Abstract: The described embodiments relate to a print cartridge that can be configured to receive ink from one of at least two possible ink paths depending upon a desired printer configuration. In one exemplary embodiment, the print cartridge has a body configurable to receive ink from at least two different ink supply configurations, and a fluid interface that when coupled with the body effectively selects one of the ink supply configurations.

Abstract: An over-molded gland seal for producing both a fluidic seal and a fluid conduit. The apparatus includes a substrate having an elastomeric layer over-molded thereon and an elastomeric gland seal molded into the over-molded layer. Another aspect of the apparatus includes a host-part having a raised wall thereon, said host-part receives the elastomeric gland seal and compresses the gland seal with the raised wall. The substrate, the gland seal, and the host-part define an enclosed region. To form the fluid conduit, the apparatus includes a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port that communicate with the enclosed region.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing ink to an ink jet print head. The apparatus includes a back pressure regulator for receiving ink from an ink reservoir and for delivering ink to the print head. The regulator has a compliant wall that responds to atmospheric pressure on one side and to the pressure of the ink in the regulator on the another side. Within the regulator is a valve that regulates the pressure of the ink delivered to the print head and is actuated by the wall. Also within the regulator is a compression spring that simultaneously pre-loads the valve shut and urges the compliant wall against the atmospheric pressure. In an other aspect, an apparatus is provided with a print head having two arrays of nozzles and two back pressure regulators that independently deliver inks of different hues to separate arrays of nozzles on the print head.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to a print cartridge that can be configured to receive ink from one of at least two possible ink paths depending upon a desired printer configuration. In one exemplary embodiment, the print cartridge has a body configurable to receive ink from at least two different ink supply configurations, and a fluid interface that when coupled with the body effectively selects one of the ink supply configurations.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead with an integrated sealing and wiping function is disclosed. A printhead body is provided with at least one nozzle opening. A shutter member movably engages the printhead, and an actuator moves the shutter member between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, the shutter member exposes the nozzle opening, allowing the printhead to deposit ink onto a printing medium such as paper. When the printhead is not printing or is in a maintenance mode, the actuator moves the shutter member to the closed position. During the movement, the shutter member performs a wiping function on the nozzle opening. Once the shutter member has been moved to the closed position, it acts to cap, or seal, the nozzle opening from the outside environment.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing ink to an ink jet print head. The apparatus includes a back pressure regulator for receiving ink from an ink reservoir and for delivering ink to the print head. The regulator has a compliant wall that responds to atmospheric pressure on one side and to the pressure of the ink in the regulator on the another side. Within the regulator is a valve that regulates the pressure of the ink delivered to the print head and is actuated by the wall. Also within the regulator is a compression spring that simultaneously pre-loads the valve shut and urges the compliant wall against the atmospheric pressure. In an other aspect, an apparatus is provided with a print head having two arrays of nozzles and two back pressure regulators that independently deliver inks of different hues to separate arrays of nozzles on the print head.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing ink to an ink jet print head. The apparatus includes a back pressure regulator for receiving ink from an ink reservoir and for delivering ink to the print head. The regulator has a compliant wall that responds to atmospheric pressure on one side and to the pressure of the ink in the regulator on the another side. Within the regulator is a valve that regulates the pressure of the ink delivered to the print head and is actuated by the wall. Also within the regulator is a compression spring that simultaneously pre-loads the valve shut and urges the compliant wall against the atmospheric pressure. In an other aspect, an apparatus is provided with a print head having two arrays of nozzles and two back pressure regulators that independently deliver inks of different hues to separate arrays of nozzles on the print head.

Abstract: A datum arrangement on the replaceable semi-permanent compact print cartridge includes three x-datums, one y-datum and two z-datums to assure proper seating of the print cartridge in the carriage as well as proper electric and fluidic interconnections.

Abstract: An over-molded gland seal for producing both a fluidic seal and a fluid conduit. The apparatus includes a substrate having an elastomeric layer over-molded thereon and an elastomeric gland seal molded into the over-molded layer. Another aspect of the apparatus includes a host-part having a raised wall thereon, said host-part receives the elastomeric gland seal and compresses the gland seal with the raised wall. The substrate, the gland seal, and the host-part define an enclosed region. To form the fluid conduit, the apparatus includes a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port that communicate with the enclosed region.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing ink to an ink jet print head. The apparatus includes a back pressure regulator for receiving ink from an ink reservoir and for delivering ink to the print head. The regulator has a compliant wall that responds to atmospheric pressure on one side and to the pressure of the ink in the regulator on the another side. Within the regulator is a valve that regulates the pressure of the ink delivered to the print head and is actuated by the wall. Also within the regulator is a compression spring that simultaneously pre-loads the valve shut and urges the compliant wall against the atmospheric pressure. In an other aspect, an apparatus is provided with a print head having two arrays of nozzles and two back pressure regulators that independently deliver inks of different hues to separate arrays of nozzles on the print head.

Abstract: An inkjet print cartridge is provided in a printer for removable installation in a carriage which typically holds a plurality of print cartridges of different color printing liquids. In order to minimize overall size of the printer and its carriage, a handle is pivotally mounted on a crown of the print cartridge to move from a down recessed position during normal printing and servicing operations to an upraised position for gripping while removing the printhead from a carriage chute. The handle forms a loop to facilitate gripping with the fingers and thumb, and in its preferred form is bendable in order to provide flexible yielding upon application of undesirable lateral or torsional forces during a removal procedure.

Abstract: An inkjet print cartridge is provided for removable installation in a carriage which typically holds a plurality of print cartridges of different color printing liquids. In order to minimize overall size of the printer and its carriage, a handle is pivotally mounted on a crown of the print cartridge to move from a down recessed position during normal printing and servicing operations to an upraised position for gripping while removing the printhead from a carriage chute. The handle forms a loop to facilitate gripping with the fingers and thumb, and in its preferred form is bendable in order to provide flexible yielding upon application of undesirable lateral or torsional forces during a removal procedure.

Abstract: A datum arrangement on the replaceable semi-permanent compact print cartridge includes three x-datums, one y-datum and two z-datums to assure proper seating of the print cartridge in the carriage as well as proper electric and fluidic interconnections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluidic coupling that releasably and fluidically connects to the inlet port of an inkjet print cartridge. The fluidic coupling acts as a seal for the print cartridge and a means of lubricating and protecting the inlet port from drying, leaking ink, and air ingestion while the print cartridge is in transit and in storage. The fluidic coupling also provides an auxiliary ink reservoir for the print cartridge. The fluidic coupling further provides an ink conduit to the printhead from an external ink supply. First first and second end portions define an internal chamber, the internal chamber providing an internal fluid conduit for ink between the first and second ends of the body; and a fluidic coupling affixed to the first end of the body and in fluidic communication with the internal chamber.

Abstract: An ink containment vessel characterized by improved resistance to the corrosive effects of ink, the ability to prevent air entry into the ink, and enhanced dimensional stability. The system also avoids the evaporative loss of volatile components from the ink supply. The ink containment vessel is produced from polyethylene naphthalate, at least one liquid crystal polymer, or polyethylene naphthalate combined with at least one liquid crystal polymer. The storage of ink within vessels made from the specialized materials listed above offers multiple benefits as previously noted and substantially improves the operational efficiency of the entire ink delivery system.

Abstract: An inkjet print cartridge having minimized size dimensions and capable of removable installation in a carriage. In a preferred printer environment a plurality of such print cartridges are mounted in a carriage, with each print cartridge holding a different type/color of liquid to be applied to a media material. Liquid replenishment is provided through a liquid interconnect and control signals are provided through an electric interconnect, which are respectively positioned in spaced apart locations on opposite sides of the print cartridge.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an inkjet pen having a fluid inlet configured for connection to a corresponding fluid outlet associated with a supply of ink. The ink-jet pen includes a printhead responsive to control signals for selectively depositing ink. Also included is a printhead housing supporting the printhead. The printhead housing has a configurable fluid inlet portion that is configured for receiving a fluid configuration portion for configuring the configurable fluid inlet portion for connection to the supply of ink. The fluid inlet portion and the fluid configuration portion each configured to have complementary interconnect portions that when press fit together mate to configure the printhead for connection to the ink supply.

Abstract: A wet-wiping printhead cleaning system wherein a treatment fluid is applied to at least one of the printhead and wiper elements in an inkjet printer, then subsequently the wiper wipingly contacts the printhead and wipes a portion of the printhead orifice plate where the nozzle orifices are located removing dried ink and other accumulated debris, the treatment fluid lubricating the wiper so as to lengthen wiper service life and enhance wiping performance, as well as acting to render such accumulations more removable by wiping, wherein the treatment fluid is stored in a non-flowable state so as to prevent leaking during periods when the printer is not in use, the treatment fluid being changed to a flowable liquid state for wiping.

Abstract: A wet-wiping printhead cleaning system including a source of treatment fluid further including a treatment fluid reservoir and a treatment fluid transfer element adapted to transfer treatment fluid from the reservoir to at least one of the two elements involved in wiping the printhead, the two such elements consisting of the printhead and the wiper, the transfer element thereby acts as an applicator placing treatment fluid onto said at least one element, the source of treatment fluid not contacting said one element directly, and the treatment fluid then is available to assist in cleaning the printhead as it is wiped by the wiper, removing accumulated dried ink solids and other debris, the treatment fluid lubricating the wiper so as to lengthen wiper service life and enhance wiping performance, as well as acting to render such accumulations more removable by wiping.