Printer and associated method
AssigneeVideojet Technologies Inc.
InventorsDavid Andrew Horsnell, Samuel Lorenz, Robert Smith
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sealing mechanism for sealing a print head of a continuous inkjet printer is disclosed. The sealing mechanism comprises a rotatable body and a casing. The rotatable body is rotatable about an axis of rotation between a first configuration and a second configuration. The casing defines an ink aperture. In the first configuration, an ink path is defined across the rotatable body through the ink aperture. In the second configuration, the rotatable body closes the ink aperture.
Claims25
A sealing mechanism for sealing a print head of a continuous inkjet printer, comprising:
- a rotatable body rotatable about an axis of rotation between a first configuration and a second configuration;
- and
- a casing defining an ink aperture;
- wherein:
- in the first configuration, an ink path is defined across the rotatable body through the ink aperture;
- and
- in the second configuration, the rotatable body closes the ink aperture.
(canceled)
A print head for a continuous inkjet printer and configured for sealing, the print head comprising:
- a chamber selectively sealable by a rotatable body rotatable about an axis of rotation between a first configuration and a second configuration;
- a casing defining an ink aperture, the casing at least partly defining the chamber;
- a nozzle for generating and ejecting a stream of ink droplets for printing;
- at least one electrode for guiding the stream of ink droplets;
- and
- a gutter for receiving droplets of ink which are not used for printing;
- wherein
- the at least one electrode is disposed in the chamber;
- and
- in the first configuration, an ink path for the stream of droplets for printing is defined through the chamber, across the rotatable body and through the ink aperture such that the chamber is in communication with atmosphere via at least the ink aperture;
- and
- in the second configuration the rotatable body closes the ink aperture such that the chamber is sealed by the rotatable body.
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
A method of sealing a print head for a continuous inkjet printer, the method comprising:
- rotating a rotatable body of a sealing mechanism of the print head from a first configuration, in which a chamber of the print head is in communication with atmosphere via at least an ink aperture, to a second configuration in which the chamber is sealed by the rotatable body.
25-39. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.