Apparatus for reducing particulate in an ink jet printer
US7571996B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 10, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/16502
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus in an ink jet printer reduces the risk of clogged nozzles in ink jet printing machines by providing a negative pressure area in the vicinity of a localized high shear stress region that is located about a print head perimeter. The apparatus includes a print head protector substantially surrounds a print head, the protector having a first substantially continuous slot along a portion of a length of the protector that is upstream of the print head and a second substantially continuous slot along a portion of a length of the protector that is upstream of the first substantially continuous slot, an inlet in fluid communication with the first substantially continuous slot, the inlet enables a positive pressure air supply to be coupled to the first substantially continuous slot so air entering the inlet flows through the first slot to displace debris from media approaching the print head, and an outlet in fluid communication with the second substantially continuous slot, the outlet enables a negative pressure source to be coupled to the second substantially continuous slot so displaced debris flows into the second substantially continuous slot and out through the outlet for …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.