Multi-color fluid jet pattern generator for textiles

Abstract

A fluid jet printing line has a plurality of fluid jet printing devices arranged serially to sequentially print on a substrate. Each printing device includes a print bar movable relative to a print head and substrate. Each print head including the print bar carried thereby is mounted for movement between positions in the line and a clean or ready room. In the print line, a sensor detects any increased thickness of the substrate and a pneumatic-mechanical system responds to the sensor to raise the print bar above the thickened portion of the substrate as it passes below the orifice plate and to lower the print bar after the thickened portion has passed. Should a print head malfunction, the line is converted to a full-catch mode, the substrate transport is stopped and the malfunctioning print head is removed. A replacement print head is transported to the line from the clean room in a full-catch running mode and, when disposed in the line, all fluid jet print heads are converted from the full-catch mode to the full print mode. Three-point mountings of the print bar relative to the head and the head relative to the base are provided to assure accurate and repeatable location of the devices in the line and to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction.