Abstract: A capacitive ultrasonic transducer includes a flexible layer, a first conductive layer on the flexible layer, a support frame on the first conductive layer, the support frame including a flexible material, a membrane over the support frame being spaced apart from the first conductive layer by the support frame, the membrane including the flexible material, a cavity defined by the first conductive layer, the support frame and the membrane, and a second conductive layer on the membrane.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead that has an elongate chassis with a first set of apertures, an ink distribution unit for connection to an ink supply, and a plurality of printhead modules supported along the elongate chassis. The ink distribution unit has a plurality of ink distribution passages for connecting the ink supply to a second set of apertures and is supported on the chassis such that the plurality of printhead modules are supplied with ink from the second set of apertures via the first set of apertures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printhead for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes a chassis assembly defining a plurality of spaced apart first groups of apertures and a channel. An ink distribution unit defines a plurality of ink distribution passages and a plurality of spaced apart second groups of apertures. The apertures of each second group are in fluid communication with respective ink distribution passages. The ink distribution unit is received in the channel so that the first and second groups coincide. A plurality of printhead modules is serially engaged along the chassis assembly and in fluid communication with respective first groups. The printhead modules are configured to eject ink provided from the ink distribution passages via the first and second groups.

Abstract: A printhead IC for an inkjet printer, the inkjet printer having a print engine controller (PEC) for sending print data to the printhead IC, the printhead IC comprising: an array of nozzles for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto a media substrate; and, drive circuitry for driving the array of nozzles, the drive circuitry being configured to extract a clock signal from the data transmission from the PEC.

Abstract: An ink-jet printing assembly includes an elongate U-channel member assembly. An elongate ink delivery member is positioned on a floor of the U-channel member assembly and defines longitudinally extending ink delivery channels and a series of holes in fluid communication with each respective ink delivery channel. A plurality of micro-electromechanical inkjet printing modules with ink inlets and printhead integrated circuits are mounted in the U-channel member assembly such that the ink inlets are in fluid communication with respective holes.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes pressure generation elements that apply pressure change to liquid retained in corresponding pressure generation chambers to discharge the liquid from corresponding nozzle openings. Each of the pressure generation elements is fixed to a fixation plate. Nozzle lines include nozzle openings arrayed in a line. An electrical signal is sent through a flexible substrate from the outside to the pressure generation chambers. Pressure generation elements associated with the pressure generation chambers are fixed to the fixation plate, with the fixation plate being positioned between the pressure generation elements of each of two parallel nozzle lines. A wiring portion is formed at one end part of the fixation plate opposite to the other end that is closer to the pressure generation chambers. The flexible substrate is connected to the wiring portion.

Abstract: An inkjet drop ejection apparatus includes a chamber with a plurality of nozzles grouped in pairs, and a plurality of actuators. Each of the plurality of actuators is associated with a pair of nozzles and operable to cause ink to be ejected from either one of the pair of associated nozzles. Each of the plurality of the actuators is provided midway between its associated pair of nozzles, adapted to simultaneously move towards one nozzle of the pair and away from the other nozzle of the pair, whereby ejection of ink through the nozzle towards which the actuator is moving is effected.

Abstract: An inkjet head includes a flow path unit, an actuator unit, a flat flexile cable, a cover member and plural filters. The actuator unit is joined to an inflow-port face of the flow path unit. The reservoir unit supplies ink in an ink reservoir thereof into the flow path unit through the filters against which a region of the reservoir unit at least partially abuts. A side face of the reservoir unit defines a recess reaching the region of the reservoir unit between adjacent two filters. A sealant is applied to a gap between side faces of the two adjacent filters on the inflow-port face of the flow path unit and applied to the recess.

Abstract: An embodiment relates generally to a method of ejecting ink. The method includes providing a continuous stream of ink from a pressurized fluid chamber and activating a drive signal to activate a micro-electrostatic mechanical system (MEMS) membrane. The method also includes stably breaking up the jet stream into uniform droplets in response to deflecting the MEMS membrane to perturb the continuous stream of ink.

Abstract: The mist ejection head has: a nozzle plate in which a nozzle hole for ejecting liquid is formed; a liquid chamber connected to the nozzle hole; an ultrasonic wave generating device which applies an ultrasonic wave to the liquid in the liquid chamber; and a reflective wall which reflects the ultrasonic wave applied to the liquid, wherein: the reflective wall is disposed so as to oppose the nozzle plate and has an axially symmetrical shape comprising a portion of a parabolic surface, the portion including an apex of the parabolic surface and being on an apex side with respect to a focal point of the parabolic surface; an axis of the parabolic surface passes through the nozzle hole; and the focal point of the parabolic surface is positioned in a vicinity of the nozzle hole.

Abstract: A liquid-droplet jetting apparatus includes a first common liquid chamber which supplies a liquid to first pressure chambers communicating with first nozzles and extending in a predetermined direction; and a second common liquid chamber which supplies a liquid to second pressure chambers communicating with second nozzles and extending in the predetermined direction. The first and second common liquid chambers are overlapped in a plan view, and each having a substantial width. A damper for attenuating pressure wave which propagates to the first and second common liquid chambers is formed at a portion in which the first and second common liquid chambers are overlapped. Each of the first common liquid chamber, the second common liquid chamber and the damper is formed to have a width overlapping with one of the first and second pressure chambers, thereby making it possible to attenuate the pressure wave efficiently.

Abstract: An inkjet nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer includes a wafer substrate. A layer of drive circuitry is deposited on the wafer substrate, and subsequent etchant layers are deposited on the drive circuitry to define a nozzle chamber with walls and a roof structure defining an ink ejection port. The arrangement also includes a stacked capacitive actuator arranged in said chamber, said actuator having alternative electrode plates sandwiched between a compressible polymer, wherein activation of the stacked actuator draws the electrode plates together to compress the polymer storing energy therein, with subsequent de-activation releasing said energy to eject ink from the ejection port.

Abstract: The ink jet head includes a plate-like substrate having an ejection port bored therethrough and an ejection unit for ejecting ink droplets from the port, wherein at least a part of a periphery of the port convexly projects along an ejection direction of the ink droplets. The head ejects the ink droplets from the port by causing an electrostatic force to act on ink containing charged colorant particles. The head includes an ejection port substrate as the plate-like substrate, a head substrate disposed apart from the port substrate to form an ink flow path, an ink guide that is provided in the head substrate and a tip portion of which penetrates through the port, and an ejection electrode formed in correspondence to the port and causing the electrostatic force to act on the ink. The ink jet recording apparatus records an image on a recording medium using the ink jet head.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead with a wafer substrate and an array of ink ejection nozzles formed on the front side by lithographic etching and deposition techniques; and, a plurality elongate ink feed channels etched from the back side for supplying ink to the nozzles. Etching the ink feed channels from the back surface of the wafer removes the need for ink feed channels beside the chambers. This provides more room for the power and print data connections to each nozzle along the front surface of the wafer. Individual ink feed channels for each nozzle eliminates fluidic cross talk between adjacent nozzles. An ink feed channel that supplies several nozzles from the side of each chamber needs to incorporate special features such as pinch points to deal with fluidic cross talk. However, a back etched ink feed channel can supply several nozzles without fluidic cross talk.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device that has a firing chamber from which heated fluid is ejected, a heating element that heats fluid in the firing chamber and drive circuitry for the heating element. At least part of the drive circuitry is positioned within 60 microns of the heating element.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes a wafer substrate that defines an inlet channel and incorporates CMOS layers to generate electrical drive signals. A nozzle chamber wall and a roof wall are positioned on the wafer substrate to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the inlet channel, the roof wall defining an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. A paddle is positioned in the nozzle chamber and is reciprocally displaceable to eject ink from the ejection port. An actuating arm extends through the nozzle chamber wall and is connected to the paddle. The actuating arm has an actuating portion having a pair of actuating members. One of the actuating members defines a heating circuit such that, on receipt of an electrical signal to the exclusion of the other actuating member, the actuating arm is displaced in one direction as a result of differential thermal expansion.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead with multiple actuators and respective nozzles in each chamber, so that each actuator activates simultaneously from the same drive signal. By puffing multiple actuators in a single chamber, and providing each actuator with a corresponding nozzle (or nozzles), each nozzle ejects drops of smaller volume, and having different misdirections. Smaller drops with differing misdirections are less likely to create any visible artifacts.

Abstract: A printhead that has an array of ink ejection nozzles, an array of chambers adapted to store ink for ejection through each of the nozzles respectively, a plurality of ink inlet channels for feeding ink the array of chambers, and a plurality of actuators, one of the actuators being positioned in each of the chambers respectively for ejecting drops of ink through the nozzle. A plurality elongate ink feed channels is connected to the ink inlet channels. Each of the ink inlet channels is long and narrow relative to the dimensions of the chamber such that ink in said chamber is restricted from flowing out during ink drop ejection by viscous drag generated by the ink inlet channel. This enhances the droplet ejection efficiency as less of the pressure pulse generated by the actuator is lost to ink back flow.

Abstract: Provided is a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The arrangement includes a substrate defining an ink inlet channel and ink chamber with a CMOS layer deposited on top of the substrate, and a nozzle wall, roof and rim positioned on top of the substrate via which ink is operatively ejected from the chamber. The arrangement also includes an anchor atop the CMOS layer, said anchor linked to a stiffening beam by means of an actuator beam, the stiffening beam suspended from the CMOS layer by means of a passive beam and a carrier. Further included is a diffusion barrier about the ink chamber to inhibit the diffusion of hydroxyl ions through the CMOS layer.

Abstract: A method for discharging a liquid body includes: discharging the liquid body to a discharged region from a plurality of nozzles while a plurality of droplet discharge heads having a nozzle line having the plurality of nozzles that discharge the liquid body as droplets and are arranged in a linear manner, and a substrate including a plurality of discharged regions having a nearly rectangular shape are relatively moved in a main scan direction that is nearly orthogonal to an arrangement direction of the droplet discharge heads. In the method, the plurality of discharged regions are composed of a first discharged region and a second discharged region. The first discharged region is disposed on the substrate to set a long side thereof along a certain direction, and the second discharged region has a smaller area than the first discharged region and is disposed to set a long side thereof nearly orthogonal to the long side of the first discharged region.

Abstract: A printhead with drive circuitry for a heating element. At least part of the drive circuitry is positioned proximate to and within 60 microns of the heating element. Moving the drive circuitry within 60 microns of the heating element enhances the nozzle packing on the printhead substrate and improves its energy efficiency.

Abstract: A printhead is provided having a substrate with a plurality of ejection nozzles a plurality of adjacently arranged structures laminated with the substrate. Each nozzle has an inlet for supplying ejection fluid to the nozzle. The structures have a plurality of passages distributing the ejection fluid to the inlets of the nozzles. Each structure has elongate apertures to the passages. The long dimension of the elongate apertures in the abutting sides of adjacent structures are angled relative to each other.

Abstract: A fluid ejecting integrated circuit includes a wafer substrate. A drive circuitry layer is positioned on the wafer substrate. A protective passivation layer is positioned on the drive circuitry layer. A nozzle chamber wall extends from the passivation layer and a roof wall is positioned on the nozzle chamber wall such that the nozzle chamber wall and the roof wall define a nozzle chamber and a fluid ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. A fluid ejecting member overlies the passivation layer within the nozzle chamber and is configured to be displaced to eject fluid through the fluid ejection port. A pair of spaced apart electrodes is connected to the drive circuitry layer so that the drive circuitry layer can create a potential difference between the electrodes, with one of the electrodes fast with the fluid ejecting member to displace the fluid ejecting member as a result of the potential difference.

Abstract: A method of refilling a supply of printing fluid in a printing unit. The method comprises the steps of removably mounting a dispenser unit of printing fluid to the printing unit so as to align and engage a plurality of outlets of the dispenser unit with a plurality of inlets of a plurality of printing fluid storage chambers of the printing unit, the dispenser unit being configured so that only one outlet of the plurality of outlets connects to printing fluid stored within an enclosure of the dispenser unit; determining an amount of printing fluid needed to refill the printing fluid storage chamber via the inlet engaged with said one outlet; disengaging a ratchet mechanism of the dispenser unit so as to facilitate a reduction of volume in the enclosure by a plunger; and engaging the plunger so as to effect the reduction of volume in the enclosure until the ratchet mechanism is reengaged, thereby dispensing fluid from the enclosure into the printing fluid storage chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides for a printhead integrated circuit for an inkjet printer. The printhead integrated circuit includes a wafer substrate defining a nozzle outlet port. The printhead integrated circuit also includes an electromagnetic piston inside the chamber, the piston mounted to the wafer substrate via torsion springs, said piston operatively forced towards the outlet port when activated. Also included is a solenoid coil positioned on the wafer substrate about the piston to activate the piston when a current is passed through the coil.

Abstract: A recording head for use in an inkjet recording device, the recording head including a cavity unit having a plurality of nozzles each of which ejects a droplet of an ink, a plurality of communication holes which communicate with the plurality of nozzles, respectively, and a common ink chamber which communicate with each of the communication holes and which temporarily stores the ink to be supplied to the each of the nozzles via a corresponding one of the communication holes. The cavity unit has at least one inner wall surface which defines the common ink chamber and has respective open ends of the communication holes. The at least one inner wall surface further has a plurality of grooves each of which is connected, at one end thereof, to the open end of a corresponding one of the communication holes.

Abstract: An inkjet printer configured for ejecting ink droplets having a volume in the range of 1 to 2.5 pL, the printer comprising: a printhead having a plurality of nozzles assemblies, each nozzle assembly comprising: a nozzle chamber for containing ink, the chamber having a nozzle opening and an ink inlet, the nozzle opening having a maximum dimension in the range of 4 to 12 microns; and a bend actuator for ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle opening by generating a positive pressure pulse in the ink during bending of the actuator; and an ink supply system configured for supplying ink to the printhead at a positive hydrostatic pressure in the range of 1 to 300 mm H2O.

Abstract: A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer includes an outer shell of a hot rolled tri-layer laminate of two different metals; a core element within the shell, the core element defining four separate ink reservoirs; a printhead constructed using MEMS techniques to provide ink nozzles, chambers and actuators; and a micro molding for distributing ink from the ink reservoirs to the printhead. The tri-layer shell is configured such that the effective coefficient of thermal expansion of the shell as a whole is substantially equal to that of silicon, and the outer layers of the tri-layer laminate are symmetrically disposed around a central layer thereof.

Abstract: Devices used to degas and eject fluid drops are disclosed. Devices include a flow path that includes a pumping chamber in which fluid is pressurized for ejection of a fluid drop, and a semi-permeable membrane including an inorganic material having an outer surface positioned in fluid contact with the flow path. The membrane allows gases to pass therethrough, while preventing liquids from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A nozzle device for an inkjet printer includes a support structure defining an ink chamber connected to a source of ink; a nozzle chamber for receiving ink from the ink chamber; a nozzle opening through which ink in the nozzle chamber is ejected; and an elongate actuating arm cantilevered relative to the support structure and terminating in a movable free end within the nozzle chamber, the actuating arm comprising an active portion connected electrically to a current source and a passive portion electrically isolated from the current source. The passive portion is mechanically coupled to the active portion via at least one separating element, whereby differential expansion between the active and passive portions causes the actuating arm to bend and the free end of the actuating arm to move within the nozzle chamber to eject ink therein through the nozzle opening. The elongate actuating arm divides the nozzle chamber from the ink chamber.

Abstract: A printing integrated circuit is provided which has a substrate, fluid chambers on the substrate, pistons within the chambers and actuators connected to the pistons. Each chamber has an ejection port. Each piston is displaceable within the respective chamber to generate a fluid pressure pulse within that chamber thereby causing fluid ejection from the respective ejection port. Each actuator is configured to cause the displacement of the respective piston through heating of that actuator. The pistons are arranged in the chambers so that the ejection ports are adjacent a distal end portion of the pistons with respect to the connected actuators.

Abstract: A liquid ejection head for an electrostatic ink jet including an insulating ejection substrate in which through holes are bored to form ejection openings for ejecting droplets; an insulating support substrate arranged while facing the ejection substrate with a predetermined distance therebetween; a solution flow path provided between the ejection substrate and the support substrate; ejection electrodes, respectively provided corresponding to the through holes, for exerting electrostatic forces on the solution; and a shield electrode, provided corresponding to at least one of the through holes on a solution ejection side with respect to the ejection electrodes, for preventing electric field interferences between the through holes. Plural flow path wall portions contacting the ejection substrate stands in the solution flow path, and at least one of electrode lines connected to the ejection electrodes and electrode lines connected to the shield electrode are contained in the flow path wall portions.

Abstract: A printhead assembly comprises an elongate channel member of a metal alloy, a flexible elongate fluid carrier, and a series of printhead modules mounted to an external surface of the fluid carrier. The flexible elongate fluid carrier is positioned on a floor of the channel member, and defines a plurality of passages longitudinally extending along a length of the fluid carrier. The fluid carrier further defines a repeated pattern of holes on the external surface. The holes provide fluid communication from outside the fluid carrier to respective passages of the fluid carrier. Each printhead module includes an upper micro-molding and a lower micro-molding. The lower micro-molding has an air inlet slot in fluid communication with one of the plurality of passages via a hole of the repeated pattern of holes. The upper micro-molding has an exhaust hole aligned with the air inlet slot and through which air carried in one of the passages is expelled.

Abstract: Provided is a cradle unit for receiving a print cartridge to form a print engine. The cradle unit includes a main body defining an opening for receiving said cartridge, the main body having a frame structure including end plates with drive and exit rollers mounted therebetween. The cradle unit also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) pivotally mounted between the end plates for housing control electronics for controlling the operation of the print engine, and a cover assembly for securing said cartridge in the opening. The cover assembly is pivotally mounted between the end plates, with the cover assembly configured to pivot the PCB into electrical contact with a printhead controller on the cartridge when in a closed position, and to pivot the PCB out of electrical connection with said printhead controller when in an open position.

Abstract: A pagewidth printhead has a controller. The printhead also has a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements controlled by the controller. Each nozzle arrangement includes side walls located on a wafer substrate with a roof portion attached to said walls to define a printing fluid chamber, the roof portion defining an ejection port. Each arrangement also includes an inlet defined in the substrate to supply the fluid chamber with printing fluid, and a plurality of heater elements suspended between the side walls in the fluid chamber, so that when electrical actuation energy is applied to respective heater elements a vapor bubble is formed in the fluid leading to a pressure increase in the chamber thereby ejecting the fluid via the ejection port. The controller is configured to actuate respective heater elements individually to facilitate weighted ink drop volumes to be ejected from the nozzle arrangement.

Abstract: A unit cell of a printhead is provided having a multi-layer substrate defining an ink inlet, one or more side walls extending from the substrate around the ink inlet, a nozzle plate supported by the side walls to define a chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet, where the nozzle plate defines an aperture through which ink in the chamber can be ejected, and a looped and elongate heater element suspended within the chamber, which can be heated so that bubbles are generated in ink within the chamber and ink is ejected from the aperture. The elongate heater element terminates in a peripheral well in which the side walls are received.

Abstract: A micro-fluid ejecting device includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of fluid ejection elements formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of nonvolatile programmable memory devices for storing information related to the operation of the micro-fluid ejecting device. The programmable memory devices, which are at least partially embedded in the semiconductor substrate, each include a source region and a drain region formed in the semiconductor substrate. The source and drain regions have a conductivity type which is opposite the conductivity type of the semiconductor substrate. An insulative layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate over the source region and drain region. A floating gate region is formed on the insulative layer and is spatially disposed between the source region and drain region. The floating gate region is electrically insulated from the source and drain regions by the insulative layer. Electrical contacts are connected to the source region and the drain region.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polymer-based capacitive ultrasonic transducer, which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substrate; (b) forming a first conductor on the substrate; (c) coating a sacrificial layer on the substrate while covering the first conductor by the same; (d) etching the sacrificial layer for forming an island while maintaining the island to contact with the first conductor; (e) coating a first polymer-based material on the substrate while covering the island by the same; (f) forming a second conductor on the first polymer-based material; (g) forming a via hole on the first polymer-based material while enabling the via hole to be channeled to the island; and (h) utilizing the via hole to etch and remove the island for forming a cavity.

Abstract: A printhead integrated circuit comprises inkjet nozzle assemblies disposed on a substrate. Each nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle chamber having a nozzle aperture and an actuator associated with the nozzle chamber. The actuator ejects an ink droplet from the nozzle aperture when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. The resistive element of the actuator is spaced apart from the substrate.

Abstract: A printhead for an inkjet printer has a wafer that defines a plurality of nozzle chambers and ink supply channels in fluid communication with the nozzle chambers to supply the nozzle chambers with ink. An ink ejection port is associated with each nozzle chamber. A series of actuators is associated with each nozzle chamber and is radially positioned with respect to the nozzle chamber. The actuators are operable so that, when activated, they are displaced into the nozzle chamber to generate an ink meniscus at the ink ejection port and, when deactivated, return to an original position resulting in the necking and breaking of the ink meniscus to eject an ink drop.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly is provided for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle assembly includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet. A nozzle extends from the substrate assembly in register with the ink inlet and defines an opening through which ink can be ejected. A lever arm extends from the nozzle. A thermal bend actuator assembly is mounted to the substrate assembly and engages with the lever arm so that, upon actuation, the lever arm moves and ink within the nozzle is ejected out through the opening.

Abstract: Provided is a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate defining an ink chamber with an ink ejection port and ink holes for receiving ink from an ink reservoir, and a magnetic actuation device arranged in the chamber and actuatable via an external pulsed magnetic field to eject ink via the ink ejection port. The arrangement also includes a blocking mechanism arranged in the chamber and configured to operatively block movement of the actuation device to prevent ejection of ink from the chamber.

Abstract: A printhead having a hydrophobic ink ejection face is provided. At least part of the ink ejection face is coated with a hydrophobic polymeric material selected from the group comprising: polymerized siloxanes and fluorinated polyolefins.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead is disclosed. The printhead includes a substrate defining a plurality of ink inlet passages; a plurality of nozzle chambers formed on the substrate, each nozzle chamber being in fluid communication with at least one of the ink inlet passages, and at least one heater element suspended in each nozzle chamber, each heater element, when energized by an electrical signal, forms a gas bubble in ink in the nozzle chamber so that a drop of ink is ejected from the nozzle chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a printhead integrated circuit assembly having a substrate, drive circuitry and a controller. The substrate includes a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements formed thereon. The drive circuitry is positioned on the substrate for operatively actuating the respective nozzle arrangements to eject a drop of printing fluid therefrom. The controller is configured to monitor the power required to eject a drop from each nozzle, and to deactivate such nozzle and compensate with another nozzle if a required power level is exceeded.

Abstract: An ink nozzle unit is provided for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle unit includes a substrate assembly. A nozzle extends from the substrate assembly. The nozzle defines an internal nozzle chamber and an ink ejection portal through which ink supplied to the nozzle chamber can be ejected. A magnetic field generator is configured to generate a magnetic field passing though the nozzle chamber. A paddle is movably mounted within the nozzle chamber and includes at least one solenoid coil. An actuator is configured to activate the solenoid coil so that the paddle moves and ejects ink within the nozzle chamber out through the ink ejection portal.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for a printhead integrated circuit is provided having a fluid chamber having a fluid ejection port, a fluid ejecting member displaceable within the chamber to eject fluid from the ejection port, an actuator for causing displacement of the ejecting member from outside the chamber, and a resiliently deformable seal on the chamber for fluidically sealing the chamber about the ejecting member.

Abstract: A method and an inkjet printing apparatus for ejecting ink in a deflected manner are provided. The inkjet printing apparatus includes an inkjet printhead having a passage plate, an electrostatic-force-application unit, and a heating unit. The passage plate includes ink chambers that hold ink and nozzles that eject the ink from the ink chambers as ink droplets. The electrostatic-force-application unit applies an electrostatic force. The heating unit heats up a portion of the ink inside the nozzles. The heating unit can include heaters disposed around each nozzles or a laser diode disposed outside the inkjet printhead. The electrostatic force forms a meniscus at the surface of the ink inside the nozzle. When a portion of the ink inside the nozzle is heated by the heating unit, the shape of the meniscus is changed and the direction in which the ink droplets are ejected through the nozzles is deflected.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet having a diameter of less than 20 ?m from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator, and control logic controls the drive transistor.

Abstract: To provide an electrostatic actuator capable of attaining a large diaphragm displacement by low voltage drive. Furthermore, a droplet discharge head provided with this electrostatic actuator, a method for driving a droplet discharge head, and a method for manufacturing an electrostatic actuator are provided. A diaphragm, an individual electrode facing the diaphragm with a gap therebetween, while a voltage is applied between the diaphragm and the individual electrode, and an insulating film which is disposed on a surface of the diaphragm, the surface facing the individual electrode, are included, wherein the insulating film is converted to an electret.