A fluid ejection device may include a first channel having a first end and a second end, a first drop ejector along the first channel, a second channel having a first end and a second end, a second drop ejector along the second channel, a third channel extending between and connecting the first end of the first channel and the first end of the second channel, a fourth channel extending between and connecting the second end of the first channel and the second end of the second channel and a fifth channel extending between and connecting the third channel and the fourth channel.

A thermal operated fluid pump has a plunger which is moved by a thermally expandable element to compress a fluid, such as natural gas, into a storage cylinder.

A thermal operated fluid pump has a plunger which is moved by a thermally expandable element to compress a fluid, such as natural gas, into a storage cylinder.

A microfluidic pump with thermal control. The microfluidic pump employs a fluid motivation mechanism that moves microscopic fluid volumes through a conduit using thermal vapor bubbles generated using supercritical heating. Aspects of the microfluidic pump include the use of a pump temperature controller that monitors temperatures associated with the microfluidic pump and slows or pauses operation of the microfluidic pump to reduce the rate at which heat is generated allowing additional time for heat to be passively dissipated. Controlling the upper microfluidic pump temperature prevents or reduces overheating of the fluid being pumped that renders the fluid less suitable or unsuitable for its intended purpose or harm to the microfluidic pump. Other aspects of the pump temperature controller include an optional substrate heater that helps raise the fluid temperature to a selected operational range for better performance of the fluid and/or the microfluidic pump.

A microfluidic pump with thermal control. The microfluidic pump employs a fluid motivation mechanism that moves microscopic fluid volumes through a conduit using thermal vapor bubbles generated using supercritical heating. Aspects of the microfluidic pump include the use of a pump temperature controller that monitors temperatures associated with the microfluidic pump and slows or pauses operation of the microfluidic pump to reduce the rate at which heat is generated allowing additional time for heat to be passively dissipated. Controlling the upper microfluidic pump temperature prevents or reduces overheating of the fluid being pumped that renders the fluid less suitable or unsuitable for its intended purpose or harm to the microfluidic pump. Other aspects of the pump temperature controller include an optional substrate heater that helps raise the fluid temperature to a selected operational range for better performance of the fluid and/or the microfluidic pump.

A fluid ejection device including, at least, one recirculation system is disclosed. Such recirculation system contains, at least, one drop generator, recirculation channels that include an inlet channel, an outlet channel and a connection channel and a fluid feedhole that communicates with the drop generator via the inlet channel and the outlet channel of the recirculation channel. The recirculation channels can be asymmetrical with reference to the drop generator.

A fluid ejection device including, at least, one recirculation system is disclosed. Such recirculation system contains, at least, one drop generator, recirculation channels that include an inlet channel, an outlet channel and a connection channel and a fluid feedhole that communicates with the drop generator via the inlet channel and the outlet channel of the recirculation channel. The recirculation channels can be asymmetrical with reference to the drop generator.

A diaphragm pump mechanism is powered by steam generated by an internal heater coil heating the pumped water, which moves the diaphragm and an attached piston to pump water through the pump. The heater coil is turned on-and-off using a switch that is timed to the movement of the pump. The water is pumped through a series of one-way rubber valves and reed valves to prevent a back flow of water. The pressure generated by the steam is released when a reed valve located on the diaphragm makes contact with a pin located on the body of the pump, opening the reed valve and allowing the steam to travel through and to condense. The piston and diaphragm are returned to the starting position when the steam pressure is released by a spring attached to the pump shaft. On the return stroke an accumulator refills the diaphragm chamber with water.

A diaphragm pump mechanism is powered by steam generated by an internal heater coil heating the pumped water, which moves the diaphragm and an attached piston to pump water through the pump. The heater coil is turned on-and-off using a switch that is timed to the movement of the pump. The water is pumped through a series of one-way rubber valves and reed valves to prevent a back flow of water. The pressure generated by the steam is released when a reed valve located on the diaphragm makes contact with a pin located on the body of the pump, opening the reed valve and allowing the steam to travel through and to condense. The piston and diaphragm are returned to the starting position when the steam pressure is released by a spring attached to the pump shaft. On the return stroke an accumulator refills the diaphragm chamber with water.

A pump is provided having a communication portion that provides continuous communication between a pump section and a discharge section in a state where a discharge-side check valve suppresses a backflow, and a size of the communication portion is set so that, when the continuously expanding and contracting pump section contracts, a volume of gas mixed in liquid in the pump section is contracted.