Self-registering fluid droplet transfer methods
US6648468B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/01
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for the image-wise transfer of fluid droplets from at least one fluid droplet source onto a substrate comprises ejecting fluid droplets from the at least one fluid droplet source onto a transfer surface. The fluid droplets may be water-based or oil based. The transfer surface repels the fluid droplets. For water-based fluid droplets, the transfer surface comprises a spatially periodic arrangement of less-strongly hydrophobic regions and more-strongly hydrophobic regions. The method includes adjusting a spatial registration of the fluid droplets on the transfer surface; and transferring the fluid droplets from the transfer surface to the substrate by bringing the fluid droplets on the transfer surface into contact with the substrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.