Abstract:
An ejector manifold is disclosed for use in sorting of relatively small, granular particles by means of a transverse array of nozzles that selectively direct respective packets of ejecting substance, which may be gas or fluid, toward selected particles to deflect them from their normal direction of travel. The ejecting substance is communicated by means of formed in place piping. Additionally, the ejector manifold may incorporate an internal ejecting substance reservoir. In addition to sorting, the ejector manifold may be used to apply chemicals, paints or other materials to passing particles.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/669,549 entitled, “Manifold” filed on Apr. 8, 2005 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable.  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The present invention relates to manifolds particularly suited for use as ejectors in sorters of transversely-spaced particles moving along a direction of travel, which sorters separate transversely spaced particles according to differences in their characteristics. In particular, the invention relates to an ejector manifold for sorting of relatively small, granular particles by means of a transverse array of nozzles which selectively direct respective packets of ejecting substance, which may be gas or fluid, toward selected particles to deflect them from their normal direction of travel where the ejecting substance is communicated by means of formed-in-place piping and where the ejector manifold may incorporate an internal ejecting substance reservoir. Alternatively such ejector manifold may be used to apply chemicals, paints or other materials to passing particles.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     A typical sorting machine of the type envisioned for application of the present invention is a high-speed sorting machine used for sorting small particles, including fungible particles in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However the invention may also be used in conveyor sorting machines or for application of chemicals, paints or other flowing materials.  
         [0005]     For example, individual rice grains may be sorted in a gravity-fed sorter to separate grains selected as “substandard.” In the art, “substandard” may apply to a grain having any undesirable characteristic, including color, shape, size or breakage, or any other characteristic not within the limits for acceptable particles for a particular sorting.  
         [0006]     Such sorting machines typically employ one or more optical sensors to differentiate based on color hues, although sorting by size, moisture content and other characteristics are known.  
         [0007]     Such sorting machines also include one or more ejector mechanisms located downstream of the sensor or sensors with multiple nozzles associated with one or more valves actuated by an electrical signal coordinated with sensor detection. When a particle having or lacking selected criteria is detected, an electrical signal is produced to actuate the valve of the ejector nozzle associated with the predicted location of the selected particle as the selected particle passes the ejector. The time elapsed between the selected particle passing the sensor or sensors and the selected particle being ejected is minimal to limit possible vertical and/or horizontal deflection of the selected particle upon contact with non-selected particles. Each ejector is therefore normally located as close as possible to the plane at which the optical sensor or sensors reviews the passing particles, typically referred to as the scan line, ideally being just downstream therefrom and closely adjacent thereto.  
         [0008]     In the prior art, an ejector mechanism may be mechanical, but for small particles it is almost universally a compressed air ejector. When the selected particle arrives opposite the ejector, a sharp expulsion or jet of ejecting substance is emitted through the appropriate nozzle of the ejector to impel the selected particle from the particle stream  
         [0009]     The sorting of such smaller particles, particularly at increasingly higher rates of production, introduces difficult requirements with respect to the design of nozzle separation systems. Small particles, closely spaced transverse to their direction of travel, require a corresponding closely-spaced transverse array of small nozzles to emit the sharp expulsion or jet blast of air. Also, the selection of the corresponding nozzle and the timing of activation, both initiation and duration of the blast, must be increasingly accurately controlled as the particle becomes smaller and/or its speed of travel is increased to meet higher production demands. These combined requirements of close transverse nozzle spacing. i.e. ejection nozzle density, and increasingly quicker and more accurate nozzle response have tended to be limited by the capabilities of the currently-known air nozzle separation systems.  
         [0010]     Increasing, ejection nozzle density on the face of the ejector creates a myriad of difficulties in operation. The valves, which conventionally are used to control the supply of air to the respective nozzles and are typically solenoid driven, are significantly larger than the nozzles which they control. As a result such valves require lateral space greater than the cumulative lateral distance associated with the nozzles and surrounding support controlled by the valve. As a greater number of nozzles is desired in a uniform length, locating such nozzles within such lateral distance becomes more difficult due to the need for a corresponding number of valves and associated tubing, to communicate with each nozzle. This is in part because the particular valve must be in close proximity to the associated nozzle or nozzles to minimize the delay between the time the valve actuates to permit pressured air or other ejecting substance, to enter the passage associated with the particular nozzle and the time of emission of the ejecting substance from the nozzle. Also, the respective passage lengths between each valve and the nozzles must be substantially equal so that the time between any valve activation and its associated nozzle emissions are uniform for accuracy in deflecting particles. In addition, for purposes of accuracy the nozzles should be located as close to both the particle inspection point and to the path of travel of the particles themselves. These combined requirements are difficult to satisfy in a compatible fashion because of space limitations.  
         [0011]     Attempts to increase the number of nozzles generally focus on the limitations of the ejector manifold, which provides communication from the valves to the nozzles. One attempt focused on a linear transverse alignment of air nozzles on the front of a transversely-extending ejector manifold assembly, with large individual valves being arranged in transverse rows peripherally around the top, rear and bottom of the ejector manifold, protruding radially therefrom. However such ejector manifold and valve assembly formed a voluminous structure difficult to position in close proximity to the optical inspection station of the sorter. Additionally the large mass of each valve limited the speed of valve actuation.  
         [0012]     A second attempt to increase the number of nozzles, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,965 issued to Klukis et al, focused on the creation of a non-linear array for placement of the valves. Klukis disclosed the placement of all valves in a common plane equidistant from a central point, with flexible tubing flowing from each connection on each valve to a particular nozzle, wherein each tubing was measured to be equal length, then bound to the other tubings and encased within a mass of hardened polymeric material. However, various problems with the use of such an array became apparent. Tubing connections to the nozzles and to the valves were susceptible to human error, including overtightening of connections. Tubing lengths were not uniform, whether as a result of short connections or connections not entirely aligned with the output from the valve. Twisting of the flexible tubing from the valve to the nozzle could result in deformation of the tubing, reducing the cross sectional area and thereby altering the flowrate of the air to the nozzle. Finally, to obtain equal tubing lengths required locating the nozzles at a distance from the valves, increasing the size of the ejector manifold and creating difficulties in machine design.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     The present invention overcomes the foregoing drawbacks of previous nozzle separation systems.  
         [0014]     In one aspect of the present invention, each nozzle of a transversely-aligned, mutually adjacent groups of nozzles communicates through a ejector manifold with mutually adjacent supply valves which may be arranged in a linear array on a common plane extending generally in the direction of alignment of the group of nozzles. Additionally, the nozzles may also be arranged in multiple rows. The ejector manifold, rather than being a composite of flexible tubing and other materials, is produced by successively-creating multiple adhered layers, thereby producing internal piping of uniform cross sectional area and length, in arrangements not possible by use of pre-existing flexible tubing or current molding technology.  
         [0015]     In another embodiment of the invention, the nozzles are also produced by successively creating multiple adhered layers.  
         [0016]     In another embodiment of the invention, an accumulator which supplies ejecting substance to the values for each nozzle is incorporated into the body of the ejector manifold.  
         [0017]     In another embodiment of the invention in which the accumulator is incorporated into the body of the ejector manifold, the ejector manifold is constructed to permit joining of two or more ejector manifolds to create an ejector manifold having a greater number of nozzles.  
         [0018]     In another embodiment of the invention, a fluid, rather than a gas, is used for ejection.  
         [0019]     The use of three-dimension production to create the ejector manifold, namely the successive layering of multiple layers, enables the use of extremely compact conventional valve groups of low mass and extremely quick response in such a way as to achieve short and substantially uniform delay times between valve actuation and nozzle emission. Alternatively, such three-dimensional production permits use of an accumulator or reservoir internal to the ejector manifold that may communicate with one or more external or internal valves for activation of the ejector nozzles. The use of piping created by production of multiple layers to connect a valve with its respective nozzles additionally enables the construction of a highly compact nozzle system having short and uniform delay times.  
         [0020]     The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]     So that the manner in which the described features, advantages and objects of the invention, as well as others which will become apparent, are attained and can be understood in detail, more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the drawings, which drawings form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical preferred embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope as the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.  
         [0022]     In the drawings:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a sorter of the type with which the ejector manifold may be used.  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a sorter of the type with which the ejector manifold may be used.  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a simplified laser sintering technique for manufacturing the ejector manifold.  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a simplified stereolithography technique for manufacturing the ejector manifold.  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the first embodiment of the ejector manifold, characterized by a single valve plane showing the interior passages.  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the ejector manifold, characterized by multiple valve planes showing the internal passages.  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of exterior of the second embodiment of the ejector manifold, characterized by multiple valve planes.  
         [0030]      FIG. 8  is an exploded isometric view of the ejector manifold with external valves.  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment having an internal accumulator.  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  is a second isometric view of the alternative embodiment having an internal accumulator.  
         [0033]      FIG. 11  is an end view of the alternative embodiment having an internal accumulator or reservoir.  
         [0034]      FIG. 12  is an exploded isometric view of the alternative embodiment having an internal accumulator or reservoir.  
         [0035]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment having two valves per passage.  
         [0036]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment having two passages per valve.  
         [0037]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment having an external, detachable accumulator. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0038]     Referring to the  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a multi-channel, high-speed sorter for separating nonstandard particles from a passing stream or flow of such particles is shown. Generally, a typical sorting machine  10  includes one or more chutes or slides  12  at a steep angle, usually over 45 degrees from the horizon and preferably nearly vertical on the order of 80 degrees. The chutes are held in position by a framework  14 . A hopper  16  containing particles to be sorted is attached to the same framework and provides gravity feed of the particles by respective feeder tray  18  to chutes  12 . Particles to be separated or sorted is any small particle or particles, such as rice grains. Particle flow rate is less than free fall due to friction between particle and channel surface. As a result particle flow rate is quite high, as is well-known in the art. Machines having only a single channel and machines with many more than two channels are not uncommon. For separation or sorting machine  10  contains at least one sensor, which may be an optical sensor  20 , to scan passing particles. The plane at which optical sensor  20  reviews the passing particles is typically referred to as the scan line. When a particle to be separated from the passing flow is identified from the output of an optical sensor  20 , the corresponding nozzle of ejector  36  is engaged, deflecting the selected particle from particle direction of travel  37 .  
         [0039]     Moreover the present invention may be used with any system whereby particles are moved along a chute or belt.  
         [0040]     Unlike the prior art, ejector manifold  50  is not formed about tubing or by a mold. Rather ejector manifold  50  is formed by three-dimensional production, which may be by stereolithography, laser sintering, or other similar manufacturing methods using lamination of single or near-singular material thickness layers which may use, among other materials, photosensitive resins. Three dimensional production permits creation of ejector manifold  50 , including the passages  507 , each providing communication between a nozzle  501  and its respective port connector  506 , without the need for tubing. In prior art, which required installation of tubing, shortening, lengthening, or internal alteration of the tubing due to human error could alter the speed, direction or duration of flow therethrough.  
         [0041]     As depicted in  FIG. 3 , one method known in the art for production of a three-dimensional object is stereolithography,  300 . However this method of production has not been applied to production of an ejector manifold. In stereolithography, the working surface  307  of a moveable table or elevator  306  initially is placed at a position below surface  301  of liquid photopolymer resin  302 . Typically the light source is one or more lasers  304 . Light  303  is directed from laser  304  by redirection system  305 , controlled by computer  310 , to the surface of liquid photopolymer resin  302  to map the geometry of successive cross section layers of ejector manifold  50 . Redirection system  305  may be a set of computer-driven actuators connected to mirrors or any other system known in the art. Liquid photopolymer  302  solidifies where light  303  is applied, forming a cross sectional layer. After a cross sectional layer of ejector manifold  50  is completely formed, table  306  is lowered no more than one post-solidification material thickness of liquid photopolymer resin  302 , i.e. one layer, and the process repeated atop the prior cross section layer of ejector manifold  50 .  
         [0042]     As depicted in  FIG. 4 . an alternative method for producing ejector manifold by adhering successive cross sections is laser sintering. In laser sintering, the working surface  408  of a moveable table or elevator  407  initially is placed at a vertical position nearly equal power feed roller  401  in build envelope  402 . Powder feed roller  401  receives powder from powder feed cartridge  404 . Powder is evenly spread across build envelope  402 . An intense light source, typically a laser  405 , maps each layer of ejector manifold  50  on the powder, which locally melts the powder and fuses the melted powder to adjacent powder. Light from laser  405  is directed by redirection system  406  controlled by computer  410  to working surface  408  to map the geometry of successive cross section layers of ejector manifold  50 . Redirection system  406  may be a set of computer-driven actuators connected to mirrors or any other system known in the art. Build envelope  402  is then lowered one powder thickness by a moveable table  407  and the process repeated.  
         [0043]     In both methods, a photosensitive resin is used for construction of the various layers. Any method known in the art for three-dimensional manufacturing or production via creation of successive adhered cross sections may be used. Additionally, while such resin bonds to each adjacent layer during such solidification in the preferred embodiment, layers may be bonded after formation by application of heat or adhesive between such layers.  
         [0044]     Tubeless ejector manifold  50  therefore exists first within a computer-aided drafting (CAD) program resident on a computer  310  or  410 , which permits successive layers of one material thickness to be created. Such layers of ejector manifold  50  may therefore be exported to the three-dimensional manufacturing system for fabrication.  
         [0045]     When complete by such three-dimensional manufacturing, ejector manifold  50  has passages in locations, dimensions, and in passage density more precise than conventional tubing or molds. Moreover such passages may be smaller than those constructed with conventional tubing.  
         [0046]     Such production also permits variation in the number of faces for mounting of valves  505  to communicate with ejector manifold  50 .  
         [0047]     With reference to  FIGS. 5-8 , the preferred embodiment of ejector manifold  50  has a plurality of nozzles  501 , which are arranged into mutually adjacent groups  502  on row  503 , each group being in a linear transverse alignment relative to the direction of travel  37 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , of the particles. In the preferred embodiment a single row of nozzles is provided. However multiple rows of nozzles may alternatively be provided.  
         [0048]     Ejector manifold  50  has at least one plane  504  for providing communication with valves  505 . The geometry of ejector manifold  50  may be constructed to permit multiple planes  504  for valves  505 . Each valve  505  communicates to at least one port connector  506 , connected to a respective passage  507 , which is in turn connected to a unique nozzle  501 . In the preferred embodiment each valve  505  communicates with eight (8) or nine (9) port connectors  506 , arranged in a circular pattern. However any number of ports is permissible as is the orientation of port connectors  506  in relation to the valve  505 . Moreover in an alternative embodiment, depicted in  FIG. 13 , more than one valve  505  may communicate to a passage  507 , such that the time necessary for a single valve  505  to cycle through activation, deactivation, and reactivation may be avoided by sequential activation of one or more subsequent valves  505  to introduce ejecting substance from ejecting substance source  801  into a single passage  507 . The connection of passages from two valves to a passage for a single nozzle is made possible by the three-dimensional manufacturing technique, which permits the precise location of a Y-connector without the alteration in cross-sectional area typical where such joints intersect piping.  
         [0049]     In a further alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 14 , a plurality of passages  507 , namely passages  507   a  and  507   b,  may be connected to a single port connector  506 . It is thereby possible to divide the ejecting substance  803  released by a valve  505  among a plurality of nozzles  501 , namely nozzles  501   a  and  501   b,  which may be connected to passages smaller than those conventionally possible with tubing. The increase in nozzle number for the same area may be beneficial to prevent the blocking of any nozzle by dust or passing particles and for more precise ejection.  
         [0050]     As depicted in  FIG. 5 , each valve  505  is connected to an ejecting substance source  801 , which may be one or more sources of ejecting substance  803 . In the preferred embodiment, the ejecting substance  803  associated with ejecting substance source  801  is air, although other ejecting substances  803  may be used dependent on the characteristics of the particles to be separated, potential or intended modification of the passing particle, and governmental regulations. In the preferred embodiment ejecting substance source  801  is a pressurized container, which may be connected to a pressure regulator  804  on its outflow  802 . Alternatively as shown in  FIG. 7  ejecting substance source  801  may be an accumulator  807  having a directional valve  805  and a pressure relief valve  806  connected to an impeller  808  so as to maintain a constant pressure in ejecting substance source  801  during operation. Ejecting substance  803  is supplied to valves  505  from ejecting substance source  801 . When activated, a valve  505  permits ejector substance  803  to flow to a port connector  506 , permitting ejector substance  804  to pass through a respective passage  507  and ultimately to a respective nozzle  501 . Valve  505  deactivates when sufficient volume of ejecting substance  803  has passed through valve  505  to deflect the intended particle at nozzles  501 .  
         [0051]     In the preferred embodiment, for use with small particles, as depicted in  FIG. 7 , nozzles  501  are located at the end of protrusion  508 , which extends from the body  509  of ejector manifold  50 . Protrusion  508  sufficiently extends from a first side  512  of body  509  of ejector manifold to locate nozzles  501  proximate optical sensor  20  so as to minimize the distance and particle-travel time between the scanline of one or more optical sensors  20  and nozzles  501 . Minimization of distance, and correspondingly of time, reduces the possibility that selected particle may interact with adjacent particles or travel diagonally and thus the possibility that selected particle will not be properly ejected at the corresponding nozzle  501  of ejector  36 .  
         [0052]     In the preferred embodiment protrusion  508  includes a number of tunnels  510  penetrating through body  509  and sized to allow misguided particles which might otherwise be retained atop protrusion  508  to pass through protrusion  508  of ejector manifold  50  and not amass atop ejector manifold  10 . To aid in direction of misguided particles through tunnel  510 , tunnel  510  is bounded by angled sides  511 , the intersection of two angled sides  511  forming a wedge or funnel to direct the misguided particles to tunnel  510 . Should ejector manifold  50  be used in connection with relative large particles, particularly particles of such a size that the time for each particle to pass entirely before scan line of optical sensor  20  is relatively long high nozzle density and therefore protrusion  508 , is unnecessary.  
         [0053]     As a result of three-dimensional production, the ejector manifold  50  includes a body  509 . Body  509  of ejector manifold  50  is constructed to have at least a first  512  and second side  513 , a top  514  and bottom side  515 , and a first  516  and second end  517 . Ejector manifold  50  contains a nozzle  501  located proximate the first side  512  of the body of ejector manifold  50 . While nozzle  501  may be composed of any material, in the preferred embodiment nozzle  501  is formed in the same manner as body  509  so as to avoid the need for the excessive machining associated with internal passages  507 . In the preferred embodiment, the layers of nozzle  501  are co-planar to layers of body  509  and formed concurrently and at least one layer of nozzle  501  and one layer of body  509  are formed integrally. Ejector manifold  50  also includes at least one valve port connector  506  formed at the second side  513  of said body. The valve port connector  506  is formed in the same manner as body  509  so as to avoid the need for the excessive machining associated with internal passages  507 . The layers of valve port connector  506  co-planar to layers of body  509  are formed concurrently and at least one layer of nozzle  501  and one layer of body  509  are formed integrally. Body  509  is formed to include by absence of photosensitive resin at least one passage  507  communicating with at least one of nozzle  501  and with at least one passage  507  communicating with at least one of said valve port connectors  506 . Each nozzle  501  communicates with only one passage  507  and only one valve port connector  509 . However in alternative embodiments it may be desirable to include multiple valves for a passage to permit more rapid cycling of nozzle operation and/or to include multiple nozzles for a valve to increase the effective nozzle size by simultaneous activation of numerous nozzles by a single valve. Moreover, in alternative embodiments such fluid may be a chemical or food application, gas, or small solid particles that flow fluidically.  
         [0054]     In a first alternative embodiment, depicted in  FIGS. 9-13 , ejector manifold  50  is produced with an internal accumulator or reservoir  901 . Internal accumulator or reservoir  901  may be maintained at a predetermined pressure by any manner of options known in the art, including a combination of directional valves and pressure-relief valves or by connection to a pressure source which maintains constant outflow pressure. In the first alternative embodiment, the internal accumulator or reservoir  901  is formed by creation of a void within the body of the ejector manifold  50  during the production process. In the preferred embodiment internal accumulator or reservoir  901  is cylindrical to equalize forces about the interior of internal accumulator or reservoir  901  and to minimize stress concentrations. However alternative shapes may be used. Additionally, internal accumulator or reservoir  901  may be formed by use of a pre-existing canister  902 . In such an event ejector manifold  50  is formed by locating pre-existing canister  902  in moveable table or elevator  306  or  407 , or equivalent table or elevator when three-dimension production methods other than stereolithography or laser sintering are used, such that when ejector manifold is formed, it is formed about pre-existing canister  902 . It is understood in the art that three-dimensional production about a pre-existing object may require the use of ribs or other supports to maintain the pre-existing object in position during production.  
         [0055]     In the first alternative embodiment, internal accumulator or reservoir  901  may be constructed so as to communicate at one or both ends of ejector manifold  50  with an adjacent ejector manifold  50 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . Ejector manifold  50  may be constructed as to permit mating to an adjacent ejector manifold  50  so as form an ejector manifold having more nozzles. By such mating internal accumulator or reservoir  901  may likewise be elongated.  
         [0056]     Referring to  FIG. 13 , in the first alternative embodiment the presence of internal accumulator or reservoir  901  requires that internal passage ways  1301  permit communication between internal accumulator or reservoir  901  and valves  505 , located externally. When activated, a valve  505  is directed to permit fluid flow to a port connector  506 , forcing fluid through a respective passage  507  and ultimately to a respective nozzle  501 . When the volume of ejecting substance  803  has passed through valve  505  for nozzle  501  to deflect the intended particle, valve  505  deactivates. In this first alternative embodiment passageways  507  are routed about internal accumulator or reservoir  901 . However, due to the use of three-dimensional production and the ability to avoid creating material junctures or welds, passageways  507  may be constructed so as to pass directly through (not shown) internal accumulator or reservoir  901  when a pre-existing canister  902  is not used. In the first alternative embodiment valve  505  has both inlet and outlet on the same plane. In the first alternative embodiment, valve  505  is a plunger valve wherein valve  505  communicates with a single inflow passage  1301  and a single port connector  506  and a single passageway  507 . Such single-passage plunger valves typically also include a vent  1302  that permits valve  505  to vent when not permitting flow to single port connector  506 . In the preferred embodiment of the first alternative embodiment, valve  505 , port connector  506 , and internal passage  1301  are located proximate nozzle  501  but not closer than tunnel  510 . Location of valve  505 , port connector  506 , and internal passage  1301  are located proximate nozzle  501  but not closer than tunnel  510  reduces the volume of fluid required for ejection, reduces the volume of fluid required to be contained within internal accumulator or reservoir  901 , and reduces the dimension of ejector manifold  50  normal to the particle direction of flow  37 .  
         [0057]     In a second alternative embodiment, depicted in  FIG. 14 , a valve  1405  may be incorporated into ejector manifold  50  proximate each nozzle  501  by location of the valve  1405  and associated wiring at the proper location during production of ejector manifold  50 . Location of a valve  1405 , which may be a piezoelectric valve, proximate nozzle  501  reduces the volume of ejecting substance  803  between valve  1405  and nozzle  501 , preventing contamination or pressure loss of ejecting substance  803  between valve  1405  and nozzle  501  during operation. Depending on the characteristics of ejecting substance  803 , ejecting substance  803  may dry between activations, reducing the cross sectional area of the respective passage  507  and altering the frictional coefficient of the surface of the respective passage  507 . Either such condition may affect the flow rate of ejecting substance  803  at nozzle  501  during operation, resulting in a degradation of ejection characteristics. Thus location of valve  1405  proximate nozzle  501  reduces or eliminates the possibility of either such condition.  
         [0058]     In a further alternative embodiment,  FIG. 15 , internal accumulator or reservoir  901  may be formed so as to be detachable from body  509  of ejector manifold  50 , such that internal accumulator or reservoir  901  may detached from body  509  when exhausted, when a different fluid, fluidic solid, or gas is desired to be used, or when a cleaning fluid is desired to be used. Reservoir  901  is rigidly connected to ejector manifold  50 . In the preferred embodiment, reservoir  901  is rigidly connected to ejector manifold  50  by two connectors  950 , each of which mates to a receiving connector  580  on ejector manifold  50 . Connectors  950  are intended to be slid into receiving connectors  580 , through alternative connector, such as slotted and keyed connectors, are well known in the art. The use of replaceable internal accumulator  901  permits elimination of larger pressuring systems in lieu of smaller replaceable canisters and reduces the volume of fluid necessary to be stored proximate ejector manifold  50 . Moreover the use of replaceable internal accumulator  901  permits manufacture of replaceable internal accumulator  901 . Such detachable internal accumulator or reservoir  901  may also be constructed so as to best contain the particular fluid contained therein, which construction may vary from material to material. As constructed body and replaceable internal accumulator  901  would permit communication between passages in body and mating passages in replaceable internal accumulator  901 .  
         [0059]     The terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof.