Patent ID: 6746108
Filing Date: 2004-06-08
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A method for printing ink droplets that strike print media substantially perpendicularly, comprising the steps of:a) emitting a first ink droplet having a first volume and a second ink droplet having a second volume as a stream of ink from a plurality of nozzle bores formed in a printhead; b) applying a continuous air flow, produced from a first droplet deflector, to the stream of ink at an angle to cause the stream of ink to separate into a first stream of ink droplets having a first range of volumes, moving alone a first set of paths; and a second stream of ink droplets having a second range of volumes, moving along a second set of paths; c) altering the first set of paths of the first stream of ink droplets having a first range of volumes with a second droplet deflector so that the first set of paths becomes perpendicular to an image receiver; d) capturing either the first ink droplet or the second ink droplet with an ink gutter; e) adjusting the stream of ink emitted by the one or more nozzles according to image data to be printed; and f) striking the print media with either the first ink droplet or the second ink droplet substantially perpendicular to the print media.