Patent ID: 7195333

Claim:
An ink jet print station with improved start up, wherein the ink jet print station comprises: a. a reservoir containing a liquid; b. a printhead fluid supply line connected to the reservoir; c. a first drop generator supply line connected to the printhead fluid supply line; d. a second drop generator supply line connected to the printhead fluid supply line; e. a first valve disposed in the first drop generator supply line; f. a second valve disposed in the second drop generator fluid supply line; g. a printhead comprising: i. a drop generator comprising at least a first fluid port and a second fluid port, wherein the first fluid port connects to the first drop generator supply line and the second fluid port connects to both the second drop generator supply line and a return line; ii. iii. an orifice plate connected to the drop generator for forming a plurality of jets; iv. a first filter connected between the first valve and the first fluid port; v. a second filter connected between the second valve and the second fluid port; h. a controller for operating the first valve and the second valve; and i. a pump connected to the first and second generator fluid supply lines and operated by the controller, wherein the pump is activated to move the liquid, and wherein upon startup of the ink jet print station the controller is adapted to move the liquid via the pump independently to the first filter and then the second filter by activating the pump at a drive level, while opening the first valve, to displace air from the first filter and at least partially fill the first filter with the liquid, while the second valve is closed, then shutting off the pump, then re-activating the pump at the drive level, while opening the second valve and closing the first valve, to displace air from the second filter and at least partially fill the second filter with the liquid, and then opening the first valve to allow the liquid to circulate at a fixed pressure.