Abstract: A catcher (42) for collecting ink from non-printed drops and returning the ink to a fluid reservoir (40), the catcher includes a flow channel (47) having a plurality of branches (110); a structure to split a portion of each branch into two parallel sections to permit fluid to pass through either section; and wherein the flow of the two parallel sections (122) merge into a single flow downstream of the structure.

Abstract: A catcher (42) for collecting ink from non-printed drops and returning the ink to a fluid reservoir (40), the catcher includes a flow channel (47) having a plurality of branches (110); a structure to split a portion of each branch into two parallel sections to permit fluid to pass through either section; and wherein the flow of the two parallel sections (122) merge into a single flow downstream of the structure.

Abstract: A printhead having a drop generator for creating print and non-print drops and a drop deflector for causing the trajectories of the print drops and the non-print drops to diverge includes a liquid extraction channel for removing liquid from the gas flow duct; the liquid extraction channel having an entrance which opens off from the gas flow duct; an outlet; a catcher for collecting the non-print drops wherein the catcher has an ink return channel; at least one via connecting the ink return channel to the liquid extraction channel; and wherein a portion of the liquid passing through the ink return channel of the catcher flows through the at least one via into the liquid extraction channel and from the liquid extraction channel out the outlet.