Patent Publication Number: US-2022219455-A1

Title: Electrode structures for micro-valves for use in jetting assemblies

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/670,286 filed May 11, 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of micro-valves fabricated using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) techniques. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a jetting assembly including micro-valves that are used for industrial marking and coding. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional printing technologies have several shortcomings. For example, continuous inkjet printers have certain deficiencies that are difficult to eliminate. The process of generating droplets from an ink supply, for example, may lead to ink dripping in an undesired direction (e.g., away from a target), leading to maintenance requirements. Additionally, makeup fluid is lost over time as a result of evaporation, requiring continuous replenishment. Other maintenance costs, such as repairing orifice plates due to degradation, are also required. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment is directed to a micro-valve. The micro-valve includes an orifice plate including an orifice. The micro-valve further includes an actuating beam having a first end and a second end. The actuating beam also includes a base layer. A layer of piezoelectric material is disposed on the base layer and extends at least a portion of a distance between the first end and the second end. The layer of piezoelectric material defines a via therethrough at an electrical connection portion thereof. A bottom electrode layer is disposed on a first side of the layer piezoelectric material at the electrical connection portion thereof, a portion of the bottom electrode layer disposed beneath the via. A top electrode layer is disposed on a second side of the layer of piezoelectric material at the electrical connection portion thereof, a portion of the top electrode layer disposed through the via. The actuating beam includes a base portion extending from the electrical connection portion toward the first end and a cantilevered portion extending from the base portion to the second end. The cantilevered portion is movable in response to application of a differential electrical signal between the bottom electrode layer and the top electrode layer to one of open or close the micro-valve. 
     Another embodiment is directed to a micro-valve. The micro-valve includes an orifice plate including an orifice. The micro-valve further includes an actuating beam having a first end and a second end. The actuating beam also includes a base layer. A layer of piezoelectric material is disposed on the base layer and extends at least a portion of a distance between the first end and the second end. The layer of piezoelectric material defines a via therethrough to the base layer at an electrical connection portion thereof. A bottom electrode layer is disposed on a first side of the layer piezoelectric material at the electrical connection portion thereof, and a top electrode layer is disposed on a second side of the layer of piezoelectric material at the electrical connection portion thereof. The micro-valve also comprises a bonding pad. At least a portion of the bonding pad is disposed through the via on the base layers. The bonding pad comprises a bonding pad lead electrically connected to at least one of the bottom electrode layer or the top electrode layer. The actuating beam includes a base portion extending from the electrical connection portion toward the first end and a cantilevered portion extending from the base portion to the second end. The cantilevered portion is movable in response to application of a differential electrical signal between the bottom electrode layer and the top electrode layer to one of open or close the micro-valve. 
     Still another embodiment is directed to a jetting assembly. The jetting assembly includes a valve body having an orifice plate including a plurality of orifices extending therethrough. The jetting assembly further comprises a plurality of micro-valves. Each of the plurality of micro-valves comprise an actuating beam having a first end and a second end. The actuating beam also includes a base layer. A layer of piezoelectric material is disposed on the base layer and extends at least a portion of a distance between the first end and the second end. The layer of piezoelectric material defines a via therethrough at an electrical connection portion thereof. A bottom electrode layer is disposed on a first side of the layer piezoelectric material at the electrical connection portion thereof, a portion of the bottom electrode layer disposed beneath the via. A top electrode layer is disposed on a second side of the layer of piezoelectric material at the electrical connection portion thereof, a portion of the top electrode layer disposed through the via. The actuating beam includes a base portion extending from the electrical connection portion toward the first end and a cantilevered portion extending from the base portion to the second end. The cantilevered portion is movable in response to application of a differential electrical signal between the bottom electrode layer and the top electrode layer to one of open or close the micro-valve. The jetting assembly further includes a fluid manifold coupled to each of the plurality of micro-valves to define a fluid reservoir for each of the plurality of micro-valves. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective of a jetting assembly disposed in a holder, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the jetting assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the jetting assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4A  is a plan view of the jetting assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ;  FIG. 4B  is a schematic illustration of an adhesive structure that may be used in the jetting assembly of  FIG. 1 , according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 5A  is a-cross sectional view of a jetting assembly including a micro-valve, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 5B  is a-cross sectional view of a jetting assembly including a micro-valve, according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is cross-sectional view providing a more detailed view of the jetting assembly shown in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view of an actuating beam of a micro-valve, according to an example embodiment;  FIG. 7B  is a front cross-sectional view of the actuating beam of  FIG. 7A , according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional view of a first electrical connection portion of an actuating beam of a micro-valve, and  FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view of a second electrical connection portion of the actuating beam of the micro-valve, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of an end of an actuating beam of a micro-valve, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of an actuating beam of a micro-valve, according to an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Referring generally to the figures, described herein is a jetting assembly including multiple micro-valves. The micro-valves described herein employ an actuating beam including a layer of piezoelectric material. The actuating beam is electrically connected to a circuit board at an electrical connection portion thereof. At the electrical connection portion, a wire bond pad (or bonding pad) is disposed on the actuating beam. The wire bond pad is conductively connected to at least one electrode disposed proximate to the layer of piezo-electrical material so as to provide a pathway for an electrical signal (e.g., a charge, a voltage, a current, etc.) to be provided to the layer of piezoelectric material. The actuating beam may further include a base portion extending from the electrical connection portion and a cantilevered portion extending from the base portion. The cantilevered portion may extend into a volume such that the cantilevered portion has room to move in response to receiving the electrical signal via the electrical connection portion. In response to the electrical signal being provided via the pathway, the cantilevered portion may move from a closed position, in which a sealing member disposed thereon contacts a valve seat to close a fluid plenum, to an open position, in which fluid may emerge from a fluid plenum to dispense ink onto a target. 
     As described herein, various aspects of the actuating beam have been designed to maximize performance and durability of the micro-valves. For example, in various embodiments, the actuating beam comprises a bottom electrode layer (also referred to herein as “the first electrode layer”) disposed on a first (e.g., a bottom or lower) side of the layer of piezoelectric material and a top electrode layer (also referred to herein as “the second electrode layer”) disposed on a second (e.g., top or upper) side of the layer of piezoelectric material. At the electrical connection portion, there may be a first via in the layer of piezoelectric material. A portion of the bottom electrode layer may be disposed beneath the first via on a first side of the layer of piezoelectric material, and a portion of the top electrode layer may be disposed through the first via and, for example, located above the portion of the bottom electrode layer. Beneficially, such a via increases a rate of signal transfer between the electrodes formed by the electrode layers and increases the rapidity of the actuating beam&#39;s response to the electrical signal. Additionally, in some embodiments, a second via may be defined through the layer of piezoelectric material to a base layer on which the piezoelectric layer is disposed at the electrical connection portion. At least a portion of the bonding pad may be disposed through the second via on the base layer and configured to receive wire bond. As described herein, such a structure eliminates the need to cure the layer of piezoelectric layer (e.g., during its deposition) when in contact with any of the electrodes. This ensures the maintenance of a desired tensile state of the electrodes such that the cantilevered portion has a desired default position in the absence of the electrical signal. Furthermore, the bonding pad is disposed on the base layer which is significantly more rigid and robust surface than the piezoelectric layer and provides a sufficiently strong surface for the bonding pad for receiving the wire bond. 
     In another aspect, the electrodes of the actuating beam are structured to facilitate passivation of the electrodes and the layer of piezoelectric material. As described herein, the plurality of micro-valves may be attached to a fluid manifold or input fluid manifold to define a reservoir for holding a fluid (e.g., an ink) to be deposited onto a target surface. The input fluid manifold may be formed from glass, silica, silicon, ceramics, plastics, etc., and include a structure having openings therein defined between arms of the structure that are attached to the actuating beam. In some embodiments, one of such arms is attached to the base portion of the actuating beam such that the cantilevered portion extends into one of the openings defining the reservoir. As such, the cantilevered portion extends into a volume in which the fluid is disposed. To isolate the electrodes of the actuating beam from the fluid, a passivation structure may be disposed on the layer of piezoelectric material. In various embodiments, a delimiting boundary (e.g., an outer circumferential edge) of the bottom electrode is disposed inward of a delimiting boundary of the actuating beam. The passivation structure may be disposed on the second electrode such that it completely covers the second electrode. For example, the passivation structure may completely cover the second electrode such that, at the delimiting boundary of the actuating beam, the passivation structure directly contacts the layer of piezoelectric material. Beneficially, such a structure isolates the entirety of the electrode from the fluid, which prevents any corrosion from taking place and ensures a high durability of the micro-valve structure. Furthermore, the layer of piezoelectric material may extend beyond and overlap lateral edges of the bottom electrode layer so as to encapsulate at least a portion of the bottom electrode layer proximate to the top electrode layer. This prevents any leakage current from traveling between the bottom and top electrode layers, therefore preventing short circuits and performance deterioration. 
     As described herein, the term “default position,” when used in describing an actuating beam of a micro-valve, describes the position of the actuating beam with respect to various other components of the micro-valve without application of any control signals (e.g., an electrical charge, current or voltage) to the actuating beam. In other words, the default position is the position of the actuating beam (and any components attached thereto) when the actuating beam is in a passive state. It should be appreciated that other embodiments are envisioned in which the default position is an open position of the actuating beam. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a jetting assembly  100  disposed in a holder  150  is shown, according to an example embodiment. Jetting assembly  100  includes a valve body  102  attached to a carrier  108 . The holder  150  includes a substantially circular-shaped body having an opening contained therein adapted to receive the jetting assembly  100 . Holder  150 &#39;s body may include notches  118  extending from a peripheral edge thereof to facilitate attachment of the holder  150  to a marking device. The valve body  102  may be component of a marking device. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve body  102  is used in an industrial marking device including a pressurized ink supply. In other embodiments, the valve body  102  or any of the micro-valves described herein may be used in pneumatic applications, where the fluid includes a gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, oxygen, etc.). 
     As described herein, the valve body  102  includes an input fluid manifold attached to a plurality of micro-valves. The micro-valves and the input fluid manifold form a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid received from an external fluid supply. In other embodiments, the valve body  102  may define a plurality of fluid reservoirs, each fluid reservoir corresponding to at least a portion of the plurality of micro-valves. In such embodiments, each fluid reservoir may be filled with a different colored ink (e.g., black, green, yellow, cyan, etc.) or a different fluid so as to provide multi-color capable jetting assembly or a multi fluid deposition assembly. In various embodiments, the micro-valves include an actuating beam configured to move (e.g., bend, curve, twist, etc.) in response to voltages being applied thereto to temporarily open fluid outlets at orifices in an orifice plate. As a result, droplets are emitted from the fluid outlets onto a target to produce a desired marking pattern on the target. 
     As shown, a circuit board  104  is attached to a side surface of the carrier  108 . Circuit board  104  may include a plurality of electrical pathways and provide a point of connection between valve body  102  and an electrical controller (e.g., via a wiring harness). The electrical controller may supply control signals via the electrical pathways to control actuation of the actuating beams of multiple micro-valves included in the valve body  102 . The structure and function of such micro-valves are described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, circuit board  104  itself includes a micro-controller that generates and provides control signals to actuate the micro-valves. 
     An identification tag  106  is attached to jetting assembly  100 . In some embodiments, identification tag  106  includes an internal memory configured to store various forms of information (e.g., manufacturing information, serial number, valve calibration information, settings, etc.) regarding jetting assembly  100 . For example, in one embodiment, identification tag  106  is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag configured to transmit the stored information in a receivable manner in response to receiving a predetermined identifier from an external device. This way, information regarding jetting assembly  100  may be quickly and efficiently retrieved. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded view of jetting assembly  100  is shown, according to an example embodiment. Carrier  108  includes a front-side surface  110 , a rear-side surface  112 , and a side surface  124 . In various embodiments, valve body  102  is attached to front-side surface  110  via an adhesive. The rear-side surface  112  has a cover  116  disposed thereon. Cover  116  includes apertures  120  providing supply ports for fluid (e.g., ink) for deposition onto a target via the valve body  102 . For example, in some embodiments, fluid (e.g., ink) is supplied to the valve body  102  via a first one of the apertures  120  (e.g., via an input supply line or hose), circulated through valve body  102 , and output from the valve body  102  via a second one of the apertures  120 . In other words, the fluid is recirculated through the fluid plenum. A septum may be positioned in each of the apertures  120  and configured to allow insertion of a fluid delivery or fluid return needle therethrough so as to allow communication of the fluid into the fluid plenum while maintaining fluidic sealing of the jetting assembly  100 . In particular embodiments, the septum may include a single septum sheet which extends below each of the first one and the second one of the apertures. While not shown, in some embodiments, a heating element (e.g., a resistive wire) may be positioned proximate to the valve body  102  or the carrier  108  (e.g., around or coupled to side wall thereof). The heating element may be used to selectively heat the fluid (e.g., ink) contained within the fluid plenum so as to maintain the fluid at a desired temperature. Furthermore, a temperature sensor (not shown), e.g., a thermal sense resistor, may also be provided in the carrier  108 , for example, to determine a temperature of the fluid flowing through the jetting assembly  100 . 
     The front-side surface  110  includes a cavity adapted to receive valve body  102  such that valve body  102  is mounted securely to the front-side surface  110  (e.g., via an adhesive). Circuit board  104  is attached to carrier  108  via the side surface  124 . As shown, the side surface  124  includes mounting pegs  126 . In various embodiments, circuit board  104  includes apertures arranged in a manner corresponding to the arrangement of the mounting pegs  126  and are adapted to receive the mounting pegs  126  to align the circuit board  104  to the carrier  108 . 
     As shown, circuit board  104  has a flex circuit  114  attached thereto. Flex circuit  114  extends at an angle from circuit board  104  and is attached to the carrier  108  proximate to the front-side surface  110 . The valve body  102  and circuit board  104  are arranged perpendicularly to one another, as the flex circuit  114  extends around a corner boundary of front-side surface  110 . Circuit board  104  also includes a controller interface  122  including electrical connection members (e.g., pins) configured to receive control signals from a marking system controller. 
     As described herein, in various embodiments, the flex circuit  114  may be disposed between a fluid manifold and the carrier  108 , or an interposer disposed between the carrier  108  and the valve body  102  to facilitate formation of electrical connections between flex circuit  114  and electrodes of the plurality of micro-valves included in valve body  102 . In some embodiments, flex circuit  114  is attached to front-side surface  110  via a mounting member  148 . An opening in flex circuit  114  is aligned with a septum in carrier  108  to provide a fluid inlet to a fluid plenum formed via the valve body  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a schematic depiction of various components of jetting assembly  100  is shown, according to an example embodiment. For example,  FIG. 3  may depict a cross sectional view of jetting assembly  100  at the line I-I shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown, the valve body  102  extends from front-side surface  110  of the carrier  108  via an interposer  170 . The interposer  170  provides structural support to ensure maximal performance of various components in valve body  102 . While not shown, in some embodiments, a compliant layer (e.g., a silicone or rubber layer) may also be disposed above or below the interposer  170  or any other location in the stack so as to provide stress relief. 
     The valve body  102  includes an input fluid manifold  162  and a plurality of micro-valves  164  attached to the input fluid manifold  162 . The micro-valves  164  and input fluid manifold  162  form a fluid reservoir  166  for fluid (e.g., a combination of ink and makeup fluid) received from a pressurized fluid supply (e.g., via apertures  120  in a cover  116  attached to the rear-side surface  112 ). In various embodiments, the fluid supply includes a fluid reservoir and a pump configured to provide pressurized fluid to jetting assembly  100  via a supply line coupled to carrier  108 . In various embodiments, the fluid supply supplies fluid pressurized between 7 and 15 PSI when one or more of the micro-valves  164  are open. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid has a pressure of approximately 10 PSI. Carrier  108  may include an internal cavity configured to receive the pressurized fluid and deliver the fluid to the fluid reservoir  166 . In various embodiments, a pressure differential may be maintained between the fluid reservoir  166  and the fluid supply so as to drive the fluid out of the valve body  102 . 
     Input fluid manifold  162  may include a glass structure including a channel forming the fluid reservoir  166 . Generally, the micro-valves  164  include actuating beams held in spaced relation to orifices on an orifice plate at the front-side surface  110 . The actuating beams may include at least one layer of piezoelectric material configured to deflect in response to receiving control signals (e.g., electrical voltage waveforms provided via controller interface  122  on the circuit board  104 ). As described herein, application of such electrical signals causes the micro-valves  164  to open, which causes droplets to be released at the orifice plate. The droplets advance a throw distance  192  onto a substrate  190  to produce a desired pattern on the substrate  190 . In some embodiments, a weight of a single fluid droplet dispensed by a micro-valve  164  or any other micro-valve described herein may be in a range of 200 nanograms to 300 nanograms. In some embodiments, a volume of a single droplet dispensed may be in a range of 200 picoliter to 300 picoliter. The structure and function of various components of micro-valves  164  is described in greater detail herein. In other embodiments, the actuating beam may include a stainless steel actuating beam (e.g., having a length of approximately 1 mm). In still other embodiments, the actuating beam may include a bi-morph beam having two layers of a piezoelectric material disposed on either side of a base layer (e.g., a base silicon stainless steel layer). An electrical signal (e.g., an electrical voltage) may be applied to either one of the piezoelectric layers so as to urge the actuating beam to bend toward the corresponding piezoelectric layer. The two piezoelectric layers may include the same piezoelectric material or different piezoelectric materials. In particular embodiments, a different electrical signal may be applied to each of the piezoelectric layer so as to bend or curve the actuating beam a predetermined distance towards or away from the orifice. 
     While embodiments described herein generally describe the actuating beam as including a piezoelectric material, in other embodiments, any other actuation mechanism may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the actuating beams may include a capacitive coupling for moving the actuating beams. In other embodiments, the actuating beams may include an electrostatic coupling. In still other embodiments, he actuating beams may include a magnetic coupling (e.g., an electromagnetic structure activated by an electromagnet) for moving the beam. In yet other embodiments, the actuating beams may comprise a temperature sensitive bimetallic strip configured to move in response to temperature change. 
     Interposer  170  generally adds rigidity to various portions of the valve body  102 . For example, the interposer  170  may be constructed to be more rigid than components (e.g., the orifice plate, the actuating beam, etc.) of valve body  102  to counteract stressed induced by attaching such components to one another. For example, the interposer  170  may be attached to valve body  102  to counteract stresses induced by an adhesive used to attach the carrier  108  to the valve body  102 . Additionally, the interposer  170  may counteract stresses at interfaces between the input fluid manifold  162  and micro-valves  164 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4A , a plan view of the jetting assembly  100  is shown, according to an example embodiment.  FIG. 4A  shows a plan view of valve body  102  at the line II shown in  FIG. 2 . As such,  FIG. 4A  shows a cross-sectional view at an interface between input fluid manifold  162  and orifice plate. Input fluid manifold  162  includes a first opening  172  and a second opening  174 . The first opening  172  exposes the plurality of micro-valves  164  to form the fluid reservoir  166  configured to hold fluid received from a fluid supply. 
     In the example shown, the plurality of micro-valves  164  include a plurality of actuating beams  176  aligned in a single row. Each of the plurality of actuating beams  176  has a sealing member  178  disposed at an end thereof. In some embodiments, the sealing members  178  are aligned with and contact valve seats disposed at orifices in the orifice plate to prevent fluid contained in the fluid reservoir  166  from escaping the fluid reservoir  166  in the absence of any electrical signals. The jetting assembly  100  is shown to include 52 actuating beams  176  forming 52 micro-valves  164 . 
     In various embodiments, each of the plurality of actuating beams  176  extends from a member disposed underneath a boundary between the first and second openings  172  and  174 . Each of said members may include an electrical connection portion exposed via the second opening  174 . Bonding pads  180  (also referred to herein as “electrical contact pads  180 ”) are disposed at each of the electrical connection portions. Wire bonds electrically connect each of the electrical connection portions to the controller interface  122  via the electrical contact pads  180 . As such, electrical signals may be received by each of the actuating beams  176  via the electrical contact pads  180 . In other embodiments, tape automated bonding (TAB) may be used to electrically connect each of the electrical connection portions to the controller interface  122  via the electrical contact pads  180 . 
     The boundary between the first and second openings  172  and  174  isolates the electrical contact pads  180  from the fluid contained in a reservoir formed by the fluid opening  172 . Also beneficially, the electrical contact pads  180  are disposed beneath input fluid manifold  162 . This means that electrical connections between actuating beams  176  are disposed on the interior of carrier  108  and are protected from deterioration and external contamination. 
     To isolate electrical contact pads  180  from the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir  166 , an adhesive structure  182  is disposed on input fluid manifold  162 . Adhesive structure  182  couples the input fluid manifold  162  to the orifice plate. As shown in  FIG. 4A , adhesive structure  182  forms “racetracks” around each of the first and second openings  172  and  174 . The racetracks provide barriers for fluid that seeps between the input fluid manifold  162  and the orifice plate as well as prevent particles from entering the input fluid manifold. The racetrack adhesive structure  182  may be present on one or both of the input fluid manifold  162  side or the orifice plate side. For example, the racetracks may be constructed of several concentric rectangular loops of an adhesive material (e.g., a negative photo resist such as a bisphenol-A novalac glycidyl ether based photoresist sold under the tradename SU-8 or polymethylmethacrylate, polydimethylsiloxane, silicone rubber, etc.) around each of the first and second openings  172  and  174 . Segments of adhesive material may cut across multiple ones of the rectangular loops to form compartments for receiving seeping fluid. Such an adhesive structure  182  facilitates fluidic isolation between micro-valves  164  and electrical contact pads  180 . In other embodiments, the adhesive structure  182  may be formed from silicon and used to bond the input fluid manifold  162  to the orifice plate via fusion bonding, laser bonding, adhesives, stiction, etc. The adhesive structure  182  may be disposed on the input fluid manifold  162  and the valve body  102  coupled thereto, disposed on the valve body  102  and the input fluid manifold  162  coupled thereto, or disposed on each of the input fluid manifold  162  and the valve body  102  before coupling the two. 
     In some embodiments, the adhesive structure  182  may be vented. For example,  FIG. 4B  shows a schematic illustration of an adhesive structure  182   b . The adhesive structure  182   b  may be formed from SU-8, silicon or any other suitable material and includes a plurality of loops  189   b  such that the adhesive structure has a race track shape. An inner most loop of the plurality of loops  189   b  of the adhesive structure  182   b  that surrounds the input fluid manifold  162  forms a closed loop. In contrast, the remaining of the plurality of loops  189   b  positioned radially outwards of the inner most loop include vents  183   b , for example, slots or openings defined therein. The vents  183   b  may facilitate bonding of input fluid manifold  162  to the orifice plate by allowing air that may get trapped in between the plurality of loops  189   b  of the adhesive structure  182   b  to escape via the vents  183   b . While  FIG. 4B  shows the vents  183   b  being radially aligned with each other and located at corners of each loop, in other embodiments, one or more vents  183   b  of one loop may be radially offset from a vent defined in an adjacent loop. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , corners of the each loop of the adhesive structure  182   b  may be rounded. Furthermore, corners of the input fluid manifold  162 , the interposer  170 , the flex circuit  114  or any other layers or components included in the jetting assembly  100  may be rounded, for example, to reduce stress concentration that can occur at sharp corners. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A , a cross sectional view of a jetting assembly  200  including a micro-valve  230  is shown, according to an example embodiment. In some embodiments, jetting assembly  200  is an example embodiment of the jetting assembly  100  described with respect to  FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4A -B. As shown, jetting assembly  200  includes a carrier  202  attached to a valve body  298  via a structural layer  222 . In some embodiments, the carrier  202  may include the structural layer  222 . 
     Carrier  202  includes an upper portion  204  and a housing portion  206  extending from an edge of upper portion  204 . Upper portion  204  includes a septum  208  by which pressurized ink is provided. Housing portion  206  defines a cavity into which the valve body  298  is disposed. Valve body  298  includes an input fluid manifold  210  and the micro-valve  230 . As shown, input fluid manifold  210  and micro-valve  230  define a reservoir  300  configured to hold a volume of pressured fluid received from an external fluid supply via septum  208 . In various embodiments, the pressurized fluid held within the reservoir  300  is a combination of an ink and additional fluids in a liquid state. 
     Carrier  202  may be formed of plastic, ceramic, or any other suitable material. Carrier  202  facilitates operation of the jetting assembly  200  by providing structural support to valve body  298 . For example, in some embodiments, peripheral edges of valve body  298  are attached to housing portion  206  via layers of adhesive  302  disposed at the inner surface of housing portion  206 . Such adhesive facilitates maintenance of a desired relative positioning between micro-valve  230  and input fluid manifold  210 . 
     In various embodiments, input fluid manifold  210  is pre-formed prior to its attachment to the additional components of the jetting assembly  200 . Input fluid manifold  210  is formed by a body  310  (e.g., formed from glass, silicon, silica, etc.) having any suitable thickness (e.g., 500 microns). As shown, input fluid manifold  210  is pre-formed to include a first arm  330 , a second arm  332 , and a third arm  334 . As used herein, the term “arm,” when used to describe the input fluid manifold  210 , is used to describe a structure separating openings contained in the input fluid manifold  210 . As such, the arms  330 ,  332 , and  334  may have any suitable shape. For example, in some embodiments, the arms  330 ,  332 , and  334  are substantially rectangular-shaped, having substantially planar side surfaces. In other embodiments, the side surfaces may be angled such that the arms  330 ,  332 , and  334  are substantially trapezoidal-shaped. The arms  330 ,  332 , and  334  may be formed by creating openings in a structure (e.g., a silicon or glass structure) using any suitable method (e.g., wet etching or dry etching such as deep reactive ion etching). 
     As shown, a first channel  212  separates the arms  330  and  332  from one another and a second channel  214  separates the arms  332  and  334  from one another. The first and second channels  212  and  214  are substantially linear and parallel to one another in the shown embodiment, but input fluid manifold  210  may be arranged as needed for the arrangement of micro-valves to be disposed thereon. First channel  212  is formed to have a width  304  bearing a predetermined relationship to a length  312  of a cantilevered portion  308  of an actuating beam  240  of the micro-valve  230 , for example, in a range of about 500-1,000 microns. For example, first channel  212  may be formed to have a width  304  greater than a desired length  312  of cantilevered portion  308  by a threshold amount. Second channel  214  provides an avenue for an electrical connection to be formed between the actuating beam  240  and a flex circuit  216  via wire bonds  220  extending in between. Beneficially, using such an arrangement internalizes electrical connections between actuating beam  240  and flex circuit  216 . In other words, electrical connections between such components are not external to carrier  202 , and are thus less vulnerable to degradation. In various embodiments, the first channel  212  and/or the second channel  214  may have inclined sidewalls. 
     As shown, second channel  214  is substantially filled with an encapsulant  218 . Encapsulant  218  may include an epoxy-type or any other suitable material. Encapsulant  218  envelopes electrical connections formed between wire bonds  220 , the flex circuit  216 , and actuating beam  240  and is configured to protect the wire bonds  220  from physical damage, moisture and corrosion. Thus, encapsulant  218  ensures the maintenance of an adequate electrical connection between flex circuit  216  and actuating beams  240  to facilitate providing electrical control signals to actuating beams  240  to cause movement thereof to open and close micro-valve  230 . 
     The second arm  332  serves as a barrier preventing fluid contained in the reservoir  300  from reaching the electrical connections. As such, input fluid manifold  210  serves as both part of the reservoir  300  for pressured fluid received from an external fluid supply and an insulating barrier between the pressured fluids and any electrical connections contained within jetting assembly  200 . First and second channels  212  and  214  may be formed using any suitable process (e.g., via sandblasting, physical or chemical etching, drilling, etc.). In some embodiments, rather than being constructed of glass, input fluid manifold  210  is constructed of silicon, silica, ceramics or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the input fluid manifold  210  may be bonded to the micro-valve  230  via glass frit, solder or any other suitable adhesive. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 5A , micro-valve  230  includes an orifice plate  250  attached to actuating beam  240 . The orifice plate  250  may be formed from any suitable material, for example, glass, stainless steel, nickel, nickel with another layer of electroplated metal (e.g., stainless steel), polyimide (e.g., kapton) or a negative photoresist (e.g., SU-8, polymethylmethacrylate, etc.). In some embodiments, the orifice plate  250  may be substantially flat, for example, have a flatness with a coefficient of variance of less than 3 microns over a length and width of the orifice plate  250  of at least 15 mm, such that the orifice plate  250  is substantially free of bow or twist. Furthermore, the orifice plate  250  may have any suitable thickness. In some embodiments, the orifice plate  250  may have a thickness in a range of 30 microns to 60 microns (30, 40, 50, or 60 microns). In other embodiments, the orifice plate  250  may have a thickness in a range of 100 microns to 400 microns (e.g., 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, or 400 microns). Thicker orifice plates  250  may facilitate realization of a flatter orifice plate. 
     Orifice plate  250  is substantially planar and includes an orifice  260  extending between surfaces thereof. In various embodiments, the orifice  260  is substantially cylindrical-shaped and has a central axis that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to surfaces of orifice plate  250 . A valve seat  270  is disposed on an internal surface  316  of orifice plate  250  proximate to orifice  260 . In various embodiments, valve seat  270  comprises a compliant material that surrounds or substantially surrounds orifice  260 . In some embodiments, valve seat  270  is constructed from an epoxy-based adhesive such as an SU-8 photoresist. In other embodiments, the valve seat may be formed from a moldable polymer, for example, polydimethylsiloxane or silicone rubber. In still other embodiments, the valve seat  270  may be formed from a non-compliant material such as silicon. In some embodiments, a compliant layer, for example, a gold layer may be disposed on a surface of the valve seat  270  which is contacted by the actuating beam  240 . Valve seat  270  defies an interior opening  318  substantially aligned with orifice  260  to create an outlet for pressured fluid contained in the reservoir  300 . In particular embodiments, the valve seat  270  might be excluded. 
     As shown, the actuating beam  240  extends a distance between a first end  336  and a second end  338 . Actuating beam  240  includes an end portion  328  extending from the first end  336  to a boundary of the second channel  214 . As shown, the end portion  328  is attached (e.g., via an adhesive layer) to the input fluid manifold  210  via a surface of the first arm  330 . The end portion  328  is disposed on spacing member  280 . As such, the end portion  328  is sandwiched between the spacing member  280  and the first arm  330 . In various embodiments, the end portion  328  includes each of the layers described with respect to  FIGS. 7A-B  extending continuously therethrough. However, in alternative embodiments, any of the layers described with respect to  FIGS. 7A-B  may not be included or include any number of discontinuities within the end portion  328 . 
     Actuating beam  240  further includes an electrical connection portion  294  extending from the end portion  328 . As shown, the electrical connection portion  294  extends in a region that corresponds to the second channel  214 . In other words, electrical connection portion  294  is located between the spacing member  280  and the channel  214 . As shown, the wire bond  220  connects to the actuating beam  240  via the electrical connection portion  294 . As described herein, the actuating beam  240  has a bonding pad disposed thereon at the electrical connection portion  294  to form an electrical connection. Via the electrical connection, an electrical signal originating from an external controller travels to the actuating beam  240  via the flex circuit  216  and wire bond  220 . As described herein, the electrical signal may result in movement of a cantilevered portion  308  of the actuating beam  240  from a default position. Such a movement may open the fluid outlet defined at the orifice  260  such that fluid contained in the reservoir  300  is ejected from the valve body  298  and onto a desired surface. Various aspects of the electrical connection portion  294  are structured to facilitate operation of the micro-valve  230  in response to the electrical signal. Such aspects are described in greater detail with respect to  FIG. 8A-B . 
     Actuating beam  240  further includes a base portion  306  extending from the electrical connection portion  294  to a boundary of the second arm  332 . As such, input fluid manifold  210  is attached to the actuating beam  240  via an adhesive disposed between the base portion  306  and the second arm  332 . In some embodiments, each of the layers described with respect to  FIGS. 7A-B  extends continuously through the base portion  306 . In alternative embodiments, one or more of the layers described with respect to  FIGS. 7A-B  may not be present within the base portion  306 . For example, in one embodiment, the passivation structure  406  and the second electrode portion  404  are not present within the base portion  306 . In such an embodiment, the adhesive attaching the actuating beam  240  to the second arm  332  directly contacts the layer of piezoelectric material within the base portion  306 . Alternatively, or additionally, any of the layers described with respect to  FIGS. 7A-B  may include one or more discontinuities (e.g., vias) within the base portion  306 . 
     The cantilevered portion  308  extends from the base portion  306  into the reservoir  300 . Since the base portion  306  is disposed on a spacing member  280 , the cantilevered portion  308  is spatially separated from orifice plate  250 . Thus, since the cantilevered portion  308  extends into the reservoir  300 , there is space on either side of cantilevered portion  308  such that it may bend toward and/or away from the orifice plate  250  as a result of application of the electrical signal thereto via electrical connection portion  294 . The spacing member  280  is configured to prevent squeeze film damping of the actuating beam. 
     Cantilevered portion  308  has a length  312  such that the cantilevered portion  308  extends from a boundary of the reservoir  300  by a predetermined distance. In various embodiments, the predetermined distance is specifically selected such that a portion  292  of cantilevered portion  308  overlaps the valve seat  270  and orifice  260 . A sealing member  290  extends from the portion  292  of the actuating beam  240  overlapping orifice  260 . In some embodiments, sealing member  290  is constructed to have a shape that substantially corresponds to a shape of orifice  260 . For example, in one embodiment, both orifice  260  and sealing member  290  are substantially cylindrical-shaped, with sealing member  290  having a larger outer diameter. Such a configuration facilitates sealing member  290  covering orifice  260  in its entirety to enable a seal to be formed between sealing member  290  and valve seat  270 . In other embodiments, the orifice  260  may have any other shape, e.g., star shape, square, rectangular, polygonal, elliptical or an asymmetric shape. In particular embodiments, the valve seat  270  may define a recess size and shaped to receive the sealing member  290 . In various embodiments, the orifice plate  250  and therefore, the orifice  260  may be formed from a non-wetting (e.g., hydrophobic) material such as silicon or Teflon. In other embodiments, a non-wetting (e.g., hydrophobic) coating may be disposed on an inner wall of the orifice  260 . Such coatings may include, for example, Teflon, nanoparticles, an oleophilic coating or any other suitable coating. 
     In various embodiments, spacing member  280  and sealing member  290  are constructed of the same materials and have equivalent or substantially equivalent thicknesses  320  and  322  (e.g., silicon, SU-8, silicon rubber, polymethylmethacrylate, etc.). In such embodiments, when actuating beam  240  extends parallel to orifice plate  250 , lower surfaces of spacing member  280  and sealing member  290  are aligned with one another. When actuating beam  240  is placed into a closed position (as described herein), a surface of sealing member  290  contacts valve seat  270  to close the fluid outlet formed at orifice  260  (e.g., a sealing surface of the sealing member  290  may be configured to extend approximately 2 microns beneath a lower surface of spacing member  280  if the valve seat  270  was not present). Valve seat  270  and sealing member  290  may be dimensioned such that sufficient surface area of the sealing member  290  contacts valve seat  270  when actuating beam  240  is placed in the closed position (e.g., when an electrical signal is removed from or applied to actuating beam  240  via wire bonds  220 ) to prevent fluid from traveling from reservoir  300  to orifice  260 . For example, the sealing member  290  may have a larger diameter or otherwise cross-section than the valve seat  270 . In some embodiments, a compliant material (e.g., a gold layer) maybe disposed on a surface of the sealing member  290  that is configured to contact the valve seat  270 . 
     Various aspects of the structure of the cantilevered portion  308  are constructed to maximize the durability of the micro-valve  230 . In some embodiments, the second electrode portion  404  described with respect to  FIGS. 7A-B  extends continuously through substantially the entirety of the cantilevered portion  308 . Such a structure provides maximal overlap between the top electrode and a layer of piezoelectric material within the cantilevered portion  308  such that electric signal may be applied to substantially the entirety of the cantilevered portion to maximize the piezoelectric response. Because the cantilevered portion  308  extends into the reservoir  300 , the fluid contained within the reservoir  300  will contact the actuating beam  240 . The fluid contained within the reservoir  300  (e.g., any suitable combination of ink and makeup fluid) may corrode various materials out of which the actuating beam  240  is constructed. For example, in some embodiments, the electrodes contained in the actuating beam (e.g., the top electrode (hereon referred as “second electrode”) in the second electrode portion  404  described with respect to  FIGS. 7A-B ) may be constructed of a material (e.g., platinum) that corrodes in response to contact with the fluid. Thus, to ensure durability of the micro-valve, steps are taken to isolate the electrodes from the fluid. For example, the passivation structure  406  described with respect to  FIGS. 7A-B  may be disposed on the second electrode such that the passivation structure  406  completely covers the second electrode. 
     To allow this to occur, the actuating beam  240  may be constructed such that a delimiting (e.g., outer circumferential) boundary of the second electrode is disposed inward of a delimiting boundary of the actuating beam  240 . For example, the layer of piezoelectric material contained within the actuating beam  240  may extend outward of the second electrode, and the passivation structure  406  may be disposed on the second electrode such that the passivation structure  406  completely covers the second electrode. In other words, an end  340  of the cantilevered portion  308  may not include the second electrode layer to facilitate complete passivation of the actuating beam  240 . Such a structure is described in greater detail with respect to  FIGS. 7B, 9 and 10 . 
     Various aspects of jetting assembly  200  are designed to ensure formation of an adequate seal between valve seat  270  and sealing member  290 . For example, structural layer  222  disposed on input fluid manifold  210  prevents bowing of orifice plate  250  resulting from stressed induced thereon via adhesives coupling components of micro-valve  230  to one another and the micro-valve  230  to housing portion  206 . In various embodiments, structural layer  222  is constructed to have a greater rigidity than orifice plate  250  to perform this function. Structural layer  222  may be constructed of silicon or any other suitable material. As shown, structural layer  222  includes protruding portions  224  extending from a main portion thereof. Protruding portions  224  are attached to an upper surface of input fluid manifold  210  (e.g., at boundaries of first and second channels  212  and  214 ). In certain embodiments, protruding portions  224  are omitted. A seal is formed at protruding portions  224  via, for example, an adhesive disposed between structural layer  222  and flex circuit  216 . Protruding portions  224  provide clearance above the input fluid manifold  210 . Such clearance facilitates disposal of encapsulant  218  that completely covers all points of contact between wire bond  220  and flex circuit  216 . In some embodiments, the carrier  202  may include the structural layer  222  such that the stiffness is provided by the carrier  202 . 
     In another aspect, actuating beam  240  is constructed such that a tight seal is formed at the interface between the valve seat  270  and the sealing member  290  when in the closed position. Actuating beam  240  may include at least one layer of piezoelectric material. The layer of piezoelectric material may include lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or any suitable material. The layer of piezoelectric material has electrodes electrically connected thereto. In various embodiments, wire bonds  220  are attached to said electrodes such that electrical signals from flex circuit  216  are provided to the layer of piezoelectric material via the electrodes. The electrical signals cause the actuating beam  240  to move (e.g., bend, turn, curve, etc.) with respect to its default position. In other embodiments, the actuating beam  240  may include a stainless steel actuating beam (e.g., having a length of approximately 1 mm). In still other embodiments, the actuating beam  240  may include a bimorph beam having a two layers of a piezoelectric material disposed on either side of a base layer (e.g., a base silicon layer). An electrical signal (e.g., an electrical voltage) may be applied to either one of the piezoelectric layers so as to urge the actuating beam to bend toward the corresponding piezoelectric layer. The two piezoelectric layers may include the same piezoelectric material or different piezoelectric materials. In particular embodiments, a different electrical signal may be applied to each of the piezoelectric layer so as to bend or curve the actuating beam a predetermined distance. 
     As shown, wire bonds  220  are attached to actuating beam  240  at an electrical connection portion  294  thereof. Electrical connection portion  294  includes a bonding pad (e.g., constructed of gold, platinum, rubidium, etc.) conductively connected to at least one electrode within actuating beam  240 . Beneficially, electrical connection portion  294  is separated from the cantilevered portion of actuating beam  240 . In other words, electrical connection portion  294  is separated from the fluid contained in jetting assembly  200  via seals formed at the points of connection between input fluid manifold  210  and actuating beam  240 . In some embodiments, the wire bonds  220  and/or the encapsulant  218  may be routed out through an opening provided in the orifice plate  250 . 
     In various embodiments, actuating beam  240  is constructed such that the closed position is its default position. In other words, various layers in the actuating beam  240  are constructed such that the actuating beam curves toward orifice  260  as a result of force supplied via pressured fluid contained in the reservoir. A tuning layer within actuating beam  240  may be constructed to be in a state of compressive stress to cause a curvature in actuating beam toward the orifice. As a result of such curvature, sealing member  290  contacts valve seat  270 , for example, in the absence of any electrical signals applied to the actuating beam  240  to close the fluid outlet. The degree of curvature may be specifically selected to form a tight seal at the interface between sealing member  290  and valve seat  270  with the actuating beam  240  in the default position. Beneficially, such a default seal prevents evaporation of the fluid contained in jetting assembly  200 , which prevents clogging and other defects. 
     The actuating beam  240 , as shown in  FIG. 5A , is bent away from orifice plate  250 . Accomplishment of such a bend results from application of an electrical signal to actuating beam  240  via flex circuit  216 . For example, flex circuit  216  may be electrically connected to an external controller supplying electrical signals relayed to actuating beam  240 . 
     As illustrated by  FIG. 5A , application of the electrical signal causes the actuating beam  240  to temporarily depart from its default position. For example, in various embodiments, the actuating beam  240  moves upward away from orifice  260  such that a portion of a sealing member surface of sealing member  290  is at least 10 microns from an upper surface of valve seat  270 . In one embodiment, a central portion of the sealing member surface is approximately 15 microns from the valve seat  270  at a peak of its oscillatory pattern. As a result, an opening is temporarily formed between valve seat  270  and sealing member  290 . The opening provides a pathway for a volume of fluid to enter orifice  260  to form a droplet at an exterior surface of the orifice plate  250 . The droplets are deposited onto a substrate to form a pattern determined via the control signals supplied to each of the actuating beams  240  of each of the micro-valves  230  of jetting assembly  200 . As will be appreciated, the frequency with which the actuating beam  240  departs from its default position to a position such as the one shown in  FIG. 5A  may vary depending on the implementation. For example, in one embodiment, the actuating beam  240  oscillates at a frequency of approximately 12 kHz. However, the actuating beam  240  may oscillate at a smaller (e.g., 10 kHz) or larger frequency (e.g., 20 kHz) in other implementations. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5B , a cross sectional view of a jetting assembly  200   b  including a micro-valve  230   b  is shown, according to an example embodiment. In some embodiments, jetting assembly  200   b  is an example embodiment of the jetting assembly  100  described with respect to  FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4A-4B . As shown, jetting assembly  200   b  includes a carrier  202   b  attached to a valve body  298   b  via an interposer  222   b.    
     Carrier  202   b  includes an upper portion  204   b  and a housing portion  206   b  extending from an edge of upper portion  204   b . A fluid channel  211   b  is provided in the upper portion  204   b . A septum  208   b  (e.g., a rubber or foam septum) is positioned at an inlet of the fluid channel  211   b  and a filter  213   b  is positioned at an outlet of the fluid channel  211   b . A cover  203   b  (e.g., a plastic or glass cover) is positioned on the carrier  202   b  such that the septum  208   b  is positioned between the carrier  202   b  and the cover  203   b , and secured therebetween. An opening  209   b  may be defined in the cover  203   b  and corresponds to the inlet of the fluid channel  211   b . A fluid connector  10   b  is coupled to the cover  203   b  or the inlet of the fluid channel  211   b . The fluid connector  10   b  includes an insertion needle  12   b  configured to pierce the septum  208   b  and be disposed therethrough in the fluid channel  211   b . The fluid connector  10   b  is configured to pump pressurized fluid (e.g., ink) into an input fluid manifold  210   b  of the jetting assembly  200   b  via the insertion needle  12   b . Furthermore, the filter  213   b  is configured to filter particles from the fluid before the fluid is communicated into the reservoir  300   b . In some embodiments, the insertion needle  12   b  may be formed from or coated with a non-wetting (e.g., a hydrophobic material such as Teflon). In other embodiment, the insertion needle  12   b  may include heating elements, or an electric current may be provided to the insertion needle  12   b  so as to heat the insertion needle  12   b  and thereby, the fluid flowing therethrough into the reservoir  300   b . In still other embodiments, metallic needles or any other heating element may be provided in the input fluid manifold  210   b  for heating the fluid contained therein. While shown as only including the fluid channel  211   b , in some embodiments, the carrier  202   b  may also define a second fluid channel for allowing the fluid to be drawn out of the carrier  202   b , i.e., cause the fluid to be circulated through the carrier  202   b.    
     The housing portion  206   b  defines a cavity or a boundary within which the valve body  298   b  is disposed. Valve body  298   b  includes the input fluid manifold  210   b  and the micro-valve  230   b . As shown, input fluid manifold  210   b  and micro-valve  230   b  define the reservoir  300   b  configured to hold a volume of pressured fluid received from an external fluid supply via the septum  208   b . In various embodiments, the pressurized fluid held within the reservoir  300   b  is a combination of an ink and additional fluids in a liquid state. 
     In various embodiments, input fluid manifold  210   b  is pre-formed prior to its attachment to the additional components of the jetting assembly  200   b . Fluid manifold  210   b  may be formed by a glass body  310   b  having any suitable thickness (e.g., 500 microns). As shown, input fluid manifold  210   b  is pre-formed to include a first channel  212   b  and a second channel  214   b . First channel  212   b  is formed to have a width  304   b  bearing a predetermined relationship to a length  312   b  of a cantilevered portion  308   b  of an actuating beam  240   b  of the micro-valve  230   b . Second channel  214   b  provides an avenue for an electrical connection to be formed between the actuating beam  240   b  and a flex circuit  216   b  via wire bonds  220   b  extending in between. 
     As shown, second channel  214   b  is substantially filled with an encapsulant  218   b . The encapsulant  218   b  ensures the maintenance of an adequate electrical connection between flex circuit  216   b  and actuating beams  240   b  to facilitate providing electrical control signals to actuating beams  240   b  to cause movement thereof to open and close micro-valve  230   b , and protects a wire bond  220   b  from physical damage or moisture, as previously described herein. 
     The portion  314   b  of input fluid manifold  210   b  separating the first and second channels  212   b  and  214   b  serves as a barrier preventing fluid contained in the reservoir  300   b  from reaching the electrical connections. As such, input fluid manifold  210   b  serves as both part of the reservoir  300   b  for pressured fluid received from an external fluid supply and an insulating barrier between the pressured fluids and any electrical connections contained within jetting assembly  200   b.    
     The micro-valve  230   b  includes an orifice plate  250   b  attached to actuating beam  240   b . Orifice plate  250   b  is substantially planar and includes an orifice  260   b  extending between surfaces thereof. A valve seat  270   b  is disposed on an internal surface  316   b  of orifice plate  250   b  proximate to orifice  260   b . Valve seat  270   b  defies an interior opening  318   b  substantially aligned with orifice  260   b  to create an outlet for pressured fluid contained in the reservoir  300   b . In particular embodiments, the valve seat  270   b  might be excluded. In some embodiments, the orifice plate  250   b  or any other orifice plate described herein may also be grounded. For example, an electrical ground connector  295   b  (e.g., a bonding pad such as a gold bond pad) may be provided on the orifice plate  250   b  and configured to allow the orifice plate  250   b  to be electrically ground (e.g., via electrical coupling to a system ground). 
     The actuating beam  240   b  includes a base portion  306   b  and a cantilevered portion  308   b . Base portion  306   b  extends underneath the portion  314   b  of input fluid manifold  210   b  separating the first and second channels  212   b  and  214   b . As shown, the base portion  306  includes an electrical connection portion  294   b  in a region that overlaps with the second channel  214   b . Electrical connection portion  294   b  includes an electrode through which an electrical connection is formed with flex circuit  216   b  via wire bonds  220   b . The cantilevered portion  308   b  extends into the reservoir  300   b  from the portion  314   b  of input fluid manifold  210   b . As shown, cantilevered portion  308   b  is disposed on a spacing member  280   b  and, as a result, is spatially separated from orifice plate  250   b.    
     Cantilevered portion  308   b  has a length  312   b  such that the cantilevered portion extends from a boundary of the reservoir  300   b  by a predetermined distance. In various embodiments, the predetermined distance is specifically selected such that a portion  292   b  of cantilevered portion  308   b  overlaps the valve seat  270   b  and orifice  260   b . A sealing member  290   b  extends from the portion  292   b  of the actuating beam  240   b  overlapping the orifice  260   b . In some embodiments, sealing member  290   b  is constructed to have a shape that substantially corresponds to a shape of orifice  260   b.    
     The flex circuit  216   b  is positioned on the glass body  310   b  and the portion  314   b  of the input fluid manifold  210   b , and coupled thereto via a first adhesive layer (e.g., SU-8, silicone rubber, glue, epoxy, etc.). An interposer  222   b  is positioned between the upper portion  204   b  of the carrier  202   b  and the input fluid manifold  210   b  so as to create gap between the upper portion  204   b  and the input fluid manifold  210   b . This allows sufficient space for disposing the encapsulant  218   b  and increases a volume of the input fluid manifold  210   b . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the interposer  222   b  is positioned on and coupled to a portion of the flex circuit  216   b  via a second adhesive layer  223   b  (e.g., SU-8, silicone, or any other adhesive). Furthermore, the interposer  222   b  is coupled to a side wall of the upper portion  204   b  of the carrier  202   b  proximate to the micro-valve  230   b  via a third adhesive layer  225   b  (e.g., SU-8, silicone, or any other adhesive). 
     The interposer  222   b  may be formed from a strong and rigid material (e.g., plastic, silicon, glass, ceramics, etc.) and disposed on input fluid manifold  210   b  so as to prevent bowing of the orifice plate  250   b  resulting from stressed induced thereon via adhesives coupling components of micro-valve  230   b  to one another and the micro-valve  230   b  to housing portion  206   b . In various embodiments, interposer  222   b  is constructed to have a greater rigidity than orifice plate  250   b  to perform this function. 
     In another aspect, actuating beam  240   b  is constructed such that a tight seal is formed at the interface between valve seat  270   b  and sealing member  290   b  when in the closed position. Actuating beam  240   b  may include at least one layer of piezoelectric material (e.g., lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or any suitable material). The layer of piezoelectric material has electrodes electrically connected thereto and wire bonds  220   b  are attached to said electrodes such that electrical signals from flex circuit  216   b  are provided to the layer of piezoelectric material via the electrodes. The electrical signals cause the actuating beam  240   b  to move (e.g., bend, turn, etc.) with respect to its default position. 
     As shown, wire bonds  220   b  are attached to actuating beam  240   b  at an electrical connection portion  294   b  thereof, substantially similar to the wire bonds  220  described with respect to the jetting assembly  200  of  FIG. 5A . In various embodiments, actuating beam  240   b  is constructed such that the closed position is its default position, as described in detail with respect to the actuating beam  240  of  FIG. 5A . 
     The actuating beam  240   b , as shown in  FIG. 5B , is bent away from orifice plate  250   b . Accomplishment of such a bend results from application of an electrical signal to actuating beam  240   b  via flex circuit  216   b . For example, flex circuit  216   b  may be electrically connected to a circuit board  215   b  (e.g., a printed circuit board) extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the actuating beam  240   b  along a sidewall of the carrier  202   b . An identification tag  217   b  (e.g., the identification tag  106 ) may be positioned between the circuit board  215   b  and the sidewall of the carrier  202   b . An electrical connector  219   b  is electrically coupled to the circuit board  215   b  and configured to electrically connect the flex circuit  216   b  to an external controller supplying electrical signals relayed to actuating beam  240   b  via the circuit board  215   b.    
     As illustrated by  FIG. 5B , application of the electrical signal causes the actuating beam  240   b  to temporarily depart from its default position. For example, in various embodiments, the actuating beam  240   b  moves upward away from orifice  260   b  such that a portion of a sealing surface of sealing member  290   b  is at least 10 microns from an upper surface of valve seat  270   b , as described in detail with respect to the actuating beam  240  of  FIG. 5A . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a more detailed view showing various components of jetting assembly  200  described with respect to  FIG. 5A-B  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, actuating beam  240  includes an actuating portion  242 , a tuning layer  244 , and a non-active layer  246 . Non-active layer  246  serves as a base for the tuning layer  244  and the actuating portion  242 . The structure of actuating portion  242  and the tuning layer  244  are described in greater detail with respect to  FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, the non-active layer  246  is constructed from silicon or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the non-active layer  246 , the spacing member  280 , and the sealing member  290  are all constructed from the same material (e.g., monolithically formed from a silicon wafer). In an example embodiment, non-active layer  246 , the spacing member  280 , and sealing member  290  are formed from a double silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. The SOI wafer may comprise a first silicon layer located between a first silicon dioxide layer silicon dioxide and a second silicon dioxide layer, a second silicon layer located between the second silicon dioxide layer and a third silicon dioxide layer, and a base layer located below the third silicon dioxide layer. 
     Spacing member  280  is shown to include an intermediate layer interposed between two peripheral layers. In an example embodiment, the intermediate layer and non-active layer  246  comprise two silicon layers of a double SOI wafer, with the peripheral layers disposed on either side of the intermediate layer including silicon oxide layers. In this example, the sealing member  290  and spacing member  280  are formed through etching the surface of the double SOI wafer opposite the actuating portion  242 . Oxide layers serve to control or stop the etching process once, for example, the entirety of the intermediate layer forming the spacing member  280  is removed in a region separating the spacing member  280  and sealing member  290 . Such a process provides precise control over both the width and thickness of the spacing and sealing members  280  and  290 . 
     As will be appreciated, the size of sealing member  290  may contribute to the resonance frequency of actuating beam  240 . Larger amounts of material disposed at or near an end of actuating beam  240  generally results in a lower resonance frequency of actuating beam. Additionally, such larger amounts of material will impact the actuating beam&#39;s  240  default curvature induced from pressurized fluid contacting actuating beam  240 . Accordingly, the desired size of sealing member  290  impacts various other design choices of actuating beam  240 . Such design choices are described in greater detail with respect to  FIG. 7A . In some embodiments, the sealing member  290  is sized based on the dimensions of orifice  260 . In some embodiments, the sealing member  290  is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter approximately 1.5 times that of the orifice  260 . For example, in one embodiment, sealing member  290  has a diameter of approximately 90 microns when the orifice  260  has a diameter of approximately 60 microns. Such a configuration facilitates alignment between sealing member  290  and orifice  260  such that sealing member  290  completely covers orifice  260  upon contacting valve seat  270 . In another embodiment, the sealing member  290  is sized such that it has a surface area that approximately doubles that of the orifice  260  (e.g., the spacing member  280  may have a diameter of approximately 150 microns, with the orifice  260  being approximately 75 microns in diameter). Such an embodiment provides greater tolerance for aligning sealing member  290  and orifice  260  to facilitate creating the seal between valve seat  270  and sealing member  290 . In other embodiments, the diameter of the sealing member  290  may be 2 times, 2.5 times, 3 times, 3.5 times or 4 times to the diameter of the orifice  260 . In various embodiments, a ratio of a length to diameter of the orifice  260  may be in range of 1:1 to 15:1. The ratio may influence shape, size and/or volume of a fluid droplet ejected through the orifice and may be varies based on a particular application. 
     Beneficially, the via  324  between spacing member  280  and sealing member  290  creates a volume of separation  326  between actuating beam  240  and orifice plate  250 . The volume of separation  326  prevents squeeze film damping of oscillations of actuating beam  240 . In other words, insufficient separation between orifice plate  250  and actuating beam  240  would lead to drag resulting from fluid having to enter and/or exit the volume of separation  326  as the actuating beam  240  opens and closes the orifice  260 . Having the greater volume of separation produced via spacing member  280  reduces such drag and therefore facilitates actuating beam  240  oscillating at faster frequencies. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , orifice plate  250  includes a base layer  252  and intermediate layer  254 . For example, in one embodiment, base layer  252  comprises a silicon layer and intermediate layer  254  includes a silicon oxide layer. In the embodiment shown, a portion of the intermediate layer  254  proximate to orifice  260  is removed and a first portion of the valve seat  270  is disposed directly on base layer  252  and a second portion of the valve seat  270  is disposed on the intermediate layer  254 . It should be understood that, in alternative embodiments, intermediate layer  254  extends all the way to boundaries of orifice  260  and valve seat  270  is disposed on intermediate layer  254 . In still other embodiments, the removed portion of the intermediate layer  254  may have a cross-section equal to or greater than a cross-section of the valve seat  270  such that the valve seat  270  is disposed entirely on the base layer  252 . 
     Due to the criticality of the spatial relationship between spacing member  280  and valve seat  270 , attachment of spacing member  280  to orifice plate  250  may be performed in a manner allowing precise control over the resulting distance between actuating beam  240  and orifice plate  250 . As shown, an adhesive layer  256  is used to attach spacing member  280  to orifice plate  250 . In various embodiments, a precise amount of epoxy-based adhesive (e.g., SU-8, polymethylmethacrylate, silicone, etc.) is applied to intermediate layer  254  prior to placement of the combination of spacing member  280  and actuating beam  240  thereon. The adhesive is then cured to form an adhesive layer  256  having a precisely controlled thickness. For example, in some embodiments, a lower-most surface of spacing member  280  is substantially aligned with an upper surface of valve seat  270 . Any desired relationship between such surfaces may be obtained to create a relationship between sealing member  290  and valve seat  270  that creates an adequate seal when actuating beam  240  is in the default position. In various embodiments, the adhesive layer  256  and the valve seat  270  may be formed from the same material (e.g., SU-8) in a single photolithographic process. 
     In various embodiments, once the actuating beam  240  and orifice plate  250  are attached to one another via adhesive layer  256  (e.g., to form micro-valve  230 ), an additional adhesive layer  248  is applied to the periphery of the actuating beam  240 . The additional adhesive layer  248  is used to attach input fluid manifold  210  to actuating beam  240 . The structural layer  222  (or the interposer  222   b ) may be positioned on the input fluid manifold  210  and coupled thereto via a second adhesive layer  225 . In some embodiments, the additional adhesive layer  248  and the second adhesive layer  225  may include the same material as the adhesive layer  256 . 
     In the example shown with respect to  FIG. 6 , the micro-valve  230  includes a sealing structure  500  including various components through which a seal is formed to separate the orifice  260  from a volume proximate the actuating beam  240 . In the example shown, the sealing structure  500  includes the sealing member  290  and the valve seat  270 . As described herein, the actuating beam  240  is configured such that an orifice-facing surface of the sealing member  290  contacts an upper surface of the valve seat  270  to form a seal at the interface between the valve seat  270  and the sealing member  290 . The seal isolates the orifice  260  from the channel  212  such that minimal fluid escapes the jetting assembly  200  when no electrical signals are applied to the actuating beam  240 . In other embodiments, the valve seat  270  may be excluded such that the orifice facing surface of the sealing structure  500  contacts the orifice plate  250  so as to fluidly seal the orifice  260 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7A , a more detailed view of actuating beam  240  is shown, according to an example embodiment and not to scale. As shown, actuating beam  240  may include a base layer comprising the non-active layer  246 , the tuning layer  244  and a barrier layer  400 , a first electrode portion  402 , the actuating portion  242 , a second electrode portion  404 , and a passivation structure  406 . As will be appreciated, actuating beam  240  may include more or fewer layers in various alternative embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, tuning layer  244  is disposed directly on non-active layer  246 . Tuning layer  244  generally serves as an adhesion layer for facilitating deposition of the additional layers described herein. Additionally, as described herein, a thickness of tuning layer  244  may play a critical role in determining an overall curvature in actuating beam  240  when in its default position. Speaking generally, tuning layer  244  is configured to have a predetermined tuning stress such that in the closed position, the sealing member  290  of the actuating beam  240  contacts and exerts a force on the valve seat  270  so as to fluidly seal the orifice  260 . In some embodiments, in the absence of an electrical signal, the predetermined tuning stress is configured to cause the actuating beam  240  to curve toward the orifice  260  such that in the absence of the valve seat  270 , the sealing member surface of the sealing member  290  would be positioned a predetermined distance (e.g., 2 microns) beneath a lower surface of the spacing member  280 . For example, the tuning layer  244  may be placed into a state of compressive stress as a result of the deposition of the additional layers described herein. As such, the thicker tuning layer  244  is, the greater curvature of actuating beam  240  toward orifice  260  when in its default position. In one example embodiment, the tuning layer  244  is constructed of silicon dioxide. 
     Barrier layer  400  acts as a barrier against diffusion of materials contained in the first electrode portion  402  to the tuning layer  244 . If left unchecked, such migration will lead to harmful mixing effects between constituent materials in the layers, adversely impacting performance. In various embodiments, barrier layer  400  is constructed of, for example, zirconium dioxide. As shown, first electrode portion  402  includes an adhesion layer  408  and a first electrode  410 . The adhesion layer  408  facilitates deposition of the first electrode  410  on barrier layer  400  and prevents diffusion of matter in the first electrode  410  to other layers. In various embodiments, adhesion layer  408  is constructed of titanium dioxide. First electrode  410  may be constructed of platinum, gold, rubidium, or any other suitable conductive material to provide a conductive pathway for electrical signals to be provided to actuating portion  242 . In some embodiments, first electrode portion  402  is only included in select portions of actuating beam  240 . For example, first electrode portion  402  may only be included proximate to and/or within the electrical connection portion  294 . 
     Actuating portion  242  may be formed from a single or multiple layers of any suitable piezoelectric material. In the example shown, active portion includes a growth template layer  412  and a piezoelectric layer  414 . Growth template layer  412  serves as a seed layer facilitating growth of the piezoelectric layer  414  having a desired texture (e.g., the {001} texture crystal structure and corresponding texture) to ensure maximal piezoelectric response. In some embodiments, growth template layer  412  is constructed of lead titanate. Piezoelectric layer  414  may be constructed of any suitable material, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT). 
     Piezoelectric layer  414  may be deposited using any method, such as, utilizing vacuum deposition or sol-gel deposition techniques. In some embodiments, piezoelectric layer  414  may have a thickness in a range of approximately 1-6 microns (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 microns, inclusive) and is adapted to produce a deflection at an end of actuating beam  240  of approximately 10 microns when an electrical signal is applied thereto. A deflection of 10 microns (e.g., such that a surface of sealing member  290  departs from valve seat  270  by slightly less than that amount) may be sufficient to produce droplets at orifice  260  having a desired size. In some embodiments, piezoelectric layer  414  has a piezoelectric transverse coefficient (d31 value) magnitude of approximately 140 to 160 pm/V. This value may enable adequate deflection of actuating beam  240  to be generated via electrical signals supplied to first and second electrode portions  402  and  404 . 
     As shown, second electrode portion  404  is disposed on actuating portion  242 . In various embodiments, second electrode portion  404  is structured similarly to first electrode portion  402  described herein. Application of a voltage to the first electrode portion  402  and/or second electrode portion  404  thus induces a strain in piezoelectric layer  414 , causing the cantilevered portion  308  to bend away from the orifice plate  250 . Through application of periodic control signals to first and second electrode portions  402  and  404 , periodic cycling of actuating beam  240  generates droplets output from orifice  260  at a desired frequency. While  FIG. 7A  shows the first and second electrode portions  402  and  404  overlapping each other, in other locations, the first and second electrode portions  402  and  404  may not overlap. This may limit or prevent electron leakage between the first and second electrode portions  402  and  404  which can damage the piezoelectric layer  414  or cause electrical shorts. 
     In various embodiments, the electrodes contained in first and second electrode portions  402  and  404  are deposited in a non-annealed state. As a result, the electrodes are deposited in a substantially compressive state, which impacts the overall curvature of actuating beam  240  when in a default position. The mode of deposition of piezoelectric layer  414  may impact the compressive state of the electrodes. For example, in some circumstances, where the piezoelectric layer  414  is deposited (e.g., via a vapor deposition technique) and later cured at a predetermined temperature (e.g., approximately 700 degrees C.), the curing may cause the electrode  410  to anneal and become removed from the compressive state. Such a removal impacts the overall balancing of stresses in actuating beam  240 , which changes its default curvature. Accordingly, it may be beneficial to use a low-temperature deposition process for piezoelectric layer  414  (e.g., a low-temperature sol-gel deposition process or plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process) to prevent the reversal of stresses in the electrodes. In various embodiments, second electrode portion  404  may be annealed at a higher temperature than the first electrode portion  402 , for example, to create a predetermined tuning stress in the tuning layer  244 . 
     The materials shown in  FIG. 7A  may extend substantially entirely through the length of actuating beam  240 . As such, there is an overlap between electrode portions  402  and  404  and the reservoir formed via micro-valve  230 . In various embodiments, the fluid contained in the reservoir is electrically conductive and/or corrosive to the materials forming the first and second electrode portions  402  and  404 . Thus, it is preferable to isolate electrode portions  402  and  404  from the reservoir to prevent the fluid contained in the reservoir from contacting electrode portions  402  and  404 . 
     In this regard, the passivation structure  406  is configured to perform such isolation. In the example shown, passivation structure  406  includes a dielectric layer  416 , an insulator layer  418 , and a barrier layer  420 . Barrier layer  420  may be constructed of silicon nitride, which acts as a diffusion barrier against water molecules and ions contained in the fluid to prevent corrosion of electrode portions  402  and  404 . In some embodiments, insulator layer  418  includes a silicon dioxide layer having a compressive stress that roughly counterbalances the tensile stress in the barrier layer  420 . Dielectric layer  416  may be constructed of aluminum oxide to prevent oxidation of the additional layers contained in actuating beam  240 . In some embodiments, an additional metal layer is disposed on barrier layer  420 . For example, the metal layer may be constructed of Talinum oxide or any other suitable, chemically-resistant metal to further enhanced the protective properties of passivation structure  406 . In particular embodiments, the barrier layer  420  may be formed from Teflon or parylene. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the actuating beam  240 , i.e., the structure formed by the layers shown in  FIG. 7A  may be covered or over coated by a Teflon or parylene layer. Such an overcoat may prevent micro-cracks from forming in the layers of the actuating beam  240 . In still other embodiments, the over coat may include a metallic layer, for example, a tantalum or palladium layer. 
     The addition of passivation structure  406  may significantly impact the default positioning of actuating beam  240 . This is so because passivation structure  406  is offset from a neutral axis  422  of compression of the actuating beam  240 . As shown, the neutral axis  422  is within the non-active layer  246 , which means that the electrode portion  404  and passivation structure  406  are the most distant therefrom in actuating beam  240 . Given this, the tensile or compressive stresses induced in such layers will greatly influence the default curvature of actuating beam  240 . As such, the thickness of tuning layer  244  is selected based on the structure of various constituent layers of passivation structure  406 . 
       FIG. 7B  is front cross-sectional view of the actuating beam  240  showing an arrangement of each of the layers included in the actuating beam  240 , according to an example embodiment and not to scale. As shown, actuating beam  240  includes the non-active layer  246 , the tuning layer  244  and a barrier layer  400 , as described with respect to  FIG. 7A . The first electrode portion  402  includes the adhesion layer  408  (e.g., titanium) positioned on the barrier layer  400 , and a conductive layer or electrode  410  (e.g., platinum, gold, rubidium) positioned thereon. The first electrode portion  402  is configured to have a width which is less than a width of the barrier layer  400  such that ends of the electrode portion  402  in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the actuating beam  240  are located inwards of the ends of the barrier layer  400  in the same direction. 
     The actuating portion  242  including the seed layer  412  and the piezoelectric layer  414  is conformally disposed on the first electrode portion  402  so as to extend beyond the lateral ends of the first electrode portion  402  and contact the barrier layer  400 . In this manner the piezoelectric layer completely surrounds or encapsulates at least the portion of the first electrode portion  402  which overlaps or is proximate to the second electrode portion  404 . The second electrode portion  404  includes an adhesion layer  403  (e.g., titanium) and a conductive layer  405  (e.g., platinum, gold, or rubidium). In some embodiments, the second electrode portion  404  may include only the conductive layer  405  disposed directly on the piezoelectric layer  414  (i.e., the adhesion layer  403  is omitted). Since the actuating portion  242  overlaps and extends beyond the ends of the first electrode portion  402 , the actuating portion effectively electrically isolates the first electrode portion  402  from the second electrode portion  404 , so as to prevent electron leakage and current migration which may be detrimental to the performance of the actuating beam  240 . 
     The passivation structure  406  conformally coats exposed portions of each of the other layers  246 ,  244 ,  400 ,  402 ,  242  and  404 . However, a bottom surface of the non-active layer  246  may not be coated with the passivation structure  406 . The passivation structure  406  may include a dielectric layer  416 , an insulator layer  418 , a barrier layer  420 , and a top passivation layer  424 . Barrier layer  420  may be constructed of silicon nitride, which acts as a diffusion barrier against water molecules and ions contained in the fluid to prevent corrosion of electrode portions  402  and  404 . Silicon nitride, however, is generally in a state of tensile stress once deposited on the remaining layer. Insulator layer  418  is configured to counterbalance such tensile stress. For example, in some embodiments, insulator layer  418  includes a silicon dioxide layer having a compressive stress that roughly counterbalances the tensile stress in barrier layer  420 . In various embodiments, the barrier layer  420  may be positioned beneath the insulator layer  418 . Dielectric layer  416  may be constructed of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide or zinc oxide to prevent oxidation of the additional layers contained in actuating beam  240 . Thus, passivation structure  406  serves to prevent both corrosion and oxidation—two major sources of defects caused by the presence of fluids—in actuating beam  240 , and thus ensures long-term performance of micro-valve  230 . Furthermore, the top passivation layer  424  is disposed on the barrier layer  420  and may include a Teflon or parylene layer. Such an overcoat may prevent micro-cracks from forming in the layers of the actuating beam  240 , and may also prevent the underlying layer from a plasma discharge (e.g., which the buried layers may be exposed to in subsequent fabrication operations). In particular embodiments, the top passivation layer  424  may include a metallic layer, for example, a tantalum or palladium layer. In some embodiments, an additional metal layer is disposed on barrier layer  420 . For example, the metal layer may be constructed of Talinum oxide or any other suitable, chemically-resistant metal to further enhanced the protective properties of passivation structure  406 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8A , a cross-sectional view of a first electrical connection portion  294  within the second channel  214  or  214   b  described with respect to  FIG. 5A-B  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The first cross-section is taken along a first location of the micro-valve  230  at which a portion of a top electrode layer  404  (also referred to herein as “second electrode layer  404 ”) is active, i.e., is involved in actuating the actuating beam  240 , so as to form a top electrode which is electrically coupled to a wire bond  220 . The active top electrode extends toward the cantilevered portion  308  from the electrical connection portion  294 . As shown, the electrical connection portion  294  is disposed on the spacing member  280 . The spacing member  280  is disposed on the orifice plate  250  described with respect to  FIGS. 5A-B  and  6 . In the example shown, the actuating beam  240  includes a first end and a second end. The actuating beam  240  includes a base layer  245  comprising the non-active layer  246  and the tuning layer  244  that extend continuously through the entirety of the electrical connection portion  294 , and the barrier layer  400 . Such an arrangement simplifies construction of the micro-valve  230  as it facilitates the formation of the actuating beam from a double SOI wafer. However, alternative embodiments are envisioned. For example, in some alternative embodiments, vias may be formed in the tuning layer  244  and/or non-active layer  246 . The layer of piezoelectric material  414  is disposed on the base layer  245  and extends a portion of a distance between the first end and the second end. A first via  802  and a second via  804  is defined through the layer  414  and the growth-template or seed layer  412  at the electrical connection portion  294 . 
     In the depicted embodiment, certain layers of the actuating beam  240  are not included in certain regions of the electrical connection portion  294 . For example, as shown, the second electrode layer  404  is only included in an electrode region  800  of the electrical connection portion  294 . In various embodiments, the electrode region  800  is disposed more proximate to the base portion  306  than the end portion  328  of the actuating beam  240 . As such, regions of the electrical connection portion  294  proximate to the end portion  328  do not include the second electrode layer  404 . In the example shown, the bottom electrode layer  402  (hereon referred to as “first electrode layer  402 ”) is only disposed in a limited segment of the electrode region  800 . At the first location shown in  FIG. 8A , a portion of the bottom electrode layer  402  disposed beneath the first via  802  is inactive, i.e., plays no part in activation of the actuating beam  240 . For example, during the fabrication process, the portion of the bottom electrode layer  402  disposed below the first via  802  at the first location may be structured so as to be physically disconnected and thereby, electrically disconnected from an active portion of the bottom electrode layer  402  located at a second location of the micro-valve  230  where the bottom electrode layer  402  forms a bottom electrode extending into the cantilevered portion  308 , as described in further detail below. Thus, within this limited segment, the actuating beam  240  includes a greater number of layers than any other segment of the actuating beam  240 . As a result, the actuating beam  240  may have a maximal thickness within the electrode region  800 . 
     As shown, within the electrical connection portion  294 , the piezoelectric layer  414  includes the first via  802  and the second via  804 . In the example shown, additional layers of the actuating beam  240  may also include vias that coextend with the first and second vias  802  and  804 . For example, as shown, the growth template layer  412  also include vias that correspond to the first via  802  in the piezoelectric layer. Such vias may be formed, for example, after the piezoelectric layer  414  is formed on the growth template layer  412 . For example, an etching mask may be disposed on the piezoelectric layer  414  and an etchant may be applied to the piezoelectric layer  414  such that portions of the layers  412 , and  414  are removed in positions that correspond to the first via  802 . As previously described herein, the portion of the bottom electrode layer  402  is disposed beneath the first via  802 . A portion of the top electrode layer  404  is disposed through the first via  802  and located above inactive portion of the bottom electrode portion  402 . 
     The second via  804  is defined through the layer of the piezoelectric material  414  to the base layer  245 . A bonding pad  806  is disposed on the actuating beam  240  such that at least a portion of the bonding pad  806  is disposed through the second via  804  on the base layer  245 . The bonding pad  806  is configured to receive a wire bond  220 . In some embodiments, the second via  804  may be defined through the barrier layer  400  such that the bonding pad  806  is deposited on the tuning layer  244 . The tuning layer  244  may be substantially more rigid than the layer of piezoelectric material  414  and the barrier layer  400  and may provide a significantly more rigid and robust surface for the bonding pad  806  to receive the wire bond  220  thereon. As shown in  FIG. 8A , the bonding pad  806  includes a main portion  808  disposed within the first via  802  and a bonding pad lead  810  disposed on an upper surface of the piezoelectric layer  414 . For example, after the first via  802  and the second via  804  are formed, the bonding pad  806  may be deposited on the piezoelectric layer  414  and over the second via  804  using any suitable technique. In various embodiments, the wire bond pad  806  is constructed of gold using a suitable deposition method (e.g., sputtering, thermal evaporation, electron-beam evaporation, sol-gel coating, etc.). While the main portion  808  is deposited on base layer  245  within the second via  804 , the bonding pad lead  810  is disposed over the layer of piezoelectric material  414 . A portion of the bonding pad lead  810  is disposed on the top electrode portion  404  at the first via  802  so as to be electrically connected thereto. 
     As a result of the portion of the first and second electrode layers  402  and  404  being contained within the electrode region  800  (or not extending beyond a boundary of the first via  802 ), neither the portions of the first electrode layer  402  or the second electrode  404  overlap with the main portion  808 . Beneficially, such a structure reduces strain placed on the electrode layers  402 ,  404  as a result of deposition of the wire bond pad  806  and connection of the wire bond  220  to wire bond pad  806 . As described with respect to  FIG. 7A-B , the electrode layers contained in the electrode portion  402  and  404  may be deposited in a non-annealed state having compressive stress. Deposition of the main portion  808  of the wire bond pad  806  thereon may alter the compressive state of the electrode layers  402 ,  404 , changing the balance of stresses in the actuating beam  240 , thereby affecting its default position. The first via  802  facilitates isolation of the main portion  808  from the electrode layers  402 ,  404  to thereby reduce this effect, and thus ensures the actuating beam  240  having a desired default position. 
     In the example shown, additional layers of the actuating beam  240  include vias at positions that correspond to the second via  804 . The growth template layer  412  includes such a via in the depicted embodiment. As such, vias in the actuating beam (e.g., in positions corresponding to the first and second vias  802  and  804 ) may extend through differing numbers of constituent layers of the actuating beam  240 . At the second via  804 , for example, both the growth template layer  412  and the barrier layer  400  include corresponding vias. At the first via  802 , however, only the growth template layer includes such a corresponding via. 
     A portion of the first electrode layer  402  is positioned beneath the first via  802 . As shown, the portion of the first electrode layer  402  is substantially centered with respect to the second via  804  and is slightly larger than the second via  804 . As such, portions of the layers  412  and  414 , and all layers disposed thereon (e.g., such as the second electrode layer  404 , wire bond pad  806 , and passivation structure  406 ), may be slanted at the circumferential boundary of the first electrode layer  402 . At the first location where the first cross-section of  FIG. 8A  is taken, the portion of the first electrode layer  402  does not extend to the cantilevered portion  308 , and therefore plays no role in biasing the piezoelectric layer  414  at the first location (i.e., is electrically inactive). 
     The second electrode layer  404  extends across the first via  802  such that the portion of the second electrode portion  404  is disposed within the first via  802 . In other words, at the first via  802 , the first and second electrodes layers  402 ,  404  are closer to one another than at other positions within the electrical connection portion  294 . At positions exterior to the first via  802 , for example, the first electrode layer is disposed on a first (e.g., lower) side of the piezoelectric layer  414  and the second electrode layer is disposed on a second (e.g., upper) side of the piezoelectric layer  414 . In the depicted embodiment, within the first via  802 , the first and second electrode layers  402  and  404  are separated by no more than an adhesion layer (similar to the adhesion layer  408  described with respect to  FIGS. 7A-B ) of the second electrode layer  404 . As described before, at the first location, the portion of the top electrode layer is active and forms a top electrode. An extending portion  407  of the top electrode extends outwards from the portion of the second electrode layer  404  onto the cantilevered portion  308  and is configured to convey electrical signal from the main portion  808  to a portion of the piezoelectric layer  414  positioned on the cantilevered portion  308 . 
     The bonding pad lead  810  of the wire bonding pad extends over an upper surface of the piezoelectric layer  414  and across the first via  802 . In the example shown, the bonding pad lead  810  extends over the portion of the second electrode layer  404  across the first via  802 . The contact area between the bonding pad lead  810  and the portion of the second electrode layer  404  creates an electrical connection through which an electric signal may be delivered to the piezoelectric layer  414  via the wire bond  220 . As described herein, the second electrode layer  404  may extend from the electrode region  800  across the base portion of the actuating beam  240  (e.g., such as the base portion  306  described with respect to  FIGS. 5A-B ) and substantially all of the cantilevered portion (e.g., such as the cantilevered portion  308  described with respect to  FIGS. 5A-B ). Thus, the electrical signal provided via the electrical connection at the bonding pad lead  810  facilitates an electrical signal being delivered to substantially the entirety of the cantilevered portion, thus facilitating an efficient piezoelectric response. 
     As shown, the passivation structure  406  is disposed on the piezoelectric layer  414 . In various embodiment, after the bonding pad  806  is formed (e.g., after formation of the first and second vias  802  and  804 ), the passivation structure is disposed on the actuating beam  240  via any suitable deposition technique. As shown, the passivation structure  406  includes a via positioned in manner that roughly corresponds with the first via  802 . Such a via in the passivation structure  406  provides a location for the wire bond  220 . The via in the passivation structure  406  may be formed after the passivation structure  406  is disposed in a manner such that the passivation structure  406  completely covers the electrical connection portion  294  (e.g., via etching or any other suitable cutting technique). As shown, the passivation structure  406  completely covers the second electrode layer  404  to prevent corrosion. 
       FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view of a second electrical connection portion  294   b , which may also be included in the micro-valve assembly within the second channel  214  described with respect to  FIGS. 5A-B , according to an exemplary embodiment. The cross-section is taken along a second location of the micro-valve  230  at which a portion of the bottom electrode layer  402  (also referred to herein as “first electrode layer  402 ”) is electrically coupled to a second wire bond  220   b . As shown, the electrical connection portion  294   b  is disposed on the spacing member  280 . 
     As shown, within the second electrical connection portion  294   b , the piezoelectric layer  414  includes a first via  802   b  and a second via  804   b . A second bonding pad  806   b  is disposed on the actuating beam  240 . The second bonding pad  806   b  is configured to provide an electrical signal (e.g., a current or voltage) to the portion of the first electrode portion  402  located in the second electrical connection portion  294   b . As shown, the second bonding pad  806   b  includes a main portion  808   b  disposed within the first via  802   b  and a bonding pad lead  810   b  disposed on an upper surface of the piezoelectric layer  414 . Expanding further, at the second location, the portion of the bottom electrode layer  402  positioned beneath the first via  802  is active so as to form a bottom electrode. Furthermore, the portion of the second electrode layer  404  disposed within the first via  802   b  above the active portion of the bottom electrode layer  402  is inactive, i.e., takes no part in actuating the actuating beam  240 . For example, during the fabrication process, the portion of the top electrode layer  404  disposed in the first via  802   b  may be structured so as to be physically disconnected and thereby, electrically disconnected from the active portion of the top electrode layer  404  located at the first location of the micro-valve  230  where the top electrode layer  404  extends into the cantilevered portion, as previously described herein. A portion of the bonding pad lead  810   b  is disposed on the inactive portion of the top electrode layer  404  at the first via  802   b  so as to be electrically connected to the active portion of the bottom electrode layer  402  through the inactive portion of the top electrode layer  404 , and in some embodiments, also through a second adhesion layer interposed between the portions of the first and second electrode layers  402  and  404 . 
     As a result of the portions of the electrode layers  402  and  404  being contained within the electrode region  800   b  (or not extending beyond a boundary of the first via  802 ), neither the first electrode layer  402  or the second electrode layer  404  overlap with the main portion  808   b . A portion of the first electrode layer  402  is disposed beneath the first via  802   b . As shown, the portion first electrode layer  402  is substantially centered with respect to the first via  802   b  and is slightly larger than the first via  802   b . As such, portions of the layers  412  and  414 , and all layers disposed thereon (e.g., such as the second electrode layer  404  and the second bonding pad  806   b , and passivation structure  406   b ), may be slanted at the circumferential boundary of the first electrode layer  402 . The second electrical connection portion  294   b  is similar to the electrical connection portion  294 , apart from the following differences. At the second location where the second cross-section of  FIG. 8B  is taken, the second electrode layer  404  does not extend to the cantilevered portion  308 , and therefore plays no role in biasing the piezoelectric layer  414  at the second location. However, a first electrode extending portion  403   b  extends outwards from the portion first electrode layer  402  onto the cantilevered portion  308  and is configured to convey electrical signal from the second main portion  808   b  to a portion of the piezoelectric layer  414  positioned on the cantilevered portion  308 . 
     In some embodiments, a differential electrical signal (e.g., differential voltage) may be applied between the active portions of the first electrode layer  402  and the second electrode layer  404  so as to open or close the micro-valve. For example, the actuating beam  240  may be configured to close the orifice  260  of the orifice plate  262  when no electrical signal is applied to the active portions of the first and second electrode layers  402  and  404  (i.e., in the default position) as previously described herein. Application of the electrical signal may bias the piezoelectric layer  414  causing the actuating beam  240  such that the cantilevered portion  308  bends away from the orifice  260 , thereby opening the micro-valve. The electrical signal may be applied to any one of the first electrode layer  402  or the second electrode layer  404 , and the other one of the first electrode layer  402  and the second electrode layer  404  electrically coupled to an electrical ground (e.g., a common ground). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a cross-sectional view of the end  340  of the cantilevered portion  308  of the actuating beam  240  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the second electrode portion  404  extends almost to the second end  338  of the actuating beam  240 . However, a circumferential boundary  900  of the electrode portion  404  lies inward of the second end  338 . As a result, when the passivation structure  406  is disposed on the second electrode portion  404 , a slanted portion  902  of the passivation structure  406  is formed at the second end  338 . In other embodiments, the passivation structure  406  may be conformally coated on the constituent layers of the actuating beam  240  at the second end  338 . As shown, the end  340  of the second electrode portion  404  is fluidly isolated from the reservoir  300  via the slanted portion  902 . If the second electrode portion  404  extended all the way to the second end  138 , a face delimiting the circumferential boundary  900  would be exposed to the reservoir  300  and corrosion of the second electrode portion  404  would result. As will be appreciated, the slanted portion  902  may not be limited to the second end  338 , but extend around substantially the entirety of the outer circumference of the cantilevered portion  308 . 
     It should be appreciated that the slanted portion  902  may take alternative forms than that depicted in  FIG. 9 . While slanted portion  902  is depicted as being substantially-linearly sloped, it should be appreciated that the slanted portion  902  may have a curved or rounded form in alternative embodiments. Generally, the slanted portion  902  may be described as an end portion of the passivation structure  406  that wraps around a second electrode portion  402 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a plan view of an actuating beam  1000  of a micro-valve is shown, according to an example embodiment. Actuating beam  1000  may be constructed in a manner similar to the actuating beam  240  described herein. As shown, the actuating beam  1000  includes an end portion  1002 , an electrical connection portion  1004  extending from the end portion  1002 , a base portion  1006  extending from the electrical connection portion  1004 , and a cantilevered portion  1008  extending form the base portion. In an example, when disposed in a micro-valve, the end portion  1002  and the base portion  1006  are attached to an input fluid manifold via an adhesive. The electrical connection portion  1004  may be aligned with an opening in the input fluid manifold to provide space for a wire bond to connect the actuating beam to an external circuit board. The electrical connection portion  1004  may be constructed in a manner similar to the electrical connection portion  294  described herein. The cantilevered portion  1008  may extend into a reservoir defined by the input fluid manifold and the micro-valve, and move in response to an electrical signal being received via the electrical connection portion  1004 . 
     The cantilevered portion  1008  is shown to include an extending portion  1010  and a sealing portion  1012 . The extending portion  1010  extends from the base portion  1006  and is substantially trapezoidal-shaped. Such a trapezoidal shape may improve the operating frequency of the incorporating micro-valve due to decreased fluid resistance. The sealing portion  1012  is substantially circular-shaped, and may have a sealing member disposed thereon to form a seal at a valve seat, as described herein. 
     As shown, the actuating beam  1000  includes a layer of piezoelectric material  1020  and an electrode  1014 . The electrode  1014  is disposed on the layer of piezoelectric material  1020  (e.g., in a manner similar to that described with respect to the second electrode portion  404  in the description of  FIGS. 8A-B  and  9 ). As shown, the electrode  1014  includes an extending portion  1022  disposed on the cantilevered portion  1008 . The extending portion  1022  has a circumferential boundary  1016  disposed inward of a circumferential boundary  1018  of the actuating beam  1000 . Such a structure facilitates the formation of an end portion of a passivation structure at the boundary of the actuating beam  1000  to completely isolate outer surfaces of the electrode  1014  from any fluid that the cantilevered portion  1008  may encounter. Such a structure reduces the corrosion of the electrode and extends the durability of the incorporating micro-valve. Furthermore, the electrode  1014  may be communicatively coupled to a first portion of the piezoelectric material  1020  that is disposed on the cantilevered portion  1008  that is movable, but is not coupled to a second portion of the piezoelectric material  1020  that is disposed on the immovable base portion  1006  of the actuating beam  1000 . This may prevent the second portion piezoelectric material  1020  from being actuated when an activating signal (e.g., a differential voltage) is provided to the piezoelectric material  1020  via the electrode  1014 . Since the second portion of the piezoelectric material  1020  is immovable, application of an activating signal may crack the piezoelectric material  1020 . Therefore, designing the electrode  1014  to only contact the movable first portion of the piezoelectric material  1020  prevents inadvertent failure of the piezoelectric layer. 
     In some embodiments, a micro-valve comprises: an orifice plate including an orifice; an actuating beam including a first end and a second end, wherein the actuating beam further comprises: a base layer; a layer of piezoelectric material disposed on the base layer and extending at least a portion of a distance between the first end and the second end, the layer of piezoelectric material defining a via therethrough at an electrical connection portion thereof; a bottom electrode layer disposed on a first side of the layer of piezoelectric material at the electrical connection portion thereof, a portion of the bottom electrode layer disposed beneath the via; and a top electrode layer disposed on a second side of the layer of piezoelectric material at the electrical connection portion thereof, a portion of the top electrode layer disposed through the via, wherein the actuating beam includes a base portion extending from the electrical connection portion toward the first end and a cantilevered portion extending from the base portion toward the second end, wherein the cantilevered portion is movable in response to application of a differential electrical signal between the bottom electrode layer and the top electrode layer to one of open or close the micro-valve. 
     In some embodiments, the micro-valve further comprises a valve seat disposed on the orifice plate, the valve seat defining an opening in fluid communication with orifice and a fluid plenum. 
     In some embodiments, the via is a first via, and wherein at the electrical connection portion of the actuating beam, the layer of piezoelectric material includes a second via defined therethrough to the base layer, wherein the micro-valve further comprises a bonding pad, at least a portion of the bonding pad disposed through the second via on the base layer and configured to receive a wire bond. In some embodiments, the bonding pad comprises a bonding pad lead electrically connected to at least one of the portion of the bottom electrode layer or the portion of the top electrode layer at the first via. 
     In some embodiments, at a first location of the electrical connection portion, the portion of the bottom electrode layer disposed beneath is inactive, and the portion of the top electrode layer is active so as to form a top electrode, the top electrode extending toward the cantilevered portion from the electrical connection portion, and wherein a portion of the bonding pad lead is disposed on the portion of the top electrode layer at the first via so as to be electrically connected thereto. 
     In some embodiments, at a second location of the electrical connection portion, the portion of the top electrode layer is inactive, and the portion of the bottom electrode layer is active so as to form a bottom electrode, the bottom electrode extending toward the cantilevered portion from the electrical connection portion, and wherein a portion of the bonding pad lead is disposed on the inactive portion of the top electrode layer at the first via so as to be electrically connected to the active bottom electrode through the inactive portion of the top electrode layer. 
     In some embodiments, the micro-valve further comprises a spacing member disposed on the orifice plate, wherein the electrical connection portion and base portion are disposed on the spacing member. 
     In some embodiments, the base layer comprises a tuning layer and barrier layer at least a portion of which is interposed between the tuning layer and the layer of piezoelectric material, wherein the second via extends through the barrier layer such that the bonding pad contacts the tuning layer. In some embodiments, the bonding pad is constructed of gold. 
     In some embodiments, at the electrical connection portion, the actuating beam comprises a first adhesion layer disposed under the bottom electrode and a second adhesion layer disposed under the top electrode, wherein the first adhesion layer is co-extensive with the bottom electrode and the second adhesion layer is co-extensive with the top electrode. In some embodiments, the first via, the bottom electrode layer and the top electrode are separated by no more than the second adhesion layer. 
     In some embodiments, the actuating beam further comprises a passivation structure disposed on the layer of piezoelectric material, wherein the passivation structure completely covers the top electrode and the layer of piezoelectric material. In some embodiments, the passivation structure comprises an aluminum oxide layer, a silicon dioxide layer disposed on the aluminum oxide layer, and a silicon nitride layer disposed on the silicon dioxide layer. 
     In some embodiments, the top electrode layer extends continuously from the electrical connection portion across the base portion of the actuating beam, wherein the top electrode layer includes an extending portion disposed on the cantilevered portion. In some embodiments, a circumferential edge of the extending portion of the top electrode layer is inward of a circumferential edge of the layer of piezoelectric material such that the passivation structure directly contacts the layer of piezoelectric material outward of the circumferential edge of the extending portion. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom electrode layer extends continuously from the electrical connection portion across the base portion of the actuating beam, wherein the bottom electrode layer includes an extending portion disposed on the cantilevered portion. In some embodiments, the layer of piezoelectric material overlaps and extends beyond lateral ends of the bottom electrode layer such that the piezoelectric material encapsulates at least a portion of the bottom electrode layer. 
     In some embodiments, an overlapping portion of the cantilevered portion overlaps the orifice, wherein the micro-valve further comprises a sealing member extending from the overlapping portion toward the orifice, wherein, in the absence of the electrical signal, the sealing member contacts the valve seat to close the micro-valve. In some embodiments, the orifice and the sealing member are substantially cylindrical shaped, wherein the sealing member is substantially centered with respect to the orifice and has a diameter larger than that of the orifice such that the sealing member completely covers the orifice in the absence of the electrical signal. 
     In some embodiments, the cantilevered portion extends from the base portion toward the orifice a distance between 500 and 1,000 microns. In some embodiments, the cantilevered portion includes a first portion extending from the base portion and a second portion extending from the first portion, wherein the second portion is differently-shaped than the first portion. In some embodiments, a cross-section of the first portion is trapezoidal-shaped and a cross-section of the second portion is cylindrical-shaped. 
     In some embodiments, a micro-valve comprises: an orifice plate including an orifice; an actuating beam including a first end and a second end, wherein the actuating beam further comprises: a base layer; a layer of piezoelectric material disposed on the base layer and extending at least a portion of a distance between the first end and the second end, the layer of piezoelectric material defining a via therethrough to the base layer at an electrical connection portion thereof; a bottom electrode layer disposed on a first side of the layer of piezoelectric material at the electrical connection portion thereof; a top electrode layer disposed on a second side of the layer of piezoelectric material at the electrical connection portion thereof; and a bonding pad, at least a portion of the bonding pad disposed through the via on the base layer and configured to receive a wire bond, the bonding pad comprising a bonding pad lead electrically connected to at least one of the bottom electrode layer or the top electrode layer, wherein the actuating beam includes a base portion extending from the electrical connection portion toward the first end and a cantilevered portion extending from the base portion toward the second end, wherein the cantilevered portion is movable in response to application of a differential electrical signal between the bottom electrode and the top electrode to one of open or close the micro-valve. 
     In some embodiments, a jetting assembly comprises: a valve body comprising an orifice plate including a plurality of orifices extending therethrough; a plurality of micro-valves, wherein each of the plurality of micro-valves comprises: an actuating beam including a first end and a second end, wherein the actuating beam further comprises: a base layer; a layer of piezoelectric material disposed on the base layer and extending at least a portion of a distance between the first end and the second end, the layer of piezoelectric material defining a via therethrough at an electrical connection portion thereof; a bottom electrode layer disposed on a first side of the layer of piezoelectric material at the electrical connection portion thereof, a portion of the bottom electrode layer disposed beneath the via; and a top electrode layer disposed on a second side of the layer of piezoelectric material at the electrical connection portion thereof, a portion of the top electrode layer disposed through the via wherein the actuating beam includes a base portion extending from the electrical connection portion toward the first end and a cantilevered portion extending from the base portion toward the second end, wherein the cantilevered portion is movable in response to application of a differential electrical signal between the bottom electrode layer and the top electrode layer to one of open or close the micro-valve; and a fluid manifold coupled to each of the plurality of micro-valves to define a fluid reservoir for each of the plurality of micro-valves. 
     In some embodiments, each of the plurality of micro-valves further comprises a valve seat disposed on the orifice plate, the valve seat defining an opening in fluid communication with orifice and a fluid plenum. In some embodiments, the via is a first via, and wherein at the electrical connection portion of the actuating beam, the layer of piezoelectric material includes a second via defined therethrough to the base layer, wherein the micro-valve further comprises a bonding pad, at least a portion of the bonding pad disposed through the second via on the base layer and configured to receive a wire bond. 
     In some embodiments, the bonding pad is constructed of gold. In some embodiments, the bonding pad comprises a bonding pad lead electrically connected to at least one of the portion bottom electrode layer or the portion of the top electrode layer at the first via. 
     In some embodiments, at a first location of the electrical connection portion, the portion of the bottom electrode layer is inactive, and the portion of the top electrode layer is active so as to form a top electrode, the top electrode extending toward the cantilevered portion from the electrical connection portion, and wherein a portion of the wire bonding lead is disposed on the portion of the top electrode layer at the first via so as to be electrically connected thereto. 
     In some embodiments, at a second location of the electrical connection portion, the portion of the top electrode layer is inactive, and the portion of the bottom electrode layer is active so as to form a bottom electrode, the bottom electrode extending toward the cantilevered portion from the electrical connection portion, and wherein a portion of the wire bonding lead is disposed on the inactive portion of the top electrode layer at the first via so as to be electrically connected to the active bottom electrode through the inactive portion of the top electrode layer. 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid manifold is disposed on an end portion of the actuating beam. In some embodiments, the fluid manifold is disposed between the plurality of micro-valves and a carrier, wherein the carrier substantially encloses a volume in which the fluid manifold and the plurality of micro-valves are disposed. 
     In some embodiments, the jetting assembly further comprises an interposer disposed between the fluid manifold and the carrier. In some embodiments, the jetting assembly further comprises a flex circuit disposed between the fluid manifold and the interposer, and a circuit board attached to a side surface of the carrier, wherein the flex circuit electrically connects the actuating beams of the plurality of micro-valves to the circuit board via wire bonds connected to the actuating beams at the electrical connection portion. 
     In some embodiments, each of the micro-valves further comprise a spacing member disposed on the orifice plate, wherein the electrical connection portion and the base portion are disposed on the spacing member. 
     In some embodiments, at the electrical connection portion, the actuating beam comprises a first adhesion layer disposed under the bottom electrode layer and a second adhesion layer disposed under the top electrode layer, wherein the first adhesion layer is co-extensive with the bottom electrode layer and the second adhesion layer is co-extensive with the top electrode layer. 
     In some embodiments, at the first via, the bottom electrode layer and the top electrode layer are separated by no more than the second adhesion layer. In some embodiments, the actuating beam further comprises a passivation structure disposed on the actuating beam, wherein the passivation structure completely covers the top electrode layer. 
     In some embodiments, the passivation structure comprises an aluminum oxide layer, a silicon dioxide layer disposed on the aluminum oxide layer, and a silicon nitride layer disposed on the silicon dioxide layer. In some embodiments, the top electrode layer extends continuously from the electrical connection portion across the base portion of the actuating beam, wherein the top electrode layer includes an extending portion disposed on the cantilevered portion. 
     In some embodiments, a circumferential edge of the extending portion of the top electrode layer is inward of a circumferential edge of the layer of piezoelectric material such that the passivation structure directly contacts the layer of piezoelectric material outward of the circumferential edge of the extending portion. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom electrode layer extends continuously from the electrical connection portion across the base portion of the actuating beam, wherein the bottom electrode layer includes an extending portion disposed on the cantilevered portion. In some embodiments, the layer of piezoelectric material overlaps and extends beyond lateral ends of the bottom electrode layer such that the layer of piezoelectric material encapsulates at least a portion of the bottom electrode layer. 
     As used herein, the term “approximately” generally mean plus or minus 10% of the stated value. For example, about 0.5 would include 0.45 and 0.55, about 10 would include 9 to 11, about 1000 would include 900 to 1100. 
     The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     The construction and arrangement of the elements as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. 
     Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. 
     Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.