Patent ID: 6273553
Filing Date: 2001-08-14
Classification: B05B,B41J

Abstract:
An apparatus for using a bubble as virtual valve in a microinjector to eject fluid, comprising:(a) a chamber for containing liquid therein, said chamber including a top layer;(b) a passivation layer disposed adjacent said top layer;(c) an orifice in fluid communication with said chamber, said orifice disposed above said chamber and passes through both said passivation layer and said top layer;(d) means for generating a first bubble in said chamber to serve as a virtual valve when said chamber is filled with liquid, said first bubble generating means disposed proximately adjacent said orifice and between said passivation layer and said top layer; and(e) means for generating a second bubble in said chamber subsequent to generation of said first bubble when said chamber is filled with liquid to eject liquid from said chamber, said second bubble generating means disposed proximately adjacent said orifice and between said passivation layer and said top layer.