Patent ID: 6364459
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A printing apparatus comprising:a plurality of nozzles, each of said nozzles comprising a channel having an ink body disposed therein which is comprised of light sensitive ink, the channel of said nozzle leading to a nozzle outlet such that an unextended droplet meniscus attached to said ink body is located at said nozzle outlet; and a light source which is adapted to direct a light beam to said unextended droplet meniscus to cause an extension of said unextended droplet meniscus, so as to form an extended droplet meniscus and permit ink to be transferred to a receiver which is disposed relative to said extended droplet meniscus; wherein said plurality of said nozzles are disposed on a multi-sided carousel, said multi-sided carousel being rotatable between at least a first position which locates said unextended droplet meniscus at a position to receive light from said light source to form said extended droplet meniscus, and a second position which locates said extended droplet meniscus at a position relative to the receiver so as to transfer said ink to the receiver.