Abstract: A modular inkjet printhead assembly including a plurality of printhead modules mounted on alternating sides of a central rail assembly. The rail assembly includes a beam and a rod attached to a side of the beam. The printhead modules include a jetting module having an array of nozzles, a first alignment tab having a first alignment datum and a second alignment datum, a second alignment tab having a third alignment datum and a fourth alignment datum, a rotational alignment feature including a fifth alignment datum, and a cross-track alignment feature including a sixth alignment datum. Portions of the alignment tabs of the jetting module are adapted to fit within corresponding notches in the beam. A jetting module clamping mechanism and a jetting module cross-track force mechanism apply forces to the jetting module that causes each alignment datum to engage with corresponding alignment features on the rail assembly.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead assembly includes a rail assembly and a removable jetting module. The rail assembly includes a beam and a rod attached to the beam. A printhead module includes the jetting module and a mounting assembly. The jetting module includes an array of nozzles, a first alignment tab having a first alignment datum and a second alignment datum, a second alignment tab having a third alignment datum and a fourth alignment datum, a rotational alignment feature including a fifth alignment datum, and a cross-track alignment feature including a sixth alignment datum. The mounting assembly includes a similar set of alignment features. Portions of the alignment tabs of the jetting module and the mounting assembly are adapted to fit within corresponding notches in the beam and engage with the rod. A jetting module clamping mechanism applies a force to the jetting module causing it to engage with the rail assembly.

Abstract: A drop generator operable to selectively form a drop having a first size and a drop having a second size from liquid emitted through a nozzle associated with the drop generator. The drop having the first size and the drop having the second size travel along a drop trajectory with the first size being larger than the second size when compared to each other. Each of the drops has a drop velocity. A gas flow deflection system includes a gas flow that is directed at a deflection zone that comprises at least a portion of the drop trajectory. The gas flow in the deflection zone includes a velocity vector having a parallel velocity component and a perpendicular velocity component with the parallel velocity component and the perpendicular velocity component being defined relative to the drop trajectory.

Abstract: A drop generator operable to selectively form a drop having a first size and a drop having a second size from liquid emitted through a nozzle associated with the drop generator. The drop having the first size and the drop having the second size travel along a drop trajectory with the first size being larger than the second size when compared to each other. Each of the drops has a drop velocity. A gas flow deflection system includes a gas flow that is directed at a deflection zone that comprises at least a portion of the drop trajectory. The gas flow in the deflection zone includes a velocity vector having a parallel velocity component and a perpendicular velocity component with the parallel velocity component and the perpendicular velocity component being defined relative to the drop trajectory.

Abstract: An optical system includes an LDGU having a grating beam splitter and an optical source with an effective aperture for generating a radiation beam to be applied to a data track of an optical storage medium, a detector array and a micro-lens. An LDGU mounting structure includes: a baseplate having a plurality of clearance holes and defining a registration groove; a plurality of contact pins which are aligned in the clearance holes of the baseplate; and a pedestal defining a plurality of surfaces for mounting the optical source, the detector array and the micro-lens. The mounting structure further includes: a cover including a transparent window fixedly secured to the baseplate to form a hermetic seal; and a grating support barrel for mounting the grating beam splitter which is aligned to the registration groove in the baseplate and which has an opening and a plurality of registration surfaces defined on its uppermost surface.