Abstract: An inkjet apparatus having a liquid container configured to contain liquid, a conduit configured to discharge gas in a first space where an inkjet head is placed into the liquid contained in the liquid container, and a pump configured to discharge the gas from a second space over the surface of the liquid in the liquid container is provided. If the pump is operated, the second space is placed in a reduced pressure condition as compared to the first space, and the gas in the first space is discharged into the liquid through the conduit, thereby becomes bubbles, and floats up.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and sensing device capable of determining a temperature of a liquid and an electrical conductivity of the liquid at the temperature. The sensing device comprises at least one temperature sensor for providing temperature measurement data arranged such that the temperature sensor is physically isolated from the liquid when the sensing device is immersed in the liquid. The device further comprises an electrical conductivity sensor, storage means containing temperature characteristics and a processor. The processor is arranged for instantly measuring an electrical conductivity of a liquid and for evaluating temperature measurement data for determining the temperature of the liquid on the basis of the temperature characteristics.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a liquid tank which retains a liquid; a liquid jetting head connected to the liquid tank and having a nozzle for jetting the liquid; a carriage on which the liquid tank and the liquid jetting head are provided; a recovery mechanism which recovers the liquid jetting head; a memory which retains predetermined history information; and a controller which controls the recovery mechanism based on the history information. The recovery mechanism selectively executes a first recovery operation for discharging air from the liquid tank and a second recovery operation for discharging air from the liquid tank and for discharging the liquid from the nozzle, and the controller controls the recovery mechanism to perform the first recovery operation if the history information in the memory includes an abnormality when a power of the image forming apparatus is switched ON.

Abstract: There is provided an inkjet head cleaning apparatus including: an air blowing unit spaced apart from a nozzle ejecting ink at a predetermined distance and blowing air toward the nozzle; a blocking surface disposed to face the air blowing unit and blocking ink being removed from the nozzle due to the air released by the air blowing unit; a rebound blocking unit disposed between the blocking surface and the nozzle and blocking ink droplets being rebounded farther than a predetermined distance from the blocking surface among the ink blocked by the blocking surface; and a storage unit receiving the removed ink.

Abstract: A modular printhead includes an elongate extrusion defining internal passages for carrying air, ink and fixative. The extrusion further defines repeated patterns of holes along its length with each pattern having holes in fluid communication with respective passages. A plurality of printhead modules is serially engaged along the extrusion with respective patterns of holes. Each printhead module defines inlets aligned in fluid communication with respective holes and internal chambers in fluid communication with respective inlets. Each printhead module includes an ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) which is fed the air, ink and fixative from the internal chambers.

Abstract: A printhead assembly includes an elongate channel member of a metal alloy; a flexible elongate fluid carrier positioned on a floor of the channel member, the fluid carrier defining a plurality of passages longitudinally extending along a length of the fluid carrier, the fluid carrier further defining a repeated pattern of holes on an external surface thereof, the holes providing fluid communication from outside the fluid carrier to respective passages of the fluid carrier; and a series of printhead modules mounted to the external surface of the fluid carrier, each printhead module including an upper micro-molding and a lower micro-molding, the lower micro-molding having an air inlet slot in fluid communication with one of the plurality of passages via a hole of the repeated pattern of holes at one end and a series of alternating air inlets and outlets on the upper micro-molding at an opposite end.

Abstract: A supply unit is provided to supply humidified gas near a nozzle array of a line-type recording head. The flow-rate distribution of the supplied humidified gas in a direction of the nozzle array is changeable in accordance with a conveying region where a sheet is conveyed while opposing the nozzle array.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a supply unit having a humidifying portion that supplies humidified gas near a nozzle array of a line-type recording head. In correspondence to displacement of the recording head in a direction of the nozzle array, at least one of an introducing direction and an introducing position of the supplied humidified gas can be changed.

Abstract: A wiping apparatus having a gas injection aperture that injects gas, and a guide section that has a convexly curved surface and has an apex and over which gas injected from the gas injection aperture is blown, and, in this wiping apparatus, foreign substance adhering to a nozzle plate of an ink-jet head placed above the guide section is blown away by gas guided along the curved surface of the guide section.

Abstract: Provided is an air supply arrangement for a print engine having a pagewidth printhead and a driving assembly for feeding print media past the printhead. The print engine has a chassis molding for receiving the air supply arrangement. The air supply arrangement includes a receptacle cover molding defining an air supply channel leading to the printhead when the cover molding is operatively received by the chassis molding, the cover molding further defining air inlet and outlet openings. The air supply arrangement also includes an air pump attached to the cover molding and arranged to pump air from the air inlet opening to the air outlet opening, the outlet opening arranged in fluid communication with the air supply channel. Also included is an air filter assembly operatively fitted to the receptacle cover so that air is able to be pumped through the filter to the air inlet opening to facilitate cleaning of the printhead.

Abstract: A printer includes a recording head having a nozzle that ejects ink and a suction pump that draws the ink through the nozzle. A valve unit and a filter are arranged in a passage that supplies the ink to the recording head. A controller of the printer operates the suction pump to perform suction/suspension in which suction of the ink from the passage through the nozzle and suspension of the suction are alternately repeated with the valve unit maintained in a closed state, thus promoting joining of bubbles on the filter. The controller then operates to open the valve unit to drain the joint bubbles from the filter, together with the ink, using negative pressure accumulated in the passage.

Abstract: An ink-jet image forming apparatus includes a recording head in which a plurality of nozzle groups jetting an ink is formed, a carriage which is mounted on the recording head, and which is capable of reciprocating in a predetermined direction, a waste-ink tank which stores the ink discharged from a the nozzle groups, and an air guide section which expedites evaporation of waste-ink by guiding a flow of air generated by the carriage movement to the waste-ink tank. Accordingly, it is possible to make the waste-ink tank compact without reducing an amount to be received of the waste-ink.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid storage unit comprising: a case, a liquid storage part for storing a liquid in the case, with which a liquid port communicates; at least one gas accommodation part for accommodating a gas in the case, with which a gas port communicates, wherein the liquid in the liquid storage part is led out through the liquid port by a pressure of a gas introduced from the gas port; an inner case provided in the case having a pair of openings on opposite side faces thereof; and a pair of flexible partitioning members sealing said pair of openings of the inner case respectively, thereby partitioning the liquid storage part therebetween and defining said at least one of the gas accommodation part in cooperation with the case.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ink-jet recording apparatus having a nozzle provided on a nozzle face of an ink-jet head and a cleaning device for cleaning the nozzle face. The cleaning device contains a gas with a solubility in water lower than that of air in water.

Abstract: An ink jet recording device comprises a main body equipped with an ink container, an ink supply pump ink, an ink recovery pump, and a control unit. A printing head equipped with a nozzle emits ink supplied from the main body as ink particles. An electrification electrode electrifies the ink particles and a deflection electrode deflects the electrified ink particles. A gutter collects ink particles which are not used for printing. An exhaust circulation path connects the ink container and the gutter. The gutter comprises two members of an ink flow path block in which ink flows and an exhaust flow path block in which exhaust solvent vapor flows.

Abstract: A printing medium baffle for protecting printheads printing on an image transfer member from particulates associated with the printing medium. The baffle may have one or more adhesive surfaces.

Abstract: Provided is an air supply arrangement for a print engine having a pagewidth printhead and a driving assembly for feeding print media past the printhead. The print engine has a chassis molding for receiving the air supply arrangement. The air supply arrangement includes a receptacle cover molding defining an air supply channel leading to the printhead when said cover molding is operatively received by the chassis molding, the cover molding further defining air inlet and outlet openings. The air supply arrangement also includes an air pump attached to the cover molding and arranged to pump air from the air inlet opening to the air outlet opening, said outlet opening arranged in fluid communication with the air supply channel. Also included is an air filter assembly operatively fitted to the receptacle cover so that air is able to be pumped through the filter to the air inlet opening to facilitate cleaning of the printhead.

Abstract: An inkjet printer cartridge including an elongate body housing a printing fluid storage and adapted to be received within an inkjet printer cradle, a pagewidth printhead attached to the body and in fluid communication with the printing fluid storage, and an air distribution assembly arranged to evenly distribute compressed air along the pagewidth printhead.

Abstract: A device for generating an underpressure comprises a plurality of ejectors and a receiving device therefor. The receiving device comprises at least one connection for a compressed air line, the connection protruding into a compressed air distribution system to which a compressed air channel of each ejector can be connected, and each ejector being provided with an underpressure channel that can be connected to the underpressure system of the ejector. The receiving device forms a holding frame and a quick-change system for the ejectors, and can be connected to the ejectors by means of control lines, and to a machine control system.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a printing system including a vacuum duct are disclosed.

Abstract: An inkjet printer in which a printhead defines an elongate array of orifices from which jets of ink are projected into a space within which substrates to be printed are presented. An air curtain generator fixed in position relative to the printhead extends along one side only of the array of orifices so as to direct a curtain of air across the array a of orifices and across an open portion of the printhead on the side of the array of orifices remote from the air curtain generator. The air curtain cleans the printhead. A pressure pulse may be applied to ink within the printhead sufficient to discharge ink form each orifice when not in use to project ink. The pressure pulse has a relatively rapidly rising leading edge and a relatively slowly falling edge. An ink reservoir is coupled to the printhead for supplying ink to the orifices.

Abstract: A capper for a printhead maintenance station is provided. The capper comprises a capping chamber sealingly engageable around a printhead; a constriction member positioned in the capper chamber; an air inlet defined in a wall of the capping chamber; and a vacuum aperture defined in a wall of the capping chamber. The constriction member divides the capper chamber into an air inlet channel and a vacuum channel into which the respective air inlet and vacuum aperture open. The constriction member also defines a blast channel adjacent an ink ejection face of the printhead when the capping chamber is sealingly engaged around the printhead.

Abstract: A method of operating a drop generating printhead including heating the printhead, providing melted phase change ink to the printhead, allowing the printhead to cool, and while the printhead is cooling, pressurizing the phase change ink in the printhead with a pressure that is sufficient to substantially maintain meniscuses at the outlets of the nozzles of the printhead as the phase change ink in the printhead solidifies. Also disclosed is a method of operating a drop generating printhead including heating the printhead, and pressurizing solidified phase change ink in the printhead with a pressure that is sufficient to substantially maintain meniscuses at the outlets of the nozzles of the printhead as the phase change ink in the printhead melts.

Abstract: An improved large-format inkjet printer that is capable of providing more efficient and higher quality printing on a variety of print media, including for example, paper, fabric, corrugated media, and plywood. The improved printer provides improvements to the platen assembly, rail assembly, service station assembly, printhead assembly and vacuum assembly to provide improved printing capability. In addition the printer provides a table assembly that can be integrated into the platen assembly to provide a secure and flush surface for supporting various types of print media.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) flooding an ink ejection face of the printhead with ink; and (b) removing the ink by blasting air across the face.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a printhead maintenance station comprising a capper having a constriction member, a vacuum system in fluid communication with the capper, an air inlet valve in fluid communication with the capper, and an engagement; (ii) moving the capper into a first position such that the capper is sealingly engaged around the printhead and the constriction member is spaced apart from the face, thereby defining a blast channel; (iii) generating a vacuum over the face using the vacuum system, thereby purging ink from printhead nozzles onto the face; and (iv) opening the air inlet valve, thereby blasting air through the blast channel and removing ink from the face.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance assembly is provided, comprising a printhead and a maintenance station. The maintenance station comprises a capper sealingly engageable around the printhead. The capper includes a constriction member for defining a blast channel adjacent an ink ejection face of the printhead. The maintenance station also comprises a vacuum system in fluid communication with the capper and an engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism is provided for moving the capper between a first position in which the capper is sealingly engaged around the printhead and a second position in which the capper is disengaged from around the printhead.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance station comprises a capper sealingly engageable around the printhead. The capper comprises a constriction member for defining a blast channel adjacent an ink ejection face of the printhead. The maintenance station further comprises a vacuum system in fluid communication with the capper and an engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism moves the capper between a first position in which the capper is sealingly engaged around the printhead and a second position in which the capper is disengaged from around the printhead.

Abstract: A printhead for an inkjet printer, with an array of nozzles for selectively ejecting drops of ink towards a print medium, and a protective structure between said nozzles and said print medium. The structure is configured so as not to obstruct ink drops ejected from the nozzles. The printhead also has an air supply for supplying positive air pressure to the protective structure, the air supply having an air intake with a filter and shut off valve for stopping air supply to the structure when the printer is in a non-printing operational mode; and, an air distribution ducting having one or more air passages in communication with the protective structure. The shut off valve has an apertured member with a plurality of apertures corresponding to each of the air passages. The apertured member is movable between a valve open position in which the air apertures are in communication with the air passages and a valve closed position in which the air apertures are not in communication with said air passages.

Abstract: The invention provides an inkjet printing apparatus that includes at least one inkjet print head adapted to dispense fluids onto a substrate and at least one delivery aperture adapted to direct a gas toward the substrate. The apparatus may also include at least one recovery aperture adapted to draw materials away from the substrate and evaporate liquids from the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A printer cartridge for an inkjet printer including a printing fluid storage, a printhead in fluid communication with the printing fluid storage, an air inlet and one or more conduits arranged to direct air from the air inlet over the printhead.

Abstract: A method of forming a thin film by an ink jet method including the step of discharging a liquid containing thin film-forming materials and a solvent from liquid discharge ports to each position on a substrate while the liquid discharge ports are being moved relatively to the substrate, characterized in that subsequent droplets are arranged while a solvent vapor evaporating from droplets arranged previously on the substrate are compulsively removed from inside the substrate surface.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a printhead assembly having a carrier. An ink supply assembly is mounted on the carrier and defines a plurality of printhead integrated circuit receiving formations that are each dimensioned to engage a printhead integrated circuit and a plurality of ink supply conduits that terminate at the formations to supply ink to printhead integrated circuits engaged with the formations. A plurality of inkjet printhead integrated circuits is engaged with respective said formations to receive the ink via passages defined by the printhead integrated circuits in fluid communication with respective ink supply conduits. The ink supply assembly further defines a gas flow path that terminates at each formation, the ink supply assembly being connectable to a pressurized gas supply so that gas can be directed over each printhead integrated circuit to inhibit the build-up of dust and debris on the printhead integrated circuits.

Abstract: A print engine includes a stepper motor that advances print media upon demand and simultaneously drives an air pump. A molding provides a receptacle that receives an impeller of the air pump, an air inlet pin that couples with an air filter located on a print cartridge and an air conduit that couples the output of the air pump to a print head assembly. In use, the air pump operates to direct air across a print head of the print head assembly thereby inhibiting accumulation of foreign particles about the print head.

Abstract: A double-sided printer includes a pair of opposed endless belts for print media transportation mounted within a box frame. A duplex print engine containing page width print heads is located at an entry side of the belts whereas an exit roller assembly is located at an opposite exit side. An air coupling mounted to the box frame distributes air to the print heads in order to keep them free of debris and so improve reliability of operation.

Abstract: A pagewidth inkjet printer is described which includes printhead (11) with a plurality nozzles (30) for ejecting ink drops towards a print medium. A space is defined between the nozzles and a nozzle guard (43) with a series of apertures (44) aligned with the nozzles. During printing operation, positive air pressure is supplied to this space, the air exiting the space through the apertures, preventing blockage by paper dust. When not printing, the air supply is closed off by air valve member (66) and a capping member (80) on a rotary platen (14) contacts the printhead to maintain a closed atmosphere at the surface of the nozzles, reducing drying of ink on the nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of non-contact, ink jet print head nozzle plate surface cleaning. The method disclose, enables simultaneous non-contact cleaning of all nozzles of a print head nozzle plate having a major and minor dimension and ink ejecting nozzles spanning most of the major dimension. The simultaneous non-contact cleaning of all nozzles of the print head is achieved by providing a print head cleaning arrangement having a pressurized air flow emerging from an air exit slit of length exceeding nozzle plate major dimension.

Abstract: A printhead assembly for a printer is provided. The printhead assembly comprises (a) a printhead which includes a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink onto a print medium, the plurality of nozzles being formed on a nozzle surface of the printhead; (b) a nozzle guard spaced apart from the nozzle surface and positioned to protect the nozzles, the nozzle guard having a printhead side proximal to the printhead, an ink ejection side distal from the printhead and a plurality of channels providing fluid communication between the printhead side and the ink ejection side, the channels being aligned with the nozzles to allow uninterrupted passage of ink droplets from the nozzles to the print medium; and (c) at least one air inlet for directing air into a space defined between the nozzle surface and the nozzle guard, the air inhibiting build up of particles on the nozzles, the air being exhausted through the plurality of channels.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing droplets on a substrate, the apparatus includes a support for the substrate, a droplet ejection assembly positioned over the support for depositing the droplets on the substrate on the support, an enclosure structure defining with the support an enclosed region through which the droplets are ejected onto the substrate, the enclosure structure also defining with the support an inlet gap and an outlet gap through which the substrate travels and a source of pressurized gas connected to the enclosure structure to provide a flow of gas from the enclosure structure through the gaps.

Abstract: A printing assembly that comprises a printing unit including at least one thermally actuated ink jet printhead comprising a thermal bend actuator; and an inert gas supply that is connected to the printing unit to provide the at least one thermal bend actuator with an inert gas during a printing operation to prevent oxidation of the thermal bend actuator.

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. The ink supply assembly further defines a gas flow path that terminates at each formation, the ink supply assembly being connectable to a pressurized gas supply so that gas can be directed over each printhead chip to inhibit the build-up of dust and debris on the printhead chips.

Abstract: A cleaning station for a vertical nozzle plate of an ink jet printer includes a cylindrical cleaning roller that has an outer surface, and has a substantially vertical central axis and a substantially vertical rotational axis. The roller is spaced from the nozzle plate to form a cleaning cavity between the roller and the nozzle plate. The roller has a top end above the nozzle plate and a bottom end below the nozzle plate. A drive element is connected to the roller to rotate the roller about its rotation axis. A fluid outlet near the top of the roller directs cleaning fluid onto the outer surface of the roller, and into the cleaning cavity between the roller and the nozzle plate. A fluid reservoir stores cleaning fluid, and a fluid conduit conducts cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir to the fluid outlet.

Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus having a cleaning station that is structurally integrated with a droplet deflector is provided. The apparatus includes an ink droplet forming mechanism formed from a printhead having at least one nozzle for ejecting a stream of ink droplets of different volumes, a pneumatic droplet deflector for producing a flow of gas that transversely impinges the droplet stream of the printhead in order to separate ink droplets of different volumes from one another. The droplet deflector includes a pressurized gas source, which may be an air blower, and a plenum for conducting the gas flow generated by the gas source. The cleaning station is formed at least in part from the plenum of the droplet deflector, and provides a flow of both a liquid cleaning fluid and a flow of gas to periodically clean the printhead of the ink droplet forming mechanism.

Abstract: A positive air system, for a fluid jetting device that jets a fluid in a fluid droplet path prevents the ingress of dust and debris to the fluid jetting device and further prevents the introduction of dust and debris into the fluid droplet path. The air system includes an enclosure having at least one wall defining a barrier and enclosing the fluid jetting device. The barrier defines a local environment. The at least one wall has a plurality of orifices formed therein that are configured to direct a stream of pressurized air therefrom in a direction that diverges from the fluid droplet path. The fluid droplet path and the pressurized air stream direction do not converge so that the pressurized air flowing from the orifices does not interfere with the fluid moving through the droplet path.

Abstract: A semiconductor die having multiple solder bumps, each having a diameter less than about 100 microns, and the method for making such a die are described. The solder bumps are preferably about 10 microns in diameter, and the pitch between the solder bumps is less than 100 microns, and preferably less than or equal to 10 microns. A thermal solder jet apparatus is utilized to deposit solder material to form the solder bumps. The apparatus includes a print head having a plurality of solder ejection ports. Each ejection port has an associated gas ejection conduit connected to a chamber containing one or more hydride films. The hydride film is heated to disassociate hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas rapidly builds up in the conduit which leads to the ejection port which is loaded with a solder material and forces the ejection of the solder material from the port.

Abstract: A printer head cleaning system for cleaning a printer head, such as a video inkjet printer head reduces exposure of personnel to hazardous solvent vapors by containing and evacuating evaporated cleaning solvent vapors. The printer head cleaning system includes a printer head drying fixture configured to receive a printer head in an interior of the fixture and a vapor capture device for drawing air through the fixture and past the printer head to evaporate and evacuate vapors of the cleaning solution from the printer head. The fixture includes a first end, a second end, a port for receiving the printer head, and a fluid path within the interior of the fixture from the first end to the second end which passes around the printer head when the printer head is received in the fixture.

Abstract: A method of forming a color filter and a color filter are provided. The method includes providing a mixture of a color filter material and a compressed fluid; providing a substrate; providing a printhead adapted to deliver the mixture of the color filter material and the compressed fluid toward the substrate; positioning the printhead in a predetermined location relative to the substrate; and ejecting the mixture of the color filter material and the compressed fluid through the printhead toward the substrate, wherein the color filter material becomes free of the compressed fluid prior to the color filter material contacting the substrate at the predetermined location.

Abstract: An airflow assembly for a fluid-ejection mechanism of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes at least one first surface and at least one second surface. The at least one first surface is to at least substantially cause airflow to be deflected around the fluid-ejection mechanism while the fluid-ejection mechanism is moving. The at least one second surface is at least substantially flush with a front surface of the fluid-ejection mechanism, to create airflow drag over the front surface of the fluid-ejection mechanism while the fluid-ejection mechanism is moving.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a continuous inkjet printer comprises a cleaning chamber positioned substantially parallel to an ink supply chamber and nozzle plate, and a gas supply, such as air or nitrogen. The cleaning chamber is formed by a cover and the nozzle plate, wherein the gas is routed between the cover and the nozzle plate so as to remove debris and excess ink from the inkjet nozzles and surrounding area. A fluid may also be applied in addition to the gas, and a deflector may be positioned on the cover to increase the angle of incidence of air and fluid as it contacts the inkjet nozzles and surrounding area.

Abstract: In an aspect, the invention features an apparatus and method for cleaning with a flow of gas. In embodiments, a gas cleaning assembly is provided that includes a nozzle outlet that directs cleaning gas, e.g., toward a work piece, and a sheath gas jacket surrounding at least a portion of the nozzle that directs a sheath gas into contact with the nozzle.