Abstract: A method of assembling an inkjet printhead is provided comprising providing an elongate support structure and positioning carrier units carrying printhead segments on the support structure. The support structure has a base, two sidewalls extending from the base and ink supply channels defined between the base and sidewalls. The sidewalls and channels define a slot extending along the support structure such that the channels are in fluid communication with the slot. One carrier unit is positioned in the slot so that its printhead segment is placed in fluid communication with the channels. The first carrier unit is then secured within the slot. A subsequent carrier unit(s) is positioned in the slot so that its printhead segment is placed in fluid communication with the channels. The position of the subsequent carrier unit(s) is then adjusted to align the respective printhead segments. The subsequent carrier unit(s) is then secured within the slot.

Abstract: A print engine assembly includes a support for a micro-electromechanical pagewidth print head. A single motor is controlled to dispense print media from a cartridge that is fast with the print head support and, at the same time, drive an air pump to direct air across the print head in order to keep it clear of debris. An air filter is provided to filter the air prior to it entering the air pump. The air is distributed to the print head support through a conduit that is formed in a molding which is shaped to receive the air pump.

Abstract: An inkjet printer unit is provided comprising a media input assembly for supporting media for printing, a media output assembly for collecting printed media, and a print engine for printing an image on the media. The unit being configured such that the media output assembly is an image reading unit and the printed media is collected on a surface of the image reading unit.

Abstract: A printer comprises a printing unit that includes a printhead. A cartridge (22) containing a supply of print media (70) and a supply of ink (54) is received in the unit. The supply of print media and the supply of ink are arranged in stacked relationship relative to one another to reduce a footprint of the cartridge and, hence, the printing unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of supplying a media web to a wallpaper printer. The method involves opening a reusable case and placing into the case a core onto which has been located a supply roll of blank wallpaper media. The core is supported for rotation within the case before it is closed. A free edge of the roll is placed between a pair of rollers and past an edge of the open case, then with the rollers located within the case and on either side of the web the case is closed and loaded into a printer. In some embodiments, a pair of resilient bias devices hold the rollers in proximity.

Abstract: A media web cartridge for storing a media web to be introduced into a wallpaper printing system, the wallpaper printing system including a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past a printhead at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

Abstract: A printhead tile for use in a printing system, the printhead tile comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channe

Abstract: A cabinet for a printing system for producing wallpaper printed on a media web, the cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold a printhead; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed wallpaper; and a receiving stage to receive printed wallpaper onto a roller.

Abstract: A digital photofinishing system comprising a digital processor, a printer and means for feeding print media to the printer from a roll of the print media, the digital processor being arranged to receive digitised data that is representative of a photographic image and to process the data in a manner to generate a printer drive signal that is representative of the photographic image, the printer being coupled to the digital processor and arranged to process the drive signal and effect page-width printing of the photographic image on the print media as it is fed directly to the printer from the roll, and the printer incorporating at least one print head assembly that is arranged to provide for printing of the print media with a feed rate up to 2 metres per second.

Abstract: A cartridge for a digital photofinishing system having a digital processor and a printer arranged to receive drive signals from the digital processor; the cartridge being arranged to be mounted removably in juxtaposition to the printer and comprising a source of print media and a source of printing fluid, both of which are arranged to be delivered on demand to the printer.

Abstract: A method of printing on-demand wallpaper, the method comprising the steps of: receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected wallpaper pattern; processing data associated with the wallpaper pattern to raster and compress the wallpaper pattern; transmitting the compressed wallpaper pattern data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the wallpaper pattern in the print engine controller; extracting a continuous blank media web from a media cartridge; driving the blank media web past a printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected wallpaper pattern using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

Abstract: A photofinishing system comprising a processor, a printer, means for feeding print media to the printer from a roll of the print media, and drier means coupled to the printer; the processor being arranged to generate a drive signal that is representative of a photographic image, the printer being coupled to the processor and being arranged to process the drive signal and effect printing of the photographic image on the print media, and the drier means being arranged to receive printed media directly from the printer, to transport the printed media from the printer and, in use, to effect drying of the printed media during transportation of the media.

Abstract: A printhead assembly with a communications module for a wallpaper printing system, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for drying a web of media in a printer such as a wallpaper printer. The method includes the step of loading the web in a path that traverses a compartment in a dryer in the printer. The compartment has an opening across the top. The web is allowed to descend into the compartment, as required, to lengthen the path.

Abstract: A method of producing on-demand wallpaper for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of: providing a printing system for producing wallpaper comprising: at least one media cartridge containing a blank media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a wallpaper pattern on the blank media web to form the wallpaper; an input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected wallpaper pattern and width; printing the selected wallpaper pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed wallpaper according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer for the wallpaper.

Abstract: An on-demand printer produces rolls of wallpaper in accordance with operator selections and preferences. The printer resides in a cabinet. In the cabinet there is a media path which extends from a media loading area to a winding area. A printhead is located in the media path. A processor in the printer accepts operator inputs from one or more input devices that are used to configure the printer for producing a particular roll. In some embodiments the winding area is adapted to load and hold a core and wind wallpaper produced by the printer onto the core.

Abstract: Franchising an on-demand wallpaper printing business comprises a number of steps. Franchisees are provided with an on-demand printer. The printer is built into a cabinet in which is located a media path which extends from a media loading area to a printhead and from the printhead to a dispensing slot. The printer has one or more printer input devices which communicate with a processor to capture data regarding one or more customer requirements such as a customer selected pattern, or roll length or width. The franchisee may be provided with patterns in a digital storage medium that can be read by the printer, in lieu of new inventory. This enables the franchisee to print a roll of wallpaper, onto a web of blank media, on demand.

Abstract: A printing assembly includes a printer and card holder having separate housings that are adapted to engage one another. The card holder has a slider mechanism for engaging a topmost card in a stack and ejecting the card from an ejection slot of the card holder into a slot of the printer housing. The card is then engaged by rollers in the printer housing which feed the card past the printhead for printing.

Abstract: A drying system for use in a printing system, the drying system comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of a printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

Abstract: A cartridge for a digital photofinishing system having a digital processor and a printer arranged to receive drive signals from the digital processor; the cartridge being arranged to be mounted removably in juxtaposition to the printer and comprising a source of printing fluid to be delivered on demand to the printer, and the cartridge incorporating means for coupling with a print media feed drive mechanism.