Print cartridge cleaning apparatus and method using water and air

Print cartridges for ion/electron deposition printing are periodically cleaned to provide preventive maintenance, using a simple cleaning assembly that automatically moves the cartridges first past a water washing nozzle, and then past an air drying nozzle, at slow speed, then being manually withdrawn from the cleaning assembly and replaced in the printer. The drive mechanism typically is a single roller disposed above the print cartridge, driven by a motor connected to the housing. A single water spray nozzle is disposed at an intermediate portion of the housing directed with a fan pattern spray up toward the cartridge, and a single air nozzle supplied with heated air is disposed adjacent the outlet of the cartridge. Sensing of the position of the cartridge is provided by first through fourth in-line microswitches which are disposed above the cartridge and which are cam actuated by the cartridge as it moves through the housing to control the motor driving the roller, the pump supplying water to the water nozzle, and a solenoid valve connecting the air nozzle to a source of compressed air. The cartridges are cleaned every 10,000-30,000 feet of use, and then replaced.