Automatic maintenance system for drop aperture plate (optics protection)
US5255009A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 1992 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/125
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for protecting optical elements of an optical ink drop detector that detects the presence of an ink drop in a drop detection zone, and for maintaining an aperture plate used in conjunction with the ink drop detector. The apparatus includes a movable plate having an apertured region and a non-apertured region. The plate is movable relative to the optical elements of the drop detector and is configured to have the aperture region adjacent a drop detection zone of the optical ink drop detector when in a first position and to have the non-apertured region adjacent the detection zone when in a second position. Cleaning brushes are provided for cleaning ink from the aperture region of the movable plate when the plate is moved between the first and second positions, and an enclosure is provided for enclosing the aperture region of the plate when said plate is in the second position. Thus, when the plate is in the second position, the optical elements of the optical drop detector are covered by the non-aperture region of the plate, while the apertured region of the plate is protectively contained in the enclosure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.