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US 7,611,225 B2Granted
Inkjet nozzle assembly having thermal bend actuator with an active beam defining part of an exterior surface of a nozzle chamber roof
AssigneeSilverbrook Research Pty Ltd
InventorsGregory John McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An inkjet nozzle assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a nozzle chamber comprising a floor and a roof. The roof has a nozzle opening defined therein, and a moving portion moveable towards the floor. The assembly further comprises a thermal bend actuator, having a plurality of cantilever beams, for ejecting ink through the nozzle opening. A first active beam of the actuator defines at least part of an exterior surface of the roof.
Claims19
An inkjet nozzle assembly comprising:
- a nozzle chamber comprising a floor and a roof, said roof having a nozzle opening defined therein, said roof having a moving portion moveable towards the floor;
- and
- a thermal bend actuator, having a plurality of cantilever beams, for ejecting ink through the nozzle opening, said actuator comprising:
- a first active beam for connection to drive circuitry;
- and
- a second passive beam mechanically cooperating with the first beam, such that when a current is passed through the first beam, the first beam expands relative to the second beam, resulting in bending of the actuator,
- wherein the first active beam defines at least 30% of the area of the roof.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.