Abstract: A stapler system for an image forming apparatus according to one example embodiment includes a housing and a mounting device for mounting the housing to the image forming apparatus. A staple head is positioned within the housing for stapling media. A media sheet path is disposed within the housing for directing media received from the image forming apparatus to the staple head for stapling. When the housing is mounted on the image forming apparatus, a portion of the housing extends above an output bin of the image forming apparatus to permit delivery of stapled media from the housing to the output bin of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A stapler system for an image forming apparatus according to one example embodiment includes a housing and a mounting device for mounting the housing to the image forming apparatus. A staple head is positioned within the housing for stapling media. A media sheet path is disposed within the housing for directing media received from the image forming apparatus to the staple head for stapling. When the housing is mounted on the image forming apparatus, a portion of the housing extends above an output bin of the image forming apparatus to permit delivery of stapled media from the housing to the output bin of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A method of improving a sealing between a purge mechanism and a printhead includes the steps of providing a purge cap with a perimetrical sealing lip; and exercising the perimetrical sealing lip of the purge cap against the sealing surface of the printhead. The exercising is effected by generating a repetitive relative movement between the sealing surface of the printhead and the perimetrical sealing lip of the purge cap.

Abstract: A maintenance station of an ink-jet printer includes a maintenance carrier. The maintenance carrier has a plurality of positions, including a pumping position. A respective maintenance function is enabled in each of the positions. A pump pumps ink when the maintenance carrier is in the pumping position. A gear train both translates the maintenance carrier between the plurality of positions and actuates the pump. A single motor drives the gear train to thereby translate the maintenance carrier and actuate the pump.

Abstract: A method of improving a sealing between a purge mechanism and a printhead includes the steps of providing a purge cap with a perimetrical sealing lip; and exercising the perimetrical sealing lip of the purge cap against the sealing surface of the printhead. The exercising is effected by generating a repetitive relative movement between the sealing surface of the printhead and the perimetrical sealing lip of the purge cap.

Abstract: The printhead unit is for an imaging apparatus having a guide member. The printhead unit is configured to be positioned in a carrier assembly within the imaging apparatus and is configured for movement within the imaging apparatus via the carrier assembly. The printhead unit includes a housing a printhead and at least one bearing. The housing has at least a first side member. The printhead is attached at least to the first side member of the housing. Further, the at least one bearing has at least one bearing surface, the at least one bearing being coupled to the first side member of the housing and positioned to engage the guide member.

Abstract: An ink mist controller for a maintenance station including spit louvers and a spit wheel which serve as accumulating surfaces. A flow of air directs ink mist through the louvers and around the spit wheel. Mist that is not attracted to a surface is carried to a manifold which filters, then exhausts, air to the environment, thereby preventing contamination of articles surrounding the printer. Color ink droplets are ejected onto the spit louvers. Low pressure is created between and below the louvers, which increases air and mist velocity over the entire spit zone. An unrestricted air curtain occurs on three sides of the color printhead to further control the location of mist deposit. Black ink is ejected onto the spit wheel which holds the mist deposit during evaporation. At defined intervals, the spit wheel rotates a fraction of a revolution. A scraper removes the non-volatile residue from the wheel during rotation. An air curtain is created on all four sides of the spit wheel to direct mist to this surface.

Abstract: A process of, and apparatus for controlling waste ink from an ink jet printer printhead, transfers waste ink to an absorptive diaper, and at least intermittently forces air across the absorptive diaper to promote evaporation of certain volatile ink components from the transferred ink. Waste ink may be received and temporarily retained on a plurality of spaced apart inclined louvers located above the absorptive diaper, and air conveyed across and between the louvers to promote evaporation of certain volatile components from the received ink.