Abstract: A photofinishing system is provided which has a processor, a printer, means for feeding print media to the printer from a roll of the print media, and drier means coupled to the printer; the processor being arranged to generate a drive signal that is representative of a photographic image, the printer being coupled to the processor and being arranged to process the drive signal and effect printing of the photographic image on the print media, and the drier means being arranged to receive printed media directly from the printer, to transport the printed media from the printer and, in use, to effect drying of the printed media during transportation of the media.

Abstract: A digital camera includes an image capture assembly, roll of print media and microelectromechanical stationary printhead. Upon capturing an image a central processing integrated circuit operates the printhead and associated transport assembly to print the captured image. A guillotine is provided to automatically severe each print. The guillotine operates a counter in order that an operator of the digital camera is able to keep track of how much print media remains on the roll.

Abstract: A liquid droplet ejecting head bar comprising: multiple liquid droplet ejecting head units that eject liquid droplets from nozzles; a long substrate on which the plurality of liquid droplet ejecting head units are arranged; and spacer components to which the liquid droplet ejecting head units are joined and fixed and which are attached to the long substrate so as to be removable.

Abstract: A liquid ejection device includes a plurality of deep nozzle lines each having a plurality of nozzles in a predetermined direction, for ejecting a first liquid, and a smaller number of light nozzle lines than the number of the deep nozzle lines, each having a plurality of nozzles in the predetermined direction, for ejecting a second liquid having a lighter color depth than the first liquid. A controller forms deep dots on pixels on a medium using the plurality of deep nozzle lines, and forms light dots on a smaller number of pixels than the number of the pixels on which the deep dots are formed using the smaller number of light nozzle lines.

Abstract: A volume element (voxel) printing system for printing a three-dimensional object is provided. The system includes a first printhead group, at least one second printhead group, a conveyor and a control system. The first printhead group includes a plurality of first printheads configured to print a first voxel layer on a substrate. The second printhead group includes a plurality of second printheads located downstream from the first group and configured for printing a subsequent voxel layer on at least part of the first layer. The second printheads are reconfigurable as backup printheads for the first printheads in case of failure. The conveyor is configured to operatively convey the substrate past the printhead groups. The control system controls and monitors the printhead groups and the conveyor, and is configured to dynamically reconfigure the second printheads if failure of a first printhead is detected.

Abstract: A hybrid inkjet image forming apparatus having a replaceable scanning unit includes an array type inkjet head unit and a shuttle type inkjet head unit. One of the array type inkjet head unit and the shuttle type inkjet head unit is fixed to a main body frame at a predetermined distance from an advancing path of the printing medium, and the other one of the array type inkjet head unit and the shuttle type inkjet head unit is detachably mounted to a unit mount provided on the main body frame and disposed along a side of the one of the array type inkjet head unit and the shuttle type inkjet head unit. The replaceable scanning unit is detachably mounted in the unit mount to scan image data from a medium.

Abstract: A recording apparatus, in which a recording medium is fed from one side of the recording apparatus, and the recording medium that has been recorded is ejected from the one side of the recording apparatus, is capable of making its size when not in use smaller than the size when in use and also achieving a reduction in the depth dimension of the recording apparatus as compared with the case where a feed tray and a discharge tray are rotary storage trays. The recording apparatus includes a feed tray on which a recording medium is stacked and which is rotated to move between an in-use position and a stowed position, and an eject tray on which the recording medium that has been recorded is stacked and which moves between an in-use position and a stowed position in a discharge direction of the recording medium.

Abstract: A page wide array printer comprises a print head bar which carries an array of print nozzles, and which is static during a printing operation. A carriage has print head service elements. The print head bar is movable perpendicularly to the plane of the print medium beneath the print head, between a lowered print position and a raised service position. The carriage is moveable along the print head to perform a service operation when the print head is in the raised position.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided, comprising at least one printhead module comprising at least two printhead integrated circuits, each of which has nozzles formed therein for delivering printing fluid onto the surface of print media, and a support member supporting and carrying the printing fluid for the at least two printhead integrated circuits, a casing in which the at least one printhead module is removably mounted, and a print media guide mounted to the casing, arranged to guide print media past the print surface formed by the at least one printhead module mounted to the casing.

Abstract: A print assembly is provided having an elongate carrier that is mountable on a support structure of a printer, printhead integrated circuits mounted on the carrier, and CMOS drive circuitry positioned on the carrier and operatively connected to the printhead integrated circuits to drive operation thereof. The printhead integrated circuits are provided in a number and configuration such that the printhead integrated circuits define an elongate printing zone of at least 914 mm. Each printhead integrated circuit incorporates nozzle arrangements each having a nozzle, an ink chamber, an ink inlet, an actuator, and a drive circuit to achieve the ejection of ink from the nozzle arrangement.

Abstract: A system for creating a three-dimensional object has been provided. The system comprises a plurality of stationary printhead layer groups, each layer group comprising a plurality of printheads for printing a respective layer of said object, wherein the system is configured to enable at least one first printhead that is initially configured to print at least part of a first layer to be dynamically reconfigured to print at least part of a second layer, and if at least one printhead initially configured to print the second layer fails whilst printing said second layer, said at least one first printhead is dynamically reconfigured to complete the printing of at least part of said second layer.

Abstract: A full width array printhead is provided having a continuous maintainable printhead surface and method of forming the same. The printhead includes a substrate and an array of die modules mounted thereon with a front face of each die module exposed. A hardened fill material surrounds the array of die modules to define a continuous surface coplanar with the front face of the array of die modules.

Abstract: There are provided n number of line-type inkjet nozzles (2) which include nozzles (4) that eject a liquid material and a rearranged in a row, and which are arranged in parallel with each other so that positions of the nozzles (4) are shifted from each other by 1/n of a nozzle pitch (P1). Thus, an inkjet head (1) as a whole has a state equivalent to a state in which the nozzles (4) are arranged at 1/n of a nozzle pitch of one line-type inkjet nozzle (2). The inkjet head (1) is capable of adjusting a timing of ejecting the liquid material for each line-type inkjet nozzle (2). Accordingly, adjustment of a dot pitch such as fine coating and rough coating can be performed with ease.

Abstract: A print assembly is provided having an elongate carrier that is mountable on a support structure of a printer, printhead integrated circuits mounted on the carrier, and control circuitry positioned on the carrier and operatively connected to the printhead integrated circuits to control operation thereof. The printhead integrated circuits are provided in a number and configuration such that the printhead integrated circuits define an elongate printing zone of at least 914 mm. Each printhead integrated circuit incorporates nozzle arrangements each having a nozzle, an ink chamber, an ink inlet, an actuator, and a drive circuit to achieve the ejection of ink from the nozzle arrangement. the nozzle arrangements and control circuitry are configured so that the printhead integrated circuits are controlled by the control circuitry to print at least 1200 dots per inch.

Abstract: An array printhead and an image forming apparatus having the same. The array printhead includes a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first, second, and third members sequentially overlap and couple to each other. The first member supplies ink of different colors to the second member and the second member separately receives the ink of different colors supplied from the first member and allows the ink to flow to the third member. The third member includes a plurality of head chips. A plurality of supply grooves are formed in a side of the third member on which the plurality of head chips are mounted. The plurality of supply grooves includes a plurality of supply holes that provide the ink of different colors supplied from the second member to the plurality of head chips. The plurality of supply holes are located on an axis different from axes of other adjacent supply holes with respect to a direction perpendicular to a width direction of a print medium.

Abstract: A print assembly is provided having an elongate carrier that is mountable on a support structure of a printer, printhead integrated circuits mounted on the carrier, and control circuitry positioned on the carrier and operatively connected to the printhead integrated circuits to control operation thereof. The printhead integrated circuits are provided in a number and configuration such that the printhead integrated circuits define an elongate printing zone of at least 914 mm. Each printhead integrated circuit incorporates nozzle arrangements each having a nozzle, an ink chamber, an ink inlet, an actuator, and a drive circuit to achieve the ejection of ink from the nozzle arrangement. The print assembly has more than 150,000 of the nozzle arrangements.

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

Abstract: A liquid ejection head includes an energy-generating element arranged on a semiconductor substrate, a barrier layer deposited on the semiconductor substrate for forming a liquid chamber in the periphery of the energy-generating element, and a nozzle sheet bonded on the barrier layer and having a nozzle formed at a position opposing the energy-generating element, in which the liquid ejection head ejects liquid contained in the liquid chamber from the nozzle as liquid droplets by the energy-generating element, and the barrier layer is provided with a plurality of depressions, each having an independent contour, arranged within a range, which is separated from the border of the barrier layer, on an adhesive region adhering to the nozzle sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printhead assembly. The printhead assembly includes a support beam. The support beam includes two types of material having different coefficients of thermal expansion. A plurality of spaced apart printhead modules is supported by the support beam.

Abstract: A printer is provided having, supported by a support structure, a print assembly and feed mechanism for feeding print media though a printing zone. The print assembly has an elongate carrier mounted to the support structure which mounts printhead integrated circuits and control circuitry connected to the printhead ICs. The elongate printing zone defined by the printhead ICs is at least 914 mm. Each printhead IC incorporates nozzle arrangements having a nozzle, ink chamber, ink inlet, actuator, and drive circuit to achieve ink ejection at more than one billion ink drops per second. The printhead ICs are each positioned at a common angle of greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees with respect to a straight line extending at right angles to a feed direction of print media, with consecutive ends of the printhead integrated circuits overlapping to ensure continuous printing in the printing zone.

Abstract: A print assembly is provided having an elongate carrier that is mountable on a support structure of a printer, printhead integrated circuits mounted on the carrier, and control circuitry positioned on the carrier and operatively connected to the printhead integrated circuits to control operation thereof. The printhead integrated circuits are provided in a number and configuration such that the printhead integrated circuits define an elongate printing zone of at least 914 mm. Each printhead integrated circuit incorporates nozzle arrangements each having a nozzle, an ink chamber, an ink inlet, an actuator, and a drive circuit to achieve the ejection of ink from the nozzle arrangement. the nozzle arrangements and control circuitry are configured so that the printhead integrated circuits are controlled by the control circuitry to print more than one billion drops of ink per second.

Abstract: A printing apparatus of the present invention is provided with a carry unit for carrying a medium in a carrying direction, and a print head that has a plurality of nozzle rows each made up of a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink lined up in the carrying direction, and that moves in an intersecting direction intersecting the carrying direction.

Abstract: A printer includes a pair of feet upon which the printer can rest. A pair of spaced apart and upright legs extends from respective feet. A supply spool is rotationally mounted between the legs and is configured to carry a wound length of print media. A printhead assembly is fast between the legs and defines a passage through which print media unwound from the supply spool can pass. The printhead assembly includes a printhead which can eject ink onto the print medium passing through the passage. An uptake spool is rotationally mounted between the legs and the printed print medium can be wound thereon.

Abstract: A method and resulting device for accurately positioning an array of die modules in an imaging array, including larger partial width arrays and full page width arrays, is described herein. The method includes forming physical reference datum directly on an individual silicon die module, and positioning the individual die modules on a temporary holder. The temporary holder includes an alignment tool and singulated die are placed onto the temporary holder by abutting the physical reference datum against the alignment tool. A vacuum temporarily secures the die positioned on the temporary holder, and a permanent substrate is then attached to the die of the temporary holder. The temporary holder is released in favor of the permanent substrate having the accurately aligned die modules thereon.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead that has an elongate chassis with a first set of apertures, an ink distribution unit for connection to an ink supply, and a plurality of printhead modules supported along the elongate chassis. The ink distribution unit has a plurality of ink distribution passages for connecting the ink supply to a second set of apertures and is supported on the chassis such that the plurality of printhead modules are supplied with ink from the second set of apertures via the first set of apertures.

Abstract: A cartridge unit for an inkjet printer comprises a printhead having an array of ink ejection nozzles; a plurality of ink storage compartment, each ink storage compartment having a variable storage volume and a displaceable wall section biased to expand the variable storage volume to generate a sustained negative pressure; an ink feed system for connecting the ink storage compartment to the printhead, the ink feed system including a plurality of channels extending parallel to a length of the printhead, each channel corresponding respectively to an ink storage compartment; and a printhead maintenance assembly, the printhead maintenance assembly having a capper spring biased against the array of ink ejection nozzles for covering the array of ink ejection nozzles. The printhead maintenance assembly includes a catch element engaged with an actuator, the catch element being movable by the actuator in a direction to counteract the biasing of the capper against the array of ink ejection nozzles.

Abstract: A printer cradle is provided having a recess with an inclined face for receiving and removably locating a print cartridge, a retainer for removably retaining the print cartridge within the recess, and resilient members arranged to act against the print cartridge as it is located by the inclined face and to bias the print cartridge against the retainer once located within the recess. The print cartridge has a pagewidth printhead, a printing fluid supply and a fluid connection between the printhead and the printing fluid supply.

Abstract: An inkjet head has a passage unit where individual ink passages are formed, and an actuator unit bonded onto the upper surface of the flow passage unit. On the upper surface of the actuator unit, plural individual electrodes are positioned opposing pressure chambers. The plural individual electrodes form plural individual electrode rows. Each individual electrode includes a main electrode region disposed where the pressure chamber is opposed, and an auxiliary electrode region connected to the main electrode region and a FPC terminal. In the individual electrode row closest to a base-end side of the FPC, the individual electrodes whose auxiliary electrode regions are on the tip-end side of the FPC in relation to the main electrode regions and the individual electrodes whose auxiliary electrode regions are on the base-end side of the FPC 50 in relation to the main electrode regions are mixed.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided having at least one printhead module, a support frame removably supporting the printhead module and at least one mounting element; and drive electronics removably mounted to the mounting element to control operation of the print nozzle integrated circuits. Each printhead module has at least two print nozzle integrated circuits, a support member supporting, and carrying printing fluid for, the nozzle ICs, and an electrical connector for connecting electrical signals to the nozzle ICs. The drive electronics has contacts for electrical connection to the electrical connector, input contacts for receiving print data, and a controller for processing the print data applicable to a predetermined number of the print nozzle ICs. The drive electronics is selected from a range of drive electronics, each having a different number of controllers such that the ratio of controllers to nozzle ICs can be varied to change the print speed.

Abstract: A printhead module for a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer is provided. The module comprises: a carrier mountable on a chassis; a printhead integrated circuit mounted on the carrier; and a connection zone defined in the carrier for electrically connecting the printhead integrated circuit to control circuitry. A plurality of abutting printhead modules together define a wide format printhead assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a pagewidth inkjet printhead assembly having a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes walls defining an ink chamber having an ink supply channel and an ink ejection port. The ink ejection port includes an ink spreading prevention rim. Each nozzle arrangement also includes a thermal actuator mechanism configured to operatively eject ink from the chamber via the ejection port. The actuator mechanism includes an actuator arm having two layers which are formed from a resiliently flexible conductive material. The arm includes the two layers surrounding a central material layer so that said two layers are in thermal balance with the arm in a quiescent state.

Abstract: The invention provides for an elongate bi-lithic printhead unit for a pagewidth printer. The unit includes two integrated circuits laid end-to-end, each having a multitude of micro-electromechanical nozzles for operatively ejecting printing fluid. The unit also includes an ink distribution plate for feeding printing fluid into apertures defined in the integrated circuits, and an ink distribution molding defining a plurality of elongate conduits for distributing printing fluid to the plate along a length of the printhead. The unit further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to relay data signals from a printer controller to respective ends of the integrated circuits, as well as a support member for holding the integrated circuits, plate, molding and PCB in appropriate alignment.

Abstract: An ink supply unit for a pagewidth printer having a printer controller configured to operatively control a printhead integrated circuit. The supply unit includes a housing defining a number of external protuberances for positioning tape automated bonded film, and a baffle unit positioned inside the housing to define three ink storage chambers. The unit also includes an ink manifold arranged in fluid communication with the ink storage chambers, a printhead integrated circuit arranged in fluid communication with the ink manifold, and a cover unit operatively fast with the housing. The cover unit sandwiches tape automated bonded film to the housing to arrange the printhead integrated circuit in electrical communication with the printer controller.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead includes a substrate assembly and a plurality of nozzle assemblies arranged in an array on the substrate assembly. Each nozzle assembly includes an anchor extending from the substrate assembly. A thermal bend actuator is connected to the anchor and includes a pair of spaced apart beams. A nozzle includes a crown portion and a skirt portion which depends from the crown portion, and also defines an opening through which ink can be ejected. An endless wall extends from the substrate assembly and surrounds the skirt portion to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the opening. A lever arm connects the thermal bend actuator to the nozzle so that, upon actuation, the actuator moves the nozzle with respect to the wall so as to vary the volume of the nozzle chamber and thereby eject ink in the nozzle chamber through the opening.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided having a plurality of printhead modules each incorporating printhead integrated circuits having printing fluid ejection nozzles commonly supported by a one-piece printing fluid distribution member, and a casing in which the modules are removably mounted through removable engagement of the distribution member of each module with a support frame of the casing.

Abstract: The invention provides for a pagewidth printhead thermal support assembly. The assembly includes an elongate support beam operatively supporting a plurality of printhead modules having at least one printhead integrated circuit.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus and method, both high-speed and high-quality formation of images can be achieved. The apparatus has a full-line printhead that includes printhead chips. A plurality of printing element arrays are disposed in parallel on the same printhead chip, and a distribution ratio of print data is controlled so as to at least differ in an overlap area in which end portions of the printing element arrays overlap each other.

Abstract: An array type inkjet printer system having a print head with a plurality of nozzles formed therein in the horizontal scan direction includes a resolution adjusting unit for reducing a resolution in the horizontal scan direction of print data by a predetermined rate; a rendering unit for rendering the print data according to the resolution adjusted by the resolution adjusting unit; and a scaler for scaling the size of the rendered print data to be in correspondence to a resolution of the array type inkjet printer. Therefore, the number of operative nozzles at one time can be reduced, and therefore power consumption is reduced. This in turn opens up the possibility to use a small-sized, low-cost power supply unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a hybrid inkjet head and an inkjet head wiping device includes an array type inkjet head, the first guide part, a carrier, a shuttle type inkjet head, a paper delivery unit, a controller, and a wiping device. The array type inkjet head prints an image onto a printing medium at a stationary state and has the first nozzle unit. The first guide part is spaced apart from the array type inkjet head to dace the array type inkjet head, and the carrier is movably coupled with the first guide part and reciprocates in a width direction of the printing medium. The shuttle type inkjet head has the second nozzle unit and the paper-delivery unit delivers the printing medium to the inkjet heads. The controller controls operations of the inkjet heads and the paper-delivery unit, and the wiping device contacts a surface of the first nozzle unit to wipe out residual ink from the first nozzle unit.

Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a printhead. The printhead includes a carrier which carries an integrated circuit (IC) configured to eject ink. The carrier defines a plurality of ink passages each in fluid communication with the IC. An elongate support supports the printhead and defines a plurality of ink chambers each in fluid communication with a respective ink passage. The support includes a core which defines the ink chambers and a multi-layered metal shell in which the core is received.

Abstract: Provided is an ink reservoir assembly for a pagewidth printhead. The reservoir assembly includes a core element defining discrete ink reservoirs with fluid passages leading towards a recess for receiving a molding operatively distributing said fluid to a printhead integrated circuit. The reservoir assembly also includes an outer shell comprised of a hot rolled tri-layer laminate of a first metal layer sandwiched between two second metal layers so that an effective coefficient of thermal expansion of said shell is substantially equal to that of a material comprising the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer includes an elongate attachment member for attachment to a main body of the printer and defining a number of ink feed tubes extending through the attachment member to be in fluid communication with an ink supply from the main body. An elongate ink channel assembly is mounted longitudinally on the attachment member and defines a number of longitudinally extending ink channels in fluid communication with respective feed tubes. The ink channels include a central ink channel and at least one ink channel on each side of the central ink channel. A series of elongate printhead integrated circuits is mounted serially along the ink channel member and in substantial alignment with the central ink channel. The printhead integrated circuits define longitudinally extending rows of ink inlets and the ink channel assembly defines a plurality of ink openings in fluid communication with the ink inlets and the ink channels.

Abstract: This invention provides for a pagewidth printhead thermal assembly. The assembly includes an elongate support beam operatively supporting a plurality of printhead modules having at least one printhead integrated circuit. The support beam has an odd number of layers of at least two different materials, said layers laminated together so that the support beam has a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of silicon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printhead assembly. The printhead assembly comprises an ink supply module for supplying at least one ink. There is also provided a body defining at least one ink channel. In use, the body interfaces with the ink supply module so that a respective ink is supplied from the ink supply module to a corresponding channel. The printhead assembly also comprises a printhead which, in turn, comprises at least one set of ink inlets. In use, the printhead interfaces with the body so that a respective ink is supplied from a respective channel to a corresponding set of ink inlets. A printing device comprising the printhead assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A pagewidth inkjet printer includes a chassis. A pagewidth inkjet printhead is mounted on the chassis to carry out a printing operation on sheets of media fed through the printer. A cover assembly is mounted on the chassis to accommodate operative location of a printing cartridge in which the sheets of media are stored and in which an ink supply for the printhead is carried. A printed circuit board is mounted on the chassis and is connected to the printhead to control operation of the printhead. An ink supply manifold is connected to the printhead to supply the printhead with ink. Ink conduits are connected to the ink supply manifold for connection to the ink supply in the cartridge. A print media feed arrangement is mounted on the chassis to feed print media from the cartridge and through the printer operatively with respect to the inkjet printhead.

Abstract: A printhead controller is provided for supplying print data to a plurality of printhead integrated circuits of different lengths. The printhead integrated circuits is arranged to define a pagewidth printhead having rows of nozzles formed by adjacent nozzle rows of the adjacent printhead integrated circuits. The nozzle rows of the printhead are configured so that there is at least one row for printing each ink color of a plurality of ink colors. The printhead controller is configured to supply the print data to the printhead integrated circuits in accordance with their respective lengths, such that the difference in the lengths is at least partially compensated for in printing across the pagewidth.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus includes recording heads with nozzles selectively discharging ink and arranged at a predetermined pitch in a line. The recording heads are arranged in a zigzag fashion. Respective ends of two adjacent recording heads are overlapped with each other to form a joint part. Ink from selected nozzles of respective recording heads is discharged on print paper fed along a sub scanning direction at a predetermined timing corresponding to positions of the respective recording heads in the sub scanning direction such that an in-line image continuous in the main scanning direction is formed on the print paper. The inkjet recording apparatus further includes a control unit for controlling a driving operation of the respective nozzles at the joint part depending upon a dispositional relation between the nozzles of two recording heads at the joint part in the main scanning direction.

Abstract: A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer that has a body portion for receiving ink from one or more ink sources and having one or more channels formed therein for distributing the ink substantially along the length of the printhead assembly, and one or more integrated circuits extending substantially the length of the printhead assembly. The or each integrated circuit has a plurality of nozzles, each being arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media. The assembly also has an ink distribution member upon which the or each integrated circuit is fixed and which distributes the ink from the body portion to each of the integrated circuits. The ink distribution member is a unitary element having a plurality of conduits formed therethrough. Each of the conduits having an inlet which receives ink from one of the channels of the body portion and an outlet which delivers the ink to a predetermined number of nozzles of the one or more integrated circuits.

Abstract: A print assembly is provided having an elongate carrier that is mountable on a support structure of a printer, printhead integrated circuits mounted on the carrier, and control circuitry positioned on the carrier and operatively connected to the printhead integrated circuits to control operation thereof. The printhead integrated circuits are provided in a number and configuration such that the printhead integrated circuits define an elongate printing zone of at least 914 mm. Each printhead integrated circuit incorporates nozzle arrangements each having a nozzle, an ink chamber, an ink inlet, an actuator, and a drive circuit to achieve the ejection of ink from the nozzle arrangement. the nozzle arrangements and control circuitry are configured so that the printhead integrated circuits are controlled by the control circuitry to print more than one billion drops of ink per second.

Abstract: A method of printing on a substrate and a printer are provided. The method uses a printer comprising a print head and a mask having a hole therethrough, the mask being disposed between the print head and the substrate, and comprises aligning the hole with the print head; printing on the substrate through the hole; and misaligning the hole with the print head so that the print head is covered by the mask. The method may allow the servicing of a print head in the array while the printer is printing on the substrate using at least one of the remainder of the print heads in the array.