Patent ID: 7637602

Claim:
An inkjet printer comprising: a printhead integrated circuit (IC) with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink on to print media; an ink supply reservoir for storing ink; an ink supply line defining a flow path from the ink supply reservoir to the printhead IC; a valve in the ink supply line proximate the printhead IC selectively closing the flow path to the printhead IC; a pulse damper positioned along the flow path for decreasing the amplitude of pressure pulses in the ink, the pulse damper forming part of a peristaltic purge mechanism; an ink purge actuator for forcing a volume of ink out of the printhead under pressure; and, a printhead maintenance system having a roller mechanism for rotating such that the roller surface collects ink purged from the printhead and draws the ink away, wherein the peristaltic purge mechanism has a length of elastically deformable ink conduit and a pinch device for pinching shut the elastically deformable ink conduit and moving to the downstream extent of the elastically deformable ink conduit, such that the elastically deformable ink conduit is the pulse damper, and the pinch device at the downstream extent of the elastic ink conduit is the valve that selectively closes the ink flow to the ink distribution element.