(12) United States Patent ao) Patent No.: us 6,328,411 Bi
Taylor et al. (45) Date of Patent: Dec. 11,2001
(21) Appl. No.: 09/430,395
(22) Filed: Oct. 29, 1999
(51) Int. CI.7 B41J 2/165; B41J 2/04;
G11B 9/00
(52) U.S. CI 347/29; 347/53; 346/74.2
(58) Field of Search 347/29, 53; 346/74.2
(56) References Cited
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Aferro-ffuidic inkjet printhead sealing and spitting system is provided for maintaining inkjet printhead health, prior to and after installation in an inkjet printing mechanism. As a ferro-ffuidic capping system for sealing printhead nozzles which eject ink having either polar properties or non-polar properties, the system includes a support structure engageable with the printhead, and a magnetic element supported by the support structure. A ferro-ffuidic fluid overlays the magnetic element to seal against the printhead nozzles when the support structure is engaged with the printhead. The ferro-ffuidic fluid has polar properties when the ink has non polar properties, and non-polar properties when the ink has polar properties. The ferro-ffuidic fluid may be used to receive ink spit from the printhead, or when used with an adhesive tape, to protect an inkjet cartridge during shipping. An inkjet printing mechanism having such a ferro-ffuidic system, along with associated methods are also provided.
34 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
