Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus is provided for cleaning an ink jet printhead following a print operation. A housing assembly which includes the printhead is clamped into a fixed position, and a vacuum source is applied to the printhead nozzle face via a resilient sealing cap member. The printhead manifold is connected to a cleaning assembly which circulates a cleaning mixture comprising a cleaning liquid, such as water, and a gas, such as nitrogen, into the printhead manifold. This water and gas mixture is forced through the interior channels of the printhead and out the nozzles carrying ink and particulate matter into a waste receptacle. The flushing procedure continues until all ink is removed from the printhead. The cleaning operation is completely automated resulting in an effective and thorough cleaning operation. Optionally, a second vacuum is brought into close contact with the printhead nozzle face following the cleansing step to remove residual ink from the nozzle face.

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First Claim