Abstract: A remote print head assembly for a continuous ink jet printing system includes an upper print head portion for generating ink droplet streams and a lower print head portion for selectively charging and catching droplets. A frame surrounds the upper and lower print head portions and has a print droplet egress opening. A closure member is selectively movable to open or close the droplet egress respectively to allow printing or to effect print head start-up operations.

Abstract: An improved system for air skiving the drop charging and drop catching surfaces of a continuous ink jet printer apparatus. The system includes a print head housing for enclosing the drop charger and catcher within a print head chamber having a printing drop egress and an air inlet opening proximate the drop charger. A door element is provided for selectively closing the printing drop egress and a vacuum is provided for creating a negative pressure region within the chamber at a location proximate the catcher. High velocity airflow is induced to flow through the air inlet opening and skive surfaces of said charger and catcher during passage to the negative pressure region.