Ink-jet Print Head with Fast-acting Valve
OwnerSimon K. Poruthoor, Mike Houstoninventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed herein, a print head includes a reservoir, wherein the reservoir maintains fluid at a high hydrostatic pressure; a passage to receive the fluid from the reservoir, the passage including a fluid droplet ejection orifice; and a piezoelectric member positioned adjacent said passage, wherein the piezoelectric member may be activated to prevent flow of fluid through the passage. The piezoelectric member may be activated at a frequency greater than about 40 kilohertz, desirably greater than about 50 kilohertz, and even more desirably greater than about 100 kilohertz.
Claims20
A print head comprising:
- a reservoir, wherein the reservoir maintains fluid at a high hydrostatic pressure;
- a passage to receive the fluid from the reservoir, the passage including a fluid droplet ejection orifice;
- and at least one piezoelectric member positioned adjacent said passage, wherein the piezoelectric member may be activated to prevent flow of fluid through the passage.
A method of jetting fluid from a print head comprising:
- maintaining fluid in a reservoir at a high pressure and in fluid communication with a passage;
- and, activating at least one piezoelectric member adjacent the passage to open and close the passage.
A printing apparatus comprising:
- a substrate feed device for feeding a substrate within the printing apparatus;
- and print head including a reservoir, wherein the reservoir maintains fluid at a high hydrostatic pressure;
- a passage to receive the fluid from the reservoir, the passage including a droplet ejection orifice;
- and at least one piezoelectric member positioned adjacent said passage, wherein the piezoelectric member may be activated to open and close the passage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.