FLUID JET PRINT HEAD AND METHOD OF MAKINGAbstract of the DisclosureA fluid jet print head for producing aplurality of jet drop streams of fluid includes amanifold defining an elongated cavity and an orificeplate defining a plurality of orifices, arranged inat least one row, which communicate with thecavity. A transducer arrangement, including apiezoelectric means, is mounted in the cavity and isspaced from the orifice plate so as to define afluid reservoir therebetween. The transducerarrangement further includes acoustic isolationmaterial which surrounds the piezoelectric means andsupports the piezoelectric means in the cavity. Thetransducer means, when electrically excited,produces pressure waves of substantially uniformwave front which travel through the fluid in thereservoir toward the orifice plate and cause breakup into jet drop streams of fluid flowing throughthe orifices. The piezoelectric means may includean elongated transducer which defines a plurality ofslots extending alternately from opposite sides ofthe transducer partially therethrough. Each of theslots is substantially perpendicular to the row orrows of orifices. The slots prevent wavepropagation along the transducer. Alternatively,the piezoelectric means may include a plurality oftransducers arranged in at least one transducer rowextending in a direction substantially parallel tothe row of orifices.
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