Method and apparatus for actuating a pump in a printer
US6220699A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/16552
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A printer apparatus and method of actuating a fluid pump in a printer to deliver fluid to an ink jet printhead without removing the printhead from a printhead carriage particularly useful for priming inkjet printheads using an air displacement pump to deliver air under positive pressure to the printheads. The pump is located proximate a service station on the printer and is automatically actuated by movement of the carriage to service station. The pump may be arcuately positionable to align the pump with a selected one of air passageways provided in a printhead holddown cover on the printhead carriage. Algorithms are provided for locating the precise position of the pump outlet along the carriage scan axis relative to its intended design location and for arcuately positioning the pump relative to the carriage to engage the pump outlet with a selected one of conduits in the carriage connected to each printhead.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.