Abstract: A flow sensor system is provided for measuring the rate of flow of a fluid in a flow channel that is configured to contain the flow. A substrate may be disposed in the flow channel, and a plurality of transducers may be disposed on the substrate in the flow channel. The substrate may also provide a plurality of paths, and each path may conduct a signal. The transducers may be configured to respond to the fluid flow by modifying the signals in relation to the flow. The transducers may be arranged with at least one of the transducers disposed closer to a central longitudinal axis of the flow channel than at least one other transducer. A signal processor may be coupled to at least two of the signals, and the signal processor may calculate the rate of flow of the fluid as a function of the at least two signals.

Abstract: A micro-pump for fuel injection includes a housing, a pressure regulator, a combustible liquid inlet conduit in fluid communication with the pressure regulator, and a drop ejector on the housing and in fluid communication with the pressure regulator. The drop ejector contains a nozzle capable of ejecting a combustible liquid in a drop-by-drop fashion from the drop ejector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of fabricating a flextensional transducer capable of ejecting a flowable material is disclosed. The method of fabricating a flextensional transducer capable of ejecting a flowable material includes ultrasonically metal welding an actuator body having an outer diameter and an aperture to a transducer membrane having an outer diameter and an aperture. The transducer membrane is also ultrasonically metal welded to a gland or nozzle capable of housing a portion of the flowable material. The gland or nozzle includes a surface adjacent to the transducer membrane having an aperture. The outer diameter of the actuator body is smaller than the aperture of the gland or nozzle.

Abstract: An actively-controlled recirculating ink delivery system is provided that incorporates active control of pressures downstream of the printhead. This is achieved through the use of a device (such as a pump, return valve, combination thereof or similar devices) that provides active control of downstream ink pressures. A pressurized ink supply, pressure sensors, an air and heat exchanger are also provided, thereby improving start up, normal operation, purging and shut down procedures. Because the pressurized ink supply is not restricted to sit at a particular vertical distance below the printhead, backpressure may be changed quickly and easily through electronic control, and system priming is considerably quicker than with conventional air-pressurized systems.