Patent ID: 6126270
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An image forming system, comprising:(a) a transducer adapted to alternately pressurize and depressurize an ink body so that an ink meniscus having a predetermined surface tension extends from the ink body as the ink body is pressurized and so that the meniscus retracts to the ink body as the ink body is depressurized, the meniscus forming a neck portion thereof as the meniscus extends from the ink body; and(b) an ink droplet separator coupled to said transducer and in communication with the neck portion of the meniscus for lowering the surface tension of the neck portion of the meniscus while the meniscus is extending from the ink body, whereby said droplet separator separates the meniscus from the ink body to form an ink droplet as the surface tension of the neck portion is lowered and as the ink body is depressurized.