Abstract: A handheld imaging apparatus includes an image acquisition device and an ink jet printing in an integral housing. The printing drive may include a single motor that drives both a print carriage and a paper drive member for printing images created by the imaging acquisition device.

Abstract: A system and method of ink jet printing in a printer having more than one print head is disclosed. The printing results in improved image quality by dithering the transition from one print head to the next and by individually adjusting the timing of the firing of each of the print heads. This allows the printer to create a better quality image in instances of horizontal or vertical misalignment of the print heads, without the need for costly and problematic mechanical systems.

Abstract: A media pack for a combination image acquisition and ink jet printing apparatus comprises a housing configured for insertion into the combination digital camera and ink jet printing apparatus, a plurality of sheets of ink receiving media contained within the housing, and a plurality of ink reservoirs. A service station area and/or a memory element may also be provided.

Abstract: A device and method for supplying ink to ink jet printer heads comprising first and second carriage portions non-rigidly coupled such that the two carriage portions are free to rotate independently about their guide rod axis, but are constrained to move together axially. The first carriage portion contains one or more ink jet cartridges supplied with ink via connecting tubes having self-sealing septum attached to corresponding ink outlets on the second carriage portion. The ink outlets on the second carriage portion preferably comprise valves with actuators. The actuators preferably act to secure the septum within the ink outlets, and are preferably disposed such that the valve is closed when the actuator is raised, and open when the actuator is lowered.

Abstract: An ink jet printer having an inking system that includes an ink jet cartridge, a large ink reservoir mounted inside the housing of the ink jet printer at a location which is remote from the ink jet cartridge and tubing connecting the ink reservoir to the ink jet cartridge. The large ink reservoirs may be pancake shaped, and may be stacked in side by side horizontal manner within the housing. A portion of the reservoir is transparent, and is visible to the operator for operator monitoring of ink level through openings in the printer housing placed in juxtaposition with the transparent portion of the large ink reservoirs.

Abstract: A method of ink jet printing uses only selected nozzles of a print head to reduce the time required to print onto pixel locations as the print head is scanned over the surface of a piece of media. Print carriage speed during printing may thus be increased.

Abstract: A column of ink ejection nozzles on an ink jet print head is arranged in a plurality of sub-columns. The number of sub-columns and the assignment of nozzles to the sub-columns is selected to reduce cross-talk between nozzles, to prevent overlap of ejection pulses between sub-columns, and to minimize the complexity of the electronics required to actuate the ink ejection nozzles for droplet deposition.

Abstract: Methods of drying ink using microwaves includes heating deposited ink droplets by passing a microwave applicator over them. In another embodiment, a swath of ink droplets is deposited with a plurality of sequential passes of an ink jet print head, and the deposited drops are dried between passes.