Patent ID: 6305779
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A nozzle closing and cleaning apparatus for removing ink residue for an ink jet printer comprising:a nozzle outlet surface having a plurality of orifices from which ink is ejected;a slider in the form of a plate overlying the outlet surface and movable along the surface to wipe excess and/or dried ink from the surface, the slider including a plurality of openings wherein respective openings coincide with respective ones of said orifices in a stationary position of the slider; anda MEMS transport member for imparting motion to said slider, said transport member including a gear rack and pinion gear arrangement cooperating to drive said slider along the surface to wipe excess and dried ink from the surface and to move the slider to a second stationary position wherein the slider covers the orifices when the printer is not in use for printing.