US4992808A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-channel array, pulsed droplet deposition apparatus
Assignee: Xaar Technology Ltd
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Filing: 1989-09-05
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Granted: 1991-02-12
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Expires: 2009-09-05
Abstract
Abstract A multi-channel array, pulsed droplet ink jet printer comprises a plurality of channels each communicating with a respective nozzle. A side wall of each channel is formed as a shear mode piezo-electric actuator. Electrodes applied to the actuators enable electric fields to be applied such that the actuators move laterally in the direction of the field to change the liquid pressure in the channels for effecting droplet ejection through the channel nozzles. The actuators can be made in two parts so as to deform, in cross section, to a chevron formation.
Inventors
- 👤 W. Scott Bartky
- 👤 Anthony D. Paton
- 👤 Stephen Temple
- 👤 A. John Michaelis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 12:02
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/005; B41J2/01; B41J2/135; B41J2/16; B41J2/1607; B41J2/1609; B41J2/1621; B41J2/1632; B41J2/1634; B41J2/14; B41J2/14201; B41J2/14209; B41J2002/14225
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
A multi-channel array, pulsed droplet deposition apparatus comprising opposed top and base walls and shear mode actuator walls of piezo-electric material extending between said top and base walls and arranged in pairs of successive actuator walls to define a plurality of separated liquid channels between the walls of each of said pairs, a nozzle means providing nozzles respectively communicating with said channels, liquid supply means for supplying liquid to said channels for replenishment of droplets ejected from said channels and field electrode means provided on said actuator walls for forming respective actuating fields therein, said actuator walls being so disposed in relation to the direction of said actuating fields as to be laterally deflected by said respective actuating fields to cause change of pressure in the liquid in said channels to effect droplet ejection therefrom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
A multi-channel array, pulsed droplet deposition apparatus comprising opposed top and base walls and shear mode actuator walls of piezo-electric material extending between said top and base walls and arranged in pairs of successive actuator walls to define a plurality of separated liquid channels between the walls of each of said pairs, a nozzle means providing nozzles respectively communicating with said channels, liquid supply means for supplying liquid to said channels for replenishment of droplets ejected from said channels and field electrode means provided on said actuator walls for forming respective actuating fields therein, said actuator walls being so disposed in relation to the direction of said actuating fields as to be laterally deflected by said respective actuating fields to cause change of pressure in the liquid in said channels to effect droplet ejection therefrom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A multi-channel array, pulsed drop deposition apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said channels are separated by less than the width of a channel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A multi-channel array, pulsed drop deposition apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base and actuator walls are formed from a single piece of material including piezo-electric material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A multi-channel array, pulsed droplet deposition apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that a sealing strip extends over the surface of said top wall facing said actuator walls.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
A multi-channel array, pulsed droplet deposition apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said actuator walls is formed with an upper part and a lower part, said wall parts being orientated for lateral shear mode displacement relatively to said channels to effect droplet ejection therefrom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
57 words
A multi-channel array, pulsed droplet deposition apparatus, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said top wall and said upper parts of said actuator walls are formed from a single piece of material including piezo-electric material and said base wall and said lower parts of said actuator walls are formed from a further single piece of piezo-electric material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
A multi-channel array, pulsed droplet deposition apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that each channel is divided longitudinally thereof into two channels by an inactive wall which extends between said top and base walls and normal thereto.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
A multi-channel array, pulsed droplet deposition apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said piezo-electric material is a piezo-electric ceramic material, such as lead zirconium titanate (PZT), poled in the direction normal to said top and base walls and said electrode means comprise electrodes provided on opposite faces of said actuator walls disposed normal to said top and base walls.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
A mutli-channel array, pulsed droplet deposition apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said piezo-electric material is a crystalline material, such as gadolinium molybdate or Rochelle salt and said electrode means comprise electrodes disposed normal to said actuator walls and to said channels.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-02-11 | 1994-08-13 | 1995-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-02-11 | 1998-08-13 | 1999-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-02-11 | 2002-08-13 | 2003-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |