Patent ID: 8033635
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. An inkjet printer comprising: a printhead integrated circuit (IC) with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink on to print media; an ink supply reservoir for storing ink; an ink supply line defining a flow path from the ink supply reservoir to the printhead IC; a valve in the ink supply line proximate the printhead IC selectively closing the flow path to the printhead IC; an ink purge actuator for forcing a volume of ink out of the printhead under pressure; a printhead maintenance system having a collection roller mechanism for rotating such that the collection roller surface collects ink purged from the printhead and draws the ink away; and a pressure regulator provided in the ink supply reservoir downstream from the ink supply reservoir, the pressure regulator being normally biased shut, and operable to open upon a threshold pressure difference between ink upstream of the pressure regulator and ink downstream of the pressure regulator, wherein the collection roller mechanism includes a soft roller and a hard roller arranged parallel to the soft roller, the hard roller configured to contact the soft roller in counter rotation to expunge ink from the soft roller.