Full-line Type Patents (Class 347/42)
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Patent number: 7798605Abstract: A printer assembly for a pagewidth printer includes a support frame having a fluid channel member and a clipping arrangement configured so that a printed circuit board can be clipped to the support frame. A printhead arrangement has printhead tiles arranged in the fluid channel member. The support frame is configured so that a positional relationship between individual tile members is substantially retained during environmental changes.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Norman Micheal Berry, Paul Charles Knight
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Patent number: 7794066Abstract: A printhead structure is provided comprising a moulding, silicon wafer and a plurality of microelectromechanical ink ejection devices. The moulding at least defines a fluid reservoir and a first passage in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The silicon wafer at least defines a second passage spaced from the first passage and a third passage arranged to provide fluid communication between the first and second passages. The microelectromechanical ink ejection devices are in fluid communication with the second passage.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King, Garry Raymond Jackson
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Patent number: 7794046Abstract: A fluid ejection system includes a receiver transport system configured to transport a receiver in a first direction, a first fluid ejection head including a first set of fluid ejection nozzles to deposit fluid drops on a first surface of the receiver, and a second fluid ejection head including a second set of fluid ejection nozzles to deposit fluid drops on a second surface of the receiver. The first set of fluid ejection nozzles are distributed in a first region that extends at least up to an edge of the first surface that is substantially parallel to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: FUJIFILM Dimatix, Inc.Inventor: Richard Baker
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Patent number: 7794049Abstract: Provided is an elongate multi-chip printhead unit for a pagewidth printer. The unit includes a number of integrated circuits laid end-to-end, each having a multitude of micro-electromechanical nozzles for ejecting printing fluid. The unit also includes an ink distribution molding defining a plurality of elongate conduits for distributing printing fluid to the printhead. Also included is a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to relay data signals from a printer controller to respective ends of the integrated circuits, as well as busbars positioned to provide drive current to the micro-electromechanical nozzles of the printhead. The busbars are retained in position at one end by a socket, and at both ends by wrap-around wings of the PCB. The unit further includes a support member for holding the integrated circuits, molding, busbars and PCB in appropriate alignment.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Norman Michael Berry, Akira Nakazawa
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Patent number: 7794052Abstract: A printhead module for a printhead assembly of a pagewidth ink jet printer. The printhead module comprises: an upper micromolding locating a printhead integrated circuit, wherein the upper micromolding includes a first series of ink inlets in fluid communication with the printhead integrated circuit; a lower micromolding including a second series of ink inlets which are in fluid communication with the first series of ink inlets; and a mid-package film located between the upper and lower micromoldings, wherein the mid-package film includes a plurality of holes through which ink passes from the second series of ink inlets to the first series of ink inlets.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Publication number: 20100225702Abstract: A pagewidth printhead assembly includes a plurality of printhead integrated circuits linked end to end across a width of the pagewidth printhead assembly; a support molding to which the plurality of printhead integrated circuits are sealed, the support molding defining a plurality of ink channels; a plurality of etched channels provided on an underside of each printhead integrated circuit, each etched channel defining along a length thereof a plurality of ink inlets for receiving ink from one of the plurality of ink channels; and a polymer sealing film for sealing the printhead integrated circuits to the support molding, the polymer sealing film defining therethrough a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of etched channels is divided into two or more separate channel sections separated by respective channel wall structures. Each opening of the polymer film is in fluid communication with ink inlets of two separate channel sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, David Charles Psaila, Garry Raymond Jackson, Akira Nakazawa, Jonathan Mark Bulman, Jan Waszczuk
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Publication number: 20100225700Abstract: A print cartridge that has a printhead integrated circuit having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements, a rotor element rotatable between a blot position where the rotor element blots the printhead integrated circuit, a seal position where the rotor element seals the nozzle arrangements, and a platen position in which the rotor element positions a printing medium proximate the printhead integrated circuit, an air distribution channel configured to deliver air along the printhead, communicable with an air supply, a plurality of reservoirs for printing fluids for the printhead integrated circuit and, a refill port arranged in fluid communication with printing fluid conduits each leading to one of the reservoir respectively, the port facilitating refilling of the reservoirs from a refill cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Publication number: 20100225701Abstract: A printer unit is provided comprising a print engine for printing on print media, a print media supply for supplying print media to the print engine and a body arranged to house the print engine and to be mountable to a substantially vertical surface so as to suspend the printer unit. The print engine and print media supply are contained in the body so as to be substantially hidden. Such a wall mountable printer is capable of blending into the design of a home or a work space within office environment whilst providing high-speed, e.g., more than 30 pages per minute, and high-quality, e.g., images of about 1200 dots per inch or more, printing capabilities and ease of use.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7789486Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King, Janette Faye Lee
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Patent number: 7789485Abstract: A printhead assembly is provided having a pagewidth inkjet printhead and an ink distribution system. The ink distribution system has a longitudinal distribution housing having ducts extending longitudinally therealong which each correspond to a different ink, a longitudinal cover cooperating with the housing and having ink inlet ports which each correspond to, and are in fluid communication with, one of the ducts and being, and a laminated ink distribution structure fixed to the housing for distributing ink from the ducts to the printhead. The distribution structure includes multiple layers positioned one upon another with at least one of the layers having ink holes therethrough. Each ink hole conveys ink from one of the ducts en route to the printhead. At least some of the layers has an array of aligned air holes therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7784924Abstract: An ink delivery system is provided for delivering ink to a plurality of printhead modules. The ink delivery system includes a channel structure defining a channel and a first pair of locating formations on either side of the channel. A printhead module location molding defines both a bight configured to receive the channel structure and a second pair of locating formations which form a complementary fastening arrangement with the first locating formations. An ink delivery extrusion is configured to be located within the channel and defines a plurality of internal ink channels. The extrusion further defines a plurality of groups of holes for engaging with respective printhead modules. The holes of each group extend from respective ink channels. An endcap is configured to cap the ink channels at an end of the ink delivery extrusion.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Publication number: 20100214359Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting droplets of a fluid includes a substrate, a first plurality of nozzles formed in a first region of a nozzle face of the substrate, and a second plurality of nozzles formed in a second region of the nozzle face. The second region is separated from the first region. An inlet and an outlet are both formed in an upper face of the substrate opposite a third region of the nozzle face, the third region being located between the first region and the second region, and a plurality of fluid paths formed in the substrate and fluidically connecting the first plurality of nozzles and the second plurality of nozzles with the inlet and outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Kevin Von Essen, Andreas Bibl
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Publication number: 20100207995Abstract: There is provided a recording head including: a first common path; a second common path; plural first pressure chambers; plural first driving sections; plural second pressure chambers; and plural second driving sections, wherein the first common path and the second common path are formed with the same dimensions, and the second pressure chamber that is driven by the second driving section is the second pressure chamber positioned where the distance thereto from the first pressure chamber driven by the first driving section toward the first opening and through the second common path is the same as the distance thereto from the first pressure chamber toward the second opening and through the second common path, and a pressure wave is generated that is of opposite phase to that of the pressure wave generated from the first pressure chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventor: Sho Onozawa
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Patent number: 7775616Abstract: A printhead is provided having elongate printhead modules arranged parallel to each other to extend across a pagewidth and controllers for processing print data into dot data and for controlling the printhead modules in accordance with the dot data. Each printhead module has plural ink ejection nozzles. At least one of the printhead modules is longer than the other printhead modules. The controllers control ink ejection of the nozzles of the printhead modules in accordance with the dot data. At least one of the controllers is arranged to control all of the printhead modules and at least one other of the controllers is arranged to control only one of the printhead modules. Each controller has serial outputs for supplying the dot data for channels of the associated printhead module or modules.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Mark Jackson Pulver, Simon Robert Walmsley, Michael John Webb, Richard Thomas Plunkett, John Robert Sheahan
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Patent number: 7775631Abstract: A modular pagewidth printhead assembly includes a plurality of printhead modules, a fluid delivery structure and a flexible printed circuit board. Each printhead module includes a printhead integrated circuit with a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements, and a fluid distribution assembly of liquid crystal polymer micromoldings defining a plurality of discrete fluid paths when joined for supplying discrete fluids to the nozzle arrangements. The fluid delivery structure is configured to receive the printhead modules and to supply said modules with discrete fluids. The flexible printed circuit board is sandwiched between the supply structure and the printhead modules, and is bonded to the supply structure to keep it in place. The circuit board extends around one edge of the supply structure for carrying data and power to said modules. The fluid distribution assembly includes at least one elastomeric pad to take up tolerance when the relevant module is located on the supply structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 7775633Abstract: Provided is a pagewidth printhead assembly having a plurality of printhead modules. Each of these modules includes a printhead integrated circuit (IC) having a plurality of ink ejection nozzles, and an ink distribution assembly formed from a stack of ink distribution layers. Each layer defines apertures therein at predetermined locations, with the layers laminated together so that the apertures complementarily define ink distribution channels to the printhead IC. Each module also includes a tape automated bonding (TAB) film connected to the printhead IC for arranging said IC in signal communication with a controller of the printhead assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7775630Abstract: A printhead integrated circuit (IC) with a planar array of droplet ejectors, each having data distribution circuitry, a drive transistor, a printing fluid inlet, an actuator, a chamber and a nozzle, the chamber being configured to hold printing fluid adjacent the nozzle so that the drive transistor activates the actuator to eject a droplet of the printing fluid through the nozzle. The array has more than 700 of the droplet ejectors per square millimeter. With a high density of droplet ejectors fabricated on a wafer substrate, the nozzle array has a high nozzle pitch and the printhead has a very high ‘true’ print resolution—i.e. the high number of dots per inch is achieved by a high number of nozzles per inch.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7775627Abstract: An inkjet printer assembly includes a cartridge which has a pagewidth printhead integrated circuit (IC) and a printhead auxiliary member. The auxiliary member is operatively rotatable between a platen position, to support a printing medium proximate the IC, a blotting position, to blot the printhead IC, and a capping position, to cap the printhead IC. The assembly also includes a cradle configured to receive the cartridge such that the printhead IC is adjacent a media feed path. The cradle has a transmission assembly arranged selectively to engage and rotate the printhead auxiliary member. The assembly also includes a controller arranged to determine a performance characteristic of the cartridge and to operate said transmission assembly, printhead IC and printhead auxiliary member in response to the determined performance characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7771013Abstract: A pagewidth printhead assembly has an elongate support beam, an elongate shell at least partially enclosing and restraining the support beam and printhead integrated circuits mounted to the support beam so as to be substantially aligned with one another along the pagewidth. The shell has a laminated structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7771009Abstract: The image recording apparatus for recording images to a recording medium comprises a recording head arrangement device for arranging the line recording head so that at least the lengthwise direction of the line recording head is in an orthogonal position substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium, or the lengthwise direction of the line recording head is in a parallel position substantially parallel to the conveyance direction of the recording medium; and a shuttle scan mechanism for causing the line recording head to shuttle-scan in the direction substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction while the parallel position is maintained, wherein the line recording head records images as a line head when arranged in the orthogonal position, and records images by shuttle scanning when arranged in the parallel position.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: FujiFilm CorporationInventor: Tsutomu Takatsuka
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Patent number: 7771014Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 7766453Abstract: The printhead for a digital ink jet printer where arrays of nozzles (3) are arranged in an overlapping configuration to preserve continuity between the printing from adjacent arrays (3). Each array (3) receives print data from TAB films (6). The TAB films (6) extend from the same side of each array (3) to allow for a relatively compact printhead design. The arrays (3) are configured so that predominantly all of the arrays (3) have, at most, one end obscured by the end of an adjacent array (3). This reduces the amount that the TAB films (6) need to narrow or ‘neck’ in order to avoid the obscuring adjacent end.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7758142Abstract: A print assembly (14) for pagewidth inkjet printing that includes an elongate carrier that is mountable on a support structure (12) of a printer (10) in an operative position with respect to a platen (106, 108) of the printer. A number of printhead chips (186) are positioned on the carrier. The print head chips together define a print head that is configured to eject at least one billion drops per second into a printing zone defined between the print head and the platen of the printer. Control circuitry is also positioned on the carrier and is configured to control operation of the print head chips.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7753483Abstract: A printhead assembly comprising: at least one printhead module comprising: at least two printhead integrated circuits, each of which has nozzles formed therein; a longitudinal extending fluid transfer member configured to support the at least two printhead integrated circuits, wherein the fluid transfer member includes a plurality of chambers which are in fluid communication with a supply of printing fluid and respective ports of the at least one printhead module; and an electrical connector for receiving electrical signals for the at least two printhead integrated circuits; a drive electronics part 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 part for supporting the drive electronics part and the at least one printhead module.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson, Akira Nakazawa
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Patent number: 7748836Abstract: A printer cradle for receiving an ink cartridge having a rotor element includes a drive roller. An electrical motor drives the drive roller. A flipper gear assembly is operatively engaged with the drive roller to be driven by the drive roller between an engaged position in which it engages the rotor element and a disengaged position in which it is disengaged from the rotor element. A controller arrangement has a controller board housing a print engine controller configured to control the motor to actuate or disengage the rotor element.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7748828Abstract: A print engine is provided for a printer unit. The print engine includes a cradle unit and a replaceable cartridge unit received within the cradle unit in a releasable manner. The print engine further includes print media transport means which can transport print media. The cartridge unit includes a body. An ink storage module assembly includes a plurality of ink storage modules and is configured to be received in the body from one side. A printhead assembly is configured to be mounted to the body at an opposite side and is configured to print upon the transported print media.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa, Christopher Hibbard, Paul Ian Mackey, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson
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Patent number: 7740337Abstract: A pagewidth inkjet printhead is provided which comprises an elongate ink distribution assembly connectable to an ink supply. A printhead chip is mounted to the ink distribution assembly to receive ink from the ink distribution assembly and a plurality of positioning protuberances protrude from the ink distribution assembly. A power and data transmission film is positioned about the ink distribution assembly using the plurality of positioning protuberances. At least one power busbar is positioned about the ink distribution assembly also using the plurality of positioning protuberances. The positioning protuberances may protrude from an outer surface of the ink distribution assembly and the power and data transmission film can be a tape automated bonding (TAB) strip interconnecting the at least one power busbar and the printhead chip.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7740334Abstract: A printing system is provided having a carrier, a printhead module carried by the carrier and a controller. The printhead module has at least one row of ink ejection nozzles. Each of the nozzles is configured to eject ink in response to fire signals from the controller. The controller is configured to determine erroneous rotational displacement of the printhead module relative to the carrier, determine a correction factor based on a thickness of media being printed that at least partially compensates for ink dot displacement by at least one of the nozzles, and using the correction factor, alter the output of the fire signals to the nozzles so as to alter the ejection of ink dots to at least partially compensate for the rotational displacement.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Mark Jackson Pulver, Simon Robert Walmsley, John Robert Sheahan, Michael John Webb
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Patent number: 7740338Abstract: Provided is a printhead assembly with a pressurised air supply having 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. The assembly also includes an elongate ink distribution assembly mounted on the ink distribution arrangement, the ink distribution assembly having a plurality of layers together forming a stack, the layers being 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 being in the form of ink passage sets in fluid communication with respective ink distribution channels, at least one passage from each set opening into each mounting formation.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Publication number: 20100149257Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a molded ink manifold, a plurality of printhead integrated circuits, and an adhesive film sandwiched between the ink manifold and the printhead integrated circuits. A manifold bonding surface of the molded ink manifold includes a polymer coating. The polymer coating plugs fissures resulting from a molding process used to mold the ink manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Seung Jin Lee, Susan Williams, Jan Waszczuk, Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7735944Abstract: A printer comprising: a printhead comprising first and second elongate printhead modules, the printhead modules being parallel to each other and being disposed end to end on either side of a join region; at least first and second printer controllers configured to receive print data and process the print data to output dot data to the printhead, wherein the first printer controller outputs dot data only to the first printhead module and the second printer controller outputs dot data only to the second printhead module, wherein the printhead modules are configured such that no dot data passes between them.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Simon Robert Walmsley, John Robert Sheahan, Mark Jackson Pulver, Richard Thomas Plunkett, Michael John Webb
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Patent number: 7735972Abstract: A method of ejecting drops of an ejectable liquid from a printhead is provided. The printhead has nozzles, a bubble forming chambers and heater elements. Each heater element is an elongate strip suspended between corresponding electrodes on opposite sides of the chambers and having a cross-section with a lateral dimension different than that of each other strip of the corresponding chamber and at least triple the thickness of that strip. The thickness of each strip is less than 0.3 microns. The heater elements and associated electrodes are arranged so that the electrodes are non-coincident with the electrodes of the other heater elements. The method includes heating the heater elements above the boiling point of the bubble forming liquid to form a gas bubble that causes ejection of a drop of an ejectable liquid from the nozzle, and supplying a volume of the ejectable liquid equivalent to the ejected drop.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7735948Abstract: A printhead having a plurality of rows of nozzles is provided. The nozzles in each row are grouped into fire groups. The printhead is configured to sequentially fire, for each row, the nozzles of each fire group, such that each nozzle in the sequence from each fire group is fired simultaneously with respective corresponding nozzles in the sequence in the other fire groups.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Simon Robert Walmsley, Mark Jackson Pulver, John Robert Sheahan, Michael John Webb, Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7735963Abstract: A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes a wafer assembly defining rows of spaced apart ink supply channels. Rows of ink ejection nozzle groups extend from the wafer assembly. Each nozzle group includes a pair of rows of ink ejection nozzles. Each ink ejection nozzle includes an ink ejection head from which an elongate actuator tail extends. All of the ink ejection heads of each group are in fluid communication with a respective ink supply channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7735950Abstract: A printing apparatus that conveys a printing medium placed on a surface of a conveyor belt, and performs printing to the printing medium by ejecting a liquid from a liquid ejection head, the apparatus includes: a magnetic recording layer that is formed to the conveyor belt as a continuous strip; a magnetic reproduction head that is disposed opposing the magnetic recording layer of the conveyor belt; and a control unit that detects recording details reproduced from the magnetic recording layer by the magnetic reproduction head.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Kunio Tabata, Toshiyuki Suzuki, Atsushi Oshima
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Patent number: 7731327Abstract: A desktop printer unit having a printhead cartridge, capping mechanism, a media input assembly, a media output assembly and a transfer mechanism. The printhead cartridge defines an ink reservoir and has a pagewidth printhead integrated circuit having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements and the capping mechanism for the nozzles. The transfer mechanism transfers printing media from the input assembly past the printhead integrated circuit to the output assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Publication number: 20100134559Abstract: An elongate printhead assembly for a pagewidth printer includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having mounted thereon various electronic components to facilitate operation of the printer; one or more printhead integrated circuits, each angularly disposed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the PCB; one or more printed circuit interconnections for providing signal communication between the one or more printhead integrated circuits and the electronic components; an ink distribution molding for receiving ink from an ink reservoir, the ink distribution molding having defined therein a plurality of ink ducts and a plurality of transitional ducts provided below the ink ducts, the ink ducts and transitional ducts being connected via ink transfer ports; and a laminated stack arranged between the ink distribution molding and the one or more printhead integrated circuits, the laminated stack having defined therethrough a plurality of ink holes for feeding ink to the printhead integrated circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2010Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7726789Abstract: An ink refill unit for replenishing an ink storage compartment of an inkjet printer is provided. The ink refill unit has a body containing a quantity of refilling ink configured to engage an interface of the storage compartment, and a plurality of actuators defined in the body for actuating a constrictor mechanism of the storage compartment as the ink refill unit engages the interface and deactivating the constrictor mechanism as the ink refill unit disengages the interface. The constrictor mechanism constricts a flexible tubular wall of the storage compartment by a predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa, Christopher Hibbard, Paul Ian Mackey, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson
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Patent number: 7726776Abstract: An inkjet printer cartridge has a printhead integrated circuit with a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements. A rotor element is rotatable, in use, between a blot position where the element blots the printhead integrated circuit, a seal position where the element seals the nozzle arrangements, and a platen position where the element supports and positions a printing medium proximate the printhead integrated circuit. An air distribution channel is configured to deliver air evenly along a length of the printhead and is communicable with a pressurized air supply. A plurality of reservoirs discretely store printing fluids for supply to the printhead integrated circuit. A refill port is arranged in fluid communication with printing fluid conduits each leading to a respective reservoir. The port facilitates refilling of the reservoirs from a refill cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7722161Abstract: A method of locating a printhead assembly on a printer, the method comprising the steps of: providing 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; mounting the printhead assembly to the printer by bringing at least one reference feature provided on the ink distribution support into cooperation with a corresponding complementary feature of the printer; and determining from the cooperation the location of the nozzles.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Christopher Hibbard, Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa, Garry Raymond Jackson, John Douglas Peter Morgan
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Patent number: 7722158Abstract: An ink-jet recording apparatus includes: a conveyance section which conveys a recording medium; a plurality of recording heads each aligned along a conveyance direction of the recording medium, which ejects the same kind of photo-curing type ink onto the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance section; and a plurality of light irradiating sections each aligned along the conveyance direction of the recording medium, which irradiates light onto the recording medium to which the photo-curing type ink has been ejected from each of the plurality of recording heads.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.Inventor: Yukihiro Niekawa
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Patent number: 7722146Abstract: Printing system is provided which has a plurality of printhead integrated circuits of different lengths and a controller configured to supply print data to the printhead integrated circuits. The printhead integrated circuits are 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 controller supplies the print data at a rate which is proportional to a ratio of the different lengths of the printhead integrated circuits.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2009Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Simon Robert Walmsley
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Publication number: 20100118087Abstract: A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer that has a print engine controller for receiving print data and sending it to the printhead. The printhead has a printhead IC for ejecting ink and a support structure for mounting the printhead IC in the printer adjacent a paper path. The printhead IC is mounted on a face of the support structure that, in use, faces the paper path. A flexible printed circuit board (flex PCB) that has contacts for receiving print data mounted to the support structure on a face that does not face the paper path. The bent section reduces the likelihood of trace cracking by holding the flex PCB at a set radius rather than allowing the flex to follow an irregular curve and thereby risking localized points of high stress on the traces.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2010Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: Brian Robert Brown, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson, Paul Timothy Sharp, John Douglas Peter Morgan, Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa, Michael John Hudson, Christopher Hibbard, Samuel George Mallinson, Paul Justin Reichl
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Patent number: 7712868Abstract: Provided is a printer assembly for a pagewidth printer, said assembly having a support frame for supporting a printhead arrangement. The support frame includes an outer wall portion and an inner wall portion separated by an internal cavity. The support frame also includes a lower arm portion and an upper wall fast with the outer and inner wall portions. The upper wall portion defines a channel for receiving printhead tiles of the printhead arrangement. The upper wall portion and arm portion have a clipping arrangement configured to receive a printed circuit board (PCB) having electronics for controlling the printhead arrangement. The support frame is configured to minimize substantial dimensional changes due to environmental changes to retain a positional relationship between individual printhead tiles of the printhead arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Norman Michael Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson, Akira Nakazawa
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Patent number: 7712867Abstract: A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer. The assembly comprises: a plurality of printhead modules, each module having: a plurality of inlets for receiving ink; and a printhead integrated circuit with an array of nozzles in fluid communication with the plurality of ink inlets for ejecting ink; a flexible printed circuit board for conducting power and data from the printer to each printhead integrated circuit; and a flexible extrusion having a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the plurality of inlets of the plurality of printhead modules, wherein the extrusion supplies ink provided by the printer to the array of nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 7712866Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assembling a modular printhead assembly. The printhead assembly includes a flexible elongate ink-delivery member and a plurality of modules for being received in fluid communication with the ink-delivery member. The ink delivery member and the modules are received in a metal channel. The method includes the step of flexing the metal channel apart at a plurality of locations there-along to enable receipt of respective printhead modules.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 7712882Abstract: The invention provides for an ink cartridge unit for an inkjet printer. The ink cartridge includes a main body defining a number of ink reservoirs, each reservoir having a layered stack of absorbent material forming a micro-capillary array for suspending ink inside said reservoir. The ink cartridge also includes a lid assembly covering the main body to seal ink inside the ink reservoirs, and a printhead assembly operatively fed with ink from the ink reservoirs in the main body.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa, Christopher Hibbard, Paul Ian Mackey, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson
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Patent number: 7708380Abstract: A printhead module is provided for an inkjet printhead assembly. The printhead module includes a support defining a plurality of internal ink chambers. An elongate ink distributor is mounted to the support. A subassembly includes a micro-electromechanical integrated circuit (IC) configured to eject ink and mounted to the distributor so that ink from the ink chambers can be distributed to the IC by the distributor. The support, distributor and subassembly are shaped to define complementary formations on opposite sides of the printhead module so that a pair of the printhead modules can be mated together.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King, Garry Raymond Jackson
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Patent number: 7703886Abstract: A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer, that has a body portion for receiving ink from an ink source, an elongate ink distribution member mounted to the body portion, the body portion and the elongate ink distribution member being in fluid communication at a series of spaced locations along the length of the elongate ink distribution member, one or more integrated circuits fixed to the ink distribution member, the or each integrated circuit having nozzles for ejecting ink supplied by the distribution member onto a passing media substrate, and an electrical connector for transmitting data to the or each integrated circuit, the electrical connector having an elongate array of contacts for electrical connection with a corresponding array of contacts on the inkjet printer.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa, Christopher Hibbard, Paul Ian Mackey, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson
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Patent number: 7703885Abstract: A cradle unit is provided which has a body complementary to a removable printhead cartridge, the removable printhead cartridge having a pagewidth printhead and a capper assembly, a controller for controlling operation of the printhead to facilitate printing when the removable printhead cartridge is received within the body, and an electromagnet assembly on the body which is controlled by the controller for operating the capper assembly of the removable printhead cartridge to permit the operation of the printhead.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa, Christopher Hibbard, Paul Ian Mackey, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson