Abstract: A method of detecting fluid drops ejected from a fluid applicator unit having nozzles. The method includes establishing a detection zone to detect detection fluid drops transmitted therein and ejecting a set of detection fluid drops through a set of nozzles of the fluid applicator unit through the detection zone to a detection receiving member. The method also includes ejecting a set of warm-up fluid drops through an other set of nozzles to a warm-up receiving member in a manner in which the set of warm-up fluid drops bypasses the detection zone. The method also includes detecting the set of the detection fluid drops ejected into the detection zone.

Abstract: A method of detecting fluid drops ejected from a fluid applicator unit having nozzles. The method includes establishing a detection zone to detect detection fluid drops transmitted therein and ejecting a set of detection fluid drops through a set of nozzles of the fluid applicator unit through the detection zone to a detection receiving member. The method also includes ejecting a set of warm-up fluid drops through an other set of nozzles to a warm-up receiving member in a manner in which the set of warm-up fluid drops bypasses the detection zone. The method also includes detecting the set of the detection fluid drops ejected into the detection zone.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an image forming device includes a storage device for storing data. A storage access manager is configured to coordinate access to the storage device from a plurality of client devices that communicate with the storage device using at least one uncoordinating communication protocol.

Abstract: Printer ink-drop detectors are used to detect ink stalagmites forming on a waste ink receiving spittoon. A warning message can be issued so that the stalagmites can be removed before automatic printer shutdown is initiated. Additionally, a record of the ink stalagmite detection can be stored within the printer for later access by service personnel during routine maintenance and/or resource replenishment.

Abstract: A printer includes an interface for receiving compressed digital video; and a circuit for performing video-decoding of the compressed video received by the interface. Such a printer can print selected video frames, without the assistance of a personal computer.

Abstract: A printer includes an interface for receiving compressed digital video; and a circuit for performing video-decoding of the compressed video received by the interface. Such a printer can print selected video frames, without the assistance of a personal computer.

Abstract: A printer capable of video-encoding digital images. The encoded images can be sent to, and displayed by, a television. Proofing and selection can be based on large, high resolution images on the television instead small, low quality thumbnail images on a proof sheet. Moreover, the digital images can be proofed, selected and printed out without the assistance of a personal computer.

Abstract: An ink-jet pen is disclosed that has a body of resilient felted polyurethane foam mounted in an ink chamber for ink retention and backpressure. A rectangular ink pipe extends from a bottom wall of the ink chamber between the walls of the ink chamber. A wire mesh filter is mounted to the ink pipe. The ink pipe and mesh filter extend into compressive contact with the foam to locally increase the capillarity of the foam. Any air that comes out of solution collects as a bubble in the rectangular ink pipe. This bubble does not block ink flow to the printhead, however, because the corners of the rectangular ink pipe provide a fluid capillary path. The bubble tends to form in a spheroid shape and does not extend into the corners of the ink pipe. In addition, rectangular filters are used, which reduces waste and expense compared to circular filters.

Abstract: An off-axis spring bag ink delivery system for an ink-jet printer/plotter. An auxiliary ink reservoir is located off-axis, and is coupled to an internal ink cartridge spring bag reservoir through a tube and check valve. A sensor determines when ink is to be pumped from the auxiliary reservoir into the interval reservoir. Ink does not flow from the auxiliary reservoir to the internal reservoir unless the check valve break pressure is exceeded, when the ink is being actively pumped in response to the sensor indication. The sensor can be a leaf spring switch built into the ink cartridge, which opens when the spring bag collapses beyond a leaf spring set point. The sensor can also be a pressure switch responsive to the negative pressure within the internal reservoir, which activates the auxiliary reservoir pump when the magnitude of the negative pressure exceeds a set pressure magnitude, indicating the cartridge reservoir ink volume is low.

Abstract: An off-axis ink delivery system for an ink-jet hard copy apparatus includes a multifunctional ink pump and flow switch device. A semipermanent, negative pressure, pen and printhead has a fluidic coupling to a static, refillable or replaceable, off-axis, ink reservoir via the ink pump and flow switch device.. The pen's mechanism for creating the negative pressure operational condition is used to pull ink from the reservoir when the ink pump and flow switch device is in an "open" position. Negative pressure reset, nozzle priming, pen air purging functions are also provided by the same ink pump and flow switch device. A system for each color ink is employed in the hard copy apparatus.

Abstract: An ink jet carriage assembly for an off-axis ink delivery ink jet printer including a movable print carriage; a plurality of ink jet printhead cartridges removably supported by the movable print carriage having cartridge septums for accepting respective ink delivery needles; a humidor structure located adjacent the cartridge septums for collecting ink from ink delivery needles when air is purged from ink delivery tubes connected to the ink delivery needles, and for containing or enclosing the ink delivery needles to prevent ink evaporation from the ink delivery tubes. A dummy cartridge collects ink from an ink delivery connector when air is purged from an ink delivery tube connected to the ink delivery connector.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ink volume in an ink reservoir carried on-board the print head carriage and replenishing the ink as needed to maintain an adequate volume of ink in the print head carriage ink reservoir, such replenishment coming from an off-board ink supply not positioned on the print head carriage.

Abstract: In a computer-driven ink-jet printer, a carriage-borne ink reservoir system adjacent a print head, having a housing and a movable wall within and in sealing contact with the housing, the movable wall being observable and forming a portion of a variable volume ink chamber within the housing, the position of the movable wall being related to the volume of ink contained in the carriage-borne ink reservoir.

Abstract: A collapsible ink reservoir structure to facilitate assembly of a replaceable or refillable printer ink cartridge is comprised of a relatively rigid inner frame and flexible membranes forming an ink reservoir having side walls which collapse to a substantially flat shape to minimize the amount of ink remaining in the reservoir structure after computer generated printing has depleted the ink from the cartridge. The reservoir structure is a separate unit from the ink discharge aperture device which is assembled and mounted in an outer housing and includes the inner frame and ink bags formed of films to form the cartridge assembly. Multiple reservoirs can be formed within the structure to permit the use of different colorants in each reservoir. The structure preferably contains an ink pressure regulator within each reservoir to maintain a negative pressure therein.

Abstract: In a printer carriage adapted for holding multiple pen cartridges in separate compartments, each carriage compartment includes one or more key-coded barriers at an entrance to the compartment to provide a first level carriage lockout scheme against non-matching cartridge tabs. A second level carriage lockout is provided to differentiate between different families of print cartridges which successfully pass through the first level lockout, which second level is based on predetermined barrier floor configurations in the bottom of each carriage compartment which block non-matching wings on particular print cartridge families.

Abstract: An improved pen for a hard copy printing device. Reservoirs within the central chamber of an ink cartridge housing are sealingly coupled to individual ink channels connecting each reservoir individually and directly to an exterior surface of the cartridge housing. An ink filter, downstream of any ink contaminating features of the construction, is also provided.

Abstract: A conical vent (14) for a cartridge (10) is located on an inner surface (20) of the cartridge. The conical vent includes a conical-shaped member (26) having a base (28) and an apex (30). An opening (32) extends through the center of the conical-shaped member (26) to provide an air passage for a cartridge (10). The opening (32) is adapted to create a capillary force on a small amount of liquid (59) that might enter the opening to prevent any remaining liquid from leaking through the opening. The vent also includes a groove or capillary trap (34) that encircles the base of the conical-shaped member. Also, a pair of upright walls (36) and (38) surround the conical-shaped member and cooperate with the capillary trap to divert liquid to the base of the conical-shaped member and away from its apex.