Printhead leak determination
US9643406B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2016 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2202/05
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In some examples, a system includes a printhead including a printer fluid nozzle, an air valve in fluid communication with a channel of the nozzle to: (1) create back pressure in the channel when the air valve is closed and printer fluid is ejected through the nozzle and (2) release back pressure in the channel when the air valve is open, an ejector to eject printer fluid through the nozzle to form a meniscus of printer fluid in the channel when the air valve is closed, a pressure sensor to measure pressure within the channel, and an indicator in electrical communication with the pressure sensor. The indicator can, for example, indicate whether there is an air leak in the channel by determining whether the pressure in the channel is within a predetermined pressure range after a predetermined idle time following the formation of the meniscus in the nozzle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.