Abstract: A system and a method for servicing a printhead using a low-height service station design. The system of the present invention includes a low-height service station having a gear and clutch arrangement that permits a service station drive assembly and a print media feed assembly to use the same motor. By momentarily reversing the motor, the gear and clutch arrangement permits the service station drive assembly to be engaged and the print media feed assembly to be disengaged, or vice versa. Moreover, the gear and clutch arrangement provides a means for a capping platform and a wiping platform within the service station to move independently of each other. The present invention also includes a method for using a single motor to service a printhead assembly and feed a print media through a printer.

Abstract: An indexing service station services interchangeable first and second inkjet cartridges when installed with a third inkjet cartridge in a dual-cartridge carriage of an inkjet printing mechanism. For printing graphics and text, the first cartridge usually prints black ink, while the third cartridge prints full-colorant concentrations of colored ink. For printing photographic type images, the black cartridge for printing text is replaced with the second cartridge which is an imaging cartridge. The imaging cartridge carries ink formulations having reduced colorant concentrations, which, when used in conjunction with the full color cartridge, provide near photographic image quality, as well as crisp black text and line art. The service station has three separate sets of servicing tools for independent servicing of the black, full color, and imaging cartridges.