Method and apparatus for printing, cleaning, and calibrating
US6672702B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/963
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for delivering solvent free marking material to a receiver is provided. A printhead includes a discharge device having an inlet and an outlet with a portion of the discharge device defining a delivery path. An actuating mechanism is moveably positioned along the delivery path. A material selection device has an inlet and an outlet with the outlet of the material selection device being connected in fluid communication to the inlet of the discharge device. The inlet of the material selection device is adapted to be connected to a pressurized source of a thermodynamically stable mixture of a fluid and a marking material, wherein the fluid is in a gaseous state at a location beyond the outlet of the discharge device. A calibration station is positioned relative to the printhead. Additionally, or alternatively, a cleaning station is positioned relative to the printhead.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.