Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving ink-jet print quality uses a print head having an array using a plurality of nozzles in sets in each drop generator mechanism. Where a conventional ink-jet pen fires a single droplet of ink at a pixel per firing cycle, the present invention fires a plurality of droplets at different subdivisions of pixels. The particular array design may vary from ink-to-ink or pen-to-pen. Each drop generator of a print head array includes a plurality of nozzles wherein each of the nozzles has an exit orifice with an areal dimension, and produces an ink droplet that produces a dot on adjacent print media wherein the dot has an areal dimension, less than the areal dimension of a pixel to be printed. Dots are printed in a pattern for each pixel wherein print quality is achieved that approximates a higher resolution print made by conventional ink-jet methodologies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving inkjet print quality uses a printhead having an array using a plurality of nozzles in sets in each drop generator mechanism. Where a conventional inkjet pen fires a single droplet of ink at a target pixel per firing cycle, the present invention simultaneously ejects a plurality of droplets at different subdivisions of pixels. Drop generators of a printhead array includes a plurality of nozzles for the drop generators arranged such that the light absorption of the sum of the simultaneously ejected ink droplets is like that of conventionally ejected drops but distributed over an area of the printed medium greater than that of a conventional target pixel.

Abstract: A thin pen cartridge for a thermal ink-jet (TIJ) printer, to be carried in a pen carriage along a carriage scan axis above the print medium. The pen height and depth are at least twice the pen width measured along the scan axis in order to achieve a high volume pen. The reduction in pen width permits the carriage width along the scan axis to be reduced, in turn reducing the footprint size of the TIJ printer.

Abstract: A thin pen cartridge for a thermal ink-jet (TIJ) printer, to be carried in a pen carriage along a carriage scan axis above the print medium. The pen height and depth are at least twice the pen width measured along the scan axis in order to achieve a high volume pen. The reduction in pen width permits the carriage width along the scan axis to be reduced, in turn reducing the footprint size of the TIJ printer.

Abstract: A thin, relatively hard wiper is provided, the wiper including a blade defined by a pair of opposed substantially planar surfaces which are spaced less than 0.008-inches apart. The surfaces run parallel to one another, with each surface terminating in a wiping edge at a first end of the blade. To provide a blade of desired thickness, the wiper is formed from a polymer having a modulus of elasticity within the range of between 100,000-psi to 5,000,000-psi. Such polymers are commonly available as sheet material, allowing for stamp-forming of the wiper, minimizing manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A print material variable support mechanism to reduce buckling of print material toward a printhead during printing. The preferred embodiment includes a moveable platen pivotally mounted adjacent a drive roller. The platen is positioned adjacent and below a printhead such that the printhead and the platen define a print zone therebetween. A measuring device is operatively associated with a print controller such that the print controller effects movement of the platen during relatively high ink density printing such that the sheet is allowed to buckle downwardly. In the preferred embodiment, the measuring device is an ink drop counter which determines how many ink drops are placed on the sheet to create the desired image.

Abstract: A thermal ink jet printhead including a thin film substrate with a plurality of polygon shaped thin film resistors, a barrier layer overlying the substrate, and respective firing chambers formed in the barrier layer for each of the resistors. Each firing chamber is formed of a continuously curved concave wall having ends adjacent the boundary of the resistor, and which is within the boundary of the area defined by the resistor and a 10 micrometer wide margin around the resistor.

Abstract: A printhead for a thermal ink jet printer or the like is brought into good electrical contact with raised electrical contacts on a flexible interconnect circuit by the use of a molded near-linear spring connect structure. This novel structure includes a horizontal central locating member from which a plurality of resilient hollow cylinders extend vertically upward and in alignment with the electrical contacts on the flexible interconnect circuit. Since there is a near-linear deflection of the cylinder walls with increasing force applied thereto, good electrical contact is achieved between the printhead and the flex circuit using a minimum of force, thereby minimizing the likelihood of damage to the printhead.

Abstract: A keying apparatus utilizing a plurality of key pins arranged in a predetermined configuration which may be preset to accept a coded pattern that may be used to set keyguns.