Overspray adaptation method and apparatus for an ink jet print engine
US6220693A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J29/393
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for printing digital color images with non-impact print heads whereby fluid flowing at a relatively high velocity proximate ink emitting nozzles affects flight trajectories of undesirable satellite ink droplets incidentally emitted from the nozzles, but does not affect flight trajectories of primary droplets. In one embodiment, a single fluid deflector member oriented upstream of the print head causes fluid flow intermediate the print head and the printing surface and urges the satellites to a preferred location on the printing media. In another embodiment, at least one additional deflector member is oriented to cooperate with the deflector member to ensure that such satellites encounter a forced fluid flow intermediate the print head and print surface. In yet another embodiment, a source of fluid pressure is used to create the relatively high velocity fluid flow that interacts with satellite droplets to guide them to a preferred location on the printing media. The present invention greatly improves precision and predictability in forming primary marks on the printing media by selectively redirecting only satellite ink droplet…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.