Abstract: A selected operating parameter of a device that operates in multiple operating states having differing natural response characteristics, at least one of which is variable over time, is controlled with a servo controller having control parameters which are responsive to the natural response characteristics. Sets of control parameters are provided to the servo controller corresponding to the operating states. One of the sets of control parameters corresponding to a given operating state is used by the servo controller to initiate control of the selected operating parameter in the given operating state. The response of the selected operating parameter in the given operating state is measured while the drive parameter is being controlled by the servo controller using the selected set of control parameters, and, if necessary, modified based on the response. The servo controller continues controlling the selected operating parameter using the modified set of control parameters.

Abstract: A printing system for printing on a print media includes a first printhead and a second printhead for printing on the print media. A first liquid supply module including a first liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with the first printhead and provides liquid from the first liquid reservoir to the first printhead. A second liquid supply module including a second liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with the second printhead and provides liquid from the second liquid reservoir to the second printhead. A liquid transfer module transfers liquid between the first liquid reservoir and the second liquid reservoir. A method of transferring liquid in the printing system is also provided.

Abstract: A printing system for printing on a print media includes a first printhead and a second printhead for printing on the print media. A first liquid supply module including a first liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with the first printhead and provides liquid from the first liquid reservoir to the first printhead. A second liquid supply module including a second liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with the second printhead and provides liquid from the second liquid reservoir to the second printhead. A liquid transfer module transfers liquid between the first liquid reservoir and the second liquid reservoir. A method of transferring liquid in the printing system is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method of communicating between a first device and a second device are provided. The method includes providing unencrypted data to be transmitted in the first device, encrypting at least a portion of the unencrypted data to be transmitted to form encrypted data, using at least a portion of the encrypted data to form a first validation code, appending the first validation code to the unencrypted data to form a packet of data to be transmitted, and transmitting the packet of data from the first device to the second device. The first device and the second device can include inkjet printing system components.

Abstract: A sensor includes a first set of electrodes, a second set of electrodes, and at least one electrical circuit. The first set of electrodes is completely submergible in a fluid. The second set of electrodes is partially submergible in the fluid. The at least one electrical circuit is configured to measure resistance of the fluid between the first set of electrodes and configured to measure resistance of the fluid between the second set of electrodes.

Abstract: An inkjet printer having an array of nozzles from which ink drops are emitted further includes a mechanism adapted to detect fluid levels in an ink supply tank to the inkjet printer while the printer is in idle mode, and shut down the printer when ink usage exceeds a predetermined volume.

Abstract: A method for validating warranty compliance for compatible fluid use of a printing system entails fluidly engaging a replaceable fluid container with a print station. The container includes a smart card adapted to track volumetric credits. Through use, the print station requests that fluid be added to a reservoir from the container. The method continues by ascertaining the presence of the smart card in the reader/writer and reading the smart card to obtain information related to the fluid. The print station operates per the information from the smart card. The method ends by ascertaining the amount of fluid amount removed from the container and writing the withdrawn amount to the smart card as a debit, thereby maintaining printhead operation under warranty.

Abstract: The print station with a controlled fluid system includes a printhead, a reservoir for supplying fluid to the printhead, and a replaceable fluid container containing a replacement fluid. A fluid supply line is connected between the replaceable fluid container and the reservoir, and a fluid line is connected between the reservoir to the printhead. A pump supplies fluid from the reservoir to the printhead. A controllable valve in located in the fluid supply line, and is attached to a controller that provides a controlled release of fluid from the replaceable fluid container to the reservoir. The station includes a sensor for ascertaining the fluid level in the reservoir in communication with the controller, a reader/writer for communicating with the controller, and a smart card adapted to be read by the reader writer. The smart card includes information concerning the replaceable fluid container.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving the control of vacuum and pressure in an ink jet printing system. The control is positively affected by reducing response time of the system, minimizing overshoot of the controlled parameters, such as ink pressure or system vacuum, eliminating steady state oscillations, and reducing the magnitude of the excursions of the controlled parameter in response to load changes.

Abstract: A method and self-configuring structure are provided for optimizing state and state sequencing in ink jet printing system operation. A plurality of operating states are defined and assembled into at least one operating sequence. A conditional test is applied to the defined operating state. Execution flow can then be changed based on results of the conditional test. Finally, the defined operating states and assembled sequences are organized into an interpretable document.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for cleaning the printhead of a continuous ink jet printing system. A cleaning fluid is introduced and used to flush ink residues and debris from the interior of the drop generator, the exterior of the orifice plate, the charge plate face and the catcher face. This system and method removes dried ink residues and other debris and deposits by providing a cleaning fluid with a low surface tension to dissolve or flush away the unwanted material from the orifices. This is particularly advantageous in that the flushing and rinsing is accomplished without mechanical contact which could abrade or damage the orifices.