Abstract: Automated, environmentally monitored and controlled storage units and systems for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of products, particularly temperature sensitive pharmaceutical and/or other high-value products, be they temperature sensitive or not. Such automated storage units contain an array of independently addressable holding locations for containers with product in one or more environmentally monitored (e.g., for temperature, humidity, etc.) and controlled zones fitted with appropriate environmental sensors. In preferred embodiments, the automated storage units also include a reader to track product information and status. Product loading, retrieval, and movement within such automated storage units is performed by a computer-controlled robot. A user interface device, preferably in communication with an application service provider to provide remotely managed inventory management and other services, provides users with inventory- and product-specific information.

Abstract: Automated, environmentally monitored and controlled storage units and systems for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of products, particularly temperature sensitive pharmaceutical and/or other high-value products, be they temperature sensitive or not. Such automated storage units contain an array of independently addressable holding locations for containers with product in one or more environmentally monitored (e.g., for temperature, humidity, etc.) and controlled zones fitted with appropriate environmental sensors. In preferred embodiments, the automated storage units also include a reader to track product information and status. Product loading, retrieval, and movement within such automated storage units is performed by a computer-controlled robot. A user interface device, preferably in communication with an application service provider to provide remotely managed inventory management and other services, provides users with inventory- and product-specific information.

Abstract: Automated, environmentally monitored and controlled storage units and systems for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of products, particularly temperature sensitive pharmaceutical and/or other high-value products, be they temperature sensitive or not. Such automated storage units contain an array of independently addressable holding locations for containers with product in one or more environmentally monitored (e.g., for temperature, humidity, etc.) and controlled zones fitted with appropriate environmental sensors. In preferred embodiments, the automated storage units also include a reader to track product information and status. Product loading, retrieval, and movement within such automated storage units is performed by a computer-controlled robot. A user interface device, preferably in communication with an application service provider to provide remotely managed inventory management and other services, provides users with inventory- and product-specific information.

Abstract: A printer includes: an inkjet printhead assembly; a sled slidably arranged with respect to the printhead assembly, the sled supporting a platen module, a capper module and a wiper module; a sliding mechanism for sliding the sled relative to printhead assembly so as to selectively align one of the platen, capper and wiper modules with the printhead assembly; and a lift mechanism for lifting an aligned module linearly away from the sled and towards the printhead assembly. The platen module is positioned between the capper and wiper modules on the sled, such that the capper and wiper modules are positioned at opposite sides of the printhead assembly during printing.

Abstract: A printer includes: an inkjet printhead assembly; a sled slidably arranged with respect to the printhead assembly, the sled supporting a platen module, a capper module and a wiper module; a sliding mechanism for sliding the sled relative to printhead assembly so as to selectively align one of the platen, capper and wiper modules with the printhead assembly; and a lift mechanism for lifting an aligned module linearly away from the sled and towards the printhead assembly. The platen module is positioned between the capper and wiper modules on the sled, such that the capper and wiper modules are positioned at opposite sides of the printhead assembly during printing.

Abstract: A printing assistance apparatus for a media width printhead, the apparatus having: an elongate platen having a surface for supporting media across the media width during printing on the media by fluid ejection nozzles of the printhead; and a wick element positioned within the platen for wicking fluid ejected by the nozzles from the supporting surface, the wick element having an elongate body positioned within the platen and a plurality of pads projecting from the body along the longitudinal length body toward the printhead, the pads being separated by notches.

Abstract: Method of shaping media for printing by a media width printhead, the method having transporting media into a print zone defined by a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles of the printhead with input rollers at an angle to a plane parallel with the print zone; transporting media out of the print zone with output rollers at an angle to said parallel plane; and supporting and shaping the media as the media is transported through the print zone with an elongate platen, the platen having a series of upstream ribs disposed upstream of the print zone with respect to the media transport direction and a series of downstream ribs disposed downstream of the print zone with respect to the media transport direction, wherein the ribs are configured so that the transported media is in contact with the ribs in the print zone and adopts a constrained curved path past the nozzles.

Abstract: A system for guiding media past a media width printhead. The system includes: a media width printhead having printhead ICs defining respective print zones; input and output rollers; and an elongate platen for guiding the media as the media is transported through the print zone. The platen has a series of upstream ribs and downstream ribs configured for contacting the media and guiding the media through the print zone. The platen has an aperture such that each printhead IC of the printhead is positioned opposite the aperture, and the print media is suspended between the upstream and downstream ribs across an entire width of the print zone of each printhead IC.

Abstract: A system for shaping media for printing by a media width printhead is provided having a media width printhead of fluid ejection nozzles defining a media width print zone, input rollers disposed for transporting media into the print zone at an angle to a plane parallel with the print zone, output rollers for transporting media out of the print zone at an angle to a plane parallel with the print zone, and an elongate platen for supporting and shaping the media as the media is transported through the print zone. The platen has a series of ribs disposed upstream of the print zone and a series of ribs disposed downstream of the print zone. The ribs are configured so that the transported media adopts a constrained curved path past the nozzles through contact with the ribs in the print zone.

Abstract: A printer having a media width printhead a sled slidably arranged with respect to the printhead a media platen module supported by the sled a capper module supported by the sled a wiper module supported by the sled and a selection mechanism for selectively sliding the sled to align one of the platen, capper and wiper modules with the printhead, and for moving the aligned module to a position in proximity of the printhead.

Abstract: A maintenance system for a printhead, the system having a sled slidably arranged with respect to the printhead a media platen module supported by the sled a capper module supported by the sled a wiper module supported by the sled; and a selection mechanism for selectively sliding the sled to align one of the platen, capper and wiper modules with the printhead, and for moving the aligned module to a position in proximity of the printhead.

Abstract: A system for shaping media for printing by a media width printhead is provided having a media width printhead of fluid ejection nozzles defining a media width print zone, input rollers disposed for transporting media into the print zone at an angle to a plane parallel with the print zone, output rollers for transporting media out of the print zone at an angle to a plane parallel with the print zone, and an elongate platen for supporting and shaping the media as the media is transported through the print zone. The platen has a series of ribs disposed upstream of the print zone and a series of ribs disposed downstream of the print zone. The ribs are configured so that the transported media adopts a constrained curved path past the nozzles through contact with the ribs in the print zone.

Abstract: A printer having a media width printhead a sled slidably arranged with respect to the printhead a media platen module supported by the sled a capper module supported by the sled a wiper module supported by the sled and a selection mechanism for selectively sliding the sled to align one of the platen, capper and wiper modules with the printhead, and for moving the aligned module to a position in proximity of the printhead.

Abstract: A maintenance system for a printhead, the system having a sled slidably arranged with respect to the printhead a media platen module supported by the sled a capper module supported by the sled a wiper module supported by the sled; and a selection mechanism for selectively sliding the sled to align one of the platen, capper and wiper modules with the printhead, and for moving the aligned module to a position in proximity of the printhead.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a printhead, the method having, when printing with the printhead, translating a modular sled relative to the printhead so as to align a media platen module supported by the sled with the printhead; after printing with the printing, translating the sled relative to the printhead so as to align a wiper module supported by the sled with the printhead and operating a wiper roller of the wiper module so as to wipe a printing face of the printhead; and after the wiping and prior to commencement of printing with the printhead, translating the sled relative to the printhead so as to align a capper module supported by the sled with the printhead so as to cap the printing face of the printhead.

Abstract: A printing assistance apparatus for a media width printhead, the apparatus having: an elongate platen having a surface for supporting media across the media width during printing on the media by fluid ejection nozzles of the printhead; and a wick element positioned within the platen for wicking fluid ejected by the nozzles from the supporting surface, the wick element having an elongate body positioned within the platen and a plurality of pads projecting from the body along the longitudinal length body toward the printhead, the pads being separated by notches.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a printhead and the method having when printing with the printhea, translating a modular sled relative to the printhead so as to align a media platen module supported by the sled with the printhead after printing with the printing, translating the sled relative to the printhead so as to align a wiper module supported by the sled with the printhead and operating a wiper roller of the wiper module so as to wipe a printing face of the printhead; and after the wiping and prior to commencement of printing with the printhead, translating the sled relative to the printhead so as to align a capper module supported by the sled with the printhead so as to cap the printing face of the printhead.

Abstract: Method of shaping media for printing by a media width printhead, the method having transporting media into a print zone defined by a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles of the printhead with input rollers at an angle to a plane parallel with the print zone; transporting media out of the print zone with output rollers at an angle to said parallel plane; and supporting and shaping the media as the media is transported through the print zone with an elongate platen, the platen having a series of upstream ribs disposed upstream of the print zone with respect to the media transport direction and a series of downstream ribs disposed downstream of the print zone with respect to the media transport direction, wherein the ribs are configured so that the transported media is in contact with the ribs in the print zone and adopts a constrained curved path past the nozzles.

Abstract: A printing assistance apparatus for a media width printhead is provided. The printhead has rows of fluid ejection nozzles extending along the media width, The apparatus has an elongate platen having a surface for supporting media across the media width as the media travels past the printhead along a media travel direction, the platen having an elongate slot along the media width, a wick element positioned within the slot for wicking fluid ejected by the nozzles from the supporting surface, and an alignment mechanism for aligning the platen with the printhead so that the opposed longitudinal edges of the slot are respectively positioned upstream and downstream of the media travel direction with respect to a centerline along the length the nozzle rows with the upstream edge being closer to the centerline than the downstream edge such that the wick element has a smaller upstream surface area.