Abstract: An ink supply system for an ink jet printer, particularly a continuous ink jet printer, has a manifold assembly of two parts that are brought together at interfacing surfaces. At least one of the surfaces has a plurality of ink flow channels for conveying ink around an ink circuit between components. The other of the interfacing surfaces is configured to close and seal the channels. A plurality of ports is provided in fluid communication with the channels, the circuit components being connectable to the ports. The manifold assembly provides for a compact and neat arrangement free of many tubes and pipes. The lower number of connections significantly reduces the risk of leakage.

Abstract: An ink supply system for an ink jet printer has an ink circuit including a plurality of circuit components and fluid paths for conveying ink between components. A manifold defining the fluid paths and a plurality of ports in fluid communication with the paths. A filter module is provided adjacent to the manifold and comprises a housing that houses at least a first filter, the housing having an inlet and an outlet. The filter module is connected to the manifold such that at least one of the inlet or the outlet is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of ports on the manifold. The filter module may comprise an ink filter and a solvent filter. A second ink filter may be provided upstream of a pump. The modular nature of the filter makes for easy assembly, service and repair. It also provides for improved printer reliability.

Abstract: An ink supply system for an ink jet printer, particularly a continuous ink jet printer, has a manifold assembly of two parts that are brought together at interfacing surfaces. At least one of the surfaces has a plurality of ink flow channels for conveying ink around an ink circuit between components. The other of the interfacing surfaces is configured to close and seal the channels. A plurality of ports is provided in fluid communication with the channels, the circuit components being connectable to the ports. The manifold assembly provides for a compact and neat arrangement free of many tubes and pipes. The lower number of connections significantly reduces the risk of leakage.

Abstract: An ink supply system for an ink jet printer has an ink circuit including a plurality of circuit components and fluid paths for conveying ink between components. A manifold defining the fluid paths and a plurality of ports in fluid communication with the paths. A filter module is provided adjacent to the manifold and comprises a housing that houses at least a first filter, the housing having an inlet and an outlet. The filter module is connected to the manifold such that at least one of the inlet or the outlet is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of ports on the manifold. The filter module may comprise an ink filter and a solvent filter. A second ink filter may be provided upstream of a pump. The modular nature of the filter makes for easy assembly, service and repair. It also provides for improved printer reliability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solenoid valve made using certain materials which is capable of operation at high frequencies and which can be made as a compact unit. The plunger (1) is made from an electromagnetic material having a saturation flux density greater than 1.2 Tesla preferably more than 1.6 Tesla, the bore leading from the valve head chamber (14) to the nozzle orifice (12) has a length to diameter ratio of less than 5:1 preferably between 2:1 and 4:1 and the nozzle orifice (12) has a diameter of 80 micrometer or less. The invention also relates to method for operating a drop on demand ink jet printer incorporating such a valve.

Abstract: A method of printing onto one or more sides of a mesh fabric, such a polyester mesh typically used for flags and banners, using a drop on demand ink printer, wherein the printer is operated at a fluid pressure of between 1 and 3.5 bar and that the image forming composition has a viscosity of less than 100 cp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solenoid valve made using certain materials which is capable of operation at high frequencies and which can be made as a compact unit. The invention also relates to method for operating a drop on demand ink jet printer incorporating such a valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of printing an image, and an apparatus for performing the method, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating print data representing the image to be printed; (b) dividing the print data into a plurality of sub-elements; (c) writing each print data sub-element into respective memory means locations; (d) sequentially reading the memory means; and (e) printing an iamb by activating a print valve in accordance with print data sub-element read from the memory means. The method enables printing heads to be slanted such that different print heights can be obtained whilst still printing in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: A solenoid valve making use of certain materials which is capable of operation at high frequencies and which can be made as a compact unit. The plunger (1) is made from a material having a saturation flux density greater than 1.4 Tesla preferably more than 1.6 Tesla, a coercivity at less than 0.25 ampere per centimeter and a relative magnetic permeability in excess of 10.000; and the nozzle bore leading from the valve head chamber (14) to the nozzle orifice (12) has a length to diameter ratio of less than 8:1 preferably between 2:1 to 4:1 and the nozzle orifice (12) has a diameter substantially the same as that of the nozzle bore. The invention also relates to method for operating a drop on demand ink jet printer incorporating such a valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solenoid valve made using certain materials which is capable of operation at high frequencies and which can be made as a compact unit. The plunger (1) is made from an electromagnetic material having a saturation flux density greater than 1.2 Teslar preferably more than 1.6 Teslar, the bore leading from the valve head chamber (14) to the nozzle orifice (12) has a length to diameter ratio of less than 5:1 preferably between 2:1 and 4:1 and the nozzle orifice (12) has a diameter of 80 micrometer or less. The invention also relates to method for operating a drop on demand ink jet printer incorporating such a valve.