Patent ID: 7370951

Claim:
A method for establishing detangled jets in an ink jet print station, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a. inputting values from a state table to a controller for a print station, wherein the print station comprises: i. a reservoir containing fluid; ii. a printhead comprising: 1. a drop generator; 2. an orifice structure connected to the drop generator forming a plurality of jets; 3. a catcher connected to the drop generator; 4. a plurality of actuators connected to the drop generator adapted to vibrate the drop generator; and iii. a fluid supply line connected between the printhead and the reservoir; iv. a return line connected the printhead and the reservoir; v. a catcher return line connected between the catcher and the reservoir; vi. a controllable valve disposed in the return line adapted to open and close the return line; vii. a pressure transducer disposed in the return line between the drop generator and the controllable valve; viii. a controller for operating the controllable valve and the actuators; ix. a fluid pump connected to the fluid supply line and the controller; and b. sensing pressure with the pressure transducer and transmitting the sensed pressure to the controller; c. comparing the sensed pressure to the values from the state table; d. if the pressure is different from the value of the state table, transmitting a signal to the fluid pump to adjust the pressure of the fluid supply line to meet the value from the state table; and e. cycling the pressure of the drop generator using an abrupt, non-gradual change in pressure, wherein each cycle alternates between an operating pressure and a pressure lower than the operating pressure to insure the jets maintain a free flowing and detangled orientation.