Patent ID: 6779877
Filing Date: 2004-08-24
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A device for selectively applying droplets of at least one fluid to a medium, said device comprising:an actuation layer for propelling droplets of fluid along a fluid path; an intermediate layer disposed adjacent the actuation layer, said intermediate layer defining a plurality of substantially parallel fluid flow channels extending along a first direction; a channel plate disposed adjacent the intermediate layer, said channel plate including: (i) an integral filter having a plurality of filter elements extending toward the intermediate layer, and further towards the heater plate, along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, (ii) a fluid reservoir disposed on one side of the integral filter, and (iii) a cross-flow channel disposed on a second side of the integral filter, said cross-flow channel extending along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, wherein said filter elements are disposed across the fluid path, which is further aligned with the intermediate layer, between the fluid reservoir and the cross-flow channel in order to filter fluid before it reaches the fluid flow channels.