Method and apparatus for producing dot size modulated ink jet printing
US5495270A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 1993 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/14419
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ink jet (10) apparatus and method provides high-resolution gray scale printing by providing multiple PZT drive waveforms (100, 110, 120), each having a spectral energy distribution that excites a different modal resonance of ink in an ink jet print head orifice (14). By selecting the particular drive waveform that concentrates spectral energy at frequencies associated with a desired oscillation mode and that suppresses energy at the other oscillation modes, an ink drop (170, 180, 190) is ejected that has a diameter proportional to a center excursion size of the selected meniscus surface oscillation mode. The center excursion size of high order oscillation modes is substantially smaller than the orifice diameter, thereby causing ejection of ink drops smaller than the orifice diameter. Conventional orifice manufacturing techniques may be used because a specific orifice diameter is not required. Jetting reliability and contaminant susceptibility are, thereby, improved by eliminating the need for an unconventionally small orifice. Changing a selected PZT drive waveform amplitude changes drop ejection velocity without changing drop volume. This invention, therefore, provides for sele…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.