Abstract: An ink reservoir (2) for a printer with an inkjet printhead, having a housing (6) for storing a quantity of ink (42), an ink outlet valve (10), an air inlet valve (8); and, a valve actuator (52). The valve actuator opens the air inlet valve in response to the ink outlet valve opening to establish fluid communication with the inkjet printhead.

Abstract: An inkjet printer with a printhead integrated circuit (IC) (28), an ink supply reservoir (6) for storing ink, an ink supply line (3) defining a flow path from the ink supply reservoir to the printhead IC, and a valve (22) in the ink supply line proximate the printhead IC selectively closing the flow path to the printhead IC.

Abstract: A method of removing particulates from an ink ejection face of a printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) flooding the face with ink from the printhead, thereby dispersing the particulates into the flooded ink; and (ii) transferring the flooded ink, including the particulates, onto a disposable sheet moving through a maintenance zone adjacent the face, wherein the sheet does not contact the face.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance system for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance system comprises: (a) a printhead having an ink ejection face; (b) an ink supply system comprising a face flooding system for flooding ink from the printhead onto the face; and (c) an ink transport assembly comprising: a transfer surface for receiving flooded ink from the face and a transport mechanism for feeding the transfer surface through a transfer zone and away from the printhead. The transfer zone is adjacent to and spaced apart from the face.

Abstract: A method of removing particulates from an ink ejection face of a printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) flooding the face with ink from the printhead, thereby dispersing the particulates into the flooded ink; and (ii) transferring the flooded ink, including the particulates, onto a disposable sheet moving through a maintenance zone adjacent the face, wherein the sheet does not contact the face.

Abstract: A method of removing particulates from an ink ejection face of a printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) flooding the face with ink from the printhead, thereby dispersing the particulates into the flooded ink; and (ii) transferring the flooded ink, including the particulates, onto a disposable sheet moving through a maintenance zone adjacent the face, wherein the sheet does not contact the face.

Abstract: A method of attaching MST devices to a support member via an adhesive film, the MST devices each having an attachment face with a first aperture and the support member having a mounting surface with second apertures corresponding to each of the first apertures respectively and a fiducial marker for each of the MST devices respectively, and the adhesive film having a plurality of openings, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the adhesive film using the fiducial marker and the corresponding opening such that the openings register with at least part of the second apertures in the mounting surface; applying the adhesive film to the mounting surface; positioning each of the MST devices relative to the respective openings; and, attaching the MST devices with heat and pressure such that the openings establish the respective first and second apertures. Instead of putting fiducial markers on both the film and the support member for alignment, the vision system use the fluid openings themselves.

Abstract: A method of producing a printhead for an inkjet printer with a print engine controller for controlling the printhead operation, the method comprising the steps of: providing a printhead IC having an array of ink ejection nozzles formed on a substrate; providing circuitry for electrical connection to the print engine controller; providing a support member for supporting the printhead IC and the circuitry within the printer; providing a polymer film; securing the polymer film to a surface of the support member by applying heat and pressure for a predetermined time; mounting the printhead IC and the circuitry to the support member via the polymer film; and, electrically connecting the circuitry to the printhead IC.

Abstract: A laminated film for mounting a MST device to a support structure for sealed fluid communication therebetween, the laminated film comprising: a polymer carrier web between two thermosetting adhesive layers; and, an opening formed in the film for establishing fluid communication between a first fluid conduit in the MST device and a second fluid conduit in the support member. Using a laminated film with thermosetting adhesive one each side provides a far more reliable seal than heated thermoplastic film. The bond between the thermoplastic film and the MST device surface is prone to thermal fatigue and leakage or outright failure. A laminate with a central carrier web and thermosetting adhesive can be drilled by a UV laser and later heated to a known curing temperature so that the adhesive sets and forms a strong bond to the MST device surface.

Abstract: A MST device for attachment to an adhesive surface, the MST device comprising: an attachment surface for abutting the adhesive surface; a first fluid conduit connected to a first aperture in the attachment surface; and, a recess in the attachment surface adjacent the first aperture to hold adhesive displaced from between the attachment surface and the adhesive surface when the MST device is attached such that displaced adhesive does not block fluid flow in the first conduit. By profiling the attachment surface so there is a recess next to the first aperture, there is less risk that adhesive will be squeezed into the conduit and impair fluid flow.

Abstract: A method of attaching a MST device to a support member with an adhesive film, the MST device having an attachment face and a first fluid conduit connected to a first aperture in the attachment face; the support member having a mounting face and a second fluid conduit connected to a second aperture in the mounting face; and, the polymer film has an opening for fluid communication between the first aperture and the second aperture, the method comprising the steps of: forming the opening in the polymer film; aligning the opening with at least part of the second aperture; applying heat and pressure to attach the polymer film to the mounting face; and, positioning the MST device such that the opening is aligned with at east part of the first aperture. By pre-drilling the holes in the film, the attachment process is quicker and the resulting fluidic seal in more reliable.

Abstract: A method of sealing an attachment face of a MST device to a mounting surface on a support member, the attachment face having an aperture connected to a first fluid conduit, the attachment face having a second aperture connected to a second conduit, the method comprising the steps of: applying a thermosetting adhesive to the mounting surface; aligning the first aperture with at least part of the second aperture; pressing the MST device and the mounting surface together; and, curing the thermosetting adhesive; wherein, the thermosetting adhesive has a viscosity of between 100 centiPoise and 10,000,000 centiPoise. Using a thermosetting adhesive instead of a thermoplastic adhesive provides a far more reliable seal. The bond between the thermoplastic adhesive and the MST device surface is prone to thermal fatigue and leakage or outright failure.