Videojet Technologies Inc.

Xuedong Zhan

Linfang Zhu

Fengfei Xiao

Xiaomang Wang

Wan Kang Zou

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. A dielectric insulating material may be disposed on the high voltage electrode. The insulating material may be in the form of sleeves that slide onto the first and second legs. A means is provided for collecting micro-satellite ink drops that pass through the opening. The means may include absorbing material positioned above the opening. Alternatively, the means may comprise a vacuum assembly for collecting the micro-satellite ink drops. Alternatively, the means may comprise an open space above the longitudinal slot. Air may be circulated through the open space for dispersing the micro-satellite ink drops as they pass up through the opening.

Electrode arrangement for an ink jet printer

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.

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Wilmette, IL, United States of America

Xuedong Zhan