Abstract: An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. The droplet ejectors are configured to eject ink droplets at a velocity less than 4.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead that has an array of droplet ejectors supported on a printhead integrated circuit (IC). Each of the droplet ejectors has a nozzle aperture and an actuator for ejecting a droplet of ink through the nozzle aperture. Each of the droplet ejectors also has a chamber in which the actuator is positioned, the chamber having a volume less than 30,000 microns cubed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate assembly defining an inlet channel. A nozzle chamber wall and a roof wall are collectively positioned on the wafer substrate to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the inlet channel. The roof wall defines an ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. A thermal actuator is mounted to the substrate assembly and extends into the nozzle chamber to terminate in a free end. The thermal actuator includes a pair of actuating members spaced apart to form a gap and a heat sink assembly positioned in the gap. One of the actuating members is connected to an electrical supply so that differential expansion between the actuating members can cause movement of the free end and results in the ejection of ink in the nozzle chamber from the ejection port.

Abstract: A method of printing a line of dots from an inkjet printhead is provided. The printhead comprises a plurality of first nozzles and a plurality of second nozzles supplied with a same colored ink. The first nozzles and second nozzles are configured in a plurality of sets, wherein each set of nozzles comprises one first nozzle and one corresponding second nozzle. Each nozzle in a set is configurable to print a dot of the ink onto a substantially same position on a print medium. The method comprises printing a line of dots across the print medium such that the first nozzles and the second nozzles each contribute dots to the line.

Abstract: A capping mechanism is disclosed for a pagewidth printhead assembly having a pagewidth printhead and a plurality of nozzles located along the printhead for delivering ink onto print media as it is transported past the printhead. The capping mechanism comprises: i) a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the printhead, and ii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect linear transitioning of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead. The capping mechanism is also disclosed in relation to a printhead assembly having two pagewidth printheads, and further disclosures are made in respect of an inkjet printer incorporating the capping mechanism and a method of capping a pagewidth printhead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printhead assembly for a printer system. The printhead assembly includes an elongate substrate defining a channel and spaced apart sets of ink supply holes. Printhead modules are mounted serially along the substrate outside the channel. Each printhead module includes an ink ejection integrated circuit in fluid communication with a respective set of ink supply holes. An ink distribution arrangement is located within the channel and distributes ink to the sets of ink supply holes.

Abstract: A page-width printhead assembly includes an elongate casing defining a channel. An elongate printhead module is located within the channel and is configured to eject ink upon passing print media. The printhead module includes a plurality of serially arranged printhead tiles upon which respective ink ejection integrated circuits are mounted. Each printhead tile has a stepped region and the integrated circuits overlap in said stepped region.

Abstract: Provided is a support assembly for a pagewidth printhead module having modular printhead integrated circuits. The assembly includes a support frame and a plurality of PCB supports operatively supported by said frame, with each support defining busbar channels for locating busbars to supply the integrated circuits with power, and each PCB support operatively supporting a PCB with a print engine controller for controlling respective integrated circuits. The assembly also includes a cover portion configured to engage said frame to enclose the PCB supports. The cover portion has heat coupling material for thermally coupling with the respective print engine controllers when engaging the frame to facilitate heat dissipation from the controllers.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead assembly is provided having a casing removably mounting at least one printhead module which has an elongate support member longitudinally supporting a plurality of printhead integrated circuits and a capping member capping one longitudinal end of the elongate support member. The support member has a plurality of longitudinally extending channels for carrying and delivering ink to inkjet nozzles of the printhead integrated circuits. The longitudinal ends of the elongate support member are configured differently and complementarily to one another. The capping member is configured to cap either of the longitudinal ends so as to seal the channels.

Abstract: A printhead assembly which includes an ink supply arrangement having a profile member defining a semi-open cross-section with peripheral, structured side walls having free, opposing, lengthwise running edges delineating a gap extending along the entire length of the profile member, said profile member defining three internal webs that stand out from a base wall section of the peripheral wall into the interior of said member so as to define together with the side wall sections ink supply channels which are open towards the gap. The assembly also includes a plurality of printhead segment carriers operatively fast with the ink supply arrangement so that the ink supply channels are arranged in fluid communication with a printhead operatively supported on said segments. Also included is a shield plate supported by the profile member, said plate for protecting the printhead during printing.

Abstract: A printer controller for supplying dot data to an inkjet printhead is provided. The printhead comprises a plurality of first nozzles and a plurality of second nozzles supplied with a same colored ink. The first nozzles and second nozzles are configured in a plurality of sets, wherein each set of nozzles comprises one first nozzle and one corresponding second nozzle. Each nozzle in a set is configurable by the printer controller to print a dot of the ink onto a substantially same position on a print medium. The printer controller is programmed to supply dot data such that the first nozzles and the second nozzles each contribute dots to a line of printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printhead assembly. The printhead assembly includes a metal body defining a channel and a silicon core located within the channel. One or more printhead modules mounted to the silicon core are also provided. In one embodiment, each printhead module may include an integrated circuit and at least one fiducial for aligning the printhead.

Abstract: A printer is provided having at least one printhead module having at least two printhead integrated circuits which have nozzles formed therein for delivering printing fluid onto the surface of print media, a support member supporting and carrying the printing fluid for the at least two printhead integrated circuits, and an electrical connector for connecting electrical signals to the at least two printhead integrated circuits, drive electronics incorporating at least one controller for controlling the printing operation of at least one of the at least two printhead integrated circuits via the electrical connector, and a casing in which the printhead module and the drive electronics are removably mounted. The printhead module is removable from the casing upon removal of the drive electronics.

Abstract: A printhead system comprising an inkjet printhead and a printer controller for supplying dot data to the printhead is provided. The printhead comprises a plurality of transversely aligned color channels, each color channel comprising at least one nozzle row extending longitudinally along said printhead. Each nozzle in a color channel ejects the same colored ink. The printhead is comprised of a plurality of printhead modules with each printhead module comprising a respective segment of each nozzle row. The printer controller is programmed to supply dot data such that each of the printhead modules fires a respective segment within a predetermined segment-time. At least one of the fired segments is contained in a different color channel from at least one other of the fired segments.

Abstract: A printing assembly has a chassis. A printhead assembly is mounted on the chassis and has printhead integrated circuits each with a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements for ejecting ink. An ink distribution assembly supports the integrated circuits. The distribution assembly defines a plurality of converging ink passages in fluid communication with respective ink nozzle arrangements. An ink reservoir is mounted to the ink distribution assembly and defines a plurality of parallel ink channels in fluid communication with respective groups of the passages, such that inks can be fed from the channels to respective groups of the nozzle arrangements. A paper feed mechanism operatively feeds paper past said printhead. A printed circuit board (PCB) has electronic components for controlling the feed mechanism and the integrated circuits.

Abstract: A printing cartridge for an inkjet printer, the cartridge comprising: an ink supply; and a printhead assembly comprising at least one printhead integrated circuit having a plurality of ink ejection nozzles and an ink distribution support mounting the, or each, printhead integrated circuit, the ink distribution support being arranged, in use, to distribute ink from the ink supply to the nozzles, wherein the printing cartridge is mounted to the printer at the ink distribution support, and wherein the ink distribution support is provided with at least one reference feature, the, or each, reference feature serving to provide information on the location of the nozzles upon mounting of the printing cartridge to the printer.

Abstract: A printer cartridge for an inkjet printer including a printing fluid storage and a pagewidth printhead in communication with said printing fluid storage.

Abstract: The invention provides an ink jet recording head in which an element substrate provided in a head unit and constituted of plural drive elements is driven to discharge ink droplets from plural nozzles. In the ink jet recording head, the head unit has a substantially parallelogram shape, and plural head units are connected in a row to form a head bar.

Abstract: Provided is a printhead assembly including an ink supply arrangement and a plurality of printhead segment carriers. The ink supply arrangement has a profile member defining a semi-open cross-section with a peripheral, structured side walls having free, opposing, lengthwise running edges delineating a gap extending along the entire length of the profile member. The profile member also defines three internal webs that stand out from a base wall section of the peripheral wall into the interior of said member so as to define together with the side wall sections a total of four ink supply channels which are open towards the gap. The plurality of printhead segment carriers are operatively fast with the ink supply arrangement so that the ink supply channels are arranged in fluid communication with printheads supported on said segments.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes an air duct arranged to deliver air to the printer's print media transport assembly in order to warm-set dry print media before its exit from the printer. To facilitate circulation of the air the transport assembly includes foraminous conveyor belts which are sufficiently long to allow for approximately 1 second of drying time at the printer's operational speed.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided, having at least two printhead modules, each having 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 the at least two printhead integrated circuits, and a casing in which the at least two printhead modules are arranged so as to be removably mounted in linearly aligned relationship. The support member has at least one longitudinally extending channel for carrying the printing fluid for the printhead integrated circuits, and each printhead module has end portions which permit interconnection of the linearly aligned printhead modules and provide for fluid connection of the channels of the support members thereof.

Abstract: A method of modulating a peak power requirement of an inkjet printhead is provided. The printhead comprises a plurality of first nozzles and a plurality of second nozzles supplied with a same colored ink. The first nozzles and second nozzles are configured in a plurality of sets, wherein each set of nozzles comprises one first nozzle and one corresponding second nozzle. Each nozzle in a set is configurable to print a dot of the ink onto a substantially same position on a print medium. The method comprises the steps of: (a) selecting a firing nozzle from at least one set of nozzles, the selection being on the basis of modulating the peak power requirement; and (b) printing a dot onto said print medium using said firing nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printhead module assembly for a pagewidth printer system. The module assembly includes a printhead integrated circuit (IC) manufactured using a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) process, and a flexible printed circuit board electrically connected to the integrated circuit for supplying power and data thereto. The module assembly also includes a top channel layer supporting the IC, the top channel layer defining a number of slots therein, and an upper layer defining holes that are aligned with inner parts of the slots of the top channel layer, the upper layer further defining a number of channels. Further included is a mid layer defining a number of holes which are aligned with ends of the channel in the upper layer. A lower layer defines channels for supplying ink and compressed air to the IC via the layers such layers stacked to form an ink distribution assembly.

Abstract: An inkjet printer is provided having a housing, an elongate print media transport assembly mounted in the housing, a pagewidth printhead mounted in the housing so as to be located at a print media entry side of the print media transport assembly, and an air duct mounted in the housing so as to be arranged to deliver air to said transport assembly in order to dry print media in use. The elongate print media transport assembly has one or more conveyor belts which are of a length to facilitate warm-set ink drying of the print media during operation of said belts at the predetermined speed.

Abstract: A printing cartridge for an inkjet printer is provided having an ink supply and a printhead assembly which has at least one printhead integrated circuit having ink ejection nozzles and an ink distribution support mounting the printhead integrated circuit(s). The ink distribution support distributes ink from the ink supply to the nozzles. The printing cartridge is mounted to the printer at the ink distribution support which is provided with at least one reference feature. The reference feature(s) serves to provide information on the location of the nozzles upon mounting of the printing cartridge to the printer.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention include systems and methods of reducing visible print defects in drum printers having multi-die printheads oriented substantially perpendicular to the print media path. The exemplary embodiments include printing very small amounts of additional ink via empirically determined printing masks in addition to the normal image content, such that the print defects become less visible. Further exemplary embodiments include printing the additional ink during times typically utilized for print drying.

Abstract: A printing system includes a printhead having adjacent inkjet nozzles for dispensing a common colored ink and a controller adapted to direct firing of the adjacent inkjet nozzles so that adjacent local areas using the common colored ink are printed on a printing medium with alternate firings of the adjacent inkjet nozzles.

Abstract: A portable inkjet printer comprises an elongate pagewidth printhead having a plurality of ink supply passages, an elongate pagewidth ink distribution manifold connected to the printhead and an elongate pagewidth ink supply unit connected to the manifold. The ink supply unit includes at least one storage chamber for holding ink for supply to the manifold. Within the storage chamber are one or more internal formations that act to reduce excessive acceleration of ink within the storage chamber as may be induced by movement of the portable printer, whilst allowing for flows of the ink from the storage chamber to the manifold in response to active demand from said printhead.

Abstract: A mobile telecommunications device comprising: a first transmitter for transmitting signals over a mobile telephony system, and a first receiver for receiving signals from a mobile telephony system; a first monochrome image sensor device for sensing coded data and for outputting raw data based on said sensed data; and a transmitter controller operable to control the first transmitter to transmit output data based at least partially on said sensed data via the mobile telephony system to a computer system.

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

Abstract: An active-energy ray curable ink-jet recording apparatus includes: an active-energy ray irradiation source; a plurality of full-line ink-jet heads which eject a liquid functional material that is curable by an active-energy ray, onto a recording medium which is scanned and transported; and a head controller for controlling the heads to form an image on the recording medium, wherein the full-line ink-jet heads include: a head arrangement having adjacent combinations of at least one set of colors in a complementary relationship; and active-energy ray irradiation sources which are placed respectively for each of the combinations on downstream sides of the combinations in the scanning transporting direction.

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

Abstract: A cradle unit for an inkjet printer comprising: a body complementary to a removable inkjet cartridge of a type having a pagewidth printhead and an ink supply; and a controller for controlling the operation of the printhead to facilitate printing; wherein, a plurality of terminals are located along the length of the body to contact corresponding terminals located along the length of the removable inkjet cartridge to enable electrical communication between the controller and the cartridge.

Abstract: A method of assembling a modular printhead assembly is provided. The method includes mounting printhead integrated circuits to fluid distribution members, where each printhead IC has nozzles for printing fluid onto print media and the fluid distribution members have apertures for distributing fluid to respective ones of the nozzles, fixedly attaching the fluid distribution members onto a support member with curable resin selectively deposited about fluid delivery channels of the support member and the apertures of the fluid distribution members, where the attachment is made so that the fluid delivery channels are in fluid communication with respective ones of the apertures, and curing the curable resin to seal the selective attachment of the fluid distribution and support members.

Abstract: A modular printhead is provided for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes an elongate mounting member defining a channel. A plurality of elongate printhead modules is arranged end to end within the channel. Each printhead module has complementary nesting formations at either end so that adjacent printhead modules are nested together. Each printhead module includes an elongate printhead integrated circuit (IC) which is configured to print ink, and is aligned obliquely with respect to the mounting member so that adjacent printhead ICs overlap along the mounting member and provide for continuity of printing on print media which passes across the printhead.

Abstract: A cartridge unit for an inkjet printer comprising: a body portion having a plurality of ink storage compartments; and a pagewidth printhead assembly configured to receive ink from ink storage compartments and distribute said ink to a plurality of nozzles arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media; wherein the ink storage compartments comprise an absorption material which stores the ink therein under capillary action for supply to the nozzles of the printhead assembly.

Abstract: A method of expelling ink from a printhead module including at least one row that comprises a plurality of adjacent sets of n adjacent nozzles, each of the nozzles being configured to expel ink in response to a fire signal, the method comprising providing, for each set of nozzles, a fire signal in accordance with the sequence: [nozzle position 1, nozzle position n, nozzle position 2, nozzle position (n?1), . . . , nozzle position x], wherein nozzle position x is at or adjacent the centre of the set of nozzles.

Abstract: A method for facilitating maintenance of an inkjet printer of a type having a pagewidth printhead, the method including the steps of providing the inkjet printer in at least first and second portions detachable from each other, the first portion requiring replacement more frequently than the second portion in use, wherein the first portion includes the pagewidth printhead.

Abstract: A pagewidth inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate ink distribution arrangement that defines a number of inlets, a number of corresponding ink distribution channels and a number of outlets in fluid communication with respective ink distribution channels. An elongate ink distribution assembly is mounted on the ink distribution arrangement. The ink distribution assembly has a plurality of layers together forming a stack. The layers are configured to define a plurality of inlets in fluid communication with the outlets of the ink distribution arrangement and mounting formations with passages opening into the mounting formations. The passages are in the form of ink passage sets in fluid communication with respective ink distribution channels. At least one passage from each set opens into each mounting formation. Printhead integrated circuits are mounted in respective mounting formations to receive ink from the passages.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided. The printhead assembly comprises (a) a plurality of printhead integrated circuits comprising; and (b) an ink manifold having a mounting surface, the backside of each printhead integrated circuit being bonded to the mounting surface with an adhesive. Each printhead integrated circuit comprises a plurality of nozzles formed on a front side of the printhead integrated circuit; a plurality of ink supply channels for supplying ink from a backside of the printhead integrated circuit to the nozzles; and a plurality of etched trenches defined in the backside. The adhesive is received, at least partially, in the plurality of etched trenches, thereby increasing the adhesive bond strength whilst avoiding surface roughening of the printhead integrated circuits.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus which utilizes a recording head including a plurality of nozzles arrayed on the head. The present invention complements a point where an image is to be formed by a defective nozzle utilizing other nozzles while preventing the uneven use of nozzles provided in a recording head. Recording is performed utilizing recording heads which have a plurality of nozzles arrayed in a predetermined direction for discharging ink droplets of the same color. If a defective nozzle exists in the recording heads, complement recording is performed utilizing nozzles of the same recording head or other recording heads. As for the nozzles to be employed for the complement, a plurality of complement nozzles among the nozzles located adjacent to the defective nozzle is utilized. By discharging ink droplets from the complement nozzles, a point where an image is to be formed by the defective nozzle is complemented.

Abstract: In the full line type droplet discharging head, discharge ports for discharging a liquid supplied by a liquid passage formed by laminating thin plates, as liquid droplets, are arranged in a line direction along a length corresponding to a full width of a recording medium; and a simple rigid member having higher rigidity than that of a structure constituted by laminating the thin plates is provided extending along the line direction.

Abstract: This invention concerns vision control panels and a method of UV inkjet printing vision control panels. A substantially imperforate light permeable material is partially printed with a ‘print pattern’ comprising a base layer and a design layer comprising a design colour layer. The method is limited to digital UV inkjet printing of all the superimposed layers required to make such panels. Optionally, the method uses a novel printhead array with a novel order of ink colour supply and/or novel software to enable the required build-up of ink layers, for example of black, optional silver, white, cyan, magenta, yellow and process black colours. Printing is preferably arranged so that the base layer and design colour layer are printed in the minimum number of passes of the printhead assembly of the digital UV inkjet printer to achieve the desired effect, preferably in one pass of the printhead assembly.

Abstract: In a liquid droplet discharge apparatus that prevents deterioration in the precision of ink droplet landing positions resulting from deformation of long members due to changes in the temperature environment, long members to which plural head units are attached are fixed at one end but slidably supported at the other end. The long members no longer bend because the other ends of the long members slide.

Abstract: A method of printing a three-dimensional object is provided. The method comprises providing a plurality of stationary printhead layer groups, each layer group comprising at least one printhead for printing a respective layer of the object; conveying a partially-formed object past the layer groups; and simultaneously printing material from at least one printhead in each layer group, such that a plurality of different layers are printed simultaneously by the layer groups.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided having 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, a support member for supporting and carrying the printing fluid for the at least two printhead integrated circuits, and an electrical connector for connecting electrical signals to the at least two printhead integrated circuits, drive electronics incorporating at least one controller which is connected to at least one of the at least two printhead integrated circuits via the electrical connector for controlling the printing operation of at least one of the at least two printhead integrated circuits, and a casing in which the at least one printhead module and the drive electronics are removably mounted.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate support. The support defines a plurality of longitudinally extending ink supply channels. A shim is mounted to the support and defines a plurality of rows of openings through which ink from respective supply channels can be provided. A plurality of printhead carriers is mounted serially within the shim, each carrying a respective elongate printhead. Each carrier defines a plurality of ink supply passages through which ink passes to the printhead from respective rows. The printheads are alternately disposed along the support to form a pair of parallel ranks of spaced apart printheads.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate ink feed structure defining a plurality of longitudinally extending ink supply passages and a plurality of spaced apart sets of outlet holes with the holes of each set being in fluid communication with respective ink supply passages. A plurality of printhead modules is serially arranged along the ink feed structure in fluid communication with respective sets of outlet holes. Each printhead module includes an elongate printhead configured to eject ink supplied from the ink feed structure and angled with respect to the ink feed structure so that the printheads are oriented obliquely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the ink feed structure.

Abstract: A printhead chip suitable for a pagewidth color printhead assembly is provided. The printhead chip comprises a substrate defining a plurality of ink supply channels, and a plurality of ink-ejecting nozzles arranged on the substrate in fluid communication with the ink supply channels. The nozzles are arranged in groups, with each group of nozzles being in fluid communication with a respective ink supply channel. The groups of nozzles are arranged in at least three rows, each row of nozzles receiving ink of the same color.

Abstract: A modular printhead assembly has a plurality of printhead modules, a fluid delivery structure, and a flexible printed circuit board. Each printhead module has a printhead integrated circuit and a fluid distribution assembly. The modules are received by the fluid delivery structure which also supplies each module with fluid. The printed circuit board is sandwiched between the modules and the supply structure and carries power and data to the modules.