Patent ID: 7163281

Claim:
A continuous ink jet print station comprising a fluid system to provide fluid to a drop generator, wherein the drop generator comprises a jet array, a midpoint, and a catcher assembly opposite the jet array for returning fluid to the fluid system, wherein the print station comprises: a. a drop charging assembly disposed opposite the jet array for charging drops from fluid projected from the jet array comprising: i. a substrate comprising a first side facing the jet array, wherein the first side comprises a first side surface area; ii. multiple resistive heater elements placed on the substrate on a side different from the first side but aligned with the jet array and in proximate relation to the first side, wherein the multiple resistive heater elements are discontinuously disposed on portions of the substrate; iii. at least one charging electrode disposed on the first side in communication with drop charging electronics; and b. a power source to provide voltage to the resistive heater elements to heat the substrate to a temperature sufficient to prevent condensation of fluid on the first side while minimizing distortion of the first side.