US4453169A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Ink jet apparatus and method
Assignee: Exxon Mobil Corp
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Filing: 1982-04-07
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Granted: 1984-06-05
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Expires: 2002-04-07
Abstract
Abstract Droplets of ink are ejected from channels formed between a pair of flexible reed-like members. The transducers are coupled to the reed-like members to deform the members and eject a droplet of ink from the orifice at the end of the channel.
Inventors
- 👤 John G. Martner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 11:46
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/005; B41J2/01; B41J2/135; B41J2/14; B41J2/14201; B41J2002/14379
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 29
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
An ink jet apparatus comprising: a flexible member juxtaposed to another member so as to form a chamber therebetween terminated in an ink ejection orifice; support means for cantilevered support of said flexible members; ink supply means coupled to said chamber; and drive means coupled to said flexible member for generating a peristaltic deflection along said member and ejecting a droplet from said orifice.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
64 words
An ink jet apparatus comprising: a flexible member juxtaposed to another member so as to form a chamber therebetween terminated in an ink ejection orifice; support means for cantilevered support of said flexible members; ink supply means coupled to said chamber; and drive means coupled to said flexible member for generating a peristaltic deflection along said member and ejecting a droplet from said orifice.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support means comprises a member receiving one end of said flexible member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 2 including an opening receiving a portion of said flexible member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 3 wherein one end of said flexible member is received in said opening.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 1 wherein said ink supply means is supported by said support means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support means comprises a block with an end of said flexible member inserted into said block, said block further comprising a recessed area surrounding said flexible member so as to form said ink supply means therein.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 1 wherein said drive means comprise a transducer coupled to said flexible member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 1 wherein said drive means comprises a piezoelectric bimorph.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 1 wherein said flexible member comprises a flexible reed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 1 wherein said flexible member includes an elongated depression opposing said other member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 1 wherein said other member comprises a flexible member supported in a cantilevered manner from said support means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 11 wherein said drive means comprises transducer means coupled to each said flexible member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 12 wherein said drive means comprises means for driving said transducer means out of phase so as to drive juxtaposed portion of each said flexible member in opposite directions.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 13 wherein said transducer means comprises a piezoelectric bimorph.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
41 words
An ink jet apparatus comprising: an ink channel terminated in an orifice; supply means for supplying ink to the channel; and means for peristaltically deforming the channel so as to advance ink therethrough thereby ejecting an ink droplet from said orifice.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
41 words
An ink jet apparatus comprising: an ink channel terminated in an orifice; supply means for supplying ink to the channel; and means for peristaltically deforming the channel so as to advance ink therethrough thereby ejecting an ink droplet from said orifice.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 15 wherein said channel comprises opposing reeds.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 16 wherein said means for peristaltically deforming comprises transducer means coupled to said reeds.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 17 including support means for fixedly mounting said reeds at one end remote from said orifice.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
52 words
An ink jet apparatus comprising an array of ink jets, each of said jets comprising: an ink channel terminated in an orifice; supply means for supplying ink to the channel; and means for peristaltically deforming the channel so as to advance ink therethrough so as to eject a droplet from said orifice.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
52 words
An ink jet apparatus comprising an array of ink jets, each of said jets comprising: an ink channel terminated in an orifice; supply means for supplying ink to the channel; and means for peristaltically deforming the channel so as to advance ink therethrough so as to eject a droplet from said orifice.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 19 wherein said channel comprises opposing reeds.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 20 wherein said means for peristaltically deforming comprises transducer means coupled to said reeds.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 21 including support means for fixedly mounting said reeds at ends remote from said orifice.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
46 words
A method of ejecting droplets comprising the following steps: supplying a liquid to a channel; deforming at least one wall of said channel; advancing the deformation along the channel so as to create a peristaltic action; and ejecting a droplet from the end of the channel.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
46 words
A method of ejecting droplets comprising the following steps: supplying a liquid to a channel; deforming at least one wall of said channel; advancing the deformation along the channel so as to create a peristaltic action; and ejecting a droplet from the end of the channel.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 23 wherein opposing walls of the channel are deformed.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 24 wherein opposing walls are deformed in opposite directions.
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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) | 1987-06-05 | 1987-12-05 | 1988-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-06-05 | 1991-12-05 | 1992-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-06-05 | 1995-12-05 | 1996-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |