Patent ID: 7178897
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A method for removing liquid in a gap of a printhead, wherein the printhead comprises a drop generator comprising a liquid supply inlet and a liquid outlet port, an orifice plate attached to the drop generator for forming a jet array, an actuator secured to the drop generator, a charge plate disposed opposite the orifice plate forming the gap, and a catcher, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a. introducing a liquid to the drop generator to cross flush the drop generator at a cross flush pressure to dissolve residue from the orifice plate and the charge plate forming a liquid containing dissolved residue; b. applying a signal to the actuator to vibrate the drop generator to a defined amplitude; c. closing an outlet valve attached to the liquid outlet port of the drop generator to form a pressure spike in the drop generator; d. lowering pressure in the drop generator after the pressure spike to a recommended operating pressure to establish the jet array, wherein the recommended operating pressure is greater than the cross flush pressure; e. continuing to apply the signal to the actuator until the gap is substantially free of liquid with dissolved residue; and f. removing the liquid with dissolved residue using the catcher.