Drop detector
US8201913B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2300/0829
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In one embodiment, a drop ejector assembly includes a printhead, a drop zone immediately downstream from the printhead, an array of optical fibers exposed to the drop zone such that light scattered off drops in the drop zone illuminates at least some of the optical fibers in the array, and a photo detector operatively connected to the array of optical fibers for converting light from the optical fibers into an electrical signal. In another embodiment, a drop detector includes a light source for illuminating drops passing through a drop zone and a light sensor for sensing light scattered off drops in the drop zone. The length of drop zone is 3 mm or less and the light sensor has a cross sectional dimension less than the length of the drop zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.