Patent ID: 6196657
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A self-cleaning printer, comprising:(a) a print head having a surface defining at least one orifice therethrough, the at least one orifice being susceptible to being obstructed by contaminants; and(b) a cleaning assembly disposed proximate the surface for directing a flow of fluid along the surface and across the at least one orifice to clean contaminants from the surface and the at least one orifice, said assembly including:(i) a cup sealingly surrounding the at least one orifice, said cup defining a cavity therein; and(ii) a valve system in fluid communication with the cavity for allowing a fluid flow stream consisting of alternating segments of at least one liquid cleaning agent from a liquid cleaning agent source and at least one other segment into the cavity, said other segment or segments being selected from the group consisting of a gas, an additional liquid cleaning agent, and combinations thereof.