Patent ID: 8033624

Claim:
A system for printing a continuous web using ink jet pens that are fed from a bulk ink source, the system comprising: a web drive that directs the web in a downstream direction along a feed path; a first array of ink jet pens fed from the bulk ink source that are located on the feed path to print along a first side of the web, the pens being arranged as a first pen assembly and a second pen assembly so as to lay down ink along a first diagonal line with respect to the feed path so that an upstream-most cartridge of the first pen assembly includes a nozzle that overlaps a nozzle of a downstream-most cartridge of the second pen assembly to span across the web, wherein the width of the web is at least 17 inches; a second array of ink jet pens fed from the bulk ink source that are located on the feed path to print along a second side of the web, the pens being arranged as a third pen assembly and a fourth pen assembly so as to lay down ink along a second diagonal line with respect to the feed path so that an upstream-most cartridge of the third pen assembly includes a nozzle that overlaps a nozzle of a downstream-most cartridge of the fourth pen assembly to span across the web, wherein the width of the web is at least 17 inches; a roller directs the feed path to turn between the first array and the second array, wherein the second array is located vertically offset to the first array such that the first side is non-contacted along a predetermined distance of the feed path downstream of the first array so as to allow printing provided by the first array to dry; and a controller that tracks movement of the web along the feed path and that directs predetermined of the pens to print in registration with tracking of the web as the web is directed downstream along the feed path.