Patent ID: 6991323

Claim:
A method of manufacturing a multi-channel array droplet deposition apparatus which comprises providing a plurality of like modules; each module comprising a base sheet having a layer of piezoelectric material poled normal to said base sheet, an array of parallel, open-topped droplet liquid channels being formed in said base sheet layer so that the piezoelectric material provides upstanding walls separating successive channels, the walls defining opposed channel-facing surfaces, adjacent parallel channels being spaced apart from each other by a channel spacing, and electrodes being formed on channel-facing surfaces of the walls; butting together said plurality of like modules; providing a channel closure sheet formed with an array of parallel conductive tracks spaced at intervals corresponding with the channel spacing; locating the channels in position parallel with and opposite said tracks; sealing the closure sheet to the channel walls of more than one of said like modules by forming bonds which mechanically and electrically connect each track to the respective electrodes on the channel-facing sides of the walls of the channel opposite the tracks; providing nozzles respectively communicating with the channels and providing means for connecting a source of droplet liquid to the channels.