Head tending method and apparatus for an ink jet printer
US5084712A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 10, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/16552
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A head tending apparatus for an ink jet printing system with at least one ink jet being disclosed. The apparatus includes a solvent supply system for spraying solvent on the faces of the ink jets and in the jet openings and a brush for scrubbing the ink jet faces during and immediately after the spraying process. Solvent vapors enter the jets and deprime the jets so that the ink remaining in the jets drains out of the jets back to the ink reservoir allowing solvent vapors to penetrate the jets to the reservoir. Resultantly, when the jets are next primed with ink, the jets are substantially free of air bubbles. Head tending is normally performed when the printer is shut down, or prior to the priming of the ink jets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.