Fluid ejection systems and methods with secondary dielectric fluid

US6406130B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Xerox Corporation · US

Inventors

• Arthur M. Gooray · Penfield, US
• George J. Roller · Penfield, US
• Joseph M. Crowley · معلمی نژاد, US
• Paul C. Galambos · Seattle, US
• Frank J. Peter · Albuquerque, US
• Kevin R. Zavadil · South Valley, US
• Richard C. Givler · Albuquerque, US
• Leonard M. Carreira · Penfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 20, 2001
• Grant date: Jun 18, 2002
• Expiry date: Feb 20, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B41J2002/041
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A fluid ejection system according to this invention operates on the principle of electrostatic or magnetic attraction. In various exemplary embodiments, the fluid ejection system includes a sealed diaphragm arrangement having at least one diaphragm portion and a diaphragm chamber defined at least partially by the at least one diaphragm portion, a nozzle hole located over the at least one diaphragm portion, an ejection chamber defined between the nozzle hole and the least one diaphragm portion and a secondary dielectric fluid reservoir containing a secondary dielectric fluid. The ejection chamber receives a primary fluid to be ejected. The secondary dielectric fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with the diaphragm chamber to supply the secondary dielectric fluid to the diaphragm chamber. In various exemplary embodiments, the secondary dielectric fluid is a liquid, a substantially incompressible fluid, and/or a high performance dielectric fluid having a dielectric constant greater than 1.