Active compensation for changes in the direction of drop ejection in an inkjet printhead
US6561616B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 13, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2202/16
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
For an inkjet printhead (10) with integral compensation for misdirection of ink drops (37) ejected through at least one nozzle (24) of the printhead (10), a system and method of modifying the nozzle cavity space (32a) so as to compensate for the effects of defects in the printhead (10) by altering the direction the ejected ink drops (37). The inkjet printhead (10) comprises at least one reservoir (28) integrated within the membrane (30). The inkjet printhead (10) also comprises a channel (38) extending from the reservoir (28) and terminating in the nozzle cavity (32). A hardening substance (40) within the reservoir (28) and channel (38) is a plastic material having a high thermal expansion coefficient. An internal heater (48) within the reservoir (28) and adjacent the hardening substance (40) is adapted to cause the plastic material (40) to flow in order to form a protrusion (44) of plastic material (40) within the nozzle cavity space (32a). Alternatively, the plastic material (40) can be recessed within the channel (38). Thus, the hardening substance (40) is adapted to internally alter the nozzle cavity space (32a) and cause ink (34) ejected from the nozzle opening (26) to be defl…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.