Patent ID: 8517516

Claim:
A method of ejecting a liquid from a liquid dispenser comprising: providing the liquid dispenser including: a substrate, a first portion of the substrate defining a liquid dispensing channel including an outlet opening, a second portion of the substrate defining a liquid supply channel and a liquid return channel; and a diverter member positioned on a wall of the liquid dispensing channel that includes the outlet opening, the diverter member including: a MEMS transducing member, a first portion of the MEMS transducing member being anchored to the wall of the liquid dispensing channel that includes the outlet opening, a second portion of the MEMS transducing member extending into a portion of the liquid dispensing channel that is adjacent to the outlet opening, the second portion of the MEMS transducing member being free to move relative to the outlet opening; and a compliant membrane positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member, a first portion of the compliant membrane separating the MEMS transducing member from the continuous flow of liquid through the liquid dispensing channel, and a second portion of the compliant membrane being anchored to the wall of the liquid dispensing channel that includes the outlet opening; providing a continuous flow of liquid from a liquid supply through the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel through the liquid return channel and back to the liquid supply; and selectively actuating the diverter member to divert a portion of the liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel through outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel; wherein the first portion of the MEMS transducing member and the second portion of the compliant membrane being anchored to the same wall of the liquid dispensing channel that includes the outlet opening, the compliant membrane including an orifice, a third portion of the compliant membrane being anchored to another portion of the wall of the liquid dispensing channel that includes the outlet opening such that the orifice of the compliant membrane defines a perimeter of the outlet opening.