Patent · US Expired

Printhead heaters with a nanocrystalline composite structure

US7377623B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by

8References

16Claims

0Family size

Assignee

Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd · AU

Inventors

Kia Silverbrook · Sydney, AU
Gregory John McAvoy · Sydney, AU
Angus John North · Sydney, AU

Key dates

Filing date	Apr 4, 2005
Grant date	May 27, 2008
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Apr 14, 2026

Classification

Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
CPC primaryB41J2202/20
WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A thermal inkjet printhead with bubble forming heater elements formed from a material with a nanocrystalline composite structure.Nanocrystalline composite films can be superhard and can facilitate removal of the SiC and Ta anti-cavitation wear coatings. Improved oxidation resistance can also be achieved with some nanocrystalline composites, facilitating removal of the Si3N4 oxidation prevention coating. By removing or reducing the protective coatings, the heater element requires much less energy to form a bubble in the ink. A further benefit is improved crack resistance, which can extend the lifetime of uncoated heaters.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.