Abstract: A printer system includes a print head, the print head oriented with a first end at a height above a substrate. A support arm extends laterally with respect to the print head. A camera is disposed on the support arm a fixed height above the substrate, such that the camera can be adjusted laterally with respect to the print head. The camera is disposed at an angle with respect to vertical to the substrate. A product detect mechanism is disposed laterally on the support arm with respect to the print head. A controller is in communication with the camera and the product detect mechanism, wherein the system is configured so that the camera can verify the printing of an image on the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a non-planar deflection electrode(s) for use with an ink jet printer. More specifically, the high voltage and/or low voltage deflection electrode of the may include a non-planar configuration. The non-planar configuration may be achieved by providing the electrode with a convex surface, which faces the ink stream and the other electrode. By using a deflection electrode that has a non-planar configuration, at least a portion of the deflection electrodes may be positioned closer together without increasing the risk of arcing. The ability to place at least a portion of the deflection electrodes closer together may increase the strength of the electric deflection field, thereby allowing the length of the deflection electrodes to be decreased without adversely affecting their ability to deflect charged ink droplets to their intended location on a substrate.

Abstract: A deflection electrode assembly is provided for use in a continuous ink jet printer of the type which projects a stream of ink drops toward a substrate and controls placement of the ink drops on the substrate by selectively charging the individual ink drops and passing the charged ink drops through an electric field created between a pair of opposed deflection electrodes. An opening formed in at least one of the electrodes is aligned with the ink drop stream so that micro-satellite ink drops can pass through the opening. For example, when the ink drops are negatively charged, the opening may be formed in the high voltage deflection electrode. The high voltage electrode may include first and second longitudinally extending legs positioned adjacent the ink drop stream, opposite the low voltage electrode. The legs define the opening, which is aligned with the ink drop stream. The opening may have an open end facing away from the substrate and a closed end facing towards the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink jet ink composition suitable for use in continuous ink jet printing comprising a liquid vehicle, a binder resin, a colorant, and optionally a surfactant. The liquid vehicle includes an organic solvent or blend of solvents having an evaporation rate less than about 1.2, relative to n-butyl acetate standard which has an evaporation rate of 1.0. The present invention further provides a method for eliminating or reducing make-up consumption in continuous ink jet printing. The present invention further provides a process of continuous ink jet printing which is free or substantially free of make-up consumption.

Abstract: A deflection electrode assembly is provided for use in a continuous ink jet printer of the type which projects a stream of ink drops toward a substrate and controls placement of the ink drops on the substrate by selectively charging the individual ink drops and passing the charged ink drops through an electric field created between a pair of opposed deflection electrodes. An opening formed in at least one of the electrodes is aligned with the ink drop stream so that micro-satellite ink drops can pass through the opening. For example, when the ink drops are negatively charged, the opening may be formed in the high voltage deflection electrode. The high voltage electrode may include first and second longitudinally extending legs positioned adjacent the ink drop stream, opposite the low voltage electrode. The legs define the opening, which is aligned with the ink drop stream. The opening may have an open end facing away from the substrate and a closed end facing towards the substrate.