US5502474A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Print pulse phase control
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1992-03-27
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Granted: 1996-03-26
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Expires: 2012-03-27
Abstract
Abstract A print pulse phase control system for a continuous ink jet printer determines whether to charge ink droplets for recirculating, or not to charge ink drops for printing. The system includes a drop generator which receives a drive signal and generates a feedback signal. Print pulses are then produced at a fixed phase relative to the feedback signal for controlling drop charging.
Inventors
- 👤 James A. Katerberg
- 👤 Randy L. Fagerquist
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:31
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/005; B41J2/01; B41J2/015; B41J2/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A print pulse phase control system of a continuous ink jet printer comprising: a drop generator capable of receiving a drive signal and having a means for generating a feedback signal; a means for comparing a phase of the feedback signal relative to the drive signal and producing a comparator signal in response thereto; output means for using the comparator signal to output a control signal for controlling a frequency of the drive signal; and means for producing print pulses at a fixed phase relative to the feedback signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
A print pulse phase control system of a continuous ink jet printer comprising: a drop generator capable of receiving a drive signal and having a means for generating a feedback signal; a means for comparing a phase of the feedback signal relative to the drive signal and producing a comparator signal in response thereto; output means for using the comparator signal to output a control signal for controlling a frequency of the drive signal; and means for producing print pulses at a fixed phase relative to the feedback signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A print pulse phase control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fixed phase between the print pulses and the feedback signal is adjustable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A print pulse phase control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the drive signal originates from an external frequency source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A print pulse phase control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the drive signal is capable of tracking a resonance of the drop generator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A print pulse phase control system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the resonance of the drop generator is tracked using a phase lock loop.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A print pulse phase control system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: a phase shifter means for producing a phase shifted drive signal; and means for providing the phase shifted drive signal to a print pulse enabler.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A print pulse phase control system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a drop selection means which is operable at a frequency that is a fixed multiple of the drive signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A print pulse phase control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for generating a feedback signal comprises a means for measuring stress on the drop generator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
A print pulse phase control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for generating a feedback signal comprises a means for detecting a flexure wave in the drop generator.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
A print pulse phase control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for generating a feedback signal comprises a means for detecting ink pressure fluctuations within the drop generator.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for controlling print pulse phase for a continuous ink jet printer comprising the steps of: providing a drop generator capable of receiving a drive signal and generating a feedback signal; comparing a phase of the feedback signal relative to the drive signal and producing a comparator signal in response thereto; using the comparator signal to output a control signal for controlling a frequency of the drive signal; and producing print pulses at a fixed phase relative to the feedback signal.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for controlling print pulse phase for a continuous ink jet printer comprising the steps of: providing a drop generator capable of receiving a drive signal and generating a feedback signal; comparing a phase of the feedback signal relative to the drive signal and producing a comparator signal in response thereto; using the comparator signal to output a control signal for controlling a frequency of the drive signal; and producing print pulses at a fixed phase relative to the feedback signal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method for controlling print pulse phase as claimed in claim 11 wherein the fixed phase between the print pulses and the feedback signal is adjustable.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method for controlling print pulse phase as claimed in claim 11 wherein the drive signal originates from an external frequency source.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method for controlling print pulse phase as claimed in claim 11 wherein the drive signal is capable of tracking a resonance of the drop generator.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method for controlling print pulse phase as claimed in claim 14 wherein the resonance of the drop generator is tracked using a phase lock loop.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method for controlling print pulse phase as claimed in claim 11 further comprising the steps of: producing a phase shifted drive signal; and providing the phase shifted drive signal to a print pulse enabler.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method for controlling print pulse phase as claimed in claim 11 further comprising the step of using a drop selection means which is operable at a frequency that is a fixed multiple of the drive signal.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method for controlling print pulse phase as claimed in claim 11 wherein the step of generating a feedback signal comprises the step of measuring stress on the drop generator.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method for controlling print pulse phase as claimed in claim 11 wherein the step of generating a feedback signal comprises the step of detecting a flexure wave in the drop generator.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method for controlling print pulse phase as claimed in claim 11 wherein the step of generating a feedback signal comprises the step of detecting ink pressure fluctuations within the drop generator.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4631949A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-03-26 | 1999-09-25 | 2000-03-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-03-26 | 2003-09-25 | 2004-03-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-03-26 | 2007-09-25 | 2008-03-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |