Patent ID: 6309891
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: B01J,B01L,C40B,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A printing system comprising a pod, a detachable printing device, a substrate, an actuator, and a preservation device, wherein:the pod comprises a receptacle for reversibly attaching an attachment portion of the printing device;the printing device comprises a reservoir having a proximal opening to ambient pressure, the reservoir containing a liquid comprising a predetermined agent, and a capillary comprising an axial bore having a proximal opening in fluid connection with the reservoir and a distal opening open to ambient pressure, and a printing tip comprising the distal opening operative to print the agent on the substrate;wherein the preservation device comprises a hermetic barrier device, the hermetic barrier device being movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the preservation device is operative to preserve the capability of the printing device to print the agent on the substrate over long-term storage of the printing device, wherein in the open position the preservation device is operative to permit coupling of the actuator and the printing device in the printing system,wherein the system is operative to print by decelerating the capillary to move the agent through the bore, out the tip and onto the substrate.