Patent ID: 8684506
Filing Date: 2014-04-01
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. An ink removal system for a printhead that ejects phase change ink comprising: a drip bib operatively connected to a printhead at a position below a face of the printhead to enable the drip bib to receive melted ink from the face of the printhead and direct the melted ink downward from the face of the printhead; a flexible member positioned below the drip bib and configured to receive and capture melted ink dropping from the drip bib and to release the captured ink from the flexible member in response to the flexible member bending; an ink receptacle configured to move into contact with the flexible member to bend the flexible member and release the captured ink from the flexible member; and a spring operatively connected to the flexible member and configured to return the flexible member to the position beneath the drip bib in response to the ink receptacle moving out of contact with the flexible member.