Optimizing an advanced solvent for ink systems (oasis)
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorKit L Harper
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A cleaning solvent for use with an ink-jet printer, in particular an ink-jet printer having a printhead servicing system, wherein the cleaning solvent comprises glycerin and a polyhydric alcohol, such as 1,3-propanediol. The cleaning solvent is optimized for efficient printhead cleaning regardless of the printer operating environment. A method for cleaning an ink-jet printhead comprises transferring an amount of a cleaning solvent comprising glycerin and a polyhydric alcohol to a printhead surface and cleaning the printhead.
Claims20
A cleaning solvent for use in an ink-jet printer, comprising:
- a polyhydric alcohol comprising from about 30 to about 70 wt % of the cleaning solvent;
- and
- glycerin, wherein the ratio by weight of glycerin to said polyhydric alcohol is in the range of about 40 to about 60.
A method for ink-jet printhead cleaning, comprising:
- providing a cleaning solvent for cleaning said printhead, said cleaning solvent comprising glycerin and a polyhydric alcohol, wherein said polyhydric alcohol and said glycerin comprise greater than 50 wt % of said cleaning solvent;
- transferring an amount of said cleaning solvent onto the printhead;
- and
- cleaning said printhead with said cleaning solvent.
A cleaning solvent for use in an ink-jet printer, consisting essentially of:
- glycerin;
- 1,3-propanediol;
- and
- at least one component which acts as a biocide.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.