The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 03, 2009
Filed:
Mar. 08, 2006
Takeshi Yamazaki, Hachioji, JP;
Takeshi Yamazaki, Hachioji, JP;
Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
The inkjet recording apparatus has a capping device for cleaning the inkjet nozzles. The capping device has an interconnected cell type porous elastic member housed in a recessed area which is connected to suction. During the cleaning operation, the porous elastic member is pressed against the surface of the nozzle such that the porous member is compressed. Suction is then started in the recess area and ink is drawn from the nozzle. By compressing the porous member, the recess area is decreased in size and good negative pressure can be obtained so as to the draw the ink from the nozzle. When the pressure ceases and the porous member is expanded, and ink is drawn from the surface of the nozzle member and soaks into the porous member. Suction is then again started to remove the ink from the recess and from the porous member.