Three- and two-dimensional images formed by suspended or transitory colorant in a volume

Apparatus for forming an arbitrary three-dimensional shape in a volume, by construction from colorant disposed in the volume;

• said apparatus comprising:
• disposed substantially in one particular linear direction relative to the volume, a two-dimensionally extended array of colorant-ejecting nozzles;
• a programmed processor for controlling ejection of colorant from the nozzles to pass through the volume, forming such arbitrary three-dimensional shape therein;
• and
• a two-dimensional colorant-retrieving frame disposed substantially in a second linear direction opposite to the one particular direction, from the array;
• means defining such volume between the array and the is frame;
• and
• means for providing relative motion of the colorant through the volume from the array to the frame;
• and wherein:
• the relative-motion providing means comprise orientation of the array and frame respectively above and below the volume;
• whereby gravity induces said motion;
• the frame is a substantially passive sump for recovering the colorant;
• the frame comprises a pump for redirecting the colorant to the array for reuse;
• the array ejects colorant of plural characteristics;
• and
• further comprising filters for separating the retrieved colorant by said characteristics.

Apparatus for forming an arbitrary three-dimensional image in a volume, by construction from multiple drops of colorant disposed in the volume;

• said apparatus comprising:
• a two-dimensionally extended array of colorant-ejecting nozzles;
• a programmed processor for controlling ejection of multiple droplets of colorant from the nozzles to form such three-dimensional image;
• a two-dimensional colorant-retrieving frame disposed in complementary relation to the array for recovering such suspended multiple droplets;
• and
• means for providing relative motion of the suspended colorant from the array to the frame through the volume;
• wherein the relative-motion providing means comprise a flow of fluid ejected with the colorant from the array and suspending the colorant in the volume.

Apparatus for forming an arbitrary three-dimensional shape suspended in a volume, by construction from colorant disposed in the volume;

• said apparatus comprising:
• a two-dimensionally extended array of colorant-ejecting nozzles;
• means for closely defining such volume and for suspending said colorant therein, said defining-and-suspending means comprising an enclosed chamber that closely defines such volume;
• and
• means for controlling ejection of colorant from the nozzles to form such arbitrary suspended shape, said controlling means comprising a programmed processor.

Apparatus for forming an arbitrary two-dimensional image suspended transitorily by construction from multiple droplets of colorant;

• said apparatus comprising:
• a generally one-dimensional array of colorant-ejecting nozzles;
• means for mounting the array to form such suspended a image by sweeping along a path while ejecting said multiple droplets of colorant;
• means for controlling ejection of colorant from the nozzles to form such arbitrary image, said controlling means comprising a programmed processor for controlling said ejection;
• and
• means for collecting the colorant that forms such arbitrary image, said collecting means comprising a colorant-retrieving frame, disposed in complementary relation to the array.