Abstract: Embodiments of a biodegradable absorbent material in a permeable membrane are disclosed.

Abstract: A printing system includes a printhead; a print drum for transporting print media in the printing system including to the printhead; and a spittoon disposed on the print drum for receiving ink from a spitting operation of the printhead. A method of performing a spitting operation for a printhead includes rotating a print drum with respect to the printhead, where the drum comprises a spittoon disposed on the drum for receiving ink ejected from the printhead during the spitting operation; aligning the spittoon on the drum with the printhead; and spitting ink with the printhead to the spittoon.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a recording head including a nozzle face, in which the recording head is configured to dispense ink onto a recording medium to form an image thereon. The device also includes a supporting member which faces the nozzle face and is configured to support the recording medium, and an ink receiving portion which is positioned on the supporting member and faces the nozzle face. The ink receiving portion includes a first plurality guides, and a second plurality of guides. Each of the first plurality of guides and each of the second plurality of guides includes a guide face and is configured to guide the ink dispensed from the recording head. Moreover, the guide face includes a first portion and a second portion, and a first distance between the first portion and the nozzle face is less than a second distance between the second portion and the nozzle face.

Abstract: A hybrid printer adapted to print onto roll-based print media and rigid print media is presented. The printer comprises a print head that is movable along at least one substantially horizontal scan axis; and drive means adapted to drive lifting means. The lifting means are arranged to cause the scan axis to undergo movement in a substantially vertical direction when driven by the drive means, thereby enabling a distance between the print head and the print media to be adjusted.

Abstract: A printer-plotter includes first and second heads which are supported by a guide rail and are movable along a longitudinal direction of the guide rail, independently. A driving member is supported by the guide rail and configured to move along the longitudinal direction between the first head and the second head. A first connecting mechanism is configured to connect the first head to the driving member detachably. A second connecting mechanism is configured to connect the second head to the driving member detachably. The first head is connected to the driving member by the first connecting mechanism and the second head is separated from the driving member in order to make the first head operate. The second head is connected to the driving member by the second connecting mechanism and the first head is separated from the driving member in order to make the second head operate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS inkjet type print head and the resulting device is disclosed. The method includes providing a driver component and separately providing an actuatable membrane component, the actuatable membrane component being formed in the absence of an acid etch removing a sacrificial layer. The separately provided actuatable membrane component is bonded to the driver component and a nozzle plate is attached to the actuatable membrane component subsequent to the bonding. Separately fabricating the components removes the need for hydrofluoric acid etch removal of a sacrificial layer previously required for forming the actuatable membrane with respect to the driver component.

Abstract: An active-energy ray curable ink-jet recording apparatus includes: an active-energy ray irradiation source; a plurality of full-line ink-jet heads which eject a liquid functional material that is curable by an active-energy ray, onto a recording medium which is scanned and transported; and a head controller for controlling the heads to form an image on the recording medium, wherein the plurality of full-line ink-jet heads include at least a black head and a yellow head on an extreme downstream side in a direction of transporting the recording medium.

Abstract: Provided is a wallpaper printer having a cabinet configured to receive replaceable ink reservoirs and cartridges of blank wallpaper, and a feed system defining a media path through the cabinet, the feed system having pilot guides for guiding the blank wallpaper from the cartridges past a pagewidth printhead for printing. The printer also includes a heated platen positioned in the media path downstream of the pilot guides for heating the blank wallpaper prior to printing. The printer also has a pagewidth printhead arranged in the cabinet for printing images on the blank wallpaper, and a cutter module for cutting the printed wallpaper before the feed system feeds said wallpaper into a container configured to roll the printed wallpaper into a roll for storage purposes.

Abstract: A nozzle plate includes: a plate substrate in which a nozzle is formed, ink being ejected through an ejection port of the nozzle in the plate substrate; and a p-type doped layer which forms a whole perimeter of an edge portion defining an inner perimeter of the ejection port of the nozzle in the plate substrate.

Abstract: In a liquid ejection apparatus, common liquid chambers adjacent to each other and connection passages extending from the adjacent common liquid chambers are separated by a partition wall. The partition wall has a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface. The first side surface define one of side surfaces of the common chamber and one of side surfaces of the connection passage extending from the common chamber. The second side surface defines one of side surfaces of the other common chamber and one of side surfaces of the other connection passage extending from the other common chamber. The partition wall has a curved surface connecting the first side surface to the second side surface in a vicinity of a position where the connection passages having the partition wall placed therebetween are connected to each other. A curvature of the curved surface is larger than a curvature of an arc having a diameter equal to a width of the partition wall.

Abstract: A method of forming an enclosed fluid path in a print head includes providing a die member and a truncated nozzle plate spaced from the upper surface of the die member. The die and nozzle plate are formed on a print head substrate having an aperture formed therein. A sacrificial material is seated over the aperture of the print head substrate and joins a terminal end of the truncated nozzle plate. The sacrificial material is encapsulated from the terminal end of the nozzle plate to a surface of the print head substrate. Removal of the sacrificial material defines the fluid path from the aperture of the print head substrate to the nozzle plate.

Abstract: Provided is a pagewidth printhead assembly having a plurality of printhead modules. Each of these modules includes a printhead integrated circuit (IC) having a plurality of ink ejection nozzles, and an ink distribution assembly formed from a stack of ink distribution layers. Each layer defines apertures therein at predetermined locations, with the layers laminated together so that the apertures complementarily define ink distribution channels to the printhead IC. Each module also includes a tape automated bonding (TAB) film connected to the printhead IC for arranging said IC in signal communication with a controller of the printhead assembly.

Abstract: An ink jet print head is provided which allows an ejection opening-formed surface to be cleaned well and can improve a precision with which ejected ink lands on a print medium. For this purpose, conductive layers of a conductive material are formed on the support substrate and planarized. The liquid ejection substrates are mounted on the support substrate with high precision, without a sealing agent, that protects electrical connecting portions on the liquid ejection substrates, protruding from the ejection opening-formed surface.

Abstract: Provided is a nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle assembly includes a substrate defining a nozzle chamber and an ink inlet channel leading to said chamber. The nozzle assembly also includes a nozzle defined on the substrate and located over the nozzle chamber, said nozzle having a crown portion with a skirt portion depending from the crown portion, the skirt portion forming a first part of a peripheral wall portion of the nozzle chamber, the nozzle surrounded by a raised rim which supports a meniscus of a body of ink in the nozzle chamber. Also included is an actuator with a connecting arm fast with the nozzle to operatively displace the nozzle towards the substrate, wherein the nozzle, actuator and connecting arm are defined according to micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques.

Abstract: A droplet ejection head includes: a nozzle substrate provided with a plurality of nozzle holes for ejecting a droplet; a cavity substrate provided with a plurality of ejection cavities each having a diaphragm as a bottom wall functioning as an electrode; and an electrode substrate including: a plurality of individual electrodes each formed in a first groove, opposed to the diaphragm with a gap, and for driving the diaphragm; a driver IC for controlling driving of the plurality of individual electrodes; and input wiring formed in a second grooves, and for inputting one of power and a signal for driving the drover IC from the outside. The second grooves of the electrode substrate are formed deeper than the first grooves, and a thickness of a conductive material of the input wiring is greater than a thickness of the individual electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a print head that allows the characteristics of ejected ink to be adjusted for each ejection port in spite of a variation in the distance from an ink supply port to the heating element. In the print head according to the present invention, the area of the heating element decreases with increasing distance from the ink supply port and increases with decreasing distance from the ink supply port. The heating element is shaped like a rectangle that is longer in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the plurality of ejection ports are arranged than in the direction in which the plurality of ejection ports are arranged. The aspect ratio of the heating element depends on the length of an ink channel through which ink is introduced into the bubbling chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a pagewidth inkjet printhead which has a plurality of ink ejection devices. Each of these devices includes a substrate defining a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet nozzle and a fluid supply channel respectively defined in opposite walls of the chamber. The chamber also defines chamber wall edge portions. Each ejection device also includes a thermal actuator and a nozzle paddle operatively located in the chamber between the edge portions. The paddle is operatively displaceable upwards by the actuator to eject ink from the fluid outlet nozzle, with the paddle spaced from the chamber wall edge portions so that ink is able to flow between a front and rear of the paddle to allow refilling of the chamber with ink via the supply channel. The paddle is further formed with a series of protrusions in a central portion thereof, the protrusions aiding in reducing outward ink flow from the centre of the paddle as the paddle moves upward.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead is provided having nozzles, bubble forming chambers containing ejectable ink, generally planar heater elements each bonded on one side to an associated chamber so that the other side faces into the chamber, a MEMS fluid sensor having a MEMS sensing element for detecting the presence or otherwise of the ejectable ink in the chamber, and control circuitry for measuring the current passing through the sensing element during its heating. The heater elements receive heating pulses to form gas bubbles in the ejectable ink on the side facing into the chamber which cause ink ejection from the nozzle. Each chamber has a dielectric layer proximate the side of the heater element which has a thermal product less than 1495 Jm?2K?1s?1/2, the thermal product being (?Ck)1/2, where ? is the density of the layer, C is specific heat of the layer and k is thermal conductivity of the layer.

Abstract: A head module includes lines of head chips, each head chip having energy-generating elements for discharging liquid and electrodes for electrically connecting the energy-generating elements to a control substrate, and a wiring board having wires for electrically connecting the electrodes to the control substrate. The head module drives the energy-generating elements through the wiring board to discharge liquid. The wiring board includes connecting sections connecting the wires to the respective electrodes, common wire sections joining some of the wires that are common to the head chips, and a terminal section connecting the wires to the control substrate at one side of the wiring board. The wires in the connecting and terminal sections are arranged in a single-layer structure along a horizontal direction. The wires in the common wire sections are arranged in a multi-layer structure in which portions of the wires are stacked in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A liquid recording head includes thermal energy generating means, having a flat plate configuration, for generating a bubble by thermal energy; a pressure chamber in which said thermal energy generating means is provided; a flow path for introducing liquid into said pressure chamber; a supply port in fluid communication with said flow path; and an ejection outlet provided at a position opposing said thermal energy generating means in fluid communication with said pressure chamber, wherein said thermal energy generating means includes a first major surface facing said ejection outlet and a second major surface opposite said first major surface, and wherein a distance between said first major surface and ceiling surface of said pressure chamber in which said ejection outlet is formed is shorter than a distance between said second major surface and a bottom surface of said pressure chamber.

Abstract: An inkjet printer has a pagewidth printhead with a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes a substrate with an inlet channel etched therethrough, and nozzle chamber walls and a roof to define an ink chamber, with an ink ejection port defined in the roof inline with the inlet channel. The nozzle arrangement includes a thermal actuating arm inside the chamber, an upper side of the arm defining a displacement area that acts on ink in the chamber to eject ink via the ejection port. The displacement area is greater than half an area of the ink ejection port but less than twice the area of the ink ejection port.

Abstract: A liquid discharging head includes a head chip including a plurality of energy generating elements configured to discharge liquid, and liquid chambers provided around the energy generating elements, and a common passage member configured to define a common passage communicating with all the liquid chambers. Liquid is discharged from the liquid chambers by driving the energy generating elements so as to apply a discharging force to the liquid. N-number of common passage members (N?2) are provided, and each includes an inlet for supplying the liquid to the common passage and an outlet for ejecting the liquid from the common passage. The inlet of the first common passage member is connected to a liquid supply member. The inlet of the N-th common passage member is connected to the liquid supply member via an opening-closing valve and to the outlet of the (N-1)-th common passage member.

Abstract: A liquid discharging head includes a head chip including a plurality of energy generating elements configured to discharge liquid and liquid chambers provided around the corresponding energy generating elements, and a common passage member configured to define a common passage communicating with all the liquid chambers in the head chip. the liquid is discharged from the liquid chambers by driving the energy generating elements so as to apply a discharging force to the liquid. The common passage member includes an inlet through which the liquid is supplied to the common passage, and an outlet through which the liquid is ejected from the common passage. The common passage includes a ceiling surface having a groove extending from the inlet toward the outlet.

Abstract: A print head has an array of jets to dispense ink onto a printing surface, an array of actuators to cause the jets to dispense ink and an ink manifold to route ink to the array of jets, the ink manifold being formed of at least one polymer layers. A print manifold has an array of jets formed on a metal plate, at least one polymer layer mounted on the metal plate, the polymer layer including an array of manifolds corresponding to the array of jets and an electronic circuit board mounted on the polymer layer, the electronic circuit board having an array of holes corresponding to the array of manifolds. A print system includes at least one ink reservoir at least one umbilical to transport ink out of the ink reservoir and a print head as described above.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head is provided, which includes a piezoelectric element for which the polarization characteristic can be recovered without having to apply an electrical field in a direction opposite to that in which an electrical field is to be applied during driving. A piezoelectric element provided for a liquid discharge head of the present invention includes a field-polarization hysteresis characteristic that has, at the least, one hysteresis loop. A saturation polarization point and a critical polarization point, on one hysteresis loop for the hysteresis characteristic, are positioned in the same field polarity, and different signs are provided for a polarization value at the saturation polarization point and for the polarization value at the critical polarization point.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes a flow channel substrate having a pressure generating chamber communicating with a nozzle aperture through which liquid is ejected, and a piezoelectric element disposed on one surface of the flow channel substrate. The piezoelectric element includes a common electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and an individual electrode. The piezoelectric layer is made of lead zirconate titanate having a rhombohedral or monoclinic crystal structure preferentially oriented in the (100) plane. The saturated polarization Pm and the residual polarization Pr of the piezoelectric layer satisfy the relationship 33%?2Pr/2Pm?46%.

Abstract: A method for producing a liquid transport apparatus comprises positioning and joining a vibration plate formed with recesses and a flow passage unit formed with pressure chambers, detecting a positional deviation amount of the recess from a reference position in a predetermined direction, and forming an electrode having a length adjusted on the basis of the detected positional deviation amount. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid the decrease in the pressure to be applied in the pressure chamber. Further, it is possible to appropriately discharge a liquid such as an ink or the like from a discharge port.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes a flow passage unit, a vibrator unit, a case and a reinforcing plate. The flow passage unit includes a liquid flow passage and a diaphragm portion. The liquid flow passage includes a pressure chamber that communicates with a nozzle opening. The diaphragm portion is formed at a portion corresponding to the pressure chamber and varies a volume of the pressure chamber. The vibrator unit includes a piezoelectric vibrator that is bonded to the diaphragm portion. The piezoelectric vibrator displaces the diaphragm portion. The case has an accommodation chamber formed therein to accommodate the vibrator unit. The reinforcing plate has an insertion opening portion that is formed at a position corresponding to the diaphragm portion and through which a free end portion of the piezoelectric vibrator is insertable. The reinforcing plate is interposed between the case and the flow passage unit.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator includes a vibration plate which is joined to a flow passage unit to cover a pressure chamber formed in the flow passage unit, a piezoelectric layer arranged on the vibration plate, a first electrode arranged on the piezoelectric layer to face the pressure chamber, a second electrode arranged on the piezoelectric layer while being opposed to the first electrode, and a third area arranged in the remaining area of the piezoelectric layer opposed to the pressure chamber. A first portion of the piezoelectric layer interposed by the first and second electrodes is polarized in parallel to the thickness direction. A second portion of the piezoelectric layer disposed between the first and third electrodes in the plane direction, is polarized in parallel to the plane direction. Accordingly, there are provided the piezoelectric actuator having a high driving efficiency.

Abstract: A liquid ejection head includes a passage member in which individual liquid passages are formed, diaphragms fixed to a plane of the passage member, piezoelectric layers formed on the diaphragms, individual electrodes formed on the respective piezoelectric layers, lands electrically connected to the respective individual electrodes. The lands have their height from a surface of the piezoelectric layers higher than that of the individual electrodes. Each of the individual liquid passages has a liquid ejection opening and a pressure chamber an interior space of which exposes on the plane. An overhang is formed on a side wall of each pressure chamber in such a manner that a length of an interior space of the pressure chamber along the plane increases at a portion more distant from the plane. At least a part of the land overlaps the overhang when seen in a direction perpendicular to the plane.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are jet stacks, ink jet print heads, and methods of making jet stacks and ink jet print heads. The method of making an ink jet print head can include providing a partial jet stack including a diaphragm, a plurality of port holes, and having an ink outlet side and providing a polymer planarized piezoelectric array. The method can also include bonding the polymer planarized piezoelectric array to a side opposite to the ink outlet side of the partial jet stack using an adhesive, wherein the partial jet stack is aligned such that the planarized polymer covers the plurality of port holes, and using the partial jet stack as a mask to extend the port holes through the polymer by ablating the polymer and an excess portion of the adhesive from the ink outlet side using a laser.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes a flow passage unit, a vibrator unit, a case unit, and a common base substrate. The flow passage unit includes a liquid flow passage and a diaphragm portion. The liquid flow passage at least includes a pressure chamber that communicates with a nozzle opening. The diaphragm portion varies a volume of the pressure chamber. The vibrator unit inlucdes a piezoelectric vibrator that displaces the diaphragm portion. The case unit accommodates the vibrator unit. The common base substrate connects a plurality of pairs of the case unit and the flow passage unit. The common base substrate is fixed between the plurality of pairs of the case unit and the flow passage unit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing piezoelectric actuator which includes a piezoelectric layer formed of a piezoelectric ceramics material and having a drive area, a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on both surfaces of the piezoelectric material layer respectively each at portion corresponding to the drive area, and a ceramics layer formed of a ceramics material and stacked to face the surface of the piezoelectric material layer on which the first electrode is arranged, the method including: forming a stacked body which includes the piezoelectric material layer, the ceramics layer, and the first electrode, and sintering the stacked body; forming the second electrode on the other surface, of the piezoelectric material layer after the sintering, not facing the ceramics layer; and forming elastic layers having a lower coefficient of elasticity than that of the piezoelectric material layer on both surfaces respectively of the stacked body after the sintering.

Abstract: This invention relates to a micromachined fluid ejector array having a fluid reservoir bounded at one side by an elastic membrane having scalable arrays of orifices arranged between concentric piezoelectric transducers, and at another side by a top cover supported by surrounding walls. By actuating neighboring concentric piezoelectric transducers, the scalable array of orifices arranged between the actuated neighboring concentric piezoelectric transducers deflect to eject fluid droplets. Also disclosed is a micromachined fluid ejector array having a fluid reservoir bounded at one side by an elastic membrane having scalable arrays of orifices arranged between concentric piezoelectric transducers, and at another side by a top cover supported by surrounding walls. A piezoelectric layer is bonded on top of the top cover.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus configured for mounting an ink supply cartridge includes a guide frame defining a main scan direction. A printhead carrier for mounting the ink supply cartridge is coupled to the guide frame. The printhead carrier includes a housing cradle. A first latch device is pivotably coupled at a first axis to a front portion of the housing cradle, the first latch device being rotatable between a first latched position and a first unlatched position. A second latch device is pivotably coupled at a second axis to a rear portion of the housing cradle, the second latch device being rotatable between a second latched position and a second unlatched position. The first latch device and the second latch device are configured to define a top opening for vertically receiving the ink supply cartridge between the first latch device and the second latch device.

Abstract: Provided is a droplet jetting applicator including: a droplet jetting head configured to jet liquid supplied from a liquid storage unit; a liquid supply unit configured to supply the liquid from the liquid storage unit to the droplet jetting head through a liquid supply channel; a first buffer liquid reservoir positioned closer to the droplet jetting head than the liquid supply unit in the liquid supply channel, and formed so that the inflow liquid drops thereinto; a liquid return unit configured to return the liquid from the droplet jetting head to one of the liquid storage unit and the first buffer liquid reservoir through a liquid return channel; and a second buffer liquid reservoir positioned closer to the droplet jetting head than the liquid return unit in the liquid return channel, and formed so that the inflow liquid drops thereinto.

Abstract: A liquid-drop ejecting apparatus comprises: a liquid-drop ejection head; a first tank; a second tank; and a negative pressure generation unit. The first tank includes: a liquid storage chamber for storing therein a liquid to be supplied to the liquid-drop ejection head; a gas chamber formed above the liquid storage chamber in a first direction; a communication hole connecting the liquid storage chamber and the gas chamber; a gas-permeable membrane affixed to an inner surface of the gas chamber so as to cover the communication hole; and a first groove formed on the inner surface of the gas chamber so as to surround an area where the gas-permeable membrane is affixed. The second tank is for storing therein a liquid to be supplied to the liquid storage chamber in the first tank. The negative pressure generation unit which is configured to generate a negative pressure in the gas chamber.

Abstract: Provided herein is a functional liquid supply apparatus having: a plurality of sub tanks, a tank unit which replenishes the functional liquid to the plurality of sub tanks, an upstream side functional liquid channel of which an upstream side thereof is connected to the tank unit and a downstream side thereof is connected to each of the sub tanks, and a plurality of third opening and closing valves which replenish the functional liquid to each of the sub tanks by its' opening and closing operations. The tank unit 122 has a pair of main tanks, nitrogen gas supply units connected to the pair of the main tanks respectively, and a switching device which is capable of switching a pressurized liquid of the functional liquid fed from the pair of the main tanks alternatively.

Abstract: Provided is a cradle unit for receiving a print cartridge to form a print engine. The cradle unit includes a main body defining an opening for receiving said cartridge, the main body having a frame structure including end plates with drive and exit rollers mounted therebetween. The cradle unit also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) pivotally mounted between the end plates for housing control electronics for controlling the operation of the print engine, and a cover assembly for securing said cartridge in the opening. The cover assembly is pivotally mounted between the end plates, with the cover assembly configured to pivot the PCB into electrical contact with a printhead controller on the cartridge when in a closed position, and to pivot the PCB out of electrical connection with said printhead controller when in an open position.

Abstract: An inkjet cartridge comprising an ink container including a venting structure comprising an orifice through a wall of the ink container in direct communication with a meniscus baffle extending into the interior of the ink container. The instant invention also includes an inkjet cartridge lid comprising a lid structure including serpentine trenches and orifices formed within a top surface, at least one of the serpentine trenches intersecting with at least one of the orifices, the lid structure also comprising a venting structure that includes a corridor interposing at least two separate ink reservoirs and including opposing first and second ends, the first end of the corridor in communication with an external environment, the second end partitioned to establish a separate passage in communication with each of the at least two separate ink reservoirs, each passage including a hollow extending into an interior of the ink reservoir.

Abstract: Embodiment of the invention provide an ink jet cartridge for an ink jet printing device. In one embodiment, an ink jet cartridge can include a cartridge body operable to store ink jet printer ink for dispensing from the cartridge. The cartridge can further include at least one dispensing outlet operable to permit ink to be dispensed from the cartridge body. In addition, the cartridge can include a first foam portion positioned adjacent to the at least one dispensing outlet and operable to retain ink within the cartridge body until dispensed from the cartridge body. The cartridge can also include a second foam portion. Furthermore, the cartridge can include at least one membrane disposed between the first foam portion and the second foam portion, wherein the at least one membrane is operable to inhibit ink flow between the first foam portion and the second foam portion.

Abstract: A liquid container includes a case, a translucent portion, an ink supply portion, and a movable member. The case defines a liquid chamber which is configured to store a predetermined amount of liquid. The translucent portion extends away from the liquid chamber in a predetermined direction, and has an inner space formed therein. The ink supply portion has a center line which is parallel to the predetermined direction. The movable member is pivotably positioned within the liquid chamber, and includes a signal blocking portion, a float portion, and an arm portion. At least a portion of the signal blocking portion is configured to be positioned within the inner space. Moreover, when the liquid chamber stores the predetermined amount of liquid, at least a portion of the arm portion is positioned further from the center line than the signal blocking portion is positioned from the center line.

Abstract: A liquid cartridge mountable on a liquid droplet ejection device, includes a liquid chamber configured to store a liquid therein, and a pump unit configured to generate a pressure for the liquid stored in the liquid chamber to be supplied to the liquid droplet ejection device. The pump unit includes a cylinder; a piston slidably mounted in the cylinder and configured to define a pressure chamber with the cylinder; a force transfer member coupled to the piston and including an engagement portion and a support portion; and a support member configured to contact the support portion to support the force transfer member to be movable. The engagement portion is configured to engage a drive member of the liquid droplet ejection device and to receive a drive force from the drive member to displace the piston.

Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a case including a front face and a rear face opposite the front face, in which the case has an ink chamber defined therein, and the ink chamber is configured to store ink. The ink cartridge also includes an extension portion extending from the from the front face of the case in a predetermined direction, and the extension portion includes a first end which is coupled to the front face of the case, and a second end opposite the first end. The extension portion also includes an opaque first portion, an opaque second portion positioned adjacent to the first end of the extension portion, and a translucent third portion positioned between the opaque first portion and the opaque second portion in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A storage device includes a case configured to mount a liquid container. The storage device includes: a lever configured to move among a first position, a second position, and a third position between the first position and the second position; a first member movable between a protruding position to restrict an insertion of the liquid container at a particular position, and a retracted position that allows the liquid container to be inserted to a mounted position; a link member configured to change the position of the first member from the protruding position to the retracted position when the lever moves from the first position to the third position; and a second member. When a liquid container which is pre-assigned to the case is inserted into the case, the second member allows a positional change of the lever from the first position to the third position.

Abstract: An ink tank includes an ink containing chamber configured to directly contain ink, a supply port configured to supply the ink from the ink containing chamber to a recording head, a capillary member disposed in the supply port to hold the ink, and a sealing member configured to cover the supply port. An air volume (V) of a space constituted by the capillary member and the sealing member, an ink volume (Vi) held by the capillary member, and a maximum volume (Vexp) when air expands in the space accompanying environmental fluctuation of the ink tank, satisfy Vi?Vexp?V.

Abstract: A liquid storage container is provided which is configured to be detachable from a liquid ejecting apparatus. The storage container includes a liquid storage body having a liquid storage portion for storing liquid therein, a liquid storage body-receiving member configured as a separate body from the liquid storage body and detachably receiving the liquid storage body, and a detection sensor provided to the liquid storage body-receiving member and used in detecting the liquid within the liquid storage body.

Abstract: A second sealing film F2 is thermally bonded onto a leading end portion R1 of an ink lead-out member 32b of an ink pack and an annular projecting portion R2 provided on an ink casing 31. Thereby, a gap D produced between the ink lead-out member 32b and the ink casing 31 can be closed from outside the ink casing 31. Accordingly, the airtightness of a space S in the ink casing 31 is kept, thus making it possible to raise the pressure in the space S and generate such a force as to crush the ink pack.

Abstract: A liquid-drop ejecting apparatus comprises: a liquid-drop ejection head, a first tank, a second tank and a negative pressure generation unit. The first tank includes: a liquid storage chamber for storing therein a liquid to be supplied to the liquid-drop ejection head; a gas chamber formed therein; a communication hole connecting the liquid storage chamber and the gas chamber; a gas-permeable membrane which covers the communication hole, and by which the liquid storage chamber and the gas chamber is divided; and a suppression member provided in the gas chamber and configured to contact with the gas-permeable membrane which is deformed to project toward an inside of the gas chamber, so as to suppress the deformation of the gas-permeable membrane. The second tank for storing therein a liquid to be supplied to the liquid storage chamber. The negative pressure generation unit configured to generate a negative pressure in the gas chamber.

Abstract: Inks are supplied from ink inflow flow passages to ink storage chambers in a subtank. The inks are further supplied from the ink storage chambers via ink outflow flow passages to a head. The ink storage chambers are stacked in the vertical direction, with upper surfaces or lower surfaces thereof being defined by damper films respectively. Parts of upper surfaces of the ink inflow flow passages and parts of upper surfaces of the ink outflow flow passages are defined by gas-permeating films. The gas, which is contained in the liquids in the ink inflow flow passages and the ink outflow flow passages, is discharged via the gas-permeating film to a gas discharge passage. The gas is prevented from the outflow together with the liquids from the liquid supply apparatus.