Micro-structured drying for inkjet printers
First Claim
1. A dryer operable in close proximity to and in series with an applicator for ejecting a water based liquid onto a receiver medium traveling along a predetermined path from the applicator to a drying position that is beyond the applicator;
- said dryer comprising;
a heat source; and
an air bearing structure on one side of the predetermined path, the air bearing structure including a pressurized air inlet and an air outlet, the air outlet being located adjacent to the drying position of the receiver medium, wherein an air flow from the air outlet of the air bearing structure forms an air bearing that supports the receiver medium, the air outlet of the air bearing including a microporous filter that converts the air flow exiting the outlet to a diffuse flow, said microporous filter being formed of an inner layer of very fine screen for optimum air diffusion and an outer layer of courser woven screen.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A dryer operable in close proximity to and in series with an inkjet printhead comprises a heat source and an air bearing structure on one side of the predetermined path and having a pressurized air inlet and an air outlet adjacent to the drying position of the receiver medium. Air flow from the air bearing structure outlet forms an air bearing for the receiver medium. A microporous filter positioned at the outlet and being adapted to convert the air flow from the outlet to a diffuse flow, the microporous filter being formed of an inner layer of very fine screen for optimum air diffusion and an outer layer of courser woven screen to add rigidity and protection from scuffing.
232 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A dryer operable in close proximity to and in series with an applicator for ejecting a water based liquid onto a receiver medium traveling along a predetermined path from the applicator to a drying position that is beyond the applicator;
- said dryer comprising;
a heat source; and an air bearing structure on one side of the predetermined path, the air bearing structure including a pressurized air inlet and an air outlet, the air outlet being located adjacent to the drying position of the receiver medium, wherein an air flow from the air outlet of the air bearing structure forms an air bearing that supports the receiver medium, the air outlet of the air bearing including a microporous filter that converts the air flow exiting the outlet to a diffuse flow, said microporous filter being formed of an inner layer of very fine screen for optimum air diffusion and an outer layer of courser woven screen. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15)
- said dryer comprising;
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10. A method of drying ink ejected from an inkjet printhead onto a print medium traveling along a predetermined path from the applicator to a drying position that is beyond the applicator;
- said method comprising the steps of;
providing heat to the receiver medium at the drying position; forming a diffuse flow of air to create an air bearing that supports the receiver medium at the drying position by flowing air under pressure through a microporous filter located at an outlet of an air bearing structure that is positioned adjacent to the drying position, the microporous filter formed of an inner layer of very fine screen for optimum air diffusion and an outer layer of courser woven screen. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
- said method comprising the steps of;
Specification