Abstract: A drop detector calibration system may include a fluid ejection bar, a drop detector movable along the fluid ejection bar at different spacings from the fluid ejection bar and a controller to determine a location of the fluid ejection bar based upon interaction between the fluid ejection bar and the drop detector during movement of the drop detector along the fluid ejection bar.

Abstract: Baffles located next to the input of the ink feed channel in an inkjet pen to capture and retain contaminant particles before the particles reach the printhead. Particles that may accumulate on interior surfaces of the pen when the pen is maintained in an non-printing orientation are thus prevented from cascading into the ink feed channel when the pen is reoriented for printing.

Abstract: A technique for handling residual ink that is from time to time present on the orifice plate of an ink-jet print cartridge. In one preferred embodiment, an ink-jet print cartridge is equipped with an ink-receptive member, such as an absorbent pad. The pad is located so that a service station wiper will move the residual ink from the orifice plate and spread it across the pad. The pad absorbs the ink. In essence, the ink is sequestered on the cartridge, in the pad. The exterior surface of the pad dries quickly so that there is little likelihood of developing a tacky area over the pad to which fibers may stick and degrade print quality.

Abstract: A fiber tracking management system controls fibers clinging to an inkjet printhead in an inkjet printing mechanism, to stop these fibers from trailing across freshly printed wet ink and leaving unsightly fiber tracks. The system includes a sled which supports a fiber crushing member that contacts the printhead when the sled is in the servicing position and crushes fibers dangling from the printhead against the printhead. The printhead carriage has a datum which extends over the printzone and collects fibers from a wiper following printhead wiping. The system also has a fiber remover which removes fibers deposited along the exterior surface of the datum. The fiber remover may be a clutch actuator or other mechanism which plucks the fibers off the carriage, or a compressible pad which smashes the fibers and scrubs ink residue from the datum. A method of controlling fibers clinging to an inkjet printhead is also provided.

Abstract: A fiber tracking management system controls fibers clinging to an inkjet printhead in an inkjet printing mechanism, to stop these fibers from trailing across freshly printed wet ink and leaving unsightly fiber tracks. The system includes a sled which supports a fiber crushing member that contacts the printhead when the sled is in the servicing position and crushes fibers dangling from the printhead against the printhead. The printhead carriage has a datum which extends over the printzone and collects fibers from a wiper following printhead wiping. The system also has a fiber remover which removes fibers deposited along the exterior surface of the datum. The fiber remover may be a clutch actuator or other mechanism which plucks the fibers off the carriage, or a compressible pad which smashes the fibers and scrubs ink residue from the datum. A method of controlling fibers clinging to an inkjet printhead is also provided.

Abstract: A fiber tracking management system controls fibers clinging to an inkjet printhead in an inkjet printing mechanism, to stop these fibers from trailing across freshly printed wet ink and leaving unsightly fiber tracks. The system includes a sled which supports a fiber crushing member that contacts the printhead when the sled is in the servicing position and crushes fibers dangling from the printhead against the printhead. The printhead carriage has a datum which extends over the print zone and collects fibers from a wiper following printhead wiping. The system also has a fiber remover which removes fibers deposited along the exterior surface of the datum. The fiber remover may be a clutch actuator or other mechanism which plucks the fibers off the carriage, or a compressible pad which smashes the fibers and scrubs ink residue from the datum. A method of controlling fibers clinging to an inkjet printhead is also provided.