Patent · US Expired

Print head servicing system and method employing a solid liquefiable substance

US5969731A · kind A · utility

56Cited by
6References
32Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 13, 1996
Grant dateOct 19, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 13, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J2002/1655
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A wet-wiping printhead cleaning system wherein a treatment fluid is applied to at least one of the printhead and wiper elements in an inkjet printer, then subsequently the wiper wipingly contacts the printhead and wipes a portion of the printhead orifice plate where the nozzle orifices are located removing dried ink and other accumulated debris, the treatment fluid lubricating the wiper so as to lengthen wiper service life and enhance wiping performance, as well as acting to render such accumulations more removable by wiping, wherein the treatment fluid is stored in a non-flowable state so as to prevent leaking during periods when the printer is not in use, the treatment fluid being changed to a flowable liquid state for wiping.

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