Programmable head type detection and maintenance system
US5627572A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 1995 |
| Grant date | May 6, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/1652
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ink-jet printer is provided with a printhead maintenance system which is capable of providing optimum maintenance for different types of color or monochrome printheads. Dummy heaters are provided in each printhead as a way of identifying the different types of printheads. A maintenance controller is provided in the printer for executing a maintenance program comprising first and second maintenance algorithms for controlling maintenance of monochrome and color type printheads. The controller includes an E.sup.2 PROM memory into which descriptor records are downloaded from a data processor to which the printer is connected. Each descriptor record contains a head detection pattern and various parameters specifying the number and time of wipes, the number of nozzle fires, etc. necessary to maintain a head of the type corresponding to the head detection pattern. When the printer is turned on, or a new printhead is installed, the pattern of heaters is sensed, compared to the head detection patterns in the descriptor records, and the parameters in the descriptor record having a head detection pattern best matching the sensed pattern of heaters are used in executing the maintenance prog…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.