Abstract: A method of priming one or more printhead integrated circuits, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a printhead assembly comprising: an ink distribution manifold having an ink inlet and an ink outlet; one or more printhead integrated circuits mounted on the manifold, each printhead integrated circuit comprising a plurality of nozzles; an upstream ink line connected to the ink inlet; and a downstream ink line connected to the ink outlet, wherein at least part of the printhead assembly contains ink bubbles; (ii) providing an ink chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet via the upstream ink line; (iii) priming the printhead integrated circuits by drawing ink from the ink chamber, through the manifold and into the downstream ink line using a pump; (iv) bursting ink bubbles in the downstream ink line; (v) sensing for ink downstream of a bubble-bursting point in the downstream ink line; and (v) shutting off the pump when the ink is sensed.

Abstract: A printer comprising: an inkjet printhead having an ink inlet, an ink outlet and an array of nozzles; an ink chamber having an outlet port connected to the ink inlet via an upstream ink conduit; an air pump having a pump outlet communicating with a headspace in the ink chamber, the pump being configured to positively pressurize the headspace during a printhead priming operation; and a downstream ink conduit connected to the ink outlet, the downstream ink conduit communicating with a pump inlet of the pump, wherein the downstream ink conduit includes an expansion chamber for accommodating a volume of ink, thereby inhibiting the ink from reaching the pump inlet.

Abstract: A printer comprising: an inkjet printhead having an ink inlet, an ink outlet and a plurality of nozzles; an ink chamber having an outlet port; an upstream ink line providing fluid communication between the outlet port and the ink inlet; a reversible air pump having a pump outlet communicating with a headspace in the ink chamber, the pump being configured to positively pressurize the headspace during a printhead priming operation or negatively pressurize the headspace during a printhead depriming operation; and a downstream ink line connected to the ink outlet, the downstream ink line being in fluid communication with a pump inlet so as to effect cooperative pulling and pushing of ink through the printhead during the priming and depriming operations.

Abstract: An ink supply system for supplying ink to an inkjet printhead at a predetermined hydrostatic pressure, the ink supply system comprising: a pressure-regulating chamber having an outlet port connected to an ink inlet of the printhead, the chamber comprising a float valve configured for maintaining a predetermined level of ink in the chamber, the level of ink controlling the hydrostatic pressure; and an ink reservoir connected to an inlet port of the pressure-regulating chamber, the ink reservoir being positioned above the predetermined level of ink.

Abstract: A method of replacing a printhead in an inkjet printer with minimal ink wastage, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a printhead comprising: an ink distribution manifold having an ink inlet and an ink outlet; one or more printhead integrated circuits mounted on the manifold, each printhead integrated circuit comprising a plurality of nozzles; (ii) providing an ink supply system comprising: an ink chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet via an upstream ink line; a reversible air pump communicating with a headspace of the ink chamber; and a downstream ink line connected to the ink outlet; (ii) actuating the pump so as to negatively pressurize the headspace, thereby depriming the printhead by drawing ink from the downstream ink line and the printhead into the ink chamber; (iii) deactuating the pump and allowing an ink level in the ink chamber to equalize with an ink level in the upstream ink line; (iv) removing the printhead from the printer, the removing including disconnecting

Abstract: A priming system for priming an inkjet printhead having an ink inlet, an ink outlet and a plurality of nozzles, the priming system comprising: an ink chamber having an outlet port connected to the ink inlet via an upstream ink line; an air pump having a pump outlet communicating with a headspace above the ink in the ink chamber; a sensor positioned for sensing ink in a downstream ink line connected to the ink outlet, the sensor cooperating with the pump such that the pump is shut off when the sensor senses any ink; and means for minimizing phantom sensing of ink caused by ink bubbles in the downstream ink line, wherein, in a priming configuration, the pump is configured to positively pressurize the headspace until the sensor senses ink.

Abstract: A printer comprising: an inkjet printhead having an ink inlet, an ink outlet and a plurality of nozzles; a priming system for priming the printhead, the priming system comprising: an ink chamber having an outlet port connected to the ink inlet via an upstream ink line; an air pump having a pump outlet communicating with a headspace above the ink in the chamber; a sensor positioned for sensing ink in a downstream ink line connected to the ink outlet, the sensor cooperating with the pump such that the pump is shut off when the sensor senses any ink; and means for minimizing phantom sensing of ink caused by ink bubbles in the downstream ink line, wherein, in a priming configuration, the pump is configured to positively pressurize the headspace until the sensor senses ink.

Abstract: A mock circulatory apparatus for use in simulating the circulatory system of a patient comprising of a fluid circuit, wherein said fluid circuit includes a mock ventricle; at least one fluid reservoir and tubing. The valveless blood pump is connected in parallel fluid communication to said fluid circuit across the mock ventricle.