Abstract: The present assembly is an ink jet printer of the continuous stream type for printing an image on a recording surface having a nozzle or orifice from which an electrically conductive ink stream is expelled by pressure along a predetermined path toward a recording surface apparatus to selectively deflect or interrupt portions of the ink stream such that the portions deflected or interrupt are prevented from reaching the area of the recording surface or which said image is printed, an ink mist shield positioned proximate to the recording surface, the mist shield being maintained at a first potential, apparatus for charging the recording surface to a second potential substantially different from the first potential whereby ink which impinges the recording surface is charged thereby and particles of the impinging ink which rebound from the recording surface are impelled toward the mist shield by the field resulting from the difference between the first and second potential.

Abstract: An ink jet recorder of the continuous jet type has a mounting block defining a reference surface. Nozzle units from which the ink streams are ejected are releasably keyed to the reference surface. An ink reservoir supplies electrically conductive ink to the nozzle units which selectively charge segments of the ink streams issuing from the nozzle units. Each unit also includes provision for accurately aiming the ink stream in both the x and y directions using simple knob controls. A deflection unit also releasably keyed to the reference surface downstream from the nozzle units.The ink stream is directed through a deflection unit mounted on the reference surface. Mating members are provided in said mounting block which corresponds with mating members on the deflection unit.