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Abstract

In a thermal ink jet print head the ink is expelled in the form of small drops through a plurality of nozzles communicating with corresponding expulsion chambers for expulsion of the ink through the effect of rapid heating of heater elements contained in the expulsion chambers. The nozzles, the expulsion chambers, the heater elements and the associated electrical conductors are constructed in a plurality of metal layers and insulating layers supported by a silicon plate. The plate is fixed to the structure of the head and is supplied with ink contained in a movable cartridge fitted to the structure of the head. The cartridge comprises a rigid reservoir containing a sponge saturated with ink which can be hydraulically connected to the head by means of a needle-type conduit mounted on the head and which perforates a rubber membrane of the cartridge. During the periods of storage and inactivity of the head, the cartridge is removed, permitting drying of the nozzles to avoid possible nozzle blockages and corrosion of the layers of the plate by the ink.

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First Claim