Abstract: An adjustable print head assembly for an ink jet printer includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes an outer wall and an inner passage. The second member includes an outer wall and an inner passage, the outer wall including an angled surface complementary to the angled surface of the first member. A print head is connected to the second member. At least one ink line runs from the umbilical to the print head, and is disposed through the inner passages of the first and second members. The print head assembly is adjustable from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the print head axis is oriented generally parallel to the umbilical axis, and in the second configuration, the print head axis is oriented at a predetermined angle with respect to the umbilical axis.

Abstract: An adjustable print head assembly for an ink jet printer includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes an outer wall and an inner passage. The second member includes an outer wall and an inner passage, the outer wall including an angled surface complementary to the angled surface of the first member. A print head is connected to the second member. At least one ink line runs from the umbilical to the print head, and is disposed through the inner passages of the first and second members. The print head assembly is adjustable from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the print head axis is oriented generally parallel to the umbilical axis, and in the second configuration, the print head axis is oriented at a predetermined angle with respect to the umbilical axis.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning a charge tunnel of an inkjet printer. The system may include a charge tunnel unit and a charge tunnel base. The charge tunnel unit includes a slot, and is configured to impart an electrical charge on ink droplets passing through the slot. The charge tunnel unit may be at least partially pivoted about the base through the tightening or loosening of an adjustment screw. The system may also include a charge tunnel cradle that is operably connected to the charge tunnel base and the printhead deck. The charge tunnel base and the charge tunnel cradle may be operably connected to a adjustment fastener. The tightening or loosening of the adjustment fastener may linearly move the charge tunnel base, and attached charge tunnel unit, towards or away from the charge tunnel cradle, thereby allowing for the adjustment of the linear position of the slot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a pressure damping ink filter for use with an ink jet printer. The pressure damping ink filter includes at least one flow control member and a filter. The flow control member, in combination with any pressure damping provided by the thickness of the filter medium and the ink volume capacity of the filter housing, may substantially reduce, if not eliminate, pressure fluctuations in the ink stream that are generated by a high frequency electric pump. The flow control member may be a fixed or variable input restrictor and a fixed or variable output restrictor. The input restrictor and/or output restrictor may also be located inside or outside of the filter housing. Further, the input and output restrictors may be molded as part of the filter housing or the filter itself.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a pressure damping ink filter for use with an ink jet printer. The pressure damping ink filter includes at least one flow control member and a filter. The flow control member, in combination with any pressure damping provided by the thickness of the filter medium and the ink volume capacity of the filter housing, may substantially reduce, if not eliminate, pressure fluctuations in the ink stream that are generated by a high frequency electric pump. The flow control member may be a fixed or variable input restrictor and a fixed or variable output restrictor. The input restrictor and/or output restrictor may also be located inside or outside of the filter housing. Further, the input and output restrictors may be molded as part of the filter housing or the filter itself.

Abstract: A circulation system for mixing ink jet ink includes a container, a pump, and first and second tubes. The container has a bottom surface and a top portion opposing the bottom surface. The pump has an inlet port and an outlet port. The first tube has first and second ends. The first end of the first tube is connected to the inlet port of the pump, and the second end of the first tube includes a plurality of openings in close proximity to the bottom surface of the container. The second tube has first and second ends. The first end of the second tube is connected to the outlet port of the pump, and the second end of the second tube has an opening disposed in the top portion. A method for mixing ink jet ink includes circulating pigment particles from a bottom surface of a container to a top portion of the container. The circulation provides sufficient agitation to maintain the pigment particles suspended in the ink and to prevent agglomeration of pigment particles.

Abstract: A clean-in-place system for use in an ink jet printhead has a compartment and an end plate with a slot therein to permit ink drops to be projected from the compartment onto a substrate to be marked. For cleaning purposes, a shutter is disposed adjacent the slot to seal it. Thereafter, the pump floods the compartment with ink solvent from a solvent reservoir. The solvent may be agitated by air or a mechanical device. Thereafter, a drain line is used to remove the solvent from the compartment. The pneumatic shutter is reopened after the solvent is withdrawn to enhance the drying of the components. The shutter may consist of an inflatable member and a pump for supplying compressed air to the inflatable member to inflate and deflate it.