Abstract: A drop ejector array device includes a first plurality and a second plurality of drop ejectors that are alternatingly disposed along an array direction on the substrate surface. A voltage input terminal and a current return terminal are disposed on the substrate surface. A first power bus line connects the first plurality to the voltage input terminal. A second power bus line connects the second plurality to the voltage input terminal. The second power bus line is electrically connected to the first power bus line by a primary power bus connector line. A first current return bus line connects the first plurality to the current return terminal. A second current return bus line connects the second plurality to the current return terminal. The second current return bus line is electrically connected to the first current return bus line by a primary current return bus connector line.

Abstract: A drop ejection system includes a working fluid source containing a working fluid, an ink source containing an ink that is immiscible with the working fluid, and at least one drop ejector array module. Each drop ejector array module includes a substrate and an array of drop ejectors disposed on the substrate. Each drop ejector includes a nozzle; an ink inlet connected to the ink source; a working fluid inlet connected to the working fluid source; a pressure chamber in fluidic communication with the nozzle, the ink inlet, and the working fluid inlet; and a heating element configured to selectively vaporize a portion of the working fluid to pressurize the pressure chamber for ejecting ink drops through the nozzle.

Abstract: A hierarchically aligned inkjet printhead includes a plurality of printhead units and a base holding the printhead units. Each printhead unit includes a plurality of drop ejector array devices, each of which includes at least one drop ejector array; a first butting edge having a first mechanical alignment feature; and a second butting edge having a second mechanical alignment feature. Each printhead unit includes an ink manifold that is fluidically connected to each of the plurality of drop ejector array devices in the printhead unit; and a mounting member to which the drop ejector array devices are affixed. A pair of opposing alignment edges of each printhead unit are substantially parallel to the butting edges of the drop ejector array devices. A first of the opposing alignment edges includes an outwardly-extending projection, and a second of the opposing alignment edges includes a niche that is substantially complementary to the projection.

Abstract: An inkjet printing system includes an printhead with a nozzle face having nozzles arranged along an array direction. A pressure source is configured to provide a positive or negative pressure to an ink source. A valve is fluidically connected between the ink source and the inkjet printhead. A cleaning station is configured to confront the nozzle face across a gap. The cleaning station includes a cleaning fluid dispenser for dispensing cleaning fluid onto the nozzle face. The cleaning station includes a waste fluid collector having a vacuum inlet that is displaced from the cleaning fluid dispenser in a first direction for collecting dispensed cleaning fluid. The cleaning station includes a blower that is displaced from the cleaning fluid dispenser in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The blower is configured to direct a gas stream along the nozzle face to move dispensed cleaning fluid toward the vacuum inlet.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead includes a two-dimensional array of drop ejectors arranged as a plurality of columns, each column including a plurality of banks, and each bank including a plurality of groups that each include a plurality of drop ejectors. The drop ejectors in each group are substantially aligned along a first direction. The groups in each bank are spaced from each other along the first direction and are offset from each other along a second direction. The banks in each column are spaced from each other along the first direction and are offset from each other along the second direction. The columns are offset from each other along the second direction. The two-dimensional array has a width W along the first direction and a length L greater than W along the second direction. Each drop ejector includes a nozzle, an ink inlet, a pressure chamber and an actuator.

Abstract: A drop ejection system includes a working fluid source containing a working fluid, an ink source containing an ink that is immiscible with the working fluid, and at least one drop ejector array module. Each drop ejector array module includes a substrate and an array of drop ejectors disposed on the substrate. Each drop ejector includes a nozzle; an ink inlet connected to the ink source; a working fluid inlet connected to the working fluid source; a pressure chamber in fluidic communication with the nozzle, the ink inlet, and the working fluid inlet; and a heating element configured to selectively vaporize a portion of the working fluid to pressurize the pressure chamber for ejecting ink drops through the nozzle.

Abstract: An inkjet printing system includes a drop ejector array module having a temperature sensor and a logic circuit for sequentially selecting one or more drop ejectors in the array. The system also includes an image data source for providing an image data signal, a memory for storing a temperature correction factor, and a memory for storing at least one drop ejector correction factor. The system includes a fire pulse generator configured to receive signals corresponding to the temperature sensor, the temperature correction factor and the at least one drop ejector correction factor and to output a fire pulse waveform. Also included is a heating pulse generator configured to receive signals corresponding to the temperature sensor and the temperature correction factor and to output a heating pulse waveform. A waveform selector is provided for selecting either a fire pulse waveform or a heating pulse waveform based on the image data signal.

Abstract: An inkjet printing system includes at least one drop ejector array module having an array of drop ejectors disposed on a substrate. A primary temperature sensor is located near a first set of drop ejectors. At least one secondary temperature sensor is located near a second set of drop ejectors. Temperature comparison circuitry on the substrate is configured to compare signals from the primary temperature sensor and the at least one secondary temperature sensor. Pulse modification circuitry on the substrate is electrically connected to the temperature comparison circuitry and is configured to modify an input pulse waveform. The inkjet printing system also includes a controller that is electrically connected to the primary temperature sensor via a temperature output pad and to the pulse modification circuitry via a pulse waveform input pad.

Abstract: A method of printing an image with a printhead having spatially offset groups of drop ejectors, each group having a plurality of drop ejectors that are aligned substantially along a scan direction, includes enabling simultaneous firing of drop ejectors that are corresponding members of a first set of groups. Drop ejectors within each group of the first set are sequentially fired until each member of each group has had opportunity to fire. Corresponding drop ejectors of a second set of groups are simultaneously fired, and drop ejectors within each group of the second set are sequentially fired. Any additional groups of drop ejectors are likewise fired until all drop ejectors have had opportunity to fire during a first stroke. Drop ejectors are fired in subsequent strokes similar to the first stroke as the recording medium is moved relative to the printhead along the scan direction until printing is completed.