Ink drop detector
AssigneeChristopher B. Miller
InventorsPatrick J. Therien, Christopher A. Schantz
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Abstract
An apparatus for detecting ink droplets ejected from ink drop generators has a target holder and a conductive absorbent target supported by the target holder. The apparatus for detecting ink droplets also has standoffs extending from the target holder. The apparatus for detecting ink droplets further has an actuator for moving the target holder towards the ink drop generators such that the standoffs space the target from the ink drop generators.
Claims24
An apparatus for detecting ink droplets ejected from ink drop generators, comprising:
- a target holder;
- a conductive absorbent target supported by the target holder;
- standoffs extending from the target holder;
- and
- an actuator for moving the target holder towards the ink drop generators such that the standoffs space the target from the ink drop generators.
An apparatus for detecting ink droplets ejected from ink drop generators, comprising:
- a target holder;
- a conductive absorbent target supported by the target holder;
- standoffs extending from the target holder;
- and
- means for moving the target holder towards the ink drop generators such that the standoffs space the target from the ink drop generators.
A method of ink drop detection comprising:
- moving a conductive absorbent target towards an ink drop generator;
- spacing the target from the ink drop generator with standoffs;
- and
- ejecting at least one drop of ink from the ink drop generator onto the target.
A printing mechanism, comprising:
- a printhead having drop generators for selectively ejecting ink;
- and
- an ink drop sensor for detecting ink droplets ejected from the ink drop generators, comprising:
- target holder;
- a conductive absorbent target supported by the target holder;
- standoffs extending from the target holder, and
- an actuator for moving the target holder towards the ink drop generators such that the standoffs space the target from the ink drop generators.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.