Eyelid operation for an ink jet printer

A system and method are provided for improving the reliability for operation of the eyelid associated with the ink jet printhead of a continuous ink jet printer. The eyelid actuation technique of the present invention solves the problem of ink jet fluid residue drying in or around the seal region between the eyelid and the catcher. This is accomplished by opening the eyelid at least once during the shutdown sequence of the printhead, while maintaining vacuum on the catcher throat. By opening the eyelid in this manner, the capillary forces that had held the ink jet fluid at the seal region are eliminated. The vacuum on the catcher throat then causes air to rush in through the gap between the catcher pan and the eyelid. Residual ink jet fluid at the seal region on both the eyelid and the catcher pan is then removed by the high velocity air moving through the gap.