Apparatus and method using ultrasonic energy to fix ink to print media
US6431702B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J11/002
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An inkjet printing method of fixing ink to a print medium is disclosed. An embodiment of the method comprises depositing ink drops on a print medium with an inkjet printhead, the ink including a solvent and the print medium including a first surface. The method additionally comprises vibrating the print medium by applying ultrasonic energy to displace drops of the solvent to the first surface of the print medium to accelerate evaporation of the drops of solvent. An apparatus for use in an inkjet printing device is also disclosed. An embodiment of the apparatus comprises an ultrasonic source configured to apply ultrasonic energy to a print medium to displace drops of ink solvent to a first surface of the print medium thereby accelerating evaporation of the drops of solvent. An inkjet printing device including the method and apparatus is also disclosed. Further characteristics and features of the method and apparatus are described herein, as are examples of various alternative embodiments.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.