Patent ID: 7914125

Claim:
A fluid ejection device, comprising: a substrate having a fluid channel including a fluid inlet, a fluid plenum communicated with the fluid inlet, a fluid ejection chamber communicated with the fluid plenum, and a fluid outlet communicated with the fluid ejection chamber; a flexible membrane supported by the substrate and extended a length of the fluid channel, wherein the flexible membrane has a first side communicated with the fluid channel and a second side opposite the first side, and includes a first portion extended over the fluid ejection chamber and a second portion extended over the fluid plenum; an actuator provided on the second side of the flexible membrane, wherein the actuator has a first end and a second end both positioned on the first portion of the flexible membrane, wherein the actuator is adapted to deflect the flexible membrane relative to the fluid channel in a first direction, and the fluid ejection device is adapted to eject drops of fluid in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; a constriction provided within the fluid channel between the fluid plenum and the fluid ejection chamber, wherein the constriction supports the flexible membrane between the fluid plenum and the fluid ejection chamber; and a reinforcement member provided on the second side of the flexible membrane, wherein the reinforcement member supports the second portion of the flexible membrane, has one end positioned on the second portion of the flexible membrane, and extends beyond the flexible membrane.