Method for increasing waste ink collection capacity in an ink jet printer by utilizing multiple ink spit areas along the carrier path
US6616266B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/1742
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for increasing the waste ink storage capacity in an ink jet printer includes the steps of providing a printer frame including a first frame portion and a second frame portion; providing a platen extending between the first frame portion and the second frame portion; providing a maintenance station coupled to the first frame portion; providing a printhead carrier for carrying a first printhead and a second printhead, and adapted for reciprocating movement along a carrier path, the carrier path extending over the first frame portion and the platen; defining a first ink spit area located at the maintenance station; defining a second ink spit area located at the platen; and selectively controlling an operation of the first printhead during spitting operations to eject a first ink in the first ink spit area and selectively controlling an operation of the second printhead during spitting operations to eject a second ink in the second ink spit area.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.