Abstract: Apparatus for continuous ink jet printing, comprising: an ink system comprising an ink storage tank (15) operable to supply ink to a print head associated with the apparatus; a single cartridge connection (9) for releasable engagement with a fluid cartridge (8), the cartridge connection (9) comprising: a fluid connector (10) for engaging an outlet of a fluid cartridge; and a conduit configured to allow fluid to flow along a fluid pathway from a cartridge engaged with the cartridge connection, via the fluid connector, to the ink storage tank. The apparatus has a first configuration in which a solvent cartridge is engaged with the cartridge connection and in which the apparatus is configured to receive solvent from the engaged solvent cartridge, and a second configuration in which an ink cartridge is engaged with the cartridge connection and in which the apparatus is configured to receive ink from the engaged ink cartridge.

Abstract: A method of driving an electromechanical converter of a print head of a continuous inkjet printer, wherein the electromechanical converter is arranged to break up a continuous stream of ink into a plurality of drops. The method includes determining a modulation voltage to drive the electromechanical converter, at least a property of the modulation voltage being controlled to take into account movement of a break up point of the continuous stream of ink, and to ensure that in a characteristic of modulation voltage versus a property at least indicative of a break up point of the continuous stream of ink, the characteristic has a predetermined gradient, or a gradient related to this predetermined gradient; and driving the electromechanical converter at the determined modulation voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ink jet printing. More particularly, the invention relates to a condenser assembly for an ink jet printer. The condenser assembly comprises a first condenser adapted to separate first solvent vapor from a first fluid by condensation of said first solvent onto a first coolable surface and a second condenser adapted to separate second solvent vapor from a second fluid by condensation of said second solvent onto a second coolable surface.

Abstract: A continuous ink jet printer comprises a gutter for collecting ink droplets not used in printing. Pumping apparatus draws ink from the gutter and control apparatus is configured to vary the level of pumping by the pumping apparatus depending on the temperature or other parameter of the ink. As the temperature of the ink increases the level of pumping is reduced. The pumping apparatus may comprise two venturi pumps connected in parallel each having its throat connected to the gutter.

Abstract: A continuous ink jet printer comprises a gutter for collecting ink droplets not used in printing. Pumping apparatus draws ink from the gutter and control apparatus is configured to vary the level of pumping by the pumping apparatus depending on the temperature or other parameter of the ink. As the temperature of the ink increases the level of pumping is reduced. The pumping apparatus may comprise two venturi pumps connected in parallel each having its throat connected to the gutter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ink jet printing. More particularly, the invention relates to a condenser assembly for an ink jet printer. The condenser assembly comprises a first condenser adapted to separate first solvent vapour from a first fluid by condensation of said first solvent onto a first coolable surface and a second condenser adapted to separate second solvent vapour from a second fluid by condensation of said second solvent onto a second coolable surface.

Abstract: A method of driving an electromechanical converter of a print head of a continuous inkjet printer, wherein the electromechanical converter is arranged to break up a continuous stream of ink into a plurality of drops. The method includes determining a modulation voltage to drive the electromechanical converter, at least a property of the modulation voltage being controlled to take into account movement of a break up point of the continuous stream of ink, and to ensure that in a characteristic of modulation voltage versus a property at least indicative of a break up point of the continuous stream of ink, the characteristic has a predetermined gradient, or a gradient related to this predetermined gradient; and driving the electromechanical converter at the determined modulation voltage.