Patent ID: 7144099
Filing Date: 2006-12-05
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A liquid drop emitter comprising: (a) a chamber formed in a substrate and including a nozzle for emitting drops of a liquid; (b) a thermo-mechanical actuator, extending into the chamber from at least one wall of the chamber, the thermo-mechanical actuator including a movable element comprising a plurality of layers, the movable element residing in a first position proximate to the nozzle; (c) the movable element including a bending portion which bends when heated, the bending portion including at least one opening through the plurality of layers of the movable element to permit passage of the liquid through the at least one opening; and (d) apparatus adapted to apply heat pulses to the movable element resulting rapid deflection of the movable element to a second position, ejection of a liquid drop, and passage of liquid through the at least one opening.