Apparatus for optically detecting ink droplets

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Ink jet printers include orifices which may become clogged or otherwise inoperative. This can cause printing defects which may go undetected for a substantial period because these printers usually operate unattended. An optical detector is provided for testing the operability of each ink jet orifice prior to the beginning of printing either a print cycle or a page. Ink is deposited on a member which moves the deposit through an optical path for detection. Absence of a deposit signals a malfunction.