Abstract: A process for filling one or more etched holes defined in a frontside surface of a wafer substrate. The process includes the steps of: (i) depositing a layer of a photoimageable thermoplastic polymer onto the frontside surface and into each hole; (ii) reflowing the polymer; (iii) selectively removing the polymer from regions outside a periphery of each hole, the selective removing comprising exposure and development of the polymer; (iv) optionally repeating steps (i) to (iii) until each hole is overfilled with the polymer; and (v) planarizing the frontside surface to provide one or more holes filled with a plug of the polymer. Each plug has a respective upper surface coplanar with the frontside surface.

Abstract: A process for filling one or more etched holes defined in a frontside surface of a wafer substrate. The process includes the steps of: (i) depositing a layer of a thermoplastic first polymer onto the frontside surface and into each hole; (ii) reflowing the first polymer; (iii) exposing the wafer substrate to a controlled oxidative plasma; (iv) optionally repeating steps (i) to (iii); (v) depositing a layer of a photoimageable second polymer; (vi) selectively removing the second polymer from regions outside a periphery of the holes using exposure and development; and (vii) planarizing the frontside surface to provide holes filled with a plug comprising the first and second polymers, which are different than each other. Each plug has a respective upper surface coplanar with the frontside surface.

Abstract: A method of generating print data for an inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink planes. The method includes the steps of: receiving image data for a print job in a printer controller; retrieving keep-wet pattern data for each ink plane of the printhead, the retrieved keep-wet pattern data being determined using one or more input parameters; generating first print data for each ink plane in the printer controller based on the received image data; merging the first print data with the keep-wet pattern data to provide second print data for each ink plane; and sending the second print data from the printer controller to the printhead, thereby causing the printhead to print an image together with a keep-wet pattern. The keep-wet pattern is defined by a plurality of dots printed at a frequency sufficient to maintain hydration of each nozzle in the printhead.

Abstract: A method of generating print data for an inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink planes. The method includes the steps of: receiving image data for a print job in a printer controller; retrieving keep-wet pattern data for each ink plane of the printhead, the retrieved keep-wet pattern data being determined using one or more input parameters; generating first print data for each ink plane in the printer controller based on the received image data; merging the first print data with the keep-wet pattern data to provide second print data for each ink plane; and sending the second print data from the printer controller to the printhead, thereby causing the printhead to print an image together with a keep-wet pattern. The keep-wet pattern is defined by a plurality of dots printed at a frequency sufficient to maintain hydration of each nozzle in the printhead.

Abstract: An inkjet nozzle device includes: a nozzle chamber having a floor, a roof and perimeter sidewalls extending between the floor and the roof, wherein a nozzle aperture is defined in the roof; a heating element for generating gas bubbles in the nozzle chamber so as to eject ink through the nozzle aperture, wherein a centroid of the heating element is aligned with a centroid of the nozzle aperture; and a pair of chamber inlets defined in the floor of the nozzle chamber, the chamber inlets being symmetrically disposed about the centroid of the heating element. The inkjet nozzle device has a pair of orthogonal symmetry planes passing through the centroid of the nozzle aperture.

Abstract: A method of printing from a fixed inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink planes. The method includes the steps of: feeding a print medium past the printhead in a media feed direction, the media feed direction defining relative upstream and downstream sides of the printhead; printing an image onto the print medium, the image being defined by image data; and printing a keep-wet pattern onto the print medium from each ink plane of the printhead, the keep-wet pattern being defined by a plurality of dots printed at a frequency sufficient to maintain hydration of each nozzle in the printhead. A first keep-wet pattern from a first ink plane is printed at a higher frequency than a second keep-wet pattern from a second ink plane, the first ink plane being furthest upstream in the printhead.

Abstract: A method of printing from a fixed inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink planes. The method includes the steps of: feeding a print medium past the printhead in a media feed direction, the media feed direction defining relative upstream and downstream sides of the printhead; printing an image onto the print medium, the image being defined by image data; and printing a keep-wet pattern onto the print medium from each ink plane of the printhead, the keep-wet pattern being defined by a plurality of dots printed at a frequency sufficient to maintain hydration of each nozzle in the printhead. A first keep-wet pattern from a first ink plane is printed at a higher frequency than a second keep-wet pattern from a second ink plane, the first ink plane being furthest upstream in the printhead.

Abstract: A process for filling one or more etched holes defined in a frontside surface of a wafer substrate. The process includes the steps of: (i) depositing a layer of a thermoplastic first polymer onto the frontside surface and into each hole; (ii) reflowing the first polymer; (iii) exposing the wafer substrate to a controlled oxidative plasma; (iv) optionally repeating steps (i) to (iii); (v) depositing a layer of a photoimageable second polymer; (vi) selectively removing the second polymer from regions outside a periphery of the holes using exposure and development; and (vii) planarizing the frontside surface to provide holes filled with a plug comprising the first and second polymers, which are different than each other. Each plug has a respective upper surface coplanar with the frontside surface.

Abstract: A method of printing from a fixed inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink planes. The method includes the steps of: feeding a print medium past the printhead in a media feed direction, the media feed direction defining relative upstream and downstream sides of the printhead; printing an image onto the print medium, the image being defined by image data; and printing a keep-wet pattern onto the print medium from each ink plane of the printhead, the keep-wet pattern being defined by a plurality of dots printed at a frequency sufficient to maintain hydration of each nozzle in the printhead. A first keep-wet pattern from a first ink plane is printed at a higher frequency than a second keep-wet pattern from a second ink plane, the first ink plane being furthest upstream in the printhead.

Abstract: A method of generating print data for an inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink planes. The method includes the steps of: receiving image data for a print job in a printer controller; retrieving keep-wet pattern data for each ink plane of the printhead, the retrieved keep-wet pattern data being determined using one or more input parameters; generating first print data for each ink plane in the printer controller based on the received image data; merging the first print data with the keep-wet pattern data to provide second print data for each ink plane; and sending the second print data from the printer controller to the printhead, thereby causing the printhead to print an image together with a keep-wet pattern. The keep-wet pattern is defined by a plurality of dots printed at a frequency sufficient to maintain hydration of each nozzle in the printhead.

Abstract: An inkjet nozzle device includes: a nozzle chamber having a floor, a roof and perimeter sidewalls extending between the floor and the roof, wherein a nozzle aperture is defined in the roof; a heating element for generating gas bubbles in the nozzle chamber so as to eject ink through the nozzle aperture, wherein a centroid of the heating element is aligned with a centroid of the nozzle aperture; and a pair of chamber inlets defined in the floor of the nozzle chamber, the chamber inlets being symmetrically disposed about the centroid of the heating element. The inkjet nozzle device has a pair of orthogonal symmetry planes passing through the centroid of the nozzle aperture.

Abstract: A method of printing from a fixed inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink planes. The method includes the steps of: feeding a print medium past the printhead in a media feed direction, the media feed direction defining relative upstream and downstream sides of the printhead; printing an image onto the print medium, the image being defined by image data; and printing a keep-wet pattern onto the print medium from each ink plane of the printhead, the keep-wet pattern being defined by a plurality of dots printed at a frequency sufficient to maintain hydration of each nozzle in the printhead. A first keep-wet pattern from a first ink plane is printed at a higher frequency than a second keep-wet pattern from a second ink plane, the first ink plane being furthest upstream in the printhead.

Abstract: A multi-color printer has an array of monochrome fixed inkjet printheads aligned in a media feed direction. The printer includes: a first printhead positioned furthest upstream relative to the media feed direction; a second printhead positioned furthest downstream relative to the media feed direction; and a third printhead positioned between the first and second printheads. Each printhead is supplied with a respective ink from a multi-color ink set, the first printhead being supplied with a lowest luminance ink of the ink set and the third printhead being supplied with a highest luminance ink of the ink set.

Abstract: A method of printing from a fixed inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink planes. The method includes the steps of: feeding a print medium past the printhead in a media feed direction, the media feed direction defining relative upstream and downstream sides of the printhead; printing an image onto the print medium, the image being defined by image data; and printing a keep-wet pattern onto the print medium from each ink plane of the printhead, the keep-wet pattern being defined by a plurality of dots printed at a frequency sufficient to maintain hydration of each nozzle in the printhead. A first keep-wet pattern from a first ink plane is printed at a higher frequency than a second keep-wet pattern from a second ink plane, the first ink plane being furthest upstream in the printhead.

Abstract: A method of generating print data for an inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink planes. The method includes the steps of: receiving image data for a print job in a printer controller; retrieving keep-wet pattern data for each ink plane of the printhead, the retrieved keep-wet pattern data being determined using one or more input parameters; generating first print data for each ink plane in the printer controller based on the received image data; merging the first print data with the keep-wet pattern data to provide second print data for each ink plane; and sending the second print data from the printer controller to the printhead, thereby causing the printhead to print an image together with a keep-wet pattern. The keep-wet pattern is defined by a plurality of dots printed at a frequency sufficient to maintain hydration of each nozzle in the printhead.

Abstract: A printhead assembly includes an elongate extrusion defining a plurality of longitudinally extending ink channels. The extrusion also defines a plurality of first groups of holes with the holes in each group extending from respective ink channels. An elongate support defines a longitudinally extending extrusion channel in which the extrusion is received. The elongate support also defines a plurality of second groups of holes aligned with the first groups. Printhead modules are engaged along the support in fluid communication with respective second groups and are configured to eject ink supplied from the channels via respective first and second groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printhead module assembly for a pagewidth printer system. The module assembly includes a printhead integrated circuit (IC) manufactured using a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) process, and a flexible printed circuit board electrically connected to the integrated circuit for supplying power and data thereto. The module assembly also includes a top channel layer supporting the IC, the top channel layer defining a number of slots therein, and an upper layer defining holes that are aligned with inner parts of the slots of the top channel layer, the upper layer further defining a number of channels. Further included is a mid layer defining a number of holes which are aligned with ends of the channel in the upper layer. A lower layer defines channels for supplying ink and compressed air to the IC via the layers such layers stacked to form an ink distribution assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printhead for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes a chassis assembly defining a plurality of spaced apart first groups of apertures and a channel. An ink distribution unit defines a plurality of ink distribution passages and a plurality of spaced apart second groups of apertures. The apertures of each second group are in fluid communication with respective ink distribution passages. The ink distribution unit is received in the channel so that the first and second groups coincide. A plurality of printhead modules is serially engaged along the chassis assembly and in fluid communication with respective first groups. The printhead modules are configured to eject ink provided from the ink distribution passages via the first and second groups.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead with a plurality of nozzles, a heater element adjacent each of the nozzles respectively for heating an ejectable liquid to form a gas bubble that causes the ejection of a drop of the ejectable liquid from the nozzle, and, a print engine controller for controlling the operation of the heater elements. During use, the print engine controller ensures that the time interval between successive actuations of each of the heater elements is less than a predetermined time in which the viscosity of the ejectable liquid in the increases to a threshold, known as the decap time.

Abstract: An ink jet printhead with a plurality of nozzles that each nozzle defining a planar nozzle aperture. A bubble forming chamber corresponds to each of the nozzles and a heater is positioned in each of the chambers respectively. The heater has a planar structure with a heater element extending between two electrodes, so that it is suspended by the electrodes in the bubble forming chamber for thermal contact with a printing fluid. The heater element is suspended so that the plane of the heater is parallel to the planar nozzle aperture.