Patent ID: 7350897

Claim:
A flushing system for cleaning an inkjet printer comprising: (a) a flushing fluid source containing a flushing fluid; (b) a manifold having an interior portion defined by a floor, a ceiling, at least, one side wall, at least one flushing fluid charging port and at least one flushing fluid charging line having a first valve, at least one flushing fluid discharge port and at least one flushing fluid discharge line having a second valve in fluid communication with a waste-receiving container, and at least one ink port and line, wherein the manifold is in fluid communication with the flushing fluid source using the at least one flushing fluid charging line; (c) at least one capping device in fluid communication with the manifold using the at least one ink line, wherein the capping device is capable of forming a seal with at least one ink jet print head; (d) a clamp capable of preventing fluid flow through the at least one ink line; and (e) negative pressure source in fluid communication with the flushing fluid source, the manifold and the at least one capping device, using an evacuation line, wherein the floor of the manifold is sloped towards the at least one flushing fluid discharge port and at least one flushing fluid discharge line.