Abstract: A printer system includes a housing. A front panel is arranged at the end of the housing. The front panel has an opening defined therein. A carrier slidably arranged relative to the housing to be movable, in the opening, between a retracted position and an ejected position. The carrier carries a receptacle for a supply of print media, a receptacle for a supply of inks and a print engine including a page width printhead.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a housing formed with a containing portion in which a power source unit for effecting printing on a printing medium is removably contained includes a power source portion forming a path for the printing medium provided on the power source unit.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for recording an image on a sheet material, includes an outer case having a box-shape, a convey path for conveying a sheet material within the outer case, a recording device disposed within the outer case and adapted to effect recording on the sheet material conveyed by the convey path. Opening portions formed in the outer case provide an inlet and an outlet of the convey path. A lid member closes at least one of the opening portions defining the inlet and the outlet, and wherein flexion of the outer case is reduced by closing the opening portion or portions by means of the lid member.

Abstract: A part of the outer casing on the upper surface of a recording apparatus is arranged to be a cover capable of being opened and closed. When the recording apparatus is in operation (in use), the part of this outer casing becomes the sheet feeding tray which is open to stack recording sheets. The recording apparatus is provided with a linear antenna suitable for transmitting and receiving radio waves of ultra-short wave frequency band. The antenna is arranged on the right side of the recording apparatus, observed from the front side thereof, along the edge of the end portion of the cover that dually functions as the sheet feeding tray.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording apparatus for forming an image by discharging ink from an ink discharging nozzle onto a recording medium includes a carriage which is moved for scanning along a pair of guide shafts, and a recording head having ink discharging nozzles arranged in a row. An ink chamber is integrally formed in the carriage, and a heater board is integrally mounted on the carriage so that the ink chamber communicates with the ink discharging nozzles. The guide shafts pass through both end portions of the carriage with the discharging nozzles therebetween so as to be orthogonal to the row of ink discharging nozzles. The ink-jet recording apparatus is applicable to a printer in a printer-containing camera.

Abstract: There is provided a printer which does not require a space for opening and closing a body cover, can be installed in any place, and can be small and thin. A printing head is provided in a printer body having in its front an opening. A recording sheet is inserted into a housing of a cover provided with a platen roller. Part of the recording sheet is placed on the platen roller. The cover is inserted from the opening of the printer body into the printer body. The printing head is resiliently pressed through the recording sheet onto the platen roller.

Abstract: A recording apparatus has a first positioning part positioned on a base chassis, and a second positioning part for positioning a guide shaft for guiding a carriage carrying a recording head for recording images on a transported sheet, both provided on the same face of each of a left side plate and right side plate. A third positioning part for positioning a transporting roller for transporting sheets along a sheet transporting path is provided on at least one of these faces. Thus, a recording apparatus can be provided wherein the precision of the chassis configuration and the rigidity thereof is improved, and parts can be standardized, at low cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printer comprising a scanning mechanism provided in a housing, a mounting mechanism for releasably mounting a print head to the scanning mechanism, and an aperture. The scanning mechanism is arranged to move within the housing. The aperture is provided within the housing and arranged to be placed on, or adjacent to, an image receiving medium such that the print head, when mounted, is operable to print onto the image receiving medium through the aperture. In order to engrave an image into the image receiving medium, it is proposed that the mounting mechanism is arranged to accommodate a holding mechanism which holds a machining device for machining a medium. The printer may be provided with an ink supply containing a security ink, especially for printing entry receipts onto the hand of a customer entering a discotheque, concert, or other event.

Abstract: A recording apparatus provided with a covering member which can be attached to or removed from a main assembly of the apparatus includes a conveying device for conveying recording material; a recording device for carrying out a recording operation while moving along a surface of the recording material; and a movement prevention device for regulating movement of the recording device, depending on an open or closed state of the covering member; wherein the movement prevention device confines the movement of the recording device when the covering member is open, and releases the recording device from the confining action of the movement prevention device when the covering member is closed. Further, a preventing mechanism prevents opening of an opening mechanism which opens a nip in the conveying mechanism when the recording device is out of a recording region.

Abstract: An ink jet recording device includes an external switch, a device for detecting the amount of ink left in each ink cartridge, and a device operating such that when an instruction to replace the ink cartridge is generated by the switch, or when a device detects an ink end of the cartridge, only the ink cartridge to be replaced is exposed through a window in the recording device. The ink cartridge to be replaced is specified, and only the specified ink cartridge is automatically moved to a replaceable position. Correct replacement of more than one ink cartridge is ensured, and the cartridge replacing work is simplified.

Abstract: An ink jet system including an ink jet head for the image-wise spraying of hotmelt ink, diode for maintaining the hotmelt ink in a molten state in the ink jet head, a rest station defining an area for at least partially receiving the ink jet head, and a guide system for facilitating the movement of the ink jet head from an operative mode to a standby mode within the rest station.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a housing formed with a containing portion in which a power source unit for effecting printing on a printing medium is removably contained includes a power source portion forming a path for the printing medium provided on the power source unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable, hand-held printing apparatus capable of maintaining high printing quality even when the movement of the apparatus becomes unstable due to looseness or wrinkles of a printing medium or even when the moving velocity of the apparatus changes. When a user moves the housing of this apparatus on a printing medium to print on the printing medium by using a printhead, the apparatus itself detects the moving velocity of the housing. On the basis of this detection result, the apparatus adjusts the supply timing of a driving signal for driving the printhead.

Abstract: In order to fix case members in relation to a frame member, an elongated fitting plate is fitted with fitting portions of the frame member and fitting portions of the case members. There is provided a fitting plate cover that covers the fitting plate and that fits to the case members thereby to constitute a part of the external shape of the printer. The fitting plate cover includes a protrusion for restraining the movement of the fitting plate. First and second engagement members are provided to fix a main case member with the frame member. The first engagement member prevents open-ends of side walls of the main case member from separating from the frame member. The second engagement member, which is located closer to closed-ends of the side walls, prevents the main case member from moving in the direction opposite to its attaching direction.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a carriage for carrying a recording head, a sheet-feeding cassette for holding recording sheets to be recorded, a sheet-discharging cassette for holding recording sheets after recording, and a mounting-and-detaching part for mounting and detaching the recording head to and from the carriage. Loading of the recording sheets to be recorded into the sheet-feeding cassette, unloading of the recording sheets after recording from the sheet-discharging cassette, and mounting and detaching of the recording head to and from the carriage can be performed at a front part of the recording apparatus.

Abstract: A parallelepiped shape printer (20) suitable for being stacked with equipment, comprising a fixed structure (65) upon which an outer casing (22) of the printer is mounted; a movable cassette (21) bearing a printing assembly (33); and a feeding tray (34) which contains a ream (36) of sheets of paper (37), wherein the cassette (21) may be manually extracted from and inserted in the outer casing (22) through a front side (23) of the printer (20).

Abstract: A pocket assembly for use in an ink jet printer included in a mailing machine. The pocket assembly is adapted to receive an ink cartridge and includes: a housing defining a pocket for receiving the ink cartridge, a needle, a door and a door mechanism. The housing has an open end and a closed end and includes a recess extending away from the pocket. The needle is mounted to the housing closed end and protrudes into the pocket. The door is movably mounted to the housing and is located within the pocket. The door mechanism is operatively coupled with door for repositioning the door between a closed position blocking access to the needle and an open position allowing access to the needle. The door is seated in the recess when in the closed position so that the door is less likely to be manually repositioned to the open position.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ink jet printing system including a primary ink supply and a plurality of piezoelectric ink jet printhead assemblies. Each assembly comprises a housing, a piezoelectric ink jet printhead in the housing, a secondary ink supply attached to the housing adjacent the printhead, and an ink supply line for delivery of ink from the secondary ink supply to the printhead. The system further includes a pump for pumping ink from the primary ink supply to the secondary ink supply of each printhead assembly. Each printhead assembly is operable independently of the other printhead assemblies and are selectively movable with respect to the other printhead assemblies and with respect to the primary ink supply so that each printhead assembly can be positioned at a desired location without regard to where the other printhead assemblies are to be positioned and without regard to where the primary ink supply is positioned.

Abstract: A printer unit having a pagewidth full color ink jet printhead; a detachable print roll cartridge including ink and paper, wherein the printer unit is formed within the disk drive bay of a personal computer type system. The printer unit includes a rotatable mount enabling the printed paper to be ejected from the front of the disk drive bay in an operational position, and the cartridge to be loaded longitudinally from the front when the printer is rotated through 90° to a loading position.

Abstract: The present invention provides ink-jet writing engine modules for use with a compatible hard copy engine module, a hard copy apparatus based thereon, and methods of manufacturing, operation, and use. Fluidic and electronic partitioning for ink-jet hard copy apparatus is redefined. Modular separation of a hard copy engine from a writing engine allows a replaceable writing module containing all of the key elements of the ink-jet writing system based on writing system technology requirements, particularly for those most likely to age or fail as a result of time, frequency of use, or end-user actions.

Abstract: The present invention provides ink-jet writing engine modules for use with a compatible hard copy engine module, a hard copy apparatus based thereon, and methods of manufacturing, operation, and use. Fluidic and electronic partitioning for ink-jet hard copy apparatus is redefined. Modular separation of a hard copy engine from a writing engine allows a replaceable writing module containing all of the key elements of the ink-jet writing system based on writing system technology requirements, particularly for those most likely to age or fail as a result of time, frequency of use, or end-user actions.

Abstract: A modular printer includes a housing containing printing components. The housing has a first, external surface and an opposed, second external surface. A plurality of mounting elements are arranged on the second surface of the housing and a plurality of locating zones are arranged on the first surface of the housing. There are at least the same number of locating zones as there are mounting elements. Each locating zone has a plurality of locating formations with each mounting element of the housing of one printer engaging one of the locating formations of the housing of an adjacent printer, in use, to locate adjacent printers with respect to each other. More particularly, the provision of a plurality of locating formations at each locating zone allows adjacent printers to be arranged in offset relationship with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides ink-jet writing engine modules for use with a compatible hard copy engine module, a hard copy apparatus based thereon, and methods of manufacturing, operation, and use. Fluidic and electronic partitioning for ink-jet hard copy apparatus is redefined. Modular separation of a hard copy engine from a writing engine allows a replaceable writing module containing all of the key elements of the ink-jet writing system based on writing system technology requirements, particularly for those most likely to age or fail as a result of time, frequency of use, or end-user actions.

Abstract: A modular printer that can be configured to provide different printing sizes, models, and features. The modular printer has a base module that includes base printing electronics, and a drive and print mechanism. Coupled to the base module are different communication modules that provide an interface for the operator of the printer. Different battery modules are designed to interface with the other modular sections.

Abstract: A hot melt ink jet printer includes a central opening provided on its main frame casing that can be opened and closed by one motion. An ink pellet setting opening to allow ink pellets of different colors to be supplemented separately is provided on the top surface of the main frame casing. An inner cover including an ink case that covers over the ink pellet supplementing opening and a side cover body constructed to be joined to one side of the ink case is installed, but allowing for vertical pivotal motion, to close the central opening.

Abstract: A carriage for housing an ink cartridge as a source of supply of ink to an ink-jet printhead for an ink-jet printer comprises a snap hook for locking engagement with a lock lever that is pivotally supported by a case. The hook includes a cantilever fixed at one end to a sidewall of the case and a head for engagement with the lock lever. The cantilever is elastically inclined by said lock lever and allowed to snap back toward its unstressed state to put the head into a window of the lock lever into frictional engagement with a predetermined surface of a knob of the lock lever. For releasing this engagement, manually pressing the cantilever to incline the cantilever causes the head to move the knob until the window comes into registry with the head.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes a recording head for effecting recording by ejecting ink onto a recording material and a holder for holding the recording head while it is not used for recording. The holder includes a cap for sealing an ejection outlet of the recording head, and the cap includes ink absorbing material for maintaining wetness of the ejection outlet.

Abstract: An image forming device provided with a main cover 6 that is capable of freely opening and closing and that covers an internally provided recording medium feed mechanism and the area scanned by the recording head during recording operations; and a maintenance cover 7 that is provided separately from the main cover in order to cover the maintenance mechanism and that is capable of freely opening and closing. Being provided separately from the main cover, the maintenance cover can be constructed relatively small and is, therefore, easy to open and close when replacing the maintenance paper. In addition, by only opening the maintenance cover while the recording head is positioned in the scanning area, the temperature of the recording head is not lowered.

Abstract: A container including a lid contains an ink jet cartridge, with the lid permitting removal of the cartridge when opened. The cartridge has a head portion with a discharge opening therein. The container includes an ink absorbing member spaced apart from and facing the discharge opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides ink-jet writing engine modules for use with a compatible hard copy engine module, a hard copy apparatus based thereon, and methods of manufacturing, operation, and use. Fluidic and electronic partitioning for ink-jet hard copy apparatus is redefined. Modular separation of a hard copy engine from a writing engine allows a replaceable writing module containing all of the key elements of the ink-jet writing system based on writing system technology requirements, particularly for those most likely to age or fail as a result of time, frequency of use, or end-user actions.

Abstract: To assure that the space efficiency of a recording apparatus can be improved, the length of each of cables to be electrically connected to a mechanism section can be optimized, and the recording apparatus having excellent handling properties can be produced with small dimensions at a reduced cost, a controlling section for controlling a mechanism section substantially composed of an automatic feeding section, a conveying section, a discharging section and a recording section, each of which is associated with a recording operation to be performed by the recording apparatus, is arranged above the mechanism section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes conveying device for conveying a printing medium in the substantially horizontal direction in the printing range where a printing agent is applied to the printing medium while a printing plane of the printing medium orients in the upward direction, a printer section including a plurality of printing heads located opposite to a platen portion of the printing range for applying the printing agent to the printing medium in the downward direction so as to form printed images on the printing medium by activating the printing heads, and supporting device for slidably displacing the printer section relative to the platen portion in the conveying direction of the printing medium conveyed by the conveying device, between the position where the printer section is located opposite to the platen portion and the non-opposing position spaced away from the preceding position. With such construction, a maintenance service can easily be conducted for the conveying device.

Abstract: An ink jet printer comprises an ink jet print head with detachable ink cartridges, a carriage holding the print head, a controller for controlling their actions, and an outer case having an opening formed for detachment of the ink cartridge and mounting of a new ink cartridge. To the outer case, a manual operation key and an opening/closing cover for closing the opening are attached. The opening and closing of the opening/closing cover are detected by a sensor. The manual operation key has two action modes. When the opening/closing cover is opened, the controller switches the action modes from a sheet feed mode to a mode for moving the carriage to a region opposed to the opening for detachment of the ink cartridge and mounting of a new ink cartridge. The number of operation keys is decreased, and key operation becomes easy. A display of an action is made on the outer case and the opening/closing cover so that each action can be known whether the opening/closing cover is open or closed.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is of a type which operates in combination with a recording head, the recording apparatus comprises a housing, a carriage for reciprocating the recording head carried thereon, an accommodation space for accommodating a reciprocative movement area of the carriage, disposed inside the housing, a cover member for opening or closing at least part of the accommodation space to the outside of the housing, an opening portion for communicating at least part of the accommodation space to the outside of the housing, formed by a relative displacement of the cover member from the housing, and an operation unit for operating the movement of the carriage from outside the housing via the opening portion and the accommodation space. The operation unit controls movement of the carriage to a position within the accommodation space in communication to the outside of the housing via the opening portion.

Abstract: System for producing three-dimensional structures on a substrate, including a machine frame having mounted thereon a replaceable unit for producing a three-dimensional structure on a substrate by a given method, a feeder and a delivery for the substrate, and at least one transport device for transporting the substrate from the feeder to the delivery device via the unit for producing the three-dimensional structure, including an electronic data processor for controlling the replaceable unit for producing the three-dimensional structure and, optionally, the transport device, and another replaceable unit for producing a three-dimensional structure on the substrate by a method which differs from the given method, the other replaceable unit for producing a three-dimensional structure on the substrate by the method which differs from the given method being mountable on the machine frame in exchange for the unit for producing a three-dimensional structure on the substrate by the given method.

Abstract: A scanning printer is connected to a computer by inserting the scanning printer into the card slot of the computer and both print data and power are supplied to the scanning printer. In printing, the scanning printer is extracted from the card slot and prints when an operator holds the scanning printer on recording paper and presses a printing button to start printing.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus comprises an ink tank containing ink; a recording head for performing recording by selectively ejecting ink; a mounting portion for mounting the ink tank and the recording head; a liquid passage coupling portion provided on either or both of the ink tank and the recording head for separating or connecting the ink passages in the ink tank and the recording head; a holding portion provided on either or both of the ink tank and recording head for guiding the ink tank to the recording head in order to hold them separably; and an electrically or mechanically connecting portion provided on either or both of the recording head and mounting portion for electrically or mechanically connecting the recording head to or separating it from the mounting portion.

Abstract: An ink-jet head includes a holder having first reference surfaces arrayed at a predetermined pitch in a main scanning direction. A plurality of segment chips is held on the holder. Each of the plurality of segment chips has an ink chamber plate and nozzles, each of the ink chamber plates having a flat surface on which grooves forming ink chambers are arrayed in a row perpendicular to the main scanning direction. Each of the ink chamber plates has a second reference surface extending from and coplanar with the flat surface. The second reference surfaces of the ink chamber plates of the plurality of segment chips are in contact with the first reference surfaces of the holder so that the nozzles of the respective segment chips are positioned on the holder at the pitch in the main scanning direction, and the plurality of segment chips are fixed to the holder.

Abstract: A computer printer having a frame contained within a housing, a media transport and printing mechanism attached to the frame within the housing is provided with at least one debris shield positioned above the printing mechanism to protect it from falling debris. The at least one debris shield may be positioned below an air flow path generated by printer ventilation, and the printer may employ a transfer surface on which an image is generated prior to transfer to a media sheet, and above which the debris shield is positioned.

Abstract: A storage container for temporarily storing an ink jet printhead cartridge during periods of non-use, the container including an improved nozzle capping mechanism which permits a variable range of forces to be applied to obtain the necessary sealing. The membrane is characterized by having, on one surface, a ribbed section which encircles the nozzle area to form a sealing perimeter. The other surface of the membrane has a shallow recess formed beneath the ribbed section, the recess providing for inward deflection along the ribbed area, the ribbed section maintaining an effective seal throughout a deflectable range. The arrangement solves a prior art problem of membrane buckling when excessive force is applied.

Abstract: A printer for printing image on a paper according to the print data output from a notebook computer. The printer has a paper-feed unit including a paper holding section for holding the paper to be printed on and a table on which the notebook computer can be placed; a print unit including a print section for printing image according to the print data on a paper supplied from the paper-feed unit and a receiving section for receiving a printed paper; and a joint mechanism for rotatably fitting the print unit on the paper-feed unit. The joint mechanism includes a shaft on which said print unit is carried so as to be turned with respect to the paper-feed unit, and the print unit has an open state in which the print unit is remote from said table of the paper-feed unit and a closed state in which the print unit folds flat on the table of the paper-feed unit.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ink jet printing system including a primary ink supply and a plurality of piezoelectric ink jet printhead assemblies. Each assembly comprises a housing, a piezoelectric ink jet printhead in the housing, a secondary ink supply attached to the housing close to the printhead, and a short ink supply line for delivery of ink from the secondary ink supply to the printhead. The system further includes a pump for pumping ink from the primary ink supply to the secondary ink supply of each printhead assembly. Each printhead assembly is operable independently of the other printhead assemblies and are selectively movable with respect to the other printhead assemblies and with respect to the primary ink supply so that each printhead assembly can be positioned at a desired location without regard to where the other printhead assemblies are to be positioned and without regard to where the primary ink supply is positioned.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming images that records images on a recording material by use of recording means includes an upper frame and a lower frame. The upper frame is installed to be opened and closed with respect to the lower frame by means of a rotational center in the direction along the feeding direction of the recording material. The lower frame is provided with a recording material carrying mechanism and means for installing the recording means. Then, it is arranged to suspend the recording means in a location on the rotational center side out of the recording material carrying area of the apparatus main body when the upper frame is opened or closed with respect to the lower frame. In this way, when a recording material is jammed in the interior of the apparatus main body, it is easy for the operator to carry out jamming disposal without touching recording means with his hand. Hence, there is no possibility to get the adjusted position of recording means out of order.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus and an ink cartridge for use in this apparatus are disclosed. The recording apparatus has a transport unit for transporting the recording medium, a recording unit having a carriage portion on which a recording head capable of discharging an ink supplied from an ink containing portion to effect recording is mounted, and a recovery unit capable of restoring the function of discharging the ink through the discharge port. The transport unit, the recording unit and the recovery unit are independently separable from each other. Ink passages for communication between the ink containing portion and the recording head can be disconnected while being shut off in each unit. The ink cartridge has a casing, a plurality of ink containers disposed in the casing, and positioning members formed on the ink containers. The ink containers are positioned by engaging the positioning members with each other.

Abstract: In a recording apparatus such as an ink jet type recording apparatus, there are provided a recording unit for performing a recording operation on a recording material in response to a recording signal, the recording unit having a power supply for supplying power to drive the same, and a feeding unit for automatically feeding the recording material to the recording unit. This feeding unit is detachably connected to the recording unit. The recording apparatus further comprises a power supply apparatus installed on the feeding unit, capable of supplying power to the recording unit under such a condition that the feeding unit is connected to the recording unit. The recording unit can be made compact and lightweight. The recording unit is solely operable as a portable recording unit.

Abstract: An ink jet printer casing which reduces the volume and thickness of a used ink tank by fully utilizing the inherent ink absorbing capability of the ink absorbing substance. A used ink containing room, defined by side walls, is formed on the bottom surface of the casing. The used ink containing room is divided into a plural number of segmental regions by partitioning plates. Individual segments of ink absorbing substance made of a porous material are placed in the segmental regions, respectively. If the casing is tilted, the water heads of the segments of ink absorbing substance are low as a whole when viewed in the vertical direction since the segments of ink absorbing substance are isolated from one another by the partitioning plates. The ink absorbing substance may also be formed as a single member, and the ink led to a central part of the used ink containing room.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is provided with a carriage that causes a recording head for recording on a recording medium to relatively travel with respect to the recording medium, a mechanism unit for driving the carriage and carrying the recording medium simultaneously, and a power-supply circuit. This recording apparatus includes a slanting portion arranged for the mechanism unit as a passage for carrying the recording medium, and, in a space made available below the slanting portion, the components constituting the power-supply circuit are arranged substantially in line in the direction substantially transverse to the slanting portion of the mechanism unit. With the arrangement of such structure, the efficiency of space utilization is enhanced and the apparatus can be fabricated more compactly, thus attaining the intended miniaturization thereof.

Abstract: An ink jet print unit storing case having a case main body 30 with a cap 40 and a cover member 32 with a plate spring 46. The case main body 30 has the cap 40 at a position confronting a recording head 12 when a print unit 6 is accommodated in the case main body 30. The cap 40 not only is such that a peripheral edge thereof 40a comes in resilient contact with the recording head 12 so as to form a space with respect to the nozzle openings of the recording head, but also communicates with the atmosphere through a fluid resisting passage so as to prevent the evaporation of ink from the nozzle openings which maintains the meniscus of the recording head in a printing ready state, even in the presence of temperature and pressure fluctuations. The cover member 32 is arranged on the case main body 30 so as to be opened and closed, and has the plate spring 46 that resiliently urges the print unit 6 toward the cap 40.

Abstract: The invention protects a printer, scanner, copier and/or FAX machine against shock, particularly during shipping and the like. The system includes side covers, and a subsystem to attach them to a major chassis element. Preferably this subsystem omnidirectionally transfers shock between the covers and the chassis element, and includes a hand-in-glove fit of a portion of the chassis element into each cover, with a snap connector holding the chassis element and covers in the hand-in-glove fit. Also preferably a subsystem is included to attach the covers to a main structural assembly. This subsystem is integrally formed in the covers and main assembly, and takes up at least four degrees of freedom of motion between them.

Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus has a casing which is divided into upper and lower regions by a dividing wall. In the lower region, between the dividing wall and the base of the casing is an ink circulation unit. A pump of the of the ink circulation unit passes ink from a main ink container to a tube and hence to a printing head of the apparatus. The ink circulation unit may have a filter for filtering the ink before it passes to the printing head, and also have a secondary ink container and a solvent container for containing ink and solvent which are passed to the main container as they are used up during printing. Access to the containers and the filter, which need periodic replacement, is via an access cover in the casing. The access cover is at the front of the casing so that it can be used by an operator when the printing apparatus is in its normal position. Above the dividing wall is a circuit board unit which controls the ink circulation unit, and also the printing head.