Abstract: A wide format printer that has a media feed assembly for feeding different sizes of media along a media path having a width from 914 mm (36 inches) to 1372 mm (54 inches), a printhead assembly positioned on a first side of the media path and spanning the width of the media path, an aerosol collection duct with an opening on the first side of the media path and a spittoon system positioned on a second side of the media path opposing the first side. The printhead assembly is configured to eject non-printing ink drops from any section not required to print media that is less than the maximum width, and the spittoon system is configured to collect the non-printing ink drops.

Abstract: A printing system that has an ink supply, a feed line coupled to the ink supply, a return line coupled to the ink supply, a plurality of printheads each fluidically coupled to the feed and the return lines, a bypass line coupling the feed line to the return line and a pumping system configured to initially prime ink through the feed line, the return line, and the bypass line before priming each of the printheads.

Abstract: A wide format printer that has a media transport system configured to transport media along a media path that is more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide, a printhead assembly fixed relative to the media path and a plurality of service modules for the printhead assembly. Each of the service modules is independently movable relative to the media path.

Abstract: A wide format printer that has a printhead assembly with nozzles for ejecting ink onto media fed along a media path more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide, a plurality of ink containers, a plurality accumulator reservoirs, each having an inlet for connection to one of the ink containers, an outlet for connection to the printhead assembly and a fluid level regulator for maintaining fluid levels in the reservoir within a controlled fluid level range. During use, the plurality of ink accumulator reservoirs are mounted at a fixed elevation relative to the nozzles such that hydrostatic fluid pressure at the nozzles is maintained within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A printing system that has an ink supply, a feed line coupled to the ink supply, a return line coupled to the ink supply, a plurality of printheads each coupled to the feed line and the return line and a pumping system configured to generate fluid flow from the feed line to the return line via the printheads to prime the printheads.

Abstract: A wide format printer that has a vacuum platen assembly, a printhead assembly spaced from the vacuum platen assembly, a media path extending between the vacuum platen assembly and the printhead assembly and a media encoder embedded within the vacuum platen assembly wherein, the media path is greater than 432 mm (17 inches) wide.

Abstract: A printing system that has an inkjet printhead assembly for printing media fed along a media path, and an aerosol collection system for collecting ink aerosol generated by the printhead assembly. The printhead assembly is positioned on a first side of the media path and the aerosol collection system has a first aerosol collection opening positioned on the first side of the media path and a second aerosol collection opening positioned on a second side of the media path.

Abstract: A printing system that has a drive roller for feeding different sizes of media along a media path, an inkjet printhead assembly for printing the media and an ink aerosol collection system for removing ink aerosol from areas adjacent the media path. The ink aerosol collection system is configured to remove aerosol at a greater rate in response to an increase in the media size.

Abstract: A wide format printer that has a print zone, a media path more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide and extending through the print zone along a paper axis, a printhead carriage with a plurality of printhead mounting sites for mounting a plurality of printhead modules adjacent the print zone such that the printhead modules collectively span the media path, the printhead carriage having a long side extending transverse to the paper axis, the long side having access formations for ink conduits and a plurality of interfaces for connection to the ink conduits to supply ink to each of the printhead modules respectively. All ink for the plurality of printhead modules is supplied by ink conduits extending through the access formations on the long side of the printhead carriage.

Abstract: A wide format printer that has a printhead assembly, a vacuum platen assembly opposite the printhead assembly, a media path between the printhead assembly and the vacuum platen, a drive roller for moving media along the media path, a vacuum belt assembly to move the media away from the vacuum platen assembly and a scanner adjacent the vacuum belt to capture information from the media for feedback control of the printhead assembly. The media path is more than 432 mm (17 inches wide).

Abstract: A wide format printer that has a printhead assembly for printing media fed along a media path, the media path being more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide, and a plurality of service modules for the printhead assembly. Each of the service modules is configured to operate in a plurality of different modes and each of the service modules are independently operable.

Abstract: A printing system with a drive roller configured to engage and push media into a print zone and a movable media engagement assembly configured to engage one side of the media and pull the media while the drive roller remains engaged with the media.

Abstract: A wide format printer that has a media transport system configured to transport media of differing dimensions along a media path, and a printhead assembly for printing media transported along the media path, the media path having variable widths depending on the dimensions of the media but a minimum width of 432 mm (17 inches). The printer also has a plurality of service modules for the printhead assembly, each being configured to operate in a plurality of different modes. The media path extends between the printhead assembly and at least some of the service modules configured to operate in one of the modes while any of the service modules beyond the media path operate in another of the modes.

Abstract: A printing system that has a media transport system configured to transport media of differing dimensions along a media path, a printhead assembly for printing media transported along the media path, the media path having differing widths depending on the dimensions of the media and, a plurality of service modules for the printhead assembly. Each of the service modules is configured to operate in a plurality of different modes. During use, the media path extends between the printhead assembly and at least some of the service modules configured to operate in one of the modes while any of the service modules beyond the media path operate in another of the modes.

Abstract: A printing system that has a print zone, a drive roller positioned at an input side of the print zone, a vacuum platen assembly positioned under the print zone, a printhead assembly overlaying and spanning the print zone and a vacuum belt assembly configured to receive media from the print zone.

Abstract: A wide format printer that has an ink supply, a feed line to the ink supply, a return line coupled to the ink supply, and a plurality of printheads collectively spanning a paper path more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide. Each printhead is fluidically coupled to the feed and the return via separate couplings. During printing, the printheads receives ink from both the feed and return lines.

Abstract: A printing system that has an ink supply, a first conduit coupled to the ink supply, a second conduit coupled to the ink supply, a plurality of printheads each coupled to the first conduit and the second conduit and a pumping system to generate a pressure difference between the first conduit and the second conduit during a printhead replacement operation.

Abstract: A method of printing by translating media across a print zone at a first speed based upon the angular velocity of a drive roller and subsequently translating the media at a second speed determined by a movable media engagement assembly configured to engage one side of the media.

Abstract: A wide format printer that has an ink supply, a feed line coupled to the ink supply, a return line coupled to the ink supply, a plurality of printheads collectively spanning a paper path more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide, each of the printheads being coupled to the feed line and the return line and, a pumping system configured to generate fluid flow from the feed line to the return line via the printheads to prime the printheads.

Abstract: An ink jet printer includes a carriage mounted on a guide. The carriage provides a transverse movement to a printhead. The carriage includes an upper carriage component adjacent to a rear support wall of the ink jet printer and a lower carriage component mounted to the upper carriage component. A slider is disposed between the upper carriage and the rear support wall. The slider includes a rigid substrate with a hole or an eyelet forming a hole. A pin secured to the carriage engages the hole and allows the slider to rotate up to 360 degrees around the pin. The slider includes a fabric with extended fibers secured to the substrate or directly to the carriage in order to resist static charge accumulations and lower friction.