COVER FOR FLUID JETTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING FLUID PERFORMANCE

摘要

A cover (14) is configured for use with a fluid jet device (12) having a surface (40) defining a plurality of orifices (44) formed therein through which a fluid is jetted. The cover (14) includes a cover element movable parallel to the surface between a covered position in which the cover element, overlies the orifices and an uncovered position in which the cover is moved to expose the orifices. The cover includes a mounting portion configured to maintain the cover spaced from the surface to define a vapor space region. At least one hinge element (54) operably mounts the cover to the fluid jet device. The hinge element includes a first, leg mounted at a free end to a stationary portion of the fluid jet device and a second leg mounted at a free end to the cover portion. The first and second legs are connected to one another by a flexible region such that movement of the legs slides the cover between the covered and exposed positions.