Patent ID: 6296344
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: B05D,B41J,B82Y

Abstract:
A method for replenishing fouled coatings on a nozzle plate for an ink jet printhead, said nozzle plate comprising the following layers in the order recited:i) a first monomolecular layer of an organic material having first and second functional groups, said first functional group of said first monomolecular layer being bound to the surface of said nozzle plate, and said second functional group of said first monomolecular layer being bound to a second monomolecular layer, andii) said second monomolecular layer of an organic material having first and second functional groups, said first functional group of said second monomolecular layer being bound to said second functional group of said first monomolecular layer, and said second functional group of said second monomolecular layer being an anti-wetting group, said second monomolecular layer having been fouled; said method comprisingA) unbinding said first functional group of said fouled second monomolecular layer so that it is no longer bound to said second functional group of said first monomolecular layer;B) removing said fouled second monomolecular layer; andC) reattaching a new, unfouled second monomolecular layer to said first monomolecular layer, said new, unfouled second monomolecular layer comprising an organic material having first and second functional groups, said first functional group of said second new, unfouled monomolecular layer being bound to said second functional group of said first monomolecular layer, and said second functional group of said new, unfouled second monomolecular layer being an anti-wetting group.