Abstract: The present invention provides a portable ink jet recording apparatus of mobile type in which the user does not pay attention to reservation of an electric power required for driving the recording apparatus. A detachable and exchangeable supplies container containing a recording material, recording fluid and fuel for a fuel cell is provided, and a hybrid cell comprised of a compact fuel cell and a secondary cell is used as a power supply system so that, when the ink jet recording apparatus is not driven, an electric power generated by the fuel cell is stored in the secondary cell.

Abstract: An actuator unit is driven with a voltage pulse supplied from a driver IC. The actuator unit can take two states of a first state wherein the volume of a pressure chamber is V1, and a second state wherein the volume of the pressure chamber is V2 larger than V1. A state of the actuator unit changes from the first state to the second state and then to the first state again so that ink is ejected through a nozzle connected to one end of the pressure chamber. A pulse width Tw of the voltage pulse to be supplied to the actuator unit is shorter than a pulse width Tmax at which a maximum ejection speed of ink ejected from the nozzle is obtained. Thus, with simplifying a waveform of the voltage pulse, two of large and small ink droplets can be successively ejected in the order of the large and small ink droplets.

Abstract: An fluid ejection device includes nozzles and includes firing resistors which correspond to the nozzles. Each firing resistor and corresponding nozzle are located in zones on the fluid ejection device where each zone has at least one firing resistor and corresponding nozzle. Addressable select logic responsive to a select address couples fire pulses to the firing resistors in the zones so that each firing resistor in each zone is coupled to the same fire pulse.

Abstract: To provide an image recording apparatus and an image recording method which can restrain occurrence of an ink stain and achieve reduction of time for printing in the case of both-side recording. The apparatus includes a setting unit for variably setting a length of time between an end of recording on a first recording side (surface) of a recording medium and a start of recording on a second recording side (reverse side) of the recording medium in accordance with image data for recording on the first recording side of the recording medium.

Abstract: A printer has a sequential access EEPROM used with storage elements on black and color ink cartridges. Cartridge data such as data concerning inks in the cartridges are stored in the cartridges' storage elements. The addressing format for the cartridges' storage elements differs from that for the EEPROM. Tie printer's controller converts the storage format of addressing before writing information into the cartridges' storage elements. Data to be written into storage elements are temporarily placed in a RAM on tie printer's carriage. The data are then written into storage elements of the black and color cartridges, say, during power-off operation. Signal lines and memory used when writing data into storage elements are identical to signal lines through which print data are transmitted to a print head on the carriage, and the memory where print data are stored. This reduces ink cartridge manufacturing cost and printer size.

Abstract: A printing method comprises: ejecting ink from ink ejecting sections provided in/on a movable print head to form dots; performing at least either printing with a first arrangement using inks arranged according to the first arrangement or printing with a second arrangement using inks arranged according to the second arrangement by changing the arrangement of inks supplied to each of the ink ejecting sections; and printing, with one forward and return movement of the print head, a correction pattern for determining a correction amount to be used for printing with the first arrangement and a correction amount to be used for printing with the second arrangement for correcting a misalignment between a position where dots are formed during a forward pass of the print head and a position where dots are formed during a return pass of the print head that occurs during printing with the first and second arrangements.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining status of inkjet print head identification circuit are provided for an inkjet print head with a plurality of signal lines. The apparatus comprises: a status output terminal outputting one bit data of the status of the inkjet print head identification circuit; a first blowing terminal electrically coupled to the status output terminal via a first programmable switch; and a second blowing terminal electrically coupled to the status output terminal via a second programmable switch; wherein one of the first programmable switch and the second programmable switch being off to determine a voltage level of the status output terminal.

Abstract: In a discharging state determination method and apparatus for detecting discharging state from each nozzle of a printhead which discharges droplets, each of the nozzles of the printhead is driven, and the discharging state from each driven nozzle is detected and stored as a physical amount in a memory. A threshold for determining whether the discharging state of each nozzle of the printhead is normal or abnormal is calculated by using the physical amount corresponding to each nozzle and stored in the memory. The physical amount corresponding to each nozzle is evaluated on the basis of the threshold, and it is determined whether the droplet discharging state of each nozzle is normal or abnormal.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device having an internal power supply path and a power regulator providing an offset voltage from the internal power supply path voltage. A self-calibration circuit in the inkjet printhead determines a regulation band of the power regulator defined by a lower set point offset voltage and an upper set point offset voltage. The inkjet printhead includes a group of nozzles, a corresponding group of firing resistors, and a corresponding group of switches controllable to couple a selected firing resistor of the group of firing resistors between the internal power supply path and the offset voltage to thereby permit electrical current to pass through the selected firing resistor to cause a corresponding selected nozzle to fire.

Abstract: A thermal inkjet actuator for use in an inkjet printer assembly includes heat conduction means arranged to realize a predetermined negative pressure profile to facilitate droplet formation. In a preferred embodiment the heat conduction means comprises a thin layer of very high thermally conductive material such as Aluminium located in the middle of a non-heat conductive passive bend layer. The overall cool-down speed of the actuator, and hence the speed with which the passive bend layer returns to its quiescent position can be controlled by controlling the proximity of the heat conductive layer to the actuator's heater during fabrication.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stable printhead assembly (1) for carrying a printhead (2) such as modular MEMS printhead. The assembly has an elongated core (5) and for example, a MEMS printhead bonded to the core. The core is contained within an outer laminated shell (4). The shell and core together have an effective coefficient of thermal expansion substantially equal to that of the printhead.

Abstract: A core (5) is provided for a printer component such as a pagewidth printhead assembly. The core comprises an extruded and elongated body (3) having a plurality of interior reservoirs (6, 7, 8, 9), the reservoirs each having an ink exit opening, the openings converging into an area adapted to receive a printhead (2) which is bonded to the area.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance cap includes a base and a wall portion. The wall portion is defined by a plurality of adjoining walls, and has a proximal end and a distal end, the plurality of adjoining walls defining an interior region. The proximal end is coupled to the base. A first lip extends from the distal end of the wall portion by a first extent in a direction non-orthogonal to the base, the first lip defining a first perimetrical sealing surface. A second lip extends from the distal end of the wall portion by a second extent, the second lip being spaced apart from the first lip, the second lip defining a second perimetrical sealing surface.

Abstract: A carrier locking apparatus of an inkjet printer having: a latch groove on a moving carrier carrying an ink cartridge; a locking lever, installed at a home position of the carrier, with a first end having a latch, and a second end having a pivoting lever; and a toggle spring joined to the locking lever's second end selectively applying elastic force to the locking lever to maintain each of two pivoted states. When the carrier moves to the home position, the carrier pushes the pivoting lever to pivot the locking lever in a first direction, inserting the latch into the latch groove to lock the carrier. When the carrier moves from the home position, the locking lever pivots in a second direction opposite the first direction, the latch disengages from the latch groove to unlock the carrier, and the locking lever pivots in the second direction.

Abstract: A nozzle guard 80 for an ink jet printer printhead with an array 14 of nozzles 10 and respective colorant ejection means for ejecting colorant onto a substrate to be printed, wherein the nozzle guard 80 is adapted to be positioned on the printhead to inhibit damaging contact with the exterior of the array 14 of nozzles 10.

Abstract: A vacuum platen assembly for a fluid-ejection device of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed includes a platen that has a number of vacuum holes. Each of at least one of the vacuum holes has sidewalls with anti-clog profiles at least substantially prevent collection of media debris and aerosol on the sidewalls.

Abstract: A printhead for an ink jet printer with an array 14 of ink ejection nozzles 22 formed from MEMS techniques. To protect the delicate nozzle structures, a nozzle guard 80 covers the exterior surface of the array 14. A corresponding array of apertures 84 is formed in the guard 80. To attach the guard 80 to the silicon substrate 16 carrying the nozzles 22, alignment formations 148 configured for engagement with complementary formations on a nozzle guard 80. For precise registration between the nozzles 22 and the respective apertures 84 in the guard 80, the alignment formations 148 may be formed using the same etching and deposition techniques used to form the nozzles 22.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printer and printer head, and more particularly, to an ink-jet method printer for preventing quality deterioration of the print result caused by head chips having irregular characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system and method for producing efficient ink drop overlap filled with a pseudo hexagonal grid pattern. In general, the present invention can include an inkjet printhead assembly that incorporates a preprogrammed correction scheme or schemes [1-n] (herein correction scheme will refer to all applications), for correcting systematic ink drop placement errors of the inkjet printhead. The printing system of the present invention uses a unique ink dot pattern, called a pseudo-hexagonal close pack system. The present invention optimizes the addressable grid for dot placement, pseudo hexagonal close pack system, with an efficient geometry for packing circles to fill an area, similar to the hexagonal close pack system. However, the present invention in creating dots on a non-symmetric grid is supported by available software and is not computationally complex.

Abstract: A print head for a line printer in which errors between print head chips and another component are reduced and ink leakage is prevented, and in which heat generated in print head chips is efficiently dissipated without making the structure of the print head complex or increasing the size of the print head. A plurality of print head chips (11) are arranged along an ink path (20) and are disposed on both sides of the ink path in a zigzag pattern. Dummy chips (21) which do not eject ink are disposed at regions between the print head chips (11) arranged along the ink path (20). In addition, an ink-path member (23) is provided, at least a part of the ink-path member (23) which includes portions adhered to the print head chips (11) being composed of a material having a high thermal conductivity, so that the ink-path member (23) also serves as heat-dissipating means which dissipates heat generated in the print head chips (11).

Abstract: An inkjet printhead assembly includes a carrier. An ink supply assembly is mounted on the carrier and defines a plurality of printhead chip receiving formations that are each dimensioned to engage a printhead chip and a plurality of ink supply conduits that terminate at the formations to supply ink to printhead chips engaged with the formations. A plurality of inkjet printhead chips is engaged with respective said formations to receive the ink via passages defined by the printhead chips in fluid communication with respective ink supply conduits. A rotary platen assembly is mounted on the carrier. The rotary platen assembly includes a platen body that is mounted on a shaft and defines a platen surface for supporting sheets of a print medium as the printhead chips carry out a printing operation on the sheets. The shaft is rotatable to bring the platen surface into and out of alignment with the printhead chips.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a pagewidth printhead assembly that defines a plurality of ink passages so that the printhead assembly can be supplied with ink. An ink conduit structure is connected to the printhead assembly, the ink conduit structure defines a plurality of converging ink conduits that are in fluid communication with respective ink passages. An ink distribution structure is connected to the ink conduit structure, the ink distribution structure defining a plurality of ink ducts, each ink duct being in fluid communication with a respective set of ink conduits. A number of inlet ports are arranged on the ink distribution structure, each inlet port being in fluid communication with a respective ink duct.

Abstract: A printhead assembly for an ink jet printer that has an elongate support structure (1) that attaches to the printer and is adapted to accept a printhead (2) that mounts to the support member (1). The support member (1) is formed from a number of laminated materials (3, 4) having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The support member materials (3, 4) are selected and structurally configured so that the effective coefficient of thermal expansion of the support member as a whole substantially matches that of the silicon nozzle substrate material.

Abstract: A modular printhead for a digital printer wherein the modules (2) may be mechanically aligned using specifically designed frame (3) supporting the modules (2).

Abstract: A modular printhead for a digital printer wherein the modules (2) may be mechanically aligned using specifically designed frame (3) supporting the modules (2).

Abstract: A printhead assembly for an ink jet printer has an elongate support structure (1) with alternating segments of different materials (3, 4). The segments are bonded end to end. The materials may have different coefficients of thermal expansion. The support member materials (3, 4) are selected and structurally configured so that the effective coefficient of thermal expansion of the support member as a whole substantially matches that of a printhead substrate material.

Abstract: A page width printhead assembly (1) for a digital inkjet printer has a support member that can be secured in the printer, and a printhead (2) that can be mounted to the support member. The support member has a core with at least one ink reservoir (6, 7, 8 and 9) enclosed within a laminated shell (4). The materials and structure of the shell (4) and the core (5) are selected and configured so that the co-efficient of thermal expansion of the support member as a whole is substantially equal to that of the printhead (2).

Abstract: A page width printhead assembly (1) for a digital inkjet printer has a support member that can be secured in the printer, and a printhead (2) that can be mounted to the support member. The support member has a core with at least one ink reservoir (6, 7, 8 and 9) enclosed within a laminated shell (4). The materials and structure of the shell (4) and the core (5) are selected and configured so that the co-efficient of thermal expansion of the support member as a whole is substantially equal to that of the printhead (2).

Abstract: An inkjet printer for high-volume pagewidth printing includes a support structure. A platen assembly is positioned in the support structure, the platen assembly defining a pagewidth printing zone. A print assembly is positioned operatively with respect to the platen assembly. The print assembly includes a chassis that is mounted on the support structure to span the printing zone. A plurality of printhead modules is positioned on the chassis. Each printhead module has a carrier, a printhead chip mounted on the carrier and a flexible printed circuit board connected to the chip to provide the chip with control signals. The printhead modules are positioned so that the printhead chips overlie the printing zone. A plurality of printed circuit boards is mounted on the chassis. Each printed circuit board has control circuitry that is connected to a predetermined number of printhead chips. The printer includes a feed mechanism for feeding print media through the printing zone, over the platen assembly.

Abstract: A technique of the present invention uses dark yellow (DY) ink, in addition to a plurality of conventionally used basic color inks including cyan (C) ink, magenta (M) ink, and yellow (Y) ink. The technique may cause a printer to create dots with the DY ink, in place of creation of dots with the Y, C, and M inks. This arrangement enhances the degree of freedom in specification of dot on-off conditions of the respective inks, and relieves the restriction of ink duty, thereby enabling a resulting printed image to have higher picture quality.

Abstract: When positional information expressed by a black dot pattern and an image other than the positional information recorded as color dots are recorded, black data and color (cyan, magenta, and yellow) data are compared. If the black dots and color dots are provided in the same positions, data conversion is performed so that color dots corresponding to those positions are not formed. Thus, bleeding resulting from overlaps of positional information image with the other image is reduced to prevent the degradation of recording quality, and waste of ink is prevented.

Abstract: A thermal bend actuator includes a wafer substrate. An elongate actuator arm is fixed to the substrate at a fixed end. The elongate actuator arm includes a heater layer of a conductive material and a dielectric, resiliently flexible layer. The heater layer defines a heater circuit which is connected to an electrical potential. A working member is fixed to an opposite free end of the actuator arm. Control logic circuitry is positioned on the substrate, between, and generally aligned with, the heater layer and the substrate. The control logic circuitry is interconnected between a data input means and the heater circuit and includes register circuitry connected to the data input means to generate an enabling signal. Firing circuitry is connected between the register circuitry and the heater circuit to close the heater circuit on receipt of the enabling signal so that said electrical potential generates a current in the heater circuit, resistively to heat the heater layer.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical assembly includes a substrate that incorporates drive circuitry. A micro-electromechanical device is positioned on the substrate and is electrically connected to the drive circuitry to be driven by electrical signals generated by the drive circuitry. A covering formation is positioned on the substrate and is configured to enclose the micro-electromechanical device.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical liquid ejection device includes a substrate that incorporates drive circuitry. Nozzle chamber walls are positioned on the substrate to define a nozzle chamber. The nozzle chamber walls include a roof wall that defines an ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. The substrate defines an inlet passage through the substrate and into the nozzle chamber. An elongate drive member is fast with the substrate at a fixed end and incorporates an electrical circuit that is in electrical contact with the drive circuitry to receive an electrical signal from the drive circuitry. The drive member is configured so that a free end is displaced relative to the substrate on receipt of the electrical signal. A motion-transmitting member is fast with the free end of the drive member so that the motion-transmitting member is displaced together with the free end.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit board connected to a printer head having at least one heater discharging ink, the flexible printed circuit board including: at least one voltage supplying terminal selectively supplying an operating voltage to the at least one heater in response to receiving a printing command signal from a printer; at least one first cable connected at each end to the at least one voltage supplying terminal and at least one first bonding pad, respectively, transferring the operating voltage to the at least one heater; at least one grounded terminal; and at least one second cable connected at each end to the at least one grounded terminal and at least one second bonding pad, respectively, in which the at least one second cable is divided into at least two portions at a predetermined position and a first portion of the at least two divided portions is provided along one side of the at least one first cable, and a second portion of the at least two divided portions is provided along the other side of

Abstract: The angles and sizes for each of the constituent members of the ink jet recording head is designed to satisfy the following relational expression:

Abstract: An ink-jet head is constructed by a passage unit and an actuator unit being put in layers. The passage unit and the actuator unit are independently formed, and then bonded to each other by being heated with a thermosetting adhesive being interposed therebetween to not less than a curing temperature of the thermosetting adhesive. At an operating temperature after the thermosetting adhesive has cured by heat so as to bond the passage unit and the actuator unit to each other, the actuator unit receives stress of −40 MPa to 10 MPa in a direction parallel to a face thereof bonded to the passage unit. Accordingly, both of capacitance between electrodes included in the actuator unit and a drive voltage required for driving the actuator unit are optimized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous ink jet printer that includes an ink jet printing nozzle for a first color positioned to deposit ink drops on a substrate, and a deflection element located proximate an output trajectory of the first ink jet printing nozzle and operative to deflect the ink drops in a swathed pattern as they are deposited on the substrate by the first ink jet printing nozzle. A second ink jet printing nozzle is also provided for the first color positioned to deposit ink drops on the substrate, and a second deflection element is located proximate an output trajectory of the second ink jet printing nozzle and operative to deflect the ink drops in a swathed pattern as they are deposited on the substrate by the second ink jet printing nozzle. Interleaving logic is operative to provide interleaved print data to interleave at least one deflected drop from the first ink jet printing nozzle with a plurality of deflected drops from the second ink jet printing nozzle in parallel offset rasters.

Abstract: A method for printing ink droplets that strike print media substantially perpendicularly, including the steps of: emitting a first drop having a first volume and a second drop having a second volume as a stream of ink from a plurality of nozzle bores formed in a printhead; moving either the first or second drop into a perpendicular strike position relative to the print media; separating either the first drop or the second drop along different droplet paths; capturing either the first drop or the second drop with an ink gutter; and striking the print media with either the first drop or the second drop substantially perpendicular to the print media.

Abstract: An elastomeric ink delivery extrusion (15) transports ink and air to printhead modules (11) in an ink jet printhead assembly (10). A series of patterned holes (21) are laser ablated onto an upper surface of the extrusion (15). These interface with inlets on the underside of a series of printhead modules (11) of the assembly (10) and relay ink and air from respective longitudinal channels of the extrusion (15).

Abstract: An ink cartridge for an inkjet printer is comprised of a cartridge including a box and a lid containing an ink outlet port adapted to a carrier in the printer and an ink porch the cartridge characterized by that a porch opening is air-tightly integrated to the top of the ink outlet port for consistent ink delivery and minimized residual ink.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure In a system for laser welding work pieces along a collapsing weld interface, methods and apparatus include providing welding pads and/or stop projections on either or both of the work pieces to control the manner or amount of collapse. Preferably, the stop projections exist a separation distance from the weld interface while the welding pads exist at and form a portion of the weld interface. Buffers are taught between the weld interface and stop projection. The work pieces may comprise inkjet printhead lids and bodies. In another aspect, the invention teaches methods of laser welding inkjet printhead lids and bodies according to whether the inkjet printhead body embodies a mono or color ink body type and especially includes selective control of one or more laser light sources to illuminate the inkjet printhead lid in a specific pattern of light.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus for recording by discharging an ink onto a recording medium to be recorded, has a first ink tank for containing a first ink, a second ink tank for containing a second ink different from the first ink, and a holder enabling the ink tanks to be loaded therein. The ink tanks are provided with distinguishing members so that the holder is, though capable of being loaded with both of these two types ink tanks in a state before loading the ink tanks into the holder, loaded with one of the ink tanks with the result that the other ink tank becomes unable to be loaded into the holder. The holder is provided with a changeover mechanism corresponding to the distinguishing members of the ink tanks.

Abstract: A covering member is installed on the upper face of a liquid storing chamber, which further covers a communicating for covering a gas-liquid separation member. For the ink jet cartridge, given the length of each of paths from the gas-liquid separation member to the atmosphere communication port as Ln, and the sectional area of each path as Sn, and then, the diffusion resistance R=&Sgr;(Ln/Sn), and the coefficient K=10,000 (mg·mm/mm2), it is arranged to set the Ln and Sn to satisfy the K/V<R<2,000, provided that the total weight of liquid filled in the liquid storing chamber is V.

Abstract: Multi-compartmentalized ink cartridges for ink jet printers and improved methods for making the ink cartridges. The multi-compartmentalized ink cartridge includes a molded, open-topped body having an interior cavity and a printhead surface area opposite the interior cavity. A divider wall is integrally molded with the molded body structure and disposed in the interior cavity to provide at least three segregated ink chambers. The divider wall includes a first wall section and a second wall section attached substantially perpendicular to the first wall section. At least first, second, third molded ink flow paths connect each of the at least three segregated ink chambers with the printhead surface area. The second and third ink flow paths are oriented relative to their corresponding ink chambers for molding with a mold insert tool so that the cartridge body does not require a separately attached member to close mold insert tool insertion areas in the body.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead having a unitary body with an ink conduit between an ink outlet port of an ink compartment and an ink feed slot compatible with a heater chip has an ink conduit plug laser welded thereto to prevent ink from leaking from the ink conduit as the ink flows from the ink outlet port to the ink feed slot during use. In one embodiment, the ink conduit plug has a lid and an insertion portion. The lid has a laser transparent periphery that becomes illuminated with a laser light to weld an undersurface thereof over an opening of the ink conduit. Techniques for laser welding include an advancing laser beam or a simultaneous welding structure. In another embodiment, the ink conduit plug has two plug sections banded together with either a flexible material or angularly disposed links. The banded plug sections may or may not be laser welded.

Abstract: In an ink for ink jet recording use comprising a water-soluble dye, a humectant, a penetrant, water and a hydrolyzable organic silicon compound, silicon atoms (62) are contained in the ink at a ratio of 3.3 or more with respect to one hydrophilic group (52) in the water-soluble dye molecules (50) so that at least the whole hydrophilic groups (52) in the water-soluble dye molecules (50) are surrounded by silicon atoms (62) as a result of a condensation and polymerization reaction of said organic silicon compound.

Abstract: A printing system includes a printhead, a movable transport surface opposite the printhead and configured to transport a print medium relative to the printhead, and a cleaning medium in contact with the transport surface while at least one of the cleaning medium and the transport surface are moved relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface treatment apparatus containing a sheet heating unit for heating a sheet, a sheet cooling unit for cooling the sheet.

Abstract: In an inkjet printer, the print head does not print images directly to the print medium. Rather, the print head prints the image to an intermediate transfer member, for example a transfer belt or drum. The transfer member then transfers the image to the print medium to produce the desired hard copy document. By printing to an intermediate transfer member and then transferring the image to the print medium, additional time is provided for the carrier fluid of the ink to evaporate or be absorbed by the transfer member before the image is transferred to the print medium. In this way, less carrier fluid is eventually deposited to the print medium than if the image had been printed directly on the print medium. Consequently, cockle formation is decreased.