Patent ID: 6109732
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An imaging apparatus, comprising:(a) a nozzle for ejecting print fluid therefrom, the print fluid having a volume defined by heat energy supplied to the print fluid and having a potential for void formation;(b) a heater adapted to be in heat transfer communication with the print fluid for supplying the heat energy to the print fluid; and(c) a controller connected to said heater for variably controlling a plurality of voltage pulses supplied to said heater from a voltage supply unit in order to variably control the heat energy supplied by said heater, each voltage pulse having a predetermined pulse amplitude and a predetermined pulse width, adjacent ones of the pulses being spaced-apart in time by a predetermined delay interval, whereby the volume of the print fluid ejected from said nozzle is variably controlled as said controller variably controls pulse amplitude, pulse width and delay time to control the heat energy and whereby void formation in the print fluid is avoided as said controller variably controls the pulse amplitude, pulse width and delay time to control the heat energy.