SYSTEM FOR FLUSHING PRINTHEAD AND PRINTHEAD BYPASS
A fluid distribution system for a media width printhead, the system having a fluid container having a gas vent; a first fluid path interconnecting the container and a first fluid port at one longitudinal end of the media width of the printhead, a second fluid path interconnecting the container and a second fluid port at the other longitudinal end of the media width of the printhead, a third fluid path interconnecting the first and second paths, pump on the second path, the pump being operational to draw fluid from the container through the first and second paths via the printhead and via the third fluid path to flush gas in the paths to the container for venting via the gas vent.
1 . A fluid distribution system for a media width printhead, the system comprising:
a fluid container having a gas vent;
a first fluid path interconnecting the container and a first fluid port at one longitudinal end of the media width of the printhead;
a second fluid path interconnecting the container and a second fluid port at the other longitudinal end of the media width of the printhead;
a third fluid path interconnecting the first and second paths,
a pump on the second path, the pump being operational to draw fluid from the container through the first and second paths via the printhead and via the third fluid path to flush gas in said paths to the container for venting via the gas vent.
2 . A system according to claim 1 , further comprising a multi-path valve connecting the first path to the printhead and the third path.
3 . A system according to claim 2 , wherein the multi-path valve is operable to selectively provide fluid flow through the printhead and the third path.
4 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the second path connects with the container at a point higher than a point at which the first path connects with the container.
5 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the pump is a peristaltic pump.