Abstract: Devices for performing liquid extraction of one or more constituents from one fluid to another fluid are provided. In operation, the fluids are separated by channel structures that stabilize the interfacial boundary between the fluids allowing, for example, countercurrent flow and exchange or other flow conditions incompatible with unassisted maintenance of laminar flow. Also provided are channel structures which aid in mixing the fluids. Thin membranes may be formed using liquid extraction devices according to the invention. A process for manufacturing such devices using DRIE is described.

Abstract: An electrostatic mechanically actuated micro-metering device having an array of fluid chambers with orifices for ejecting fluid is designed, such that the pitch of the chamber array is independent from length and height dimensions of the actuating membrane that comprises a chamber wall, resulting in a higher resolution without requiring a substantially exponential increase in the applied voltage.

Abstract: Electrostatic attraction serves as a glue between a piezoelectric actuator and a flexible wall of the fluid chamber. A single actuator which can be shared among channels, provides the effort to drive ink out of the nozzle. The electrostatic field can be switched on and off; and so, individual channels are selectively clamped to the actuator only when those channels are to eject drops.

Abstract: Depoling and aging of a piezoelectric transducers used at elevated temperatures is controlled by poling the transducer, applying a bias voltage in the same direction as the transducer is poled to maintain the piezoelectric transducer at an elevated potential, and applying a drive voltage having a lesser magnitude than the bias voltage to induce elastic strain in the transducer.