Patent ID: 8777387
Filing Date: 2014-07-15
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A printhead comprising: a jetting module including a linear array of nozzles extending in a direction along a length of the jetting module, the jetting module being configured to form liquid drops travelling along a first path from a plurality of liquid jets emitted from the nozzles; a deflection mechanism configured to cause selected liquid drops formed by the jetting module to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path; and a catcher positioned to intercept liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path, the catcher including a drop contact surface and a liquid removal conduit connected in fluid communication with each other by a catcher surface including a radial surface having an array of grooves, the liquid removal conduit including a surface that is adjacent to the catcher surface, the array of grooves extending in the same direction as that of the linear array of nozzles, wherein for a given groove of the plurality of grooves, the groove includes a depth that varies along the radial surface as viewed relative to the drop contact surface and the surface of the liquid removal conduit that is adjacent to the catcher surface.