Importance

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Abstract

An improved nozzle assembly for dispensing liquid is disclosed. In a first embodiment of the invention, the liquid dispenser comprises a nozzle assembly with an expansive cavity at its dispensing end. When the flow of liquid in the dispenser is halted, a pocket of liquid formed inside the cavity ties the liquid in the nozzle to the liquid in a drop formed at the tip of the nozzle. Thus, when 'suck-back' is applied, the drop is pulled into the cavity and up the nozzle, leaving at most a very small and stable amount of liquid inside the cavity. In a second embodiment of the invention, an inner nozzle tube extends beyond the end of an outer nozzle tube, creating an external annular recess which captures and holds a drop of liquid over the end of the nozzle. After suck-back, the drop is pulled up into the nozzle, leaving a small, stable amount of liquid in the annular recess.

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First Claim