Patent ID: 7055930
Filing Date: 2006-06-06
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A printhead for an inkjet printer, including an array of print nozzles for selectively ejecting drops of ink towards a print medium passing said nozzles, one or more enclosed spaces situated between said nozzles and said print medium so that ink drops ejected from the nozzles pass through said enclosed space en route to the print medium, further including air supply means supplying positive air pressure to said one or more enclosed spaces, said air supply means including a common air intak, air filtration means, and air valve means for shutting off air supply to said one or more enclosed spaces when said printer is in a non-printing operational mode, wherein said air valve means includes an air distribution duct having one or more air passages in communication said one or more enclosed spaces and an air valve member with a plurality of apertures corresponding to said air passages, said valve member being movable between a valve open position in which said air apertures are in communication with said air passages and a valve closed position in which said air apertures are not in communication with said air passages.