Patent ID: 7461921

Claim:
A method of redirecting ejected ink droplets from a printhead, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a printhead assembly comprising: a printhead including a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink droplets onto a print medium, the plurality of nozzles being formed on an ink ejection surface of the printhead; and a nozzle guard positioned over the ink ejection surface, the nozzle guard having a corresponding plurality of channels therethrough, the channels being aligned with the nozzles such that ejected ink droplets pass through respective channels towards the print medium; and (b) ejecting ink droplets from the nozzles, wherein the channels have hydrophobic sidewalls and are radially flared with respect to the ink ejection surface of the printhead, such that misdirected ink droplets rebound off the sidewalls and continue through the channels towards the print medium.