US4967204A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for ensuring stable operation of an ink jet recording apparatus
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1989-03-15
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Granted: 1990-10-30
•
Expires: 2009-03-15
Abstract
Abstract An operation method on an ink jet recording apparatus, comprises the steps of: moving a recording head to a position at which the recording head faces to a cap, causing the recording head to discharge ink from an ink discharge port thereof into the cap after each lapse of a predetermined time period or each lapse of a printing operation period for a predetermined numbers of lines; and idle-discharging the ink collected in the cap when the removing operation of a recording medium is performed succeedingly to the discharge, or when the period longer than said printing operation period has been lapsed while the recording head stays at the position.
Inventors
- 👤 Koji Terasawa
- 👤 Hideaki Okamoto
- 👤 Hideki Yamaguchi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 18:14
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/005; B41J2/01; B41J2/135; B41J2/165; B41J2/16517; B41J2/1652
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 47
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port, and sucking means for sucking the ink in the cap, said method comprising the steps of: determining if a predetermined time period has elapsed during a non-printing operation; causing the recording head to discharge ink through the discharge port into the cap when the predetermined time period has elapsed during a non-printing operation; determining if the causing step has been performed a predetermined number of times; sucking ink collected in the cap when the causing step has been performed a predetermined number of times, by means of the sucking means; determining if the non-printing operation continues for a second period longer than the predetermined time period; and removing power from the recording apparatus when the non-printing operating continues for a second period longer than the predetermined time period.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
164 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port, and sucking means for sucking the ink in the cap, said method comprising the steps of: determining if a predetermined time period has elapsed during a non-printing operation; causing the recording head to discharge ink through the discharge port into the cap when the predetermined time period has elapsed during a non-printing operation; determining if the causing step has been performed a predetermined number of times; sucking ink collected in the cap when the causing step has been performed a predetermined number of times, by means of the sucking means; determining if the non-printing operation continues for a second period longer than the predetermined time period; and removing power from the recording apparatus when the non-printing operating continues for a second period longer than the predetermined time period.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, further including generating thermal energy used for discharging ink by a heat generating element in the recording head.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, further including generating mechanical energy used for discharging ink by a piezoelectric element in the recording head.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port, sucking means for sucking ink in the cap, and feeding means for feeding the recording medium, said method comprising the steps of: determining if a predetermined time period has elapsed during a recording operating; moving the recording head to a position at which the recording head faces the cap so as to cause the recording head to discharge ink through the ink discharge port into the cap when the predetermined time period has elapsed during a recording operation; determining if the recording medium has been fed out from the feeding means; and sucking ink collected in the cap when the recording medium has been fed out from the feeding means, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port, sucking means for sucking ink in the cap, and feeding means for feeding the recording medium, said method comprising the steps of: determining if a predetermined time period has elapsed during a recording operating; moving the recording head to a position at which the recording head faces the cap so as to cause the recording head to discharge ink through the ink discharge port into the cap when the predetermined time period has elapsed during a recording operation; determining if the recording medium has been fed out from the feeding means; and sucking ink collected in the cap when the recording medium has been fed out from the feeding means, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 4, further including capping a peripheral portion of the ink discharge port of the recording head with the cap before the discharge of ink into the cap and after said moving of the recording head.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 4, further including generating thermal energy used for discharging ink by a heat generating element in the recording head.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 4, further including generating mechanical energy used for discharging ink by a piezoelectric element in the recording head.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
158 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port, and sucking means for sucking the ink in the cap, said method comprising the steps of: determining if a predetermined time period has elapsed during a recording operation; moving the recording head to a position at which the recording head faces the cap so as to cause the recording head to discharge ink through the ink discharge port into the cap when the predetermined time period has elapsed during a recording operation; determining if the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than the predetermined time period; and sucking ink collected in the cap when the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than the predetermined time period, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
158 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port, and sucking means for sucking the ink in the cap, said method comprising the steps of: determining if a predetermined time period has elapsed during a recording operation; moving the recording head to a position at which the recording head faces the cap so as to cause the recording head to discharge ink through the ink discharge port into the cap when the predetermined time period has elapsed during a recording operation; determining if the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than the predetermined time period; and sucking ink collected in the cap when the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than the predetermined time period, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method for claim 8, further including capping a peripheral portion of the ink discharge port of the recording head with the cap before the discharge of ink into the cap and after said moving of the recording head.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 8, further including generating thermal energy used for discharging ink by a heat generating element in the recording head.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 8, further including generating mechanical energy used for discharging ink by a piezoelectric element in the recording head.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
156 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port, sucking means for sucking ink in the cap, and feeding means for feeding the recording medium, said method comprising the steps of: determining if the feeding means has fed the recording medium by a predetermined amount; moving the recording head to a position at which the recording head faces the cap so as to cause the recording head to discharge ink through the ink discharge port into the cap when the feeding means has fed the recording medium by a predetermined amount; determining if the recording medium has been fed out from the feeding means; and sucking ink collected in the cap when the recording medium has been fed out from the feeding means, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
156 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port, sucking means for sucking ink in the cap, and feeding means for feeding the recording medium, said method comprising the steps of: determining if the feeding means has fed the recording medium by a predetermined amount; moving the recording head to a position at which the recording head faces the cap so as to cause the recording head to discharge ink through the ink discharge port into the cap when the feeding means has fed the recording medium by a predetermined amount; determining if the recording medium has been fed out from the feeding means; and sucking ink collected in the cap when the recording medium has been fed out from the feeding means, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 12, further including capping a peripheral portion of the ink discharge port of the recording head with the cap before the discharge of ink into the cap and after said moving of the recording head.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 12, further including generating thermal energy used for discharging ink by a heat generating element in the recording head.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 12, further including generating mechanical energy used for discharging ink by a piezoelectric element in the recording head.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port, sucking means for sucking ink n the cap, and feeding means for feeding the recording medium, said method comprising the steps of: determining if the feeding means has fed the recording medium by a predetermined amount; moving the recording head to a position at which the recording head faces the cap so as to cause the recording head to discharge ink through the ink discharge port into the cap when the feeding means has fed the recording medium by a predetermined amount; determining if the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than a predetermined time period; and sucking ink collected in the cap when the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than the predetermined time period, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port, sucking means for sucking ink n the cap, and feeding means for feeding the recording medium, said method comprising the steps of: determining if the feeding means has fed the recording medium by a predetermined amount; moving the recording head to a position at which the recording head faces the cap so as to cause the recording head to discharge ink through the ink discharge port into the cap when the feeding means has fed the recording medium by a predetermined amount; determining if the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than a predetermined time period; and sucking ink collected in the cap when the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than the predetermined time period, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 16, further including capping a peripheral portion of the ink discharge port of the recording head with the cap before the discharge of ink and after said moving of the recording head.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 16, further including generating mechanical energy used for discharging the ink by an element in the recording head.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
126 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port, and sucking means for sucking the ink the cap, said method comprising the steps of: determining if a predetermined time period has elapsed during a non-printing operation; causing the recording head to discharge ink through the discharge port into the cap after the predetermined time period has elapsed during a non-printing operation; determining if the causing step has been performed a predetermined number of times; and sucking ink collected in the cap when said causing step has been performed a predetermined number of times, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
126 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port, and sucking means for sucking the ink the cap, said method comprising the steps of: determining if a predetermined time period has elapsed during a non-printing operation; causing the recording head to discharge ink through the discharge port into the cap after the predetermined time period has elapsed during a non-printing operation; determining if the causing step has been performed a predetermined number of times; and sucking ink collected in the cap when said causing step has been performed a predetermined number of times, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port and collecting ink discharged therein, sucking means for sucking ink in the cap, and feeding means for feeding the recording medium, said method comprising the steps of: determining if the recording medium has been fed out from the feeding means; and sucking ink collected in the cap when the recording medium has been fed out from the feeding means, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port and collecting ink discharged therein, sucking means for sucking ink in the cap, and feeding means for feeding the recording medium, said method comprising the steps of: determining if the recording medium has been fed out from the feeding means; and sucking ink collected in the cap when the recording medium has been fed out from the feeding means, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port and collecting ink discharged therein, and sucking means for sucking the ink in the cap, said method comprising the steps of: determining if the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than a predetermined time period; and sucking ink collected in the cap when the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than the predetermined time period, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port and collecting ink discharged therein, and sucking means for sucking the ink in the cap, said method comprising the steps of: determining if the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than a predetermined time period; and sucking ink collected in the cap when the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than the predetermined time period, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
113 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port and collecting ink discharged therein, sucking means for sucking ink in the cap, and feeding means for feeding the recording medium, said method comprising the steps of: determining if the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than a predetermined time period; and sucking ink collected in the cap when the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than the predetermined time period, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
113 words
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, said apparatus including a recording head for discharging ink through an ink discharge port therein onto a recording medium, a cap for capping the ink discharge port and collecting ink discharged therein, sucking means for sucking ink in the cap, and feeding means for feeding the recording medium, said method comprising the steps of: determining if the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than a predetermined time period; and sucking ink collected in the cap when the recording head is facing the cap for a time period longer than the predetermined time period, by means of the sucking means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
147 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; and control means for determining if a predetermined time period has elapsed during a non-printing operation, and if so, actuating said recording head to discharge ink through said discharge port into said capping means, for determining if ink is discharged into said capping means a predetermined number of items, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck ink from said capping means, and for determining if the non-printing operation continues for a second period of time longer than the predetermined period of time, and if so, cutting off power to said recording means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
147 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; and control means for determining if a predetermined time period has elapsed during a non-printing operation, and if so, actuating said recording head to discharge ink through said discharge port into said capping means, for determining if ink is discharged into said capping means a predetermined number of items, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck ink from said capping means, and for determining if the non-printing operation continues for a second period of time longer than the predetermined period of time, and if so, cutting off power to said recording means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
142 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; feeding means for feeding the recording medium; and control means for determining if a predetermined time period has elapsed during a recording operation, and if so, moving said recording means to a position at which said recording head faces said capping means and actuating said recording head to discharge ink through said ink discharge port into said capping means, and for determining if the recording medium has been fed out from said feeding means, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck ink collected in said capping means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
142 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; feeding means for feeding the recording medium; and control means for determining if a predetermined time period has elapsed during a recording operation, and if so, moving said recording means to a position at which said recording head faces said capping means and actuating said recording head to discharge ink through said ink discharge port into said capping means, and for determining if the recording medium has been fed out from said feeding means, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck ink collected in said capping means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
142 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; and control means for determining fi a predetermined time period has elapsed during a recording operation, and if so, moving said recording means to a position at which said recording head faces said capping means and actuating said recording head to discharge ink through said discharge port into said capping means, and for determining if said recording head is facing said capping means for a time period longer than the predetermined time period, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck the ink collected in said capping means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
142 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; and control means for determining fi a predetermined time period has elapsed during a recording operation, and if so, moving said recording means to a position at which said recording head faces said capping means and actuating said recording head to discharge ink through said discharge port into said capping means, and for determining if said recording head is facing said capping means for a time period longer than the predetermined time period, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck the ink collected in said capping means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
145 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; feeding means for feeding the recording medium; and control means for determining if said feeding means has fed the recording medium by a predetermined amount, and if so, moving said recording means to a position at which said recording head faces said capping means and actuating said recording head to discharge ink through said ink discharge port into said capping means, and for determining if the recording medium has been fed out from said feeding means, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck the ink collected in said capping means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
145 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; feeding means for feeding the recording medium; and control means for determining if said feeding means has fed the recording medium by a predetermined amount, and if so, moving said recording means to a position at which said recording head faces said capping means and actuating said recording head to discharge ink through said ink discharge port into said capping means, and for determining if the recording medium has been fed out from said feeding means, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck the ink collected in said capping means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
152 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; feeding means for feeding the recording medium; and control means for determining if said feeding means has fed the recording medium by a predetermined amount, and if so, moving said recording means to a position at which said recording head faces said capping means and actuating said recording head to discharge ink through said ink discharge port into said capping means, and for determining if the recording head is facing said capping means for a time period longer than a predetermined time period, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck the ink collected in said capping means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
152 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; feeding means for feeding the recording medium; and control means for determining if said feeding means has fed the recording medium by a predetermined amount, and if so, moving said recording means to a position at which said recording head faces said capping means and actuating said recording head to discharge ink through said ink discharge port into said capping means, and for determining if the recording head is facing said capping means for a time period longer than a predetermined time period, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck the ink collected in said capping means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
117 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; and control means for determining if a predetermined time period has elapsed during a non-printing operation, and if so, actuating said recording head to discharge ink through said discharge port into said capping means, and for determining if ink is discharged into said capping means a predetermined number of items, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck ink from said capping means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
117 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; and control means for determining if a predetermined time period has elapsed during a non-printing operation, and if so, actuating said recording head to discharge ink through said discharge port into said capping means, and for determining if ink is discharged into said capping means a predetermined number of items, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck ink from said capping means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
97 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port and collecting ink discharged therein; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; feeding means for feeding the recording medium; and control means for determining if the recording medium has been fed out from said feeding means, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck ink collected in said capping means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
97 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port and collecting ink discharged therein; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; feeding means for feeding the recording medium; and control means for determining if the recording medium has been fed out from said feeding means, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck ink collected in said capping means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
98 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port and collecting ink discharged therein; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; and control means for determining if the recording head is facing said capping means for a time period longer than a predetermined time period, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck the ink collected in said capping means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
98 words
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for discharging ink onto a recording medium, said recording means including a recording head having at least one ink discharge port for discharging the ink; capping means for capping said ink discharge port and collecting ink discharged therein; sucking means in communication with said capping means for sucking ink therefrom; and control means for determining if the recording head is facing said capping means for a time period longer than a predetermined time period, and if so, actuating said sucking means to suck the ink collected in said capping means.
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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) | 1993-10-29 | 1994-04-30 | 1994-10-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-10-29 | 1998-04-30 | 1998-10-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-10-29 | 2002-04-30 | 2002-10-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |