Patent ID: 6491385
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A continuous page wide ink jet print head that extends in a page wide direction comprising:a silicon substrate including integrated circuits formed therein for controlling operation of the print head, the silicon substrate having ink channels formed therein along the substrate; an insulating layer or layers overlying the silicon substrate, the insulating layer or layers having a series of elongated ink jet bores each formed in the surface of the insulating layer or layers, the surface being formed generally planar, and each bore being of generally uniform diameter and extending from the surface of the insulating layer or layers and terminating at an interface between the silicon substrate and the insulating layer or layers; each bore having located proximate thereto and near the surface of the insulating layer or layers a heater element; each of said ink channels being associated respectively with and communicating with a respective bore so that a respective ink channel is defined between a respective pair of rib wall structures associated with each respective bore, the rib wall structures extending for a full thickness of the silicon substrate and directed in a transverse direction to the page wide direction of the print head and the rib wall structures of each pair being spaced apart a distance wider than the diameter of the respective bore to form two walls of the respective ink channel; and a gutter that is in a position for collecting ink droplets not selected for printing.