Method and system for controlling the temperature of a dispensed liquid
US6945638B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/022
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A device for controlling or altering the temperature of a liquid at the point of dispensing. A temperature-altering device is thermally coupled to a dispensing device to compensate for heat dissipated into the liquid as it passes through the dispensing device during dispensing. The dispensing device may be for example, a miniature solenoid valve (microvalve), a piezoelectric printhead, or the like. According to aspects of the invention, a temperature-altering device provides or reduces heat at the point of dispensing in order to alter, control or maintain a constant temperature of the dispensed liquid. As a result, improvement is obtained in the consistency of the fluid regime of the dispensed droplet stream. The temperature-altering device may be a thermoelectric device capable of moving heat either from or to the dispensing structure, or may be a heater. This device may be used beneficially even when the dispensing is performed near room temperature and the liquid does not require heating to maintain its liquid state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.