Uni-directional waste ink removal system
US6454374B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J29/17
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A uni-directional waste ink removal system cleans ink residue from an electrostatic sensing element of an ink drop detector in a printing mechanism when the electrostatic sensing element, supported by a base, is actuated between an activated position, a storage position, and back to the activated position. The system also includes a scraper and an absorber which first contact the sensing element when the base is in the storage position, thereby ensuring ink residue may be absorbed, and that ink residue is only scraped from the sensing element in one direction as the base is moved to the activated position. A method of cleaning ink residue from an electrostatic sensing element of an ink drop detector, and a printing mechanism having such a unidirectional waste ink removal system are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.