Patent ID: 6457813
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A nozzle arrangement for an ink jet printhead, the nozzle arrangement comprisinga substrate that defines a nozzle chamber in which ink is receivable; and a micro electro-mechanical actuator arranged on the substrate and comprising a prime mover that is displaceable between a released position and a loaded position, with respect to the substrate, the prime mover being positioned with respect to the nozzle chamber so that the prime mover can act on the ink received in the nozzle chamber to eject ink from the nozzle chamber when the prime mover moves between the released and loaded positions; at least one spring device connected operatively between the prime mover and the substrate and configured so that, when the prime mover is displaced into the loaded position, the at least one spring device is tensioned; and a loading mechanism that is operatively arranged with respect to the prime mover to act on the prime mover so that the prime mover is displaced into the loaded position, the loading mechanism being connectable to a control system so that the loading mechanism can be de-activated when required to release the prime mover allowing the prime mover to be displaced under action of the at least one spring device into the released position.