US4314263A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluid jet apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1980-07-17
•
Granted: 1982-02-02
•
Expires: 2000-07-17
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for directing a jet of fluid at a target to deposit a desired image thereon. The apparatus employs a nozzle with a pointed nozzle nib, a supply of fluid for the nozzle, and a pressure regulator controlling the pressure of the fluid at the nozzle upstream of the nib. The jet of fluid is accelerated from the nozzle nib and caused to flow to the target by the creation of an electric field in the region between the nozzle and the target. The fluid jet is substantially prevented from breaking up into droplets during flight by a combination of techniques so that the fluid flows to the target as a solid liquid filament or as a stream of mist-size droplets which are so small and so closely spaced that they behave like a solid liquid filament. The amplitude of the fluid flow is continuously modulated in response to an information signal by fluid surface pumping action or other means to produce the desired fluid image on the target.
Inventors
- 👤 Adam L. Carley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 09:33
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01D; G01D15/00; G01D15/16; G01D15/18; B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/005; B41J2/01; B41J2/015; B41J2/02; B41J2/035
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 150
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
Fluid jet apparatus comprising: (a) nozzle means having a nib at its downstream tip; (b) fluid supply means in communication with said nozzle means for supplying fluid to said nozzle means; (c) means for regulating fluid pressure conditions in the fluid at said nozzle means such that substantially no fluid flows from said nozzle nib in the absence of the action of supplemental flow causing means; (d) a target spaced from said nozzle means; (e) means for producing a field in the region between said nozzle means and said target to initially accelerate the fluid from said nozzle nib and to cause the fluid to thereafter flow in filament-like form to said target, said fluid forming an image on said target; (f) means for substantially suppressing breakup into droplets of the filament-like fluid flow; (g) means acting on the fluid before it leaves said nozzle nib for modulating the amplitude of the fluid flow; and (h) information signal reception means for controlling said modulating means to produce the desired fluid image on said target.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
Fluid jet apparatus comprising: (a) nozzle means having a nib at its downstream tip; (b) fluid supply means in communication with said nozzle means for supplying fluid to said nozzle means; (c) means for regulating fluid pressure conditions in the fluid at said nozzle means such that substantially no fluid flows from said nozzle nib in the absence of the action of supplemental flow causing means; (d) a target spaced from said nozzle means; (e) means for producing a field in the region between said nozzle means and said target to initially accelerate the fluid from said nozzle nib and to cause the fluid to thereafter flow in filament-like form to said target, said fluid forming an image on said target; (f) means for substantially suppressing breakup into droplets of the filament-like fluid flow; (g) means acting on the fluid before it leaves said nozzle nib for modulating the amplitude of the fluid flow; and (h) information signal reception means for controlling said modulating means to produce the desired fluid image on said target.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluid supply means includes a large diameter conduit immediately upstream of said nozzle means for minimizing fluid flow resistance.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said nozzle means includes at least three converging wires forming a hollow open-sided pyramid having a point at its apex, said point being the downstream end of said nozzle means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said nozzle means has the form of a solid pyramid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
9 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid is ink.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid contains an agent that chemically exposes resist of the type used in the fabrication of integrated circuit semiconductor chips.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid includes isopropyl alcohol.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid includes silicone oil.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
9 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid is thixotropic.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pressure regulating means maintains the fluid pressure at said nozzle means at less than atmospheric.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pressure regulating means maintains the fluid pressure at said nozzle means at no less than atmospheric.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pressure regulating means permits the fluid to communicate with the atmosphere upstream of said nozzle means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pressure regulating means includes piezo-electric transducer means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pressure regulating means includes electro-magnetic transducer means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pressure regulating means includes fluidic amplification.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
9 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is paper.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is an integrated circuit in the process of fabrication.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is treated with a fluid repellant to reduce image bleeding.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
9 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is fabric.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
9 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is metal.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
9 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is plastic.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
9 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is film.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is spaced as close to said nozzle means as is practically possible without the occurrence of electric field distortion.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is spaced as close to said nozzle means as is practically possible without the occurrence of physical contact therebetween.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target and said nozzle means move with relation to each other while maintaining their spaced-apart relationship.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target and said nozzle means are stationary with respect to each other.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is a relatively good electrical conductor.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is a relatively poor electrical conductor.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is a relatively good insulator.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein there is an absence of any electrodes or other structures between said nozzle means and said target.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said field is a magnetic field and the fluid has magnetic particles.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said field producing means includes means for spinning said nozzle about an axis substantially parallel to the tangential plane of said target to create an inertial force field in the region between said nozzle and said target.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid flow between said nozzle means and said target means has a solid filament form.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein substantially all of the fluid leaving said nozzle means reaches said target means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said breakup suppression means includes creating an electric field normal to the surface of the fluid flow at the inception of and in flight which is sufficiently strong to substantially lower the surface tension-induced internal pressure of the fluid flow.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said breakup suppression means includes providing the fluid with a surface tension which is sufficiently low to permit acceleration of the fluid in filament-like form at the field strength level existing at said nozzle nib.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said breakup suppression means includes providing the fluid with a surface tension which is sufficiently low to prevent breakup into droplets during fluid flight.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said breakup suppression means includes reducing the fluid transit time which elapses between the time the fluid leaves said nozzle nib and the time the fluid arrives at said target to a magnitude at which breakup into droplets is prevented.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said breakup suppression means includes providing said nozzle nib with a downstream point of sufficient fineness that fluid droplets are immediately formed therefrom which have a droplet diameter that is smaller than a size which can be perceived by the human eye in the image on said target.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said breakup suppression means includes having a least one electrode spaced from said nozzle means, said electrode affecting the electric field to prevent breakup into droplets during fluid flight.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said breakup suppression means includes incorporating a surface active agent into the fluid.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said breakup suppression means includes incorporating magnetic particles into the fluid.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said breakup suppression means includes providing the fluid with a density which is sufficiently high that fluid inertia prevents breakup into droplets during fluid flight.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said breakup suppression means includes providing the fluid with an electrical conductivity which is sufficiently high to establish substantial electrostatic equilibrium within the fluid, and which is sufficiently low to prevent explosion of the fluid flow.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said breakup suppression means includes means for directing an air flow parallel to the fluid flow to decrease fluid surface drag and to increase the rate of fluid flow.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said breakup suppression means includes orienting the fluid flow in a generally downward direction to utilize the force of gravity to increase the velocity of fluid flow.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid flows to said target in multiple fluid jets per image picture element, each fluid jet carrying a fractional part of the total picture element fluid flow to achieve bandwidth enhancement.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus of claim 1 further having means for permitting more rapid modulation of the fluid flow amplitude to achieve bandwidth enhancement.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for modulating the amplitude of the fluid flow acts to vary the amplitude in a smooth and continuously variable manner.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for modulating the amplitude of the fluid flow causes the amplitude to selectively vary in magnitude from substantially zero to a maximum including all flow rates therebetween.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for modulating the amplitude of the fluid flow responds continuously in frequency from zero to a maximum including all frequencies therebetween.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for modulating the amplitude of the fluid flow causes the fluid image on said target to be produced with a gray scale.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is paper and said information signal reception means is responsive to digital circuitry for printing text whereby computer-type print out images are produced.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is paper, the fluid is ink, and said information signal reception means is responsive to a keyboard system whereby the apparatus functions as a typewriter.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is paper and information signal reception means is responsive to a facsimile copy transmitter pickup head whereby facsimile images are produced.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is a tape and said image corresponds to the information signal, said tape being suitable for playback to reproduce the information signal.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is an integrated circuit semiconductor chip and said information signal reception means is responsive to a computer program for performing a masking step on said chip.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluid flow modulating means includes signal voltage means for continuously varying the amount of surface pumping action applied to the fluid flow.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus of claim 58 wherein said signal voltage means includes a plurality of surface pumping means in sequence with each other.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus of claim 1 further having means for high frequency pre-emphasis to achieve bandwidth enhancement.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus of claim 60 wherein drive voltages momentarily exceed 100% of full range.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus of claim 1 further having means for controlling the meniscus shape of the fluid at said nozzle nib to achieve bandwidth enhancement.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus of claim 62 wherein said meniscus shape controlling means includes at least one additional electrode on said nozzle means which contacts the fluid to achieve bandwidth enhancement.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pressure regulating means includes feedback monitoring means for sensing and detecting changes in the fluid pressure and for regulating the pressure in response thereto.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus of claim 64 wherein said feedback monitoring means includes diaphragm means for bounding a portion of said fluid supply means, said diaphragm means moving as the fluid pressure changes, said monitoring means sensing diaphragm position.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus of claim 16 wherein said feedback monitoring means includes electrical capacity-sensing transducer means.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid flow between said nozzle means and said target means behaves like a solid filament.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus of claim 67 wherein the fluid flow at selected flow rates is initially a solid filament having a diameter of less than approximately 5 microns, and subsequently turns into a series of small, closely spaced droplets having a diameter of less than approximately 4 microns.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus of claim 67 wherein the fluid flow at selected flow rates is a series of closely spaced droplets whose size decreases as the flow rate decreases.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus of claim 67 wherein the fluid flow at selected flow rates is a series of closely spaced droplets whose frequency increases as the flow rate decreases.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said breakup suppression means includes providing the fluid with a viscosity which is sufficiently high to prevent breakup into droplets during fluid flight, and which is sufficiently low to permit effective modulation of the amplitude of the fluid flow.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus of claim 71 wherein said breakup suppression means includes providing the fluid with thixotropic characteristics.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus of claim 71 wherein said breakup suppression means includes providing the fluid with electroviscous characteristics.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus of claim 71 wherein said breakup suppression means includes means for polymerizing a constituent of the fluid during its flight to said target.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus of claim 71 wherein said breakup suppression means includes means for cooling the fluid during its flight to said target.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus of claim 1 further including means for sensing the magnitude of the fluid flow rate and for electronically feeding back the sensed data to said fluid flow modulating means.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
11 words
Apparatus of claim 76 wherein said sensing means includes optical means.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus of claim 76 wherein said sensing means includes means for sensing electrical capacitance.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus of claim 76 wherein said sensing means includes means for sensing electrical current carried by the fluid jet.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus of claim 76 wherein said sensing means includes means for sensing fluid electrical resistance.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said target is paper and said information signal reception means is responsive to an electronic camera system whereby still photographic images are produced.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus of claim 81 wherein said still photographic images are produced instantly.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus of claim 82 wherein the electronic camera system is a charge coupled device integral with the apparatus.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said nozzle nib has a structural point at its downstream terminus.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus of claim 84 wherein said structural point is sharp.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus of claim 84 wherein said nozzle means has associated therewith means for cleaning said structural point.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus of claim 26 wherein said cleaning means is a heating device for incinerating foreign matter off of said point.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus of claim 86 wherein said cleaning means includes monitoring means for detecting the presence of foreign matter at said point and for automatically activating said cleaning means at appropriate times.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said nozzle means includes a multiplicity of nozzles, each said nozzle having a nib.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus of claim 89 wherein said multiplicity of nozzles are positioned to span said target.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus of claim 89 wherein said nozzles are disposed in a single row.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus of claim 89 wherein said nozzles are disposed in a plurality of rows.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus of claim 89 wherein said nozzles are vertically oriented.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus of claim 89 wherein said pressure regulating means includes means for circulating the fluid upstream of each said nozzle to equalize the fluid pressure in each said nozzle.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus of claim 89 wherein the action of said fluid flow modulating means utilized by one said nozzle has no significant effect on the action of said modulating means utilized by any other said nozzle.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus of claim 89 further having shield electrodes disposed between adjacent nozzles to substantially suppress electrical interaction between said nozzles.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus of claim 89 further having signal bearing electrodes disposed between adjacent nozzles to substantially suppress electrical interaction between said nozzles.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus of claim 89 wherein said information signal reception means includes means for electronically correcting and compensating for electrical interactions between adjacent nozzles.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus of claim 89 wherein said multiple nozzles produce multiple substantially parallel fluid flow streams.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus of claim 99 wherein the number of fluid flow streams varies the gray scale of the image on said target.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus of claim 99 wherein the number of fluid flow stream per image picture element reduces the visibility of scan lines of the image on said target.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus of claim 1 further including means for modulating the deflection of the fluid flow from the direction of its original path.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus of claim 102 wherein said deflection modulation means includes means for creating a variable electric field component normal to the fluid flow in flight.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus of claim 102 wherein said deflection modulation means includes the provision of magnetic particles in the fluid and means for creating a variable magnetic field gradient transverse to the fluid flow.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus of claim 102 wherein said nozzle means includes a multiplicity of nozzles, and wherein the action of said deflection modulating means utilized by one said nozzle has no significant effect on the action of said deflection modulating means utilized by any other said nozzle.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus of claim 102 wherein said deflection modulating means operates over a range of less than one picture element in a raster-scanned system to enhance the perceived sharpness of the resultant image on said target.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus of claim 102 wherein said deflection modulating means deflects the fluid flow in the plane of adjacent nozzle nibs to substantially cancel electrostatic repulsion of adjacent fluid flows.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus of claim 102 wherein said deflection modulating means deflects the fluid flow in a plane which passes through the direction of movement of said target to improve the response time of the apparatus.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus of claim 108 wherein said means for modulating the amplitude of the fluid flow includes means for thermally modifying the viscosity of the fluid flow prior to fluid flight.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus of claim 108 wherein said target moves at high speed and the produced image is alpha-numeric information.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus of claim 102 wherein said deflection modulating means includes at least one electrode on said nozzle means, said information signal reception means feeding additional varying signals to said at least one electrode to deflect the fluid flow.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus of claim 111 wherein said at least one electrode contacts the flowing fluid.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus of claim 111 wherein said at least one electrode includes at least one pair of electrodes disposed symmetrically about the nozzle means axis to create a variable electric field at said nozzle nib which field is transverse to the fluid flow.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus of claim 111 wherein said at least one electrode includes three electrodes disposed symmetrically about the nozzle means axis.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluid supply means includes a plenum.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus of claim 115 wherein said pressure regulating means includes a pump.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus of claim 115 wherein said nozzle means is integral with and protrudes from said plenum.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus of claim 117 wherein said plenum includes means for retracting said nozzle means into said plenum.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus of claim 18 wherein said target is treated with an anti-static agent to increase its electrical conductivity.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said nozzle means has a nozzle, said nozzle having at least one fluid-carrying channel formed on its exterior surface, said channel having its downstream end located at said nozzle nib.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus of claim 120 wherein said channel is free of constrictions and narrow portions to facilitate the passage of foreign matter therethrough.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus of claim 120 wherein the surface chemistry of said channel causes the flow of the fluid to remain therein.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus of claim 120 wherein said nozzle has two fluid carrying channels formed on its exterior surface, said two channels being located on opposite sides of said nozzle, both said channels becoming narrower and shallower and converging as they approach and reach said nozzle nib.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus of claim 120 wherein said channel is substantially flat.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus of claim 124 wherein said substantially flat channel is an etched surface along a crystallographic plane of a crystalline material.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus of claim 120 wherein different fluids are carried by said channels.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus of claim 126 wherein the different fluids merge at said nozzle nib and thereafter flow to said target as a single filament.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus of claim 126 wherein one of the different fluids creates no fluid image on said target.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus of claim 126 wherein the different fluids are different colored inks for creating a multi-colored fluid image on said target.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus of claim 129 wherein said nozzle means includes two rows of said nozzles, each row having channels carrying two different colored inks to produce four color process color printing.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
11 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said field is an electric field.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus of claim 131 wherein said fluid flow modulating means includes signal voltage means for continuously varying the strength of said electric field in the region between said nozzle means and said target.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus of claim 132 further including a DC voltage source, said signal voltage means being effectively in series with said DC voltage source.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
77 words
Apparatus of claim 131 wherein said electric field producing means includes a circuit containing at least one electrode on said nozzle means for electrically charging the fluid as it flows over said electrode, a voltage source for said at least one electrode, and a means for electrically charging said target with a charge opposite that of the fluid, said field producing means thereby creating an electric field in the region between said nozzle means and said target.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus of claim 134 wherein said voltage source has a selected DC magnitude such that substantially no fluid will flow from said nozzle means to said target without the impression of additional voltage.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus of claim 134 wherein said nozzle means has at least one exterior fluid-carrying channel, at least one of said channels having an electrode contacting the fluid flowing in said channel.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus of claim 134 wherein said means for charging said target is a corona discharge device.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus of claim 134 wherein said means for producing an electrical field includes an electrode located on the side of said target opposite that of said nozzle means.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus of claim 134 wherein said target means is paper, said means for charging said paper is a corona discharge device, and said paper target is charged negatively relative to the fluid in said nozzle means.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus of claim 134 wherein the fluid flow has a terminal velocity in the range of 5 to 15 meters per second.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus of claim 134 wherein said means for charging said target is a direct electrical contact device.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus of claim 141 wherein said direct electrical contact device is a wire brush.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus of claim 134 wherein said nozzle means has a plurality of electrodes for charging and surface pumping the fluid flowing from said nozzle means, and signal voltage means for varying the signals to said electrodes to modulate the fluid flow.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus of claim 143 wherein said signal voltage means also modulates the electric field strength in the region between said nozzle means and said target.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus of claim 143 further having means located upstream of said nozzle tip for traveling wave amplification to achieve bandwidth enhancement.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus of claim 143 wherein all of said plurality of electrodes are located on said nozzle means in positions in which they contact the fluid flow.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus of claim 146 wherein at least one of said electrodes is located upstream of at least one other of said electrodes relative to said nozzle tip.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus of claim 147 wherein the voltage between said upstream and said downstream electrodes creates an electric field component parallel to the surface of the flowing fluid prior to flight and the voltage between said target and the surface of the fluid prior to flight creating electric field components normal to the surface of the flowing fluid, the fluid being surface pumped relative to said target by the resultant electric field components.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus of claim 148 wherein said surface pumping is bi-directional and modulates fluid flow in response to said signal means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-02-01 | 1985-08-03 | 1986-02-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-02-01 | 1989-08-03 | 1990-02-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-02-01 | 1993-08-03 | 1994-02-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |