Filter for ink jet printhead

An ink jet printhead, comprising:

• a chip layer, forming a via for receiving ink and having at least one actuator for energizing the ink;
• a barrier layer disposed adjacent to and overlying the chip layer, forming at least one throat having a width and a cross-sectional area, and at least one bubble chamber, the at least one throat adapted to receive the ink from the via and provide it to the at least one bubble chamber;
• a nozzle layer disposed adjacent to and overlying the barrier layer, opposite the chip layer, forming at least one nozzle for ejecting the ink from the at least one bubble chamber when the ink is energized by the actuator,
• at least one post, pillar, or dam disposed proximate but not within the at least one throat, between the via and the at least one throat, extending part way between the chip layer and the nozzle layer, wherein the at least one post, pillar, or dam defines at least one gate through which the ink must pass from the via to the at least one throat, and
• wherein each of the at least one gate has at least one of a width or a height that is equal to or wider than the width of the at least one throat and wherein debris in the ink is effectively repelled or stopped by the posts, pillars, or dams.