Patent ID: 8783804

Claim:
A method of dispensing liquid comprising: providing a liquid dispenser including: a first liquid supply channel; a liquid dispensing channel including an outlet opening, the liquid dispensing channel being in fluid communication with the first liquid supply channel; a liquid return channel in fluid communication with the liquid dispensing channel; a second liquid supply channel in fluid communication with the liquid dispensing channel; providing a first liquid supply; providing a second liquid supply; providing a drop formation device associated with an interface of the second liquid supply channel and the liquid dispensing channel; providing a drop ejection device; providing a carrier liquid under pressure using the first liquid supply, the carrier liquid flowing from the first liquid supply through the first liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel through the liquid return channel and back to the first liquid supply continuously during a drop dispensing operation; providing a functional liquid to the liquid dispensing channel through the second liquid supply channel using the second liquid supply; selectively actuating the drop formation device to form a discrete drop of the functional liquid in the carrier liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel, the functional liquid being immiscible in the carrier liquid; and selectively actuating the drop ejection device to divert the discrete drop of the functional liquid and a portion of the carrier liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel toward the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.