Method and apparatus to clean an inkjet reagent deposition device
AssigneeAgilent Technologies, Inc.
InventorsMichael P. Caren, Carol T. Schembri
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method is described for removing residue from a fluid deposited on the interior surface of an inkjet printhead after the printhead has contained or dispensed the fluid at least once. The method makes use of a reverse flushing technique optionally used in combination with sonication. A cleaning station for flushing an inkjet printhead with a wash fluid, rinse fluid, and/or inert gas is provided as well.
Claims24
A method for removing residue deposited on the interior surface of a printhead, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a printhead having dispensed or contained a fluid at least once, the printhead comprising a dispensing chamber and a dispensing orifice for dispensing fluid from the dispensing chamber,
- (b) transferring a wash fluid from an external source through the dispensing orifice into the dispensing chamber, the wash fluid being suitable for cleaning the fluid from the printhead;
- and
- (c) emptying the wash fluid from the printhead;
- the method further comprising, during or subsequent to step (b), sonicating the wash fluid while the wash fluid is in contact with a surface of the printhead where cleaning is desired.
A method for removing residue deposited on the interior surface of a printhead, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a printhead having dispensed or contained a fluid at least once, the printhead comprising a dispensing chamber and a dispensing orifice for dispensing fluid from the dispensing chamber,
- (b) transferring a wash fluid from an external source through the dispensing orifice into the dispensing chamber, the wash fluid being suitable for cleaning the fluid from the printhead;
- and
- (c) emptying the wash fluid from the printhead;
- wherein the step of transferring the wash fluid through the dispensing orifice into the dispensing chamber comprises:
- reducing the pressure within the printhead to less than atmospheric pressure such that wash fluid flows from the external source toward and through dispensing orifice.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.