Patent ID: 6283575
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A self-cleaning printer comprising:a print head having a surface thereon, the surface including an orifice region having at least one ink-ejection orifice defining an ink ejection path, a first gutter disposed on the print head proximate one side of the orifice region adapted for connection to a source of a cleaning fluid, and a second gutter disposed on the print head proximate an opposite side of the orifice region adapted for connection to a receiver for the cleaning fluid, the first and second gutters being disposed on the print head substantially perpendicular to the ink ejection path; anda cover member having a first position removed from the print head and a second position substantially over the print head opposite the orifice region and the gutters for forming a sealed enclosure thereover defining a cavity sized to allow fluid flow therethrough from the first gutter over the orifice region to the second gutter.