Abstract: Various embodiments of a web are disclosed.

Abstract: A printer includes an arcuate arrangement of printheads and a retractable arcuate arrangement of wipers.

Abstract: An imaging device is disclosed that includes a drum platen having a recess. A loading mechanism for loading an absorber into the recess and a pen is configured to eject ink on the absorber while the absorber is in the recess.

Abstract: A method for servicing a printhead includes moving the printhead along a first path away from a printing position adjacent a drum to a service position away from the drum, moving a service station carrying a printhead service element through an arc-shaped second path from a rest position to a servicing position, and conducting a service operation with the service element on the printhead at the service position.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a wiper apparatus and method for cleaning a printhead are provided. In one embodiment, the wiper apparatus includes a wiper having a leading contact surface, a trailing contact surface, and a capillary passageway that extends at least partially along an axis that intersects the leading contact surface and the trailing contact surface.

Abstract: A reservoir for an ink supply for an ink-jet printer is provided with a refill port through which it can be refilled. The reservoir may be coupled to a variable volume chamber via a check valve which allows the flow of ink from the reservoir to the chamber and limits the flow of ink from the chamber to the reservoir. The chamber is coupled to a fluid outlet which is normally closed to prevent the flow of ink. However, when the ink supply is installed in a printer, the fluid outlet establishes a fluid connection between the chamber and the printer. The chamber is part of a pump provided with the ink supply that can be actuated to supply ink from the reservoir to the printer. Alternatively, the reservoir may be coupled directly to the fluid outlet and an alternative method of transferring the ink to the printer provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a wiper are disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging device is disclosed that includes a drum platen having a recess. A loading mechanism for loading an absorber into the recess and a pen is configured to eject ink on the absorber while the absorber is in the recess.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for servicing a printhead. In one exemplary technique, the printhead is moved along a path away from a printing position adjacent a drum to a service position away from the drum. A service operation is conducted on the printhead at the service position. The printhead is then moved back to the printing position to reposition the printhead adjacent the drum.

Abstract: An air pressurization system is incorporated as part of a replaceable auxiliary ink supply for an inkjet printer. The auxiliary ink-supply cartridge includes a pressurized container having air, ink and electrical-signal connections. The air pressure applied to the auxiliary ink supply is monitored to maintain it in a predetermined range in accordance with a start-up sequence, and operational sequence, a waiting time, and a close-down sequence.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a wiper apparatus and method for cleaning a printhead are provided. In one embodiment, the wiper apparatus includes a wiper having a leading contact surface, a trailing contact surface, and a capillary passageway that extends at least partially along an axis that intersects the leading contact surface and the trailing contact surface.

Abstract: A method for servicing a printhead includes moving the printhead along a first path away from a printing position adjacent a drum to a service position away from the drum, moving a service station carrying a printhead service element through an arc-shaped second path from a rest position to a servicing position, and conducting a service operation with the service element on the printhead at the service position.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for servicing a printhead. In one exemplary technique, the printhead is moved along a path away from a printing position adjacent a drum to a service position away from the drum. A service operation is conducted on the printhead at the service position. The printhead is then moved back to the printing position to reposition the printhead adjacent the drum.

Abstract: A spittoon system is provided for a printing mechanism having a printhead with a substantially linear nozzle array oriented in a first direction. The spittoon system includes a frame and a roller mounted to the frame for rotation about an axis oriented in the first direction to receive ink spit from the printhead.

Abstract: The present invention is a replaceable ink container for use in an off-axis printing system. The printing system is responsive to electrical signals from the replaceable ink container for controlling printer parameters. The ink container has a leading edge and a trailing edge relative to the direction of insertion into the printing system. The replaceable ink container includes a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the leading edge toward a first side. The plurality of electrical contacts are configured for engaging corresponding electrical printer contacts associated with the printing system. Also included is a fluid outlet disposed on the leading edge toward a second side opposite the first side and spaced from the plurality of electrical contacts. The fluid outlet is in fluid communication with the replaceable ink container. The fluid outlet is configured for engaging a fluid inlet associated with the printing system.

Abstract: In an implementation of printing mechanism hinged printbar assembly, a hinged printbar assembly pivots about a hinge between a print position and a service position. Print modules coupled to the hinged printbar assembly each have one or more printheads and the printheads of the print modules collectively span a width of a print media when the hinged printbar assembly is in the print position. A wiper assembly services the printheads on the hinged printbar assembly and includes printhead caps to cover the printheads on the hinged printbar assembly.

Abstract: A reservoir for an ink supply for an ink-jet printer is provided with a refill port through which it can be refilled. The reservoir may be coupled to a variable volume chamber via a check valve which allows the flow of ink from the reservoir to the chamber and limits the flow of ink from the chamber to the reservoir. The chamber is coupled to a fluid outlet which is normally closed to prevent the flow of ink. However, when the ink supply is installed in a printer, the fluid outlet establishes a fluid connection between the chamber and the printer. The chamber is part of a pump provided with the ink supply that can be actuated to supply ink from the reservoir to the printer. Alternatively, the reservoir may be coupled directly to the fluid outlet and an alternative method of transferring the ink to the printer provided.

Abstract: A scraper system having coarse and fine cleaning components is provided for cleaning ink residue from a wiper after wiping ink residue from a printhead in an inkjet printing mechanism. The scraper system includes a stationary coarse scraper bar which the wiper passes over to remove the ink residue from the wiper body. The system a fine scraper of a foam material which may be impregnated with an ink solvent. The fine scraper foam is sliced to form segments separated by slits. As the wiper passes over the fine scraper, the wiper tip plunges into the slits to remove ink residue from the important wiper tips, leaving them clean for the next printhead wiping stroke. The fine scraper may be cam actuated to selectively engage the wiper or mounted stationarily. A method of cleaning printheads and inkjet printing mechanisms having scraper system are also provided.

Abstract: A reservoir for an ink supply for an ink-jet printer is provided with a refill port through which it can be refilled. The reservoir may be coupled to a variable volume chamber via a check valve which allows the flow of ink from the reservoir to the chamber and limits the flow of ink from the chamber to the reservoir. The chamber is coupled to a fluid outlet which is normally closed to prevent the flow of ink. However, when the ink supply is installed in a printer, the fluid outlet establishes a fluid connection between the chamber and the printer. The chamber is part of a pump provided with the ink supply that can be actuated to supply ink from the reservoir to the printer. Alternatively, the reservoir may be coupled directly to the fluid outlet and an alternative method of transferring the ink to the printer provided.

Abstract: A printhead blotter system includes a supply of blotter material in roll form and a blotter backer structure. The blotter is passed over the backer. A fluid dispenser is mounted to the blotter backer for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto the blotter portion held against the backer surface. A mechanism is coupled to the backer to move the backer toward the printhead to an engagement position, or away from the printhead to a rest position. The mechanism can engage/disengage the blotter portion supported over the fabric backer with the printhead orifice plate.