Abstract: In an ink jet printing element in which the drop is expelled by generating a current pulse through the ink in the nozzle, in order to reduce the control voltage, a first pulse (Tr) for heating the ink is generated, followed by a vaporization pulse (Tv) with a delay such as to make the printing position independent of the direction of movement of the element with respect to the paper. The heating pulse (Tr) is generated by a circuit (31) controlled by a temperature sensor (34) so that the duration of the heating pulse has a negative temperature coefficient. The vaporization pulse (Tv) is generated by a circuit (32) manually controlled (potentiometer 39) to determine the pulse duration on the basis of the desired strength of the printing. The delay between the two pulses is controlled by a delay circuit (38), e.g. a monostable circuit. The two pulses are applied to a transformer (35) which generates the voltage between the electrodes.

Abstract: The head (12) comprises a closed container (14) carrying two electrodes (36, 62) and a nozzle (18) and mounted removably on a carriage (13).In order for the ink (16) always to be held at atmospheric pressure, the container (14) comprises an expansible space defined by a diaphragm (67) having a portion (74) aligned with an opening (73) in the container (14).The diaphragm (67) is of butyl rubber which can be pierced with a syringe to permit the container (14) to be refilled with ink (18).The container (14) is closed by an alumina plate (32) carrying the nozzle (18) and joined to a second plate (76) parallel thereto, and of a material which can be wetted by the ink (16). The second plate (76) constitutes a wall for resisting the pressure waves of an ink jet leaving the nozzle (18), and is immediately covered by the ink again.

Abstract: The printing head (12) comprises an insulating container (14) for conductive ink (16) which is expelled through a fine nozzle (18) when a voltage pulse is applied between an electrode (56, 57, 40) and a counter-electrode (22). Capillary passages (51, 50) lead to the nozzle (18) to allow formation of an ink meniscus (23) right up until exhaustion of the ink. A vent (69) keeps the pressure inside the container constant. The head (12) is snap fitted onto a carriage with a conductive plate abutted by the counter-electrode (20) and a spring contacting the external part (40) of the electrode. This plate and spring are fed by way of conductive elements sliding along conductive carriage guides.