Abstract: An ink recovery device is disclosed. The ink recovery device, configured to retrieve ink being sprayed out from an inkjet printer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: a recovery unit, which retrieves the ink; a storage, which is connected to the recovery unit and stores the retrieved ink; and a vibrating unit, which vibrates the stored ink. The ink recovery device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can effectively retrieve ink being sprayed out for the maintenance of an inkjet head and immediately reuse the retrieved ink while maintaining the properties of the ink.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus is provided with an ink head having a nozzle face on which a nozzle for discharging ink is formed, a first tank stored with the ink to be supplied to the ink head through a first ink passage, a second tank stored with the ink not having been discharged from the ink head through a second ink passage, and a third ink passage connecting the second and first tanks. The inkjet recording apparatus is further provided with a pump disposed in the third ink passage and configured to feed the ink from the second tank into the first tank, a fourth ink passage connected in parallel with the pump, and a pressure regulation valve incorporated in the fourth ink passage.

Abstract: An ink jet recording device comprises a main body equipped with an ink container, an ink supply pump ink, an ink recovery pump, and a control unit. A printing head equipped with a nozzle emits ink supplied from the main body as ink particles. An electrification electrode electrifies the ink particles and a deflection electrode deflects the electrified ink particles. A gutter collects ink particles which are not used for printing. An exhaust circulation path connects the ink container and the gutter. The gutter comprises two members of an ink flow path block in which ink flows and an exhaust flow path block in which exhaust solvent vapor flows.

Abstract: The inkjet apparatus for double-side recording, comprises: liquid ejection heads which are disposed on either side of a recording medium and face each other across the recording medium, the liquid ejection heads ejecting liquid onto recording surfaces of the recording medium; conveyance devices which hold the recording medium in such a manner that a normal of each of the recording surfaces is substantially horizontal, and convey the recording medium in a horizontal direction in such a manner that the recording surfaces face ejection surfaces of the liquid ejection heads; and end supporting devices which support an upper end and a lower end of the recording medium, as the conveyance devices convey the recording medium in a horizontal direction while holding the recording medium in such a manner that the normal of each of the recording surfaces is substantially horizontal.

Abstract: An ink jet recording device, comprises: a main body equipped with an ink container which accumulate ink, an ink supply pump which supplies the ink, an ink recovery pump which recovers the ink, and a control unit; a printing head equipped with a nozzle which jets the ink supplied from the main body as ink particles, an electrification electrode which electrifies the ink particles, a deflection electrode which deflects the electrified ink particles, and a gutter which collects ink particles which are not used for printing; and a cable in which an ink supply flow path for supplying the ink from the main body to the printing head, an ink recovery flow path for returning the ink particles collected by the gutter into the ink container, an exhaust circulation path which connects the ink container and the gutter, and various signal lines for connecting the control unit and the printing head, are arranged.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus comprises a main body, a print head, and a cable. The main body includes an ink container for storing ink, an ink supply pump for supplying the ink, and an operation control section. The print head includes a nozzle for expelling the ink supplied from the main body as ink particles, charging electrodes for charging the ink particles, deflecting electrodes for deflecting the charged ink particles, and a gutter for collecting ink particles that have not been used for printing. The cable includes an ink supply path through which the ink is supplied from the main body to the print head, an ink collecting path through which the ink particles collected in the gutter are returned to the ink container, signal lines interconnecting the operation control section and the print head. An ink collecting pump for transferring the ink particles collected in the gutter to the ink container is disposed in the print head.

Abstract: The invention provides an inkjet printhead comprising a lateral flow device nozzle plate, at least one ink nozzle in said plate, and an integral superstructure, containing a gutter, integral to said nozzle plate. A method of using the inkjet printhead is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus comprises a main body, a print head, and a cable. The main body includes an ink container for storing ink, an ink supply pump for supplying the ink, and an operation control section. The print head includes a nozzle for expelling the ink supplied from the main body as ink particles, charging electrodes for charging the ink particles, deflecting electrodes for deflecting the charged ink particles, and a gutter for collecting ink particles that have not been used for printing. The cable includes an ink supply path through which the ink is supplied from the main body to the print head, an ink collecting path through which the ink particles collected in the gutter are returned to the ink container, signal lines interconnecting the operation control section and the print head. An ink collecting pump for transferring the ink particles collected in the gutter to the ink container is disposed in the print head.

Abstract: The invention provides an ink jet printhead comprising a monolithic printhead with an integral gutter system wherein said gutter system is provided with an end wall adjacent to the ink stream and wherein the side of the wall adjacent the ink direction is generally parallel to the ink direction through said print head.

Abstract: A tube pump comprising a flexible tube, a pressing member capable of generating a negative pressure in the tube by sequentially pressing the tube from as the pressing member moves from an upstream portion of the tube to a downstream portion of the tube during a pump operating process, a rotating member which includes a cam surface which the pressing member comes in sliding contact with when the pressing member moves between a pump operating position where a negative pressure is generated in the upstream portion of the tube and a pump non-operating position where the negative pressure is not generated, and a rack member corresponding to the cam surface which includes a plurality of teeth, wherein the pressing member is provided with a pinion member capable of engaging with the rack member when the pressing member rotatably moves between the pump non-operating position and the pump operating position.

Abstract: A print head maintenance device. During maintenance, excess ink dispersed from the print head is collected in a collection device. A shuttle moves with the print head in a first direction, with a wiper moves in a second direction wiping remaining ink from the print head. The shuttle returns to an initial position at which time ink collected in the collection device is drained out and absorbed by an absorber.

Abstract: An ink jet printer includes an ink supply system and a printhead with nozzles for ejecting ink drops. The printer determines the average size of the ejected ink drops by comparing the number of ink drops ejected in a predetermined time with the quantity of ink delivered through the printers ink supply system during that time. If the determined average ink drop size does not match predetermined ink drop size criteria, the printer adjusts the activation signals for the ink jet nozzles to alter the ink drop size. A solid ink printer determines the quantity of ink delivered through the ink supply system by counting the number of whole or partial ink sticks that pass a predetermined point in the ink supply system. The counter detects a sensing element formed on an external surface of the ink stick. Exemplary detectors include a mechanical arm, or a thermistor to detect a change in the printer melt plate temperature due to a change in the cross sectional area of an ink stick being melted.

Abstract: The method for controlling ink migration onto a catcher of an ink jet print station from catch condition using a low surface tension ink entails bringing an ink jet print station using low surface tension ink into catch condition with the eyelid sealably engaging the catcher and the catcher flow pan, and using an eyelid actuator to unseal the eyelid forming a gap between the catcher flow pan, the catcher, and the eyelid. The method ends by operating the ink jet print station with the eyelid unsealed to suppress migration of the low surface tension ink onto the catcher during standby mode.

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: An ink jet printing system is provided which has an ink jet printing apparatus and a host and which alleviates a data processing load on the ink jet printing apparatus, prevents a reduction in a printing operation speed, and realizes a cost reduction. The ink jet printing apparatus of this invention has an ink receiving member for receiving waste ink ejected onto an overrunning area outside edges of a print medium and an accumulated value memory section for storing an accumulated value equivalent to waste ink volumes ejected onto the ink receiving member. The host includes a waste ink volume setting section for obtaining a value equivalent to a waste ink volume and a data sending section for sending data to the ink jet printing apparatus. The accumulated value memory section of the ink jet printing apparatus stores the accumulated value equivalent to waste ink volumes obtained by the host.

Abstract: An inkjet printer in which an ink cartridge is allowed to communicate with a recording head through a hollow needle member when the ink cartridge is thrust and attached into a body casing. In a support member of the body casing which supports the ink cartridge, an ink outlet having a concave shape open at the top is provided in a position vertically under the needle member. An ink absorber is provided on at least the bottom surface of the ink outlet.

Abstract: A sheet feed table has a plurality of ribs formed on a surface thereof. The ribs extend in a sheet feeding direction and are disposed at a predetermined interval in a direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction. An air duct is provided between the adjacent ribs. An ink passage opening is formed in an image forming region where a print head moves to form an image. Disposed below the ink passage opening is an ink receiving chamber in which an ink absorber is disposed. A suction opening that communicates with the air duct is disposed upstream and downstream of the image forming region in the sheet feeding direction. A suction device is connected such that the air is sucked through the suction openings into a negative pressure chamber provided on an underside of the sheet feed table. The negative pressure chamber and the ink receiving chamber are separated from each other.

Abstract: A catcher design is provided wherein vacuum channels are added to both sides of the catcher to remove ink from the face of the catcher and from the eyelid seal. An additional fluid port on the catcher allows the additional vacuum channels to maintain an increased level of vacuum. A restriction on the catcher line balances the fluid flow between the catcher and the additional vacuum channels. A scoop can be machined into the catch pan to remove fluid from below the catcher face. A manifold can be used to maintain a vacuum source for the catcher throat and the additional channels, while pulling the unprinted ink back to the fluid system. Finally, a wider eyelid seal can allow purge fluid used during shutdown to clear the channels.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting device includes a liquid ejecting head for moving in a first direction and ejecting droplets, a fixation medium supply device for transporting a fixation medium in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a platen for supporting the fixation medium horizontally in the move range of the liquid ejecting head, and a liquid absorbing member for absorbing the droplets and being positioned so as to be opposed to a move path of the liquid ejecting head. A plurality of first through holes are formed in the liquid absorbing member so as to gather the droplets absorbed in the liquid absorbing member, and are placed in at least either of both end areas of the liquid absorbing member in the first direction.

Abstract: A platen on which a recording medium advances, of an inkjet recording apparatus, having: a grooved section formed in a direction perpendicular to a feeding direction of the recording medium on the platen, to receive oversprayed ink jetted onto the recording medium form a recording head; and a supporting member which moves up to a supporting position and supports the recording medium when the recording medium crosses over the grooved section, wherein the supporting member prevents the recording medium from falling into the grooved section and maintains a stable distance between the recording medium and the recording head.

Abstract: A vacuum platen assembly for a fluid-ejection device of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a platen that has a number of vacuum holes, and one or more aerosol-collection recesses. A number of ribs extend from the platen, against which position of media is maintained by suction effect from the vacuum holes.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing an image is provided. The apparatus includes an ink droplet forming mechanism operable to selectively create a stream of ink droplets having a plurality of volumes traveling along a first path. A droplet deflector is positioned at an angle with respect to the stream of ink droplets. The droplet deflector includes a gas flow operable to interact with the stream of ink droplets such that ink droplets having one of the plurality of volumes begin traveling along a second path and ink droplets having another of the plurality of volumes begin traveling along a third path. At least a portion of a catcher including a porous material is at least partially positioned in one of the first, second, and third paths.

Abstract: In one implementation, an aerosol collector for an inkjet printer includes a partial enclosure defining a central cavity. An air passage is defined within a wall forming the partial enclosure to allow air movement into an opening defined on an inside surface of the partial enclosure and out of an exhaust outlet. A fan is configured to remove a mixture of air and aerosol from the central cavity, through the air passage and through the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: The use of the lowest all catch voltage for deflecting the charged droplets onto the catcher surface enhances the reliability of the startup sequence for ink jet printers. Going from a state where all of the droplets are hitting in the eyelid seal and catch pan assembly to a state where all of the droplets are deflected and caught on the catcher face will help eliminate the possibility of splatter on the charge plate electrodes and/or the charge short detect level circuitry, ink on top of the eyelid seal, and wicking of ink out of the eyelid.

Abstract: An ink-jet printer includes an ink cartridge mounted in a carriage that is disposed at a guide shaft and reciprocates, and having a print head formed at a lower portion thereof to eject ink on an ink ejecting area, a feeding roller to convey printing paper under the print head, and a waste ink-collecting unit to collect waste ink that is ejected from the print head onto an area other than the printing paper. The waste ink-collecting unit includes a waste ink-collecting tank disposed under the print head, to collect the waste ink falling down from the print head, and a collecting roller rotatably disposed at an entrance of the collecting tank, to guide the waste ink falling down from the print head to the collecting tank.

Abstract: An eyelid positioning technique is provided for an ink jet printer to precisely position the eyelid relative to the catcher to properly seal the print head. The eyelid seals against the catcher to contain ink within the printhead on startup and shutdown of the printer system. An eyelid actuator assembly moves the eyelid into a sealed position for startup and shutdown and into an open position for print, so that ink jets can exit an array of orifices and pass between the catcher and the eyelid to print on a print media. At least one alignment flexure capability allows for precise positioning of the eyelid relative to the catcher or the drop generator during assembly of the printer system.

Abstract: A recording head cartridge is mounted on a carriage scanning in a forward direction and in a backward direction along the width direction of a recording medium. The fan of an ink mist collecting section produces an airflow and collects ink mist generated when ink is discharged. When the carriage scans in the forward direction, an image is formed and the fan is not operated and when the carriage scans in the backward direction, the image is not formed and the fan is operated to collect the ink mist.

Abstract: An inkjet printer has a catcher and eyelid seal for sealing against the catcher during startup and shutdown. A wicking means is provided for removing excess ink from a fluid channel of the catcher having an associated catcher plate, in an area of the eyelid seal. The wicking means is positioned in an area at a bottom surface of the fluid channel, without bridging a height of the fluid channel, above the catcher plate, and in close proximity to the eyelid seal, while maintaining a consistent pressure at an entrance to the fluid channel.

Abstract: A waste fluid collection container, which includes a tray having a floor defined by a periphery, where the floor has a plurality of raised flow enhancing areas and a fluid absorbing member that sits inside the tray. In embodiments, the raised areas are elongated ridges extending outwardly from a central area. In other embodiments, the raised areas are a plurality of studs.

Abstract: A catcher is provided. The catcher includes a first section having a first porosity with the first section including an impingement surface positioned substantially perpendicular to a non-printed ink drop trajectory. The impingement surface ending at a terminal edge. A second section having a second porosity and an outer edge is positioned relative to the first section. The terminal edge of the impingement surface extends to at least the outer edge of the second section.

Abstract: A catcher is provided. The catcher includes a first section having a first porosity, the first section including an impingement surface positioned at an angle toward a non-printed ink drop trajectory. The impingement surface ends at a terminal edge. A second section having a second porosity and a leading edge is positioned relative to the first section. The leading edge of the second section extends to at least the terminal edge of the impingement surface.

Abstract: A catcher is provided. The catcher includes a body made from a porous material and having a first, second, and third portion. The first portion of the body defines a delimiting edge. The second portion of the body defines an area recessed from the delimiting edge. The third portion of the body is positioned adjacent to the second portion of the body and extends away from the recessed area such that the second portion of the body and the third portion of the body form an ink accumulation area.

Abstract: A laminated structure utilizes differential adhesive to achieve high adhesion to a wicking material and low adhesion where removal is desired. The low profile wicking pad is useful in any technology where it is desirable to control excess moisture with a passive device. The wicking device is particularly useful in the field of continuous ink jet printing systems, where the low profile of the device is desirable and the cost reduction makes disposability of the device a reality. In ink jet printing systems, the wicking device improves ink jet printhead performance via ink mist and ink drip elimination.

Abstract: A screen mesh ink drop catcher assembly, which is adapted to catch non-printed ink drops while not catching printed ink drops, includes a housing having a fluid return channel, and a screen extending from the housing operable to collect unwanted ink drops. The housing of the ink drop catcher assembly may include at least one surface, at least a portion of which is grooved and operatively associated with the screen thereby improving ink drop flow from the screen to the fluid return channel. The housing of the ink drop catcher assembly may include a screen support with the screen being at least partially positioned about the screen support. The screen support of the ink drop catcher assembly may include at least one surface, at least a portion of which is grooved and operatively associated with the screen thereby improving ink drop flow from the screen to the fluid return channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing an image is provided. The apparatus includes an ink droplet forming mechanism operable to selectively create a stream of ink droplets having a plurality of volumes and a droplet deflector having a gas source. The gas source is positioned at an angle with respect to the stream of ink droplets and is operable to interact with the stream of ink droplets thereby separating ink droplets having one of the plurality of volumes from ink droplets having another of the plurality of volumes. The ink droplet producing mechanism has a nozzle and includes a heater positioned proximate to the nozzle. The heater may be selectively actuated at a plurality of frequencies to create the stream of ink droplets having the plurality of volumes. The heater may include an electrical resistance heating element. The gas source may be a positive pressure air source positioned substantially perpendicular to the stream of ink droplets.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing an image is provided. The apparatus includes a droplet forming mechanism operable in a first state to form droplets having a first volume travelling along a path and in a second state to form droplets having a plurality of other volumes travelling along the same path. A droplet deflector system applies force to the droplets travelling along the path. The force is applied in a direction such that the droplets having the first volume diverge from the path while the droplets having the plurality of other volumes remain travelling substantially along the path or diverge slightly and begin travelling along a gutter path.

Abstract: A cleaning assembly (170) for removing contaminants from the surface (90) of an ink jet print head (60) in a self-cleaning ink jet printer (10). The print head (60) defines a plurality of ink channels (31) terminating in orifices (25) with a surface (90) surrounding the orifices (25). A gutter (17) is disposed opposite the print head surface (90) for collecting ink droplets (100) ejected from the orifices (25). A cleaning assembly (170) includes a cup (190) defining a cavity (197) with an open end (195) adapted to make contact with the print head surface (90). An inflow channel (210) provides the entry pathway for cleaning liquid to flow into the cavity (197) via a gap (220). An outflow channel provides an exit pathway for the flow of cleaning liquid from cavity (197).

Abstract: A vacuum platen and method for use thereof in a printing device are disclosed. An apparatus embodiment includes a first surface having a plurality of first apertures therethrough, a labyrinth configured to include a plurality of passageways each of which is fluidly coupled to at least one of the first apertures, and a second surface having a plurality of second apertures therethrough each of which is fluidly coupled to the vacuum source and at least one of the passageways thereby establishing an airflow from the first apertures, through the passageways, and out the second apertures. The vacuum platen also includes at least one receptacle in each of the passageways, each receptacle configured to collect debris from the airflow as it travels through the labyrinth.

Abstract: A self-cleaning printer system (400) with a cleaning liquid supply and a wiper blade assembly (32) includes a print head (16) defining a plurality of ink channels therein, each ink channel terminating in an ink ejection nozzle (25). The print head (16) also has a surface (15) thereon surrounding all the nozzles (25). The wiper blade assembly (32) is disposed relative to the surface (15) and/or nozzles (25) for directing a flow of cleaning liquid along the surface (15) and/or across the nozzles (25) and to direct sliding contact of a wiper blade (195) to clean a contaminant from the surface (15) and/or nozzles (15). The wiper blade assembly (32) is configured to introduce the cleaning liquid to the print head surface (15) to facilitate and augment cleaning by the wiper blade (190). In addition, the wiper blade (190) is combined with channels for delivery of the cleaning liquid and vacuum suction to remove cleaning liquid (250 and 260, respectively).

Abstract: A catcher assembly, which is adapted to catch non-print droplets while not catching print droplets, includes a section defining an ink collection chamber and an impact surface positioned to intercept non-print droplets and to direct the intercepted non-print droplets to the ink collection chamber. The section further defines at least one other surface that is subject to undesirable ink build up. An ink flow path extends from the other surface to the ink collection chamber, whereby ink that has undesirably built up on the other surface will tend to flow to the ink collection chamber. The ink flow path may be a hole through the section. The hole extends from the other surface to the ink collection chamber. The ink flow path may further include a slot in the section extending between the hole and the other surface to provide a path for ink to flow from the other surface to the hole and then through the hole to the ink collection chamber.

Abstract: A liquid collection apparatus comprises a liquid collecting device and liquid conduit for transferring liquid from the liquid collection device. Porous liquid absorption device is positioned between the liquid collection device and the liquid conduit. Pump device pumps liquid from the liquid conduit, the pump device generating a pressure in the conduit that is sufficient to draw liquid through the liquid collection device but is insufficient to draw a gas/liquid surface through the liquid absorption device.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improvement in the removal of fluid from an ink jet printhead. A branched structure having multiple groups of branches creates a flow geometry, with each group of branches having a connecting trunk. The fluid flow is then able to be directed from each plurality of branches down the connecting trunk. Pressure drops at the branching nodes are minimized by directing the flow from the combined branches down the connected trunk. Expansion losses at the branching nodes are minimized by funneling down the flow at the branching nodes, with the trunk having a narrower channel than the combination of the joined branches.

Abstract: A liquid discharging apparatus using a liquid discharging head for discharging a liquid, including a cleaning unit for cleaning a nozzle section of the liquid discharging head. The cleaning unit is formed of an elastic pillar member not absorbing the liquid and is elastically deformed when it comes into contact with a face including the nozzle section of the liquid discharging head. The liquids which are discharged through the liquid discharging head include an ink and a printability improving solution which makes the dye or pigment insoluble or coagulates the dye or pigment in the ink.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a catcher assembly for an ink jet printer replaces the standard catcher assembly with an assembly comprising at least one capillary, typically a glass capillary. Initially, a charge plate is provided. Then the capillary or capillaries are provided, the capillaries having an axis parallel to the charge plate. The external surface of each capillary comprises a catcher face, and establishes a well defined radius and surface finish.

Abstract: A print head for a continuous ink jet printer has a nozzle 5 through which ink is emitted and broken up into droplets under the action of a piezoelectric oscillator. A charge electrode 3 applies charge to selected droplets and a deflection electrode 4 deflects the path 20 of the charged droplets to cause printing on a substrate. A gutter 6 collects droplets which are not required for printing. A charge electrode 3, together with one of the deflection electrodes 4 is movable in a direction transverse to the path of the droplets selectively under the action of pressurised ink fed from an ink supply 14. Similarly, the gutter 6 is movable in the same way.

Abstract: A trap door spittoon system confines airborne ink aerosol satellites generated while purging an inkjet printhead. This systems prevent stray ink aerosol from clinging to undesired surfaces in an inkjet printing mechanism. The printing mechanism has an inkjet printhead that selectively ejects ink during both printing and when purging the printhead by a process known as "spitting." This ink ejection generates as a by-product airborne ink aerosol satellites, which float about the mechanism, often landing in undesirable locations. To confine the ink aerosol generated during purging, the printing mechanism has a spittoon with a mouth that is covered by a trap door mechanism immediately following spitting to capture the stray aerosol within the spittoon. Various pivoting and sliding door embodiments are shown, along with a method of operating an inkjet printing mechanism to confine the wandering inkjet aerosol.

Abstract: A fluid flow detection method is used in a continuous ink jet printer which generates a row of parallel selectively charged drop streams from a fluid system. In the fluid flow detection method, a low airflow catcher device is provided for establishing bubble flow in an associated catcher vacuum port and catcher return line. The catcher return line contains catcher return fluid. Pressure fluctuations are monitored in the catcher return fluid to the ink tank, the ink tank having a tank vacuum. The tank vacuum is automatically lowered to a preset value, which preset value is greater than bubble flow transition. The tank vacuum is then incrementally lowered as pressure fluctuations are monitored. The tank vacuum is maintained at a constant level when the pressure fluctuations decrease below a predetermined level due to the establishment of bubble flow.

Abstract: Ink jet printing apparatus including a printing substrate cassette containing a multiplicity of printing substrates in rolled cut sheet form, an ink jet head assembly operative to print on a printing substrate and an ink supply assembly operative to provide ink to the ink jet head assembly.

Abstract: A charge plate fabrication process provides a catcher/charge plate assembly having improved manufacturability. The fabrication process includes the steps of providing a catcher, including a catch pan, and providing a ceramic charge plate, the charge plate having an electrode face. The charge plate electrode face is prelapped to a uniform negative angle before assembling the charge plate and the catcher in a fixture. The assembled catcher and charge plate are then bonded in the fixture.

Abstract: An ink jet printer includes an ink jet printhead having a drop generator and an ink drop charging and catching assembly. An elastomeric seal mounted on a lever arm about a pivot remote from the charging and catching assembly seals the ink drop generator and charging and catching assembly when the ink jet printer is not in use.