Method of operating a thermal actuator and liquid drop emitter with multiple pulses
US6848771B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/14346
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods of operating a thermal actuator, especially for use in a liquid drop emitter for ink jet printing, are disclosed. Methods are disclosed for operating a thermal actuator comprising a base element, a thermo-mechanical element extending from the base element, having a moveable portion residing in a first position and reliably operating at temperatures below a maximum temperature Tmax and including apparatus adapted to apply energy pulses to the thermo-mechanical element to cause a temperature increase therein and movement of the moveable portion to a second position. The methods for operating comprise determining a first energy pulse having a first energy, E1, and a first energy pulse time, t1, for suddenly increasing the temperature of the thermo-mechanical actuator, but not above Tmax. Further, determining a second energy pulse having a second energy, E2, and a second energy pulse time, t2, that when applied after the first energy pulse, causes the moveable portion to move to or remain at the second position. Also, determining a first delay time, tdi, selected, at least, to avoid increasing the temperature of the thermo-mechanical element above Tmax. The first energy pulse i…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.