Patent ID: 7571996
Filing Date: 2009-08-11
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for use with a print head in an ink printing machine, the apparatus includes: a print head protector having a plate and a wall extending from the plate to form a recess in which a print head is located, the protector having a first substantially continuous slot formed in the wall and a second substantially continuous slot formed in the wall and being displaced from the first substantially continuous slot; an inlet in fluid communication with the first substantially continuous slot, the inlet enables a positive pressure air supply to be coupled to the first substantially continuous slot to enable air entering the inlet to flow through the first substantially continuous slot to displace debris from media approaching the print head located in the recess of the print head protector; and an outlet in fluid communication with the second substantially continuous slot, the outlet enables a negative pressure source to be coupled to the second substantially continuous slot to enable the displaced debris to flow into the second substantially continuous slot and out through the outlet for removal from the ink printing machine in which the print head is located.