Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A mask (30,56,64,70) for use in forming one or more tapered nozzles (48) in a nozzle member (46) comprising: a transparent mask substrate (32); and an opaque layer (34) formed on said substrate, said opaque layer defining at least one opening corresponding to a nozzle to be formed in a nozzle member of a printhead, each of said at least one opening having opaque portions (36,60,68,74) formed therein which increase in density from a center of each of said at least one opening to a periphery of each of said at least one opening.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
39 words
The mask of Claim 1 wherein said opaque portions comprise separate solid regions (36), each having approximately a same area, wherein the number of said solid regions increase in density toward said periphery of said at least one opening.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The mask of Claim 1 wherein said opaque portions comprise separate solid regions (36), said solid regions having a variety of areas, wherein the total area of said solid regions increase in density toward said periphery of said at least one opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mask of Claim 1 wherein said opaque portions comprise concentric opaque rings (60,68) which increase in density toward said periphery of said at least one opening.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mask of Claim 4 wherein said concentric rings have a variety of widths (68).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The mask of Claim 1 wherein a periphery of said at least one opening is formed to have a rippled pattern (72), wherein said opaque portions extend toward a center of said at least one opening.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
The mask of Claim 1 wherein a cross-section of each of said opaque portions (36,60,68,74) is approximately at or less than an optical resolution of a lens system to be used in conjunction with said mask so as not to individually resolve said opaque portions on a target substrate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mask of Claim 1 wherein a cross-section of each of said opaque portions (36,60,68,74) is less than approximately 3 microns.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
121 words
A method for forming tapered nozzles (48) in a nozzle member (46) comprising the steps of: interposing a mask (30,56,64,70) between a radiation source (40) and said nozzle member (46), said mask having nozzle defining portions (35,58,66,72) corresponding to where nozzles (48) are to be formed in said nozzle member, said nozzle defining portions having opaque portions (36,60,68,74) formed therein which vary in density from a center of each of said nozzle defining portions to a periphery of each of said nozzle defining portions; and energizing said radiation source to cause emitted radiation to impinge upon said nozzle member through said mask, whereby said opaque portions within said nozzle defining portions cause tapered nozzles to be formed in said nozzle member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of Claim 9 wherein said nozzle defining portions (35,58,66,72) are openings in said mask and said opaque portions (36,60,68,74) increase in density from a center of each of said openings to a periphery of each of said openings.