Abstract: A method of refilling ink in an ink cartridge includes refilling the ink in the ink cartridge from a position at which a translucent part is provided in the ink cartridge, with the translucent part being used to optically detect an amount of the ink held in the ink cartridge.

Abstract: The invention provides provide an ink jet ink exhibiting such an excellent ejection property that when an ink containing a polymer capable of improving the scratch resistance of a recorded article is used, the deviation of the ink-droplet impact point on a recording medium is prevented. The ink jet ink contains a polymer and a surfactant, wherein the acid value of the polymer is from 100 mg KOH/g or more to 220 mg KOH/g or less, the weight-average molecular weight of the polymer is from 3,000 or more to 10,000 or less, and the surfactant has a structure represented by the following formula (1) wherein n is a numerical value of from 3 or more to 27 or less, and m is a numerical value of from 16 or more to 31 or less.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprises a case and an ink nozzle in the interior of the case. An opening and closing member is movably affixed to an upper side of the case. The opening and closing member is configured to open and close. An external tank is located exterior to the case. A tube provides a liquid from the external tank to the ink nozzle. A portion of the tube extends into the case through a gap between the case and the opening and closing member in the closed position.

Abstract: An image recording composition including a curable material that is cured upon application of an external stimulus, water-absorbing resin particles, and a nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for a printhead. The system having a first fluid container a fluid connector for connection to a fluid input of the printhead; and a second fluid container connected between the first container and the connector for delivering fluid from the first container to the connector, wherein the second container is located relative to the first container and the connector so that a fluid pressure difference between fluid contained within the second container and fluid at the connector is independent of the amount of fluid contained within the first container.

Abstract: A liquid ink container having mating features for self alignment with an ink delivery station. The ink delivery station includes a receiver with an actuated puncture ring. The liquid ink container includes a cap that is punctured by the ring to allow fluid flow from the container. The receiver and container also include means for introducing pressurized gas into the container to facilitate evacuation of liquid ink.

Abstract: A liquid containing chamber that supplies liquid to a liquid ejecting apparatus includes a first liquid container that is capable of containing the liquid and has a vertically long shape in a mounted position when mounted in the liquid ejecting apparatus, a first projection provided in the first liquid container and a first stirring member supported by the first projection, wherein when the first liquid container in the mounted position is divided into an upper container which is located above the first projection and a lower container which is located below the upper container, the lower container contains the liquid and the upper container contains the liquid and a predetermined amount of air.

Abstract: A liquid ink container having mating features for self alignment with an ink delivery station. The ink delivery station includes a receiver with an actuated puncture ring. The liquid ink container includes a cap that is punctured by the ring to allow fluid flow from the container. The receiver and container also include means for introducing pressurized gas into the container to facilitate evacuation of liquid ink.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device forming a continuous inkjet printer cabinet including a combined ventilation system for the electronic compartment and consumable fluids compartment (ink and solvent). According to the invention, condensates derived from solvent vapors not condensed by the condenser are extracted through a pipe then retained in order to be evaporated by the ventilation airflow. The solution according to the invention ensures that the increase in solvent concentration around the printer remains below the legal limits for unpleasant smells for persons. One advantageous embodiment consists of using a heat exchanger on the ventilation airflow path, to condensate solvent vapor in the ink reservoir to enable gravity flow of vapors thus condensed and return them to the ink reservoir.

Abstract: In some aspects of the present application, an inkjet printing device is disclosed that can comprises an enclosed module configured to store ink and provide a path for ink flow; and an annular structure surrounding the path for ink flow, wherein the annular structure comprises a first polymer structure; a void structure arranged to surround the first polymer structure; and a second polymer structure arranged to surround the void structure.

Abstract: A liquid storage container comprises a first liquid chamber provided with a filler port, a second liquid chamber partitioned from the first liquid chamber, and communicates with the first liquid chamber via communication opening, and a float member provided in the second liquid chamber.

Abstract: The invention has been made to prevent ink adhesion or an ink discharge failure caused by ink adhesion due to evaporation of volatile components of ink which occurs when the ink receptor of a printhead is exposed to air for a long time. If an inkjet printhead and an ink tank containing ink to be supplied to the printhead are attached to a carriage, the ink supply port of the ink tank is pressed to the ink receptor of the printhead. In this arrangement, the presence/absence of attachment of the ink tank to the carriage is detected. If it is detected that the ink tank is not attached to the carriage, a suction operation for the printhead is performed and controlled to suck out ink from the nozzles of the printhead.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus includes an ink passage member capable of supplying ink from an ink storage unit to a carriage, a passage connecting member capable of connecting the ink passage member to a recording head, an operating member capable of switching the passage connecting member between a connection state where the ink passage member is connected to the recording head and a disconnection state where the ink passage member is disconnected from the recording head, and an operating-member regulating member regulating the operating member. The operating-member regulating member is capable of switching the operating member between a state where switching to the disconnection state by the operating member is permitted and a state where this switching is prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a droplet break up device comprising: a chamber for containing a printing liquid comprising a bottom plate; a pump for pressurizing the printing liquid; an outlet channel having a central axis, provided in said chamber for ejecting the printing liquid; and an actuator for breaking up a fluid jetted out of the outlet channel. The actuator is provided around the outlet channel, arranged to symmetrically impart a pressure pulse central to the outlet channel axis. Accordingly, smaller droplets can be delivered at higher frequencies.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a liquid ejection head, a head tank, a liquid storage container, a liquid feed device, a supply valve, an exhaust passage, a float valve, an air release valve, and a suction device. The exhaust passage is disposed in the head tank and communicated with an ambient air. The float valve is disposed in the head tank to close the exhaust passage in response to an amount of liquid in the head tank. The air release valve opens and closes the exhaust passage of the head tank. When the suction device exhausts air from the exhaust passage with the air release valve open, the liquid feed device is driven to pressurize and feed the liquid.

Abstract: A liquid passage communicates a first reservoir of a main tank with a second reservoir storing a liquid supplied from the first reservoir, and has one end portion on the side communicating with the first reservoir, which joins with or detach from the main tank. To increase the liquid volume in the second reservoir up to a first predetermined volume, a controller feeds the liquid in the first reservoir to the second reservoir when the liquid volume in the second reservoir is less than a second predetermined volume. When the liquid volume in the second reservoir falls short of the first predetermined volume, the end portion of the liquid passage is detached from the main tank. Then, the controller determined whether the liquid volume in the second reservoir is equal to or more than the first predetermined volume.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes an ink storage unit; a print head unit which has an ink reception port, an ink discharging device, and an ink exhaust port; an ink return path which is connected to the ink exhaust port and which returns ink exhausted from the ink exhaust port to the ink storage unit; and a cooling device which is arranged in the ink return path and which cools ink which passes through the ink return path.

Abstract: A liquid supplying apparatus of a printer includes a liquid supplying path for supplying liquid from an upstream side which becomes a liquid accommodator side toward a downstream side which becomes a liquid ejecting head side; a pump; a buffer which is provided at a downstream side of the pump in the liquid supplying path, temporarily stores the liquid discharged from the pump, and has a movable section for supplying the temporarily stored liquid toward the liquid ejecting head side under pressure; and a chalk valve which is provided between the buffer and the liquid ejecting head in the liquid supplying path, and is closed to block the liquid supplying path when a negative pressure of the downstream side which becomes the liquid ejecting head side is greater than a pressing force of an upstream side which becomes the buffer side.

Abstract: A printing system for printing on a print media includes a first printhead and a second printhead for printing on the print media. A first liquid supply module including a first liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with the first printhead and provides liquid from the first liquid reservoir to the first printhead. A second liquid supply module including a second liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with the second printhead and provides liquid from the second liquid reservoir to the second printhead. A liquid transfer module transfers liquid between the first liquid reservoir and the second liquid reservoir. A method of transferring liquid in the printing system is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are an aqueous coloring agent dispersion for inkjet which achieves high pigment concentration, exhibits favorable redispersion properties after drying, and does not exhibit changes in ink properties even when stored for a long time; and an ink composition using the aqueous coloring agent dispersion. This aqueous coloring agent dispersion contains a coloring agent (I), a liquid medium (II), and a polymer dispersion agent (III). The polymer dispersion agent (III) is an A-B block polymer obtained by copolymerizing via a living radical polymerization method, by using a mixture of an organic tellurium compound represented by formula (1) and an organic ditellurium compound represented by formula (2), or the like, as a polymerization initiator. Therein, the monomer for configuring the A block is at least one type of monomer represented by formula (3), and the monomer for configuring the B block is benzyl methacrylate and/or benzyl acrylate.

Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid storing portion that stores liquid therein, a liquid path that is in fluid communication with the liquid storing portion, a sealing member that is selectively penetrated and closed, and a storage. The storage includes a first count storage area configured to store first count data corresponding to a number of times the sealing member has been penetrated at a first position, and a first position sealing data corresponding to a first number that is comparable to the first count data.

Abstract: A valve jet printer includes a solenoid coil and a plunger rod having a magnetically susceptible shank. A first end of the shank and at least a portion of the shank are received within a bore of the solenoid coil. The printer also includes a nozzle including an orifice extending therethrough and a spring biasing a second end of the shank toward the nozzle. The second end of the plunger rod includes a tip formed of perfluoroelastomer (FFKM). The second end of the shank includes a cup-shaped cavity having a convex bottom and a circular side. The tip includes a concave base and an annular flange. In an assembled state, the concave base of the tip contacts the convex bottom of the cup-shaped cavity, and the end of the circular side opposite the convex bottom is rolled over the annular flange thereby securing the tip in the cup-shaped cavity.

Abstract: A method of supplying ink to an inkjet printhead having multiple ink color channels. The method includes the steps of: supplying black ink to a black color channel of the printhead; and supplying yellow ink to a yellow color channel of the printhead. The black ink is supplied to the printhead at a lower pressure than the yellow ink.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a recording head, a sub tank, a carriage, a main tank, a liquid feed device, a displacement member, a first detector, a second detector, a detection retainer, a liquid consumption amount measuring device, and a supply controller. The measuring device measures a consumption amount of liquid in the sub tank when the displacement member displaces from a first position in a direction in which the consumption amount of liquid in the sub tank decreases. When a detection output of the first detector continues to be, for a predetermined time or number of times, in a detection state in which the first detector detects the displacement member and shifts from the detection state to a non detection state in which the first detector does not detect the displacement member, the measuring device starts measuring the consumption amount of liquid in the sub tank.

Abstract: An ink set includes a metallic ink composition containing a metal pigment and at least one curable ink composition selected from the group consisting of a chromatic ink composition, a black ink composition, and a white ink composition.

Abstract: A system and method for applying fluid to a receiver surface are disclosed. A carrier has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a slot, wherein the bottom surface of the carrier faces the receiver surface. A mount is positioned in the slot, an inkjet cartridge is disposed in the mount, and fluid is ejected from the inkjet cartridge toward the receiver surface. The inkjet cartridge is disposed such that at least a portion of the inkjet cartridge extends inwardly from the bottom surface of the carrier.

Abstract: Providing is a liquid discharge head less susceptible to a standing wave occurred in a shared flow path; a liquid discharge device using the liquid discharge head; and a recording apparatus. The liquid discharge head includes a plurality of liquid discharge pores; a plurality of liquid pressing chambers 210 respectively connected to the plurality of liquid discharge pores; a shared flow path 205a being long in one direction and being linked the plurality of liquid pressing chambers 210; a liquid supply path 205c which is connected to both ends of the shared flow path 205a, and has a larger cross-sectional area than the shared flow path 205a; and a plurality of pressing parts for respectively pressing liquid in the plurality of liquid pressing chambers 10. The cross-sectional area of a middle segment of the shared flow path 205a is smaller than the cross-sectional area of that of each of both end segments thereof.

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: An inter-terminal connection structure includes: a first terminal; a second terminal which is separated from the first terminal and is mounted on a container main body for storing a liquid storage body; a first connection member which is in contact with the first terminal, is mounted on the liquid storage body, and has conductivity; and a second connection member which is for connection to the second terminal, is mounted on the container main body, and has conductivity, wherein, when the liquid storage body is accommodated in the container main body, in order to cause the first connection member to come in contact with a first contact portion of the second connection member, the container main body has a positioning member for determining a position of a first site of the first contact portion which is to come in contact with the first connection member inside the container main body.

Abstract: An inkjet printer cartridge refilling system is described. The system may include a plurality of fixtures or adapters that are configured to hold inkjet printer cartridges. The adapters allow a variety of different configurations of inkjet printer cartridges to be refilled and cleaned by mating the cartridges to universal stations on the refilling system.

Abstract: An inkjet printer (100) has an ink tank (113), an ink head (110), an ink supply tube (112) configured to supply ink from the ink tank (113) to the ink head (110), an ink return tube (115) one end of which is connected to an upstream side portion of the ink supply tube (112) and the other end of which is connected to a downstream side portion of the ink supply tube (112), and a pump (116) configured to circulate the ink in the ink supply tube (112) and the ink return tube (115).

Abstract: A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head having a head body that ejects liquid from nozzle openings and a flow path member that includes a liquid flow path through which the liquid is supplied to the head body, the liquid flow path being provided with a filter chamber disposed at a position in the liquid flow path with a filter disposed inside the filter chamber, and a portion of the filter chamber which opposes the filter being made of an elastic member; a pressing unit that presses the elastic member toward the filter; and a suction unit that suctions the liquid in the liquid flow path from the nozzle openings.

Abstract: A solid ink stick transport system has been developed that differentiates between ink sticks inserted into a single insertion port of an inkjet printer. The system includes a solid ink support platform that moves between a position exposed outside of a printer housing to receive solid ink sticks and a position within the housing. The support includes a sensor that enables a controller to identify the solid ink stick before transporting the solid ink stick to an appropriate feed channel.

Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a bag-shaped ink bag storing ink inside and having a spout through which the ink can be drawn out, a substantially box-shaped case housing the ink bag and having at least a first wall portion and a second wall portion arranged to oppose each other, a first leg portion protruding from an outer surface of the first wall portion and being disposed on a first end of the first wall portion positioned in a longitudinal direction and separated from both ends positioned in a first direction of the first wall portion, and a second leg portion protruding from the outer surface of the first wall portion and being disposed in a position separated from the first leg portion on the first end of the first wall portion and separated from the both ends in the first direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a recording head, a head tank, a carriage, a main tank, a liquid feed device, a supply controller, a displacement member, a first detector, and a second detector. When a consumption amount of liquid in the head tank reaches a threshold value, the controller controls the feed device to start supplying the liquid from the main tank to the head tank. When printing operation is not performed and the displacement member is at a position at which a remaining amount of the liquid in the head tank is smaller than when the displacement member is at a first position, the controller controls the feed device to supply the liquid until the displacement member is placed at the first position or a position at which the remaining amount of the liquid is greater than when the displacement member is at the first position.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes a pressure generation chamber which fluidly communicates with a nozzle opening through which liquid is discharged, a pressure generation unit which causes pressure change on liquid in the pressure generation chamber, a manifold which serves as a liquid chamber common to a plurality of the pressure generation chambers, a flexible film which is configured to cover the manifold so as to absorb a pressure change generated in the manifold, and a heat generation unit which is formed on the flexible film at a region opposed to the manifold and is made of a pattered metal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for verifying a chip having a memory. Remanufacturers of imaging devices, such as inkjet printers or electrostatic printers, often have to use a replacement chip in order to reuse an imaging cartridge. It is desirable to have a system and method for determining if the replacement chip is suitable for use with a specific imaging cartridge. Also, it may be desirable to confirm that the chip was manufactured by a specific manufacturer. The disclosed system and method allow the remanufacturer a reliable and efficient way to verify chips.

Abstract: In a print fluid cartridge, a main body has a first surface facing in a first direction. A print fluid outlet part is provided on the main body, and has an opening at the first surface. An electric interface is provided at an external surface of the main body and faces in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The electric interface moves relative to the main body in the first direction and in a direction opposite to the first direction between a first position and a second position that are apart from each other in the first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction. The main body supports the electric interface at the second position against pressure that is applied to the electric interface in a direction opposite to the second direction.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes a fluid ejection unit that ejects a fluid onto an ejection target; a main chassis case that includes a platen disposed in a area for ejecting the fluid by the fluid ejection unit; a container case for containing a pack, the pack containing a fluid for ejection, wherein the container case is pivotably attached to the main chassis case and openable by rotation about a rotation shaft; and a delivery tube that delivers the fluid from the pack to the fluid ejection unit.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting portion capable of ejecting liquid, a casing body for accommodating the liquid ejecting portion, a liquid container which has a protruding portion exposed to the outside of the casing body and is mounted to the casing body, and a protecting portion which protects the protruding portion of the liquid container from an external force.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a print head; a head tank; a carriage; a main tank; a pump; a displaceable member or feeler; a first sensor; a second sensor; a controller to supply an amount of liquid ink corresponding to the displacement difference amount of the feeler to the head tank; and an environmental condition detector. The controller stores the environmental condition when the displacement difference amount is stored; corrects the stored displacement difference amount when a change in a current environmental condition relative to the stored environmental condition is more than a previously set first threshold amount and below a previously set second threshold amount being larger than the first threshold amount; and detects and stores the displacement difference amount again when the change in the current environmental condition relative to the stored environmental condition exceeds the second threshold amount.

Abstract: A water-based black ink composition which, when used in inkjet recording and writing tools, can provide recorded matter that exhibits excellent color development, light fastness, resistance to ozone gas, moisture and water, and accommodation characteristics to a sensor, and excellent solubility and therefore can be stably stored in the form of a recording fluid; and an inkjet recording method and a colored body, using the same. The water-based black ink composition contains C.I. Acid Black 2 as a colorant component. The inkjet recording method uses the water-based black ink composition, while the colored body is a body colored with the water-based black ink composition.

Abstract: An ink delivery system for an inkjet printer has an ink supply tank and a pair of printheads located at different heights. A primary ink delivery circuit delivers ink to a pair of intermediate tanks, each tank maintained a precise distance below a respective one of the printheads. Ink is pumped to the higher tank to the level of a weir and overflowing ink flows under gravity to the lower tank. The overflowing ink fills the lower tank to the level of a weir and overflowing ink returns to the supply tank. Secondary ink delivery circuits have capillary lines for supply of ink from each of the intermediate tanks to the respective printhead. Ink is maintained in the supply lines ready for inkjet printing by establishing a negative pressure between each intermediate tank and the respective printhead.

Abstract: An inkjet image forming apparatus which is provided with a line engine in which one or more recording heads are aligned in a main scanning direction and which has replacably configured an arbitrary one of the recording heads is disclosed. In the inkjet image forming apparatus, each of the recording heads includes a head tank mounted on the recording head, the head tank including a supply port and a discharge port for ink, the head tanks which are adjacent are mutually connected by a path in which the discharge port and supply port of the respective head tanks are coupled via a coupling unit, a path from the discharge port and a path to the supply port differ in an inner path diameter over the coupling unit, and the inner path diameter on the discharge port side is larger than the inner path diameter on the supply port side.

Abstract: The method includes: (a) preparing a liquid cartridge to be recycled and including a liquid storing unit, a liquid delivery path having an opening, a blocking member detachably mounted in the liquid delivery path to block the opening, and a valve configured to be switched between an open state and a closed state; (b) removing the blocking member from the liquid delivery path; (c) switching the valve from the closed state to the open state; (d) injecting liquid into the liquid storing unit through the opening with the blocking member removed in step (b) and the valve maintained in the open state achieved in step (c); (e) switching the valve from the open state to the closed state after performing step (d); and (f) assembling the blocking member or another blocking member different from the blocking member in the liquid delivery path to block the opening after performing step (e).

Abstract: Provided is an ink jet printing apparatus that receives light from the light emitting part of the ink tank in the light receiving part; on the basis of a result of the light reception, determines an attachment position of the ink tank; and controls the light from the light emitting part to inform the ink tank state, wherein the light emitting part has a plurality of light emitting elements that can respectively emit lights having different peak emission wavelengths. A peak sensitivity wavelength of the light receiving part is in the range not less than 760 nm and not more than 1100 nm; at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements has a peak emission wavelength in the range not less than 760 nm, and at least one has a peak emission wavelength in the range of 400 to 760 nm.

Abstract: An liquid ejecting apparatus includes a head main body which ejects liquid and a flow channel member to which the head main body is fixed, the flow channel member includes a plurality of liquid chambers to which the liquid is supplied, and a filter chamber which communicates with each liquid chamber and in which a filter is provided, the liquid passing through the liquid chamber and the filter chamber is supplied to the head main body, inlets which are opened to the liquid chamber and communicate with each filter chamber, the filter chamber includes a plurality of first filter chambers which are juxtaposed in a first row and a plurality of second filter chambers which are juxtaposed in a second row, the first filter chambers directly communicate with the inlet, and the second filter chambers communicate with the inlet through the communicating flow channel.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head includes nozzles discharging liquid droplets; liquid chambers in communication with the nozzles; liquid supply paths in communication with the individual liquid chambers; and a common liquid chamber in communication with the liquid supply paths. Further, liquid is supplied from a direction from the common liquid chamber to the liquid supply paths, the direction crossing a direction of liquid flowing in the liquid supply paths, and in a wall surface of the common liquid chamber on a side closer to the individual liquid chambers, an inclined surface is formed in a direction orthogonal to a nozzle array direction in a manner that the common liquid chamber gradually expands as the common liquid chamber approaches the liquid supply paths.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a recording head, head tanks, main tanks, liquid feed pumps, a first driving source, a drive control unit, and a drive switching assembly. The drive switching assembly includes a second driving source, a cam, a slider member, a switching gear, switching position detected portions, and a detector. The detected portions are disposed at the cam so as to correspond to switching positions of the liquid feed pumps. One of the detected portions has a greater width in a rotation direction of the cam than any other detected portion. When a time from when the detector detects one of the detected portions to when the detector detects another one of the detected portions is shorter than a threshold value, the drive control unit determines, as a home position, a position of the cam on detection of the another one with the detector.

Abstract: An automatic vacuum ink container and its ink supply valve device and vacuum piston device. The ink container comprises a container cylinder, an ink supply valve mounted at one end of the container cylinder for opening and closing the passage of the ink, and a vacuum piston, mounted at the other end of the container cylinder and provided with more than one exhaust hole, for exhausting air when packaging ink and for pushing ink toward the ink supply valve when supplying ink. The ink supply valve comprises a valve lid and a valve sleeve; the valve lid can be pushed by ink to move forward to form a space for dispensing ink; two sloping sealing faces are provided respectively around the top of the valve sleeve and on the inner wall of the top of the valve lid. The exhaust pores are set through the vacuum piston longitudinally.