Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head, an ink tank, a supply flow path, a supply pump located in the supply flow path, a collection flow path, a relief flow path connecting a first position in the supply flow path to a second position in the supply flow path, wherein the first position is located at a downstream side of the supply pump in the supply flow path and the second position located at an upstream side of the supply pump in the supply flow path, and a differential pressure regulating valve located in the relief flow path and configured to, in a case where the pressure of the pumped ink in the supply flow path is larger than a predetermined value, open the relief flow path so as to allow ink in the supply flow path to flow from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes nozzles configured to eject liquid, pressure chambers communicating with the nozzles, the pressure chambers being configured to generate pressure for ejecting the liquid, a first liquid chamber configured to store the liquid to be supplied to the pressure chambers, a second liquid chamber configured to store the liquid that passed through the pressure chambers, first communication paths communicating with the pressure chambers from the first liquid chamber, second communication paths respectively communicating with the second liquid chamber from between the pressure chambers and the nozzles in which flow path resistance in the first communication paths is higher than flow path resistance in the second communication paths.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid; a first tank that stores the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting head; a second tank that receives the liquid that was not ejected from the liquid ejecting head; circulation paths through which the liquid circulates among the first tank, the liquid ejecting head, and the second tank; a pump that feeds the liquid from the second tank to the first tank; a first supply flow path that communicates between the first tank and a first main tank that is located above the first tank and stores the liquid; a second supply flow path that communicates between the first main tank and the second tank; a first opening/closing valve that can open and close the first supply flow path; and a second opening/closing valve that can open and close the second supply flow path.

Abstract: There is provided a print device including a wet liquid supply unit corresponding to a wider environmental range, with a simple and inexpensive configuration. Therefore, a valve that can change the volume is provided in a flow passage between an intermediate tank and a storing unit that stores liquid and that supplies the liquid to the intermediate tank.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is provided with an ink ejecting section which performs printing by ejecting an ink onto a printing medium and a mist processing device which processes an ink mist which is generated together with an ejection of the ink. The printing apparatus includes a gas-liquid separation section which separates the ink mist into a separated gas and a separated liquid using a centrifugal force generated by an airflow, an airflow generating section which is provided in an exhaust flow path which is joined to an exhaust side of the separated gas in the gas-liquid separation section and generates the airflow, and a liquid leakage detection section, which is provided beneath an exhaust port which is provided on a downstream end of the exhaust flow path, and is capable of detecting a liquid which is released from the exhaust port.

Abstract: A waste liquid container is detachably mounted on a mounting unit which includes a discharge portion discharging a waste liquid and a projection to which a substrate connection portion is joined. The waste liquid container includes: a containing portion that is able to contain the waste liquid; a connection concave portion that is opened in a mounting direction; a circuit substrate that includes connection terminals electrically connected to the substrate connection portion and is joined to the connection concave portion; and a waste liquid introduction portion that is connected to the discharge portion. In the connection concave portion, one pair of guide portions guiding the projection is formed so that the connection terminals are interposed therebetween in a width direction intersecting the mounting direction. Of the pair of guide portions, one guide portion is disposed between the connection terminals and the waste liquid introduction portion in the width direction.

Abstract: A printhead includes a jetting module that forms liquid drops travelling along a first path. A deflection mechanism causes selected liquid drops formed by the jetting module to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path. A catcher includes a stationary porous surface. A liquid film flows over the stationary porous surface of the catcher. The catcher is positioned relative to the first path such that the liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path contact the liquid film.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a recording head, an ejection detector, a cleaner and cleaning ejection controller. The ejection detector has a droplet landing member disposed in an area in which the droplet landing member faces the head. The ejection detector detects ejection or non-ejection by detecting electric change caused by landing of the droplets on the droplet landing member. The cleaner cleans a droplet landing surface of the droplet landing member. The cleaning ejection controller controls the recording head to eject droplets on the droplet landing surface for cleaning the droplet landing surface before cleaning the droplet landing surface by the cleaner. A quantity of the droplets for cleaning the droplet landing surface is greater than a quantity of the droplets for detecting ejection or non-ejection.

Abstract: A liquid circulation part has a recovery path where a liquid flows into a retaining part from a first head and a second head. The recovery path has a first merging point where the liquid flowing from the first head and the liquid flowing from the second head are merged, a first recovery path part where the liquid flowing from the first head flows into the first merging point, and a second recovery path part where the liquid flows from the first merging point. The cross-sectional area of the second recovery path part, orthogonal to a direction of flow of the liquid in the second recovery path part, is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first recovery path part, orthogonal to the direction of flow of the liquid in the first recovery path part.

Abstract: A liquid circulation device includes a supply unit that forms a flow path supplying a liquid from a reservoir unit; a collection unit that forms a flow path collecting the liquid to the reservoir unit; and N number of the connection units provided respectively corresponding to N number of ejection units ejecting the liquid forming a flow path connecting the supply unit and the collection unit via the ejection units, wherein with regard to each of N number of the connection units, a connection order of the connection units with respect to the supply unit, which is counted from upstream in a flow direction of the liquid in the supply unit coincides with a connection order of the connection units with respect to the collection unit, which is counted from upstream in the flow direction of the liquid in the collection unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for recycling an inkjet-printing material. The recycling method comprises the following steps: utilizing a wiper configured to withdraw the inkjet-printing material dispensed by the nozzles, and collecting the inkjet-printing material by means of a recycling tank; mixing a fresh inkjet-printing material with the inkjet-printing material collected by the recycling tank, so as to form a reuse inkjet-printing material; and providing the reuse inkjet-printing material to the nozzles. The present invention can greatly save the inkjet-printing material.

Abstract: A waste liquid container for storing a waste liquid discharged from an image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes a first container having a single waste liquid inlet into which the waste liquid enters and a second container communicating with the first container. The first and second containers are detachably attached to each other.

Abstract: A supporting section is disposed to confront an ejection surface and supports a recording medium. A first tank is mounted on a first-tank mount section. A liquid conveying section conveys liquid to a liquid ejecting head. A receiving section receives liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting head. A waste-liquid conveying section conveys liquid to the waste-liquid tank. A first casing holds the liquid ejecting head, the first-tank mount section, and the liquid conveying section. A second casing holds the supporting section, the receiving section, the waste-liquid tank, and the waste-liquid conveying section. The first casing is connected with the second casing such that the first casing is movable relative to the second casing. The first casing takes a first position at which the ejection surface confronts the supporting section and a second position at which the ejection surface is farther away from the supporting section than at the first position.

Abstract: A liquid discharge recording apparatus includes: a liquid; a liquid discharge head configured to discharge the liquid; an absorber configured to absorb the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head; and unsaturated fatty acid of which specific gravity is smaller than that of the liquid and which is contained in the absorber.

Abstract: A printing system having a chassis for housing a modular print station; a power source in communication with the print station; a controller circuit card assembly encoded with at least one feature module and being in communication with the print station; a display panel in communication with the print station; a media rewind hub; a pair of adjustable media guides connected about a base of the print station; and at least one sensor affixed to the print station base and being operable for detecting the presence and position of media passing through a media feed path of the printing system.

Abstract: A system for recycling waste phase change ink in a phase change ink imaging device includes a waste ink collector positioned within a phase change ink imaging device to collect waste phase change ink produced by a printhead in the phase change ink imaging device. The waste ink collector includes a heater for heating the waste phase change ink in the collector to at least a phase change ink melting temperature. A waste phase change ink conveyor is configured to convey melted waste phase change ink from the waste ink collector to an ink reservoir for the printhead.

Abstract: In order to obtain homogeneous ink for CIJ printers, an inkjet is divided into individual equally large ink droplets, at least part of the ink droplets is provided with an electric charge, and the ink droplets are guided by a deflection device. The ink droplets which are deflected by a predefined amount are collected by a homogenization droplet catcher and are used for printing.

Abstract: A printhead includes a jetting module, deflection mechanism, and catcher. The jetting module includes a nozzle array extending along a length of the jetting module and forms drops travelling along a first path from liquid jets emitted from the nozzles. The deflection mechanism causes selected drops to deviate from the first path to a second path. The catcher intercepts drops travelling along one of the paths, includes a drop contact surface and a liquid removal conduit connected in fluid communication by a Coanda surface including a radial surface having an array of grooves. The array of grooves extends in the same direction as that of the nozzle array. For a given groove, the groove includes a depth that varies along the radial surface as viewed relative to the drop contact surface and a liquid removal conduit surface adjacent to the Coanda surface.

Abstract: An inkjet recording device includes a recording head and a waste ink tray. The recording head is configured to eject droplets of ink. The waste ink tray is configured to receive the ink drained from the recording head. A surface of the waste ink tray, which receives the ink, is made of an antibacterial agent containing resin composition. A solubility of the antibacterial agent containing resin composition, which is measured by a predetermined measurement method, is 1.0 or higher and 3.0 or lower.

Abstract: A printhead includes a jetting module, deflection mechanism, and catcher. The jetting module includes a linear array of nozzles having a pitch and extending along a length of the jetting module. The jetting module is configured to form drops travelling along a first path from liquid jets emitted from the nozzles. The deflection mechanism is configured to cause selected drops to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path. The catcher, positioned to intercept drops travelling along one of the first and second paths, includes a drop contact surface and a liquid removal conduit connected in fluid communication by a Coanda surface including a radial surface having an array of grooves extending in the same direction as that of the nozzles. The array of grooves has a pitch that is greater than the pitch of the nozzle array.

Abstract: A continuous inkjet system and method has a stimulation device producing a modulation in a liquid jet having a wavelength ? and causing a first liquid droplet to break off from the liquid jet and travel along a path and causing a second liquid droplet to break off from the liquid jet and travel along the path. The first liquid droplet has a first break off length and the second liquid droplet has a second break off length longer than the first break off length. The first break off length and the second break off length have a difference of at least one wavelength ? in response to stimulation pulses.

Abstract: A printhead includes a jetting module, deflection mechanism, and catcher. The jetting module includes a nozzle array extending along a length of the jetting module. The jetting module forms drops travelling along a first path from liquid jets emitted from the nozzles. The deflection mechanism causes selected liquid drops formed by the jetting module to deviate from the first path to a second path. The catcher, positioned to intercept liquid drops travelling along one of the paths, includes a drop contact surface and a liquid removal conduit connected in fluid communication by a Coanda surface including a radial surface including an array of grooves. The liquid removal conduit includes a surface that is positioned opposite and spaced apart from the radial surface such that the opposite surface of the liquid removal conduit does not contact the radial surface that includes the array of grooves.

Abstract: An ink collecting system has been developed to direct ink purged from a printhead positioned above an ink collecting tray along a stepped flow path into the ink collecting tray. The stepped flow path enables the purged ink to flow from a faceplate on the jet stack, around a junction, onto a lower surface of the jet stack, and to a curved lower flange of a reservoir housing, which directs the ink away from the faceplate before the ink drops into the ink collecting tray for disposal or reuse.

Abstract: A compensation device configured to attenuate pressure variations in an ink printing head is provided. The device includes a first compensation chamber containing ink and having a bottom, an outlet orifice extending through the bottom, and an inlet orifice opposite the bottom; a second compensation chamber containing ink and having a bottom, an inlet orifice extending through the bottom, and an outlet orifice opposite the bottom; and a vent means allowing outflow of air contained in the compensation chambers. The vent means includes a first opening in the first compensation chamber; a second opening in the second compensation chamber operable to be in a lower position with respect to the first opening when the device is in an operating position in which the bottoms of the compensation chambers define lower walls of the corresponding compensation chambers; and an intermediate chamber communicating with the first opening and the second opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of ejecting liquid drops includes modulating a liquid jet to cause it to break off into drop clusters, including first and second drops traveling along a path, separated on average by a drop cluster period. An input image data independent charging waveform of a charging device includes a period that is equal to the cluster period and first and second voltage states having opposing polarities. The charging device produces first and second charge states on the first and second drops, respectively, of each cluster. The first and second drops are deflected away from the path toward first and second catchers, respectively. Relative velocity of drops of a selected drop cluster is modulated in response to input print data causing the drops to form a merged drop traveling along the path having a third charge state that prevents it from being deflected to either catcher.

Abstract: A liquid ejection device includes: an ejection head configured and arranged to eject liquid from a nozzle; a suction container in which a first suction port, a second suction port that is farther away from the nozzle compared to the first suction port, and a discharge port are formed, air sucked from the first suction port and the second suction port passing through the suction container; and a suction device configured and arranged to suck the air from the discharge port to an outside of the suction container.

Abstract: An ink removal system includes a drip bib and a flexible member. The drip bib collects melted ink flowing down the face of a printhead and the flexible member captures ink dropping from the drip bib after an ink receptacle has received most of the ink collected by the drip bib. When the ink receptacle returns to the position where the receptacle catches melted ink from the drip bib, the receptacle also bends the flexible member and releases the captured ink, which falls into the ink receptacle.

Abstract: An ink collecting system has been developed to direct ink purged from a printhead positioned above an ink collecting tray along a stepped flow path into the ink collecting tray. The stepped flow path enables the purged ink to flow from a faceplate on the jet stack, around a junction, onto a lower surface of the jet stack, and to a curved lower flange of a reservoir housing, which directs the ink away from the faceplate before the ink drops into the ink collecting tray for disposal or reuse.

Abstract: An ink that is unused for printing when a supply ink from an ink container is ejected from a nozzle, and printing is conducted on an object to be printed is sucked by a gutter together with an air, and the ink and air are recovered into the ink container. In this situation, the air mixed with an ink solvent and recovered is discharged as an exhaust gas from the ink container by an exhaust path, and at this time, the ink mist is removed from the exhaust gas in which a liquefaction ink solvent liquefied within the exhaust path and the ink mist are mixed together by an ink mist mixture unit. Thereafter, the liquid is held by the aid of a capillary action, and separated from the gas in a gas-liquid separator to recover the separated liquefaction ink solvent.

Abstract: A gas-liquid separator includes a casing with a cylindrical chamber inside, a gas-liquid 2-phase inlet pipe which is attached to a wall of the casing and connected to the chamber, a gas outlet pipe for discharging the gas of a gas-liquid mixture flowing into the chamber, and the gas-liquid 2-phase outlet pipe for discharging the liquid as a most part of the gas-liquid mixture flowing into the chamber. A gap is formed around the gas-liquid outlet pipe in the chamber for separating the mixture into liquid and gas using the surface tension and suction force. The gas-liquid separator is installed in the inkjet recording apparatus, especially in the print head. The print head is filled with the solvent gas so as to be suctioned from the gutter to reduce the solvent consumption.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus includes a platen configured to support a recording medium at a position facing a recording head, a suction portion arranged at the platen and configured to suck the recording medium, an ink receiving portion arranged at the platen and configured to receive ink discharged on a region beyond an end of the recording medium, a negative pressure producing portion configured to produce a negative pressure to be applied to the suction portion and the ink receiving portion, and a communication portion causing the suction portion to communicate with the ink receiving portion at the outside of a conveyance region of the recording medium.

Abstract: An ink recirculation system has been developed to enable controlled release of ink collected in an ink receptacle into a printhead. The ink receptacle includes an indentation in a substantially planar surface and is configured to receive ink in the indentation from a printhead. The indentation has a shape that enables the ink receptacle to release ink at varying rates as a pivot angle of the ink receptacle is varied by a positioning system. The shape of the indentation enables the receptacle to dose ink into an ink reservoir in the printhead at known rates to control the amount of ink recycled to the printhead.

Abstract: A liquid ejection device includes a head and a liquid-receiving section. The head has a plurality of nozzles configured and arranged to eject a liquid. The liquid-receiving section has a sloped face for receiving a liquid ejected from the nozzles when flushing is carried out by the head. The sloped face is formed on an elongated member and is configured and arranged to receive the liquid ejected downward from the nozzles. The nozzles forming at least one nozzle row extending in a direction along a longitudinal direction of the elongated member. The head being configured and arranged to carry out the flushing while travelling above the sloped face.

Abstract: A continuous liquid ejection head collects droplets which are not used for printing (unused droplets) without affecting the flight of droplets which are used for printing (used droplets). An ejection nozzle and a collection nozzle collect an unused droplet by causing a liquid surface to project out from the aperture of the collection nozzle so as to be positioned in the trajectory along which droplets ejected from the ejection nozzle fly, causing the unused droplet to collide and unite with the liquid surface projected from the collection nozzle, and causing the liquid surface to retreat.

Abstract: A target supporting apparatus includes a first supporting member having a plurality of first suction holes open to the front surface of the member and the rear surface thereof; a second supporting member having a plurality of second suction holes formed therein and being stacked on and fixed to the first supporting member, the cross-sectional area of each of the plurality of second suction holes being smaller than the cross-sectional area of each of the plurality of first suction holes; and a sucking unit that sucks in the plurality of first suction holes and hence sucks in the plurality of second suction holes communicating with the plurality of first suction holes. Here, a target which is supported in order for a liquid to be adhered thereto is sucked and held onto a supporting face of the second supporting member due to the driving of the sucking unit.

Abstract: A method of printing an image with a continuous inkjet printer system employing bimodal drop size generation with pigmented inkjet ink compositions comprising a polymer additive, wherein the liquid ink is an aqueous inkjet ink comprises dispersed pigment colorant particles having a mean particle size of less than 150 nanometers and at least about 0.1 wt % of polymer additive distinct from any polymer dispersant used to disperse the pigment particles, and recirculating liquid ink supplied to the nozzle if the printer system from a liquid ink source is in-line filtered with a filter selected to be effective at retaining particles having particle sizes equal to and greater than 0.6 micrometers from the liquid ink and to pass the dispersed pigment particles. The invention enables high quality drop control in a continuous inkjet printing system.

Abstract: A liquid circulation device includes a supply unit that forms a flow path supplying a liquid from a reservoir unit; a collection unit that forms a flow path collecting the liquid to the reservoir unit; and N number of the connection units provided respectively corresponding to N number of ejection units ejecting the liquid forming a flow path connecting the supply unit and the collection unit via the ejection units, wherein with regard to each of N number of the connection units, a connection order of the connection units with respect to the supply unit, which is counted from upstream in a flow direction of the liquid in the supply unit coincides with a connection order of the connection units with respect to the collection unit, which is counted from upstream in the flow direction of the liquid in the collection unit.

Abstract: An inkjet printing apparatus is provided with a one-way valve to enable a single conduit to supply ink to an ink reservoir and withdraw purged ink from a receptacle into the ink reservoir. A bi-directional pump is operated in both directions in an alternating manner to withdraw ink from the receptacle when supplying the ink reservoir with ink.

Abstract: A gutter line of a continuous inkjet printer which includes a variable flow restrictor fitted into the gutter line, and a pressure transducer for measuring the pressure in the gutter line downstream of the variable flow restrictor, where the variable flow restrictor is controlled in response to the output of the pressure transducer to maintain a downstream pressure substantially constant. Airflow along the gutter line has a lower flow resistance than a slug of ink. Accordingly, the system responds dynamically to restrict the flow of air along the gutter line when no ink is passing along it, thereby reducing the volume of air sucked along the gutter line while maintaining adequate suction to reliably clear ink away from the gutter so that the amount of solvent lost from the ink is reduced during operation of an inkjet printer.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a printhead for printing onto a media substrate, the printhead defining a plurality of nozzles from which ink is expelled; an ink tank provided upstream of the printhead; a sump provided downstream of the printhead for collecting unused ink from the printhead, the sump having a lower portion for holding the unused ink and an upper portion defining a headspace of air above the unused ink; a first fluid conduit extending between the printhead and the sump for communicating the unused ink from the printhead to the sump, the first fluid conduit connecting the sump to a position in the printhead upstream of the plurality of nozzles; and a pump connected to the sump, the pump for drawing air from the headspace of the sump into atmosphere and effecting a negative pressure in the printhead upstream of the nozzles. Communication of ink from the ink tank to the printhead is effected by the negative pressure generated by the drawing of air from the headspace of the sump.

Abstract: Arrangement or method for collecting and heating print substance that passes through porous media in a printer.

Abstract: According to one feature of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a porous catcher includes providing a catcher face material layer; forming pores in the catcher face material layer using a first etching process that is controlled by a first photolithographic mask; providing a reinforcing structure material layer that is in mechanical contact with the porous catcher face; forming openings in the reinforcing structure material layer using a second etching process that is controlled by a second photolithographic mask; and fluidically connecting the openings in the reinforcing structure and the pores of the catcher face using a material removal process.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head including: a head main body that has a nozzle opening for ejecting liquid, a rectifying plate that is disposed in a position away from the liquid ejecting surface on which the nozzle opening is opened and has an opening disposed in an area facing the nozzle opening, and an air stream generating unit that generates an air stream between the liquid ejecting surface and the rectifying plate along the surface direction of the liquid ejecting surface.

Abstract: Among various embodiments of the present disclosure, managing substantially solid materials in fluid waste can be performed by collecting the fluid waste in an accumulator. In various embodiments, the accumulator can be configured by positioning a number of input orifices for the fluid waste in a top region of a vertically oriented cavity in the accumulator, and positioning a number of output orifices in a bottom region of the vertically oriented cavity in the accumulator. As such, a flow of the fluid waste can contribute to transport of substantially solid material in the fluid waste from the top region into the bottom region and from the bottom region into at least one output orifice.

Abstract: A printhead includes a jetting module that forms liquid drops travelling along a first path. A deflection mechanism causes selected liquid drops formed by the jetting module to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path. A catcher includes a liquid outlet, a stationary surface, and a liquid source that causes a liquid film to exit the liquid outlet and flow over the stationary surface of the catcher. The catcher is positioned relative to the first path such that the liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path contact the liquid film.

Abstract: The liquid ejection device includes a head having nozzles for ejecting a liquid, a first liquid-receiving section having a sloped face for receiving liquid ejected from the nozzles when flushing is carried out by the head, and a second liquid-receiving section for receiving and holding liquid that has dripped from the sloped face. The liquid ejected from the nozzles through flushing can flow away, and therefore printing defects caused by accumulation of the liquid can be prevented.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording apparatus includes a platen provided with a suction-collection section which sucks in and collects ink discharged deviating from an end portion of recording medium. The ink-jet recording apparatus includes a suction force generation unit for collecting ink configured to enable the suction collection section to generate a suction force, a collection flow path connecting the suction collection section to the suction force generation unit for collection, and a flow path control unit configured to vary an sectional area of the collection flow path. The sectional area of the collection flow path is varied according to an image forming time or a type of the recording medium.

Abstract: A method of printing provides liquid drops travelling along a first path using a jetting module. A catcher including a stationary porous surface is also provided. A liquid film is caused to flow over the stationary porous surface of the catcher using a liquid source. Selected liquid drops are caused to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path using a deflection mechanism. The liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path contact the liquid film.

Abstract: A method of printing includes providing liquid drops travelling along a first path using a jetting module. A catcher including a liquid outlet, a stationary surface, and a liquid source is also provided. A liquid film provided by the liquid source is caused to exit the liquid outlet of the catcher and flow over the stationary surface of the catcher. Selected liquid drops are caused to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path using a deflection mechanism such that the liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path contact the liquid film.

Abstract: A printhead includes a jetting module that forms liquid drops travelling along a first path. A deflection mechanism causes selected liquid drops formed by the jetting module to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path. A moving liquid curtain is positioned relative to the first path such that the liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path contact the liquid curtain in a drop interception region of the liquid curtain. A liquid collection device is positioned to collect the liquid curtain downstream from the drop interception region.