US5206659A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Thermal ink-jet printhead method for generating homogeneous nucleation
Assignee: NEC Corp
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Filing: 1991-03-15
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Granted: 1993-04-27
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Expires: 2011-03-15
Abstract
Abstract A thermal ink-jet type printhead is disclosed which comprises a strip-like thin metallic layer formed on a substrate. The layer is configured so as to define a narrow portion which is positioned between broad portions. The narrow portion defines a heating element which is integral with the broad portions which act as electrodes. Electrical heating pulses are supplied to the narrow heater portion via the electrodes. The heater arrangement is durable to thermal stresses generated by a superheating and, accordingly is well suited for spontaneous or homogeneous nucleation.
Inventors
- 👤 Kikukazu Sakurai
- 👤 Mitsuo Tsuzuki
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 17:12
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/005; B41J2/01; B41J2/135; B41J2/14; B41J2/14016; B41J2/14088; B41J2/14112; B41J2/1412; B41J2002/14387; B41J2202/00; B41J2202/01; B41J2202/11
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
In a method of operating a thermal ink-jet type print head which includes a substrate, a strip-like thin metallic layer formed on said substrate, said strip-like thin metallic layer being configured so as to define the narrow portion which is located between broad portions, the narrow portion defining a heating element which is integral with the broad portions which act as electrodes via which currents are supplied to the narrow heater portion, the steps of: applying a current to the heating element in a manner to heat the same in a range from 10 6 ° to 10 9 ° C./sec so as to transfer heat energy from the heating element to an ink at a rate of 10 7 to 10 8 MW/m 2 over a time period less than 10 μs and to achieve homogenous nucleation via which a bubble of gas is produced and induces a droplet of ink to be ejected from a nozzle located adjacent the heating element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
In a method of operating a thermal ink-jet type print head which includes a substrate, a strip-like thin metallic layer formed on said substrate, said strip-like thin metallic layer being configured so as to define the narrow portion which is located between broad portions, the narrow portion defining a heating element which is integral with the broad portions which act as electrodes via which currents are supplied to the narrow heater portion, the steps of: applying a current to the heating element in a manner to heat the same in a range from 10 6 ° to 10 9 ° C./sec so as to transfer heat energy from the heating element to an ink at a rate of 10 7 to 10 8 MW/m 2 over a time period less than 10 μs and to achieve homogenous nucleation via which a bubble of gas is produced and induces a droplet of ink to be ejected from a nozzle located adjacent the heating element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said narrow portion has end portions which gradually and outwardly expand and are integrated with the broad portions.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-04-26 | 1996-10-26 | 1997-04-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-04-26 | 2000-10-26 | 2001-04-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-04-26 | 2004-10-26 | 2005-04-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |