INK JET PRINTING SYSTEM WITH DUST REMOVAL FROM DOCUMENT PRIOR TO PRINTING: VACUUM INLET PLATE HAVING PARALLEL GROOVES ANGLED TO DOCUMENT TRAVEL DIRECTION

摘要

A printing system is provided in which the likelihood of nozzle blockage in an ink jet printer (14) due to dust particles is reduced. The printing system includes an air system (12) having cleaning means (12-1) positioned upstream of the ink jet printer (14) to clean a document (16) of dust as the document is moved towards the printer (14), and air flow producing means (12-2) providing a curtain of air between the print head of the printer (14) and the face of the document (16) to be printed upon to keep any dust particles left on the surface of the document (16) from coming into contact with the nozzles or jets (126) of the printer (14). IMAGE