Patent ID: 7258428
Filing Date: 2007-08-21
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A multi-headed ink-jet system adapted to eject encapsulated liquids, comprising: at least two concentric piezoelectric members, each concentric piezoelectric member having an inner conductive coating and an outer conductive coating and each concentric piezoelectric member having a chamber formed therein configured to carry a liquid therethrough, an inner concentric piezoelectric member comprising an inner conductive coating positioned on an inner surface of an inner chamber and an outer conductive coating positioned against an outer surface of the inner chamber, the outer surface of the inner chamber providing at least a portion of an outer chamber, an outer concentric piezoelectric member comprising an inner conductive coating positioned on an inner surface of the outer chamber and an outer conductive coating positioned against an outer surface of the outer chamber, the chambers of each concentric piezoelectric member in liquid communication with an exit port provided in a concentric orifice, wherein actuation of the inner conductive coating of the inner concentric piezoelectric member affects liquid movement in both the inner chamber of the inner concentric piezoelectric member and the outer chamber of the outer concentric piezoelectric member, wherein actuation of the outer conductive coating of the inner concentric piezoelectric member affects liquid movement in both the inner chamber of the inner concentric piezoelectric member and the outer chamber of the outer concentric piezoelectric member, wherein actuation of the inner conductive costing and the outer conductive coating of the outer concentric piezoelectric member affects liquid movement only in the outer chamber of the outer concentric piezoelectric member, and wherein each of the inner and outer conductive coatings of each of the inner and outer concentric piezoelectric members are individually controlled to permit the ejection of liquids through the inner and outer chambers and through the concentric orifice to allow one liquid to be encapsulated by another liquid to form an encapsulated droplet prior to being detached from the concentric orifice.