Two stage print cartridge capping technique
US6309044A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/16547
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A service station servicing an ink-jet printhead of an ink-jet printing system. The service station includes a sled structure, and an elevator mechanism coupled to the sled structure for moving the sled structure between a rest position and a sled capping position. A printhead cap is supported on the sled structure, and is movable relative to the sled structure for movement between a retracted position and a printhead capping position. The cap is adapted to surround and seal the printhead nozzles when the sled has been moved to the sled capping position and the printhead cap has been moved to the printhead capping position. A piston is carried by the sled structure, and the printhead cap is mounted to the piston. An actuating mechanism moves the piston from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the printhead cap is positioned at the printhead capping position when the piston is moved to the extended position. The sled structure includes a set of sled datum structures adapted to mate with a corresponding set of datum features formed in a printhead carriage structure when the carriage structure is positioned at the service station as the sled structure is moved from t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.