Acoustic assessment of characteristics of a fluid relevant to acoustic ejection
US8453507B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 3, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/2695
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods are provided for analyzing characteristics of fluids in the context of an acoustic ejection system. Such a system has a controller, an acoustic radiation generator, and a coupling medium coupling the radiation to a reservoir holding fluid. The methods can use acoustic radiation to both perturb a surface of the fluid in the reservoir and analyze the effect of the perturbation. The methods may use information about prior fluids. The methods of the invention can determine physical characteristics such as speed of sound and viscosity. The methods also include ways to determine a level of acoustic energy suitable to eject a droplet. Preferably the methods are executed automatically under control of programming of a controller of an acoustic ejection system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.