METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MAINTAINING INKJET PRINT HEADS USING PARKING STRUCTURES
First Claim
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1. A print head parking structure comprising:
- an enclosure adapted to contain a quantity of liquid; and
a parking location adjacent the enclosure and adapted to receive a print head such that the print head is disposed within the enclosure.
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Abstract
The invention provides a print head parking structure that includes a solvent and/or surface treatment bath for inkjet print heads. Print heads may be returned to the print head parking structure after a substrate has been printed, after one or more printing passes, and/or frequently enough to prevent ink from drying on or clogging the print heads. Once sealed within the print head parking structure, the print heads (or a portion thereof) may be dipped in a solvent bath or pool to dissolve or wash away any ink that has been deposited on the print heads.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A print head parking structure comprising:
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an enclosure adapted to contain a quantity of liquid; and
a parking location adjacent the enclosure and adapted to receive a print head such that the print head is disposed within the enclosure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 26)
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17. A method of treating a print head in a parking structure comprising:
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filling an enclosure with a quantity of a liquid;
detecting a level of liquid within the enclosure; and
receiving a print head within the enclosure, such that the print head is submerged in the liquid. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification