Patent · US Active

Method and apparatus for promoting the complete transfer of liquid drops from a nozzle

US7458661B2 · kind B2 · utility

94Cited by
3References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 23, 2006
Grant dateDec 2, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 8, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J2002/14475
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A printhead device for transferring liquid droplets from a nozzle includes a liquid source coupled to a nozzle via a microchannel. The nozzle is formed from an orifice having an inner circumferential surface, wherein at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface is serrated. Liquid droplets are transported from the source to the nozzle using a liquid droplet driver (e.g., employing a plurality of driving electrodes). Transfer of droplets to another surface can be accomplished by contacting a bulging droplet in the nozzle with a printing surface. The surface and/or nozzle are then moved relative to one another to effectuate complete transfer of the liquid drop from the nozzle.

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