Abstract: An apparatus and method allow for assembly of a print head apparatus for an ink jet printer. The apparatus comprises control capability for controlling the flow of fluid to the droplet generator and for controlling transfer of data to the droplet charging and collecting element. The control capability for controlling transfer of data to the droplet charging and collecting element is a motherboard containing various elements. The motherboard includes a microcontroller and fiber optics for receiving data and control signals and providing the signals to an input buffer. A RAM provides data memory, and a latch and shift register latch and shift the data from the RAM. A high voltage driver receive data from the latch and shift register. A control state machine communicates with the microcontroller, for handling generation of all control signals for the input buffer, the RAM, and the latch and shift register.

Abstract: A system for selectively shifting the phase of drop charging along the array of ink jets of a continuous ink jet printer by producing a replicate signal of the drop stimulation signal; selectively shifting the phase of the replicate signal to provide a phase control signal; synchronizing a media feed tachometer signal to the phase control signal to produce a print enable signal; and controlling address of the charge electrodes with the print enable signal. The system further includes a selection mode wherein drop charge phase can be made random by selecting synchronization with the media feed tachometer signal.

Abstract: A method for avoiding drop charge switching errors in continuous ink jet printing of the kind using stimulation to regulate ink drop break-off of a linear array of ink streams. The method includes the steps of: controlling ink drop stimulation so that the phase distribution of drop break-off along the length of the ink stream array remains stable in time and charging stimulated drop streams in at least two different groups during at least two different address periods which are offset in phase so that all drop streams are addressed during a drop break-off condition.

Abstract: An improved print head construction for continuous ink jet printing of the kind which directs a plurality of ink streams through a drop charge region toward a print zone. The print head includes: (i) charge electrodes located adjacent the drop charge region for selectively applying an information voltage to droplets; (ii) a deflection electrode(s) closely spaced to, and downstream from, the charge electrodes, for applying a deflection field to the droplets; and (iii) a dielectric matrix for integrally embedding the charge and deflection electrodes in closely spaced relation. Methods for fabricating such print heads are also disclosed.

Abstract: The performance of ink jet printing apparatus is markedly improved by heating critical lower print head surfaces, e.g. the exposed charge plate and catcher surfaces, to a temperature sufficiently above the ink temperature to prevent vapor condensation on those surfaces.

Abstract: a jet drop printer includes a reservoir means defining an ink receiving manifold and an orifice means defining a plurality of orifices communicating with the manifold. A plurality of continuously flowing ink streams emerge from the orifices as ink is applied to the manifold under pressure. A drop control means control the trajectories of drops which break off from the streams such that drops are selectively deposited upon a print medium. A support plate supports the reservoir means and the orifice means and is held by a support structure. Piezoelectric transducers are also supported by the support plate and vibrate at a frequency near the natural frequency of the streams, thus causing drops of uniform size and spacing to break off from the streams. A reaction mass is supported by the support plate and is positioned relative to the transducers, the reservoir means and the orifice means such that a vibrational nodal plane passes through the support plate.

Abstract: .[.a.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.jet drop printer includes a reservoir means defining an ink receiving manifold and an orifice means defining a plurality of orifices communicating with the manifold. A plurality of continuously flowing ink streams emerge from the orifices as ink is applied to the manifold under pressure. A drop control means control the trajectories of drops which break off from the streams such that drops are selectively deposited upon a print medium. A support plate supports the reservoir means and the orifice means and is held by a support structure. Piezoelectric transducers are also supported by the support plate and vibrate at a frequency near the natural frequency of the streams, thus causing drops of uniform size and spacing to break off from the streams. A reaction mass is supported by the support plate and is positioned relative to the transducers, the reservoir means and the orifice means such that a vibrational nodal plane passes through the support plate.