Patent ID: 6010202
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A method of operating a multi-channel pulsed droplet deposition apparatus having an array of parallel channels, disposed side by side and separated one from the next by side walls extending in the lengthwise direction of the channels;a series of nozzles which communicate respectively with said channels for ejection of droplets therefrom;connection means for connecting the channels with a source of droplet fluid;and electrically actuable means for displacing a portion of a side wall in response to an actuating signal, thereby to eject a droplet from said selected channel,the method comprising the steps ofapplying an actuating signal to said electrically actuable means to eject a droplet from a selected channel, the signal being held at a given non-zero level for a period, the length of said period being such that:(a) it is greater than the length of that period which would result in the velocity of droplets ejected from said channel being at its maximum; and(b) the velocity of a droplet ejected from said selected channel is substantially independent of whether or not channels in the vicinity of said selected channels are similarly actuated to effect droplet ejection simultaneously with droplet ejection from selected channel.