Resistive liquid metal level sensing in a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) jetting system
US11858276B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/17579
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An implementation of the present teachings includes a resistor structure for measuring a level of a print material such as a liquid metal print material within a reservoir of a printer such as a magnetohydrodynamic printer. The resistor structure includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are physically and electrically separated from each other. When positioned within the reservoir, the liquid metal physically contacts the first electrode and the second electrode. An electrical resistance between the first and second electrodes changes depending on the level of the print material within the reservoir. As the level of the print material decreases, the electrical resistance between the first electrode and the second electrode increases. The electrical resistance can be measured and used to determine a level of the print material within the reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.