Patent ID: 7441864
Filing Date: 2008-10-28
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition and/or remediating a printhead to an operable condition, said method comprising the steps of: (i) providing an endless maintenance belt having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead, said belt being supported by a drive wheel and at least one other wheel, and said wheels being mounted on a chassis; (ii) moving said chassis into a first position in which a clean part of said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face; (iii) moving said chassis into a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, thereby providing an inked part of said contact surface; (iv) conveying said belt by rotation of said drive wheel such that said inked part of said contact surface is conveyed away from said printhead and past a cleaning station, said cleaning station cleaning said inked part of said contact surface; and (v) optionally repeating steps (ii) to (iv).