Abstract: An apparatus includes a web for wiping and receiving fluid ejected from a printhead. In one implementation, first and second supports support a portion of the web that receives fluid ejected from a printhead after the portion of the web has been supported in wiping engagement with the print head by the first support. In another implementation, a frame removably receives a cartridge which includes supports for the web, wherein one or more actuators linearly move the frame carrying the cartridge between a position opposite the web and a withdrawn position. In another implementation, a capper is pivotally supported by a frame which receives a cartridge, the capper pivoting to a capping position cantilevered from the frame.

Abstract: A method for transporting a print medium along a path includes controlling relative rates at which a first drive and a second drive urge the print medium downstream along the path to create a buckle in the print medium. The buckle is formed at a first zone along the path between the first and second drives. With the buckle formed in the print medium, a first operation is performed on the print medium at a second zone along the path upstream from the first zone. At the same time a second operation is performed on the print medium at a third zone downstream along the path from the first zone.

Abstract: A photo printing device includes a microprocessor, operable to receive photo printing data, a printer, configured to print photographs from the photo printing data, an order sorter, having a plurality of moveable bins for receiving prints from the printer, and means for conveying information to a user related to operation of the order sorter.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses are disclosed for handling a sheet, wherein at least one projection extends across a stack of sheets such that corners of the sheet are bent when being lifted from the stack.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a web for wiping and receiving fluid ejected from a printhead.

Abstract: Various embodiments and methods relating to a printhead cleaning web assembly drive train are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a media slitter includes first and second rotary slitter blades and first and second pairs of rotatable media transport rollers positioned along opposite first and second sides of a media path. Each pair of transport rollers is configured to engage the print media simultaneously with the other pair of transport rollers and move the print media along the media path. A first one of the media transport rollers in each pair of transport rollers is positioned adjacent to and outboard from a corresponding one of the slitter blades on an axis of rotation common to the first transport rollers and the slitter blades.

Abstract: A method for transporting a print medium along a path includes controlling relative rates at which a first drive and a second drive urge the print medium downstream along the path to create a buckle in the print medium. The buckle is formed at a first zone along the path between the first and second drives. With the buckle formed in the print medium, a first operation is performed on the print medium at a second zone along the path upstream from the first zone. At the same time a second operation is performed on the print medium at a third zone downstream along the path from the first zone.

Abstract: An ink cartridge has a first portion having a plurality of chambers formed therein; a second portion attached to the first portion and having at least one opening into each of the plurality of chambers, and wherein for each opening the second portion further includes at least a portion of a fluid directing channel; and a third portion attached to the second portion and configured to receive a plurality of fluids and direct each of the plurality of fluids into one of the respective fluid directing channels such that each of the plurality of fluids flows into a respective one of the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a print media path includes: a first media path having a single lane for guiding a single strip of print media toward a print zone; and a second media path separate from the first media path and having two lanes for guiding two strips of print media simultaneously toward the print zone.

Abstract: A photo printing device includes a microprocessor, operable to receive photo printing data, a printer, configured to print photographs from the photo printing data, an order sorter, having a plurality of moveable bins for receiving prints from the printer, and means for conveying information to a user related to operation of the order sorter.

Abstract: A dual-mode photo printing device includes a printer, an order sorter, having a plurality of moveable bins positionable to receive prints from the printer, and a removable order security door, attachable to cover the order sorter, having an output position. The photo printing device has a first mode with the door attached and prints being obtainable from the order sorter only via the output position, and a second mode with the door removed and prints being obtainable from more than one bin of the order sorter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method transport a sheet on a tray. In one embodiment, feet carried by an endless member contact a bottom and edge of the sheet to move the sheet off of the tray. In one embodiment, the sheet is arced while it is being engaged by the feet.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead for a printing device includes a fluid reservoir operatively disposed within the printhead and a pressure regulation system in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The inkjet printhead also includes a nozzle plate having at least one nozzle, wherein the nozzle is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; as well as a vent port in fluid communication with the pressure regulation system. Further, the inkjet printhead for a printing device includes a passive vent in fluid communication with the vent port. The passive vent is configured to dissipate air pressure accumulated in the pressure regulation system during priming. The passive vent provides a controlled decay time for the priming air pressure.

Abstract: An ink cartridge has a first portion having a plurality of chambers formed therein; a second portion attached to the first portion and having at least one opening into each of the plurality of chambers, and wherein for each opening the second portion further includes at least a portion of a fluid directing channel; and a third portion attached to the second portion and configured to receive a plurality of fluids and direct each of the plurality of fluids into one of the respective fluid directing channels such that each of the plurality of fluids flows into a respective one of the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A method for designing a second ink-jet cartridge characterized by a datum structure, an ink reservoir system and a printhead structure, given a first cartridge design, wherein the printhead structure of the two cartridges are different. The method uses a common datum structure and ink reservoir system for both the first and second cartridges, to save on development and tooling expenses. The cartridges differ in the shapes or configurations of the headland structures, the flexible interconnect circuits, the nozzle plates, the ink channels or the printhead substrates.

Abstract: A thin pen cartridge for a thermal ink-jet (TIJ) printer, to be carried in a pen carriage along a carriage scan axis above the print medium. The pen height and depth are at least twice the pen width measured along the scan axis in order to achieve a high volume pen. The reduction in pen width permits the carriage width along the scan axis to be reduced, in turn reducing the footprint size of the TIJ printer.

Abstract: A method for designing a second ink-jet cartridge characterized by a datum structure, an ink reservoir system and a printhead structure, given a first cartridge design, wherein the printhead structure of the two cartridges are different. The method uses a common datum structure and ink reservoir system for both the first and second cartridges, to save on development and tooling expenses. The cartridges differ in the shapes or configurations of the headland structures, the flexible interconnect circuits, the nozzle plates, the ink channels or the printhead substrates.

Abstract: A thin pen cartridge for a thermal ink-jet (TIJ) printer, to be carried in a pen carriage along a carriage scan axis above the print medium. The pen height and depth are at least twice the pen width measured along the scan axis in order to achieve a high volume pen. The reduction in pen width permits the carriage width along the scan axis to be reduced, in turn reducing the footprint size of the TIJ printer.

Abstract: A rigid external case structure for a thermal ink-jet pen cartridge, which includes an ink reservoir within the case. The case includes an external frame structure made of an engineering plastic, and defining an open loop, with opposed open areas defined on each opposed side of the loop. Two opposed thin metal side cover plates are attached to the frame structure to cover the open areas, and provide rigidity to the case structure. As a result, the frame structure is substantially non-compressible in response to forces applied against the side members or against the frame, protecting the ink reservoir and preventing ink drool from the pen printhead.