IP Library Granted Patent US 8,348,378
Granted Patent B2
US 8,348,378 · App. 12/773,809 · Granted Jan 8, 2013

Inkjet printer incorporating capping mechanism actuated by flexible arm

Assignee: Zamtec Ltd
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,348,378
App. No.
12/773,809
Granted
Jan 8, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

An inkjet printer includes a printhead assembly for ejecting ink upon print media; a capping molding for engaging a face of the printhead assembly; and an actuator for actuating the capping molding against and away from the printhead assembly. The actuator includes a flexible arm attached at one end to the capping molding and at the other end to slip and drive wheels. The slip and drive wheels facilitating actuation of the capping molding via the flexible arm. The flexible arm facilitates conformation of the capping molding against the printhead assembly.

Claims (9)

1. An inkjet printer comprising:

a printhead assembly for ejecting ink upon print media;

a capping molding for engaging a face of the printhead assembly; and

an actuator for actuating the capping molding against and away from the printhead assembly, the actuator including a flexible arm attached at one end to the capping molding and at the other end to slip and drive wheels, the slip and drive wheels facilitating actuation of the capping molding via the flexible arm, wherein

the flexible arm facilitates conformation of the capping molding against the printhead assembly.

2. An inkjet printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the capping molding assembly comprises an elastomeric seal configured to form an airtight seal with the printhead assembly.

3. An inkjet printer as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the capping molding assembly further comprises a sponge surrounded by the elastomeric seal.

4. An inkjet printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the capping mechanism further comprises biasing means configured to bias the capping molding assembly in capping engagement with the printhead assembly.

5. An inkjet printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the drive wheel is engaged with the slip wheel to rotate the slip wheel between two slip points, a first slip point being a point at which the flexible arm pushes the capping molding against the printhead assembly, and the second slip point being a point at which the flexible arm disengages the capping molding from the printhead assembly.

Assignments (3)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jun 25, 2014
From: ZAMTEC LIMITED
To: MEMJET TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
Reel/Frame 033244/0276 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 10, 2012
From: SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY. LIMITED AND CLAMATE PTY LIMITED
To: ZAMTEC LIMITED
Reel/Frame 028524/0813 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 4, 2010
From: SILVERBROOK, KIA; LAPSTUN, PAUL; WALMSLEY, SIMON ROBERT
To: SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY LTD
Reel/Frame 024334/0355 →
Priority Claims (1)
AU PP7024 · Nov 9, 1998 · national
Continuity (5)
Continuation 11775156 · Jul 9, 2007
Continuation 11006663 · Dec 8, 2004
Continuation 10636230 · Aug 8, 2003
Division 09436747 · Nov 9, 1999
Related Publication 20100214358A1 · Aug 26, 2010