Abstract: An inkjet pen includes an internal ink supply; and at least one datum feature configured to engage and slide over a guide track in a pen carriage during installation of the pen in the carriage. The at least one datum feature is configured to interact with corresponding datum features of the guide track to prevent improper installation of the pen in the carriage.

Abstract: An inkjet pen includes an internal ink supply; and at least one datum feature configured to engage and slide over a guide track in a pen carriage during installation of the pen in the carriage. The at least one datum feature is configured to interact with corresponding datum features of the guide track to prevent improper installation of the pen in the carriage.

Abstract: An inkjet printer assembly includes an inkjet carriage assembly having a plurality of side walls and an end wall, the inkjet carriage assembly including a pen guide track extruding from at least one of the side walls and a plurality of datum features formed in the inkjet carriage assembly, and an inkjet dispenser pen having a body, the inkjet dispenser including one or more datum extrusions formed on the body, wherein the one or more datum extrusions are associated with the datum features to assure proper loading of the inkjet dispenser pen into the inkjet carriage assembly.

Abstract: A separable key element operably secured to a printer component base for receiving a key from a printer component to be received therein. The key indicates a required characteristic of the printer component thereby allowing only compatible printer components to be installed onto the printer component base. The key element can matingly engage the printer component base in a unique configuration such that only compatible key elements can be secured to the printer component base. Moreover, the key element can include a display surface for visually identifying the required characteristic of the printer component. In a preferred embodiment, the printer component is a detachable ink reservoir and the printer component base is secured to the carriage of an inkjet printer, thereby providing an on-axis ink reservoir.

Abstract: An on-axis ink reservoir that is pivotally secured to the carriage of an inkjet printer thereby defining an engaged position, in which the ink reservoir is in fluid communication with a printhead secured to the carriage, and an open position, in which the ink reservoir pivots away from the printhead to allow easy access to the printhead without the need to remove the ink reservoir from the carriage. Preferably, the ink reservoir is detachably secured to an ink-reservoir mounting portion, the printhead is detachably secured to a printhead mounting-portion, and these two mounting portions are pivotally secured together. More preferably, the ink-reservoir mounting portion includes a plurality of ink reservoirs, and the printhead mounting-portion includes a plurality of printheads. A latching mechanism is provided to operably secure the two mounting portions together in the engaged position.

Abstract: A fluid-ejection mechanism of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes one or more electrical contacts and one or more electrically grounded electrostatic discharge (ESD) shunt mechanisms. The electrical contacts make contact with corresponding contacts of one or more fluid-ejection assemblies that are otherwise exposed. The ESD shunt mechanisms to protect the electrical contacts from ESD when the electrical contacts are exposed.

Abstract: The present invention disclosure relates to a replaceable ink container for providing ink to an inkjet printing system. The inkjet printing system has a receiving station mounted to a scanning carriage. The receiving station has a fluid inlet and a pair of guide rails extending along either side of the fluid inlet. The replaceable ink container includes a fluid outlet configured for connection to the fluid inlet associated with the receiving station. Also included is a pair of outwardly extending guide rail engagement features. Each of the pair of guide rail engagement features are so disposed and arranged on the replaceable ink container for engagement with each of the pair of guide rails to guide the replaceable ink container in both horizontal and vertical directions into the receiving station.

Abstract: A fluid-ejection mechanism of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes one or more electrical contacts and one or more electrically grounded electrostatic discharge (ESD) shunt mechanisms. The electrical contacts make contact with corresponding contacts of one or more fluid-ejection assemblies that are otherwise exposed. The ESD shunt mechanisms to protect the electrical contacts from ESD when the electrical contacts are exposed.

Abstract: A separable key element operably secured to a printer component base for receiving a key from a printer component to be received therein. The key indicates a required characteristic of the printer component thereby allowing only compatible printer components to be installed onto the printer component base. The key element can matingly engage the printer component base in a unique configuration such that only compatible key elements can be secured to the printer component base. Moreover, the key element can include a display surface for visually identifying the required characteristic of the printer component. In a preferred embodiment, the printer component is a detachable ink reservoir and the printer component base is secured to the carriage of an inkjet printer, thereby providing an on-axis ink reservoir.

Abstract: A partial mounting portion cover that extends above and partially over the front portion of a chamber for operably receiving a detachable printer component therein. The cover includes a substantially planar top surface positioned over the toe-end of the detachable printer component when the printer component is fully installed on the mounting portion, such that the cover extends over the printer component only by an amount that precludes the cover from interfering with a toe-heel installation process. Accordingly, so long as the installer mounts the toe-end of the detachable printer component first, the mounting portion cover does not interfere with the installation. However, if an installer attempts to install the printer component in another manner, the cover blocks the toe-end of the printer component from entering the chamber, thereby alerting the installer of the improper installation method.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a replaceable ink container for providing ink to an inkjet printing system. The inkjet printing system has a receiving station for receiving the replaceable ink container. The replaceable ink container includes a handle extending from a trailing end of the ink container for grasping the ink container for insertion into the receiving station. Also included is a latch for securing the replaceable ink container to the receiving station. The latch has an extended position for engaging the receiving station for securing the ink container to the receiving station and a retracted position. The latch is so disposed and arranged on the ink container to be urged from the extended position to the retracted position as the handle is grasped.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ink container to be received within a receiving station of an inkjet printing system. The receiving station has a fluid inlet having a compliant seal and a pair of guide slots extending along either side of the fluid inlet. The ink container includes a guide feature outwardly extending therefrom. The guide feature is disposed toward a trailing end relative to an insertion direction. The guide feature is configured to cooperate with the at least one guide slot to guide the ink container in a pivot motion to ensure the ink container engages the compliant seal forming a seal therewith.

Abstract: A separable key element operably secured to a printer component base for receiving a key from a printer component to be received therein. The key indicates a required characteristic of the printer component thereby allowing only compatible printer components to be installed onto the printer component base. The key element can matingly engage the printer component base in a unique configuration such that only compatible key elements can be secured to the printer component base. Moreover, the key element can include a display surface for visually identifying the required characteristic of the printer component. In a preferred embodiment, the printer component is a detachable ink reservoir and the printer component base is secured to the carriage of an inkjet printer, thereby providing an on-axis ink reservoir.

Abstract: An electrical connector is positioned in a biased manner relative to a receptacle upon mating. The mated electrical connector is positioned along a first positioning axis of the receptacle in predetermined electrical contact with a target circuit. The connector includes a housing that mates with the receptacle along a mating axis and is placed at a predetermined position along an orthogonal first positioning axis. The housing also defines a first-positioning-axis datum which engages the receptacle. Furthermore, the connector includes an electrically conductive contact structure mounted on the housing, and a biasing mechanism operatively coupled with the housing. The biasing mechanism acts to maintain the first-positioning-axis datum in abutment with the receptacle upon mating of the housing with the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention disclosure relates to a replaceable ink container for providing ink to an inkjet printing system. The inkjet printing system has a receiving station mounted to a scanning carriage. The receiving station has a fluid inlet and a pair of guide rails extending along either side of the fluid inlet. The replaceable ink container includes a fluid outlet configured for connection to the fluid inlet associated with the receiving station. Also included is a pair of outwardly extending guide rail engagement features. Each of the pair of guide rail engagement features are so disposed and arranged on the replaceable ink container for engagement with each of the pair of guide rails to guide the replaceable ink container in both horizontal and vertical directions into the receiving station.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ink container to be received within a receiving station of an inkjet printing system. The receiving station has a fluid inlet having a compliant seal and a pair of guide slots extending along either side of the fluid inlet. The ink container includes a guide feature outwardly extending therefrom. The guide feature is disposed toward a trailing end relative to an insertion direction. The guide feature is configured to cooperate with the at least one guide slot to guide the ink container in a pivot motion to ensure the ink container engages the compliant seal forming a seal therewith.

Abstract: An electrical connector configured for minimized contact with a non-target structure of a target circuit, and a printing mechanism that uses the electrical connector for conductive connection between circuit portions of the printing mechanism. The connector includes a housing for positioning the connector in conductive contact with the target circuit. An electrically conductive contact filament is mounted on the housing and includes a proximal portion extending from the housing and a contact portion for electrically contacting the target circuit. An intermediate portion is formed to circumnavigate the non-target structure and joins the proximal and distal portions.

Abstract: An electrical connector configured for minimized contact with a non-target structure of a target circuit, and a printing mechanism that uses the electrical connector for conductive connection between circuit portions of the printing mechanism. The connector includes a housing for positioning the connector in conductive contact with the target circuit. An electrically conductive contact filament is mounted on the housing and includes a proximal portion extending from the housing and a contact portion for electrically contacting the target circuit. An intermediate portion is formed to circumnavigate the non-target structure and joins the proximal and distal portions.

Abstract: An electrical connector is positioned in a biased manner relative to a receptacle upon mating. The mated electrical connector is positioned along a first positioning axis of the receptacle in predetermined electrical contact with a target circuit. The connector includes a housing that mates with the receptacle along a mating axis and is placed at a predetermined position along an orthogonal first positioning axis. The housing also defines a first-positioning-axis datum which engages the receptacle. Furthermore, the connector includes an electrically conductive contact structure mounted on the housing, and a biasing mechanism operatively coupled with the housing. The biasing mechanism acts to maintain the first-positioning-axis datum in abutment with the receptacle upon mating of the housing with the receptacle.

Abstract: An on-axis ink reservoir that is pivotally secured to the carriage of an inkjet printer thereby defining an engaged position, in which the ink reservoir is in fluid communication with a printhead secured to the carriage, and an open position, in which the ink reservoir pivots away from the printhead to allow easy access to the printhead without the need to remove the ink reservoir from the carriage. Preferably, the ink reservoir is detachably secured to an ink-reservoir mounting portion, the printhead is detachably secured to a printhead mounting-portion, and these two mounting portions are pivotally secured together. More preferably, the ink-reservoir mounting portion includes a plurality of ink reservoirs, and the printhead mounting-portion includes a plurality of printheads. A latching mechanism is provided to operably secure the two mounting portions together in the engaged position.