Abstract: A method of ink evaporation prediction for an ink reservoir includes establishing an empirical evaporation curve representing evaporation characteristics for an ink reservoir type, the ink reservoir belonging to the ink reservoir type; and establishing an evaporation prediction curve for the ink reservoir that approximates the empirical evaporation curve.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a printhead carrier having a first bay and a second bay. A first type of printhead cartridge is installed in the first bay. One of a second type of printhead cartridge and a third type of printhead cartridge is installed in the second bay. A drive mechanism is coupled to a wiper carrier to individually drive each of a first printhead wiper and a second printhead wiper between a non-wiping elevation and a wiping elevation. A controller is communicatively coupled to the drive mechanism, and selects one of the non-wiping elevation and the wiping elevation for the second printhead wiper depending on which of the second type of printhead cartridge and the third type of printhead cartridge is installed in the second bay.

Abstract: A method for imaging with an imaging apparatus includes the steps of designating a supply item for use in the imaging apparatus as one of a first cartridge type and a second cartridge type; establishing for the imaging apparatus a first operational state and a second operational state, the first operational state corresponding to a first period of imaging apparatus use when the imaging apparatus is new, and the second operational state corresponding to a second period of imaging apparatus use following the first period of imaging apparatus use; and determining whether the imaging apparatus is operating in the first operational state, the imaging apparatus accepting the first cartridge type for imaging only if the imaging apparatus is operating in the first operational state.

Abstract: A printhead capping assembly includes a cap holder and a printhead cap. The cap holder defines a cavity and a vent exit. The printhead cap has a base and a lip portion extending from the base. The lip portion defines an open interior region. The base is inserted into the cavity of the cap holder. The base includes a serpentine channel extending from the open interior region to the vent exit of the cap holder.

Abstract: A printhead capping assembly includes a cap holder, a printhead cap and a pin. The pin includes a head and a shaft. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end being adjacent to the head. The head has an outer periphery, and a bottom surface extending outwardly from the shaft toward the outer periphery. The pin has a channel including a first channel portion and a second channel portion. The first channel portion extends from the outer periphery of the head to the shaft. The first channel portion is connected to the second channel portion. The pin is inserted through the second hole and into the first hole to place the head in contact with the second base of the printhead cap. The second base of the printhead cap seals along the first channel portion to define a first vent path portion.

Abstract: A printhead capping assembly includes a cap holder, a printhead cap and a pin. The pin includes a head and a shaft. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end being adjacent to the head. The head has an outer periphery, and a bottom surface extending outwardly from the shaft toward the outer periphery. The pin has a channel including a first channel portion and a second channel portion. The first channel portion extends from the outer periphery of the head to the shaft. The first channel portion is connected to the second channel portion. The pin is inserted through the second hole and into the first hole to place the head in contact with the second base of the printhead cap. The second base of the printhead cap seals along the first channel portion to define a first vent path portion.

Abstract: A method for reducing the cost of imaging for customers includes the steps of establishing an imaging reward threshold value; determining a rate of consumption of a supply item; comparing the rate of consumption with the imaging reward threshold value; and, based on an outcome of the comparing step, determining whether the customer qualifies to receive an imaging reward.