Abstract:
A nanoprinthead including an array of nanotip cantilevers, where each nanotip cantilever includes a nanotip at an end of a cantilever, and a method for forming the nanoprinthead. Each nanotip may be individually addressable through use of an array of piezoelectric actuators. Embodiments for forming a nanoprinthead including an array of nanotip cantilevers can include an etching process from a material such as a silicon wafer, or the formation of a metal or dielectric nanotip cantilever over a substrate. The nanoprinthead may operate to provide uses for technologies such as dip-pen nanolithography, nanomachining, and nanoscratching, among others.
Abstract:
A multi-nozzle extrusion printhead includes a chamber with an inlet to receive an extrusion material and a plurality of outlets fluidly coupled to the chamber. The printhead also includes a plurality of valves that control flow of extrusion material through the fluid outlets to nozzles in the printhead. Each valve includes a member and an electromechanical actuator configured to move the member to a first position to block a flow of the extrusion material through one of the fluid outlets and nozzles and to a second position to enable the flow of the extrusion material through the fluid outlet and nozzles.
Abstract:
A method for forming a plurality of electrostatic actuator membranes for an electrostatically actuated ink jet printhead. The method can include forming a blanket actuator membrane layer on an etch stop layer, where the etch stop layer is interposed between the blanket membrane layer and a handle layer such as a semiconductor wafer. The blanket actuator membrane layer is patterned to form a plurality of actuator membranes. The plurality of actuator membranes is attached to a printhead drive assembly that includes circuitry for actuating the plurality of actuator membranes. Subsequently, the handle layer and etch stop layer are removed, thereby leaving the plurality of actuator membranes attached to the printhead drive assembly.
Abstract:
A method for forming a plurality of electrostatic actuator membranes for an electrostatically actuated ink jet printhead. The method can include forming a blanket actuator membrane layer on an etch stop layer, where the etch stop layer is interposed between the blanket membrane layer and a handle layer such as a semiconductor wafer. The blanket actuator membrane layer is patterned to form a plurality of actuator membranes. The plurality of actuator membranes is attached to a printhead drive assembly that includes circuitry for actuating the plurality of actuator membranes. Subsequently, the handle layer and etch stop layer are removed, thereby leaving the plurality of actuator membranes attached to the printhead drive assembly.
Abstract:
A flex circuit board provides islands of electrically isolated material surrounding openings in the flex circuit board to preserve fluid integrity of passageways passing through an electrically insulating layer of the flex circuit board. The electrically isolated islands surround exits of the passageways through the electrically insulating material and extend the passageways through an electrically conductive layer of the flex circuit board. Consequently, fluid passing through the passageways and electrically isolated islands in the flex circuit board is not subjected to electrical current.
Abstract:
A method and structure for a printhead including a plurality of electrostatic actuators may include the formation of a first conductive layer, a first dielectric layer over the first conductive layer, and a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer. The first and second dielectric layers may be patterned to expose the first conductive layer, then sidewalls of the first dielectric layer may be isotropically etched to recess the sidewalls under the second dielectric layer. A self-patterned second conductive layer may be formed to include a first portion that forms at least a portion of an actuator electrode and physically and electrically contacts the first conductive layer, and a second portion that physically contacts the second dielectric layer. An actuator membrane may be diffusion bonded to the second dielectric layer using the second portion of the second conductive layer.
Abstract:
A printhead including a plurality of embossed first flex circuit pads and a first plurality of first active traces on a first side of a dielectric substrate, and a plurality of embossed second flex circuit pads on a second side of the dielectric substrate. The plurality of embossed first flex circuit pads are configured to be electrically active as part of an electric circuit during operation of the printhead, while the plurality of embossed second flex circuit pads may be configured to be electrically active or electrically inactive during operation of the printhead.
Abstract:
An ink jet printhead including a thermo-pneumatic actuator array for ejecting ink from an array of nozzles. The actuator array may include a plurality of channels in fluid communication with a plurality of working fluid chambers. After completing formation of the actuator array, working fluid may be injected into a working fluid inlet on an exterior of the actuator array and into the plurality of working fluid chambers through the plurality of channels.
Abstract:
An actuator assembly including a flexible printed circuit and a method for making such an actuator assembly are provided. The flexible printed circuit includes a body having a top side and a bottom side, with the body defining a plurality of bumps extending from the bottom side. A first bump of the plurality of bumps is disposed adjacent to a second bump of the plurality of bumps, and the body further defines at least one relief configured to reduce movement of the second bump caused by movement of the first bump. The flexible printed circuit also includes a plurality of contact pads disposed on the bottom side of the body at least partially at the plurality of bumps, with the plurality of contacts pads being configured to be electrically coupled to a power source and to a piezoelectric transducer.
Abstract:
An apparatus changes the temperature of thermoplastic material in an extruder head to reduce the time for producing an object. The apparatus includes a cooling device located near the one or more nozzles of the extruder head to change the temperature of the thermoplastic material extruded by the extruder head. The apparatus cools the thermoplastic material to enhance the formation of exterior object features. A heater can also be positioned near the nozzle zone to heat the thermoplastic material to reduce the time for raising the viscosity of the thermoplastic material for forming interior regions of the object.