop emitter containing a positively pressurized liquid in flow communication with at least one nozzle for emitting a continuous stream of liquid. Heater resistor apparatus is adapted to transfer pulses of thermal energy to the liquid in flow communication with the at least one nozzle sufficient to cause the break-off of the at least one continuous stream of liquid into a stream of drops of predetermined volumes. A sensing apparatus adapted to detect the stream of drops of predetermined volumes is provided. A control apparatus is adapted to determine a characteristic of the stream of drops of predetermined volumes that is related to the break-off length. Further apparatus is adapted to inductively charge at least one drop and to cause electric field deflection of charged drops. Jet stimulation apparatus comprising a plurality of transducers corresponding to the plurality of nozzles and adapted to transfer pulses of energy to the liquid sufficient to cause the break-off of the plurality of continuous streams of liquid into a plurality of streams of drops of predetermined volumes is also disclosed. Methods of measuring the jet break-off length using phase sensitive amplification circuitry are disclosed. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090174755 | METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR INK JET PRINTING USING AN ELECTROSTATIC FIELD - An improved printer and method of printing uses an electrostatic field at the point of ink contact with the print medium to improve ink application. This improved printer and printing method makes possible a higher resolution final image; provides for greater control of the application of ink on the print medium; permits the use of a wider range of inks having variable viscosities, surface tensions, and elasticities; and permits the use of a variety of ink application speeds. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090295878 | JETTING MODULE INSTALLATION AND ALIGNMENT APPARATUS - A mechanism for aligning the jetting module in a continuous inkjet printhead and for making fluid and electrical connections to the jetting module without compromising the alignment is disclosed. A mechanism to aid in installing the jetting module is also disclosed. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20100103227 | INKJET PRINT DEVICE WITH AIR INJECTOR, ASSOCIATED AIR INJECTOR AND WIDE FORMAT PRINT HEAD - The invention relates to a wide format print head composed of X inkjet print devices intended to print on a moving support and for which the print quality is to be improved over the entire width. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100201758 | DROPLET BREAK-UP DEVICE - The invention relates to a droplet break up device ( | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100214374 | Drop Generator - A drop generator includes a pressure chamber and a flexible diaphragm plate disposed on the chamber and forming a wall of the pressure chamber. A piezoelectric transducer having a bottom surface is attached to the diaphragm plate. The diaphragm plate includes a recess that forms a perimeter around the bottom surface of the transducer that partially underlies at least one edge of the bottom surface. An inlet channel is connected to the pressure chamber and configured to direct ink to the pressure chamber from a manifold. An outlet channel is connected to the pressure chamber to receive ink from the pressure chamber and has a channel axis that is perpendicular to the diaphragm plate. The outlet channel includes a first outlet channel section and a second outlet channel section. The first outlet channel section includes a plurality of subsections having alternating diameters. The second outlet channel section includes an aperture disposed at an end thereof. The second outlet channel section has a substantially continuous cross-sectional shape and a length that is greater than a length of the first outlet channel section. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100259584 | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING DIRECTION OF FLUID - A device and a method of controlling fluid flow are provided. The method includes providing a moving fluid including a fluid flow characteristic; providing a fluid control device including a fluid control surface, the fluid control surface including a pattern that guides the fluid; causing the fluid to contact the fluid control surface of the fluid control device; and causing the fluid to interact with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device by guiding the fluid using the pattern of the fluid control surface while the fluid is in contact with the pattern of the fluid control device such that the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid after interacting with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device is different from the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid before interaction with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100259585 | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING FLUID VELOCITY - A device and a method of controlling fluid flow are provided. The method includes providing a moving fluid including a fluid flow velocity characteristic; providing a fluid control device including a fluid control surface, the fluid control surface including a pattern that changes the velocity of the fluid; and causing the fluid to interact with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device using the pattern of the fluid control surface while the fluid is in contact with the pattern of the fluid control device such that the fluid flow velocity characteristic of the fluid after interacting with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device is different from the fluid flow velocity characteristic of the fluid before interaction with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100271441 | CONTINUOUS STREAM INK JET PRINTHEAD - A continuous stream ink jet print head comprising: a droplet generator ( | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100295904 | DROPLET BREAK-UP DEVICE - The invention relates to a droplet break up device comprising: a chamber for containing a printing liquid comprising a bottom plate; a pump for pressurizing the printing liquid; an outlet channel having a central axis, provided in said chamber for ejecting the printing liquid; and an actuator for breaking up a fluid jetted out of the outlet channel. The actuator is provided around the outlet channel, arranged to symmetrically impart a pressure pulse central to the outlet channel axis. Accordingly, smaller droplets can be delivered at higher frequencies. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100321450 | Droplet Receiver and Method Of Receiving Droplets - Disclosed herein is a droplet receiver. The droplet receiver includes an internal space formed such that its sectional area is reduced towards an input part, thus preventing the rebounding of droplets which enter a droplet receiving part, and includes an intercepting fluid layer so as to isolate the received droplets from the outside, thus preventing droplets received in the droplet receiving part from being contaminated and volatilizing. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110242228 | DROP PLACEMENT METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS PRINTERS - A method for providing drop placement adjustment of drops deposited on a print media by a printhead in a continuous inkjet printer, the method comprising the steps of providing the printhead with a drop generator having at least one nozzle; moving the printhead relative to the print media; causing the printhead to form drops from the at least one nozzle with a drop formation period being the time between consecutive drop formations; wherein a portion of the formed drops are allowed to strike pixel locations on the print media for forming print drops, while other drops are directed toward a catcher and do not strike the print media for forming catch drops; creating a series of the print drops to print on a series of consecutive pixel locations; and adjusting a velocity of a portion of the formed print drops relative to a velocity of other print drops to adjust the placement of the print drop within the pixel locations. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20160039216 | LOW-COST INK CIRCUIT - A removable single-block assembly for an ink circuit of a continuous inkjet printer, including a plate having a first fluid inlet, a second fluid inlet and a third fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, a second fluid outlet, and a third fluid outlet, this assembly further including a first pump called a pressure pump, a second pump called a recovery pump, and a filter, fluid connection means to allow fluids to flow between said first fluid inlet, the first pump, and said first fluid outlet between said second fluid inlet the filter, and said second fluid outlet, and between said third fluid inlet, said second pump, and said third fluid outlet, and means for mounting and dismounting the assembly on the ink circuit. | 02-11-2016 |
| 347075000 | Drop generation means | 15 |
| 20080231669 | AERODYNAMIC ERROR REDUCTION FOR LIQUID DROP EMITTERS - A method is disclosed for forming a liquid pattern of print drops impinging a receiving medium according to liquid pattern data using a liquid drop emitter that emits a plurality of continuous streams of liquid at a stream velocity, v | 09-25-2008 |
| 20100033542 | CONTINUOUS INKJET PRINTING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SELECTIVE DEFLECTION OF DROPLETS FORMED FROM TWO DIFFERENT BREAK OFF LENGTHS - A continuous inkjet system and method has a stimulation device producing a modulation in a liquid jet having a wavelength λ and causing a first liquid droplet to break off from the liquid jet and travel along a path and causing a second liquid droplet to break off from the liquid jet and travel along the path. The first liquid droplet has a first break off length and the second liquid droplet has a second break off length longer than the first break off length. The first break off length and the second break off length have a difference of at least one wavelength λ in response to stimulation pulses. A charge electrode produces a charge differential between the first liquid droplet and the second liquid droplet, and a deflection mechanism causes trajectories of the first liquid droplet and the second liquid droplet to diverge so that a trajectory of one droplet of the first and second liquid droplets causes the one droplet to be directed for collection and prevented from depositing on the surface and a trajectory of the other droplet of the first and second liquid droplets causes the other droplet to be directed for depositing on the surface. A stimulation controller identifies a transition in droplet creation between a stimulation cycle that is to produce a droplet having a second break off length and a stimulation cycle that is to produce a droplet having a first break off length and introduces a skip cycle between the stimulation cycle that is to produce the droplet having a second break off length and the stimulation cycle that is to produce the droplet having the first break off length. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100103228 | NON-CONDUCTIVE FLUID DROPLET FORMING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method and apparatus for forming fluid droplets includes a nozzle channel, a pressurized source of a non-conductive fluid in fluid communication with the nozzle channel, and a stimulation electrode. The pressurized source is operable to form a jet of the non-conductive fluid through the nozzle channel. At least one portion of the stimulation electrode is electrically conductive and contactable with a portion of the non-conductive fluid jet. The at least one electrically conductive and contactable portion of the stimulation electrode is operable to transfer an electrical charge to a region of the portion of the non-conductive fluid jet with the electrical charge stimulating the non-conductive fluid jet to form a non-conductive fluid droplet. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100188466 | CONTINUOUS INKJET DROP GENERATION DEVICE - A droplet generating device for use as part of a continuous inkjet printer comprises a set of channels for FLUID providing a composite flow of a first fluid ( | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100194829 | CONTINUOUS MULTI-NOZZLE INKJET RECORDING APPARATUS - A continuous multi-nozzle inkjet recording apparatus includes a multi-nozzle inkjet head including a liquid chamber, an ink nozzle plate, and a heating unit, a gas flow applicator, a cap, and a gutter unit. The ink nozzle plate includes ink jetting nozzles to jet ink column. The heating unit stimulates the pressurized ink at an exit opening of the ink jetting nozzles to separate ink droplets from the ink column. The gas flow applicator applies a gas flow to flying ink droplets. The gas flow applicator includes an opening to jet the gas flow. The cap shields an area of the gas flow from an ambient atmosphere space existing around a transporting and image forming area for the recording medium. The gutter unit catches ink droplets. Ink droplets not caught by the gutter unit are directed onto a recording medium to form an image on the recording medium. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20110109705 | PHASE SHIFTS FOR TWO GROUPS OF NOZZLES - A method includes forming drops of first size by applying drop-forming pulses during unit time period, τ | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110216136 | INKJET PRINTER OPERATING A BINARY CONTINUOUS-JET WITH OPTIMUM DEFLECTION AND MAXIMISED PRINT SPEED - The invention concerns inkjet printers with binary continuous jet, the printing principle of which is based on the differential deflection of jets or jet segments. According to the invention, by virtue of a judicious selection of pulse periods of the electrical generator, the print speed of such printers is optimised while guaranteeing precision of the two deflection levels (binary). | 09-08-2011 |
| 20120120163 | MULTIPLE RESOLUTION CONTINUOUS INK JET SYSTEM - A continuous ink jet printing system capable of printing at multiple predetermined print resolutions. The system comprises a drop generator having an array of nozzles for emitting a plurality of continuous streams of liquid for applying ink to media driven in a media advance direction having a source for pressurized liquid for supplying pressurized liquid to the plurality of nozzles. The plurality of nozzles have effective nozzle diameters D | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120249686 | INKJET CHAMBER AND INLETS FOR CIRCULATING FLOW - An inkjet printhead including a drop generator includes: a substrate including a surface; a chamber disposed on the surface of the substrate, the chamber including: an inlet having a first edge and a second edge, the second edge being separated from the first edge by an inlet width along an inlet width direction; and a chamber center, wherein the first edge and the second edge of the inlet are disposed on a same side of the chamber center relative to the inlet width direction. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20130258002 | DIGITAL DROP PATTERNING DEVICE AND METHOD - A method of dispensing liquid drops includes providing a liquid dispenser array structure. Liquid dispensers, located on a common substrate, include a liquid supply channel and a drop formation device associated with an interface of a liquid dispensing channel and the liquid supply channel. A carrier liquid is provided by a first liquid supply that flows continuously through an outlet of the liquid dispensing channel during a drop dispensing operation. A functional liquid, immiscible in the carrier liquid, is provided by a second liquid supply to the liquid dispensing channel through the liquid supply channel. The drop formation device is selectively actuated to form a discrete drop of the functional liquid in the carrier liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel. The flowing carrier liquid causes the discrete drops of the functional liquid to move through the outlet of the liquid dispensing channel during the drop dispensing operation. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130328976 | DIGITAL DROP PATTERNING AND DEPOSITION DEVICE - A liquid dispenser includes a downwardly inclined slide surface. A carrier liquid dispensing channel includes an outlet that exits onto the downwardly inclined slide surface. A carrier liquid source provides a carrier liquid that flows continuously through the carrier liquid dispensing channel, through the outlet of the carrier liquid dispensing channel, and down the downwardly inclined slide surface. A functional liquid supply channel includes an outlet that exits onto the downwardly inclined slide surface. A functional liquid source provides a functional liquid to the outlet of the functional liquid supply channel. A drop formation device, associated with an interface of the outlet of the functional liquid supply channel and the downwardly inclined slide surface, is selectively actuated to form a discrete drop of the functional liquid in the carrier liquid flowing down the downwardly inclined slide surface. The functional liquid is immiscible in the carrier liquid. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130328977 | DIGITAL DROP PATTERNING AND DEPOSITION DEVICE - A liquid dispensing system includes a downwardly inclined slide surface. A carrier liquid dispensing channel includes an outlet that exits onto the downwardly inclined slide surface. A carrier liquid flows continuously through the carrier liquid dispensing channel, the outlet of the carrier liquid dispensing channel, and down the slide surface. A liquid dispenser array structure includes functional liquid dispensers located on a substrate that is common to the functional liquid dispensers. The functional liquid dispensers include a functional liquid supply channel. A functional liquid source provides a functional liquid to the functional liquid dispensers through the functional liquid supply channel. A drop formation device, associated with an interface of the functional liquid supply channel and the downwardly inclined slide surface, is selectively actuated to form discrete functional liquid drops in the carrier liquid flowing down the slide surface. The functional liquid is immiscible in the carrier liquid. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130335489 | DIRECTIVITY DETECTION DEVICE OF TRAJECTORIES OF DROPS ISSUING FROM LIQUID JET, ASSOCIATED ELECTROSTATIC SENSOR, PRINT HEAD AND CONTINUOUS INK JET PRINTER - Systems and methods for detection of the directivity of trajectories of charged drops issuing from a jet are disclosed. According to one aspect, an electrostatic sensor is disclosed which includes a flat functional surface. The electrostatic sensor is configured to function in a non-differential manner and has a geometric shape and arrangement that are substantially aligned relative to a nominal trajectory of drops. A trajectory of drops can be followed at the same time in a plane parallel to the flat surface of the sensor and in a plane perpendicular to the flat surface of the sensor. As a result, it can be verified whether a drop is present or remains in a predefined monitoring zone. According to another aspect, a method of controlling trajectories of drops in a print head having a continuous deflected jet, and a method of monitoring the effective recovery by the gutter of drops not intended for printing are disclose | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140347425 | DROPLET GENERATOR - The present invention provides a droplet generator ( | 11-27-2014 |
| 20160152023 | DROPLET GENERATOR FOR A CONTINUOUS STREAM INK JET PRINTHEAD | 06-02-2016 |
| 347076000 | Drop charge means | 10 |
| 20090027460 | SYSTEM FOR ALIGNING A CHARGE TUNNEL OF AN INK JET PRINTER - A system and method for aligning a charge tunnel of an inkjet printer. The system may include a charge tunnel unit and a charge tunnel base. The charge tunnel unit includes a slot, and is configured to impart an electrical charge on ink droplets passing through the slot. The charge tunnel unit may be at least partially pivoted about the base through the tightening or loosening of an adjustment screw. The system may also include a charge tunnel cradle that is operably connected to the charge tunnel base and the printhead deck. The charge tunnel base and the charge tunnel cradle may be operably connected to a adjustment fastener. The tightening or loosening of the adjustment fastener may linearly move the charge tunnel base, and attached charge tunnel unit, towards or away from the charge tunnel cradle, thereby allowing for the adjustment of the linear position of the slot. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090153627 | Drop Charge and Deflection Device for Ink Jet Printing - Ink jet printing method, in which the jet ( | 06-18-2009 |
| 20100134569 | CONTINUOUS INKJET PRINTERS - The invention describes a print-head for a continuous inkjet printer having a charge electrode array in which each charge electrode in the array is relatively wide (W) compared to the spacing (s-W) between the electrode. Preferably the width is an order of magnitude greater than the spacing. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20120299998 | LIQUID EJECTION USING DROP CHARGE AND MASS - A continuous liquid ejection system includes a liquid chamber in fluidic communication with a nozzle. The liquid chamber contains liquid under pressure sufficient to eject a liquid jet through the nozzle. A drop formation device is associated with the liquid jet. The drop forming device is actuatable to produce a modulation in the liquid jet to selectively cause portions of the liquid jet to break off into one or more pairs of drops traveling along a path. Each drop pair is separated on average by a drop pair period. Each drop pair includes a first drop and a second drop. The drop formation device is also actuatable to produce a modulation in the liquid jet to selectively cause portions of the liquid jet to break of into one or more third drops traveling along the path separated on average by the same drop pair period. The third drop is larger than the first drop and the second drop. A charging device includes a charge electrode associated with the liquid jet and a source of varying electrical potential between the charge electrode and the liquid jet. The source of varying electrical potential provides a waveform that includes a period that is equal to the period of formation of the drop pairs or the third drops, the drop pair period. The waveform also includes a first distinct voltage state and a second distinct voltage state. The charging device and the drop formation device are synchronized to produce a first charge to mass ratio on the first drop of the drop pair, a second charge to mass ratio on the second drop of the drop pair, and a third charge to mass ratio on the third drop. The third charge to mass ratio is substantially the same as the first charge to mass ratio. A deflection device causes the first drop of the drop pair having the first charge to mass ratio to travel along a first path, and causes the second drop of the drop pair having the second charge to mass ratio to travel along a second path, and causes the third drop having a third charge to mass ratio to travel along a third path. The third path is substantially the same as the first path. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120299999 | EJECTING LIQUID USING DROP CHARGE AND MASS - A liquid jet is modulated using a drop formation device to selectively cause portions of the liquid jet to break off into drop pairs and third drops traveling along a path. The third drop is larger than the drops of the drop pair. A charging device and the drop formation device are synchronized to produce a first charge to mass ratio on a first drop of the drop pair, produce a second charge to mass ratio on a second drop of the drop pair, and produce a third charge to mass ratio on the third drop. A deflection device causes the first drop having the first charge to mass ratio to travel along a first path, the second drop having the second charge to mass ratio to travel along a second path, and the third drop having a third charge to mass ratio to travel along a third path. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120300000 | LIQUID EJECTION SYSTEM INCLUDING DROP VELOCITY MODULATION - A continuous liquid ejection system includes a liquid chamber in fluidic communication with a nozzle. The liquid chamber contains liquid under pressure sufficient to eject a liquid jet through the nozzle. A drop formation device is associated with the liquid jet and is actuatable to produce a modulation in the liquid jet that cause portions of the liquid jet to break off into a series of drop pairs traveling along a path. Each drop pair is separated in time on average by a drop pair period. Each drop pair includes a first drop and a second drop. A charging device includes a charge electrode associated with the liquid jet and a source of varying electrical potential between the charge electrode and the liquid jet. The source of varying electrical potential provides a waveform that includes a period that is equal to the drop pair period. The waveform also includes a first distinct voltage state and a second distinct voltage state. The charging device is synchronized with the drop formation device to produce a first charge state on the first drop and to produce a second charge state on the second drop. A drop velocity modulation device varies a relative velocity of a first drop and a second drop of a selected drop pair to control whether the first drop and the second drop of the selected drop pair combine with each other to form a combined drop. The combined drop has a third charge state. A deflection device causes the first drop having the first charge state to travel along a first path, causes the second drop having the second charge state to travel along a second path, and causes the combined drop having the third charge state to travel along a third path. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120300001 | LIQUID EJECTION METHOD USING DROP VELOCITY MODULATION - A method of ejecting liquid drops includes providing liquid under pressure sufficient to eject a liquid jet through a nozzle of a liquid chamber. The liquid jet is modulated to cause portions of the liquid jet to break off into a series of drop pairs traveling along a path using a drop formation device. Each drop pair is separated in time on average by the drop pair period. Each drop pair includes a first drop and a second drop. A charging device is provided that includes a charge electrode associated with the liquid jet and a source of varying electrical potential between the charge electrode and the liquid jet. The source of varying electrical potential provides a waveform that includes a period that is equal to the drop pair period. The waveform also includes a first distinct voltage state and a second distinct voltage state. The charging device is synchronized with the drop formation device to produce a first charge state on the first drop and to produce a second charge state on the second drop. A relative velocity of a first drop and a second drop of a selected drop pair is varied using a drop velocity modulation device to control whether the first drop and the second drop of the selected drop pair combine with each other to form a combined drop. The combined drop has a third charge state. A deflection device is used to cause the first drop having the first charge state to travel along a first path, to cause the second drop having the second charge state to travel along a second path, and to cause the combined drop having the third charge state to travel along a third path. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20130229466 | Deflection Plate For Liquid Jet Printer - A liquid jet printing apparatus is provided having a nozzle for emitting a stream of liquid droplets toward a substrate, a charging section for providing an electrical charge to liquid droplets and a pair of electrically conductive deflecting plates for deflecting the liquid droplets to a desired location on the substrate, wherein the inside face of the deflecting plates is provided with dielectric layer to minimize problems associated with liquid droplets collecting and coalescing on the deflecting plates. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20150077477 | Charge Control Type Ink Jet Printer and Printing Method - The visibility of a printing object using a photo-curable ink is improved. A charge control type ink jet printer includes a nozzle which continuously forms ink droplets, a charging electrode which charges each of the ink droplets, a deflection electrode which deflects the charged ink droplet, and a print head which discharges the deflected ink droplet to print the droplet onto a printed substrate. The print head has a UV light source. The UV light source has a focusing member which focuses UV light onto at least part of a flying path of the ink droplet between the print head and the printed substrate and onto a landed region of the printed substrate, and a light emission source. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20160136946 | Resistor Protected Deflection Plates for Liquid Jet Printer - A liquid jet printing apparatus is provided having a nozzle for emitting a stream of liquid droplets toward a substrate, a charging section for providing an electrical charge to liquid droplets and a pair of electrically conductive deflection plates for creating an electrical field capable of deflecting the liquid droplets to a desired location on the substrate, wherein a resistor is provided between a power source and the electrical field to limit current from the power source during electrical arcing between the deflection plates, thereby minimizing disruption to the electrical field and minimizing electromagnetic pulses. | 05-19-2016 |
| 347077000 | Drop deflection means | 29 |
| 20080218562 | DROP DEFLECTION SELECTABLE VIA JET STEERING - A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid stream generator, an electrode system, and a stream deflector. The liquid stream generator includes a nozzle and is operable to produce a stream of liquid through the nozzle. The electrode system is operable to produce an electric field including a first region having a first magnitude and a second region having a second magnitude. The stream deflector is operable to selectively cause the stream to move into one of the first region and the second region. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080278547 | CONTINUOUS PRINTING APPARATUS HAVING IMPROVED DEFLECTOR MECHANISM - A printing system includes a liquid drop ejector, a fluid flow device, and a fluid flow source. The liquid drop ejector is operable to eject liquid drops having a plurality of volumes along a first path. The fluid flow device includes a first section comprising a plurality of sub-channels created by a partition and a second section comprising a plurality of sub-channels created by a partition. Each partition has a height as viewed from a wall of the fluid flow device. The height of the partition of the second section is less than the height of the partition of the first section. The fluid flow source is operable to produce a fluid flow through the fluid flow device. The fluid flow interacts with the liquid drops to cause liquids drops having one of the plurality of volumes to begin moving along a second path. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080278548 | PRINTER HAVING IMPROVED GAS FLOW DROP DEFLECTION - A drop generator operable to selectively form a drop having a first size and a drop having a second size from liquid emitted through a nozzle associated with the drop generator. The drop having the first size and the drop having the second size travel along a drop trajectory with the first size being larger than the second size when compared to each other. Each of the drops has a drop velocity. A gas flow deflection system includes a gas flow that is directed at a deflection zone that comprises at least a portion of the drop trajectory. The gas flow in the deflection zone includes a velocity vector having a parallel velocity component and a perpendicular velocity component with the parallel velocity component and the perpendicular velocity component being defined relative to the drop trajectory. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080278549 | PRINTER DEFLECTOR MECHANISM INCLUDING LIQUID FLOW - A printing system includes a liquid drop ejector operable to eject liquid drops having a plurality of volumes along a first path and a passage including a wall. A gas flow source is operable to cause a gas to flow in a direction through the passage. A liquid flow source is operable to cause a liquid to flow in a direction along the wall of the passage with the flow direction of the liquid being in the same direction as that of the gas flow. Interaction of the gas flow and the liquid drops causes liquids drops having one of the plurality of volumes to begin moving along a second path. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080278550 | FLUID FLOW DEVICE FOR A PRINTING SYSTEM - A printing system and method of printing are provided. The system includes a liquid drop ejector operable to eject liquid drops having a plurality of volumes along a first path. A fluid flow source is operable to produce a first fluid flow that interacts with the liquid drops to cause liquids drops having one of the plurality of volumes to begin moving along a second path. A fluid flow source is operable to produce a second fluid flow. The second fluid flow including a flow component substantially parallel to the first path. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080284827 | CONTINUOUS INK JET PRINTER WITH MODIFIED ACTUATOR ACTIVATION WAVEFORM - A drop generator is operated to form large-volume and small-volume droplets by providing a droplet generator having a nozzle and an adjustable stimulation device; supplying liquid to the droplet generator such that a stream of diameter D emanates from the nozzle; activating the stimulation device to produce a first set of perturbations on the liquid stream, the perturbations having a period x such as to cause the liquid stream to form into small-volume droplets; selectively adjusting the stimulation device to produce a second set of perturbations on the liquid stream, the second set of perturbations having a period Nx such as to cause a segment of the liquid stream to form into a large-volume droplet, whereby the large-volume droplet is N times the volume of the small-volume droplets; and further adjusting the stimulation device to produce a third set of perturbations on the liquid stream during the period Nx. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20090009566 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING AND DEFLECTING INK DROPS - The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing and/or deflecting ink drops, in particular in a continuously operating ink-jet printer, in which a continuous, cohesive ink stream is emitted from a nozzle of a pressure chamber, with spaced sonic pulses ( | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090033723 | CONTINUOUS INK-JET PRINTING WITH JET STRAIGHTNESS CORRECTION - A printhead includes a droplet-forming heater operable in a first state to form droplets from a fluid stream having a first volume traveling along a path direction and in a second state to form droplets from the fluid stream having a second volume traveling along the path direction. A droplet deflector system is positioned relative to the droplet-forming heater, which applies a force to the droplets traveling along the path direction, whereby the droplets having the first volume diverge from the path direction by a greater extent than do the droplets having the second volume. A droplet-steering heater is adapted to selectively asymmetrically apply heat to the stream such that the path direction is changed. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090102896 | PRINTER INCLUDING TEMPERATURE GRADIENT FLUID FLOW DEVICE - A method and printing system are provided. The printing system includes a liquid drop ejector, a fluid passage, and a fluid flow. The liquid drop ejector is operable to eject liquid drops having a plurality of volumes along a first path. The fluid passage includes a temperature gradient in the passage. The fluid flow source is operable to cause a fluid to flow in a direction through the passage, wherein interaction of the fluid flow and the liquid drops causes liquids drops having one of the plurality of volumes to begin moving along a second path. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090189960 | Inkjet recording apparatus - An inkjet recording apparatus includes a main body and a print head. The main body includes a mechanical portion and a control portion. The mechanical portion includes a pump that pressurizes or draws a liquid(s), such as an ink and/or a solvent, and a solenoid valve that switches between flow channels guiding the liquid to flow therethrough. The control portion controls respective operations including printing and running and stopping of the inkjet recording apparatus. The print head includes a nozzle that atomizes the ink pressure fed from the main body into ink droplets, a charging electrode that electrically charges the ink droplets, a deflecting electrode that forms an electric field that deflects the charged ink droplets, and a gutter that collects the ink unused for printing. The nozzle includes a surface-treated layer that repels the ink to a portion where the ink is supplied. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090231398 | Printing by Differential Ink Jet Deflection - For printing, the principle of the continuous deflected jet is used: a device ( | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090295879 | CONTINUOUS PRINTHEAD CONTOURED GAS FLOW DEVICE - A continuous liquid printing system gas flow device includes a gas flow duct structure including a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall are positioned spaced apart and opposite each other to form an opening. The first wall is contoured such that a distance between the first wall and the second wall varies when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the opening. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090295880 | CONTINUOUS PRINTHEAD GAS FLOW DUCT INCLUDING DRAIN - In an inkjet printhead using a gas flow, typically air, to deflect select drop into catch, gas flow (air) ducts are employed to direct the air across the drop trajectories. Improved air ducts include liquid flow channels in a wall of the air duct are provided to allow ink to be removed from the air duct without disrupting the air flow in the duct. A process for cleaning the air duct using the liquid flow channel is also provided. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20100033543 | CONTINUOUS INKJET PRINTING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SELECTIVE DEFLECTION OF DROPLETS FORMED DURING DIFFERENT PHASES OF A COMMON CHARGE ELECTRODE - A continuous inkjet system includes a plurality of nozzles producing a respective liquid jet through each nozzle. A stimulation device at each nozzle is responsive to different types of stimulation signals to produce a modulation in the respective liquid jet to selectively control droplet break off relative to phases of the cycle of a varying voltage source that is connected to a charge electrode. The break off phase of a droplet relative to the voltage phase of the voltage source will determine whether the droplet is charged or not charged. Droplets that become charged may be deflected from their paths and a deflection mechanism including the charge electrode determines which droplets are allowed to reach a surface for say printing and which droplets are collected and not deposited upon the surface. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100110149 | DEFLECTION DEVICE INCLUDING GAS FLOW RESTRICTION DEVICE - A continuous inkjet printhead includes a jetting module including a nozzle operable to eject a continuous stream of fluid through the nozzle, a stimulation device operable to break the stream of fluid into first and second droplets having first and second volumes, wherein the droplet volumes travel along a first path, and a drop deflection mechanism that includes a gas flow path, a first flow path restriction positioned within the flow path, and a second flow path restriction positioned within the flow path, the second flow path restriction being non-parallel relative to the first flow path restriction, the drop deflection mechanism providing a gas flow which interacts with the first and second droplets to cause at least one of the first and second droplets to begin traveling along a second path. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100110150 | PRINTHEAD HAVING IMPROVED GAS FLOW DEFLECTION SYSTEM - A printhead includes a drop generator configured to selectively form a large volume drop and a small volume drop from liquid emitted through a nozzle associated with the drop generator, the large volume drop and the small volume drop traveling along an initial drop trajectory, and a gas flow deflection system including a gas flow that interacts with the large volume drop and the small volume drop in a drop deflection zone such that at least the small volume drop is deflected from the initial drop trajectory, the gas flow being provided by a gas flow source connected in fluid communication with a gas flow duct, the gas flow deflection system including a gas flow pressure oscillation dampening structure located between the gas flow source and the drop deflection zone. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100110151 | DEFLECTION DEVICE INCLUDING EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION REGIONS - A method of printing and a printhead are provided. The printhead includes a nozzle array having a width; a gas flow source; and a gas flow duct in fluid communication with the gas flow source. The gas flow duct includes an expansion region and a compression region. The expansion region of the gas flow duct gradually expands along its cross sectional length to at least the width of the nozzle array. The compression region of the gas flow duct gradually contracts along its cross sectional length. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100259586 | DEVICE FOR MERGING FLUID DROPS OR JETS - A device and method of controlling fluid flow are provided. The method includes providing a moving fluid including a fluid flow characteristic; providing a fluid control device including a fluid control surface, the fluid control surface including a pattern; causing the fluid to contact the fluid control surface of the fluid control device; and causing the fluid to interact with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device using the pattern of the fluid control surface that, when activated, causes adjacent fluid drops to merge or coalesce while the fluid is in contact with the pattern of the fluid control device such that the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid after interacting with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device is different from the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid before interaction with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100277552 | JET DIRECTIONALITY CONTROL USING PRINTHEAD DELIVERY CHANNEL - A method of printing and an apparatus for controlling the directionality of liquid emitted from nozzles of a printhead are provided. Example embodiments of the apparatus include directionality control of liquid jets or liquid drops using a liquid jet directionality control mechanism. Example embodiments of the liquid jet directionality control mechanism include asymmetric energy application device configurations, nozzle geometry configurations, liquid delivery channel geometry configurations, or combinations of these configurations. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20110316940 | DEFLECTING ELECTRODE, DROPLET EJECTION HEAD, AND DROPLET EJECTION APPARATUS - Provided is a droplet ejection apparatus able to realize, with a simple electrode configuration, functions for both converging effects that cause charged particles to head towards a single axis as well as deflecting effects that change the orientation of the axis of convergence. Another object of the present invention is to improve droplet landing precision in a charge deflection continuous stream droplet ejection apparatus. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120019604 | INKJET PRINTERS, INK STREAM MODULATORS, AND METHODS TO GENERATE DROPLETS FROM AN INK STREAM - Ink jet printers, ink stream modulators, and methods to generate droplets from an ink stream are disclosed. An example method to generate droplets from an ink stream includes generating a stream of ink with an inkjet nozzle and modulating the stream of ink into a plurality of droplets by generating an alternating electrical field having a frequency based on a permittivity of the ink to cause a dielectrophoretic effect. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120026252 | PRINTING METHOD USING MOVING LIQUID CURTAIN CATCHER - A method of printing is includes providing liquid drops travelling along a first path using a jetting module. A moving liquid curtain is provided using a liquid source. Selected liquid drops are caused to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path using a deflection mechanism such that the liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path contact the liquid curtain in a drop interception region of the liquid curtain. The liquid curtain is collected downstream from the drop interception region using a liquid collection device. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120026253 | PRINTING USING LIQUID FILM POROUS CATCHER SURFACE - A method of printing provides liquid drops travelling along a first path using a jetting module. A catcher including a stationary porous surface is also provided. A liquid film is caused to flow over the stationary porous surface of the catcher using a liquid source. Selected liquid drops are caused to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path using a deflection mechanism. The liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path contact the liquid film. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120242759 | PRINTHEAD HAVING IMPROVED GAS FLOW DEFLECTION SYSTEM - A printhead includes a drop generator configured to selectively form a large volume drop and a small volume drop from liquid emitted through a nozzle associated with the drop generator, the large volume drop and the small volume drop traveling along an initial drop trajectory, and a gas flow deflection system including a gas flow that interacts with the large volume drop and the small volume drop in a drop deflection zone such that at least the small volume drop is deflected from the initial drop trajectory, the gas flow being provided by a gas flow source connected in fluid communication with a gas flow duct, the gas flow deflection system including a gas flow pressure oscillation dampening structure located between the gas flow source and the drop deflection zone. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20130278682 | CONTINUOUS INKJET PRINTING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SELECTIVE DEFLECTION OF DROPLETS FORMED FROM TWO DIFFERENT BREAK OFF LENGTHS - A continuous inkjet method includes modulating a liquid jet having a wavelength λ, and causing first and second droplets to break off from the liquid jet and travel along a path. The second droplet has a break off length that is longer than the break off length of the first droplet. The first and second break off lengths have a difference of at least one wavelength λ in response to stimulation pulses. A charge differential is produced between the first and second droplets. The trajectories of the first and second droplets are caused to diverge so that one of the first and second droplets is collected and the other of the first and second droplets is deposited on a surface. A transition in droplet creation is identified between stimulation cycles that produce the first and second droplets. A skip cycle is introduced between the stimulation cycles. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130286108 | LIQUID EJECTION WITH ON-CHIP DEFLECTION AND COLLECTION - A printhead includes a substrate and monolithic liquid jetting structure including a nozzle, deflection mechanism, and catcher. The nozzle, through which a liquid jet is ejected in a direction substantially parallel to a first surface of the substrate, includes material layers formed on the first surface of the substrate. At least one of the material layers of the nozzle includes a drop forming mechanism actuated to form liquid drops from the liquid jet. The deflection mechanism is associated with the liquid jet and deflects portions of the liquid jet between first and second paths. Liquid drops formed from portions of the liquid jet following the first path and the second path continue to follow the first path and the second path, respectively. The catcher, including a material layer formed on the first surface of the substrate, collects liquid drops following one of the paths. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130286109 | LIQUID EJECTION WITH ON-CHIP DEFLECTION AND COLLECTION - A printhead includes a substrate, catcher, and monolithic liquid jetting structure including a nozzle and deflection mechanism. A liquid jet is ejected through the nozzle in a direction substantially parallel to a first surface of the substrate. The nozzle includes material layers formed on the first surface of the substrate. At least one of the material layers of the nozzle includes a drop forming mechanism actuated to form liquid drops from the liquid jet. The deflection mechanism is associated with the liquid jet and deflects portions of the liquid jet between first and second paths. The liquid drops formed from portions of the liquid jet following the first path and second path continue to follow the first path and second path, respectively. The catcher includes a liquid drop contact surface including a portion of the first surface of the substrate and collects liquid drops following the second path. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20140253642 | PRINTHEAD INCLUDING COANDA CATCHER WITH GROOVED RADIUS - A printhead includes a jetting module, deflection mechanism, and catcher. The jetting module includes a linear array of nozzles having a pitch and extending along a length of the jetting module. The jetting module is configured to form drops travelling along a first path from liquid jets emitted from the nozzles. The deflection mechanism is configured to cause selected drops to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path. The catcher, positioned to intercept drops travelling along one of the first and second paths, includes a drop contact surface and a liquid removal conduit connected in fluid communication by a Coanda surface including a radial surface having an array of grooves extending in the same direction as that of the nozzle array. For a given groove, the groove is positioned at an angle relative to the drop contact surface. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20160250845 | CONTINUOUS PRINTHEAD DROP DEFLECTOR SYSTEM | 09-01-2016 |
| 347078000 | Drop correction | 3 |
| 20150321468 | Ink Jet Recording Apparatus - An ink jet recording apparatus that can perform high velocity printing without printing distortion is realized. In a continuous discharge type ink jet recording apparatus, a unit that suppresses a velocity in the vicinity of a center axis is disposed in a unit that injects ink droplets in which because a velocity in an outer periphery is higher than that in a center of a discharged liquid column, a velocity on a surface of the liquid column becomes quickly high, and a capillary wave that propagates on a surface of the liquid column in a travel direction is quickly amplified because the velocity becomes quickly a velocity suitable for droplet breakup, the droplet breakup is quickly generated, and the droplet breakup is surely generated within a charging electrode located next to the nozzle. As a result, an ink jet recording apparatus stable in printing quality performance is provided. | 11-12-2015 |
| 347081000 | Drop sensors | 2 |
| 20120182362 | DIRECTLY DETECTION DEVICE OF TRAJECTORIES OF DROPS ISSUING FROM LIQUID JET, ASSOCIATED ELECTROSTATIC SENSOR, PRINT HEAD AND CONTINUOUS INK JET PRINTER - Systems and methods for detection of the directivity of trajectories of charged drops issuing from a jet are disclosed. According to one aspect, an electrostatic sensor is disclosed which includes a flat functional surface. The electrostatic sensor is configured to function in a non-differential manner and has a geometric shape and arrangement that are substantially aligned relative to a nominal trajectory of drops. A trajectory of drops can be followed at the same time in a plane parallel to the flat surface of the sensor and in a plane perpendicular to the flat surface of the sensor. As a result, it can be verified whether a drop is present or remains in a predefined monitoring zone. According to another aspect, a method of controlling trajectories of drops in a print head having a continuous deflected jet, and a method of monitoring the effective recovery by the gutter of drops not intended for printing are disclosed. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20140132677 | LIQUID JETTING APPARATUS AND PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR - There is provided a liquid jetting apparatus, including: a channel structure in which a liquid channel including a nozzle and a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle is formed; a piezoelectric element including a piezoelectric body and an electrode; a driving device; and a cover member joined to the surface of the channel structure. A first wiring section connected to the electrode is formed on the surface of the channel structure, and the cover member includes a cover body section and a wiring connection section. A second wiring section is formed in the cover member. The wiring connection section is joined to the surface of the channel structure in a state that the second wiring section is electrically conductive with the first wiring section. A thickness, of the wiring connection section is thinner than a thickness of the cover body section. | 05-15-2014 |
