Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
201 words
In a method for constructing a monolithic bubble-driven ink jet print head having a substrate and a heat source attached to said substrate for producing bubbles, the steps comprising: forming an electrically conductive foundation surrounding said heat source, said foundation attached to said substrate; applying a first resist over said substrate and said heat source; exposing said first resist to define a wall over said foundation, said wall forming a perimeter surrounding said heat source; removing those portions of said first resist where said wall is to be located; depositing a first metal layer onto said foundation to form said wall; forming a conductive surface over the remaining portions of said first resist which are contained within said perimeter; applying a second resist over said conductive surface; exposing said second resist to define an orifice; depositing a second metal layer over said wall and said conductive surface; and stripping away said first and second resist and those portions of said conductive surface formed over said first resist, to provide a monolithic print head with a void therein defined by said wall and said metal layer, and to provide an orifice in said second metal layer, said void communicating with said orifice.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
201 words
In a method for constructing a monolithic bubble-driven ink jet print head having a substrate and a heat source attached to said substrate for producing bubbles, the steps comprising: forming an electrically conductive foundation surrounding said heat source, said foundation attached to said substrate; applying a first resist over said substrate and said heat source; exposing said first resist to define a wall over said foundation, said wall forming a perimeter surrounding said heat source; removing those portions of said first resist where said wall is to be located; depositing a first metal layer onto said foundation to form said wall; forming a conductive surface over the remaining portions of said first resist which are contained within said perimeter; applying a second resist over said conductive surface; exposing said second resist to define an orifice; depositing a second metal layer over said wall and said conductive surface; and stripping away said first and second resist and those portions of said conductive surface formed over said first resist, to provide a monolithic print head with a void therein defined by said wall and said metal layer, and to provide an orifice in said second metal layer, said void communicating with said orifice.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein the step of forming said electrically conductive foundation is performed by electroless plating.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein said print head comprises a passivation layer over said substrate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 3 wherein the step of forming an electrically conductive foundation comprises the step of forming an indentation in said passivation layer where said foundation is desired.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 4 comprising the step of coating said indentation with a first conductive material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 5 wherein said step of coating said indentation with a first conductive material is performed by electroless plating.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 6 wherein said first conductive material is Ni.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein said void is created without use of adhesives to bond together multiple parts.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein the step of depositing a first metal layer is performed by electroplating.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 9 wherein said first metal layer is Ni.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein the step of depositing a second metal layer is performed by electroplating.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 10 wherein said second metal layer is Ni.