Ink jet printer having improved catcher

Abstract

An ink jet printer for depositing ink drops from a plurality of jet drop streams on a print receiving medium includes a print head which generates a plurality of jet drop streams, such streams being positioned in at least one row. The drops are selectively charged and, thereafter, pass adjacent a deflection electrode which extends parallel to and to one side of the row of jet drop streams. A drop deflecting electrical potential is applied to the deflection electrode to produce a drop deflection field which directs the drops into print and catch trajectories. A catcher extends parallel to the row of jet drop streams and on the opposite side of the row from the deflection electrode. The catcher is positioned directly opposite the deflection electrode and receives drops in the catch trajectories, while permitting the drops in the print trajectories to strike the print receiving medium. The catcher includes a plurality of internal catcher cavities and defines a substantially vertical drop catching surface and a drop ingesting slot beneath the drop catching surface. Each of the cavities communicates with an associated portion of the drop ingesting slot. The catcher may include a substantially electrically non-conductive body portion which defines the drop catching surface.