Patent ID: 6491367
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A printer comprising:(a) an ink tank to store ink; (b) an ink jet head in communication with said ink tank to print text or image; (c) a cleaning mechanism to clean said ink jet head consuming a predetermined volume of ink; (d) a detection unit to detect a command instructing said cleaning mechanism to clean said ink jet head; (e) an evaluation unit responsive to said detection unit to determine if a volume of ink remaining in said ink tank is greater than the predetermined volume of ink; and (f) a control unit for driving said cleaning mechanism to clean said ink jet head when said evaluation unit determines the volume of ink remaining in said ink tank is greater than the predetermined volume of ink, and for prohibiting any cleaning of said head when said evaluation unit determined the volume of ink remaining in said ink tank is not greater than the predetermined volume of ink.