(19)
(11) EP 0 371 763 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
25.07.1990 Bulletin 1990/30

(43) Date of publication A2:
06.06.1990 Bulletin 1990/23

(21) Application number: 89312362.0

(22) Date of filing: 28.11.1989
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)5: B41J 2/175, B41J 2/045
(84) Designated Contracting States:
DE FR GB

(30) Priority: 01.12.1988 GB 8828047

(71) Applicant: WILLETT INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Corby, Northants. NN18 8AQ (GB)

(72) Inventor:
  • Walton, Robert Lionel
    Wymington Rushden Northants (GB)

(74) Representative: Dummett, Thomas Ian Peter et al
Dummett Copp & Co. 25 The Square
Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, Suffolk IP5 7SL
Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, Suffolk IP5 7SL (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
   
       


    (54) Method for operating a valve


    (57) The present invention relates to a method for operating an electromagnetic valve means comprising a valve plunger journalled within a valve body for movement under the influence of an electric current on a drive stroke from a valve closed position to a valve open position, which valve means controls the flow of fluid to a nozzle orifice in a non-contact fluid droplet applicator apparatus, notably an ink jet printer, which method is characterised in that it comprises intermittently applying a transient drive current to the valve means 2 which is insufficient to move the plunger 11 of the valve means 2 sufficiently on its drive stroke towards the valve open position to permit the flow of fluid through the valve means 2.







    Search report