Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To provide an inkjet recording apparatus that is easy to maintain and is compact. [Solution] The present invention provides an inkjet recording apparatus 100 including a line head 20 capable of printing on a recording medium 1, and a housing 11 with the line head 20 attached, in which the line head 20 is slid along a guide groove 12 provided in the housing 11 so that the line head 20 is detachably attached.

Abstract: A printer comprising a base module having a main drive element and a print zone, a main module back plane coupled with the base module, a machine base rail system coupled to the base module, and an expansion module releasably coupled to the machine base rail system between an operating position and a removed position.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes a substrate, a nozzle forming member for forming on a principal surface of the substrate a nozzle comprising a flow passage of liquid and an orifice for ejecting the liquid, and a dummy pattern. The dummy pattern has substantially the same dimension as at least a part of the nozzle and is formed so that a cross-section of the dummy pattern is exposed at an end surface of the nozzle forming member.

Abstract: The invention provides for a mounting arrangement for a printhead assembly having a plurality of modular printhead tiles each having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements for printing on a printing medium. Each tile has a flex PCB with which to provide the tile with electrical energy. The mounting arrangement includes a support defining retaining clips and channels operatively housing electrical busbars, as well as a pressure plate defining holes shaped and dimensioned to complementarily receive the retaining clips to engage the support which urges the flex PCBs against the busbars to provide electrical power to printhead tiles.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a print bar includes: a substrate having a longer part and a shorter part extending along and parallel to the longer part such that each end of the longer part extends past each end of the shorter part; and multiple printhead dies on the longer part of the substrate. In another embodiment, a modular print bar includes a first module including multiple printhead dies joined together end to end and a second module including multiple printhead dies joined together end to end. The second module is lapped together end to end with the first module.

Abstract: A liquid container that has a container body storing a liquid to be supplied to a liquid consuming apparatus and that is detachably mounted on a container mounting portion of the liquid consuming apparatus, wherein a liquid supply port for sending out the liquid to be supplied to the liquid consuming apparatus is formed on a front end surface in an insertion direction of the container body having a substantially rectangular shape, wherein a circuit board having a contact point with the liquid consuming apparatus is formed on one side surface perpendicular to one corresponding short side of the front end surface in the insertion direction, and wherein a container fixation structure for releasably regulating a movement of the container body in a direction opposite to the insertion direction thereof in cooperation with an apparatus fixation structure formed on the container mounting portion is formed on the other side surface perpendicular to the other corresponding short side of the front end surface in the ins

Abstract: An inkjet printer comprising a printer body and a replaceable printhead cartridge is disclosed. The printhead cartridge has a casing that supports a printhead and a plurality of contacts for receiving print data and power. The printer body has a cradle for holding the printhead cartridge in an operative position. The printer body has corresponding contacts for connection with the plurality of contacts on the printhead cartridge when the printhead cartridge is in the operative position. During insertion of the replaceable printhead cartridge, the casing is first slid into the cradle at which point the plurality of contacts contact the corresponding contacts. Next, the casing is rotated. During the rotation the plurality of contacts remain in contact with the corresponding contacts. The rotation of the casing in the cradle forms an over centre mechanism.

Abstract: A silicon based module, including: a substrate; a first chip assembly fixed to the substrate, the first chip assembly including a first silicon chip and a first driver die having electrical circuitry; and a second chip assembly fixed to the substrate, the second chip assembly including a second silicon chip and a second driver die having electrical circuitry. Portions of the first and second chip assemblies are aligned in a longitudinal direction for the substrate; and portions of the first and second silicon chips are aligned in a width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Method for forming a silicon based module.

Abstract: A printhead assembly including a printhead module and a mounting structure is described. The printhead module is mounted on a receiving surface of the mounting structure and includes a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The first and second edges extend beyond edges of the receiving surface by a first distance in a first direction and are positioned between featured edges of the mounting structure in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Each featured edge includes a first feature protruding from the featured edge by a second distance in the first direction, where the second distance is greater than the first distance. The first features extend beyond the first and second edges of the printhead module. Each featured edge includes a recessed second feature configured to receive a first feature of a neighboring mounting structure.

Abstract: A printhead includes a printhead module, a printhead frame, and an alignment assembly. The printhead module includes a plurality of nozzles adapted for emitting liquid from the printhead module. The alignment assembly aligns the printhead module and the printhead frame relative to each other and includes a base plate, a locator plate, a first set of locating elements, and a coupling member. The base plate includes a surface. The locator plate includes a plurality of through holes positioned relative to each other on a surface of the locator plate. The locator plate is affixed with the base plate such that a plurality of pockets are formed with each pocket having a wall corresponding to a wall of one of the through holes and a base corresponding to a surface of the base plate. Each of the locating elements of the first set are positioned with an interference fit in a respective one of the pockets.

Abstract: A printhead is provided having a support frame, a plurality of nozzle integrated circuits having printing fluid ejection nozzles, and a one-piece printing fluid distribution member commonly supporting the plurality of nozzle integrated circuits, the distribution member being removably engaged with the support frame.

Abstract: Provided is a print cradle assembly for a printhead cartridge. The cradle assembly includes a docking bay molding and a media feed drive assembly positioned on the docking bay molding and configured to feed media through the assembly. The cradle assembly also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with a printer controller for controlling the media feed drive assembly and operation of the cartridge, as well as a heatshield mounted to the PCB for shielding the printer controller from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and user contact with the PCB.

Abstract: An inkjet printer system including a plurality of inkjet printer cartridges; and a number of inkjet printer cradles each including a body defining a recess and arranged to receive and operate each of a set of supported inkjet printer cartridges of the plurality of inkjet printer cartridges; wherein those inkjet cartridges of said plurality not belonging to the set of supported inkjet printer cartridges, in respect of a particular one of said number of inkjet printer cradles, are shaped to prevent their reception into the recess of said particular inkjet printer cradle.

Abstract: A method of modulating a peak power requirement of a modular printhead is provided. Each module of the printhead has respective segments of each of a plurality of rows of inkjet nozzles so that each nozzle row is comprised in a respective color channel. In the method each of the modules fires a respective segment within a predetermined segment-time such that at least one of the fired segments is contained in a different color channel from at least one of the other fired segments.

Abstract: A micro-fluid ejection head assembly having improved assembly characteristics and methods of manufacturing a micro-fluid ejection head assembly. The micro-fluid ejection head includes a fluid supply body having at least one fluid supply port in a recessed area therein. A reinforcing member circumscribes the fluid supply port. A micro-fluid ejection head is attached with an adhesive to the supply body in the recessed area so that cracking of the ejection head during adhesive curing is substantially reduced.

Abstract: Ink delivery systems for an ink jet printer and methods for manufacturing the same. In an embodiment, the system comprises a separable ink tank, a printhead body having an opening, ink ejectors associated with the printhead body, and a retainer engaged with the tower portion of the printhead body and with an exit port of the ink tank. A filter is attached to least one of the printhead opening and the retainer, such as by insert molding or heat staking for example. A filter cover member, such as a wick or a septum for instance, is disposed adjacent the filter.

Abstract: A cartridge for a pagewidth inkjet printer has a body configured to fit in a cradle of the inkjet printer. A printhead capper is mounted on the body, the capper and the body defining a print media feed path along which print media is fed. A printhead is housed in the body to print on the print media. An ink distribution support mounts the printhead to the body and distributes ink to the printhead. An ink supply is arranged in the body for supplying the printhead with ink via the ink distribution support.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided having at least one printhead module of at least two print nozzle integrated circuits and respective electrical connectors, at least one controller configured to process print data and to communicate the processed print data to microprocessing circuitry of at least one of the print nozzle integrated circuits via the respective electrical connector so as to control the printing operation of the print nozzle integrated circuit to print the processed print data, and a casing in which the printhead module and controller are removably mounted.

Abstract: A printhead assembly comprises an elongate casing defining a longitudinally extending printhead channel, a static pagewidth printhead received within the printhead channel, the static pagewidth printhead comprising a plurality of printhead tiles each bearing a printhead integrated circuit, the tiles being shaped to serially engage together so that adjacent printhead integrated circuits overlap, and an elongate fluid channel member defining a plurality of ducts for storing respective types of ink, the elongate fluid channel extending substantially the length of the static pagewidth printhead. The fluid channel member comprises an elongate body portion defining parallel open channels, and a lid portion which is fastened to the body portion so that the open channels form the ducts, the lid portion defining a plurality of protruding ridges which can be received in respective open channels.

Abstract: A liquid container for a liquid ejection apparatus includes: a case having a liquid containing portion in its interior; a supply portion which is formed on a first side wall of the case, and through which a liquid in the liquid containing portion can flow to an exterior; a contact portion, which can contact a part of a slider of the liquid ejection apparatus to move the slider in a direction in which the liquid container is inserted; and an engagement portion, which is configured to engage a lock portion of the slider. The contact portion and the engagement portion are formed on a second side wall of the case, the second side wall intersecting the first side wall.

Abstract: A controller for a printhead is provided. The printhead has rows of printing nozzles with each nozzle row formed by adjacent sub-rows of printing nozzles of adjacently disposed printhead modules. Each nozzle row us arranged such that the join of the respective adjacent sub-rows is arbitrarily located relative to the other nozzle rows thereby forming an arbitrarily shaped join region. The controller being configured to determine the arbitrary shape of the join region and to supply dot data to the printhead which compensates for the determined arbitrary shape.

Abstract: A printhead is provided having an elongate support having a plurality of internal webs protruding from a base section to define a plurality of parallel fluid supply channels, a shim supported by the support and defining a plurality of rows of openings through which fluid from respective supply channels is supplied, and a plurality of elongate printhead modules supported serially on the shim. Each module defines a plurality of fluid supply passages through which fluid passes to fluid ejection nozzles from respective rows of the openings. Either end of each module defines complementary formations such that adjacent modules nest together.

Abstract: A hand-held video gaming device comprises a games console comprising a disc reader module configured to load a game stored on a disc; a printer module configured to print game information on print media, the printer module being hingedly mounted above the games console, and functioning as a pivotable cover for the game console; and a controller module releasably engaged with the printer module, and configured to communicate wirelessly with the games console to enable control of the games console.

Abstract: An ink cartridge is provided with a body, a channel module attached to the body, a plurality of first engaging parts, and a plurality of second engaging parts. The first engaging parts are arranged on one of the body and the channel module, while the second engaging parts corresponding to the first engaging parts are arranged on the other of the body and the channel module. The relative position of the body and the channel module on a two-dimension plane is substantially fixed by the engagement of the first engaging parts and the second engaging parts.

Abstract: A modular printing device has been developed that may be configured with different numbers of ink colors and ink types and with a different cross-process direction print resolution for each ink color and ink type.

Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a printhead module having at least first and second modular printhead tiles, the first printhead tile having a first set of connection strips, and the second printhead tile having a second set of connection strips; an electrical connector assembly for electrically connecting the first and second printhead tiles, the electrical connector assembly having printed on a surface thereof a plurality of conducting strips; and first and second modular supports arranged end to end for respectively receiving the first and second printhead tiles, the first and second modular supports shaped to complementarily define a first cavity portion therebetween. The first printhead tile is received in the first modular support such that the first set of connection strips extend over the cavity portion. The second printhead tile is received in the second modular support such that the second set of electrical connection strips extend over the cavity portion.

Abstract: A printhead module is provided for an inkjet printhead assembly. The printhead module includes a support. An elongate carrier is mounted to the support. The carrier defines a plurality of transverse ribs and an ink channel located between the ribs. A subassembly includes a micro-electromechanical integrated circuit (IC) configured to eject ink. The subassembly is mounted to the carrier so that the support, carrier and subassembly define a plurality of sealed ink chambers which can feed ink to the IC via the ink channel.

Abstract: An extrusion module for delivering ink to an array of printhead modules defining a pagewidth printhead. The modules are substantially coextensive with the extrusion module. The extrusion module includes a plurality of discrete ink channels each for conveying ink; and a pattern of holes defined in a surface of the extrusion module via which ink from each of said discrete ink channels is fed from the extrusion module to a printhead module. The pattern of holes is repeated longitudinally along the extrusion module. one repetition of the pattern corresponds to one printhead module.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes at least one recording head module including a plurality of heads, a branch member, and a base member. Each of the heads includes a plurality of nozzle arrays, and discharges liquid droplets onto a sheet. The branch member is provided on the heads to extend in a direction in which the heads are arranged, and forms a common channel for distributing and supplying liquid to the heads. The base member has an L-shaped cross section along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the heads are arranged, and has a first surface for holding the heads arranged thereon in an array and a second surface. An end portion of the first surface not connected to the second surface does not project more than a corresponding end portion of at least one of the heads and the branch member.

Abstract: A head array unit includes plural heads that discharge liquid droplets; a head supporting member on which the plural heads are disposed; and intermediate members, fixed to the head supporting member, having positioning reference parts configured to position the heads, wherein the heads are mounted on the intermediate members detachably from an opposite side of the intermediate members with respect to the head supporting member.

Abstract: A printer including a plurality of printhead modules located across a print media transport path is disclosed. Each printhead module has an elongate printhead. Nozzles of respective printheads overlap with nozzles of printheads of neighboring printhead modules. The printer further includes a dot data generator for providing print data to nozzles such that print data is stochastically ramped from one neighbouring printhead module to a next neighbouring printhead module.

Abstract: An inkjet printer with a printhead assembly and at least one replaceable ink cartridge, has an ink inlet valve on the printhead assembly for sealed connection to an outlet on the ink cartridge. The inlet valve has an inlet opening and a movable valve member biased into sealing engagement with the inlet opening. The outlet has a complementary member for depressing the movable valve member out of engagement with the inlet opening to open the valve. The inlet opening has an external formation about its periphery for sealing against the outlet before the complementary member depresses the movable valve member.

Abstract: An ink tank provided with a supply port for supplying the ink contained therein and an electric contact for information transmission is smoothly and securely attached to an attachment section of a printing apparatus while achieving secure connection of an electric contact section at the same time. The ink tank is configured to be attachable to the attachment section by positioning a first engagement section at a first fitting section on the attachment section, and then by rotating the ink tank around the positioned first engagement section to lock a second engagement section to a second fitting section on the attachment section. The supply port and a positioning section for the contact are disposed on the bottom face of the ink tank so as to be on the respective two sides of the center line in the width direction of the ink tank therebetween.

Abstract: An inkjet printer is provided having a plurality of nozzle integrated circuits, a support member having a plurality of longitudinally extending channels for carrying ink, and a plurality of ink distribution members via which ink is distributed from the channels of the support member to the nozzles of the nozzle integrated circuits. Each ink distribution member incorporates a laminated stack of layers, each layer having apertures for distributing ink from the channels to the nozzles of a respective one of the printhead integrated circuits. The apertures of each layer from the support member to the respective printhead integrated circuit are of successively smaller diameter.

Abstract: An ink cartridge that has a rigid housing. The housing has a docking face for abutting a printer such that, when installed, the docking face faces downwards. The cartridge also has an ink storage volume and an ink outlet valve for fluid communication with the printhead. The ink outlet valve and an air inlet are both being positioned in the docking face. A variable volume structure within the ink storage volume inflates with air as ink is drawn from the outlet. The variable volume structure has a section that displaces upwardly within the ink storage volume as it inflates with air. An air inlet spaced from the outlet valve is in fluid communication with the variable volume structure to lets air into the ink storage volume as ink is drawn out through the outlet valve. A conduit in the ink storage volume is connected to the ink outlet valve at one end, with the other end being open to ink within the ink storage volume.

Abstract: An apparatus has a first plate having a first array of holes, with a first plate alignment hole having a smaller size than the other holes in the array, a second plate having a second array of holes to be alignable to the first array of holes, a second plate alignment hole having a smaller size than the other holes in the array, and the first plate alignment hole and the second plate alignment hole having different positions. A method of aligning plates provides a first plate having a top and bottom and first array of holes including a first plate alignment hole having a size smaller than the other holes in the first array, places a second plate having a second array of holes on the top of the first plate such that the first array of holes and the second array of holes align, directs light at the bottom of the first plate, locates a profile of the first plate alignment hole in the second array of holes to verify alignment.

Abstract: A head unit for use in a droplet ejection apparatus is provided with a plurality of droplet ejection heads for ejecting liquid material of a predetermined color onto a base as droplets. In each of the droplet ejection heads, first and second nozzle arrays are arranged in a side by side relation in a second direction and nozzles of the first nozzle array are shifted with a half pitch in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction with respect to the nozzles of the second nozzle array when viewed from the second direction. The nozzles of the first and second nozzle arrays of the first and second droplet ejection heads of the first set are arranged so as not to overlap with the nozzles of the first and second nozzle arrays of the third and fourth droplet ejection heads of the second set when viewed from the second direction.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus for recording an image by jetting inks in a plurality of colors includes a plurality of recording-head modules for jetting inks in the plurality of colors, and a carriage for mounting the plurality of recording-head modules, wherein each recording-head module includes a plurality of recording heads for jetting ink in the same color and constructs a unit capable of integrally attaching and detaching the plurality of recording heads to and from the carriage.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus for recording an image by jetting inks in a plurality of colors includes a plurality of recording-head modules for jetting inks in the plurality of colors, and a carriage for mounting the plurality of recording-head modules, wherein each recording-head module includes a plurality of recording heads for jetting ink in the same color and constructs a unit capable of integrally attaching and detaching the plurality of recording heads to and from the carriage.

Abstract: A printer includes a plurality of jetting modules each including a first alignment feature, a plurality of nozzles through which fluid may be jetted and fluid and electrical connections; a printhead frame having a plurality of jetting-module receiving receptacles each of which receives one of the jetting modules, each receiving receptacle having a second alignment feature corresponding to the first alignment feature of a jetting module: a jetting module installation device having a pocket for receiving a jetting module, wherein the jetting module installation device includes a latch mechanism that, in a first position, is latched to the printhead frame securing the jetting module in a jetting module receiving receptacle with the first alignment feature engaging a corresponding second alignment feature of the printhead frame; the latch mechanism that, in a second position, is unlatched from the printhead frame so that the jetting module is not secured in the jetting module receiving receptacle; and wherein the

Abstract: A liquid container contains a liquid therein and is detachably mountable to a liquid ejection device. The liquid container has a liquid lead-out port for supplying said liquid to the outside, the liquid lead-out port being disposed in a connection surface, and an abutment surface for opening a channel valve by abutting against part of said channel valve provided in said liquid ejection device, the abutment surface being disposed in said connection surface.

Abstract: A droplet discharge head including a nozzle substrate having nozzle openings, a cavity substrate having discharge chambers that communicate with the nozzle openings and discharge droplets from the nozzle openings, a reservoir substrate having a reservoir concave portion that serves as a reservoir which communicates commonly with the discharge chambers. The reservoir substrate is provided between the nozzle substrate and the cavity substrate and a resin thin film is formed on a whole inner face of the reservoir concave portion and on a bottom face of a second concave portion. The second concave portion is provided in a peripheral of the reservoir concave portion and has a depth which is smaller than the depth of the reservoir concave portion. The resin thin film is cut circularly so as to surround the reservoir concave portion, and a part of the resin thin film serves as a diaphragm buffering pressure variation. serves as a diaphragm buffering pressure variation.

Abstract: A modular printhead includes an elongate extrusion defining internal passages for carrying air, ink and fixative. The extrusion further defines repeated patterns of holes along its length with each pattern having holes in fluid communication with respective passages. A plurality of printhead modules is serially engaged along the extrusion with respective patterns of holes. Each printhead module defines inlets aligned in fluid communication with respective holes and internal chambers in fluid communication with respective inlets. Each printhead module includes an ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) which is fed the air, ink and fixative from the internal chambers.

Abstract: A printhead assembly has a casing. A printhead module is positioned in the casing. The printhead module and the casing are configured so that the printhead module is removable from the casing. The printhead module includes a fluid channel member defining a number of ink ducts along its length and positioned in the casing. A number of printhead tiles are arranged on the fluid channel member. Each printhead tile has a printhead integrated circuit. The printhead tiles and the fluid channel member are configured so that ink can be supplied to the printhead integrated circuits from the fluid channel member.

Abstract: A head attachment member, in which a plurality of liquid ejection heads is attached with respect to a support drum for supporting an ejection-receiving medium, includes a plurality of head attachment parts each having a first attachment surface to which head groups are attached with the head groups each including the liquid ejection heads, and a base part having second attachment surfaces to which the head attachment parts are attached. The second attachment surfaces each having a different tilt angle. Each of the first attachment surfaces is arranged to be parallel to a tangent line which is tangent to a peripheral surface of the support drum at an intersection point of a line segment which connects the center of the support drum and the center on the first attachment surfaces between the head groups attached to the first attachment surfaces. The second attachment surfaces are integrally and continuously formed.

Abstract: A print engine is provided having printhead modules and a controller. Each printhead module has a plurality of ejection nozzles. The nozzles of at least one of the printhead modules is rotationally displaced relative to the other printhead modules. The controller communicates ejection data to the ejection nozzles in accordance with a cumulative correction factor for each printhead module, including printhead modules having non-rotationally displaced nozzles, to at least partially compensate for the rotational displacement.

Abstract: A printer includes a printhead and a source of liquid. The printhead includes a nozzle bore. The liquid is under pressure sufficient to eject a column of the liquid through the nozzle bore. The liquid has a temperature. A thermal modulator is associated with the nozzle bore. The thermal modulator is operable to transiently lower the temperature of the liquid as the liquid is ejected through the nozzle bore. An electrical pulse source is in electrical communication with the thermal modulator. The electrical pulse source is operable to provide a series of pulses to the thermal modulator that control the transient temperature lowering of the liquid. The series of pulses includes a first pulse applied at a first power level for transferring heat to the liquid, a second pulse applied at a second power level for transferring heat to the liquid, and a third pulse applied at a third power level for transferring heat to the liquid. The third power level is in between the first power level and the second power level.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate support having a plurality of internal webs protruding from a base section to define a plurality of parallel ink supply channels; a shim mounted on the support and defining a plurality of rows of openings through which ink from respective supply channels is provided; and a plurality of elongate printhead modules mounted serially on the shim. Each module includes a carrier carrying a printhead. Each carrier defines a plurality of ink supply passages through which ink passes to the printhead from respective rows of the openings. Either end of each carrier defines complementary formations such that adjacent pairs of the carriers nest together. The plurality of internal webs protrude from the base section to define a semicircular recess in which the shim is received. The shim is received in the semicircular recess such that the each of the plurality of rows respectively align with one of the plurality of parallel ink channels.

Abstract: A printhead system for an inkjet printer includes a pagewidth inkjet printhead formed from a plurality of printhead integrated circuits arranged end-to-end; a flexible ink hose extending a length of the printhead, the flexible ink hose defining a plurality of distinct and parallel ink channels and further defining plural groups of apertures repeated along the length of the flexible ink hose; and a substrate channel supporting on a top thereof the plurality of printhead integrated circuits and supporting from a bottom thereof the extruded flexible ink hose, the substrate channel provided with plural groups of repeated apertures defined therethrough and extending along a length of the channel. Each group of apertures provided on the substrate channel aligns with a respective group of apertures defined along the flexible ink hose and further with apertures provided on a bottom of one printhead integrated circuit.

Abstract: A printer is provided having a pagewidth printhead and a casing having a channel in which the pagewidth printhead is removably clamped so as to constrain movement of the printhead relative to the casing across the longitudinal direction of the channel and to allow movement of the printhead along the longitudinal direction of the channel.