Printing apparatus and method utilizing light-activated ink release system
US6364459B1 · kind B1 · utility
25Cited by
8References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/145
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A printing apparatus in the form of an inkjet printer and a printing method utilizes a light-activated ink release system. The apparatus includes at least one nozzle having an ink body that is comprised of light-sensitive ink. The ink can form an unextended droplet meniscus. By directing a light beam onto the unextended droplet meniscus, the surface tension of the light-sensitive ink decreases, and provides for an extended droplet meniscus. The formation of the extended meniscus droplet meniscus permits the transfer of ink to a receiver or media.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.