Patent ID: 6095633
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A process for priming a multi-chamber ink jet print head having an array of nozzles, a color ink associated with each chamber in fluid communication with said nozzles, each ink in each said chamber being a different color, and a venting portion for venting each said chamber, said process comprising the steps of:positioning a resilient seal around said venting portion of the print head;positioning the nozzles so that said nozzles are elevated in the vertical position above the ink;applying pressure to the vent side of the resilient seal so that each chamber of the print head is pressurized and ink is forced through the nozzles; andapplying a vacuum in the vicinity of said nozzles sufficient to remove residual ink from the region of said nozzles resulting from said applying pressure while insufficient to draw ink from said nozzles, wherein mixing of inks on said print head from different chambers is prevented.