Abstract: A method and apparatus clears blocked nozzles in an inkjet primer printhead by placing the printhead in a position relative to a service station such that ink which is expelled from the nozzles is captured without reaching the medium upon which printing is to occur. Ink is expelled for a first time segment from each nozzle in a first pattern for a number of nozzle expulsions. Following the first time segment, a pause period is entered. Following the pause, ink is expelled in a second time segment from each nozzle in a second pattern for a second number of nozzle expulsions before the printer enters the print status mode.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of onboard sensors which determine the printer's ambient environment for the purpose of selecting the printer's optimal operational subroutines. Conditions such as temperature and humidity are measured at the time of printer operation, the measurements being communicated to a processor wherein the printer's operational subroutines are set. The processor employs memory which is accessed via a table look-up arrangement using the measured temperature and humidity. The memory is divided into plural sectors, each of which stores a set of operational subroutines for use by the printer when it is situated in an environment characterized by predetermined temperature and humidity ranges.

Abstract: An automatic system for cleaning a thermal inkjet printhead. A thermal inkjet cartridge and service station are provided within a printer unit. The service station is directly beneath the cartridge when it is not printing. Attached to the service station is a printhead wiper unit consisting of a single member or, in the alternative, dual members positioned against each other to form a capillary pathway therebetween. The cartridge includes a compartment having an opening therethrough and an absorbent member impregnated with cleaning solution When the cartridge is not printing, the wiper unit is aligned with the compartment containing the absorbent member and is in contact therewith.