Abstract: A printhead cartridge identification system is disclosed which ensures that an ink jet printer operates only with ink jet cartridges compatible with the specific printer function. An ink container which supplies ink to an associated printhead has a light reflector incorporated into a transparent wall of the ink container housing. The cartridge, comprising the ink container and associated printhead, is mounted on a scan carriage. Periodically, the carriage is conveyed to an optical station comprising a light source and a photosensor. The light source is energized and a beam of light is directed towards the reflector.

Abstract: An ink container for an ink printer is disclosed of the type wherein a foam member is seated within the ink container in which ink is drawn by capillary action through an ink outlet port in the container. The interior surface of the compartment of the container which seats the compressed foam has been treated so as to establish two areas of surface finish. A first area, adjacent the face of the container through which the foam is inserted, has a fine surface finish to prevent the foam from rebounding or bulging back through the entrance face following insertion. A second finish, in the more interior portion of the compartment, is relatively coarser and is designed to prevent the foam member from pulling away from interior corners and insures a more even distribution of the foam.

Abstract: In a printhead assembly, an ink jet printhead is fixed to the wall of an ink supply manifold. The printhead has an ink inlet in communication with a plurality of nozzles, and the manifold contains liquid ink which flows to the printhead inlet through an outlet in the manifold wall. A preformed hot melt adhesive member with a slot therein is positioned between the manifold wall and the printhead with the slot of the adhesive member surrounding the manifold outlet and printhead inlet, so that when the adhesive member is heated and cooled a hermetic seal is formed.

Abstract: An ink cartridge for an ink jet printer has an ink supply in a housing and a printhead assembly fixedly attached thereto. The ink is contained in an absorbent material in the housing which is partitioned from the printhead assembly by a housing wall having a vent and an ink outlet. The ink flow path from the housing outlet to the printhead inlet is produced by a recess in the outer surface of the housing wall and a film member bonded thereover by a thermosetting adhesive. The film member has a slot therethrough, and the adhesive is the type not attacked by the ink. The surface of the film member opposite the surface bonded to the housing wall is coated with the same thermosetting adhesive which bonds to the printhead assembly surface containing the ink inlet.