Abstract: A multi-channel valve arrangement for distributing ink from a plurality of ink supplies to a media width inkjet printhead via a plurality of ink tubes each defining an individual ink flow channel, the valve having a body, a plurality of ports defined through the body, each port being configured to receive a respective one of the ink tubes therethrough, a movable pinch element extending across the ports and a pinch drive arrangement for selectively moving the pinch element into and out of pinching contact with the ink tubes so as to respectively block and allow ink flow through the ink tubes.

Abstract: A printing system having a media width printhead, a fluid container fluidically interconnected with the printhead via a closed fluid flow loop, a bypass fluid path bypassing the printhead on the closed loop and a multi-path valve on the closed loop for selectively allowing fluid flow along the closed loop via the printhead and the bypass path.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for a printhead, the system having a fluid container fluidically interconnected with the printhead via a closed fluid flow loop, a gas vent on the closed loop and a multi-path valve on the closed loop for selectively allowing venting of gas in the closed loop via the gas vent.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for a printhead, the system having a plurality of fluid containers fluidically interconnected with the printhead via a respective plurality of closed fluid flow loops, a plurality of bypass fluid paths bypassing the printhead, each bypass path being associated with a respective one of the closed loops and a plurality of gas vents, each gas vent being associated with a respective one of the closed loops and a multi-channel four-way valve for selectively allowing fluid flow along each closed loop via the printhead and the bypass paths and venting of gas in each closed loop via the gas vents.

Abstract: A system for distributing fluid to a printhead, the system having a printhead a first fluid container and a second fluid container for distributing fluid from the first container to the printhead, the second container having a body for containing the fluid to a predetermined capacity, an inlet connected to the first container, a valve at the inlet, and an outlet connected to the printhead, wherein the valve is operated so that the valve is closed when the body contains fluid at the predetermined capacity and is open when fluid is distributed to the printhead via the outlet.

Abstract: A multi-channel diaphragm valve for distributing ink from a plurality of ink supplies to a media width inkjet printhead via a plurality of ink flow channels, the valve having: a body; a plurality of sealed chambers within the body, a plurality of groups of ports on the body, each port group being associated with a respective one of the chambers and having individual ports for respective connection to the printhead and a respective one of the ink supplies and a plurality of diaphragm pads having seals for sealing respective ones of the ports and a selection device for manipulating the diaphragm pad to selectively seal and un-seal the ports to establish interconnection between the ports of each port group to allow ink flow therebetween for each of the channels.

Abstract: A method of priming and de-priming a media width printhead the method having controlling operation, with a controller of a printing system having the printhead, of a pump on a closed fluid flow loop interconnecting a fluid container to the printhead to draw fluid from the container in a first direction around the closed loop to prime the printhead with fluid from the container and controlling operation of a valve on the closed loop, with the controller, to allow gas to enter the closed loop via a gas inlet to cause fluid in the closed loop and the printhead to de-prime to the container in a second direction around the closed loop.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for a printhead, the system having a fluid container fluidically interconnected with the printhead via a closed fluid flow loop, a bypass fluid path bypassing the printhead on the closed loop and a multi-path valve on the closed loop for selectively allowing fluid flow along the closed loop via the printhead and the bypass path.

Abstract: An ink container for an inkjet printhead, the ink container having a body for containing ink to a predetermined capacity, an ink inlet on the body, a float member within the body for floating on ink contained in the body, a valve at the inlet and a valve actuator for selectively opening and closing the valve, wherein the float member is pivotally attached to the valve actuator so that the float member causes the valve actuator to close the valve when the body contains ink at the predetermined capacity and to open the valve otherwise.

Abstract: A multi-path valve for a media width inkjet printhead, the printhead being connected to an ink source via a closed ink flow loop, the valve having a body, a first port on the body for connection to the ink source, a second port on the body for connection to the printhead, a third port on the body for connection to a bypass ink path which bypasses the printhead on the closed loop, a fourth port on the body for connection to a gas vent on the closed loop, a chamber within the body via which the first, second, third and fourth ports are able to be interconnected and a selection device for selectively establishing interconnection between the first, second, third and fourth ports to allow ink flow therebetween.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for a printhead, the system having a fluid container, a first fluid path interconnecting the container and a first fluid port of the printhead, a second fluid path interconnecting the container and a second fluid port of the printhead, a third fluid path interconnecting the first and second paths, wherein the first, second and third paths are configured so that fluid from the container flows between the first and second paths via the printhead and via the third fluid path.

Abstract: A fluid container having a body for containing fluid, a fluid outlet on a first wall of the body at which the contained fluid exits the body and a filter arranged within the body adjoining the first wall so that the contained fluid passes through the filter before exiting the outlet, wherein the filter is inclined relative to the first wall so that filtered fluid is contained in the body between the filter and the outlet.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for a printhead. The system having a first fluid container a fluid connector for connection to a fluid input of the printhead; and a second fluid container connected between the first container and the connector for delivering fluid from the first container to the connector, wherein the second container is located relative to the first container and the connector so that a fluid pressure difference between fluid contained within the second container and fluid at the connector is independent of the amount of fluid contained within the first container.

Abstract: A printing system having a media width printhead, a plurality of fluid containers fluidically interconnected with the printhead via a respective plurality of closed fluid flow loops, a plurality of bypass fluid paths bypassing the printhead, each bypass path being associated with a respective one of the closed loops and a plurality of gas vents, each gas vent being associated with a respective one of the closed loops and a multi-channel four-way valve for selectively allowing fluid flow along each closed loop via the printhead and the bypass paths and venting of gas in each closed loop via the gas vents.

Abstract: A printing system having a media width printhead, a plurality of fluid containers fluidically interconnected with the printhead via a respective plurality of closed fluid flow loops, a plurality of gas vents, each gas vent being associated with a respective one of the closed loops and a multi-path, multi-channel valve for selectively allowing venting of gas in each of the closed loops via the gas vents.

Abstract: A printing system having a media width printhead, a fluid container fluidically interconnected with the printhead via a closed fluid flow loop, a gas vent on the closed loop and a multi-path valve on the closed loop for selectively allowing venting of gas in the closed loop via the gas vent.

Abstract: A fluid container having a body for containing fluid, a fluid outlet on a first wall of the body at which the contained fluid exits the body and a filter arranged within the body substantially parallel to, and spaced from, a second wall of the body wherein the second wall adjoins the first wall with the outlet in the space between the filter and the second wall so that the contained fluid passes through the filter before exiting the outlet and the second wall declines from the adjoined first wall when the container is disposed with the filter above the second wall.

Abstract: A method of controlling fluid pressure at a printhead with a fluid distribution arrangement, the method having providing the fluid distribution arrangement with a first fluid container, a fluid connector for connection to a fluid input of the printhead, and a second fluid container connected between the first container and the connector for delivering fluid from the first container to the connector and locating the second container relative to the first container and the connector so that a fluid pressure difference between fluid contained within the second container and fluid at the connector is independent of the amount of fluid contained within the first container.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for a printhead, the system having a fluid container fluidically interconnected with the printhead via a closed fluid flow loop, a bypass fluid path bypassing the printhead on the closed loop, a gas vent on the closed loop and a four-way valve on the closed loop for selectively allowing fluid flow along the closed loop via the printhead and the bypass path and venting of gas in the closed loop via the gas vent.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system having a first fluid container having a fluid outlet, a second fluid container having a fluid inlet, a fluid line interconnecting the outlet of the first container and the inlet of the second container, an inverted umbrella valve between the fluid line and the inlet, the valve arranged to allow fluid flow from the first container to the second container via the fluid line and a restrictor for restricting the allowed fluid flow through the fluid line.