Ink jet printing using drop-on-demand techniques for continuous tone printing
US6394585B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/14451
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for controlling ink in an ink jet printer includes an ink delivery channel; a source of pressurized ink communicating with the ink delivery channel; a nozzle bore which opens into the ink delivery channel to establish an ink flow path, the nozzle bore defining a nozzle bore perimeter, inherent surface tension of pressurized ink in the nozzle bore forming an ink meniscus; and a selectively-actuated heater associated with the nozzle bore to cause a reduction in the surface tension of the ink when activated such that ink flows from the nozzle bore in a continuous stream substantially for the duration of activation of the heater only.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.