Abstract:
A method of measuring an outline of a feature on a surface includes providing a substrate. The substrate includes a feature on a surface of the substrate. The feature includes walls. The surface of the substrate is illuminated. Edges of the walls are illuminated to measure a first contour and a second contour of the feature. An outline of the feature is calculated based on the first contour and the second contour.
Abstract:
An ink containment system for an inkjet cartridge, for storing ink for printing, comprises a rigid basin member and a rigid moveable plate. A flexible membrane is affixed to a surface of the basin member and to a surface of the plate forming an ink reservoir within the basin member, plate and flexible membrane. A spring-biased mechanism is disposed between the basin member and plate, for biasing the plate apart from the basin member, generating a negative pressure within the ink reservoir and the basin member remaining stationary relative to the movement of the plate. The basin member has a bowl-like configuration and the spring is seated within the reservoir in such a way that when the ink reservoir has collapsed due to depletion of ink, the flexible membrane and moveable plate are substantially flush with surfaces of the basin member.
Abstract:
A method of preparing an inkjet printing system with a print head in fluid communication with an ink reservoir and having a plurality of orifices and a corresponding plurality of associated ejection chambers includes providing a substrate and disposing a photoresist material on the substrate. A mask is provided between the UV light source and the photoresist material. The photoresist material is exposed to the UV light source to polymerize the photoresist material to form a barrier layer on the substrate. The barrier layer defines in part a plurality of fluid channels and the plurality of ejection chambers. An orifice plate is attached over the substrate. The orifice plate includes a plurality of orifices in fluid communication with the ejection chambers.
Abstract:
A printing method includes providing a print head. The print head includes a valve and at least one orifice. Fluid is ejected from the orifice in a generally continuous stream. The fluid includes a conductive material. The fluid is deposited in a pattern on a substrate to form an electrically conductive deposit. At least a portion of the pattern includes a generally straight line.
Abstract:
A method of driving an electromechanical converter of a print head of a continuous inkjet printer, wherein the electromechanical converter is arranged to break up a continuous stream of ink into a plurality of drops. The method includes determining a modulation voltage to drive the electromechanical converter, at least a property of the modulation voltage being controlled to take into account movement of a break up point of the continuous stream of ink, and to ensure that in a characteristic of modulation voltage versus a property at least indicative of a break up point of the continuous stream of ink, the characteristic has a predetermined gradient, or a gradient related to this predetermined gradient; and driving the electromechanical converter at the determined modulation voltage.
Abstract:
A method of cleaning a print head assembly comprising a print head and a cover includes removing the cover from the print head assembly. A cleaning unit includes a fluid chamber, a fluid intake port, and a fluid exit port. The cleaning unit is attached to the print head such that the fluid chamber surrounds a portion of the print head. A solvent is introduced into the fluid chamber to contact the print head. The solvent is allowed to clean the print head. The solvent is removed from the chamber.
Abstract:
An ink supply system for an ink jet printer, particularly a continuous ink jet printer, has a manifold assembly of two parts that are brought together at interfacing surfaces. At least one of the surfaces has a plurality of ink flow channels for conveying ink around an ink circuit between components. The other of the interfacing surfaces is configured to close and seal the channels. A plurality of ports is provided in fluid communication with the channels, the circuit components being connectable to the ports. The manifold assembly provides for a compact and neat arrangement free of many tubes and pipes. The lower number of connections significantly reduces the risk of leakage.
Abstract:
A ribbon includes a substrate film, wherein the film comprises a tensionable material; and an ink disposed on the ribbon. A length of the ribbon includes portions that have been tensioned to provide a code readable from the ribbon by measuring the tension over the length of the ribbon.
Abstract:
An inkjet cartridge has an ink containment system for storing ink for printing. The inkjet cartridge includes a printhead having a plurality nozzles in fluid communication with the ink reservoir and an electrical interconnect for providing an electrical communication between the printhead and a printer controller. The electrical interconnect is disposed at an acute angle relative to the printhead.