Abstract: A liquid-level detection device detects the liquid level in the developer storing container for storing liquid developer, and includes a first water wheel, a first rotation detection mechanism, and first liquid-level detection device. The first water wheel is disposed in the interior of the developer storing container, and is configured to be rotated by liquid developer to be supplied to the developer storing container. The first rotation detection mechanism is configured to detect a rotation state of the first water wheel. The first liquid-level detection device detects the liquid level of liquid developer based on a result detected by the rotation detection mechanism.

Abstract: A first container is operable to accommodate a liquid toner, and provided with a window. A reflector is disposed in the first container. A light emitter is operable to emit light to the reflector through the window and the liquid toner. A light receiver is operable to receive the light reflected by the reflector through the liquid toner and the window. A detector is operable to detect a concentration of the liquid toner based on the light received by the light receiver.

Abstract: Methods of printing with a liquid electrophotographic toner composition prepared within an electrophotgraphic printing apparatus are provided, wherein a polymeric binder comprising at least one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions is first prepared in a reaction solvent, wherein the reaction solvent comprises less than about 10% aromatic components by weight and has a Kauri-Butanol number less than about 30 mL. Toner particles are then formulated in the reaction solvent and dried. The dried toner particles are then redispersed in a carrier liquid.

Abstract: A wet type image forming apparatus, having a latent image forming unit with a photoconductive drum, and a developing unit with a developing solution supplying system that supplies developing solution to a developing roller, is provided. The developing roller is adapted to supply toner contained in the developing solution to the photoconductive drum. The developing solution supplying system includes a first roller and a second roller. The first roller and the second roller are arranged in vicinity to each other, and the second roller is in contact with the developing roller. A portion of the developing solution is retained in a pit portion between the first roller and the second roller. The developing solution supplying system includes a flow blocking system to prevent the developing solution from flowing down from an upstream surface of the second roller with respect to a rotating direction of the second roller toward the developing roller.

Abstract: A wet-type electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprises a main body, a developing unit disposed inside the main body, a developer cartridge for providing developer to and collecting developer from the developing unit, and a fitting unit for connecting the developer cartridge with the developing unit. The fitting unit comprises a first fitting part disposed in the main body, a second fitting part disposed in the developer cartridge, and a third fitting part disposed in the developing unit. The fitting unit is connected to and disconnected from the second and third fitting parts by raising and lowering the parts. The method of setting up the system includes the step of raising a first female fitting part to connect first and second female fitting parts with a male fitting part.

Abstract: Rinsing nozzles 310a to 310e are moved on a wafer W while they are discharging rinsing solution 326. At that point, discharging openings 317a to 317e are contacted to developing solution 350 coated on the wafer W or rinsing solution 326 on the wafer W. Thus, the impact against the wafer W can be suppressed. As a result, pattern collapse can be prevented. In addition, a front portion of the developing solution 350 can push away the developing solution 350.

Abstract: Disclosed is a developing unit 6 including a tank containing a liquid toner, a pick-up roller 10 for drawing the liquid toner from the tank, an application roller 11 whose circumferential surface 11a is supplied with the liquid toner by the pick-up roller 10, and a developing roller 12 whose circumferential surface 12a is applied with the liquid toner by the application roller 11. The pick-up roller 10 and the application roller 11 are arranged in parallel to each other and circumferential surfaces 10a, 11a thereof are in contact with each other. The circumferential surfaces 10a, 11a of the pick-up roller 10 and the application roller 11 are formed with a plurality of grooves 13, 14, respectively, which extend continuously in the axial direction X1.

Abstract: A developer cartridge for a wet-type image forming apparatus including a cartridge body in which developer is stored. The cartridge body has a supply hole formed thereon to supply the developer in the cartridge to the image forming apparatus. A filter is disposed in the cartridge body to improve the dispersion of the developer, and to filter sludge of the developer before the developer flows into the supply hole.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum having a predetermined rotary shaft, an exposure device conducting exposure on the photosensitive drum so as to form an electrostatic latent image on a surface of the photosensitive drum, a medium supplier that supplies the surface of the photosensitive drum with a liquid material so as to form a layer composed of the liquid material between the exposure device and the photosensitive drum, and a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum by using a liquid developer containing toner particles.

Abstract: A developer cartridge having a developer cartridge body with a fitting part is coupled to a developer supply path connected to a developing unit. A fitting part shutter unit is detachably mounted to the developer cartridge body and moved by an external force to move between a first position covering the fitting part and a second position expositing the fitting part.

Abstract: A liquid developing device includes an ink cartridge, a developing container connected to the ink cartridge in which ink is circulated between the developing container and the ink cartridge, a photosensitive body on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a developing roller facing the photosensitive body, being rotatable to supply the ink to the electrostatic latent image, and a depositing member being installed to maintain a depositing gap between the depositing member and the developing roller and to attach the ink to the developing roller by a potential difference, wherein the developing container includes a first developing container having an outlet opened in a lengthwise direction and an inlet connected to the ink cartridge at a position lower than the outlet, and a second developing container in which ink overflowing from the first developing container via the outlet is stored and which has a drawing hole connected to the ink cartridge, and the ink supplied from the ink cartridge to the first d

Abstract: A developing apparatus includes a developing container for containing a developer. An amount of the developer in the developing container is 100–2000 (g), and an angle of rest of the developer in said developing container is 20–70 (°). When the developing apparatus develops an electrostatic image having an image density of 100(%), an amount A (g) of the developer in the developing container at the time when a difference between a carrier supply amount per unit time by the supplying device and a carrier discharging amount per unit time through the discharging outlet becomes 5(g/min) or less, and an amount B (g) of the developer in the developing container at the time the carrier discharging amount per unit time becomes 0.5(g/min) or less when said developing apparatus operates without supply of the carrier by said supplying means, satisfy 0.01<(A?B)/A<0.10.

Abstract: A wet-type electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a setting method thereof, comprising a body, a developing unit, an ink cartridge unit for supplying an ink to the developing unit, a door unit, an ink recovery unit for discarding waste ink and circulating ink, and a fitting unit connecting the developing unit and the ink cartridge unit. The door unit moves in relation to the movement of at least one of the ink recovery unit and the fitting unit, allowing a user to easily and precisely set the fitting unit and the ink recover unit using the door unit, which can further support and guide the developing unit 20.

Abstract: Improved organophotoreceptors comprise an electrically conductive substrate; a photoconductive element comprising a charge generation compound; and an overcoat layer comprising a first binder and at least a salt, wherein the photoconductive layer is on the electrically conductive substrate, wherein the overcoat layer is on the photoconductive layer and wherein the binder is not a silsesquioxane polymer.

Abstract: A developing unit of a liquid electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The developing unit includes a developing roller, which supplies ink to a photosensitive medium on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, to develop the electrostatic latent image. The apparatus also includes an ink storage unit adapted to store ink to be supplied to the developing roller, and an ink cartridge, which is installed in the ink storage unit to be opened or closed and supplies ink to the ink storage unit. The ink cartridge includes a cartridge sleeve rotatably installed, and a cartridge slider, which slides by rotation of the cartridge sleeve to open the ink cartridge.

Abstract: A self-replenishing image forming apparatus replenishes reservoirs of consumable materials using packages of the consumable materials transported in the marking media path of the image forming apparatus. The packages are separated from the regular marking media at a sheet diverter, the consumable material is unpackaged, and transformed into a form suitable for storing in the consumable reservoir.

Abstract: A liquid image developing system, including a cartridge in which a developer is stored; a supply line; a development container to which the developer is supplied from the cartridge through the supply line; a photosensitive body in the development container; a development roller partially soaked in the developer in the development container and rotating opposite to the photosensitive body; a depositing member to create a potential difference required to attach the developer to a circumference of the development roller, opposite to the development roller; a metering blade to scratch the developer attached to the circumference of the development roller to a predetermined thickness; and an agitator to agitate the developer contained in the development container. Accordingly, a high-concentration developer can be directly used in the development operation without a dilution operation, and thus the structure to supply the developer can be considerably simplified.

Abstract: A liquid developer imaging system and a method using the system for developing an image, including a cartridge for containing a developing solution; a developing container for receiving the developing solution supplied from the cartridge via a predetermined supply line; a developing roller partly submerged in the developing solution contained in the developing container, installed to be rotated facing a photosensitive object; and a metering blade for scraping off the developing solution coated on the surface of the developing roller to a predetermined thickness, is provided. According to the system, a developing supply structure can be considerably simplified because a high-density developing solution is directly used in developing an image without a process of diluting the solution, and an image can be developed to have high definition because the concentration of the developing solution coated on the developing roller is regularly controlled by a metering blade.

Abstract: Improved organophotoreceptors comprise an electrically conductive substrate; a photoconductive element comprising a charge generation compound; and an overcoat layer comprising a first binder and at least a salt, wherein the photoconductive layer is on the electrically conductive substrate, wherein the overcoat layer is on the photoconductive layer and wherein the binder is not a silsesquioxane polymer.

Abstract: A liquid image forming apparatus including a developing portion in which ink is maintained at a uniform level so that the developing roller is dipped at a predetermined level, an ink reservoir in which ink supplied to the developing portion is stored, and an ink supplying unit to supply ink stored in the ink reservoir to the developing portion. The developing portion and the ink reservoir are provided in one developing container, and the ink supplying unit which supplies ink to the developing portion from the ink reservoir is provided in the liquid image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A system for supplying a high density developing solution in an image forming apparatus includes ink cartridges each containing corresponding high density developing solutions having respective colors, a cartridge unit recognizing colors of the ink cartridges and supplying the high density developing solutions, developing devices developing an image using the high density developing solutions supplied by the cartridge unit, and connecting units respectively connecting the developing devices to the cartridge unit and transferring the high density developing solutions to the developing devices therethrough, wherein the high density developing solutions inside the ink cartridges are supplied directly to the developing devices through the cartridge unit and the connecting units, respectively. The image forming apparatus can be manufactured in a compact size at a low price.

Abstract: A developing system of a liquid electrophotographic image forming device. The developing system includes a development container in which a developer is stored, a development roller which rotates opposite to a photosensitive body, and being partially soaked in the development container, and a metering blade. The metering blade has a first face contacting the circumference of the development roller and a second face by which a predetermined angle is formed with respect to the first face, which maintains a developer layer on the circumference of the development roller at a predetermined thickness. By optimizing related parameters of the metering blade, the developer layer on the development roller can be regulated, thereby achieving good image quality.

Abstract: A developing device for developing a latent image formed on an image carrier with a developing liquid includes a liquid storing section for storing the liquid including a developing substance and a carrier liquid. A developer carrier deposits the liquid fed from the liquid storing section thereon. A float type liquid level sensor senses a liquid level in the liquid storing section. The liquid level sensor includes a magnetic force generating member, a magnetic force sensing device, and floats movable up and down in accordance with the liquid level in the liquid storing section. A distance between the magnetic force generating member and the magnetic force sensing device varies in accordance with the movement of the floats, allowing the liquid level to be determined based on the output of the magnetic force sensing device. An image forming apparatus may include the developing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a toner recycling control system which stably feeds a liquid developer of an appropriate concentration to a liquid developing apparatus employing a high-viscosity liquid developer; appropriately adjusts the concentration of residual developer collected after development and after transfer; and feeds the adjusted developer to the developing apparatus. The toner recycling control system collects a post-development residual developer from a developer-bearing body and a post-transfer residual developer from an image-bearing body; performs developer concentration adjustment to yield an adjusted developer; and feeds the adjusted developer back to the developer-bearing body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a developer storage and delivery system for liquid electrophotography containing: a) a container having an open end; b) a developer inside said container wherein said developer has a viscosity greater than 10 pascal second; and c) a heater near said open end wherein said heater lower the viscosity of said developer to less than 0.01 pascal second.

Abstract: A developing system of a liquid electrophotographic image forming device includes a developer reservoir in which a developer is stored, a development container in which the developer is supplied from the developer reservoir, a development roller rotating opposite to a photosensitive drum in the development container, and a pumping portion connected between the development container and the developer reservoir via connection pipes. The pumping portion supplies the developer to the development container from the developer reservoir or exhaust the developer from the development container and return the developer to the developer reservoir. Accordingly, the developer supplying and exhausting unit of the developing system can be simplified.

Abstract: A liquid image developing system, including a cartridge in which a developer is stored; a supply line; a development container to which the developer is supplied from the cartridge through the supply line; a photo sensitive body in the development container; a development roller partially soaked in the developer in the development container and rotating opposite to the photosensitive body; a depositing member to create a potential difference required to attach the developer to a circumference of the development roller, opposite to the development roller; a metering blade to scratch the developer attached to the circumference of the development roller to a predetermined thickness; and an agitator to agitate the developer contained in the development container. Accordingly, a high-concentration developer can be directly used in the development operation without a dilution operation, and thus the structure to supply the developer can be considerably simplified.

Abstract: A developing system of a liquid electrophotographic image forming device includes a developer reservoir in which a developer is stored, a development container in which the developer is supplied from the developer reservoir, a development roller rotating opposite to a photosensitive drum in the development container, and a pumping portion connected between the development container and the developer reservoir via connection pipes. The pumping portion supplies the developer to the development container from the developer reservoir or exhaust the developer from the development container and return the developer to the developer reservoir. Accordingly, the developer supplying and exhausting unit of the developing system can be simplified.

Abstract: This invention relates to a developer storage and delivery system for liquid electrophotography containing:

Abstract: A developer storage and delivery system for liquid electrophotography having: (a) an insulating substrate with a first surface and a second surface; (b) a plurality of discrete conductive heating elements mounted on the first surface; and (c) a phase change developer having a melting point of at least 22° C., wherein the phase change developer is on the top surface of each of the discrete conductive heating elements, except that a small portion of both ends of each of the conductive heating elements is free of the phase change developer for conducting electricity.

Abstract: A liquid developer imaging system and a method using the system for developing an image, including a cartridge for containing a developing solution; a developing container for receiving the developing solution supplied from the cartridge via a predetermined supply line; a developing roller partly submerged in the developing solution contained in the developing container, installed to be rotated facing a photosensitive object; and a metering blade for scraping off the developing solution coated on the surface of the developing roller to a predetermined thickness, is provided. According to the system, a developing supply structure can be considerably simplified because a high-density developing solution is directly used in developing an image without a process of diluting the solution, and an image can be developed to have high definition because the concentration of the developing solution coated on the developing roller is regularly controlled by a metering blade.

Abstract: A developer circulation system includes a storage tank which stores a developer, a development device, a developer supply passage through which the developer is supplied to the development device from the storage tank, a developer return passage through which the developer is returned to the storage tank from the development device, a circulation pump, and an agitation member which agitates the developer in the storage tank. An outlet of the developer return passage and an opening of the developer supply passage are located in the storage tank, so as to promote a flow of the developer generated by the rotation of the agitation member, at positions furthest from each other along a flow of the developer from the outlet of the developer return passage and the opening of the developer supply passage.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus including a drying roller for absorbing a liquid carrier remaining on a photosensitive medium, a transfer roller for transferring an image on the photosensitive medium to a recording paper sheet, and a carrier supply unit for supplying liquid carrier to the drying roller, the transfer roller, and the photosensitive medium, a printing operation is carried out such that the carrier is supplied to the drying roller, the transfer roller, and the photosensitive medium to wet them so that carrier absorption and discharge between the transfer roller, the drying roller, and the photosensitive medium can reach equilibrium states.

Abstract: An ink delivery system and an ink delivery method are disclosed.

Abstract: An ink feeding valve of a wet type electrophotographic printer, capable of basically preventing operational error and incapability of valve due to ink attachment, includes: a valve body having a pipeline for interconnecting the concentrated ink tank with the developing solution tank; a rod assembly disposed in the pipeline of the valve body so as to be vertically moved for selectively opening/closing the pipeline; an elevating section for vertically moving the rod assembly; and a corrugated tube disposed in the pipeline of the valve body for partitioning the pipeline into an inner ink passage and an outside elevating section operating chamber, and for preventing ink flow into the elevating section operating chamber. Since the ink passage and the elevating section operating chamber are isolated from each other by the presence of a corrugated tube, the plunger and spring located in the elevating section operating chamber are efficiently operated without having problems caused due to ink attachment.

Abstract: A developing solution feeder of a wet type electrophotographic color printer includes a plurality of circulation tanks for storing the developing solution to be fed to a developing unit; a plurality of injection nozzles for jetting the developing solution stored in the circulation tanks to a developing gap of the developing unit; a plurality of ink storage tanks and a carrier storage tank for respectively storing the condensed ink of a certain color and a carrier to be fed to the circulation tanks, respectively; a waste tank for collecting the waste developing solution produced from the circulation tanks; a refill cartridge for the supplementation of the condensed ink or the carrier; developing solution refilling/waste developing solution collecting means for refilling the ink storage tanks or the carrier storage tank with the condensed ink or the carrier, respectively, and for evacuating the waste developing solution collected in the waste tank to the empty refill cartridge; and ink injecting/constant feedin

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a latent image forming mechanism for forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive member, and a developing device for supplying a developing liquid containing at least toner and a carrier liquid, to the photosensitive member on which the latent image is formed, thereby to develop the latent image. The image forming apparatus also includes a removing device for removing an excessive portion of the developing liquid supplied by the developing device, whereby the excessive portion of the developing liquid remains on the photosensitive member after development. The image forming apparatus further includes a returning mechanism for returning the excessive portion of the developing liquid, which is removed by the removing device, into a casing of a developing liquid supply unit for supplying the developing liquid to the developing device, and a reserve flow-in section.

Abstract: A developer circulation system includes a storage tank which stores a developer, a development device, a developer supply passage through which the developer is supplied to the development device from the storage tank, a developer return passage through which the developer is returned to the storage tank from the development device, a circulation pump, and an agitation member which agitates the developer in the storage tank. An outlet of the developer return passage and an opening of the developer supply passage are located in the storage tank, so as to promote a flow of the developer generated by the rotation of the agitation member, at positions furthest from each other along a flow of the developer from the outlet of the developer return passage and the opening of the developer supply passage.

Abstract: A developing device of the type using a developing liquid and applicable to an image forming apparatus includes a developing roller and a sweep roller. The developing roller is pressed against a photoconductive drum to thereby form a nip. The sweep roller is positioned downstream of the nip in the direction of rotation of the drum and pressed against the drum in such a manner as to sandwich a developed toner layer. The surface of the sweep roller moves at substantially the same speed as the surface of the drum. A bias voltage (250 V) close to the surface potential (100 V to 200 V) of the toner layer formed on the drum is applied to the sweep roller. The bias causes the sweep roller to attract stray excess toner present on the background of the drum after development, thereby preventing a toner image from being blurred.

Abstract: A longitudinal wave propagates in ink toward an opening. The surface of the ink is positioned at the opening and is curved. A surface wave is excited from an end of the liquid surface owing to a restoring force caused by surface tension of the ink. Assuming that the wavelength of the surface wave is &lgr;c, the diameter of the opening is established to be not smaller than 2m &lgr;c. The surface wave is generated from an edge of the opening and rapidly decreases due to the longitudinal wave. The surface waves caused by the longitudinal wave do not interfere with each other at the opening provided that certain conditions are established. Therefore, no complicated interference wave occurs on the surface of the ink, and the surface of the ink vibrates with a large amplitude in the vicinity of the edge of the opening.

Abstract: A concentration sensor 11y and a level sensor 12y measure the toner concentration and the volume of a developing solution in a storage tank 3y. A carrier feed pump 6 and a toner feed pump 7y are driven and controlled in real time based upon values detected by the sensors 11y and 12y during the printing operation, in order to feed a concentrated toner or a liquid carrier into the storage tank 3y to maintain the volume and the toner concentration of the developing solution in the storage tank 3y within predetermined ranges. The concentration and the volume are adjusted in real time during the printing operation which therefore needs not be interrupted for adjusting the developing solution. This makes it possible to continue the printing operation for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A liquid developer refilling system of a liquid electrophotographic printer for supplying any one of concentrated inks and a carrier to corresponding one of ink storage tanks and a carrier storage tank installed in the printer, and a method thereof. The system includes: a main frame provided with a common installation portion; an auxiliary frame installed to be movable with respect to the main frame; a cartridge installed at the installation portion and provided with a discharge hole through which a concentrated ink or carrier is discharged by compressed air; a fastener for fixing the cartridge installed at the installation portion to the main frame; a valve unit provided with a plurality of valves which can be selectively matched with the discharge hole and installed to be movable with respect to the auxiliary frame; and a valve raising/lowering mechanism which raises or lowers the auxiliary frame with respect to the main frame to connect or disconnect a corresponding valve to or from the discharge hole.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus to develop a latent image formed on an image bearing member with a liquid type developer. In the image forming apparatus, a developer container contains the liquid-type developer. A developer carrier carries the liquid-type developer to supply the liquid-type developer to the image bearing member. A developer applying device applies the liquid-type developer to the developer carrier. A holding part holds a part of the liquid-type developer contained in the developer carrier and is located below the developer applying device. A developer transfer device transfers the liquid-type developer from the developer container to the holding part. As a further feature, the developer transfer device may include a developer transfer member having a width smaller than a length of the developer applying roller in an axial direction and a developer spread device provided between an outlet of the developer transfer member and an inlet of the holding part.

Abstract: A liquid material supplier capable of effectively preventing a liquid material, such as ink, held on a surface of a liquid material holding member from drying and an image forming apparatus provided with the same. The supplier includes a liquid material holding member for holding a liquid material on a surface thereof. The liquid material holding member is rotatable in a predetermined direction and supplying, during rotation, the liquid material to a member to be supplied at a given supply position. The supplier further includes a supply station for supplying the liquid material to the surface of the liquid material holding member and a regulating member for regulating the liquid material on the liquid material holding member to a specified thickness. The regulating member is disposed at a position downstream of the supply station and upstream of the supply position in the direction of rotation of the liquid material holding member.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing liquid toner concentrate including a container containing liquid toner concentrate, mounting apparatus operative to secure the container while allowing for axial movement of the container and air pressure apparatus for causing axial movement of the container and movement of a movable partition in the canister to aid in selective dispensing of the liquid toner concentrate from the container.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a developing device includes a reservoir storing a viscous and dense developing liquid. A developing sleeve, an applicator roller, a circulation pump for circulating the liquid and a screw for agitating the liquid are disposed in the reservoir. The reservoir is open only at its portion where the developing sleeve contacts an image carrier. The liquid is agitated by the screw before flowing into the circulation pump and then applied to the applicator roller. As a result, the liquid is fed to the developing sleeve via the applicator roller with a uniform toner content. The apparatus is small size and stably forms high quality images.

Abstract: A technique for supplying ink in a liquid printer, for example, includes an apparatus containing: an ink reservoir containing ink; a supply pump for pumping ink into the ink reservoir; a manifold coupled to the supply pump via an ink supply pipe and through which ink is injected to a gap between a developing roller and a photoreceptor web, and an ink storing portion installed between the ink supply pipe and the manifold and having a sectional area greater than that of the ink supply pipe so that a change in pressure of ink supplied to the manifold from the ink supply pipe is minimized.

Abstract: A cleaning member on a surface of a developer roller can effectively remove toner particles on the developer roller. The cleaning member has a plurality of flexible blades slidingly contacting with the surface of the developer roller on a peripheral surface of a rotary roller arranged in parallel to the developer roller and brushes provided on the surface of the roller at a position between the blades and slidingly contacting with the surface of the developer roller. The cleaning roller is housed within a cleaning chamber and driven to rotate at a higher speed than the developer roller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide improved custom color capabilities. A pre-mixed custom color toner having a high solids content of approximately 10-50% is used to generate a custom color toner layer to develop an electrostatic latent image. In contrast to conventional liquid developing systems, a complex control system is not needed to achieve consistent and stable color toner images using the invention. A custom color toner layer assembly can also be formed and used to develop an electrostatic latent image. Because the color and density of the toner layer assembly is formed before image development, color correction steps can be avoided.

Abstract: A refill cartridge for a wet electrophotographic printer. The refill cartridge, for supplying ink to an ink cartridge fixed in a printer main body having a hollow area therein, includes: a case having an air hole and an ink supply hole, for detachable installation in the hollow area; a disk slidably mounted within the case; a spring for elastically biasing the disk toward the ink supply hole; and an ink supply hole plug capable of opening and closing the ink supply hole.