Ink drop deflection amplifier mechanism and method of increasing ink drop divergence

Abstract

An ink drop deflector mechanism is provided. The ink drop deflector mechanism includes an ink drop source and a path selection device operable in a first state to direct drops from the source along a first path and in a second state to direct drops from the source along a second path. The first and second paths diverge from the source. The mechanism also includes a system which applies force to drops travelling along at least one of the first and second paths with the force being applied in a direction so as to increase the divergence of the paths. The mechanism may include a gas source which generates a gas flow force that is applied in a direction that increases the divergence of the paths. The gas flow may be positioned between the first and second paths. The gas flow may be substantially laminar and interact with at least one of the first and second paths as the gas flow loses its coherence. The mechanism may also include a catcher with at least a portion of the system being positioned adjacent the catcher. Alternatively, at least a portion of the system may be integrally formed in the catcher.