Abstract: A replaceable printhead cartridge includes: an elongate cartridge body having an elongate structure with a plurality of longitudinally extending channels; a pagewidth printhead mounted on the elongate structure; a first fluid coupling positioned towards one end of the elongate structure; and a second fluid coupling positioned towards an opposite end of the elongate structure. The first and second fluid couplings each has an interface plate supporting a plurality of spouts positioned for sealed engagement with corresponding apertures in a complementary socket of a printer. The spouts are in fluid communication with the respective ends of corresponding longitudinally extending channels. The spouts extend from respective interface plates in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge body and parallel with a media feed direction.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus is provided that is easy to maintain and that is compact. The inkjet recording apparatus includes a line head capable of printing on a recording medium, and a housing with the line head attached, in which the line head is slid along a guide groove provided in the housing so that the line head is detachably attached.

Abstract: A fluid ejector includes a fluid ejection module and an integrated circuit element. The fluid ejection module includes a substrate having a plurality of fluid paths, a plurality of actuators, and a plurality of conductive traces, each actuator configured to cause a fluid to be ejected from a nozzle of an associated fluid path. The integrated circuit element is mounted on the fluid ejection module and is electrically connected with the conductive traces of the fluid ejection module such that an electrical connection of the module enables a signal sent to the fluid ejection module to be transmitted to the integrated circuit element, processed on the integrated circuit element, and output to the fluid ejection module to drive the actuator.

Abstract: A micro-fluid ejection head has multiple ejection chips joined adjacently to create a lengthy array across a media to-be-imaged. The chips have fluid firing elements arranged along skewed fluid vias to enable seamless stitching of fluid ejections. The firing elements are energized to eject fluid and ones are spaced according to colors or fluid types. Overlapping firing elements serve redundancy efforts during imaging for reliable print quality. Variable chips sizes and shapes are disclosed as are relationships between differently colored fluid vias. Skew angles range variously each with noted advantages. Singulating chips from larger wafers provide still further embodiments.

Abstract: A printing system includes a frame. A first printer component is mounted to the frame. A second printer component is compliantly mounted to the frame such that the second printer component is free to move in a plane. A first alignment mechanism is kinematically coupled to the first printer component and is kinematically coupled to the second printer component. A second alignment mechanism is kinematically coupled to the first printer component and is kinematically coupled to the second printer component.

Abstract: A removable ink supply comprises an ink container including a coupler configured to removably engage a receiver of an ink supply station of an image forming apparatus. The coupler includes an end portion including an array of key holes with each key hole configured to removably receive a respective one key of an array of at least partially conductive keys of the receiver of the ink supply station. A conductive component of the coupler is positioned within the coupler and spaced apart from the end portion. The conductive component is in axial alignment with at least some of the respective key holes to be positioned for selective, removable contact with at least some of the respective keys of the receiver. An absence or a presence of removable contact between the conductive component and the key indicates an out-of-ink status of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes: a main head unit that ejects ink; a first flow channel member and a second flow channel member that include first and second flow channels, respectively, through which ink to be supplied to the main head unit flows; and a ring-shaped sealing member pinched by the first flow channel member and the second flow channel member. The first flow channel and the second flow channel communicate with the interior of a space area defined by the first flow channel member, the second flow channel member, and the sealing member, and an atmosphere exposure channel that connects the space area with the exterior is formed in a joining surface between the sealing member and the first flow channel member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pre-aligning print head(s) to alignment adapter(s) to increase print resolution of printed matter, and to reduce offline time of a printing system due to print head alignment, include the use of an alignment adapter to which a print head is pre-aligned and which includes precision alignment features which precisely engage cooperating precision alignment features on the print head carriage mounting plate of the print head carriage. Print head(s) can be pre-aligned and fine-tuned to alignment adapter(s) even while the printing system is still in print production. Pre-aligned print head/alignment adapter assemblies can then be quickly mounted on the print head carriage using the cooperating precision alignment features of the adapter and print head carriage mounting plate. Duplicate sets of print head mounting sockets can include print heads aligned at different relative offsets (e.g., half a pixel) to increase the print resolution.

Abstract: Part of a liquid chamber communicating with a liquid storage is formed of a deformable portion which is deformed. Part of a lever is brought into abutment with the deformable portion and, when the deformable portion is deformed, the lever is rotated about a supporting portion. The liquid storage, the liquid chamber, and the lever are stored in the interior of the case having a through hole, and when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid consuming apparatus, the movable rod on the side of the liquid consuming apparatus is inserted from the through hole and is brought into abutment with the lever.

Abstract: An inkjet printing apparatus suppresses air currents heading toward print head faces, and reduces the adherence of ink mist onto the print heads. The apparatus includes a carriage upon which is mounted one or more print heads with ink ejection ports formed thereon, a printing unit that prints an image onto a printing medium by causing ink droplets to be ejected toward the printing medium from the ink ejection ports while also causing the carriage to move with respect to the printing medium, and an airflow control mechanism formed on the surface of the one or more print heads or the carriage that faces the printing medium, the airflow control mechanism controlling air currents flowing into a lateral region extending along the carriage moving direction on either side of the region where the ink ejection ports are formed, and causing the air pressure to rise in the lateral region.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a casing, a printing material containing portion, a printing material flow path and first and second insertion holes formed in a front face of the casing. A rod used for detection of the out-of-printing material state is inserted into the first insertion hole, and a printing material supply tube is inserted into the second insertion hole. The first insertion hole is located on the front face at a middle position between a first side face and a second side face of the casing.

Abstract: A method of printing includes firing a first group of one or more printheads at a moving medium at a first firing angle to the medium and firing a second group of one or more printheads at the moving medium at a second, different, firing angle to the medium.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses an ink cartridge comprises a housing, a detection plate configured to execute a display in accordance with an ink volume, and a support mechanism comprising a concave portion configured to rotatably support the detection plate, wherein: the detection plate comprises a shaft portion of a shape capable of engaging with a concave portion provided protruding from arm portions; at least one of the arm portions is capable of elastic deformation in which, upon receipt of an external force, changes the position of the shaft portion provided to the one of the arm portions to the extent that the concave portion and the shaft portion do not engage; and generates an elastic force that positions the shaft portion in a location that includes the rotation center of the arm portion when the external force is removed.

Abstract: In one example, a fluid cartridge includes a reservoir for holding a fluid, an electrical interface, an alignment feature, and a keying feature. The alignment feature is configured to, as the cartridge is inserted into a receiver, bias the electrical interface against a corresponding electrical interface on the receiver. The keying feature discriminates the cartridge from other fluid cartridges to prevent the cartridge from being inserted incorrectly into the receiver.

Abstract: A cartridge comprises an ink supply structure, a terminal bearing structure, and a first restriction portion. The terminal bearing structure has terminals arranged in a terminal plane which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to a plane defined by a mounting direction leading edge of the ink supply structure, so that the contact portions of the terminals receive a force in a direction opposite from the mounting direction. An engagement portion of the first restriction portion is provided at a position adjacent to the terminal bearing structure.

Abstract: A stationary pagewidth inkjet printhead has one or more nozzle rows extending along a longitudinal axis of the printhead. The printhead is comprised of a plurality of printhead modules having first and second opposite ends butted across a width of a page. Each butting pair of printhead modules defines a common join region, wherein a nozzle pitch across the join region exceeds one nozzle pitch, one nozzle pitch being defined as a minimum longitudinal distance between a pair of nozzles in a same nozzle row. A first nozzle positioned at the first end of a first printhead module in a butting pair is configured to fire ink droplets into a respective join region.

Abstract: A droplet ejection head that is attachable to and removable from a droplet ejection apparatus, includes: a nozzle plate having multiple nozzle holes to eject droplets; an individual-channel substrate in which multiple individual-liquid-chambers to supply liquid to the nozzle holes are formed; a common-channel substrate to supply liquid to the individual-channel substrate; a base plate made of metal and including a first positioning part to be engaged with a part of the droplet ejection apparatus at a given position to perform positioning with respect to the droplet ejection apparatus in a direction along an opening surface of the nozzle plate at which the nozzle holes are opened; and a housing made of resin and including a second positioning part to perform positioning with respect to the droplet ejection apparatus in a direction intersecting with the opening surface.

Abstract: In one example, a structure for supporting a printhead includes: a substrate having a first side and a second side; multiple inlets each protruding from the first side of the substrate through which liquids may be introduced into the structure from the outlets of liquid containers that can be attached to the structure; multiple openings through the substrate from the first side to the second side, each opening positioned near one of the inlets at a location exposed to the outlet of a corresponding one of the containers when the container is attached to the structure; and an air channel on the second side of the substrate connecting each of one or more of the openings to another opening.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a recording head including plural nozzles discharging liquid droplets; a head tank supplying liquid to the recording head; plural head holders each holding one or more recording heads and head tanks; a carriage exchangeably supporting the plural head holders; a main tank storing liquid to be supplied to the head tank; and plural liquid supply tubes supplying the liquid from the main tank to the head tank. Further, the plural liquid supply tubes are branched into plural groups corresponding to the plural head holders at the carriage and are connected to corresponding head tanks.

Abstract: A recording apparatus has a cartridge installing section including a case which is formed with an opening and which is configured to receive printing fluid cartridges respectively via the opening; a flat plate-shaped lid which has a rotational shaft and which undergoes posture change to a closed posture and an open posture by being rotated around the rotational shaft. The lid has a curved section which is disposed on a side of one end in a widthwise direction along the rotational shaft and which is curved so that the one end is directed to a side of the ending surface of the case in a state in which the lid is in the closed posture; and the curved section is upstanding upwardly from a side of a bottom surface of the case in a state in which the lid is in the open posture.

Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a plurality of inkjet ejector arrays having corresponding ink receptacles. Each inkjet array is formed from a plurality of inkjet stack layers that are bonded to a single aperture layer that flexes to position the inkjet arrays at a predetermined distance from a curved image receiving surface.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead includes: a first row of longitudinally spaced apart first printhead segments, each first printhead segment having a plurality of nozzle rows configured for ejecting a plurality of different colored inks; and a second row of longitudinally spaced apart second printhead segments, the second row being parallel with the first row, each second printhead segment having a plurality of nozzle rows configured for ejecting a plurality of different colored inks The first and second printhead segments overlap in a media feed direction transverse to the first and second rows so as to provide seamless printing across a width of the printhead.

Abstract: An ink supply container includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to hold a first volume of ink and is configured to be releasably connectable to a printhead. The second portion is configured to hold a second volume of ink and is in communication with the first portion. The second portion is configured to extend over a top of at least one other ink supply container upon releasable connection of the first portion of the container to a printhead assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printhead for a printer that includes a plurality of ejection chip units. Each ejection chip unit of the plurality of ejection chip units is configured to eject at least one fluid. The printhead further includes a plurality of supporting units. Each supporting unit of the plurality of supporting units is fluidly coupled with a corresponding ejection chip unit. The each supporting unit includes a plurality of trenches adapted to receive an adhesive to facilitate attachment of the each supporting unit with the corresponding ejection chip unit. Furthermore, the printhead includes a base unit fluidly coupled with the each supporting unit of the plurality of supporting units. The base unit is adapted to provide the at least one fluid to the each ejection chip unit through a corresponding to supporting unit. Further disclosed is a method for assembling the printhead.

Abstract: A liquid container detachably mountable to a mounting portion of an ink jet recording apparatus, the liquid container including a casing defining a liquid containing chamber, an electrical contact, a light emitter, a display portion for directing emitted light to an outside of the liquid container, and an information storing portion for storing information relating to the liquid container. First and second engaging portions are engageable with respective first and second locking portions of the mounting portion, and are disposed at opposite first and second sides of the casing. A latch lever displaceably supports the second engaging portion away from the second side. A supply port is provided on a third side of the casing between the first and second sides, the electrical contact is disposed at a corner between the second and third sides, and the display portion is disposed adjacent an upper portion of the second side.

Abstract: A color ink printing system, includes a plurality of print head cartridges, each extending across a direction of print media propagation and spaced apart along the direction of print media propagation; a print head chassis for supporting the plurality of print head cartridges, the print head chassis actuable between a printing position, a transition position, and a maintenance position; a maintenance chassis for supporting a plurality of maintenance cradles, the maintenance chassis actuable between a storage position and an operational position; and a platen on which the print media is supported and propagated. Each of the plurality of print head cartridges is held stationary with respect to a platen on which print media is propagated to effect printing on the print media. Each of the plurality of print head cartridges is a monochrome print head cartridge ejecting a fluid different to the remaining plurality of print head cartridges.

Abstract: An ink-jet printing module is used for a page-width array ink-jet printer. The ink jet printing module includes a page-width array platen and a plurality of ink-jet cartridges. The page-width array platen has a plurality of receiving cavities arranged as an array. Each of the ink-jet cartridges is detachably and independently embedded into one of the receiving cavities, and includes a body for storing ink, an ink-jet chip to be driven for ejecting the ink, a plurality of nozzles disposed on the ink-jet chip, and a control node for receiving signal to drive the ink-jet chip. The ink-jet chip is disposed on a bottom of the page-width array platen and is driven to eject the ink through the nozzles onto a printing medium.

Abstract: An ink-jet printing module is used for a page-width array ink-jet printer. The ink jet printing module includes a page-width array platen and a plurality of ink-jet cartridges. The page-width array platen has a plurality of receiving cavities arranged as an array. Each of the ink-jet cartridges is detachably and independently embedded into one of the receiving cavities.

Abstract: An inkjet printer that has a print zone, a media path extending through the print zone along a paper axis, a printhead carriage with a plurality of printhead mounting sites for mounting a plurality of printhead modules adjacent the print zone such that the printhead modules collectively span the media path and a plurality of interfaces for supplying ink to, and receiving ink from each of the printhead modules respectively.

Abstract: A fluid ejector includes a fluid ejection module and an integrated circuit element. The fluid ejection module includes a substrate having a plurality of fluid paths, a plurality of actuators, and a plurality of conductive traces, each actuator configured to cause a fluid to be ejected from a nozzle of an associated fluid path. The integrated circuit element is mounted on the fluid ejection module and is electrically connected with the conductive traces of the fluid ejection module such that an electrical connection of the module enables a signal sent to the fluid ejection module to be transmitted to the integrated circuit element, processed on the integrated circuit element, and output to the fluid ejection module to drive the actuator.

Abstract: An attachment is mounted on a cartridge holder of a printer as a replacement of an ink cartridge. An ink outlet member having a link passage is separably secured to an attachment body. Ink is supplied from the exterior to the ink outlet member through an ink supply tube. When the attachment is mounted on the cartridge holder, a downstream end of the ink outlet member is positioned with respect to and connected to an ink supply needle of the printer. Accordingly, the attachment is easily and quickly installed in a liquid ejection apparatus. This reduces costs and makes it easy to use the attachment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ink container support includes a support tray adapted to support an ink container, and a front panel associated with the support tray, the front panel being adapted to facilitate user interfacing with the ink container when supported by the support tray.

Abstract: A printhead is provided having an elongate support having a plurality of internal webs protruding from a base section to define a plurality of parallel fluid supply channels, a shim supported by the support and defining a plurality of rows of openings through which fluid from respective supply channels is supplied, and a plurality of elongate printhead modules supported serially on the shim. Each module defines a plurality of fluid supply passages through which fluid passes to fluid ejection nozzles from respective rows of the openings. Either end of each module defines complementary formations such that adjacent modules nest together.

Abstract: A replacement imaging chip includes a single row of contact pads adapted for engagement with an imaging device having rows and columns of contacts, the single row of contact pads disposed to contact the rows and columns of contacts when the replacement imaging chip is installed in the imaging device.

Abstract: A liquid ejection head module comprising: first and second head units disposed in a first direction, each of the first and second head units having first and second rows of liquid ejecting heads that comprises a plurality of nozzles disposed in the first direction, the first and second rows of liquid ejecting heads being disposed in a second direction crossing the first direction; a first concavity and convexity on edge of the first head unit; a second convexity and concavity on edge of the second head unit, the edge of the second head unit facing to the edge of the first head unit, at least one of the liquid ejecting heads being disposed at each of the first and second convexities, wherein the first concavity and convexity and the second convexity and concavity are disposed in mating relation to one another.

Abstract: A printhead assembly has a plurality of printhead modules, each with a plurality of printhead integrated circuits (ICs). The printhead modules also have a print engine controller for controlling the operation of the plurality of printhead ICs. An elongate support frame supports the printhead modules and a connector arrangement is supported by the end plate. The connector has a pair of holes, a first connector extending from the body portion between the holes and a second connector configured to engage with the holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to postal evidencing modules that can be recycled in a non-destructive fashion for reuse and remanufacturing. The modules comprise a cartridge-receiving portion and a lid, which can be manually disengaged from one another by the user in order to assist in reuse and remanufacturing. The modules further comprise flex circuits with one or more microprocessors to electrically engage the ink cartridges and a postage evidencing system. The present invention is designed to use commercially available ink cartridges and microprocessors.

Abstract: A stationary pagewidth inkjet printhead is comprised of a plurality of printhead integrated circuits butted end-on-end across the pagewidth. The printhead includes one or more nozzle rows extending along a longitudinal axis of the printhead, each nozzle row comprising a plurality of nozzles. One or more of the nozzles are configured to fire a droplet of ink at a plurality of predetermined different dot positions along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A cartridge loading/unloading device includes a cartridge holding mechanism 154 which holds a liquid cartridge 80 when a liquid cartridge 80 is inserted by a first predetermined stroke, and a power transmission converting mechanism 153 which ensures a push-in force required for loading of the ink cartridge 80 using the principle of the lever by the rotational motion of a lever arm 160, and which converts the rotational motion of the lever arm 160 into a second predetermined stroke S of movement required for loading of the ink cartridge 80 in a state in which it is held by the cartridge holding mechanism 154. The cartridge holding mechanism 154 includes an integral engaging member 155 which is engaged with the front side of one surface of the ink cartridge 80 in its loading direction across the center of the one surface.

Abstract: A color ink printing system includes a plurality of print head cartridges, each extending across and spaced apart along a direction of print media propagation; a print head chassis for supporting the plurality of print head cartridges, the print head chassis actuable between a printing position, a transition position, and a maintenance position; a maintenance chassis for supporting a plurality of maintenance cradles, the maintenance chassis actuable between a storage position and an operational position; and a plurality of supporting arms respectively extending upwards from each corner of the print head chassis. Each of the plurality of print head cartridges is held stationary with respect to a platen on which print media is propagated to effect printing on the print media. Each of the plurality of print head cartridges is a monochrome print head cartridge ejecting a fluid different to the remaining plurality of print head cartridges.

Abstract: A liquid supply system has a liquid cartridge that supplies liquid, a cartridge mounting portion, and an urging member. The liquid cartridge is removably mounted to the cartridge mounting portion, and the urging portions urges the liquid cartridge in a demounting direction when the liquid cartridge is mounted. The cartridge mounting portion includes a bottom plate having a first surface extending in a first direction parallel to the demounting direction and a second surface that borders the first surface and extends from the first surface in a second direction. An angle formed between the second direction and a downward vertical direction is less than an angle formed between the first direction and the downward vertical direction.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a fluid droplet ejection module to a frame is disclosed, where the fluid ejection module includes a mounting component having a mounting surface. A connector is configured to detachably attach to the frame and is positioned between the frame and the mounting surface of the fluid ejection module. A portion of a mating surface of the connector is positioned adjacent the mounting surface of a corresponding fluid ejection module and is in direct contact with the mounting surface. One or more recesses are formed in at least one of either the mounting surface of the fluid ejection module or the mating surface of the connector. The one or more recesses have a substantially uniform thickness and are filled with an adhesive. The adhesive is cured after aligning the fluid ejection module to the frame.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead includes a printhead die including an array of nozzles disposed along a nozzle array direction on a first surface, and an ink feed opening disposed on a second surface opposite the first surface, the ink feed opening being fluidically connected to the array of nozzles; a printhead chassis including an ink inlet port; a manifold affixed to the printhead chassis, the manifold including an ink outlet and an ink path that is fluidically connected to the ink outlet and to the ink inlet port of the printhead chassis; and a gasket that provides a fluidic seal between the ink outlet of the manifold and the ink feed opening of the printhead die.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inkjet printhead that includes a plurality of fluid ejecting chips arranged in a plurality of rows. The plurality of fluid ejecting chips includes a first set of fluid ejecting chips arranged in a first row of the plurality of rows. The plurality of fluid ejecting chips includes a second set of fluid ejecting chips arranged in a second row parallel to the first row of the plurality of rows. Each fluid ejecting chip of the second set of fluid ejecting chips is configured between two consecutive fluid ejecting chips of the first set of fluid ejecting chips in a predetermined orientation. The inkjet printhead further includes a plurality of fluid vias and a plurality of bond pads. Further disclosed are fluid ejecting chips for being used in an inkjet printhead.

Abstract: Among other things, in one aspect, an apparatus comprises features to enable mounting first and second jetting assemblies on a frame. The features comprise first and second alignment datums pre-fixed with respect to the frame for establishing respective positions of the first and second jetting assemblies, when mounted, so that at least some of the nozzles along a length of one of the jetting assemblies have predetermined offsets relative to at least some of the nozzles along a length of the other of the jetting assemblies, and an opening exposing all of the nozzles along the lengths of the first and second jetting assemblies are exposed to permit jetting of a fluid onto a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ink cartridge for an inkjet printer, which comprises a cartridge body, a detection mechanism and a tension generating component, wherein the cartridge body comprises an ink storage cavity and an ink outlet; the detection mechanism for detecting the ink cartridge and the ink level comprises a first detection component which is matched with a first sensor on the printer, a second detection component which is matched with a second sensor on the printer, and an offsetting component; the second detection component comprises a movable member and a shaft which is arranged inside the cartridge body; the movable member is connected with a rotating shaft of the cartridge body through the shaft; and the tension generating component generates a tensile force to drive the movable member to move towards the direction opposite to the ink cartridge installation direction.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a head set lever which fixes a head cartridge to a carriage section. The head set lever is movable between a first position at which the head cartridge is fixed to the carriage section and a second position at which mounting and removal of the head cartridge on and from the carriage section is permitted. Attachment of an ink tank to the head cartridge is inhibited when the head cartridge is mounted on the carriage section and the head set lever is arranged at a position other than the first position.

Abstract: An inkpot limiting device and a multifunctional printer using the same are provided. The multifunctional printer includes a housing and the inkpot limiting device disposed therein. The inkpot limiting device includes a limiting structure, a shaft, a carrier, and a pair of limiting magnets. The limiting structure is disposed on the housing and located in a diameter direction of the shaft. The carrier has a main body portion and a carrying portion and a limiting portion located at opposite sides of the main body portion. The limiting structure and the limiting portion face each other. The limiting magnets include a permanent magnet disposed on one of the limiting structure and the limiting portion and an electromagnet disposed on the other of the limiting structure and the limiting portion. When electricity is applied to the electromagnet, the electromagnet is magnetically attracted to fix with the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A modular printhead is disclosed which includes an elongate channel and a plurality of printhead modules. The printhead modules are received in the elongate channel. Each printhead module has a carrier, an elongate ink delivery member mounted in the carrier and a printhead. The elongate ink delivery member defines longitudinal conduits, each conduit carrying a respective ink. The elongate ink delivery member further defines sets of apertures, each set of apertures including apertures which are each in register with a corresponding conduit. The printhead includes inkjet nozzles, each inkjet nozzle being in fluid communication with a respective conduit.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for processing a workpiece in a ram-driven press employ an active tool contained by a housing that is interchangeable with a passive forming tool assembly in a mounting assembly of the press. The active tool includes a microprocessor and a functional head coupled to the microprocessor. Some assemblies including the active tool include a switch for activating the functional head; the switch may be mounted to the housing such that, when the housing is mounted in the mounting assembly of the press, the switch is triggered by movement of the housing in response to the ram stroke of the press.