Abstract: An apparatus for supplying ink includes an ink source and at least one sub-reservoir that is fluidly connected to the ink source. In one embodiment, the sub-reservoir includes a housing container and a flexible container housed within the housing container. A sensor is connected to an actuator, wherein the sensor senses the height of the top surface of the flexible container. If the height of the top surface of the flexible container is below a height range, the sensor emits a signal that allows ink to flow from the ink source to the flexible container, and if the height of the top surface of the flexible container is above the height range, the sensor emits a signal that prevents ink from flowing from the ink source to the flexible container. The apparatus may include only one sub-reservoir, or it may include many sub-reservoirs. If plural sub-reservoirs are included, a print head may include plural portions that are each fluidly connected to a different sub-reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for periodically applying liquid solvent to the outer surface of a nozzle plate of an ink jet nozzle to clean ink jet nozzle openings at the nozzle plate outer surface. Flow of the liquid solvent along the nozzle plate outer surface is under the influence of gravity. Energization of piezoelectric crystals to vibrate the ink jet nozzle promotes liquid solvent flow.