Patent ID: 6422681
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A gimbaling system usable with a maintenance station of an ink jet printer comprising:a plurality of hook shaped and grooved gimbaling channels each having a first sidewall that extends fully from a base of the gimbaling channel to a top portion of the gimbaling channel and a second sidewall that extends partway from the top portion of the gimbaling channel to the base of the gimbaling channel; a bias force applying member; and a printhead maintenance cap having a plurality of gimbal engaging protrusions; wherein: the gimbal engaging protrusions engage the plurality of gimbaling channels; and the bias force applying member applies a bias force to gimbal the printhead maintenance cap such that the printhead maintenance cap can move within the plurality of gimbaling channels to gimbal about at least two rotational axes and translate along one translational axis.