Fluid pump, ink jet print head utilizing the same, and method of pumping fluid
US6428146B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/043
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fluid pump, such as a print head, includes an ink channel having a nozzle and at least one wall having a flexible portion. A deforming member made of a viscoelastic material is coupled to the flexible portion and a charge mechanism is coupled to the deforming member to apply a spatially varied charge pattern to the deforming member when activated. Activation of the charge mechanism causes deformation of the deforming member and the flexible portion to reduce the volume of the ink channel and eject a droplet of ink out of the ink channel. The charge mechanism can include a photoelectric material and a radiation source or an electrode coupled to a source of electric power.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.