Iris Graphics, Inc.

Dieter Jochimsen

John A Oberteuffer

The present assembly is an ink jet printer of the continuous stream type for printing an image on a recording surface having a nozzle or orifice from which an electrically conductive ink stream is expelled by pressure along a predetermined path toward a recording surface apparatus to selectively deflect or interrupt portions of the ink stream such that the portions deflected or interrupt are prevented from reaching the area of the recording surface or which said image is printed, an ink mist shield positioned proximate to the recording surface, the mist shield being maintained at a first potential, apparatus for charging the recording surface to a second potential substantially different from the first potential whereby ink which impinges the recording surface is charged thereby and particles of the impinging ink which rebound from the recording surface are impelled toward the mist shield by the field resulting from the difference between the first and second potential. The present method, for use in a continuous stream ink jet printer for printing an image on a recording surface having a nozzle or orifice and a recording surface, and a mist shield positioned proximate to the recording surface, is the steps of expelling by pressure a continuous stream of electrically conductive ink from the nozzle toward the recording surface, selectively deflecting or interrupt portions of the ink stream, applying an electrical charge to the recording surface, such that an electrical field exists between said mist shield and said recording surface whereby particles of the ink stream which rebound upon impact with the recording surface are urged toward the mist shield.

Mist reduction for ink jet printers

An ink jet recorder of the continuous jet type has a mounting block defining a reference surface. Nozzle units from which the ink streams are ejected are releasably keyed to the reference surface. An ink reservoir supplies electrically conductive ink to the nozzle units which selectively charge segments of the ink streams issuing from the nozzle units. Each unit also includes provision for accurately aiming the ink stream in both the x and y directions using simple knob controls. A deflection unit also releasably keyed to the reference surface downstream from the nozzle units. The ink stream is directed through a deflection unit mounted on the reference surface. Mating members are provided in said mounting block which corresponds with mating members on the deflection unit. This unit generates an electrical field which deflects the selectively charged segments of the ink stream issuing from the nozzle unit, from their predetermined paths so that they do not reach the recording medium; the undeflected portions of the ink streams form the printing on the medium. The deflection unit also includes provision for removing extraneous ink from the regions of the deflection field so as to minimize background coloration in the printing on the medium. A charged mist shield is provided in said deflection unit to further attract extraneous ink in and about said deflection unit. Vacuum means are provided to withdraw extraneous ink from said deflection unit, nozzle unit, and mist shield.

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Winchester, MA, United States of America

Dieter Jochimsen