Kenneth H Kramer

US Patent:

20110285794, Nov 24, 2011

Filed:

Jan 20, 2009

Appl. No.:

13/133773

Inventors:

Adel Jilani - Redmond WA, US
Tony S. Cruz-Uribe - Corvallis OR, US
Martha A. Truninger - Corvallis OR, US
Kenneth Michael Kramer - Corvallis OR, US

International Classification:

B41J 2/045

US Classification:

347 71

Abstract:

In one embodiment, a fluid ejector structure includes: a chamber for containing a fluid; a flexible membrane forming one wall of the chamber; a plurality of piezoelectric elements; a backing operatively connected to the piezoelectric elements such that an expansion and/or contraction of a piezoelectric element causes the piezoelectric element to bend; a rigid plate overlaying a center portion of the membrane; a post coupling the piezoelectric elements to the plate through the backing such that a movement of each piezoelectric element toward the chamber is transmitted to the plate through the post. The plate is configured to transmit movement of the post to the membrane in a rigid, or substantially rigid, piston-like manner.