Importance

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Abstract

A hybrid ink jet print head has at least one ink channel with an open end that serves as a nozzle. A first reservoir holds a hot melt ink and a first inlet allows the hot melt ink to flow from the first reservoir into the ink channel. A heater plate heats the hot melt ink held in the at least one ink channel. A second reservoir holds a thermal liquid and a second inlet allows the thermal liquid to flow into the ink channel. The second inlet is spaced further from the nozzle than is the first inlet. A heating element is positioned in the ink channel between the first and second inlets. An interconnect is secured at one end to the heating element. Selective application of current pulses along the interconnect to the heating element vaporizes the thermal liquid and forms a bubble in the ink channel. The bubble then acts on the hot melt ink in the ink channel to eject hot melt ink droplets at the nozzle.

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First Claim