Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a liquid ejection head has at least one ejection hole, and a conveyor moves a recording medium relative to the ejection head. A deflector deflects liquid droplets ejected from the ejection hole in a direction including at least a component of a direction substantially parallel to relative conveyance direction of the recording medium. A deflection angle setter sets two or more deflection angles such that when dots mutually adjacent in the direction substantially parallel to the relative conveyance direction of the medium are formed in an overlapping fashion, directions of flight of droplets ejected consecutively are deflected such that their directions of flight become different from each other. Droplet landing time differential between the first droplet and the second droplet becomes equal to or greater than quasi-fixing time period from a landing time of the first liquid droplet until the first liquid droplet becomes quasi-fixed.

Abstract: A system and method of aligning a charge tunnel of a continuous inkjet printer with a drop generator and a catcher, wherein the charge tunnel passes through an outer wall of a charge tunnel unit, including adjusting a linear position of the charge tunnel unit, and adjusting a rotary position of the charge tunnel unit. The adjusting steps are performed to ensure that the charge tunnel is aligned with the drop generator and the catcher.

Abstract: The invention describes a print-head for a continuous inkjet printer having a charge electrode array in which each charge electrode in the array is relatively wide (W) compared to the spacing (s-W) between the electrode. Preferably the width is an order of magnitude greater than the spacing.

Abstract: Ink jet printing method, in which the jet (14) is broken up in small and large drops at a fixed point (B), and the drops (16a, 16b) are charged according to the length (l, L) of the break segment (18), in other words according to their diameter. This configuration overcomes transition problems. The charging means (22) can also selectively deflect drops (16b).

Abstract: A continuous ink jet printer comprising an ink gun for forming an ink jet; an arrangement of electrodes for trapping electric charges on ink drops of the ink jet and for creating an electrostatic field for deflecting drops carrying trapped electric charges; and a gutter having an ink-receiving orifice for receiving ink drops of the ink jet which are not used for printing; a gutter flow path for flow of ink from the ink-receiving orifice of the gutter, through and away from the gutter; an air recirculation line for conveying at least some of any air that has passed with the ink along at least a part of the gutter flow path so as to re-enter the gutter flow path either through the ink-receiving orifice or through a connection into the gutter flow path downstream of the ink-receiving orifice; and a vent for venting at least some of the air that has passed with the ink along at least a part of the gutter flow path so as not to re-enter the gutter flow path.

Abstract: A fluid droplet characterizing apparatus and method includes a pressurized source of a non-conductive fluid in fluid communication with a nozzle channel and a characterization electrode. The pressurized source is operable to form a jet of the non-conductive fluid through the nozzle channel. At least one portion of the characterization electrode is electrically conductive and contactable with first portion and thereafter a second portion of the non-conductive fluid jet. The at least one electrically conductive portion of the characterization electrode is operable to transfer a first electrical charge to a region of the first portion of the non-conductive fluid jet and transfer a second electrical charge to a region of the second portion of the non-conductive fluid jet.

Abstract: A computer case with a function for fastening an interface card having an extension piece is provided. The computer case includes a positioning portion protruding from a surface of the computer case and having a connecting surface, and an interface card fastener mounted on the surface of the computer case and having a pressing surface pressing the extension piece of the interface card against the connecting surface.

Abstract: Ink jet printing method, in which the jet (14) is broken up in small and large drops at a fixed point (B), and the drops (16a, 16b) are charged according to the length (l, L) of the break segment (18), in other words according to their diameter. This configuration overcomes transition problems. The charging means (22) can also selectively deflect drops (16b).

Abstract: An integrated orifice array plate and a charge plate are fabricated for a continuous ink jet print head by producing an orifice plate and a charge plate, and by bonding the two together. The orifice plate is produced by providing an electrically non-conductive orifice plate substrate, forming a recessed-surface trench of predetermined depth into one of two opposed sides of the orifice plate substrate, and forming an array of orifices through the orifice plate substrate from the recessed surface of the trench to the other of the two opposed sides wherein the orifices are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The charge plate is produced by providing an electrically non-conductive orifice plate substrate of predetermined thickness, and forming a plurality of charging leads on one of two opposed sides of the orifice plate substrate. The charge leads are spaced apart by said predetermined distance.

Abstract: A serial type printing apparatus includes: a reception buffer that stores printing data of respective arrays of printing elements subjected to adjustment by a first unit concerning a relative position in a scanning direction among the respective arrays of printing elements and setting data including registration information by a second unit smaller than the first unit concerning the relative position in the scanning direction, the data being transmitted from a host apparatus connected to the printing apparatus; and a print buffer that stores printing data of the respective arrays of printing elements in association with printing positions in the scanning direction. The printing apparatus performs control to adjust storing locations of the printing data of the respective arrays of printing elements by the second unit on the basis of the registration information and store the printing data in the print buffer.

Abstract: A liquid ejection inspecting apparatus includes (A) a sensing section, (B) a detection circuit, (C) a determination section, and (D) a substrate. The sensing section is arranged in a state of non-contact with a liquid ejection nozzle for ejecting a liquid. The detection circuit is for detecting an induced current generated in the sensing section due to the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection nozzle and charged electrically. The determination section is for determining whether or not the liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection nozzle normally, based on the induced current detected by the detection circuit. The substrate is provided with the sensing section and a circuit component that constitutes the detection circuit. The sensing section is provided on one surface of the substrate. The circuit component that constitutes the detection circuit is provided on the other surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Aerosols are applied to an absorbing member by forming a stable and uniform electric field between a nozzle plate and the absorbing member.

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: A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a recording head 210 having a nozzle plate including openings, for ejecting liquid to a recording article 300; an absorbing member 420 disposed further than the recording medium 300 on the orbit of the liquid ejected from the nozzle plate 260, for absorbing the liquid which has not applied on the recording medium 300; an waste liquid absorbing member 600 having capillarity higher than that of the absorbing member 420 and being in contact with the absorbing member 420 on the connecting surface which is different from the absorbing surface, for sucking on the liquid which has been absorbed in the absorbing member 420; and a potential difference generating means 700 for generating a potential difference between the absorbing surface and the connecting surface of the absorbing member 420 and attracting the solute of the liquid from the absorbing surface to the connecting surface through electrophoresis.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for increasing the number of ink drops in an ink drop jet of a continuously operating inkjet printer, in which the ink drops of at least two separately produced ink drop jets are combined into an ink drop jet. In one example embodiment this is done so that the combined ink drop jet includes the ink drops of the respective separate ink drop jets. The invention also concerns a device for production of an ink drop jet of a continuously operating inkjet printer, which includes at least two pressure chambers for generation of a separate ink drop jet with electrically charged ink drops and an electrode arrangement wherein the separate ink drop jets can be combined into a singe ink drop jet.

Abstract: An inkjet printing system having a plurality of inkjets, wherein the inkjets are disposed in a row and directed toward a media, wherein the printhead includes a drop generator having an orifice plate, wherein the orifice plate has nozzles with a first and second group forming an inkjet, wherein the first group is in interleaved patterns with the second group, and the geometry of the first group is different from the second group. A stimulating device provides a signal to the continuous inkjets to produce a first and second group of drops with a first and a second breakoff length, wherein the first and second breakoff lengths are different; a charge plate with drop charging electrodes positioned adjacent each inkjet opposite the drop generator. A controller in communication with each drop charging electrode adapted to supply a pulse to each electrode to isolate the first and second group of drops.

Abstract: A method of operating a continuous ink jet printer apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: applying a first voltage pulse to an electrode in order to modify the direction of an ink stream; applying a second voltage pulse to the electrode for a pre-determined period of time; measuring the charge carried on the ink stream; and modifying the operation of the printer in response to the charge measured.

Abstract: A continuous liquid drop emission apparatus is provided. The liquid drop emission apparatus is comprised of a liquid chamber containing a positively pressurized liquid in flow communication with at least one nozzle for emitting a continuous stream of liquid and a jet stimulation apparatus adapted to transfer pulses of energy to the liquid in flow communication with the at least one nozzle sufficient to cause the break-off of the at least one continuous stream of liquid into a stream of drops of predetermined volumes. The continuous liquid drop emission apparatus further comprises a semiconductor substrate including integrated circuitry formed therein for performing and controlling a plurality of actions on the drops of predetermined volumes. The plurality of actions may include drop charging, drop sensing, drop deflection and drop capturing. Drop action apparatus adapted to perform these functions and integrated circuitry to control the drop action apparatus are formed in the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: In an ink-jet printing a succession of ink droplets are projected along a longitudinal trajectory at a target substrate. A group of droplets is selected from the succession in the trajectory, and this the group of droplets is combined by electrostatically accelerating upstream droplets of the group and/or decelerating downstream droplets of the group into a single drop.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a system and method for auto-threshold adjustment using a continuous ink jet printer. An embodiment of a system includes a nozzle for producing ink drops from an ink stream, a sensor positioned with respect to the nozzle for measuring charge from the ink drops to generate a charge signal, a peak detector for detecting peaks in the charge signal, and a threshold storage device for adjusting the threshold based on a number of detected peaks. In an embodiment, the threshold storage device stores the threshold. The threshold storage device may be a digital potentiometer, for example. The system may also include a comparator comparing the charge signal to the threshold. The comparator may select between the threshold and a standard reference signal to compare to the charge signal.

Abstract: A system to deposit drops on a substrate includes a dispenser to dispense the drops, a shutter disposed between the dispenser and the substrate to focus the drops, and a screen, disposed between the dispenser and the shutter, configured to provide a charge to the drops.

Abstract: A method of driving a droplet jetting head comprising nozzle orifices to jet droplets, pressure generating chambers each of which can store liquid and communicate with one of the orifices, and pressurizing devices to change the pressures of the pressure generating chambers, comprising the steps of increasing the pressure in the pressure generating chamber by the pressurizing device and protruding liquid in the pressure generating chamber from the nozzle orifice as a droplet, and separating the liquid which protrudes from the nozzle orifice when ?/? is equal to or less than 1/3 where ?(?m) is the diameter (in micrometers) of an liquid pillar (protruded from the nozzle orifice) at the front end of the nozzle orifice and ?(?m) is the maximum diameter (in micrometers) of the liquid pillar.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming a charge electrode array for a binary continuous inkjet printer, the method including forming the charge electrodes and the driver circuitry for the charge electrodes using common process steps. The process steps are preferably those associated with polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistor technology. The invention further provides a charge electrode array for a binary continuous inkjet printer when formed according to the inventive method. Such an array may not only be formed integrally with the driver electronics, but also with a phase detector, a deflector, and a velocity detector.

Abstract: An ink jet printing system includes a printhead generating a plurality of continuous ink jets that are in a row and directed toward a print receiving medium. The printhead contains a drop generator and an orifice plate that includes a plurality of nozzles to form the continuous ink jets. The orifice plate includes a stimulating device to produce first and second synchronous drop breakoffs in a phased relationship and each ink jet in the drop breakoffs alternate producing plurality of drops in a phased relationship. A charge plate is placed opposite the drop generator and includes a plurality of drop charging electrodes adjacent the continuous ink jets. A controller is in communication with each drop charging electrode and supplies a plurality of synchronized controlled drop selection pulses to the drop charging electrodes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a color filter using an ink-jet. In the method, a conversion voltage, which is obtained from a normalization voltage of each of the nozzles using a weight conversion factor corresponding to the number of nozzles turned on at the same time, is applied to each of the nozzles of an ink-jet head, and all regions of the color filter have the same ink thickness by using the weight conversion factor as a maximum value when the nozzles are all turned on, and by using a weight conversion factor smaller than the maximum value when not all of the nozzles are turned on at the same time.

Abstract: A system and method of aligning a charge tunnel of a continuous inkjet printer with a drop generator and a catcher, wherein the charge tunnel passes through an outer wall of a charge tunnel unit, including adjusting a linear position of the charge tunnel unit, and adjusting a rotary position of the charge tunnel unit. The adjusting steps are performed to ensure that the charge tunnel is aligned with the drop generator and the catcher.

Abstract: When an refresh ink droplet ejected from a nozzle and deflected by an inclined electric field impinges on a orifice electrode/ink receiving member, electric charge is discharged from the refresh ink droplet, thereby an electric current is generated. A current-voltage converter/amplifier detects the electric current and outputs a detection signal. A defective-condition determining circuit determines an ejection condition of a nozzle element based on voltage value of the detection signal.

Abstract: A wiping unit is provided that wipes a droplet discharge head included in a droplet discharge unit and reduces the likelihood or prevents a cleaner to be sprayed to a wiping sheet from getting dispersed and adhering to peripheral units. A wiping unit included in a droplet discharge unit is provided with a charged electrode, an absorption electrode, and a static elimination brush. A cleaner sprayed by a cleaner spray head is electrically charged by the charged electrode. The charged cleaner is absorbed toward the absorption electrode, and adheres to a wiping sheet that is placed just before the absorption electrode. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the likelihood or prevent the cleaner from getting dispersed and adhering to peripheral units.

Abstract: The method and equipment for detangling individual jets in an ink jet print station utilizes a reservoir containing fluid and a printhead. The printhead has a drop generator, an orifice structure connected to the drop generator for forming numerous jets, a catcher connected to the drop generator; and a charge device secured to the catcher. A fluid supply system is connected between the printhead and the reservoir. A controller and numerous actuators are connected to the drop generator, and adapted to vibrate the drop generator. A fluid pump is connected to the fluid supply line, is operated by the controller, and is adapted to raise the pressure on the drop generator to at least an operating pressure and lower the pressure on the drop generator to a minimal pressure to prevent entanglement of the jets.

Abstract: An improved continuous ink jet print station includes a drop generator with a jet array and a drop charging assembly. The drop charging assembly includes a substrate with a first side facing the jet array, and one or more resistive heater elements placed on the substrate aligned with the jet array. The resistive heater elements are discontinuously disposed on portions of the substrate. One or more one charging electrodes are disposed on the first side. The continuous ink jet print station includes a power source for powering the resistive heater elements to heat the substrate to a temperature sufficient to prevent condensation of fluid on the first side.

Abstract: A solder jet apparatus is disclosed. The solder jet apparatus is a continuous mode solder jet that includes a blanking system and raster scan system. The use of the raster scan and blanking systems allows for a continuous stream of solder to be placed anywhere on the surface in any desired X-Y plane. This allows for greater accuracy as well as greater product throughput. Additionally, with the raster scan system, repairs to existing soldered surfaces can be quickly and easily performed using a map of the defects for directing the solder to the defects.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus (2000) is disclosed, which comprises forming elements (2002) for forming an image, a memory (2006) indicating relative desirability of utilising the forming elements (2002) for forming the image, and processing means (2008) for computing image recording signals using input image signals (2012) and the stored data. The use of a particular forming element is thereby biased dependent upon the relative desirability data of other forming elements, the corresponding input signal for the particular forming element, and a term for the particular forming element.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for performing the method, are intended to prevent all of the ink discharged from a defective one of multiple nozzles in a continuous inkjet printhead from being used for printing on a print medium. This can be done by periodically heating the defective nozzle at a frequency that is greater than frequencies other nozzles which are not defective are periodically heated, to cause the defective nozzle to only discharge ink droplets that have a smaller volume than ink droplets discharged from the nozzles that are not defective. Then, the smaller volume droplets discharged from the defective nozzle are prevented from reaching a print medium, but the larger volume ink droplets discharged from the nozzles that are not defective are allowed to reach the print medium.

Abstract: A catcher design is provided wherein vacuum channels are added to both sides of the catcher to remove ink from the face of the catcher and from the eyelid seal. An additional fluid port on the catcher allows the additional vacuum channels to maintain an increased level of vacuum. A restriction on the catcher line balances the fluid flow between the catcher and the additional vacuum channels. A scoop can be machined into the catch pan to remove fluid from below the catcher face. A manifold can be used to maintain a vacuum source for the catcher throat and the additional channels, while pulling the unprinted ink back to the fluid system. Finally, a wider eyelid seal can allow purge fluid used during shutdown to clear the channels.

Abstract: A fluid droplet ejection device including a body defining a plurality of fluid paths that each include an inlet including a flow restriction, a pumping chamber, and a nozzle opening communicating with the pumping chamber for discharging fluid droplets. An actuator is associated with each pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has a largest dimension that is sufficiently short and the flow restriction provides sufficient flow resistance so as to provide a fluid droplet velocity and/or volume versus frequency response that varies by less than plus or minus 25% over a droplet frequency range of 0 to 40 kHz. Also disclosed are fluid droplet ejection devices in which the ratio of the inlet flow resistance to the pumping chamber flow impedance is between 0.05 and 0.9, the pumping chamber has a time constant for decay of a pressure wave in the pumping chamber that is less than 25 microseconds.

Abstract: A fluid droplet ejection device including a body defining a plurality of fluid paths that each include an inlet including a flow restriction, a pumping chamber, and a nozzle opening communicating with the pumping chamber for discharging fluid droplets. An actuator is associated with each pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has a largest dimension that is sufficiently short and the flow restriction provides sufficient flow resistance so as to provide a fluid droplet velocity and/or volume versus frequency response that varies by less than plus or minus 25% over a droplet frequency range of 0 to 40 kHz. Also disclosed are fluid droplet ejection devices in which the ratio of the inlet flow resistance to the pumping chamber flow impedance is between 0.05 and 0.9, the pumping chamber has a time constant for decay of a pressure wave in the pumping chamber that is less than 25 microseconds.

Abstract: The use of the lowest all catch voltage for deflecting the charged droplets onto the catcher surface enhances the reliability of the startup sequence for ink jet printers. Going from a state where all of the droplets are hitting in the eyelid seal and catch pan assembly to a state where all of the droplets are deflected and caught on the catcher face will help eliminate the possibility of splatter on the charge plate electrodes and/or the charge short detect level circuitry, ink on top of the eyelid seal, and wicking of ink out of the eyelid.

Abstract: A method is provided for transitioning from a lower pressure state to a final operating pressure state. Initially, an eyelid is used to divert ink into a fluid channel associated with the catcher assembly. Pressure of the ink is reduced to a low ink pressure level that will allow the ink to be removed by the fluid channel. Pressure of the ink is increased to at least one incremental step, before reaching a final ink operating pressure. A charge voltage is turned on to deflect ink into catch in a time interval short enough to prevent ink backup between the eyelid and the catcher assembly.

Abstract: A continuous stream binary array ink jet print head comprising: an elongate cavity for containing the ink; an array of nozzle orifices (37) formed so as to extend through a wall of said cavity for passing ink from the cavity to form jets, said nozzle orifices (37) extending along the length of said cavity, said cavity being divided up along its length by at least one internal wall (33) thereby to create a plurality of sub-cavities (35) substantially acoustically isolated from one another, said dividing up of the cavity to form sub-cavities (35) correspondingly dividing up said array of nozzle orifices (37) between the sub-cavities (35) such that each sub-cavity communicates with one or more of the nozzle orifices (37) of the array; one or more actuator (39) means associated with each said sub-cavity for cyclically varying the dimensions of the sub-cavity thereby to cause the or each jet emanating from the nozzle orifice(s) of that sub-cavity to break up into ink droplets at a predetermined distance therefrom;

Abstract: A solder jet apparatus is disclosed. The solder jet apparatus is a continuous mode solder jet that includes a blanking system and raster scan system. The use of the raster scan and blanking systems allows for a continuous stream of solder to be placed anywhere on the surface in any desired X-Y plane. This allows for greater accuracy as well as greater product throughput. Additionally, with the raster scan system, repairs to existing soldered surfaces can be quickly and easily performed using a map of the defects for directing the solder to the defects.

Abstract: Using an electrostatic mechanism for inkjet printers to improve image quality is disclosed. A carriage assembly for such a printer includes one or more inkjet print heads, and an electrostatic mechanism. Each inkjet print head ejects ink from a corresponding ink supply in droplets as needed and aimed on a media. The droplets each have either an improper drop size or a proper drop size. The proper drop size is greater than a first threshold, whereas the improper drop size is less than a second threshold that is itself less than the first threshold. The electrostatic mechanism prevents droplets of the improper drop size from reaching the media. The mechanism has an electrostatic charge sufficiently great to affect the droplets having the improper drop size, without substantially affecting the droplets having the proper drop size.

Abstract: Metallic bumps are formed for electrical interconnection between the charge plate and the charge drive electronics. This is achieved by having improved electrical connection between an ink jet charge plate and associated charge leads is promoted. This is achieved by integrating the termination pads, electrical transmission lines, and charging leads. The termination bumps are formed as integral parts of the charge leads and are connected directly to the charge driver board electronics by pressure contact. The bumps can be formed by mechanically indenting the termination pads or by using an interposer that has raised metallic pads aligned to the integral nickel pads and the charge driver circuitry board. First, a mask is aligned to permit additive formation of the pads, conductors, and charge leads. Then the nickel circuitry thus formed is made into a rigid charge plate and an integrated flexible section having contact bumps.

Abstract: Metallic bumps are formed for electrical interconnection between the charge plate and the charge drive electronics. This is achieved by having improved electrical connection between an ink jet charge plate and associated charge leads is promoted. This is achieved by integrating the termination pads, electrical transmission lines, and charging leads. The termination bumps are formed as integral parts of the charge leads and are connected directly to the charge driver board electronics by pressure contact. The bumps can be formed by mechanically indenting the termination pads or by using an interposer that has raised metallic pads aligned to the integral nickel pads and the charge driver circuitry board. First, a mask is aligned to permit additive formation of the pads, conductors, and charge leads. Then the nickel circuitry thus formed is made into a rigid charge plate and an integrated flexible section having contact bumps.

Abstract: A method of flattening print media in an ink jet apparatus, said apparatus comprising a media feed path, a media drive roller and one or more pinch rollers, said one or more pinch rollers being arranged to rotatably cooperate with said drive roller so as to grip said media therebetween, said drive roller having a rotational axis extending substantially transverse to said feed path and being arranged to rotate in first and second directions to respectively feed said media in first and second feed directions; said method comprising the steps of: feeding said media a first distance in said first feed direction; and then, feeding said media a second distance in said second feed direction, thereby causing said media to flatten in a direction substantially transverse to said feed path.

Abstract: Process for modification of the position at which electrically-charged ink droplets arrive on a substrate (27), the droplets being charged by charge electrodes (20) connected to a voltage generator, the paths of the droplets being affected by the action of deviation electrodes (23, 24) that deviate the droplets depending on the value of their electrical charge, between N positions defining a frame obtained by a burst of droplets in the form of a straight segment approximately parallel to an X direction along which the substrate advances, process characterized in that an additional random voltage equal to a fraction less than 1 of the difference between the nominal voltages to be applied to the charge electrodes for each droplet and for one of the two immediately adjacent droplets in the frame, is applied in addition to a nominal voltage to be applied to each droplet charging means.

Abstract: An object of the present invention to make it possible to bring precision-machined electrodes close to liquid filaments being injected through orifices, and manufacture a charging plate easily and at low cost. An unrounded edge on which a work surface on an upper surface intersects with one side surface is formed on a substrate made of non-conductive substance, and a plurality of electrodes are disposed, with the distal ends thereof aligned with the edges.

Abstract: A solder jet apparatus is disclosed. The solder jet apparatus is a continuous mode solder jet that includes a blanking system and raster scan system. The use of the raster scan and blanking systems allows for a continuous stream of solder to be placed anywhere on the surface in any desired X-Y plane. This allows for greater accuracy as well as greater product throughput. Additionally, with the raster scan system, repairs to existing soldered surfaces can be quickly and easily performed using a map of the defects for directing the solder to the defects.

Abstract: A solder jet apparatus is disclosed. The solder jet apparatus is a continuous mode solder jet that includes a blanking system and raster scan system. The use of the raster scan and blanking systems allows for a continuous stream of solder to be placed anywhere on the surface in any desired X-Y plane. This allows for greater accuracy as well as greater product throughput. Additionally, with the raster scan system, repairs to existing soldered surfaces can be quickly and easily performed using a map of the defects for directing the solder to the defects.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for cleaning the printhead of a continuous ink jet printing system. A cleaning fluid is introduced and used to flush ink residues and debris from the interior of the drop generator, the exterior of the orifice plate, the charge plate face and the catcher face. This system and method removes dried ink residues and other debris and deposits by providing a cleaning fluid with a low surface tension to dissolve or flush away the unwanted material from the orifices. This is particularly advantageous in that the flushing and rinsing is accomplished without mechanical contact which could abrade or damage the orifices.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making high resolution color prints using ink jet techniques. The method and apparatus of providing for precise control of the number of droplets of printing fluid which is deposited in a pixel on recording paper. The precise control is achieved by incremental control of the print pulse width or time duration. Further precision can be obtained by synchronizing droplet formation with for example, the leading edge of the print pulse. The number of droplets charged during the time duration of the print pulse are the number of droplets which impinge on the paper and at the pixel location. The number of droplets creates therefore a color density. Use of a plurality of nozzles and ink colors will permit the production of very high resolution and high quality color prints.