| abstract |
A thermal ink jet printhead has a flow directing one-way valve for reducing back-flow directed forces generated by the droplet ejecting ink vapor bubbles, so that most of the bubble generated forces are used to eject ink droplets from the printhead nozzles. The one-way valve is provided by patterning the etch resistant mask to form a flap located at a predetermined position along the ink channels between the heating elements and reservoirs, which is activated by bubble generated forces directed in the opposite direction from the printhead nozzles. |