Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a non-planar deflection electrode(s) for use with an ink jet printer. More specifically, the high voltage and/or low voltage deflection electrode of the may include a non-planar configuration. The non-planar configuration may be achieved by providing the electrode with a convex surface, which faces the ink stream and the other electrode. By using a deflection electrode that has a non-planar configuration, at least a portion of the deflection electrodes may be positioned closer together without increasing the risk of arcing. The ability to place at least a portion of the deflection electrodes closer together may increase the strength of the electric deflection field, thereby allowing the length of the deflection electrodes to be decreased without adversely affecting their ability to deflect charged ink droplets to their intended location on a substrate.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a continuous ink jet printer includes a first solvent supply conduit connected to a solvent source for conveying solvent through a supply opening and onto the front face of the print head. A second solvent supply conduit is connected to the solvent source for conveying solvent through a supply opening and onto a surface of the catcher. The solvent that is supplied to the print head and the catcher is removed under vacuum and returned to the ink supply system. The cleaning system may include an orifice unclogging mechanism that causes said solvent disposed on said front face to flow into said orifice in the reverse of the direction ink flows through said orifice for printing. The cleaning system may also include a piezoelectric element for generating a stress wave in the print head during cleaning.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a self-cleaning print head for an ink jet printer that directs ink to a substrate to be marked. The print head includes a ground plate having a channel formed therethrough, and a makeup fluid supply system that supplies makeup fluid directly to the ground plate through a makeup supply conduit, and into a catcher. The makeup fluid removes ink residue from the channel as the makeup fluid flows through the channel.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a continuous ink jet printer includes a first solvent supply conduit connected to a solvent source for conveying solvent through a supply opening and onto the front face of the print head. A second solvent supply conduit is connected to the solvent source for conveying solvent through a supply opening and onto a surface of the catcher. The solvent that is supplied to the print head and the catcher is removed under vacuum and returned to the ink supply system. The cleaning system may include an orifice unclogging mechanism that causes said solvent disposed on said front face to flow into said orifice in the reverse of the direction ink flows through said orifice for printing. The cleaning system may also include a piezoelectric element for generating a stress wave in the print head during cleaning.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a self-cleaning print head for an ink jet printer that directs ink to a substrate to be marked. The print head includes a ground plate having a channel formed therethrough, and a makeup fluid supply system that supplies makeup fluid directly to the ground plate through a makeup supply conduit, and into a catcher. The makeup fluid removes ink residue from the channel as the makeup fluid flows through the channel.

Abstract: A self-cleaning print head for an ink jet printer directs ink to a substrate to be marked. The print head has a drop generator with a body that has a front face, an ink supply conduit and at least one orifice extending through the front face. The orifice also defines a nozzle for ejecting ink droplets. A solvent supply conduit is provided for supplying solvent to the front face of the drop generator, and a drain conduit is provided for suctioning the solvent from the front face and into the drain conduit. The supply conduit and the drain conduit have openings on the front face disposed relative to each other and the orifice(s) so that the solvent released from the supply conduit moves along the front face, adjacent the orifice(s) and into the drain conduit regardless of the spatial orientation of the print head. This allows the solvent to move residue from the front face and into the drain conduit no matter the orientation of the print head.

Abstract: An anti-clogging nozzle system for a continuous jet ink jet printer is disclosed. A printing nozzle has both an ink inlet and an ink outlet permitting constant ink flow behind the nozzle orifice during printing. A pressure sensor monitors the ink flow and signals clogs to an automatic unclogging system. The unclogging system includes a control circuit to initiate an unclogging operating cycle when necessary. One of two unclogging modes is employed, both of which require the control system to operate an unclogging valve to vary pressure in the ink return line.