Abstract: Drop deflector apparatus and methods for a continuous drop emission system comprising a plurality of drop nozzles emitting a plurality of continuous streams of a liquid that break up into streams of drops of substantially uniform drop volume having nominal flight paths that are substantially within a nominal flight plane are disclosed. A plurality of path selection elements corresponding to the plurality of continuous streams of drops is provided operable to firstly deflect individual drops from the corresponding continuous stream of drops along a first deflection flight path diverging from the nominal flight path based on pattern data.

Abstract: A continuous liquid drop emission apparatus is provided. The liquid drop emission apparatus is comprised of a liquid chamber containing a positively pressurized liquid in flow communication with at least one nozzle for emitting a continuous stream of liquid and a jet stimulation apparatus adapted to transfer pulses of energy to the liquid in flow communication with the at least one nozzle sufficient to cause the break-off of the at least one continuous stream of liquid into a stream of drops of predetermined volumes. The continuous liquid drop emission apparatus further comprises a semiconductor substrate including integrated circuitry formed therein for performing and controlling a plurality of actions on the drops of predetermined volumes. The plurality of actions may include drop charging, drop sensing, drop deflection and drop capturing. Drop action apparatus adapted to perform these functions and integrated circuitry to control the drop action apparatus are formed in the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operating a liquid drop emitter, such as an ink jet device, for emitting a series of liquid drops using reduced energy, is disclosed. The method is applicable to a drop emitter comprising a liquid-filled chamber having a nozzle and an actuator, such as a thermal actuator, for applying pressure to liquid at the nozzle. The actuator has a movable portion and exhibits damped resonant oscillation having a fundamental period, TR, and a damping time constant, TD. Apparatus adapted to cause rapid displacement of the movable portion of the actuator in response to electrical pulses causes drop ejection and damped resonant oscillation of the thermal actuator. The method of operating comprises applying electrical pulses having a nominal energy if the actuator is quiescent or applying reduced energy pulses to the actuator if it is usefully oscillating due to a previous drop emission.