Patent ID: 6481835
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A continuous ink jet printhead comprising:a source of ink drops; a first nozzle row; a second nozzle row displaced in a first direction and a second direction relative to said first nozzle row; a thermally activated selection device positioned relative to said first and said second nozzle rows, said selection device being configured to direct ink drops ejected from said source through said first nozzle row along a first selected ink drop path and a first non-selected ink drop path, said selection device also being configured to direct ink drops ejected from said source through said second nozzle row along a second selected ink drop path and a second non-selected ink drop path; and a gutter positioned adjacent said first and second non-selected ink drop paths, said gutter being shaped to collect ink drops traveling along said first and second non-selected ink drop paths.