Patent ID: 6183057
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A self-cleaning printer, comprising:(a) a print head having a surface thereon;(b) a structural member disposed opposite the surface for defining a gap therebetween sized to allow a flow of fluid in a first direction through the gap, the size of the gap controlling hydrodynamic pressure and acceleration of the fluid through the gap to induce a shearing force in the fluid, whereby the shearing force acts against the surface while the shearing force is induced in the fluid;(c) a junction coupled to the gap for changing flow of the fluid from the first direction to a second direction opposite the first direction, whereby the fluid is agitated while the fluid changes from the first direction to the second direction; and(d) a pressure pulse generator in fluid communication with the fluid for generating a pressure wave propagating in the fluid and acting against the surface, whereby the surface is cleaned while the shearing force and the pressure wave act against the surface and while the fluid is agitated.