Abstract: A inkjet printing device comprising a drum platen, the platen having a recess in its circumferential surface. The recess is adapted to accept an inkjet servicing device. The inkjet servicing device, for example a spittoon, may be permanently or semi-permanently located in the recess. Alternatively, The inkjet servicing device, for example a printhead wiper element, may from time to time pass into or through the recess.

Abstract: A hardcopy device such as an ink-jet printer comprises a printhead, a spittoon for receiving waste ink from the printheads, and a heater for quickly drying the ink waste products in the spittoon. A drum platen having a print media supporting area also has an elongate spittoon region extending across its circumferential surface, the contents of the spittoon region being arranged to be removed intermittently by an elongate scraper which, in one position of the drum, can be moved radially towards the drum to contact the spittoon region.

Abstract: An air pressurization system is incorporated as part of a replaceable auxiliary ink supply for an inkjet printer. The auxiliary ink-supply cartridge includes a pressurized container having air, ink and electrical-signal connections. The air pressure applied to the auxiliary ink supply is monitored to maintain it in a predetermined range in accordance with a start-up sequence, and operational sequence, a waiting time, and a close-down sequence.

Abstract: Vapour removed from the drying chamber of a hardcopy apparatus is condensed and passed to a reservoir from which it is intermittently pumped into an ink supply cartridge. Cartridge supplies ink from a first bag via a first nozzle. As the first bag contracts, it allows a second bag to expand to receive the condensate from reservoir via a valving system and a second nozzle. In addition, a pump supplies air the second bag via piping; by switching over the valving system, it is the same pump which is used to transfer the condensate from reservoir to the cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a handling device which comprises a lid, which may be arranged to cover at least partially a surface of a replaceable consumable of a printhead service station, engagement members for engaging the lid to the consumable, and a hand grip. The consumable may be replaced by engaging the handling device with the consumable while the latter is still in the service station, and removing the consumable from the service station with the handling device. The risk of getting ink on the user's hands when replacing a consumable is reduced.

Abstract: A hardcopy device comprises a printhead which extends across a print media path, and movable service station components which are moved in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the printhead and into a position between the printhead and the print media path, whereby to undertake a servicing operation on the printing member. The printheads are lifted away from the print media path to allow the movement of the service station components. The service station components may move along a track which is angled to one side of the hardcopy device. Different service station components may be provided at opposite sides of the hardcopy device.

Abstract: A inkjet printing device comprising a drum platen, the platen having a recess in its circumferential surface. The recess is adapted to accept an inkjet servicing device. The inkjet servicing device, for example a spittoon, may be permanently or semi-permanently located in the recess. Alternatively, The inkjet servicing device, for example a printhead wiper element, may from time to time pass into or through the recess.

Abstract: In one implementation, an aerosol collector for an inkjet printer includes a partial enclosure defining a central cavity. An air passage is defined within a wall forming the partial enclosure to allow air movement into an opening defined on an inside surface of the partial enclosure and out of an exhaust outlet. A fan is configured to remove a mixture of air and aerosol from the central cavity, through the air passage and through the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: A device for applying solvent to an inkjet printhead, the device being arranged to be mounted in an inkjet printer and comprising an applicator adapted to hold solvent and a positioning mechanism arranged to bring the applicator into contact with a substantial portion of the nozzle area of the printhead at substantially the same time.

Abstract: The printheads of an inkjet printer have a service station movable in a direction transversely of a printhead scanning direction and comprising servicing modules for undertaking different functions, one of the modules being detachable from the rest. The detachable connection comprises a rotating hook and a fixed hook which automatically interengage and disengage.

Abstract: In one implementation, an aerosol collector for an inkjet printer includes a partial enclosure defining a central cavity. An air passage is defined within a wall forming the partial enclosure to allow air movement into an opening defined on an inside surface of the partial enclosure and out of an exhaust outlet. A fan is configured to remove a mixture of air and aerosol from the central cavity, through the air passage and through the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: Absorbent pads are provided at various positions on a substrate of a service station. The substrate may be in the form of a device intended to be implemented during a capping operation of an ink ejection elements, e.g., printheads, pens, etc. The various positions on the substrate generally correspond to various locations on the ink ejection element that are known to accumulate ink and other debris. During use, the substrate is drawn near the ink ejection element to thereby cause contact between the absorbent pads and the various locations. The relative movement between the substrate and the ink ejection element is substantially vertical to thereby greatly reduce the possibility of the absorbent pad damaging the nozzles of the ink ejection element. Absorbent pads are also provided on upstanding members of the substrate to substantially remove ink and debris that may accumulate on the sides of the ink ejection element.

Abstract: A spittoon for servicing an inkjet printhead is provided, where the spittoon includes a bottom and one or more walls. At least one wall of the spittoon has an inwardly extending lip. The walls of the spittoon, taken in combination with the bottom of the spittoon, define a waste ink reservoir. The presence of at least one lip on the spittoon walls helps retain the waste ink when the spittoon is moved or tilted, minimizing ink spills.

Abstract: In one implementation, an aerosol collector for an inkjet printer includes a partial enclosure defining a central cavity. An air passage is defined within a wall forming the partial enclosure to allow air movement into an opening defined on an inside surface of the partial enclosure and out of an exhaust outlet. A fan is configured to remove a mixture of air and aerosol from the central cavity, through the air passage and through the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus and method of assembly therefor for cleaning an inkjet print head. The cleaning apparatus comprises a web supply for supplying a cleaning web therefrom and a web receiver for receiving the web. A web drive drives the web from the web supply to the web receiver. The web drive pulls the web from the web supply with a first tension force and also pulls the web onto the web receiver with a second tension force greater than the first tension force, so that the web is wrinkle-free while the web slidably engages an exterior surface of the print head to clean the print head. The web remains wrinkle-free to ensure that the surface of the web will contact the surface of the print head without gaps in contact coverage. This enhances cleaning effectiveness compared to a cleaning web having wrinkles.

Abstract: Absorbent pads are provided at various positions on a substrate of a service station. The substrate may be in the form of a device intended to be implemented during a capping operation of ink ejection elements, e.g., printheads, pens, etc. Ink accumulated in the absorbent pads may be substantially removed and stored in a receptacle to thereby enable to absorbent pads to be capable of absorbing additional amounts of ink. The transfer of ink from the absorbent pads to the receptacle may be facilitated by a transfer member connecting the two components. The absorbent pads may selectively contact and disengage from the transfer member at various moments during, for example, a servicing routine. The receptacle may be a spittoon that may also be implemented to receive spit ink from the ink ejection element.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus and method of assembly therefor for cleaning an inkjet print head. The cleaning apparatus comprises a web supply for supplying a cleaning web therefrom and a web receiver for receiving the web. A web drive drives the web from the web supply to the web receiver. The web drive pulls the web from the web supply with a first tension force and also pulls the web onto the web receiver with a second tension force greater than the first tension force, so that the web is wrinkle-free while the web slidably engages an exterior surface of the print head to clean the print head. The web remains wrinkle-free to ensure that the surface of the web will contact the surface of the print head without gaps in contact coverage. This enhances cleaning effectiveness compared to a cleaning web having wrinkles.

Abstract: A spittoon for servicing an inkjet printhead is provided, where the spittoon includes a bottom and one or more walls. At least one wall of the spittoon has an inwardly extending lip. The walls of the spittoon, taken in combination with the bottom of the spittoon, define a waste ink reservoir. The presence of at least one lip on the spittoon walls helps retain the waste ink when the spittoon is moved or tilted, minimizing ink spills.

Abstract: Vapour removed from the drying chamber of a hardcopy apparatus is condensed and passed to a reservoir from which it is intermittently pumped into an ink supply cartridge. Cartridge supplies ink from a first bag via a first nozzle. As the first bag contracts, it allows a second bag to expand to receive the condensate from reservoir via a valving system and a second nozzle. In addition, a pump supplies air the second bag via piping; by switching over the valving system, it is the same pump which is used to transfer the condensate from reservoir to the cartridge.

Abstract: Absorbent pads are provided at various positions on a substrate of a service station. The substrate may be in the form of a device intended to be implemented during a capping operation of ink ejection elements, e.g., printheads, pens, etc. Ink accumulated in the absorbent pads may be substantially removed and stored in a receptacle to thereby enable to absorbent pads to be capable of absorbing additional amounts of ink. The transfer of ink from the absorbent pads to the receptacle may be facilitated by a transfer member connecting the two components. The absorbent pads may selectively contact and disengage from the transfer member at various moments during, for example, a servicing routine. The receptacle may be a spittoon that may also be implemented to receive spit ink from the ink ejection element.