Patent ID: 8556375
Filing Date: 2013-10-15
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A method of maintaining a printhead comprising: providing a capping unit including a drain and a waste liquid tank that receives a waste liquid from the capping unit; providing a valve in fluid communication with the drain of the capping unit through a first fluid passage, the valve being in fluid communication with the waste liquid tank through a second fluid passage, the valve including a first state that permits the waste liquid to flow from the capping unit through the valve to the waste liquid tank, the valve including a second state that prevents the waste liquid from flowing from the capping unit through the valve to the waste liquid tank; providing a cleaning liquid tank in fluid communication with the valve through a third fluid passage, the cleaning liquid tank being configured to provide a cleaning liquid through the valve and into the first fluid passage when the valve is in the second state; and operating the valve to cause the valve to move between the first state and the second state.