Abstract

An inkjet nozzle device includes a main chamber having a floor, a roof and a perimeter wall extending between the floor and the roof. The main chamber includes: a firing chamber having a nozzle aperture defined in the roof and an actuator for ejection of ink through the nozzle aperture; an antechamber for supplying ink to the firing chamber, the antechamber having a main chamber inlet defined in the floor; and a baffle structure partitioning the main chamber to define the firing chamber and the antechamber, the baffle structure extending between the floor and the roof. The firing chamber and the antechamber have a common plane of symmetry.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof

Abstract

An inkjet printer includes an inkjet printhead having a plurality of color planes (1-5) for ejecting a plurality of different inks. Each color plane (1-5) has a nozzle row defined in a nozzle face of the printhead and each nozzle in a respective color plane is supplied with a same ink. The printhead is plumbed such that a first color plane ejecting a first ink having a relatively low luminance is sandwiched between second and third color planes ejecting respective second and third inks having a relatively high luminance. A plurality of ink reservoirs are in fluid communication with the printhead, the ink reservoirs containing the first, second and third inks. An amount of surfactant in the first ink is at least 0.4 wt% greater than an amount of surfactant in the second and third inks.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• C09D 11/40 - Ink-sets specially adapted for multi-colour inkjet printing

Abstract

A colour 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; and a maintenance chassis for supporting a plurality of maintenance cradles, the maintenance chassis actuable between a storage position and an operational position. 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.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/00 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

Abstract

A method, system and device for encrypted communication with external entities, then device being configured to frustrate side channel attacks attempting to determine an encryption key. The device has a first memory, an encryption key stored in the first memory and a one-way function for application to the encryption key. During use, the encryption key is retrieved from the first memory prior to application to the one-way function and the device is configured to limit the number of times the encryption key is allowed to be retrieved from the non-volatile memory to a pre-determined threshold.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/16 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols using a plurality of keys or algorithms the keys or algorithms being changed during operation

Abstract

A solvent-based ink composition for a thermal inkjet printhead comprises a surface- modified pigment. The ink composition comprises: (a) 10 - 80 wt. % of a compound of formula (A); wherein: R 1 is C 1-6 alkyl; and each of R 2, R 3 and R 4 is independently selected from H, C 1-6 alkyl, halogen, OH, and C 1-6 alkoxy; (b) 10 - 80 wt. % of a C 1-6 alcohol; and 10 (c) 0.01 - 25 wt. % of the surface-modified pigment.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/36 - Inkjet printing inks based on non-aqueous solvents
• C09D 11/322 - Pigment inks

Abstract

A continuous web printer that has an inlet for receiving a web of media from a media web roll unwinder, an outlet for delivery to a media web roll winder, a media feed path extending from the inlet to the outlet and pagewidth inkjet printhead assemblies positioned adjacent the media feed path for printing on both sides of the web. The media feed path extends less than 10 meters from a point where during use, the web is blank, to a point where both sides of the web are printed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing

Abstract

A printhead having an ink ejection face coated with a hydrophobic polymeric material. The polymeric material is comprised of a polysilsesquioxane, such as poly(methylsilsesquioxane) or poly(phenylsilsesquioxane). The printhead is compatible with various printhead maintenance operations requiring contact with the ink ejection face.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 2/20 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for preventing or detecting contamination of compounds

Abstract

An ink manifold defining multiple fluid flow paths has openings arranged for detachable connection with conduits in an interface. Shut off valves at each of the openings respectively, are biased open. An actuator biased to a closed position by a resilient element, where it holds all the shut off valves closed. The actuator engages the interface such that moving the interface into connection with the openings simultaneously moves the actuator to an open position where the shut off valves are able to open. The resilient element generates a bias greater than a combined bias exerted by the shut off valves on the actuator.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

Abstract

An inkjet nozzle assembly comprising: a nozzle chamber for containing ink, the chamber having a nozzle opening and an ink inlet; a pair of electrical contacts positioned at one end of the assembly and connected to drive circuitry; and a thermal bend actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle opening, the actuator comprising an active beam connected to the electrical contacts and extending longitudinally away from the contacts, the active beam defining a bent current flow path between the contacts; and a passive beam fused to the active beam, such that when a current is passed through the active beam, the active beam heats and expands relative to the passive beam resulting in bending of the actuator, wherein the actuator has a working face for generating a positive pressure pulse in the ink during the bending of the actuator, the working face having an area of less than 800 square microns.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/04 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand
• B81B 3/00 - Devices comprising flexible or deformable elements, e.g. comprising elastic tongues or membranes
• B81B 7/00 - Microstructural systems

Abstract

A thermal bend actuator comprising: (a) a pair of electrical contacts positioned at one end of the actuator; (b) an active beam connected to the electrical contacts and extending longitudinally away from the contacts, the active beam defining a bent current flow path between the contacts; and (c) a passive beam fused to the active beam. When a current is passed through the active beam, the active beam heats and expands relative to the passive beam, resulting in bending of the actuator. The active beam comprises a resistive heating bar having a relatively smaller cross-sectional area than any other part of the current flow path. Heating of the active beam is concentrated in the heating bar.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers

Abstract

A printhead that has at least one printhead integrated circuit (IC) with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink and a support structure for supporting the printhead IC. The support structure has an ink conduit for supplying the array of nozzles with ink. The conduit has a set of resonant frequencies at which ink in the conduit generates a standing wave in response to certain operating modes of the array of nozzle. A fluidic damper is incorporated into printhead, the damper having a selected resonant frequency that damps the standing waves associated with each of the set of resonant frequencies such that they have an amplitude less than a maximum threshold.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/055 - Devices for absorbing or preventing back-pressure

Abstract

An inkjet printer comprising: a printhead comprising a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzle openings defined therein, said nozzle plate comprising a first relatively hydrophilic layer and a second relatively hydrophobic layer, said second layer defining an ink ejection face for said printhead; and a capper having a planar capping surface, said capper being moveable between a first position in which said capper is disengaged from said printhead and a second position in which said capping surface sealingly engages with said ink ejection face wherein, in said second position, a meniscus of ink contained in each nozzle opening is pinned at an interface between said first and second layers, such that a microwell is defined between said capping surface and said meniscus.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/135 - Nozzles
• B05D 3/00 - Pretreatment of surfaces to which liquids or other fluent materials are to be applied; After-treatment of applied coatings, e.g. intermediate treating of an applied coating preparatory to subsequent applications of liquids or other fluent materials

Abstract

An inkjet printer that has a printhead for printing onto a media substrate, a reservoir for supplying ink to the print-head, a pump for drawing ink from the reservoir and pumping ink into the printhead and, a valve arrangement for selectively opening fluid communication between the pump and the printhead, and closing fluid communication between the pump and the printhead while opening fluid communication between the reservoir and the printhead.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

Abstract

A method of forming an electrical connection between an electrode and an actuator in an inkjet nozzle assembly is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substrate having a layer of drive circuitry, the drive circuitry including the electrode for connection to the actuator; (b) forming a wall of insulating material over the electrode; (c) defining a via in the wall, the via revealing the electrode; (d) filling the via with a conductive material using electroless plating to provide a connector post; (e) forming at least part of the actuator over the connector post, thereby providing electrical connection between the actuator and the electrode.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/16 - Production of nozzles

Abstract

A printhead integrated circuit comprises a substrate (1) having a plurality of inkjet nozzles assemblies (100) formed on a surface of the substrate. The substrate has drive circuitry for supplying power to the nozzle assemblies. Each nozzle assembly comprises: nozzle chamber (5) for containing ink, the nozzle chamber having a nozzle opening defined therein (13) and a wall of insulating material (4) defining a sidewall of the nozzle chamber; an actuator (10) for ejecting ink through the nozzle opening; a pair of electrodes (2) positioned at the surface of the substrate; and a pair of connector posts (8) electrically connecting a respective electrode (2) to the actuator (10). Each connector post extends linearly from a respective electrode (2) to the actuator (10), and each connector post fills a via defined in the sidewall (4) of the nozzle chamber (5).

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 2/16 - Production of nozzles

Abstract

A method of fabricating a printhead having a hydrophobic ink ejection face is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a partially-fabricated printhead comprising a plurality of nozzle chambers and a relatively hydrophilic nozzle surface, the nozzle surface at least partially defining the ink ejection face; (b) depositing a layer of relatively hydrophobic polymeric material onto the nozzle surface, the polymeric material being resistant to removal by ashing; and (c) defining a plurality of nozzle openings in the nozzle surface, thereby providing a printhead having a relatively hydrophobic ink ejection face. Steps (b) and (c) may be performed in any order.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

Abstract

An inkjet printhead with an array of nozzles (26) and corresponding heaters (10) configured for heating printing fluid (20) to nucleate a vapor bubble (12) that ejects a drop (24) of the printing fluid through the nozzle. Drive circuitry (22) generates an electrical drive pulse to energize the heaters (10) and is configured to adjust the drive pulse power to vary the vapor bubble nucleation time. By varying the power of the pulse used to generate the bubble, the printhead can operate with small, efficiently generated bubbles during normal printing, or it can briefly operate with large high energy bubbles if it needs to recover decapped nozzles.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/05 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers produced by the application of heat

Abstract

A MEMS vapor bubble generator with a chamber for holding liquid and a heater positioned in the chamber for heating the liquid above its bubble nucleation point to form a vapour bubble; wherein, the heater is formed from a superalloy.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/05 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers produced by the application of heat
• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling
• B81B 7/02 - Microstructural systems containing distinct electrical or optical devices of particular relevance for their function, e.g. microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS)
• H05B 1/00 - ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL - Details of electric heating devices
• H05B 3/06 - Heater elements structurally combined with coupling elements or with holders

Abstract

An inkjet printer with a printhead integrated circuit (IC) (28), an ink supply reservoir (6) for storing ink, an ink supply line (3) defining a flow path from the ink supply reservoir to the printhead IC (28). A pulse damper (16) positioned along the flow path to decrease the amplitude of pressure pulses in the ink.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

Abstract

A inkjet printer that has an ink supply (112), a printhead integrated circuit (IC) (74) in fluid communication with the ink supply via an upstream ink line (67), the printhead IC (74), a waste ink outlet in fluid communication with the printhead IC (74) via a downstream ink line (106), an upstream shut off valve (138) in the upstream ink line (67), and, a downstream pump mechanism (114) in the downstream ink line. With a valve upstream of the printhead and a pump downstream of the printhead, the user has active control of the ink flow upstream, downstream or in the printhead IC. In the event that problems such as ink flooding, color mixing or printhead depriming occur, the user can follow simple troubleshooting protocols to rectify the situation.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles

Abstract

A method of maintaining a printhead (10) in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) flooding an ink ejection face (12) of the printhead (10) with ink; and (b) removing the ink by blasting air across the face (12).

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles

Abstract

A printhead maintenance assembly for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance assembly comprises: (a) a maintenance roller having an elastically deformable contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead; (b) an engagement mechanism for moving the roller between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face, and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face; and (c) a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the contact surface. The cleaning mechanism comprises a motor for rotating the maintenance roller, and an ink removal system for removing ink from the contact surface when the maintenance roller is rotated.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles

Abstract

A printhead module includes at least one row of printhead nozzles. Each row includes at least one displaced row portion. The displacement of the row portion includes a component in a direction normal to that of a pagewidth to be printed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/145 - Arrangement thereof