Patent ID: 8328331

Claim:
A nozzle plate for an inkjet printhead, the nozzle plate comprising: a first end from which ink is supplied and a second end opposite the first end; at least one nozzle hole through which ink is ejected, wherein the at least one nozzle hole opens into a fluid pressure chamber from which ink is ejected during printing; and at least one priming hole, distinct from and of a smaller diameter than the nozzle hole, wherein the priming hole opens into the fluid pressure chamber from which ink is ejected during printing, and the priming hole is positioned in the nozzle plate to purge air from the ink jet printhead substantially without expelling ink during the purge, wherein the nozzle hole is positioned between the first end and the second end of the nozzle plate and the priming hole is positioned between the nozzle hole and the second end of the nozzle plate.