Patent · US Expired

Rotary priming system for inkjet printheads

US5714991A · kind A · utility

14Cited by
25References
49Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 3, 1995
Grant dateFeb 3, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 3, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J2/16547
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A rotary priming service station system is provided for priming inkjet printheads in an inkjet printing mechanism. A platform pivoted to a rotatable tumbler supports a plunger-actuated rolling diaphragm cap. A trigger mechanism is pivoted to the sled to actuate the cap plunger, which pulls down on the cap to draw a negative priming pressure on the nozzles when the cap is sealed against the printhead. A retractable stand-off finger project through the sled to separate the diaphragm cap from the printhead until the cap begin to draw the negative priming pressure. Through tumbler rotation and printhead motion, the trigger mechanism is cocked and activated. The platform supports a wiper that performs a fast post-prime wipe of the printhead. The tumbler rotates the cap and wiper against a blotting mechanism to blot away any primed ink residue. A method is also provided for priming inkjet printheads in an inkjet printing mechanism.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.