Abstract: A printer is provided that allows one or more print cartridges to be installed during printer manufacture with little risk of ink evaporation during shipping so as to eliminate assembly problems associated with installation of print cartridges during initial printer setup.

Abstract: A printer is provided that allows one or more print cartridges to be installed during printer manufacture with little risk of ink evaporation during shipping so as to eliminate assembly problems associated with installation of print cartridges during initial printer setup.

Abstract: A manually actuated spring loaded latch mechanism for releasably securing a printhead cartridge in a carrier of an ink jet printer. A latch cover engages the printhead cartridge and is secured by an actuator. Depressing the actuator releases the latch cover, which is spring biased to an open position. Further movement of the actuator lifts the printhead cartridge.

Abstract: A printer is provided that allows one or more print cartridges to be installed during printer manufacture with little risk of ink evaporation during shipping so as to eliminate assembly problems associated with installation of print cartridges during initial printer setup.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a first side frame and a second side frame, the second side frame being spaced apart from the first side frame. A guide rail extends between the first side frame and the second side frame. A guide rod having a first end, a second end and an axis is provided that extends between the first side frame and the second side frame, the guide rod being positioned to be substantially parallel to the guide rail. A printhead carrier that carries a printhead has a slotted portion for slideably engaging the guide rail and has a bearing for slideably engaging the guide rod. A first eccentric bushing assembly is provided for movably mounting the first end of the guide rod to the first side frame. A second eccentric bushing assembly is provided for movably mounting the second end of the guide rod to the second side frame.

Abstract: A printer is provided comprising a housing having a stationary portion and a movable portion movable between a first position and a second position. A carrier is movably mounted within the housing. At least one print cartridge is removably mounted within the carrier. A holding mechanism is provided comprising a locking element pivotably coupled to the stationary housing portion. The locking element is adapted to engage the carrier when engaged by an element on the movable housing portion when the movable housing portion is in its second position and the locking element is adapted to disengage the carrier when the movable housing portion is in its first position.

Abstract: A printer is provided that allows one or more print cartridges to be installed during printer manufacture with little risk of ink evaporation during shipping so as to eliminate assembly problems associated with installation of print cartridges during initial printer setup.

Abstract: An ink jet printer includes a printer frame and a maintenance station coupled to the printer frame. The maintenance station includes a maintenance frame having a first side. The first side has formed therein at least a first guide slot and a first flexible end-stop member associated with the first guide slot. A maintenance sled is provided which is movable within the maintenance frame in a first direction. The maintenance sled has a first guide member positioned to slideably ride in the first guide slot. A travel limit of the first guide member in the first direction is defined by the first flexible end-stop member.

Abstract: A thermal ink jet printer has two columns of nozzles in its nozzle plate parallel to the direction of motion of each sheet of media. When the sheet of media is thin such as bond paper having a thickness of 0.1 mm, for example, all of the nozzles are available for printing. When the sheet of media is thick such as an envelope having a thickness of 0.5 mm, for example, one-fourth of the nozzles are available for printing, and these are the nozzles first passed by the sheet of media during its advancement. Each sheet of media has the same feed rate although it takes four times as long for the thick sheet of media to be printed.

Abstract: A print media feed system feeds a print medium in an advance direction through a print zone in an ink jet printer. A printhead includes a plurality of ink emitting nozzles and defines the print zone. A media control surface is positioned in association with the printhead. The media control surface is configured for engaging a back side of the print medium. A feed roller is positioned upstream from the print zone relative to the advance direction of the print medium. At least one deflector plate assembly is pivotable about an axis of rotation and includes at least one metering roller and at least one deflector plate. Each metering roller is positioned in association and defines a nip with the feed roller through which the print medium passes. Each deflector plate includes a deflector end which is disposed between each metering roller and the printhead. The deflector end is configured for deflecting the print medium.