APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR USING BUBBLE AS VIRTUAL VALVE IN MICROINJECTOR TO EJECT FLUID

摘要

An apparatus and method for forming a bubble (30) within a microchannel of a microinjector (12) to function as a valve mechanism between the chamber (14) and manifold (16), that provides for a high resistance to liquid exiting the chamber through the manifold during fluid ejection through an orifice (18) and that also provides a low resistan ce to refilling of liquid into the chamber after ejection of fluid and collapse of the bubble. This effectively minimizes cross talk between adjacent chambers and increases injection frequency of the microinjector. The formation of a second bubble (32) within the chamber (14) coalesces with a first formed bubble (30) between the chamber (14) and manifold (16) to abruptly terminate the ejection of fluid, thereby eliminating satellite droplets.