Spatial light modulation method for determining droplet motion characteristics
US9114606B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/2146
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Approaches for determining the delivery success of a droplet from an ink jet print head are disclosed. On approach utilizes an apparatus for the ink jet printer that includes an ejector, a spatial filter, a detector, and an analyzer. The ejector is configured to release an ink droplet along a path and the spatial filter has a plurality of features. The detector is positioned to sense light emanating from the droplet along the path with the sensed light being modulated according to the features as the droplet moves along the path relative to the spatial filter. The detector is configured to generate a time-varying electrical signal in response to the sensed light. The analyzer determines one or more physical, spatial, or dynamic characteristics of the droplet based upon the time-varying signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.