Abstract: A fluid ejection cartridge for a fluid ejection device includes a print head, having a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles, a fluid reservoir, configured to hold a fluid to be ejected from the print head, and a selectively breachable isolator mechanism, separating the fluid reservoir and the print head.

Abstract: A print cartridge identification system includes a housing, a family key provided on one side of the housing to identify an associated printer of the print cartridge, a fluid key provided on the one side of the housing to identify a property of fluid in the print cartridge, and a location datum provided on the one side of the housing to position the print cartridge in the associated printer.

Abstract: A print cartridge identification system includes a housing, a family key provided on one side of the housing to identify an associated printer of the print cartridge, a fluid key provided on the one side of the housing to identify a property of fluid in the print cartridge, and a location datum provided on the one side of the housing to position the print cartridge in the associated printer.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and medium for determining actuator signals for focusing a laser on a label surface of an optical disc. A plurality of virtual angular sectors are defined on the label surface. A single rotation of the disc is performed. During the rotation, the focus of the laser is sinusoidally swept from a baseline once per sector. During the rotation, a SUM signal indicative of a degree of focus of the laser on the label surface is measured at a plurality of angular positions of each sector. The actuator signals are derived from the measured SUM signals.

Abstract: A system, method, and medium for forming a visible label on an optical disc. Label data for a label track of the disc is received into a buffer of a disc drive. The label data is analyzed to identify the label track. A surface contour of the disc is mapped only near the label track. Focus actuator signals for the label track are derived using the surface contour. The label track is marked, with a laser of the disc drive, according to the label data while the laser is focusing the focus actuator signals.

Abstract: A fluid ejection cartridge for a fluid ejection device includes a print head, having a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles, a fluid reservoir, configured to hold a fluid to be ejected from the print head, and a selectively breachable isolator mechanism, separating the fluid reservoir and the print head.

Abstract: A postage meter indicia verification apparatus and method includes, in a postage meter system for printing postage indicia, a postage meter device with a print head for printing postage indicia on media. A sensor is connected to the postage meter device for determining the presence of postage indicia printed on the media by the print head. A control device is connected to the postage meter device for controlling the operation of the postage meter device in accordance with the results of the sensor determination.

Abstract: A postage meter indicia verification apparatus and method includes, in a postage meter system for printing postage indicia, a postage meter device with a print head for printing postage indicia on media. A sensor is connected to the postage meter device for determining the presence of postage indicia printed on the media by the print head. A control device is connected to the postage meter device for controlling the operation of the postage meter device in accordance with the results of the sensor determination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printing system having a plurality of print heads for printing an image on a print receiving medium, print head actuators operable for individually repositioning the print heads to optimal locations for each print job, and software operable while a current print job is active for determining the optimal print head locations for a next anticipated print job.

Abstract: A system for paying for a postage amount for an item includes a card interface and a processing system. The card interface receives account information for an account from a postage payment card and transfers the account information to a processing system. The processing system determines the postage amount for the item. The processing system then generates and transmits a charge instruction to charge the postage amount to the account based on the account information. The processing system also generates and transmits a print instruction to print postage indicia on the item.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating negotiable items includes, in a system including a network of a governing authority and at least one remote printer, a secure indicia authorized by the governing authority. A preprinted form, authorized by the governing authority, transformable into a negotiable item upon the application of the secure indicia at the remote printer is provided. Further, a database, controlled by the governing authority, for issuing the secure indicia and the preprinted form and accounting for the use of each at the at least one remote printer oversees the creation of the negotiable item.

Abstract: A print head assembly that is removably mounted to a carriage. The print head assembly fits within a socket defined by the carriage. Exposed electrical leads in the socket and the print head assembly body are brought into contact when the assembly is inserted into the carriage socket.

Abstract: An ink delivery system for an ink-jet pen having a print head with ink nozzles and a cartridge with an internal reservoir divided into a capillary material filled volume and a free standpipe volume. The print head is mounted on the cartridge adjacent the standpipe volume. The ink delivery system further includes a circulation conduit removably connected to the standpipe volume and the capillary material filled volume to permit fluid flow from the standpipe volume to the capillary material filled volume. A supply conduit connects an ink supply to the circulation conduit. A pump connected to the circulation conduit pumps ink from the ink supply through the circulation conduit to the capillary material filled volume.

Abstract: Ink-jet pens having multiple print heads are manufactured with readily replaceable unit print head assemblies that facilitate testing of print head performance prior to complete assembly of the pen.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling thermal ink-jet printheads. The method comprises: (a) providing a circuit layout comprising a first substrate, a plurality of conductive traces thereon in a pre-selected pattern, and a plurality of openings through the substrate defining ink-jet nozzles; (b) providing a die layout comprising (1) a plurality of resistors, each resistor formed on a second substrate and matched to an opening and (2) a plurality of channels formed in a barrier material and matched to a portion of the plurality of conductive traces; (c) interlocking plurality of conductive traces with the plurality of channels to align each resistor with a respective one of the openings; and (d) laminating those portions of the first substrate that contact the barrier to the barrier so as to bond the two layouts together. In one embodiment, the resistors are each formed in a well defined in a layer of the barrier material already on the substrate, which is extended to encompass the resistors.