Patent ID: 6595618
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A method for filling an acoustic ink printhead with ink at a capping and filling station comprising at least one capping element having a chamber defined therein and a sealing element disposed around a periphery of the chamber, the method comprising steps of:aligning the printhead with the capping element; moving the sealing element of the capping element into engagement with the printhead such that the sealing element touches the printhead but transmits substantially no force on the printhead; exerting a force on the sealing element to seal the chamber such that the force is transmitted to the printhead through the sealing element and to generate an air cushion within the chamber thereby facilitating establishing the ink flow; establishing ink flow in the printhead; removing the force on the capping element to remove the force on the printhead; and, moving the sealing element out of engagement with the printhead.