Image forming apparatus, maintenance assembly usable with image forming apparatus, and method thereof
US8388102B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/16526
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of maintaining a fluid applicator unit of an image forming apparatus in which the fluid applicator unit includes a nozzle surface having nozzles is disclosed. The method includes ejecting fluid through nozzles of a fluid applicator unit of an image forming apparatus during a maintenance mode to maintain flow paths therethrough such that the fluid is emitted from the nozzles in a form of fluid drops. The method also includes receiving the fluid drops emitted from the nozzles during the maintenance mode on a receiving member to form waste liquid therefrom and directing the waste liquid from the receiving member to a waste receiving unit through a liquid passage. The method also includes directing aerosol formed from the fluid drops emitted from the nozzles to the aerosol receiving unit through an aerosol passage such that the aerosol passage is separate from the liquid passage and receiving the aerosol directed to the aerosol receiving unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.