Printhead interposing maintenance apparatus and method and image producing machine having same
US6764160B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/1742
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A printhead interposing maintenance method and apparatus are provided for maintaining a printhead assembly within a relatively tight space in an image producing machine. The printhead interposing maintenance apparatus for the method includes (a) at least a first home position adjacent a first side of four sides of an operating zone between a printhead assembly and an imaging surface in the image producing machine; (b) a first moving device for moving the printhead assembly from a printing first position adjacent the imaging surface to a maintaining second position spaced further away from the printing first position; (c) a maintenance apparatus movably supported for movement along an maintenance path interposed between the imaging surface and the printhead assembly; (d) a second moving device for moving the maintenance apparatus for contacting and maintaining the printhead assembly, and along the maintenance path from the at least first home position to a resting position adjacent a second side and opposite the first side of the four sides of the operating zone; and (e) a third moving device for moving the printhead assembly back from the maintaining second position to the printing…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.