Patent ID: 6283580
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A process for generating droplets acoustically comprising:a) providing a droplet emitter comprising:i) a first substrate,ii) a plurality of transducers formed on the first substrate to provide an array of focussed acoustic waves, andiii) a second substrate being spaced from the first substrate, the second substrate having an array of apertures, the second substrate being arranged relative to the first substrate such that each aperture may receive focussed acoustic waves from the first substrate wherein the space between the first and second substrates forms at least a portion of a liquid flow chamber having an inlet and an outlet which have been adapted to receive a flow of a liquid such that a free surface of the liquid is formed by each of the apertures in the second substrate, and the focussed acoustic waves received by each aperture are focussed substantially at the free surface of the liquid formed in the aperture,b) providing a flow of liquid of at least 35 ml per minute through the liquid flow chamber and forming a plurality of free surfaces in the array of apertures, andc) focussing an acoustic wave at approximately one of the free surfaces in at least one of the apertures and forming a droplet of liquid.