Methods, apparatus and systems for increasing throughput using multiple print heads rotatable about a common axis
OwnerJohn M. Whiteinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods for printing are provided. A printing apparatus includes a platform adapted to rotate about a rotational axis and a plurality of longitudinally aligned print heads coupled to the platform. In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of print heads includes a set of nozzles arranged in a line having a nozzle line length and the print heads are separated longitudinally by a clearing distance equal to approximately an integer times the nozzle line length.
Claims22
A printing apparatus comprising:
- a platform adapted to rotate about a rotational axis;
- and
- a plurality of longitudinally aligned print heads coupled to the platform.
The printing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the print carriage is adapted to be suspended from and moveable along a print head support.
An inkjet printing system for manufacturing color filters comprising:
- a frame;
- a stage coupled to the frame and adapted to move a substrate in a print direction;
- a print support coupled to the frame and adapted to support a plurality of print carriages, wherein the carriages are adapted to be moved along the print support;
- a plurality of platforms, each one coupled to a different one of the print carriages and each adapted to rotate about a different respective rotational axis;
- and
- a plurality of sets of print heads, each one of the sets coupled to a different one of the platforms and each set including a plurality of longitudinally aligned print heads.
A method of depositing ink on a substrate for manufacturing a color filter, comprising:
- longitudinally aligning a plurality of print heads on a platform;
- rotating the platform about a rotational axis to bring the print heads to a desired saber angle;
- and
- depositing ink from the print heads in a first print pass on a substrate moving in a first print direction below the print heads.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.