Abstract: A thermal bend actuator includes: a thermoelastic beam for connection to drive circuitry; and a passive beam mechanically cooperating with the thermoelastic beam, such that when a current is passed through the thermoelastic beam, the thermoelastic beam expands relative to the passive beam resulting in bending of the actuator. The thermoelastic beam wherein the thermoelastic beam is comprised of an aluminium alloy. The aluminium alloy comprises a first metal which is aluminium, a second metal, and at least 0.1 at. % of a third metal selected from the group consisting of: copper, scandium, tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, titanium, silicon and magnesium.

Abstract: A thermal bend actuator includes: a thermoelastic beam for connection to drive circuitry; and a passive beam mechanically cooperating with the thermoelastic beam, such that when a current is passed through the thermoelastic beam, the thermoelastic beam expands relative to the passive beam resulting in bending of the actuator. The thermoelastic beam wherein the thermoelastic beam is comprised of an aluminium alloy. The aluminium alloy comprises a first metal which is aluminium, a second metal, and at least 0.1 at. % of a third metal selected from the group consisting of: copper, scandium, tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, titanium, silicon and magnesium.

Abstract: A print cartridge comprises an ink housing 500 having at least one interior compartment 110 with a print head mounted at the base of the housing in fluid communication with the compartment via a passageway 180 having an entrance above the bottom of the compartment. A compressed foam block 300 substantially fills the compartment above the passageway entrance so as to leave a free space laterally adjacent to the passageway. A rib 198 extends upwardly along one wall of the compartment from the free space partially to the top of the foam block, the foam block not conforming fully to the cross-section of the rib to leave an air vent channel along at least one side of the rib.

Abstract: A print cartridge comprises an ink housing 500 having at least one interior compartment 110 with a print head mounted at the base of the housing in fluid communication with the compartment via a passageway 180 having an entrance above the bottom of the compartment. A compressed foam block 300 substantially fills the compartment above the passageway entrance so as to leave a free space laterally adjacent to the passageway. A rib 198 extends upwardly along one wall of the compartment from the free space partially to the top of the foam block, the foam block not conforming fully to the cross-section of the rib to leave an air vent channel along at least one side of the rib.