Multiple layer structures for void control in ink jet printers
AssigneePalo Alto Research Center Incorporated
InventorEric J. Shrader
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Approaches to remove bubbles from ink in an ink jet printer are described. Bubble removal may be implemented using a membrane disposed along an ink flow path. The membrane includes first and second component membranes having first and second coefficients of thermal expansion. The membrane is configured to, in response to a change in ink temperature, mechanically displace as a function of temperature due to a difference in the thermal coefficients of expansion of the first and second component membranes. The mechanical displacement of the membrane causes a volumetric change in a portion of the ink flow path.
Claims18
A subassembly for an inkjet printer for phase change ink comprising, a membrane disposed along an ink flow path, the membrane comprising first and second component membranes having first and second coefficients of thermal expansion, the membrane configured to, in response to temperature of the ink reaching an activation temperature, mechanically displace due to a difference in the thermal coefficients of expansion of the first and second component membranes, the activation temperature occurring during a time that the ink undergoes a phase change and transitions from liquid to solid or from solid to liquid, the mechanical displacement of the membrane causing a volumetric change in a portion of the ink flow path.
A method, comprising:
- heating or cooling ink in an ink flow path to cause a phase change of the ink;
- and
- causing a volumetric change in a portion of the ink flow path during the phase change, the volumetric change caused by mechanical displacement of a membrane as a function of temperature of the ink, the membrane comprising first and second component membranes having first and second thermal coefficients of expansion and the mechanical displacement is caused by differences in the first and second thermal coefficients of expansion, the mechanical displacement of the membrane responsive to the temperature of the ink reaching an activation temperature that occurs during a time that the ink is changing phase from solid to liquid or from liquid to solid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.