Ejecting ink using shape memory alloys
First Claim
1. A method of ejecting ink from a chamber having a cantilevered beam actuator incorporating a shape memory alloy, the cantilevered beam rigidly mounted fixed end and a free end opposite the fixed end wherein during use;
- the free end is immersed in ink, the method comprising;
causing the actuator to deflect and eject ink, wherein the step of causing the actuator to deflect includes transforming the shape memory alloy from its martensitic phase to its austenitic phase or visa versa.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
This patent describes ink jet printing device that utilizes a shape memory alloy such as a nickel titanium alloy for ejecting drops. The ejection involves utilization of the transformation of a shape memory alloy from its martensitic phase to its austenitic phase (or visa versa) as an actuator to cause the ejection of ink from the the chamber. The actuator is normally in its quiescent state and transfers to an ink injection state upon heating thereby causing ink ejection from the chamber. The heating occurs by passing a current through the shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy can be conductive and arranged in a serpentine form for operation. The actuator being formed above a crystallographically etched nozzle chamber having a nozzle port from which ink is ejected.
-
Citations
11 Claims
-
1. A method of ejecting ink from a chamber having a cantilevered beam actuator incorporating a shape memory alloy, the cantilevered beam rigidly mounted fixed end and a free end opposite the fixed end wherein during use;
- the free end is immersed in ink, the method comprising;
causing the actuator to deflect and eject ink, wherein the step of causing the actuator to deflect includes transforming the shape memory alloy from its martensitic phase to its austenitic phase or visa versa. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
- the free end is immersed in ink, the method comprising;
Specification