Abstract: Apparatus for editing and processing a text printed on a record carrier, composed of a memory for storing representations of the next characters and of function information relating to the text, a control unit connected for controlling transfer of representations to and from the memory; and a text editing unit composed of a digitalization panel presenting a surface for receiving the record carrier and including a circuit connected to the control unit for producing signals representing the location of elemental regions on the surface, and an input pen for placing markings on the record carrier and for actuating the signal producing circuit to produce signals representing the location of each elemental region contacted by the pen. The control unit is arranged to receive the signals produced by the signal producing circuit, to convert those signals.

Abstract: An elastic covering for closing off a nozzle outlet area containing at least one nozzle orifice of an ink printing head filled with an aqueous liquid comprising a polar elastomer, a hydrophilic additive, and at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of cross-linking agents, activators, and accelerators.

Abstract: An ink printing unit includes a platen for supporting a record carrier, an ink printing head movable along a path of travel parallel to the platen. The ink printing head has nozzles and a nozzle outlet area through which ink is ejected onto the record carrier. The unit further has a sealing device for periodically closing off the nozzles by engaging an end face of the ink printing head in the zone of the nozzle outlet area.

Abstract: The nozzle surface of an ink writing head installed in an ink printer is cleaned by bringing a liquid-absorbing cleaning medium into contact with at least those portions of the nozzle surface which surround the nozzle outlet openings, maintaining such contact for a period to permit ink to flow from the nozzles in the direction toward the cleaning medium and to be absorbed by the cleaning medium, whereby such nozzle surface portions are wetted by a liquid phase in which particles to be removed are dissolved, and removing the cleaning medium from the nozzle surface in order to carry such particles away from the nozzle surface. Preferably, the absorbing medium exhibits capillarity and possesses capillary passages smaller in diameter than the nozzles and presents a contact angle of less than 90.degree. with the ink.