Microfluidic printing array valve with multiple use printing nozzles
US5986679A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2202/05
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A microfluidic printing apparatus includes at least one ink reservoir; a moveable plate having a plurality of delivery chambers in an array each for forming an ink pixel, and a plurality of microchannels connecting the reservoir to a delivery chamber; and a plurality of microfluidic pumps each being associated with a single microchannel for supplying ink to particular delivery chambers. The moveable plate moves between different positions for permitting the delivery chambers for sequentially delivering ink from an associated microchannel into its associated delivery chamber to control the amount of ink delivered to each delivery chamber; and a computer for controlling the microfluidic pumps and the movement of the moveable shutter plate for causing the correct amount of ink to be conveyed into each delivery chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.