FLUIDIC DISPENSING DEVICE HAVING FEATURES TO REDUCE STAGNATION ZONES

Abstract

 A fluidic dispensing device (110) includes a housing (112), an ejection chip (118) and a stir bar (132). The housing has an exterior wall (140-1) and a chamber. The exterior wall has a chip mounting surface (140-2) defining a first plane and has an opening (140-3). The chamber defines an interior space and has a port coupled in fluid communication with the opening (140-3). The ejection chip is mounted to the chip mounting surface of the exterior wall. A planar extent of the ejection chip is oriented along the first plane, the ejection chip is in fluid communication with the opening, and a fluid ejection direction of the ejection chip is substantially orthogonal to the first plane. The stir bar is located in the chamber. The stir bar has a rotational axis (160), and the rotational axis of the stir bar is substantially perpendicular to the fluid ejection direction, or parallel to the planar extent of the ejection chip.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to fluidic dispensing devices, and, more particularly, to a fluidic dispensing device, such as a microfluidic dispensing device, having features to reduce stagnation zones.

[0002] One type of microfluidic dispensing device, such as an ink jet printhead, is designed to include a capillary member, such as foam or felt, to control backpressure. In this type of printhead, the only free fluid is present between a filter and the ejection device. If settling or separation of the fluid occurs, it is almost impossible to re-mix the fluid contained in the capillary member.

[0003] Another type of printhead is referred to in the art as a free fluid style printhead, which has a movable wall that is spring loaded to maintain backpressure at the nozzles of the printhead. One type of spring loaded movable wall uses a deformable deflection bladder to create the spring and wall in a single piece. An early printhead design by Hewlett-Packard Company used a circular deformable rubber part in the form of a thimble shaped bladder positioned between a lid and a body that contained ink. The deflection of the thimble shaped bladder collapsed on itself. The thimble shaped bladder maintained backpressure by deforming the bladder material as ink was delivered to the printhead chip.

[0004] In a fluid tank where separation of fluids and particulate may occur, it is desirable to provide a mixing of the fluid. For example, particulate in pigmented fluids tend to settle depending on particle size, specific gravity differences, and fluid viscosity. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0268080 discloses a system having an ink tank located remotely from the fluid ejection device, wherein the ink tank contains a magnetic rotor, which is rotated by an external rotary plate, to provide bulk mixing in the remote ink tank.

[0005] It has been recognized, however, that a micro fluidic dispensing device having a compact design, which includes both a fluid reservoir and an on-board fluid ejection chip, presents particular challenges that a simple agitation in a remote tank does not address. For example, it has been determined that not only does fluid in the bulk region of the fluid reservoir need to be remixed, but remixing in the ejection chip region also is desirable, and in some cases, may be necessary, in order to prevent the clogging of the region near the fluid ejection chip with settled particulate.

[0006] Further, it has been recognized that even with remixing, there is a potential for stagnation zones to be created in a fluid channel of a fluidic dispensing device, wherein settled particulate is not affected by the fluid flow through the fluid channel and/or a fluid flow through the fluid channel may result in an unintentional depositing of particulate. Such stagnation zones may be created, for example, at locations in the fluid channel where there are abrupt changes in the surface features, such as in a corner defined by orthogonal planar surfaces.

[0007] What is needed in the art is a fluidic dispensing device having features to reduce stagnation zones in a fluid channel in the vicinity of the ejection chip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a fluidic dispensing device having features to reduce stagnation zones in a fluid channel in the vicinity of the ejection chip.

[0009] The invention, in one form, is directed to a fluidic dispensing device including a housing, an ejection chip and a stir bar. The housing has an exterior wall and a chamber. The exterior wall has a chip mounting surface defining a first plane and has an opening. The chamber defines an interior space and having a port coupled in fluid communication with the opening. In addition, the ejection chip is mounted to the chip mounting surface of the exterior wall. A planar extent of the ejection chip is oriented along the first plane, the ejection chip is in fluid communication with the opening, and a fluid ejection direction of the ejection chip is substantially orthogonal to the first plane. The stir bar is located in the chamber. The stir bar has a rotational axis, and the rotational axis of the stir bar is substantially perpendicular to the fluid ejection direction, or parallel to the planar extent of the ejection chip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a microfluidic dispensing device in accordance with the present invention, in an environment that includes an external magnetic field generator.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the microfluidic dispensing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top orthogonal view of the microfluidic dispensing device of FIGs. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a side orthogonal view of the microfluidic dispensing device of FIGs. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 is an end orthogonal view of the microfluidic dispensing device of FIGs. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the microfluidic dispensing device of FIGs. 1 and 2, oriented for viewing into the chamber of the body in a direction toward the ejection chip.

FIG. 7 is another exploded perspective view of the microfluidic dispensing device of FIGs. 1 and 2, oriented for viewing in a direction away from the ejection chip.

FIG. 8 is a section view of the microfluidic dispensing device of FIG. 1, taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a section view of the microfluidic dispensing device of FIG. 1, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the microfluidic dispensing device of FIG. 1, with the end cap and lid removed to expose the body/diaphragm assembly.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the depiction of FIG. 10, with the diaphragm removed to expose the guide portion and stir bar contained in the body, in relation to first and second planes and to the fluid ejection direction.

FIG. 12 is an orthogonal view of the body/guide portion/stir bar arrangement of FIG. 11, as viewed in a direction into the body of the chamber toward the base wall of the body.

FIG. 13 is an orthogonal end view of the body of FIG. 11, which contains the guide portion and stir bar, as viewed in a direction toward the exterior wall and opening of the body.

FIG. 14 is a section view of the body/guide portion/stir bar arrangement of FIGs. 12 and 13, taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged section view of the body/guide portion/stir bar arrangement of Figs. 12 and 13, taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the depiction of FIG. 12, with the guide portion removed to expose the stir bar residing in the chamber of the body.

FIG. 17 is a top view of another embodiment of a microfluidic dispensing device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a section view of the micro fluidic dispensing device of FIG. 17, taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the micro fluidic dispensing device of FIG. 17, oriented for viewing into the chamber of the body in a direction toward the ejection chip.

FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the microfluidic dispensing device of FIG. 17, with the end cap, lid and diaphragm removed to expose the guide portion and stir bar contained in the body, shown in relation to first and second planes and the fluid ejection direction.

FIG. 21 is an orthogonal top view corresponding to the perspective view of FIG. 20, showing the body having a chamber that contains the guide portion and the stir bar.

FIG. 22 is a side orthogonal view of the body of the microfluidic dispensing device of FIG. 17, wherein the body contains the guide portion and the stir bar.

FIG. 23 is a section view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the stir bar of the microfluidic dispensing device of FIG. 17, as further depicted in FIGs. 18-21 and 23.

FIG. 25 is a top view of the stir bar of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the stir bar of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a section view of the stir bar taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stir bar suitable for use in the microfluidic dispensing device of FIG. 17.

FIG. 29 is a top view of the stir bar of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a side view of the stir bar of FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a section view of the stir bar taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a stir bar suitable for use in the microfluidic dispensing device of FIG. 17.

FIG. 33 is a top view of the stir bar of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a side view of the stir bar of FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is a section view of the stir bar taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a stir bar suitable for use in the microfluidic dispensing device of FIG. 17.

FIG. 37 is a top view of the stir bar of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a side view of the stir bar of FIG. 36.

FIG. 39 is a section view of the stir bar taken along line 39-39 of FIG. 37.

FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a stir bar suitable for use in the microfluidic dispensing device of FIG. 17.

FIG. 41 is a top view of the stir bar of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a side view of the stir bar of FIG. 40.

FIG. 43 is a section view of the stir bar taken along line 43-43 of FIG. 41.

FIG. 44 is a top view of another embodiment of a stir bar suitable for use in the microfluidic dispensing device of FIG. 17.

FIG. 45 is a side view of the stir bar of FIG. 45.

FIG. 46 is a section view of the stir bar taken along line 46-46 of FIG. 44.

FIG. 47 is an x-ray image of a microfluidic dispensing device configured in accordance with FIGs. 17-23 having a longitudinal extent of the housing arranged along a vertical axis, and showing an accumulation of settled particulate at a gravitational low region of the fluid reservoir.

FIG. 48 is an x-ray image of the microfluidic dispensing device of FIG. 47, which is tilted off-axis from the vertical axis to depict how settled particulate migrates to a new gravitational low region of the fluid reservoir based on the change of orientation.

FIG. 49 is an x-ray image of a microfluidic dispensing device configured in accordance with FIGs. 17-23, which is oriented in a worst case orientation, wherein the ejection chip faces vertically downward and settled particulate has accumulated over the channel inlet and the channel outlet of the fluid channel that feeds fluid to the ejection chip.

Fig. 50 is an x-ray image of a microfluidic dispensing device configured in accordance with FIGs. 17-23, which depicts the particulate suspension in the fluid after implementation of a method of the present invention for re-mixing the fluid in the fluid reservoir.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart of a method for re-mixing fluid in a microfluidic dispensing device, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the microfluidic dispensing device of FIGs. 17-23, shown in a Cartesian space having X, Y, and Z axes, with the longitudinal extent of the housing on the positive Z-axis and the lateral extent of the housing lying on the X-Y plane.

FIG. 53 shows the microfluidic dispensing device depicted in FIG. 18 at an orientation wherein the fluid ejection direction is pointing upwardly at 135 degrees, and with an exterior of the dome portion of the diaphragm facing upwardly and with an exterior of the base wall facing downwardly.

FIG. 54 shows the microfluidic dispensing device depicted in FIG. 18 at an orientation wherein the fluid ejection direction is at 45 degrees, and with the exterior of the dome portion of the diaphragm facing downwardly at 45 degrees from vertical, and with the exterior of the base wall facing upwardly at an angle of 45 degrees from vertical.

FIG. 55 is a block diagram of an external magnetic field generator used to rotate the stir bar in the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGs. 1-16, there is shown a fluidic dispensing device, which in the present example is a microfluidic dispensing device 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Referring to FIGs. 1-5, microfluidic dispensing device 110 generally includes a housing 112 and a tape automated bonding (TAB) circuit 114. Microfluidic dispensing device 110 is configured to contain a supply of a fluid, such as a fluid containing particulate material, and TAB circuit 114 is configured to facilitate the ejection of the fluid from housing 112. The fluid may be, for example, cosmetics, lubricants, paint, ink, etc.

[0014] Referring also to FIGs. 6 and 7, TAB circuit 114 includes a flex circuit 116 to which an ejection chip 118 is mechanically and electrically connected. Flex circuit 116 provides electrical connection to an electrical driver device (not shown), such as an ink jet printer, configured to operate ejection chip 118 to eject the fluid that is contained within housing 112. In the present embodiment, ejection chip 118 is configured as a plate-like structure having a planar extent formed generally as a nozzle plate layer and a silicon layer, as is well known in the art. The nozzle plate layer of ejection chip 118 has a plurality of ejection nozzles 120 oriented such that a fluid ejection direction 120-1 is substantially orthogonal to the planar extent of ejection chip 118. Associated with each of the ejection nozzles 120, at the silicon layer of ejection chip 118, is an ejection mechanism, such as an electrical heater (thermal) or piezoelectric (electromechanical) device. The operation of such an ejection chip 118 and driver is well known in the micro-fluid ejection arts, such as in ink jet printing.

[0015] As used herein, each of the terms substantially orthogonal and substantially perpendicular is defined to mean an angular relationship between two elements of 90 degrees, plus or minus 10 degrees. The term substantially parallel is defined to mean an angular relationship between two elements of zero degrees, plus or minus 10 degrees.

[0016] As best shown in FIGs. 6 and 7, housing 112 includes a body 122, a lid 124, an end cap 126, and a fill plug 128 (e.g., ball). Contained within housing 112 is a diaphragm 130, a stir bar 132, and a guide portion 134. Each of the housing 112 components, stir bar 132, and guide portion 134 may be made of plastic, using a molding process. Diaphragm 130 is made of rubber, using a molding process. Also, in the present embodiment, fill plug 128 may be in the form of a stainless steel ball bearing.

[0017] Referring also to FIGs. 8 and 9, in general, a fluid (not shown) is loaded through a fill hole 122-1 in body 122 (see also FIG. 6) into a sealed region, i.e., a fluid reservoir 136, between body 122 and diaphragm 130. Back pressure in fluid reservoir 136 is set and then maintained by inserting, e.g., pressing, fill plug 128 into fill hole 122-1 to prevent air from leaking into fluid reservoir 136 or fluid from leaking out of fluid reservoir 136. End cap 126 is then placed onto an end of the body 122/lid 124 combination, opposite to ejection chip 118. Stir bar 132 resides in the sealed fluid reservoir 136 between body 122 and diaphragm 130 that contains the fluid. An internal fluid flow may be generated within fluid reservoir 136 by rotating stir bar 132 so as to provide fluid mixing and redistribution of particulate in the fluid within the sealed region of fluid reservoir 136.

[0018] Referring now also to FIGs. 10-16, body 122 of housing 112 has a base wall 138 and an exterior perimeter wall 140 contiguous with base wall 138. Exterior perimeter wall 140 is oriented to extend from base wall 138 in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to base wall 138. Lid 124 is configured to engage exterior perimeter wall 140. Thus, exterior perimeter wall 140 is interposed between base wall 138 and lid 124, with lid 124 being attached to the open free end of exterior perimeter wall 140 by weld, adhesive, or other fastening mechanism, such as a snap fit or threaded union. Attachment of lid 124 to body 122 occurs after installation of diaphragm 130, stir bar 132, and guide portion 134 in body 122.

[0019] Exterior perimeter wall 140 of body 122 includes an exterior wall 140-1, which is a contiguous portion of exterior perimeter wall 140. Exterior wall 140-1 has a chip mounting surface 140-2 that defines a plane 142 (see FIGs. 11 and 12), and has a fluid opening 140-3 adjacent to chip mounting surface 140-2 that passes through the thickness of exterior wall 140-1. Ejection chip 118 is mounted, e.g., by an adhesive sealing strip 144 (see FIGs. 6 and 7), to chip mounting surface 140-2 and is in fluid communication with fluid opening 140-3 (see FIG. 13) of exterior wall 140-1. Thus, the planar extent of ejection chip 118 is oriented along plane 142, with the plurality of ejection nozzles 120 oriented such that the fluid ejection direction 120-1 is substantially orthogonal to plane 142. Base wall 138 is oriented along a plane 146 (see FIG. 11) that is substantially orthogonal to plane 142 of exterior wall 140-1. As best shown in FIGs. 6, 15 and 16, base wall 138 may include a circular recessed region 138-1 in the vicinity of the desired location of stir bar 132.

[0020] Referring to FIGs. 11-16, body 122 of housing 112 also includes a chamber 148 located within a boundary defined by exterior perimeter wall 140. Chamber 148 forms a portion of fluid reservoir 136, and is configured to define an interior space, and in particular, includes base wall 138 and has an interior perimetrical wall 150 configured to have rounded corners, so as to promote fluid flow in chamber 148. Interior perimetrical wall 150 of chamber 148 has an extent bounded by a proximal end 150-1 and a distal end 150-2. Proximal end 150-1 is contiguous with, and may form a transition radius with, base wall 138. Such an edge radius may help in mixing effectiveness by reducing the number of sharp corners. Distal end 150-2 is configured to define a perimetrical end surface 150-3 at a lateral opening 148-1 of chamber 148. Perimetrical end surface 150-3 may include a plurality of perimetrical ribs, or undulations, to provide an effective sealing surface for engagement with diaphragm 130. The extent of interior perimetrical wall 150 of chamber 148 is substantially orthogonal to base wall 138, and is substantially parallel to the corresponding extent of exterior perimeter wall 140 (see FIG. 6).

[0021] As best shown in FIGs. 15 and 16, chamber 148 has an inlet fluid port 152 and an outlet fluid port 154, each of which is formed in a portion of interior perimetrical wall 150. The terms "inlet" and "outlet" are terms of convenience that are used in distinguishing between the multiple ports of the present embodiment, and are correlated with a particular rotational direction of stir bar 132. However, it is to be understood that it is the rotational direction of stir bar 132 that dictates whether a particular port functions as an inlet port or an outlet port, and it is within the scope of this invention to reverse the rotational direction of stir bar 132, and thus reverse the roles of the respective ports within chamber 148.

[0022] Inlet fluid port 152 is separated a distance from outlet fluid port 154 along a portion of interior perimetrical wall 150. As best shown in FIGs. 15 and 16, considered together, body 122 of housing 112 includes a fluid channel 156 interposed between the portion of interior perimetrical wall 150 of chamber 148 and exterior wall 140-1 of exterior perimeter wall 140 that carries ejection chip 118.

[0023] Fluid channel 156 is configured to minimize particulate settling in a region of ejection chip 118. Fluid channel 156 is sized, e.g., using empirical data, to provide a desired flow rate while also maintaining an acceptable fluid velocity for fluid mixing through fluid channel 156.

[0024] In the present embodiment, referring to FIG. 15, fluid channel 156 is configured as a U-shaped elongated passage having a channel inlet 156-1 and a channel outlet 156-2. Fluid channel 156 dimensions, e.g., height and width, and shape are selected to provide a desired combination of fluid flow and fluid velocity for facilitating intra-channel stirring.

[0025] Fluid channel 156 is configured to connect inlet fluid port 152 of chamber 148 in fluid communication with outlet fluid port 154 of chamber 148, and also connects fluid opening 140-3 of exterior wall 140-1 of exterior perimeter wall 140 in fluid communication with both inlet fluid port 152 and outlet fluid port 154 of chamber 148. In particular, channel inlet 156-1 of fluid channel 156 is located adjacent to inlet fluid port 152 of chamber 148 and channel outlet 156-2 of fluid channel 156 is located adjacent to outlet fluid port 154 of chamber 148. In the present embodiment, the structure of inlet fluid port 152 and outlet fluid port 154 of chamber 148 is symmetrical.

[0026] Fluid channel 156 has a convexly arcuate wall 156-3 that is positioned between channel inlet 156-1 and channel outlet 156-2, with fluid channel 156 being symmetrical about a channel mid-point 158. In turn, convexly arcuate wall 156-3 of fluid channel 156 is positioned between inlet fluid port 152 and outlet fluid port 154 of chamber 148 on the opposite side of interior perimetrical wall 150 from the interior space of chamber 148, with convexly arcuate wall 156-3 positioned to face fluid opening 140-3 of exterior wall 140-1 and ejection chip 118.

[0027] Convexly arcuate wall 156-3 is configured to create a fluid flow through fluid channel 156 that is substantially parallel to ejection chip 118. In the present embodiment, a longitudinal extent of convexly arcuate wall 156-3 has a radius that faces fluid opening 140-3 and that is substantially parallel to ejection chip 118, and has transition radii 156-4, 156-5 located adjacent to channel inlet 156-1 and channel outlet 156-2, respectively. The radius and transition radii 156-4, 156-5 of convexly arcuate wall 156-3 help with fluid flow efficiency. A distance between convexly arcuate wall 156-3 and fluid ejection chip 118 is narrowest at the channel mid-point 158, which coincides with a mid-point of the longitudinal extent of ejection chip 118, and in turn, with a mid-point of the longitudinal extent of fluid opening 140-3 of exterior wall 140-1.

[0028] Each of inlet fluid port 152 and outlet fluid port 154 of chamber 148 has a beveled ramp structure configured such that each of inlet fluid port 152 and outlet fluid port 154 converges in a respective direction toward fluid channel 156. In particular, inlet fluid port 152 of chamber 148 has a beveled inlet ramp 152-1 configured such that inlet fluid port 152 converges, i.e., narrows, in a direction toward channel inlet 156-1 of fluid channel 156, and outlet fluid port 154 of chamber 148 has a beveled outlet ramp 154-1 that diverges, i.e., widens, in a direction away from channel outlet 156-2 of fluid channel 156.

[0029] Referring again to FIGs. 6-10, diaphragm 130 is positioned between lid 124 and perimetrical end surface 150-3 of interior perimetrical wall 150 of chamber 148. The attachment of lid 124 to body 122 compresses a perimeter of diaphragm 130 thereby creating a continuous seal between diaphragm 130 and body 122. More particularly, diaphragm 130 is configured for sealing engagement with perimetrical end surface 150-3 of interior perimetrical wall 150 of chamber 148 in forming fluid reservoir 136. Thus, in combination, chamber 148 and diaphragm 130 cooperate to define fluid reservoir 136 having a variable volume.

[0030] Referring particularly to FIGs. 6, 8 and 9, an exterior surface of diaphragm 130 is vented to the atmosphere through a vent hole 124-1 located in lid 124 so that a controlled negative pressure can be maintained in fluid reservoir 136. Diaphragm 130 is made of rubber, and includes a dome portion 130-1 configured to progressively collapse toward base wall 138 as fluid is depleted from microfluidic dispensing device 110, so as to maintain a desired negative pressure in chamber 148, and thus changing the effective volume of the variable volume of fluid reservoir 136.

[0031] Referring to FIGs. 8 and 9, for sake of further explanation, below, the variable volume of fluid reservoir 136, also referred to herein as a bulk region, may be considered to have a proximal continuous 1/3 volume portion 136-1, and a continuous 2/3 volume portion 136-4 that is formed from a central continuous 1/3 volume portion 136-2 and a distal continuous 1/3 volume portion 136-3, with the continuous central volume portion 136-2 separating the proximal continuous 1/3 volume portion 136-1 from the distal continuous 1/3 volume portion 136-3. The proximal continuous 1/3 volume portion 136-1 is located closer to ejection chip 118 than the continuous 2/3 volume portion 136-4 that is formed from the central continuous 1/3 volume portion 136-2 and the distal continuous 1/3 volume portion 136-3.

[0032] Referring to FIGs. 6-9 and 16, stir bar 132 resides in the variable volume of fluid reservoir 136 and chamber 148, and is located within a boundary defined by the interior perimetrical wall 150 of chamber 148. Stir bar 132 has a rotational axis 160 and a plurality of paddles 132-1, 132-2, 132-3, 132-4 that radially extend away from the rotational axis 160. Stir bar 132 has a magnet 162 (see FIG. 8), e.g., a permanent magnet, configured for interaction with an external magnetic field generator 164 (see FIG. 1) to drive stir bar 132 to rotate around the rotational axis 160. The principle of stir bar 132 operation is that as magnet 162 is aligned to a strong enough external magnetic field generated by external magnetic field generator 164, then rotating the external magnetic field generated by external magnetic field generator 164 in a controlled manor will rotate stir bar 132. The external magnetic field generated by external magnetic field generator 164 may be rotated electronically, akin to operation of a stepper motor, or may be rotated via a rotating shaft. Thus, stir bar 132 is effective to provide fluid mixing in fluid reservoir 136 by the rotation of stir bar 132 around the rotational axis 160.

[0033] Fluid mixing in the bulk region relies on a flow velocity caused by rotation of stir bar 132 to create a shear stress at the settled boundary layer of the particulate. When the shear stress is greater than the critical shear stress (empirically determined) to start particle movement, remixing occurs because the settled particles are now distributed in the moving fluid. The shear stress is dependent on both the fluid parameters such as: viscosity, particle size, and density; and mechanical design factors such as: container shape, stir bar 132 geometry, fluid thickness between moving and stationary surfaces, and rotational speed.

[0034] Also, a fluid flow is generated by rotating stir bar 132 in a fluid region, e.g., the proximal continuous 1/3 volume portion 136-1 and fluid channel 156, associated with ejection chip 118, so as to ensure that mixed bulk fluid is presented to ejection chip 118 for nozzle ejection and to move fluid adjacent to ejection chip 118 to the bulk region of fluid reservoir 136 to ensure that the channel fluid flowing through fluid channel 156 mixes with the bulk fluid of fluid reservoir 136, so as to produce a more uniform mixture. Although this flow is primarily distribution in nature, some mixing will occur if the flow velocity is sufficient to create a shear stress above the critical value.

[0035] Stir bar 132 primarily causes rotation flow of the fluid about a central region associated with the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132, with some axial flow with a central return path as in a partial toroidal flow pattern.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 16, each paddle of the plurality of paddles 132-1, 132-2, 132-3, 132-4 of stir bar 132 has a respective free end tip 132-5. To reduce rotational drag, each paddle may include upper and lower symmetrical pairs of chamfered surfaces, forming leading beveled surfaces 132-6 and trailing beveled surfaces 132-7 relative to a rotational direction 160-1 of stir bar 132. It is also contemplated that each of the plurality of paddles 132-1, 132-2, 132-3, 132-4 of stir bar 132 may have a pill or cylindrical shape. In the present embodiment, stir bar 132 has two pairs of diametrically opposed paddles, wherein a first paddle of the diametrically opposed paddles has a first free end tip 132-5 and a second paddle of the diametrically opposed paddles has a second free end tip 132-5.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the four paddles forming the two pairs of diametrically opposed paddles are equally spaced at 90 degree increments around the rotational axis 160. However, the actual number of paddles of stir bar 132 may be two or more, and preferably three or four, but more preferably four, with each adjacent pair of paddles having the same angular spacing around the rotational axis 160. For example, a stir bar 132 configuration having three paddles may have a paddle spacing of 120 degrees, having four paddles may have a paddle spacing of 90 degrees, etc.

[0038] In the present embodiment, and with the variable volume of fluid reservoir 136 being divided as the proximal continuous 1/3 volume portion 136-1 and the continuous 2/3 volume portion 136-4 described above, with the proximal continuous 1/3 volume portion 136-1 being located closer to ejection chip 118 than the 2/3 volume portion 136-4, the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132 may be located in the proximal continuous 1/3 volume portion 136-1 that is closer to ejection chip 118. Stated differently, guide portion 134 is configured to position the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132 in a portion of the interior space of chamber 148 that constitutes a 1/3 of the volume of the interior space of chamber 148 that is closest to fluid opening 140-3.

[0039] Referring again also to FIG. 11, the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132 may be oriented in an angular range of perpendicular, plus or minus 45 degrees, relative to the fluid ejection direction 120-1. Stated differently, the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132 may be oriented in an angular range of parallel, plus or minus 45 degrees, relative to the planar extent (e.g., plane 142) of ejection chip 118. In combination, the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132 may be oriented in both an angular range of perpendicular, plus or minus 45 degrees, relative the fluid ejection direction 120-1, and an angular range of parallel, plus or minus 45 degrees, relative to the planar extent of ejection chip 118.

[0040] More preferably, the rotational axis 160 has an orientation substantially perpendicular to the fluid ejection direction 120-1, and thus, the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132 has an orientation that is substantially parallel to plane 142, i.e., planar extent, of ejection chip 118 and that is substantially perpendicular to plane 146 of base wall 138. Also, in the present embodiment, the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132 has an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to plane 146 of base wall 138 in all orientations around rotational axis 160 and is substantially perpendicular to the fluid ejection direction 120-1.

[0041] Referring to FIGs. 6-9, 11, and 12, the orientations of stir bar 132, described above, may be achieved by guide portion 134, with guide portion 134 also being located within chamber 148 in the variable volume of fluid reservoir 136 (see FIGs. 8 and 9), and more particularly, within the boundary defined by interior perimetrical wall 150 of chamber 148. Guide portion 134 is configured to confine stir bar 132 in a predetermined portion of the interior space of chamber 148 at a predefined orientation, as well as to split and redirect the rotational fluid flow from stir bar 132 towards channel inlet 156-1 of fluid channel 156. On the return flow side, guide portion 134 helps to recombine the rotational flow received from channel outlet 156-2 of fluid channel 156 in the bulk region of fluid reservoir 136.

[0042] For example, guide portion 134 may be configured to position the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132 in an angular range of parallel, plus or minus 45 degrees, relative to the planar extent of ejection chip 118, and more preferably, guide portion 134 is configured to position the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132 substantially parallel to the planar extent of ejection chip 118. In the present embodiment, guide portion 134 is configured to position and maintain an orientation of the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132 to be substantially parallel to the planar extent of ejection chip 118 and to be substantially perpendicular to plane 146 of base wall 138 in all orientations around rotational axis 160.

[0043] Guide portion 134 includes an annular member 166, a plurality of locating features 168-1, 168-2, offset members 170, 172, and a cage structure 174. The plurality of locating features 168-1, 168-2 are positioned on the opposite side of annular member 166 from offset members 170, 172, and are positioned to be engaged by diaphragm 130, which keeps offset members 170, 172 in contact with base wall 138. Offset members 170, 172 maintain an axial position (relative to the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132) of guide portion 134 in fluid reservoir 136. Offset member 172 includes a retaining feature 172-1 that engages body 122 to prevent a lateral translation of guide portion 134 in fluid reservoir 136.

[0044] Referring again to FIGs. 6 and 7, annular member 166 of guide portion 134 has a first annular surface 166-1, a second annular surface 166-2, and an opening 166-3 that defines an annular confining surface 166-4. Opening 166-3 of annular member 166 has a central axis 176. Annular confining surface 166-4 is configured to limit radial movement of stir bar 132 relative to the central axis 176. Second annular surface 166-2 is opposite first annular surface 166-1, with first annular surface 166-1 being separated from second annular surface 166-2 by annular confining surface 166-4. Referring also to FIG. 9, first annular surface 166-1 of annular member 166 also severs as a continuous ceiling over, and between, inlet fluid port 152 and outlet fluid port 154. The plurality of offset members 170, 172 are coupled to annular member 166, and more particularly, the plurality of offset members 170, 172 are connected to first annular surface 166-1 of annular member 166. The plurality of offset members 170, 172 are positioned to extend from annular member 166 in a first axial direction relative to the central axis 176. Each of the plurality of offset members 170, 172 has a free end configured to engage base wall 138 of chamber 148 to establish an axial offset of annular member 166 from base wall 138. Offset member 172 also is positioned and configured to aid in preventing a flow bypass of fluid channel 156.

[0045] The plurality of offset members 170, 172 are coupled to annular member 166, and more particularly, the plurality of offset members 170, 172 are connected to second annular surface 166-2 of annular member 166. The plurality of offset members 170, 172 are positioned to extend from annular member 166 in a second axial direction relative to the central axis 176, opposite to the first axial direction.

[0046] Thus, when assembled, each of locating features 168-1, 168-2 has a free end that engages a perimetrical portion of diaphragm 130, and each of the plurality of offset members 170, 172 have a free end that engages base wall 138.

[0047] Cage structure 174 of guide portion 134 is coupled to annular member 166 opposite to the plurality of offset members 170, 172, and more particularly, the cage structure 174 has a plurality of offset legs 178 connected to second annular surface 166-2 of annular member 166. Cage structure 174 has an axial restraint portion 180 that is axially displaced by the plurality of offset legs 178 (three, as shown) from annular member 166 in the second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction. As shown in FIG. 12, axial restraint portion 180 is positioned over at least a portion of the opening 166-3 in annular member 166 to limit axial movement of stir bar 132 relative to the central axis 176 in the second axial direction. Cage structure 174 also serves to prevent diaphragm 130 from contacting stir bar 132 as diaphragm displacement (collapse) occurs during fluid depletion from fluid reservoir 136.

[0048] As such, in the present embodiment, stir bar 132 is confined in a free-floating manner within the region defined by opening 166-3 and annular confining surface 166-4 of annular member 166, and between axial restraint portion 180 of the cage structure 174 and base wall 138 of chamber 148. The extent to which stir bar 132 is free-floating is determined by the radial tolerances provided between annular confining surface 166-4 and stir bar 132 in the radial direction, and by the axial tolerances between stir bar 132 and the axial limit provided by the combination of base wall 138 and axial restraint portion 180. For example, the tighter the radial and axial tolerances provided by guide portion 134, the less variation of the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132 from perpendicular relative to base wall 138, and the less side-to-side motion of stir bar 132 within fluid reservoir 138.

[0049] In the present embodiment, guide portion 134 is configured as a unitary insert member that is removably attached to housing 112. Guide portion 134 includes retention feature 172-1 and body 122 of housing 112 includes a second retention feature 182. First retention feature 172-1 is engaged with second retention feature 182 to attach guide portion 134 to body 122 of housing 112 in a fixed relationship with housing 112. The first retention feature 172-1/second retention feature 182 may be, for example, in the form of a tab/slot arrangement, or alternatively, a slot/tab arrangement, respectively.

[0050] Referring to FIGs. 7 and 15, guide portion 134 may further include a 18 flow control portion 4, which in the present embodiment, also serves as offset 172. Referring to FIG. 15, flow control portion 184 has a flow separator feature 184-1, a flow rejoining feature 184-2, and a concavely arcuate surface 184-3. Concavely arcuate surface 184-3 is coextensive with, and extends between, each of flow separator feature 184-1 and flow rejoining feature 184-2. Each of flow separator feature 184-1 and flow rejoining feature 184-2 is defined by a respective angled, i.e., beveled, wall. Flow separator feature 184-1 is positioned adjacent inlet fluid port 152 and flow rejoining feature 184-2 is positioned adjacent outlet fluid port 154.

[0051] The beveled wall of flow separator feature 184-1 positioned adjacent to inlet fluid port 152 of chamber 148 cooperates with beveled inlet ramp 152-1 of inlet fluid port 152 of chamber 148 to guide fluid toward channel inlet 156-1 of fluid channel 156. Flow separator feature 184-1 is configured such that the rotational flow is directed toward channel inlet 156-1 instead of allowing a direct bypass of fluid into the outlet fluid that exits channel outlet 156-2. Referring also to FIGs. 9 and 14, positioned opposite beveled inlet ramp 152-1 is the fluid ceiling provided by first annular surface 166-1 of annular member 166. Flow separator feature 184-1 in combination with the continuous ceiling of annular member 166 and beveled ramp wall provided by beveled inlet ramp 152-1 of inlet fluid port 152 of chamber 148 aids in directing a fluid flow into channel inlet 156-1 of fluid channel 156.

[0052] Likewise, referring to FIGs. 9, 14 and 15, the beveled wall of flow rejoining feature 184-2 positioned adjacent to outlet fluid port 154 of chamber 148 cooperates with beveled outlet ramp 154-1 of outlet fluid port 154 to guide fluid away from channel outlet 156-2 of fluid channel 156. Positioned opposite beveled outlet ramp 154-1 is the fluid ceiling provided by first annular surface 166-1 of annular member 166.

[0053] In the present embodiment, flow control portion 184 is a unitary structure formed as offset member 172 of guide portion 134. Alternatively, all or a portion of flow control portion 184 may be incorporated into interior perimetrical wall 150 of chamber 148 of body 122 of housing 112.

[0054] In the present embodiment, as best shown in FIGs. 15 and 16, stir bar 132 is oriented such that the plurality of paddles 132-1, 132-2, 132-3, 132-4 periodically face the concavely arcuate surface 184-3 of the flow control portion 184 as stir bar 132 is rotated about the rotational axis 160. Stir bar 132 has a stir bar radius from rotational axis 160 to the free end tip 132-5 of a respective paddle. A ratio of the stir bar radius and a clearance distance between the free end tip 132-5 and flow control portion 184 may be 5:2 to 5:0.025. More particularly, guide portion 134 is configured to confine stir bar 132 in a predetermined portion of the interior space of chamber 148. In the present example, a distance between the respective free end tip 132-5 of each of the plurality of paddles 132-1, 132-2, 132-3, 132-4 and concavely arcuate surface 184-3 of flow control portion 184 is in a range of 2.0 millimeters to 0.1 millimeters, and more preferably, is in a range of 1.0 millimeters to 0.1 millimeters, as the respective free end tip 132-5 faces concavely arcuate surface 184-3. Also, it has been found that it is preferred to position stir bar 132 as close to ejection chip 118 as possible so as to maximize flow through fluid channel 156.

[0055] Also, guide portion 134 is configured to position the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132 in a portion of fluid reservoir 136 such that the free end tip 132-5 of each of the plurality of paddles 132-1, 132-2, 132-3, 132-4 of stir bar 132 rotationally ingresses and egresses a proximal continuous 1/3 volume portion 136-1 that is closer to ejection chip 118. Stated differently, guide portion 134 is configured to position the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132 in a portion of the interior space such that the free end tip 132-5 of each of the plurality of paddles 132-1, 132-2, 132-3, 132-4 rotationally ingresses and egresses the continuous 1/3 volume portion 136-1 of the interior space of chamber 148 that includes inlet fluid port 152 and outlet fluid port 154.

[0056] More particularly, in the present embodiment, wherein stir bar 132 has four paddles, guide portion 134 is configured to position the rotational axis 160 of stir bar 132 in a portion of the interior space such that the first and second free end tips 132-5 of each the two pairs of diametrically opposed paddles 132-1, 132-3 and 132-2, 132-4 alternatingly and respectively are positioned in the proximal continuous 1/3 portion 136-1 of the volume of the interior space of chamber 148 that includes inlet fluid port 152 and outlet fluid port 154 and in the continuous 2/3 volume portion 136-4 having the distal continuous 1/3 portion 136-3 of the interior space that is furthest from ejection chip 118.

[0057] FIGs. 17-27 depict another embodiment of the invention, which in the present example is in the form of a microfluidic dispensing device 210. Elements common to both microfluidic dispensing device 110 and micro fluidic dispensing device 210 are identified using common element numbers, and for brevity, are not described again below in full detail.

[0058] Microfluidic dispensing device 210 generally includes a housing 212 and TAB circuit 114, with microfluidic dispensing device 210 configured to contain a supply of a fluid, such as a particulate carrying fluid, and with TAB circuit 114 configured to facilitate the ejection of the fluid from housing 212.

[0059] As best shown in FIGs. 17-19, housing 212 includes a body 214, a lid 216, an end cap 218, and a fill plug 220 (e.g., ball). Contained within housing 212 is a diaphragm 222, a stir bar 224, and a guide portion 226. Each of housing 212 components, stir bar 224, and guide portion 226 may be made of plastic, using a molding process. Diaphragm 222 is made of rubber, using a molding process. Also, in the present embodiment, fill plug 220 may be in the form of a stainless steel ball bearing.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 18, in general, a fluid (not shown) is loaded through a fill hole 214-1 in body 214 (see FIG. 6) into a sealed region, i.e., a fluid reservoir 228, between body 214 and diaphragm 222. Back pressure in fluid reservoir 228 is set and then maintained by inserting, e.g., pressing, fill plug 220 into fill hole 214-1 to prevent air from leaking into fluid reservoir 228 or fluid from leaking out of fluid reservoir 228. End cap 218 is then placed onto an end of the body 214/lid 216 combination, opposite to ejection chip 118. Stir bar 224 resides in the sealed fluid reservoir 228 between body 214 and diaphragm 222 that contains the fluid. An internal fluid flow may be generated within fluid reservoir 228 by rotating stir bar 224 so as to provide fluid mixing and redistribution of particulate within the sealed region of fluid reservoir 228.

[0061] Referring now also to FIGs. 20 and 21, body 214 of housing 212 has a base wall 230 and an exterior perimeter wall 232 contiguous with base wall 230. Exterior perimeter wall 232 is oriented to extend from base wall 230 in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to base wall 230. Referring to FIG. 19, lid 216 is configured to engage exterior perimeter wall 232. Thus, exterior perimeter wall 232 is interposed between base wall 230 and lid 216, with lid 216 being attached to the open free end of exterior perimeter wall 232 by weld, adhesive, or other fastening mechanism, such as a snap fit or threaded union.

[0062] Referring also to FIGs. 18, 22 and 23, exterior perimeter wall 232 of body 214 includes an exterior wall 232-1, which is a contiguous portion of exterior perimeter wall 232. Exterior wall 232-1 has a chip mounting surface 232-2 and a fluid opening 232-3 adjacent to chip mounting surface 232-2 that passes through the thickness of exterior wall 232-1.

[0063] Referring again also to FIG. 20, chip mounting surface 232-2 defines a plane 234. Ejection chip 118 is mounted to chip mounting surface 232-2 and is in fluid communication with fluid opening 232-3 of exterior wall 232-1. An adhesive sealing strip 144 holds ejection chip 118 and TAB circuit 114 in place while a dispensed adhesive under ejection chip 118, and the encapsulant to protect the electrical leads, is cured. After the cure cycle, the liquid seal between ejection chip 118 and chip mounting surface 232-2 of body 214 is the die bond adhesive.

[0064] The planar extent of ejection chip 118 is oriented along the plane 234, with the plurality of ejection nozzles 120 (see e.g., FIG. 1) oriented such that the fluid ejection direction 120-1 is substantially orthogonal to the plane 234. Base wall 230 is oriented along a plane 236 that is substantially orthogonal to the plane 234 of exterior wall 232-1, and is substantially parallel to the fluid ejection direction 120-1.

[0065] As best illustrated in FIG. 20, body 214 of housing 212 includes a chamber 238 located within a boundary defined by exterior perimeter wall 232. Chamber 238 forms a portion of fluid reservoir 228, and is configured to define an interior space, and in particular, includes base wall 230 and has an interior perimetrical wall 240 configured to have rounded corners, so as to promote fluid flow in chamber 238. Referring to FIG. 19, interior perimetrical wall 240 of chamber 238 has an extent bounded by a proximal end 240-1 and a distal end 240-2. Proximal end 240-1 is contiguous with, and preferably forms a transition radius with, base wall 230. Distal end 240-2 is configured to define a perimetrical end surface 240-3 at a lateral opening 238-1 of chamber 238. Perimetrical end surface 240-3 may include a plurality of ribs, or undulations, to provide an effective sealing surface for engagement with diaphragm 222. The extent of interior perimetrical wall 240 of chamber 238 is substantially orthogonal to base wall 230, and is substantially parallel to the corresponding extent of exterior perimeter wall 232.

[0066] As best shown in FIG. 19, chamber 238 has an inlet fluid port 242 and an outlet fluid port 244, each of which is formed in a portion of interior perimetrical wall 240. Inlet fluid port 242 is separated a distance from outlet fluid port 244 along the portion of interior perimetrical wall 240. The terms "inlet" and "outlet" are terms of convenience that are used in distinguishing between the multiple ports of the present embodiment, and are correlated with a particular rotational direction 250-1 of stir bar 224. However, it is to be understood that it is the rotational direction of stir bar 224 that dictates whether a particular port functions as an inlet port or an outlet port, and it is within the scope of this invention to reverse the rotational direction of stir bar 224, and thus reverse the roles of the respective ports within chamber 238.

[0067] As best shown in FIG. 23, body 214 of housing 212 includes a fluid channel 246 interposed between a portion of interior perimetrical wall 240 of chamber 238 and exterior wall 232-1 of exterior perimeter wall 232 that carries ejection chip 118. Fluid channel 246 is configured to minimize particulate settling in a region of fluid opening 232-3, and in turn, ejection chip 118.

[0068] In the present embodiment, fluid channel 246 is configured as a U-shaped elongated passage having a channel inlet 246-1 and a channel outlet 246-2. Fluid channel 246 dimensions, e.g., height and width, and shape are selected to provide a desired combination of fluid flow and fluid velocity for facilitating intra-channel stirring.

[0069] Fluid channel 246 is configured to connect inlet fluid port 242 of chamber 238 in fluid communication with outlet fluid port 244 of chamber 238, and also connects fluid opening 232-3 of exterior wall 232-1 of exterior perimeter wall 232 in fluid communication with both inlet fluid port 242 and outlet fluid port 244 of chamber 238. In particular, channel inlet 246-1 of fluid channel 246 is located adjacent to inlet fluid port 242 of chamber 238 and channel outlet 246-2 of fluid channel 246 is located adjacent to outlet fluid port 244 of chamber 238. In the present embodiment, the structure of inlet fluid port 242 and outlet fluid port 244 of chamber 238 is symmetrical.

[0070] Fluid channel 246 has a convexly arcuate wall 246-3 that is positioned between channel inlet 246-1 and channel outlet 246-2, with fluid channel 246 being symmetrical about a channel mid-point 248. In turn, convexly arcuate wall 246-3 of fluid channel 246 is positioned between inlet fluid port 242 and outlet fluid port 244 of chamber 238 on the opposite side of interior perimetrical wall 240 from the interior space of chamber 238, with convexly arcuate wall 246-3 positioned to face fluid opening 232-3 of exterior wall 232-1 and fluid ejection chip 118.

[0071] Convexly arcuate wall 246-3 is configured to create a fluid flow substantially parallel to ejection chip 118. In the present embodiment, a longitudinal extent of convexly arcuate wall 246-3 has a radius that faces fluid opening 232-3, is substantially parallel to ejection chip 118, and has transition radii 246-4, 246-5 located adjacent to channel inlet 246-1 and channel outlet 246-2 surfaces, respectively. The radius and radii of convexly arcuate wall 246-3 help with fluid flow efficiency. A distance between convexly arcuate wall 246-3 and fluid ejection chip 118 is narrowest at the channel mid-point 248, which coincides with a mid-point of the longitudinal extent of fluid ejection chip 118, and in turn, with at a mid-point of the longitudinal extent of fluid opening 232-3 of exterior wall 232-1.

[0072] Referring again also to FIG. 19, each of inlet fluid port 242 and outlet fluid port 244 of chamber 238 has a beveled ramp structure configured such that each of inlet fluid port 242 and outlet fluid port 244 converges in a respective direction toward fluid channel 246. In particular, inlet fluid port 242 of chamber 238 has a beveled inlet ramp 242-1 configured such that inlet fluid port 242 converges, i.e., narrows, in a direction toward channel inlet 246-1 of fluid channel 246, and outlet fluid port 244 of chamber 238 has a beveled outlet ramp 244-1 that diverges, i.e., widens, in a direction away from channel outlet 246-2 of fluid channel 246.

[0073] Referring again to FIG. 18, diaphragm 222 is positioned between lid 216 and perimetrical end surface 240-3 of interior perimetrical wall 240 of chamber 238. The attachment of lid 216 to body 214 compresses a perimeter of diaphragm 222 thereby creating a continuous seal between diaphragm 222 and body 122, and more particularly, diaphragm 222 is configured for sealing engagement with perimetrical end surface 240-3 of interior perimetrical wall 240 of chamber 238 in forming fluid reservoir 228. Thus, in combination, chamber 148 and diaphragm 222 cooperate to define fluid reservoir 228 having a variable volume.

[0074] Referring particularly to FIGs. 18 and 19, an exterior surface of diaphragm 222 is vented to the atmosphere through a vent hole 216-1 located in lid 216 so that a controlled negative pressure can be maintained in fluid reservoir 228. Diaphragm 222 is made of rubber, and includes a dome portion 222-1 configured to progressively collapse toward base wall 230 as fluid is depleted from microfluidic dispensing device 210, so as to maintain a desired negative pressure in chamber 238, and thus changing the effective volume of the variable volume of fluid reservoir 228.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 18, for sake of further explanation, below, the variable volume of fluid reservoir 228, also referred to herein as a bulk region, may be considered to have a proximal continuous 1/3 volume portion 228-1, a central continuous 1/3 volume portion 228-2, and a distal continuous 1/3 volume portion 228-3, with the continuous central volume portion 228-2 separating the proximal continuous 1/3 volume portion 228-1 from the distal continuous 1/3 volume portion 228-3. The proximal continuous 1/3 volume portion 228-1 is located closer to ejection chip 118 than either of the central continuous 1/3 volume portion 228-2 and the distal continuous 1/3 volume portion 228-3.

[0076] Referring to FIGs. 18 and 19, stir bar 224 resides in the variable volume of fluid reservoir 228 and in chamber 238, and is located within a boundary defined by interior perimetrical wall 240 of chamber 238. Referring also to FIGs. 24-27, stir bar 224 has a rotational axis 250 and a plurality of paddles 252, 254, 256, 258 that radially extend away from the rotational axis 250. Stir bar 224 has a magnet 260 (see FIGs. 18, 23, and 27), e.g., a permanent magnet, configured for interaction with external magnetic field generator 164 (see FIG. 1) to drive stir bar 224 to rotate around the rotational axis 250. In the present embodiment, stir bar 224 has two pairs of diametrically opposed paddles that are equally spaced at 90 degree increments around rotational axis 250. However, the actual number of paddles of stir bar 224 is two or more, and preferably three or four, but more preferably four, with each adjacent pair of paddles having the same angular spacing around the rotational axis 250. For example, a stir bar 224 configuration having three paddles would have a paddle spacing of 120 degrees, having four paddles would have a paddle spacing of 90 degrees, etc.

[0077] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGs. 24-27, stir bar 224 is configured in a stepped, i.e., two-tiered, cross pattern with chamfered surfaces which may provide the following desired attributes: quiet, short, low axial drag, good rotational speed transfer, and capable of starting to mix with stir bar 224 in particulate sediment. In particular, referring to FIG. 26, each of the plurality of paddles 252, 254, 256, 258 of stir bar 224 has an axial extent 262 having a first tier portion 264 and a second tier portion 266. Referring also to FIG. 25, first tier portion 264 has a first radial extent 268 terminating at a first distal end tip 270. Second tier portion 266 has a second radial extent 272 terminating in a second distal end tip 274. The first radial extent 268 is greater than the second radial extent 272, such that a first rotational velocity of first distal end tip 270 of first tier portion 264 is higher than a second rotational velocity of second distal end tip 274 of second tier portion 266.

[0078] Also, in the present embodiment, the first radial extent 268 is not limited by a cage containment structure, as in the previous embodiment, such that first distal end tip 270 advantageously may be positioned closer to the surrounding portions of interior perimetrical wall 240 of chamber 238, particularly in the central continuous 1/3 volume region 228-2 and the distal continuous 1/3 volume region 228-3. By reducing the clearance between first distal end tip 270 and interior perimetrical wall 240 of chamber 238, mixing effectiveness is improved. Stir bar 224 has a stir bar radius (first radial extent 268) from rotational axis 250 to the distal end tip 270 of first tier portion 264 of a respective paddle. A ratio of the stir bar radius and a clearance distance between the distal end tip 270 and its closest encounters with interior perimetrical wall 240 may be 5:2 to 5:0.025. In the present example, such clearance at each of the closest encounters may be in a range of 2.0 millimeters to 0.1 millimeters, and more preferably, is in a range of 1.0 millimeters to 0.1 millimeters.

[0079] First tier portion 264 has a first tip portion 270-1 that includes first distal end tip 270. First tip portion 270-1 may be tapered in a direction from the rotational axis 250 toward first distal end tip 270. First tip portion of 270-1 of first tier portion 264 has symmetrical upper and lower surfaces, each having a beveled, i.e., chamfered, leading surface and a beveled trailing surface. The beveled leading surfaces and the beveled trailing surfaces of first tip portion 270-1 are configured to converge at first distal end tip 270.

[0080] Also, in the present embodiment, first tier portion 264 of each of the plurality of paddles 252, 254, 256, 258 collectively form a convex surface 276. As shown in FIG. 18, convex surface 276 has a drag-reducing radius positioned to contact base wall 230 of chamber 238. The drag-reducing radius may be, for example, at least three times greater than the first radial extent 268 of first tier portion 264 of each of the plurality of paddles 252, 254, 256, 258.

[0081] Referring again to FIG. 26, second tier portion 266 has a second tip portion 274-1 that includes second distal end tip 274. Second distal end tip 274 may have a radial blunt end surface. Second tier portion 266 of each of the plurality of paddles 252, 254, 256, 258 has an upper surface having a beveled, i.e., chamfered, leading surface and a beveled trailing surface.

[0082] Referring to FIGs. 19-27, the rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 may be oriented in an angular range of perpendicular, plus or minus 45 degrees, relative to the fluid ejection direction 120-1. Stated differently, the rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 may be oriented in an angular range of parallel, plus or minus 45 degrees, relative to the planar extent (e.g., plane 234) of ejection chip 118. Also, rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 may be oriented in an angular range of perpendicular, plus or minus 45 degrees, relative to the planar extent of base wall 230. In combination, the rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 may be oriented in both an angular range of perpendicular, plus or minus 45 degrees, relative the fluid ejection direction 120-1 and/or the planar extent of base wall 230, and an angular range of parallel, plus or minus 45 degrees, relative to the planar extent of ejection chip 118.

[0083] More preferably, the rotational axis 250 has an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the fluid ejection direction 120-1, an orientation that is substantially parallel to the plane 234, i.e., planar extent, of ejection chip 118, and an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the plane 236 of base wall 230. In the present embodiment, the rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 has an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the plane 236 of base wall 230 in all orientations around rotational axis 250 and/or is substantially perpendicular to the fluid ejection direction 120-1 in all orientations around rotational axis 250.

[0084] The orientations of stir bar 224, described above, may be achieved by guide portion 226, with guide portion 226 also being located within chamber 238 in the variable volume of fluid reservoir 228, and more particularly, within the boundary defined by interior perimetrical wall 240 of chamber 238. Guide portion 226 is configured to confine and position stir bar 224 in a predetermined portion of the interior space of chamber 238 at one of the predefined orientations, described above.

[0085] Referring to FIGs, 18-21, for example, guide portion 226 may be configured to position the rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 in an angular range of parallel, plus or minus 45 degrees, relative to the planar extent of ejection chip 118, and more preferably, guide portion 226 is configured to position the rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 substantially parallel to the planar extent of ejection chip 118. In the present embodiment, guide portion 226 is configured to position and maintain an orientation of the rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 to be substantially perpendicular to the plane 236 of base wall 230 in all orientations around rotational axis 250 and to be substantially parallel to the planar extent of ejection chip 118 in all orientations around rotational axis 250.

[0086] Referring to FIGs. 19-21 and 23, guide portion 226 includes an annular member 278, and a plurality of mounting arms 280-1, 280-2, 280-3, 280-4 coupled to annular member 278. Annular member 278 has an opening 278-1 that defines an annular confining surface 278-2. Opening 278-1 has a central axis 282. Second tier portion 266 of stir bar 224 is received in opening 278-1 of annular member 278. Annular confining surface 278-2 is configured to contact the radial extent of second tier portion 266 of the plurality of paddles 252, 254, 256, 258 to limit radial movement of stir bar 224 relative to the central axis 282. Referring to FIGs. 18-20 and 23, annular member 278 has an axial restraint surface 278-3 positioned to be axially offset from base wall 230 of chamber 238, for axial engagement with first tier portion 264 of stir bar 224.

[0087] Referring to FIGs. 20 and 21, the plurality of mounting arms 280-1, 280-2, 280-3, 280-4 are configured to engage housing 212 to suspend annular member 278 in the interior space of chamber 238, separated from base wall 230 of chamber 238, with axial restraint surface 278-3 positioned to face, and to be axially offset from, base wall 230 of chamber 238. A distal end of each of mounting arms 280-1, 280-2, 280-3, 280-4 includes respective locating features 280-5, 280-6, 280-7, 280-8 that have free ends to engage a perimetrical portion of diaphragm 222.

[0088] In the present embodiment, base wall 230 limits axial movement of stir bar 224 relative to the central axis 282 in a first axial direction and axial restraint surface 278-3 of annular member 278 is located to axially engage at least a portion of first tier portion 264 of the plurality of paddles 252, 254, 256, 258 to limit axial movement of stir bar 224 relative to the central axis 282 in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction.

[0089] As such, in the present embodiment, stir bar 224 is confined in a free-floating manner within the region defined by opening 278-1 and annular confining surface 278-2 of annular member 278, and between axial restraint surface 278-3 of annular member 278 and base wall 230 of chamber 238. The extent to which stir bar 224 is free-floating is determined by the radial tolerances provided between annular confining surface 278-2 and stir bar 224 in the radial direction, and by the axial tolerances between stir bar 224 and the axial limit provided by the combination of base wall 230 and axial restraint surface 278-3 of annular member 278. For example, the tighter the radial and axial tolerances provided by guide portion 226, the less variation of the rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 from perpendicular relative to base wall 230, and the less side-to-side motion of stir bar 224 within fluid reservoir 228.

[0090] In the present embodiment, guide portion 226 is configured as a unitary insert member that is removably attached to housing 212. Referring to FIG. 23, guide portion 226 includes a first retention feature 284 and body 214 of housing 212 includes a second retention feature 214-2. First retention feature 284 is engaged with second retention feature 214-2 to attach guide portion 226 to body 214 of housing 212 in a fixed relationship with housing 212. First retention feature 284/second retention feature 214-2 combination may be, for example, in the form of a tab/slot arrangement, or alternatively, a slot/tab arrangement, respectively.

[0091] As best shown in FIG. 23 with respect to FIG. 19, guide portion 226 may further include a flow control portion 286 having a flow separator feature 286-1, a flow rejoining feature 286-2, and a concavely arcuate surface 286-3. Flow control portion 286 provides an axial spacing between axial restraint surface 278-3 and base wall 230 in the region of inlet fluid port 242 and outlet fluid port 244. Concavely arcuate surface 286-3 is coextensive with, and extends between, each of flow separator feature 286-1 and flow rejoining feature 286-2. Flow separator feature 286-1 is positioned adjacent inlet fluid port 242 and flow rejoining feature 286-2 is positioned adjacent outlet fluid port 244. Flow separator feature 286-1 has a beveled wall that cooperates with beveled inlet ramp 242-1 (see FIG. 19) of inlet fluid port 242 of chamber 238 to guide fluid toward channel inlet 246-1 of fluid channel 246. Likewise, flow rejoining feature 286-2 has a beveled wall that cooperates with beveled outlet ramp 244-1 (see FIG. 19) of outlet fluid port 244 to guide fluid away from channel outlet 246-2 of fluid channel 246.

[0092] It is contemplated that all, or a portion, of flow control portion 286 may be incorporated into interior perimetrical wall 240 of chamber 238 of body 214 of housing 212.

[0093] In the present embodiment, as is best shown in FIG. 23, stir bar 224 is oriented such that the free ends of the plurality of paddles 252, 254, 256, 258 periodically face concavely arcuate surface 286-3 of flow control portion 286 as stir bar 224 is rotated about the rotational axis 250. A ratio of the stir bar radius and a clearance distance between the distal end tip 270 of first tier portion 264 of a respective paddle and flow control portion 286 may be 5:2 to 5:0.025. More particularly, guide portion 226 is configured to confine stir bar 224 in a predetermined portion of the interior space of chamber 238. In the present example, a distance between first distal end tip 270 and concavely arcuate surface 286-3 of flow control portion 286 is in a range of 2.0 millimeters to 0.1 millimeters, and more preferably, is in a range of 1.0 millimeters to 0.1 millimeters.

[0094] Also referring to FIG. 18, guide portion 226 is configured to position the rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 in a portion of fluid reservoir 228 such that first distal end tip 270 of each of the plurality of paddles 252, 254, 256, 258 of stir bar 224 rotationally ingresses and egresses a proximal continuous 1/3 volume portion 228-1 of fluid reservoir 228 that is closer to ejection chip 118. Stated differently, guide portion 226 is configured to position the rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 in a portion of the interior space such that first distal end tip 270 of each of the plurality of paddles 252, 254, 256, 258 rotationally ingresses and egresses the continuous 1/3 volume portion 228-1 of the interior space of chamber 238 that includes inlet fluid port 242 and outlet fluid port 244.

[0095] More particularly, in the present embodiment wherein stir bar 224 has four paddles, guide portion 226 is configured to position the rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 in a portion of the interior space of chamber 238 such that first distal end tip 270 of each the two pairs of diametrically opposed paddles alternatingly and respectively are positioned in the proximal continuous 1/3 portion 228-1 of the volume of the interior space of chamber 238 that includes inlet fluid port 242 and outlet fluid port 244 and in the distal continuous 1/3 portion 228-3 of the interior space that is furthest from ejection chip 118. More particularly, in the present embodiment wherein stir bar 224 has two sets of diametrically opposed paddles, guide portion 226 is configured to position the rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 in a portion of the interior space of chamber 238 such that first distal end tip 270 of each of diametrically opposed paddles, e.g., 252, 256 or 254, 258, as shown in FIG. 23, alternatingly and respectively are positioned in the proximal continuous 1/3 volume portion 228-1 and the distal continuous 1/3 volume portion 228-3 as stir bar 224 is rotated.

[0096] FIGs. 28-31 show a configuration for a stir bar 300, which may be substituted for stir bar 224 of microfluidic dispensing device 210 discussed above with respect to the embodiment of FIGs. 17-27 for use with guide portion 226.

[0097] Stir bar 300 has a rotational axis 350 and a plurality of paddles 352, 354, 356, 358 that radially extend away from the rotational axis 350. Stir bar 300 has a magnet 360 (see FIG. 31), e.g., a permanent magnet, configured for interaction with external magnetic field generator 164 (see FIG. 1) to drive stir bar 300 to rotate around the rotational axis 350. In the present embodiment, stir bar 300 has two pairs of diametrically opposed paddles that are equally spaced at 90 degree increments around rotational axis 350.

[0098] In the present embodiment, as shown, stir bar 300 is configured in a stepped, i.e., two-tiered, cross pattern with chamfered surfaces. In particular, each of the plurality of paddles 352, 354, 356, 358 of stir bar 300 has an axial extent 362 having a first tier portion 364 and a second tier portion 366. First tier portion 364 has a first radial extent 368 terminating at a first distal end tip 370. Second tier portion 366 has a second radial extent 372 terminating in a second distal end tip 374. The first radial extent 368 is greater than the second radial extent 372, such that a first rotational velocity of first distal end tip 370 of first tier portion 364 of stir bar 300 is higher than a second rotational velocity of second distal end tip 374 of second tier portion 366 of stir bar 300.

[0099] First tier portion 364 has a first tip portion 370-1 that includes first distal end tip 370. First tip portion 370-1 may be tapered in a direction from the rotational axis 350 toward first distal end tip 370. First tip portion 370-1 of first tier portion 364 has symmetrical upper and lower surfaces, each having a beveled, i.e., chamfered, leading surface and a beveled trailing surface. The beveled leading surfaces and the beveled trailing surfaces of first tip portion 370-1 are configured to converge at first distal end tip 370. Also, in the present embodiment, first tier portion 364 of each of the plurality of paddles 352, 354, 356, 358 collectively form a flat surface 376 for engaging base wall 230.

[0100] Second tier portion 366 has a second tip portion 374-1 that includes second distal end tip 374. Second distal end tip 374 may have a radially blunt end surface. Second tier portion 366 has two diametrical pairs of upper surfaces, each having a beveled, i.e., chamfered, leading surface and a beveled trailing surface. However, in the present embodiment, the two diametrical pairs have different configurations, in that the area of the upper beveled leading surface and upper beveled trailing surface for diametrical pair of paddles 352, 356 is greater than the area of bevel of the upper beveled leading surface and upper beveled trailing surface for diametrical pair of paddles 354, 358. As such, adjacent angularly spaced pairs of the plurality of paddles 352, 354, 356, 358 alternatingly provide less and more aggressive agitation, respectively, of the fluid in fluid reservoir 228.

[0101] FIGs. 32-35 show a configuration for a stir bar 400, which may be substituted for stir bar 224 of microfluidic dispensing device 210 discussed above with respect to the embodiment of FIGs. 17-27 for use with guide portion 226.

[0102] Stir bar 400 has a rotational axis 450 and a plurality of paddles 452, 454, 456, 458 that radially extend away from the rotational axis 450. Stir bar 400 has a magnet 460 (see FIGs. 32 and 35, e.g., a permanent magnet, configured for interaction with external magnetic field generator 164 (see FIG. 1) to drive stir bar 400 to rotate around the rotational axis 450. In the present embodiment, stir bar 400 has two pairs of diametrically opposed paddles that are equally spaced at 90 degree increments around rotational axis 450.

[0103] In the present embodiment, as shown, stir bar 400 is configured in a stepped, i.e., two-tiered, cross pattern. In particular, each of the plurality of paddles 452, 454, 456, 458 of stir bar 400 has an axial extent 462 having a first tier portion 464 and a second tier portion 466. First tier portion 464 has a first radial extent 468 terminating at a first distal end tip 470. Second tier portion 466 has a second radial extent 472 terminating in a second distal end tip 474 having a wide radial end shape. The first radial extent 468 is greater than the second radial extent 472, such that a first rotational velocity of first distal end tip 470 of first tier portion 464 of stir bar 400 is higher than a second rotational velocity of second distal end tip 474 of second tier portion 466 of stir bar 400.

[0104] First tier portion 464 has a first tip portion 470-1 that includes first distal end tip 370. First tip portion 470-1 may be tapered in a direction from the rotational axis 450 toward first distal end tip 470. First tip portion 470-1 of first tier portion 464 has symmetrical upper and lower surfaces, each having a beveled, i.e., chamfered, leading surface and a beveled trailing surface. The beveled leading surfaces and the beveled trailing surfaces of first tip portion 470-1 are configured to converge at first distal end tip 470. Also, in the present embodiment, first tier portion 464 of each of the plurality of paddles 452, 454, 456, 458 collectively form a flat surface 476 for engaging base wall 230.

[0105] Second tier portion 466 has a second tip portion 474-1 that includes second distal end tip 474. Second tip portion 474-1 has a radially blunt end surface. Second tier portion 466 has two diametrical pairs of upper surfaces. However, in the present embodiment, the two diametrical pairs have different configurations, in that the diametrical pair of paddles 452, 456 have upper beveled leading surfaces and upper beveled trailing surfaces, and the diametrical pair of paddles 454, 458 do not, i.e., provide a blunt lateral surface substantially parallel to rotational axis 450.

[0106] Referring again to FIGs. 32 and 35, stir bar 400 includes a void 478 that radially intersects the rotational axis 450, with void 478 being located in the diametrical pair of paddles 454, 458. Magnet 460 is positioned in void 478 with the north pole of magnet 460 and the south pole of magnet 460 being diametrically opposed with respect to the rotational axis 450. A film seal 480 is attached, e.g., by ultrasonic welding, heat staking, laser welding, etc., to stir bar 400 to cover over void 478. It is preferred that film seal 480 have a seal layer material that is chemically compatible with the material of stir bar 400. Film seal 480 has a shape that conforms to the shape of the upper surface of second tier portion 466 of diametrical pair of paddles 454, 458. The present configuration has an advantage over a stir bar insert that is molded around the magnet, since insert molding may slightly demagnetize the magnet from the insert mold process heat.

[0107] FIGs. 36-39 show a configuration for a stir bar 400-1, having substantially the same configuration as stir bar 400 discussed above with respect to FIGs. 32-35, with the sole difference being the shape of the film seal used to seal void 478. Stir bar 400-1 has a film seal 480-1 having a circular shape, and which has a diameter that forms an arcuate web between adjacent pairs of the plurality of paddles 452, 454, 456, 458. The web features serve to separate the bulk mixing flow in the region between stir bar 400-1 and diaphragm 222, and the regions between adjacent pairs of the plurality of paddles 452, 454, 456, 458.

[0108] FIGs. 40-43 show a configuration for a stir bar 500, which may be substituted for stir bar 224 of microfluidic dispensing device 210 discussed above with respect to the embodiment of FIGs. 17-27 for use with guide portion 226.

[0109] Stir bar 500 has a cylindrical hub 502 having a rotational axis 550, and a plurality of paddles 552, 554, 556, 558 that radially extend away from cylindrical hub 502. Stir bar 500 has a magnet 560 (see FIGs. 40 and 43), e.g., a permanent magnet, configured for interaction with external magnetic field generator 164 (see FIG. 1) to drive stir bar 500 to rotate around the rotational axis 550.

[0110] In the present embodiment, as shown, the plurality of paddles 552, 554, 556, 558 of stir bar 500 are configured in a stepped, i.e., two-tiered, cross pattern with chamfered surfaces. In particular, each of the plurality of paddles 552, 554, 556, 558 of stir bar 500 has an axial extent 562 having a first tier portion 564 and a second tier portion 566. First tier portion 564 has a first radial extent 568 terminating at a first distal end tip 570. Second tier portion 566 has a second radial extent 572 terminating in a second distal end tip 574.

[0111] First tier portion 564 has a first tip portion 570-1 that includes first distal end tip 570. First tip portion 570-1 may be tapered in a direction from the rotational axis 550 toward first distal end tip 570. First tip portion 570-1 of first tier portion 564 has symmetrical upper and lower surfaces, each having a beveled, i.e., chamfered, leading surface and a beveled trailing surface. The beveled leading surfaces and the beveled trailing surfaces of first tip portion 570-1 are configured to converge at first distal end tip 570. First tier portion 564 of each of the plurality of paddles 552, 554, 556, 558, and cylindrical hub 502, collectively form a convexly curved surface 576 for engaging base wall 230.

[0112] The second tier portion 566 has a second tip portion 574-1 that includes second distal end tip 574. Second distal end tip 574 may have a radially blunt end surface. Second tier portion 566 has an upper surface having a chamfered leading surface and a chamfered trailing surface.

[0113] Referring again to FIGs. 40 and 43, stir bar 500 includes a void 578 that radially intersects the rotational axis 550, with void 578 being located in cylindrical hub 502. Magnet 560 is positioned in void 578 with the north pole of magnet 560 and the south pole of magnet 560 being diametrically opposed with respect to the rotational axis 550. A film seal 580 has a shape that conforms to the circular shape of the upper surface of cylindrical hub 502. Film seal 580 is attached, e.g., by ultrasonic welding, heat staking, laser welding, etc., to the upper surface of cylindrical hub 502 of stir bar 500 to cover over void 578. It is preferred that film seal 580 have a seal layer material that is chemically compatible with the material of stir bar 500.

[0114] FIGs. 44-46 show a configuration for a stir bar 500-1, having substantially the same configuration as stir bar 500 discussed above with respect to FIGs. 40-43, with the sole difference being that film seal 580 used to seal void 578 has been replaced with a permanent cover 580-1. In this embodiment, cover 580-1 is unitary with the stir bar body, which are formed around magnet 560 during the insert molding process.

[0115] While the stir bar embodiments of FIGs. 24-46 have been described as being for use with microfluidic dispensing device 210 having guide portion 226, those skilled in the art will recognize that stir bar 132 described above in relation to microfluidic dispensing device 110 having guide portion 134 may be modified to also include a two-tiered stir bar paddle design for use with guide portion 134.

[0116] When fluid is first introduced into the respective microfluidic dispensing device, e.g., microfluidic dispensing device 210, the fluid is at a desired state of particulate suspension having a mixed viscosity. However, over time, the particulate portion of the fluid tends to separate from the bulk liquid portion of the fluid. In order to achieve coverage uniformity of the ejected fluid, it is desirable to maintain the fluid at the desired state of particulate suspension in the fluid liquid by performing fluid re-mixing operations.

[0117] Over time, the particulate portion tends to accumulate as a settled particulate portion formed as a settled layer of particles. It has been observed that the density of the bulk fluid liquid portion of the fluid is less than the density of the settled particulate portion. Also, the dense settled layer of the settled particulate portion will have a greater viscosity than the viscosity of the desired mixed fluid. The separated fluid may also create re-mixing challenges because the higher density of the settled particulate portion will tend to inhibit the rotational motion of the stir bar. The desirability of performing fluid re-mixing is illustrated in FIGs. 47-50.

[0118] FIG. 47 is an x-ray image of microfluidic dispensing device 210 of FIGs. 17-23 having a longitudinal extent of housing 212 arranged along a vertical axis 600, with housing 212 oriented such that ejection chip 118 faces vertically upward and with the planar extent of ejection chip 118 being substantially perpendicular to vertical axis 600. Contained in housing 212 is stir bar 500 having magnet 560. Fluid reservoir 228 of microfluidic dispensing device 210 is shown to contain a fluid 602 that includes settled particulate 604 at a gravitational low region 606 of fluid reservoir 228. In the orientation shown, ejection chip 118 is facing vertically upward, and the settled particulate 604 has accumulated at the gravitational low region 606 of fluid reservoir 228 on the opposite end of housing 212 relative to ejection chip 118.

[0119] FIG. 48 is an x-ray image of an implementation of microfluidic dispensing device 210 tilted off-axis from vertical axis 600 by an angular amount 608 about 20 to 25 degrees, and depicts how settled particulate 604 migrates to a new gravitational low region 610 of fluid reservoir 228 based on the change of orientation of housing 212 relative to vertical axis 600. Also, it can be seen that the particulate layer adjacent to the walls of fluid reservoir 228 do not tend to move easily by changing the orientation of microfluidic dispensing device 210.

[0120] FIG. 49 is an x-ray image of an implementation of microfluidic dispensing device 210 (containing stir bar 224 having magnet 260; see also FIGs. 18 and 23) that illustrates a worst case orientation, wherein housing 212 is oriented such that ejection chip 118 faces vertically downward with the planar extent of ejection chip 118 being substantially perpendicular to vertical axis 600. As shown, settled particulate 604 migrates to a new gravitational low region 612 of fluid reservoir 228 based on the change of orientation of housing 212, such that settled particulate 604 has accumulated over channel inlet 246-1 and channel outlet 246-2 of fluid channel 246. Thus, without sufficient mixing of fluid 602, settled particulate 604 would render Microfluidic dispensing device 210 inoperable, by completely blocking fluid channel 246, which in turn, would prevent fluid from reaching ejection chip 118.

[0121] FIG. 50 is an x-ray image of an implementation of microfluidic dispensing device 210 of FIGs. 17-23 after execution of a method for re-mixing fluid 602 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, as further described below. FIG. 50 illustrates fluid 602 having suspended particulate content, but with no accumulation of settled particulate 604 as in the illustrations of FIGs. 47-48.

[0122] The present invention includes multiple mixing modes, namely: the Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode and the Between Use Maintenance Mode. As the mode names imply, the Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode is used to prepare a microfluidic dispensing device for use for an initial startup or to prepare a Microfluidic dispensing device for use after microfluidic dispensing device was subjected to long term storage. The Between Use Maintenance Mode is used between uses of the microfluidic dispensing device, wherein the length of time between uses does not constitute the need for recovery in accordance with the Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode.

[0123] The Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode is used when significant particulate settlement has occurred, such as during long periods of non-use, i.e., shelf-time in a store, storage over a significant period of non-use, etc., and/or in view of an undesirable orientation of microfluidic dispensing device 210 during non-use, such as in the orientation depicted in FIG. 49. The Between Use Maintenance Mode is used to maintain the fluid at the desired state of particulate suspension in the fluid, e.g., between frequent print jobs, between pages, etc.

[0124] The actual amount of time in storage that requires the Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode, or the frequency of mixing during the Between Use Maintenance Mode, is dependent on the settling speed of the particulate, and the cartridge orientation during non-use. The settling speed for the particulate is dependent on the liquid viscosity of the fluid, the particle size of the particulate, and the density difference between the liquid portion of the fluid and the particulate portion of the fluid. For example, it has been observed that the amount of time required to re-mix the fluid by rotating the stir bar when the orientation of the housing is vertical with particulate settlement occurring in the region of fluid channel 246, as depicted in FIG. 49, is greater than the amount of time required to re-mix the fluid when the orientation of the housing is vertical with ejection chip 118 and fluid channel 246 facing vertically upward, as in FIG. 47. This is because the re-mixing must also serve to re-open fluid channel 246.

[0125] As such, in the present invention, the actual amount of time and/or mixing frequency required for re-mixing to achieve the desired state of particulate suspension, i.e., the target viscosity of the fluid, is determined empirically for each of the Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode and the Between Use Maintenance Mode, and may be performed, for example, by collecting data through x-ray observation (see FIGs. 47-50).

[0126] In addition to x-rays, testing to ensure sufficient mixing of the fluid can be performed by comparing the mixed fluid percent solids with the initial filling fluid percent solids. Another method is to compare mixed L*a*b* measurements with initial filling L*a*b* measurements to ensure sufficient mixing of the fluid. Another method is to look at nozzle health after mixing has been performed. These last two methods can be run on ejection chip ejection samples and may be faster to use in determining required maintenance parameters.

[0127] As a general observation, the longer the time between uses of the microfluidic dispensing device or between re-mixing within the microfluidic dispensing device, the longer the mixing time that will be required to re-mix the fluid in the microfluidic dispensing device to achieve an acceptable level of particulate suspension, e.g., preferably, a level within the tolerances of an initial filling of the microfluidic dispensing device. For example, assuming desirable settling orientations, such as that depicted in FIG. 53, with a particular exemplary fluid formula, settling after 1 day may be re-mixed in under 30 seconds; however, after a week, the mixing time may be closer to 1 minute. After two weeks, the mixing time for proper mixing may be about 2 minutes. For fastest startup use, the Between Use Maintenance Mode may be implemented, wherein a few seconds of mixing every few hours will make the microfluidic dispensing device always ready for use in the shortest possible time.

[0128] Also, changing the orientation of microfluidic dispensing device to use gravity to move the particulate and break up the layer formed by settled particulate 604, prior to beginning rotation of the stir bar, may also affect the amount of time required to re-mix the fluid. For example, complete movement of settled particulate 604 via reversal of the orientation of microfluidic dispensing device 210 from the ejection chip down orientation of FIG. 49 to the ejection chip up orientation of FIG. 47 may take one-half of a day or more, but the benefit of the change of orientation will be an overall reduction in the fluid re-mix time.

[0129] A further benefit may be obtained by vibrating the microfluidic dispensing device while mixing (i.e., while rotating the stir bar) to accelerate removing any dense settled layer of particulate from the ejection chip region. Haptic vibration helps to clear the fluid channel, e.g., fluid channel 246 (FIG. 49). The frequency and intensity of the haptic vibration may be determined empirically, and may be dependent, at least in part, on the amount of particulate in the fluid. For example, typically, it was found that aggressive vibration can help decrease the mix time from hours or tens of minutes to minutes or even several seconds, by helping to dislodge and disperse a settled particulate layer formed in the fluid reservoir. The haptic vibration may be induced in the microfluidic dispensing device by attaching a haptic motor to the body of the microfluidic dispensing device.

[0130] The control of the stir bar is equivalent to driving a step motor. So, in the case when the stir bar torque is high, the acceleration rate must be decreased or the motion will "break phase" with the driving signal. It is possible on the initial install that the stir bar is driven through multiple rotational speed changes at slow accelerations to ensure that the stir bar mixes well by preventing any prolonged stir bar stall times. In some applications using some formulations, heavy sediment may require an initial oscillating motion to free the stir bar for spinning operation or start at a very low initial speed.

[0131] Shallow ejection chip angles will not be able to use gravity as effectively in moving sediment that may have settled in the ejection chip region including the fluid channel during a shipping condition, but can be used for mixing between uses during the Between Use Maintenance Mode.

[0132] FIG. 51 is a flowchart of a method for re-mixing fluid in a microfluidic dispensing device 210. The method will be described with respect to the embodiment of FIGs. 17-27.

[0133] At step S100, microfluidic dispensing device 210 is positioned at a predetermined orientation. Such positioning may be made based on an anticipation of a desired mixing mode of the multiple mixing modes of the present invention, or the predetermined orientation provided by a maintenance station. Also, the positioning may be made to counter an orientation that microfluidic dispensing device 210 has been in (e.g., during storage, or use) prior to performing the re-mixing method of the present invention.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 52, microfluidic dispensing device 210 is shown in a Cartesian space having X, Y, and Z axes, with the longitudinal extent of housing 212 lying on the positive Z-axis and the lateral extent of housing 212 lying on the X-Y-plane. In the X-Z plane, the positive X-axis represents 0 degrees; the Z-axis represents vertical, with the upper Z-axis (positive) labeled as 90 degrees, corresponding to vertical axis 600 discussed above; and the X-axis (negative) represents 180 degrees. An orientation of the longitudinal extent of housing 212 of microfluidic dispensing device 210 is represented by fluid ejection direction 120-1, and which also represents the direction that ejection chip 118 and fluid channel 246 is facing.

[0135] In preparation for mixing, microfluidic dispensing device 210 is positioned such that fluid ejection direction 120-1 does not face downward. The term "not face downward" means that the arrow of fluid ejection direction 120-1 does not point below the X-Y plane, i.e., is never less than horizontal. Thus, in the orientation of the present example, microfluidic dispensing device 210 may be rotated in the X-Z plane about the Y-axis, in a range of upward vertical (Z+ at 90 degrees) plus or minus 90 degrees, i.e., upward vertical to horizontal without the fluid ejection direction 120-1 being pointed downward.

[0136] It is noted that the planar extent of ejection chip 118 is substantially perpendicular to fluid ejection direction 120-1 in all orientations around fluid ejection direction 120-1, and the planar extent of base wall 230 of housing 212 of microfluidic dispensing device 210 is substantially parallel to fluid ejection direction 120-1. Thus, the direction of tilt of housing 212 (X+ or X-) in the X-Z plane (e.g., base wall 230 facing upwardly or facing downwardly) may determine the extent to which particulate settlement may accumulate around stir bar 224.

[0137] The Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode may be used when significant particulate settlement has, or may have, occurred, such as during long periods of non-use, i.e., shelf-time in a store, storage over a significant period of non-use, etc. Referring to FIG. 53, for initial mixing or recovery mixing of the fluid using the Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode, it has been observed that positioning ejection chip 118 closer to upward vertical, i.e., fluid ejection direction 120-1 pointing up (Z+), helps reduce the overall re-mixing time. For fluid mixing in the Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode, acceptable results may be achieved when an orientation of fluid ejection direction 120-1 is in a range of 90 degrees (upward vertical), plus or minus 50 degrees.

[0138] For example, in the illustration of FIG. 53, microfluidic dispensing device 210 is shown with fluid ejection direction 120-1 pointing upwardly at 135 degrees (i.e., positive 45 degrees offset from 90 degrees (upward vertical)), and with microfluidic dispensing device 210 oriented with an exterior 222-2 of dome portion 222-1 of diaphragm 222 facing upwardly and with an exterior 230-1 of base wall 230 facing downwardly. The angle at which each of the exterior 222-2 of diaphragm 222 and the exterior 230-1 of base wall 230 is considered to face corresponds to the angle at which rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 intersects the upward vertical portion of the Z-axis, with the exception of when rotational axis 250 of stir bar 224 is parallel to the Z-axis. In the example of FIG. 53, the exterior 222-2 of dome portion 222-1 of diaphragm 222 is facing upwardly at 45 degrees and the exterior 230-1 of base wall 230 is facing downwardly at 45 degrees. At the 135 degree orientation of fluid ejection direction 120-1 depicted in FIG. 53, any particulate settled or settling along base wall 230 will start to migrate toward a gravitational low point in fluid reservoir 228 and away from stir bar 224 (see also FIG. 48).

[0139] Referring to FIG. 54, alternatively, for fluid mixing in the Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode, an orientation of fluid ejection direction 120-1 may be in a range of 40 degrees to 90 degrees, and wherein when the orientation is not vertical, i.e., not 90 degrees, the exterior 230-1 of base wall 230 is positioned to face upwardly and the exterior 222-2 of diaphragm 222 is positioned to face downwardly. In the specific example of FIG. 54, the orientation of microfluidic dispensing device 210 has the benefit of the nozzles-up orientation for ejection chip 118, but has the exterior 222-2 of dome portion 222-1 of diaphragm 222 switched to face downwardly at 45 degrees from vertical, and thus the exterior 230-1 of base wall 230, and correspondingly, convex surface 276 of stir bar 224 that contacts base wall 230, now faces upwardly at an angle of 45 degrees from vertical. The 45 degree orientation of microfluidic dispensing device 210 will still move the particles away from ejection chip 118 and fluid channel 26, but also will cause the particulate to settle in a region spaced away from the plurality of paddles 252, 254, 256, 258 (see also FIG. 24) of stir bar 224 and towards the dome portion 222-1 of diaphragm 222. However, if stir bar 224 can be rotated, i.e., is not blocked from rotation by particulate sediment, then the orientation depicted in FIG. 53 is preferred over the orientation depicted in FIG. 54, because in the orientation depicted in FIG. 53, the higher tip velocity of stir bar 224 will be closer to the settled particulate than in the orientation of FIG. 54.

[0140] Thus, for purposes of the Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode, acceptable results may be achieved when an orientation of longitudinal extent of housing 212 of micro fluidic dispensing device 210 represented by fluid ejection direction 120-1 is vertical (90 degrees) plus or minus 50 degrees, and more preferably, in a range of 90 degrees to 140 degrees (see, e.g., FIG. 53) so as to have the exterior 230-1 of base wall 230 facing downwardly and the exterior 222-2 of dome portion 222-1 of diaphragm 222 facing upwardly.

[0141] The Between Use Maintenance Mode may be used prior to any significant particulate settlement occurring, i.e., when the times of use are generally known, such as between print jobs, between pages, etc., where there has not been any significant period of non-use that would promote particulate layer creation in fluid reservoir 228. For purposes of the Between Use Maintenance Mode, the vertical orientation is less critical because a lesser degree of particulate settling has occurred. However, it remains desirable for the fluid ejection direction 120-1, and thus also fluid channel 246, to not face downward. For the Between Use Maintenance Mode, acceptable results may be achieved with the orientation of the longitudinal extent of housing 212 of microfluidic dispensing device 210 represented by fluid ejection direction 120-1 being vertical (90 degrees) plus or minus 90 degrees (horizontal). More preferably, the orientation of microfluidic dispensing device 210 also will have the exterior 230-1 of base wall 230 facing downwardly, and thus have the exterior 222-2 of dome portion 222-1 of diaphragm 222 facing upwardly, represented by the range of 90 degrees (vertical) to the 180 degree position (see, e.g., FIG. 53).

[0142] At step S102, stir bar 224 is rotated by operation of external magnetic field generator 164. In particular, stir bar 224 is rotated in accordance with a desired mixing mode of the multiple mixing modes of the present invention.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 55, there is shown a block diagram of external magnetic field generator 164. External magnetic field generator 164 includes a microcontroller 164-1, an electromagnetic field rotator 164-2, and an electromagnetic field generator 164-3. Microcontroller 164-1 includes a microprocessor, on-board non-transitory electronic memory, and interface circuitry, as is known in the art. Microcontroller 164-1 is configured to execute program instructions to control the rotation of stir bar 224.

[0144] More particularly, electromagnetic field generator 164-3 generates an electromagnetic field, which is coupled to magnet 260 of stir bar 224. Microcontroller 164-1 executes program instructions to generate control signals that are supplied to electromagnetic field rotator 164-2 to control a rotational speed and rotational direction of the electromagnetic field generated by electromagnetic field generator 164-3, and in turn, to control the rotational speed and rotational direction of stir bar 224. As discussed above, the external magnetic field generated by external magnetic field generator 164 may be rotated electronically, akin to operation of a stepper motor, by positioned discrete electromagnets that are selectively turned on and off to produce a virtual rotation of the electromagnetic field and which can switch directions, or alternatively, may be physically rotated via a magnetic plate, e.g., a permanent magnet, connected to a rotatable motor shaft.

[0145] In the present embodiment, the control of the rotation of stir bar 224 is equivalent to driving a stepper motor. So, in the case when the stir bar torque is high, e.g., stir bar 224 is setting in settled particulate, the acceleration rate of stir bar 224 from an initial starting speed must be decreased or the rotational motion will "break phase" with the rotating electromagnetic field provided by electromagnetic field rotator 164-2 and electromagnetic field generator 164-3.

[0146] The actual rotational control curve for stir bar 224 will be dependent upon which mixing mode of the multiple mixing modes is selected, e.g., one of the Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode and the Between Use Maintenance Mode.

[0147] The Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode may be used after long term storage and/or conditions of potentially unknown microfluidic dispensing device orientation. In the present embodiment, for example, stir bar 224 is rotated in a first rotational direction at a first rotational speed, e.g., first starting with a slow rotational speed (empirically determined), and the rotational velocity is gradually increased to a second, e.g., a peak, rotational speed (empirically determined) in accordance with a first acceleration curve (empirically determined). Alternatively, it is contemplated that in some applications the first rotational speed may be zero, and the first rotational direction is a predetermined direction for rotation to occur, i.e., the first acceleration curve begins at zero rotational velocity. The first acceleration curve may be, for example, a linear acceleration curve and/or may have step increases in rotational velocity. The stir bar is rotated at the second, e.g., peak, rotational speed for a first predetermined period of time (empirically determined). Stir bar 224 is then stopped, and stir bar 224 is then rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, starting at a first rotational speed and gradually increasing the rotational velocity in accordance with a predetermined acceleration curve, e.g., the first acceleration curve, to a second, e.g., peak, rotational speed. The stir bar is rotated at the second, e.g., peak, rotational speed for a second predetermined period of time (empirically determined), wherein the second predetermined period of time may be equal to the first predetermined period of time. For the first and second rotational directions, the respective rotational speeds and acceleration curves may be the same, or alternatively, may have different values for the first and second rotational directions. If desired, this reversal of the rotational direction of stir bar 224 may be performed multiple times.

[0148] The slow rotational speed for starting rotation of stir bar 224 helps to ensure that if a dense settled layer is located under stir bar 224, then the initial rotation of stir bar 224 will allow magnet 260 to remain locked in phase with the rotating magnetic field generated by external magnetic field generator 164. If the rotating stirring phase of external magnetic field generator 164 gets too fast for magnet 260 of stir bar 224 to follow as the rotational speed of stir bar 224 is ramped up, stir bar 224 will break phase and will tend to move chaotically without mixing effectively. At peak rotational speed, the high stir bar tip velocity will give good flow through the fluid channel 246 next to ejection chip 118 and create a high shear rate to mix the settled layer.

[0149] The Between Use Maintenance Mode may be used between applications (uses) where the conditions of time and orientation are known, and are less than a time that would warrant the Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode. These times are empirically determined and based, at least in part, on particulate content in the fluid. Stir bar 224 is rotated in a first rotational direction, first starting with the slow rotational speed and then the rotational speed is quickly increased to a second, e.g., a peak, rotational speed in accordance with a second acceleration curve (empirically determined), wherein the second acceleration curve has a steeper slope than the first acceleration curve of the Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode, and thus achieves the peak rotational speed faster than that of the Initial Startup and Storage Recovery Mode.

[0150] Optionally, stir bar 224 may be stopped, and then restarted, one or more times, according to a mixing frequency schedule. To achieve the quickest re-mixing, it has been found that mixing, i.e., rotating stir bar 224, for a duration in a range of two seconds to ten seconds that is repeated at a frequency of every two hours to four hours will maintain microfluidic dispensing device 210 ready for use, so as not to allow any appreciable particulate separation and settling between uses of microfluidic dispensing device 210.

[0151] Also, optionally, when restarted, stir bar 224 may be rotated in the second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in accordance with the second acceleration curve, or a different acceleration curve, if desired.

[0152] Thus, between uses, mixing using stir bar 224 is relatively fast, and provides good fluid flow to mix the bulk fluid and to move the mixed fluid through fluid channel 246 so that the mixed fluid is available for ejection. Initial maintenance jetting, as is known in the inkjet printing arts, may be used to remove any diluted fluid and/or particulate concentration in fluid channel 246, so as to quickly reestablish the desired remixed flow to ejection chip 118.

[0153] While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fluidic dispensing device (110), characterized in that the fluidic dispensing device (110) comprises:

a housing (112), configured to have an exterior wall (140-1) and a chamber (148), the exterior wall (140-1) being configured to have a chip mounting surface (140-2) defining a first plane (142) and having an opening (140-3), the chamber (148) being configured to define an interior space and have a port coupled in fluid communication with the opening (140-3);

an ejection chip (118), configured to be mounted to the chip mounting surface (140-2) of the exterior wall (140-1), a planar extent of the ejection chip (118) being configured to be oriented along the first plane, the ejection chip (118) being configured to be in fluid communication with the opening (140-3), a fluid ejection direction of the ejection chip (118) being configured to be substantially orthogonal to the first plane (142); and

a stir bar (132) configured to be located in the chamber (148), the stir bar be configured to have a rotational axis (160), the rotational axis (160) of the stir bar (132) is substantially perpendicular to the fluid ejection direction, or parallel to the planar extent of the ejection chip (118).

2. The fluidic dispensing device (110) of claim 1, characterized in that the fluidic dispensing device (110) comprises a guide portion (134) that is configured to confine the stir bar (132) in a predetermined portion of the interior space of the chamber (148) at a predefined orientation.

3. The fluidic dispensing device (110) of claim 2, characterized in that the predetermined portion is configured to constitute a 1/3 volume of the interior space of the chamber (148) that is closest to the port.

4. The fluidic dispensing device (110) of any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the rotational axis (160) of the stir bar (132) is configured to be oriented in an angular range of perpendicular, plus or minus 45 degrees, relative to the fluid ejection direction, or oriented in an angular range of parallel, plus or minus 45 degrees, relative to the planar extent of the ejection chip (118).

5. The fluidic dispensing device (110) of any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the chamber (148) is configured to have an interior perimetrical wall (150) with rounded corners, and the stir bar (132) is configured to be located within a boundary defined by the interior perimetrical wall (150).

6. The fluidic dispensing device (110) of any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that
the housing (112) is configured to have a body (122) and a lid (124), the body (122) is configured to have a base wall (138) and an exterior perimeter wall (140) contiguous with the base wall (138), the exterior perimeter wall (140) is configured to be interposed between the base wall (138) and the lid (124), the exterior wall (140-1) is a portion of the exterior perimeter wall (140), the base wall (138) being oriented along a second plane substantially orthogonal to the first plane; and
the chamber (148) is configured to be located within a boundary defined by the exterior perimeter wall (140), the chamber (148) is configured to have an interior perimetrical wall (150) with rounded corners, the stir bar (132) is configured to be located within a boundary defined by the interior perimetrical wall (150).

7. The fluidic dispensing device (110) of claim 6, characterized in that the interior perimetrical wall (150) of the chamber (148) is configured to have an extent bounded by a proximal end (150-1)and a distal end (150-2), the proximal end (150-1) is configured to be contiguous with the base wall (138) and the distal end (150-2) define a perimetrical end surface (150-3) at a lateral opening (148-1) of the chamber (148), and further comprises:

a diaphragm (130) configured to be positioned between the lid (124) and the perimetrical end surface (150-3) of the interior perimetrical wall (150), the diaphragm (130) engaged in sealing engagement with the perimetrical end surface (150-3), the chamber (148) and the diaphragm (130) being configured to cooperate to define a fluid reservoir (136) having a variable volume, the stir bar (132) be configured to reside in the variable volume.

8. The fluidic dispensing device (110) of claim 7, characterized in that the variable volume of the fluid reservoir (136) is configured to have a continuous 1/3 volume portion (136-1) and a continuous 2/3 volume portion (136-4), the continuous 1/3 volume portion (136-1) being configured to be located closer to the ejection chip (118) than the continuous 2/3 volume portion (136-4), wherein the rotational axis (160) of the stir bar (132) is configured to be located in the continuous 1/3 volume portion (136-1) that is closer to the ejection chip (118).

9. The fluidic dispensing device (110) of any one of claims 2-8, characterized in that the chamber (148) is configured to have a base wall (138) oriented along a second plane substantially orthogonal to the planar extent of the ejection chip (118), the guide portion (134) is configured to maintain the rotational axis (160) of the stir bar (132) having an orientation that is substantially parallel to the planar extent of the ejection chip (118) and that is substantially perpendicular to the second plane of the base wall (138).

10. The fluidic dispensing device (110) of any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that the chamber (148) is configured to have a base wall (138) substantially orthogonal to the exterior wall (140-1), the guide portion (134) comprises:

an annular member (166) configured to have an opening that defines an annular confining surface (166-4), the opening (166-3) being configured to have a central axis (176), the annular confining surface (166-4) being configured to limit radial movement of the stir bar (132) relative to the central axis (176);

a plurality of offset members (170, 172) configured to be coupled to the annular member (166) and positioned to extend from the annular member (166) in a first axial direction relative to the central axis (176), each of the plurality of offset members (170, 172) being configured to have a free end that engages the base wall (138) of the chamber (148) to establish an axial offset of the annular member (166) from the base wall (138); and

a cage structure (174) configured to be coupled to the annular member (166), the cage structure (166) being configured to have an axial restraint portion (180) axially displaced from the annular member (166) in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, the axial restraint portion (180) being configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the opening (166-3) in the annular member (166) to limit axial movement of the stir bar (132) relative to the central axis (176) in the second axial direction.

11. The fluidic dispensing device (110) of claim 10, characterized in that the stir bar (132) is configured to be free-floating within the opening (166-3) of the annular member (166) and between the axial restraint portion (180) of the cage structure (174) and the base wall (138) of the chamber (148).

12. The fluidic dispensing device (110) of claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the annular member (166) is configured to have a first annular surface (166-1) and a second annular surface (166-2) opposite the first annular surface (166-1), the first annular surface (166-1) being configured to be separated from the second annular surface (166-2) by the annular confining surface (166-4), wherein the plurality of offset members (170, 172) are configured to be connected to the first annular surface (166-1) and the cage structure (174) is configured to have a plurality of offset legs (170, 172) connected to the second annular surface (166-2).

13. The fluidic dispensing device (110) of any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that the guide portion (134) is an insert removably positioned in the housing (112), the guide portion (134) being configured to include a first retention feature (172-1) and the housing (112) being configured to include a second retention feature (182), the first retention feature (172-1) being configured to be engaged with the second retention feature (182) to attach the guide portion (134) to the housing (112).

14. The fluidic dispensing device (110) of any one of claims 10-13, characterized in that the port of the chamber (148) is an inlet port, the chamber (148) is further configured to include an outlet port, the inlet port is configured to be separated a distance from the outlet port, and further comprises:

a fluid channel (156) configured to be formed in the housing (112) that connects the inlet port to the outlet port, the fluid channel (156) being configured to be in fluid communication with the opening (140-3) of the exterior wall (140-1); and

a flow control portion (184) configured to have a flow separator feature (184-1) and a flow rejoining feature (184-2), the flow separator feature (184-1) being configured to be positioned adjacent the inlet port and the flow rejoining feature (184-2) being configured to be positioned adjacent the outlet port, the flow control portion (184) being configured to be formed as one of the plurality of offset members (170, 172).

15. The fluidic dispensing device (110) of any one of claims 2-14, characterized in that the port of the chamber (148) is an inlet port, the chamber (148) is further configured to include an outlet port, the inlet port being separated a distance from the outlet port, and further comprises:

a fluid channel (156) configured to be formed in the housing (112) that connects the inlet port to the outlet port, the fluid channel (156) being configured to be in fluid communication with the opening (140-3) of the exterior wall (140-1); and

a flow control portion (184) configured to have a flow separator feature (184-1) and a flow rejoining feature (184-2), the flow separator feature (184-1) being configured to be positioned adjacent the inlet port and the flow rejoining feature (184-2) being configured to be positioned adjacent the outlet port, the flow control portion (184) being configured to incorporate into one of the guide portion (134) and the housing (112).

Drawing