Abstract: A printer having a beltless guide for guiding print media around a curved media feed path. The guide includes: first and second opposed guide surfaces for guiding print media therebetween; and a chicane corresponding to a point of inflection in the curved media feed path. The media path does not follow a curvature of the chicane and the chicane is configured to transfer print media from contact with the second surface to contact with the first surface or vice versa.

Abstract: A printer having a guide for guiding print media around a curved media feed path. The guide includes a chicane corresponding to a point of inflection in the curved media feed path, wherein the media path does not follow a curvature of the chicane.

Abstract: A pinch valve includes first and second pinch arms pivotally mounted about respective pivot axes. A spring interconnects the first and second pinch arms to mutually bias the pinch arms towards each other and provide a pinching force for pinching respective first and second conduits. A cam engages with each of the pinch arms and provides an unpinching force for either one of the pinch arms against the bias of the sprint.

Abstract: A pinch valve includes first and second pinch arms pivotally mounted about respective pivot axes. A spring interconnects the first and second pinch arms to mutually bias the pinch arms towards each other and provide a pinching force for pinching respective first and second conduits. A cam engages with each of the pinch arms and provides an unpinching force for either one of the pinch arms against the bias of the sprint.

Abstract: An improved pinch valve includes a camshaft and associated cam(s) controlling the position of a pivotally-mounted first pinch arm and an opposed, pivotally-mounted second pinch arm. The respective pinch arms are provided symmetrically about a central plane which contains an axis of the camshaft. A spring extends across the central plane and interconnects the respective pinch arms so as to urge both pinch arms towards the central plane. A mechanical advantage lever is provided such that the pinching force is greater than the spring force.

Abstract: A printer includes: a stationary inkjet printhead; a media feed path for guiding print media twice past the printhead; and a feed mechanism for feeding print media unidirectionally through the media feed path at a constant speed. The media feed path includes: a first section configured for feeding print media past the printhead from a first side of the printhead in a first direction with respect to the printhead; a second section downstream of the first section, the second section being configured for guiding print media around a single loop, the loop being positioned at a second side of the printhead opposite the first side; and a third section downstream of the second section, the third section being configured for feeding print media past the printhead from the second side of the printhead in an opposite second direction with respect to the printhead.

Abstract: A printer includes: a stationary inkjet printhead having a print zone; and a feed mechanism for feeding print media past the printhead along a media feed path. The media feed path guides print media past the printhead wherein the media feed path guides print media past the printhead at an inclined trajectory with respect to a horizontal plane of the printhead.

Abstract: An improved pinch valve includes a camshaft and associated cam(s) controlling the position of a pivotally-mounted first pinch arm and an opposed, pivotally-mounted second pinch arm. The respective pinch arms are provided symmetrically about a central plane which contains an axis of the camshaft. A spring extends across the central plane and interconnects the respective pinch arms so as to urge both pinch arms towards the central plane. A mechanical advantage lever is provided such that the pinching force is greater than the spring force.

Abstract: A printer includes: a stationary inkjet printhead; a media feed path for guiding print media twice past the printhead; and a feed mechanism for feeding print media unidirectionally through the media feed path at a constant speed. The media feed path includes: a first section configured for feeding print media past the printhead from a first side of the printhead in a first direction with respect to the printhead; a second section downstream of the first section, the second section being configured for guiding print media around a single loop, the loop being positioned at a second side of the printhead opposite the first side; and a third section downstream of the second section, the third section being configured for feeding print media past the printhead from the second side of the printhead in an opposite second direction with respect to the printhead.

Abstract: A cradle unit for a printhead cartridge is provided having a support bay for removably receiving the printhead cartridge, and an interface mounted on a slanted face within the support bay, the interface comprising connections which are movably tilted on said slanted face so as to be exposed within the support bay for connection with connections of the printhead cartridge when received in the support bay. The connections of the interface connect the printhead cartridge with a power supply which is remote from the interface.

Abstract: A printing system comprising: a printhead cartridge comprising a printhead; a cradle unit for supporting the printhead cartridge; and an interface at which the cradle unit is removably engageable with the printhead cartridge, the interface comprising connections for connecting the printhead cartridge with a power supply which is remote from the interface and a power regulation circuit for regulating supply of power from the power supply to the printhead cartridge.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting a printhead cartridge and a cradle unit for supporting the printhead cartridge is provided. The system has a first printed circuit having print control circuitry of the cradle unit, and a second printed circuit board having connections for connecting the printhead cartridge with a power supply which is remote from the second printhead circuit board and the print control circuitry of the first printed circuit board. The first and second printed circuit boards have complementary connectors which cooperate to provide the connection of the printhead cartridge to the print control circuitry. The complementary connectors being arranged so that the first printed circuit board is able to pivot with respect to the second printed circuit board.

Abstract: A cradle unit for a printer assembly includes a body having a printhead cartridge support bay for receiving a printhead cartridge that incorporates a printhead, an ink supply for the printhead and a capper for capping the printhead when not in use. A levered frame is positioned within the body and is movable between an open position for allowing access to the printhead cartridge support bay and a closed position to close the printhead support bay. A support frame is positioned within the body. A capper drive mechanism is mounted on the support frame to actuate the capper of the printhead cartridge. A media transport mechanism is mounted on the support frame to feed print media through the body operatively with respect to the printhead.

Abstract: A cradle unit is provided for a printhead cartridge. The cradle unit has a first printed circuit having print control circuitry of the cradle unit, and a second printed circuit board having connections for connecting the printhead cartridge with a power supply which is remote from the second printhead circuit board and the print control circuitry of the first printed circuit board. The first and second printed circuit boards have complementary connectors which cooperate to provide the connection of the printhead cartridge to the print control circuitry. The complementary connectors being arranged so that the first printed circuit board is able to pivot with respect to the second printed circuit board.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction wherein the pagewidth printhead has a nozzle face defining an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member for wiping the nozzle face, a chassis for supporting the wiper member and a maintenance drive for selectively moving the wiper member across the nozzle face in a first direction or a second direction.

Abstract: A cradle unit for a printhead cartridge is provided having a support bay for removably receiving the printhead cartridge, and an interface mounted on a slanted face within the support bay, the interface comprising connections which are movably tilted on said slanted face so as to be exposed within the support bay for connection with connections of the printhead cartridge when received in the support bay. The connections of the interface connect the printhead cartridge with a power supply which is remote from the interface.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction wherein the pagewidth printhead has a nozzle face defining an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member extending the length of the nozzle array, a chassis for supporting the wiper member and a maintenance drive. The maintenance drive has a first actuator for moving the wiper member towards or away from the nozzle face, and a second actuator for rotating wiper member about an axis extending transverse to the media feed direction, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are independently operable.

Abstract: A cradle unit for a printhead cartridge, the cradle unit comprising: an interface at which the cradle unit is removably engageable with a printhead cartridge, the interface comprising connections for connecting the printhead cartridge with a power supply which is remote from the interface; and a power storage circuit incorporated in the interface for storing at least some of the power being supplied to the printhead cartridge from the power supply.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer with a printhead that has a nozzle face defining an array of nozzles. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member for wiping the nozzle face, a chassis for supporting the wiper member and a maintenance drive for selectively moving the wiper member at variable speeds.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction wherein the pagewidth printhead has a nozzle face defining an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member extending the length of the nozzle array, a chassis for supporting the wiper member and a maintenance drive. The maintenance drive has a first actuator for moving the wiper member towards or away from the nozzle face, and a second actuator for rotating wiper member about an axis extending transverse to the media feed direction, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are independently operable.