US4558332A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ink jet printer
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1983-03-18
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Granted: 1985-12-10
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Expires: 2003-03-18
Abstract
Abstract A multi-nozzle ink jet printer has a plurality of ink jet nozzles and a detection circuit for detecting when one of the plurality of ink jet nozzles has been in a non-print mode for a predetermined time period. If the ink jet nozzle which has been in the non-print mode for more than the predetermined time period is to be used for printing, a printer controller causes the ink jet nozzle to be scavenged prior to printing.
Inventors
- 👤 Hiroshi Takahashi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:39
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/005; B41J2/01; B41J2/135; B41J2/165
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
An ink jet printer comprising: a plurality of nozzle means for ejecting ink droplets when said nozzle means are driven; drive means for providing a plurality of output signals, each output signal being provided for independently driving a respective one of said plurality of nozzle means; detection means for providing a detection signal when said drive means has failed to provide any one output signal for a predetermined time period; and scavenge means for providing a scavenge signal to drive all of said nozzle means in response to the detection signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
An ink jet printer comprising: a plurality of nozzle means for ejecting ink droplets when said nozzle means are driven; drive means for providing a plurality of output signals, each output signal being provided for independently driving a respective one of said plurality of nozzle means; detection means for providing a detection signal when said drive means has failed to provide any one output signal for a predetermined time period; and scavenge means for providing a scavenge signal to drive all of said nozzle means in response to the detection signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
An ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein said nozzle means eject ink droplets by application of a voltage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein said nozzle means include piezoelectric means for ejecting ink when driven by an output signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
An ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein said nozzle means include heating means for ejecting ink when driven by an output signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
An ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein said detection means includes a time constant circuit corresponding to each output signal, each said time constant constant circuit including a capacitor charged in the absence of the corresponding output signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
An ink jet printer according to claim 5, wherein each time constant circuit includes a diode connected to said capacitor and the detection signal is provided at the junctions of said diodes with said capacitors.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
An ink jet printer according to claim 1, further comprising carriage means for carrying said nozzle means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
An ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein said detection means periodically provides the detection signal at time intervals corresponding to the predetermined time period when said drive means has failed to provide any one output signal during a longer time period.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
An ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein said nozzle means includes a plurality of a nozzles capable of ejecting ink droplets of different colors.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-12-09 | 1989-06-10 | 1989-12-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-12-09 | 1993-06-10 | 1993-12-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-12-09 | 1997-06-10 | 1997-12-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |