US3596276A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ink jet printer with droplet phase control means
Assignee: Recognition Equipment Inc
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Filing: 1969-02-10
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Granted: 1971-07-27
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Expires: 1989-02-10
Abstract
Abstract A charging voltage applied to ink droplets discharged from the nozzle of an ink-jet printer is controlled by varying the phase of the charging voltage placed upon a droplet in dependence upon the time-phase relationship between the droplet and the charging voltage.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth T Lovelady
- 👤 Robert B Mcjohnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 17:20
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/005; B41J2/01; B41J2/07; B41J2/115
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
In an electrostatically deflected Ink jet printer, the method of compensating for variation in the time-phase relation between a periodic driving function and resultant drop formation which comprises: a. establishing alternate print cycle conditions and calibration cycle conditions; b. generating repeated stair step functions synchronized with the resultant drop formation for establishing an electrostatic droplet charging field during the print cycle; c. generating ramp functions synchronized with the resultant drop formation for establishing an electrostatic droplet charging field during the calibration cycle; and d. adjusting the phase of said stair step functions relative to the resultant drop formation in response to prior variations in charges on the formed droplets during the calibration cycle as a result of the electrostatic charging field established by the ramp functions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
126 words
In an electrostatically deflected Ink jet printer, the method of compensating for variation in the time-phase relation between a periodic driving function and resultant drop formation which comprises: a. establishing alternate print cycle conditions and calibration cycle conditions; b. generating repeated stair step functions synchronized with the resultant drop formation for establishing an electrostatic droplet charging field during the print cycle; c. generating ramp functions synchronized with the resultant drop formation for establishing an electrostatic droplet charging field during the calibration cycle; and d. adjusting the phase of said stair step functions relative to the resultant drop formation in response to prior variations in charges on the formed droplets during the calibration cycle as a result of the electrostatic charging field established by the ramp functions.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
141 words
A system for compensating for variations in the time-phase relation between a periodically actuated drop forming unit and the instant of drop formation by said unit in an electrostatically deflected ink jet printer which comprises: a. charging means for establishing an electrostatic droplet charging field; b. first means for generating repeated stair step functions synchronized with said drop forming unit and connected to said charging means; c. second means for generating ramp functions synchronized with said drop forming unit and connected to said charging means; d. means to render said first means and said second means alternately effective to control the charge of said droplets; and e. a phase shift unit for adjusting the phase of said stair step functions relative to said drop forming unit in response to prior variations in charges on said droplets due to said second means.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
141 words
A system for compensating for variations in the time-phase relation between a periodically actuated drop forming unit and the instant of drop formation by said unit in an electrostatically deflected ink jet printer which comprises: a. charging means for establishing an electrostatic droplet charging field; b. first means for generating repeated stair step functions synchronized with said drop forming unit and connected to said charging means; c. second means for generating ramp functions synchronized with said drop forming unit and connected to said charging means; d. means to render said first means and said second means alternately effective to control the charge of said droplets; and e. a phase shift unit for adjusting the phase of said stair step functions relative to said drop forming unit in response to prior variations in charges on said droplets due to said second means.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
162 words
A system for compensating for variations in the time-phase relation between a periodically actuated drop forming unit and the instant of drop formation by said unit in an electrostatically deflected ink jet printer which comprises: a. charging means for establishing an electrostatic droplet charging field; b. means for establishing a uniform deflection field through which said droplets travel; c. a droplet catcher; d. first means for generating repeated stair step functions synchronized with said drop forming unit and connected to said charging means; e. second means for generating ramp functions synchronized with said drop forming unit and connected to said charging means; f. means to render said first means and said second means alternately effective to control the charge of said droplets; and g. a phase shift unit connected to said catcher for adjusting the phase of said stair step functions relative to said drop forming unit in response to prior variations in charges on said droplets due to said second means.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
162 words
A system for compensating for variations in the time-phase relation between a periodically actuated drop forming unit and the instant of drop formation by said unit in an electrostatically deflected ink jet printer which comprises: a. charging means for establishing an electrostatic droplet charging field; b. means for establishing a uniform deflection field through which said droplets travel; c. a droplet catcher; d. first means for generating repeated stair step functions synchronized with said drop forming unit and connected to said charging means; e. second means for generating ramp functions synchronized with said drop forming unit and connected to said charging means; f. means to render said first means and said second means alternately effective to control the charge of said droplets; and g. a phase shift unit connected to said catcher for adjusting the phase of said stair step functions relative to said drop forming unit in response to prior variations in charges on said droplets due to said second means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The combination set forth in claim 3 wherein the means to render said first and second means alternately effective includes means operable between passage of documents through said printer to actuate said second means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The combination set forth in claim 3 wherein means are provided for comparing the voltage on said catcher with a predetermined reference voltage and for setting a delay interval in said phase-shift unit in dependence upon the results of said comparison.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
The combination set forth in claim 3 wherein an alternating current supply is connected to said drop-forming unit to produce a droplet on each cycle thereof and wherein a system clock controls both said supply and said generators, and wherein said phase-shift unit is connected between said system clock and said generators.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-26 | 1975-01-25 | 1975-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-26 | 1979-01-25 | 1979-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-26 | 1983-01-25 | 1983-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |