Abstract

An inkjet print module includes: a printhead having first and second rows of print chips, the printhead having 180 degree rotational symmetry about a print axis parallel to a direction of droplet ejection; a cradle for removably receiving the printhead; and control circuitry for distributing data signals to the printhead via first and second data paths of the inkjet print module. The cradle is configurable for receiving the printhead in first and second printhead orientations relative to the print module, the second printhead orientation being rotated 180 degrees about the print axis relative to the first printhead orientation. The control circuitry is configurable to invert distribution of the data signals between the first and second data paths.

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

Abstract

An inkjet print module includes: a printhead having first and second rows of print chips, the printhead having 180 degree rotational symmetry about a print axis parallel to a direction of droplet ejection; a fixed printhead keying feature which is rotationally asymmetric about the print axis notwithstanding the rotational symmetry of the printhead; a cradle for removably receiving the printhead, the cradle having a key assembly for complementary engagement with the fixed printhead keying feature. The key assembly is selectively configurable in either one of first and second cradle configurations so as to receive the printhead either in a first printhead orientation or a second printhead orientation, the second printhead orientation being rotated 180 degrees about the print axis relative to the first printhead orientation.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages

Abstract

A method of configuring an orientation-agnostic inkjet print module for use in either one of first or second module orientations relative to a media path, the second module orientation being rotated 180 degrees relative to the first module orientation. The method includes the steps of: configuring a key assembly to correspond with either one of the first or second module orientations, the key assembly determining a printhead orientation of a respective printhead relative to the inkjet print module; and configuring a switch to correspond with either one of the first or second module orientations, the switch being operably connected to controller circuitry distributing data signals to the printhead via first and second data paths. The switch inverts distribution of the data signals between the first and second data paths.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

Abstract

An inkjet nozzle device includes: a bubble chamber having a heating element for generating a vapour bubble and an orifice positioned for communicating an impulse from the vapour bubble; a first inlet for supplying a first fluid to the bubble chamber; an ejection chamber having a roof defining a nozzle and an adjoining wall between the ejection chamber and the bubble chamber, the adjoining wall defining the orifice; and a second inlet for supplying a second fluid to the ejection chamber. In use, the first and second fluids form a fluidic interface at the orifice and the vapour bubble provides the impulse to the second fluid in the ejection chamber via the orifice, such that the impulse ejects the second fluid from the nozzle.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof

Abstract

A thread-coating system includes: a thread-coating module having a droplet ejector assembly; a thread gatherer positioned upstream of the thread-coating module and configured for arranging a plurality of threads in a thread wall; a thread expander positioned downstream of the thread-coating module for receiving a coated thread wall and expanding the coated thread wall into individual threads. The thread gatherer is configured for adjusting a spacing of threads in the thread wall and an overall height of the thread wall via a pivoting motion.

IPC Classes  ?

• D06B 11/00 - Treatment of selected parts of textile materials, e.g. partial dyeing
• B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
• B05C 13/02 - Means for manipulating or holding work, e.g. for separate articles for particular articles
• B41J 2/15 - Arrangement thereof for serial printing
• D06B 23/02 - Rollers
• B05C 5/02 - Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work from an outlet device in contact, or almost in contact, with the work

Abstract

A thread-coating module includes: a coating chamber having a thread entrance at one end and a thread exit at an opposite end thereof; and an inkjet printhead positioned in a printhead opening of the coating chamber for ejecting ink onto thread fed through the coating chamber. The coating chamber has an ink management system positioned opposite the printhead for managing excess ink. The ink management system includes: an inner ink-collection slot in fluid communication with a drain port for recycling excess ink and an outer aerosol-collection chamber fluidically connected to a vacuum port.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/185 - Ink-collectors; Ink-catchers
• B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
• D06B 11/00 - Treatment of selected parts of textile materials, e.g. partial dyeing
• D06P 5/30 - Ink jet printing

Abstract

A thread-coating module includes: a base plate having a printhead opening; an inkjet printhead received in the printhead opening; and a chamber unit having a mouth for engagement with the base plate and an ink-collection slot opposing the printhead. The chamber unit and the base plate are movable relative to each other for opening and closing a coating chamber comprising the base plate and the chamber unit, with the ink-collection slot being positioned opposite the printhead in the coating chamber.

IPC Classes  ?

• D06B 11/00 - Treatment of selected parts of textile materials, e.g. partial dyeing
• B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
• B41J 3/60 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for printing on both faces of the printing material
• D06B 23/30 - Means for cleaning apparatus or machines, or parts thereof
• B05C 11/10 - Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
• B05C 15/00 - Enclosures for apparatus; Booths
• B05C 5/02 - Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work from an outlet device in contact, or almost in contact, with the work

Abstract

A pagewide printhead for redundant printing has first and second rows of printhead chips mounted on a common ink manifold. The ink manifold has four ink supply channels for supplying ink to the first and second rows of printhead chips. Dedicated ink outlets interconnect one ink supply channel of the ink manifold with two color channels in each printhead chip.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages

Abstract

An inkjet printing system includes: (a) an inkjet printhead having a rigid elongate manifold with first and second parallel ink supply channels extending along a length of the manifold between respective ink ports positioned at opposite ends thereof; and a plurality of printhead chips mounted to a lower surface of the manifold, the ink supply channels supplying ink to the printhead chips via ink outlets defined in the lower surface. One end of the manifold has a first ink inlet port for the first ink supply channel and an ink outlet port for the second ink supply channel. The other end of the manifold has a first ink outlet port for the first ink supply channel and a second ink inlet port for the second ink supply channel. An ink delivery system is configured to flow ink along the first and second channels in opposite directions.

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
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/145 - Arrangement thereof

Abstract

A printing unit includes: three elongate printheads positioned in a staggered overlapping arrangement for spanning across a media feed path, wherein a first printhead and a second printhead are longitudinally spaced apart and positioned in a row across the media feed path and a third printhead is offset from and overlaps with both the first and second printheads; three wipers for longitudinally wiping respective printheads in a direction perpendicular to a media feed direction, each wiper being parked at one longitudinal end of its respective printhead. One of the wipers, in its parked position, is positioned in a space between the first and second printheads.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/38 - Drives, motors, controls, or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 29/02 - Framework
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• 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 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A printing device includes: an inkjet printhead having a row of ink ejection devices; a lift mechanism configured for raising and lowering the printhead between a maintenance position and a printing position; a conveyor tape positioned below the printhead in the printing position, the conveyor tape defining a slot aligned with the row of ink ejection devices; and a tape movement mechanism for moving the tape longitudinally along the length of the printhead. The tape movement mechanism is configured to move the tape along the printhead during printing, thereby conveying condensate accumulated on an underside of the tape away from the printhead.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A printing device includes: an inkjet printhead; a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the printhead through a lift path; and a pivotally movable spit flap positioned in the lift path. The spit flap is configured to swing away from the lift path when the printhead contacts the spit flap during lowering of the printhead.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• 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 module for a modular pagewide inkjet printhead. The printhead module has only four rows of print chips configured for printing four different inks, each print chip having multiple nozzle rows for redundant monochrome printing of one respective ink. A print zone of the printhead module has a width of less than 100 mm across the four rows of print chips.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/145 - Arrangement thereof
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling

Abstract

A pressure regulating valve for an inkjet printhead. The valve includes: a valve inlet connect to a valve outlet; via a flow path; a first orifice positioned in the flow path having a sealable first seat; a movable first valve member configured for sealing engagement with the first seat; a second orifice positioned in the flow path; a movable second valve member configured for regulating a fluid flow rate through the second orifice; a regulator chamber having the valve outlet and comprising a diaphragm operatively connected to the second valve member, such that movement of the diaphragm moves the second valve member relative to the second orifice; and a biasing mechanism for resiliently biasing the diaphragm away from the second orifice.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05D 16/06 - Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible member yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

Abstract

An ink delivery system for supplying ink to an inkjet printhead at a predetermined backpressure. The ink delivery system includes: a pressure regulating valve connected to a printhead inlet port; an ink tank connected to a valve inlet of the pressure regulating valve; and a pump connected to a printhead outlet port. The backpressure of ink supplied to the printhead is controlled by: a height h1 of ink in the ink tank relative to a valve orifice, a height h2 of the valve orifice relative to the printhead, a position of a valve member relative to the orifice and a pump speed of the pump.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

Abstract

A pressure regulating valve for an inkjet printhead. The valve includes: a fluid flow path defined between a valve inlet and a valve outlet; an orifice positioned in the flow path; a movable valve member configured for regulating a fluid flow rate through the orifice; a regulator chamber having the valve outlet and including a diaphragm operatively connected to the valve member, such that movement of the diaphragm moves the valve member relative to the orifice; and a biasing mechanism for resiliently biasing the diaphragm away from the orifice. An outer surface of the valve member is non-linearly flared away from the diaphragm.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• G05D 16/06 - Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible member yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule

Abstract

An additive manufacturing method using an inkjet printhead supplied with a binder fluid, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a layer of powdered build material including a monomer; (b) selectively jetting the binder fluid onto predetermined regions of the layer of powdered build material, the binder fluid comprising a catalyst; (c) optionally exposing the layer of powdered build material to an energy source to initiate polymerization of the monomer; and (d) optionally repeating steps (a) to (c).

IPC Classes  ?

• B22F 10/14 - Formation of a green body by jetting of binder onto a bed of metal powder
• B22F 12/50 - Means for feeding of material, e.g. heads
• B22F 12/40 - Radiation means
• B22F 1/145 - Chemical treatment, e.g. passivation or decarburisation

Abstract

An integrated inkjet module includes: a support chassis configured for fixedly mounting over a media feed path; a maintenance chassis mounted on the support chassis; a print bar chassis liftably mounted on the maintenance chassis, the print bar chassis having a plurality of print modules mounted thereon, each print module comprising a respective printhead; and an aerosol collector fixed to the support chassis and positioned for collecting ink mist generated during printing.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/02 - Framework
• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 29/06 - Special supports, platforms, or trolleys for supporting machines on tables

Abstract

An inkjet ink includes: an ink vehicle; a polymer; a surfactant package containing an ethoxylated acetylenic nonionic surfactant having an HLB value in the range of 5 to 10; and an ABA-type bis-alkoxylated silicone compound. The ink has a surface tension in the range of 26 to 31 mN/m.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/107 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof
• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• C09D 11/102 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions other than those only involving unsaturated carbon-to-carbon bonds
• C09D 11/322 - Pigment inks
• C09D 11/033 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder characterised by the solvent
• C08G 77/46 - Block- or graft-polymers containing polysiloxane sequences containing polyether sequences
• C08K 5/17 - Amines; Quaternary ammonium compounds
• C08G 65/08 - Saturated oxiranes
• C08L 25/14 - Copolymers of styrene with unsaturated esters
• B41J 2/135 - Nozzles

Abstract

A wafer assembly for use in a MEMS fabrication process. The wafer package includes: a MEMS wafer having a first side and an opposite second side; a silicone-free peel tape releasably attached to the first side of the wafer; a wafer bonding tape attached to the peel tape; and a carrier substrate releasably attached to the first wafer bonding tape.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 21/683 - Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components for supporting or gripping

Abstract

A printhead module includes: a monolithic substrate having alternate longitudinal slots and longitudinal ink supply channels defined through a thickness of the substrate and extending parallel with each other along a length of the substrate; and a plurality of rows of print chips mounted on a front face of the substrate, each row of print chips receiving ink only from a respective one of the ink supply channels. Each one of the longitudinal slots is configured to supply power and data only to a respective one of the rows of print chips.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/15 - Arrangement thereof for serial printing
• B41J 2/145 - Arrangement thereof
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling

Abstract

A printhead assembly includes: an ink manifold comprised of a first metal; printhead chips mounted on the ink manifold and receiving ink therefrom, each printhead chip having a plurality of bond pads; a PCB mounted on the ink manifold, the PCB having a plurality of contact pads; a plurality of wirebonds interconnecting the bond pads and the contact pads, the wirebonds being comprised of a second metal; an encapsulant material encapsulating the wirebonds, the bond pads and the contact pads; and a voltage source. The ink manifold and the wirebonds are electrically connectable to the voltage source to provide cathodic protection of the wirebonds.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 29/38 - Drives, motors, controls, or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism

Abstract

A printhead maintenance system includes: an elongate inkjet printhead having a nozzle face containing a plurality of inkjet nozzles; a carriage movable longitudinally along the printhead in a cleaning direction, the carriage having a maintenance member including: a primary fluid inlet at an upstream end of the maintenance member relative to the cleaning direction and a fluid outlet downstream of the fluid inlet relative to the cleaning direction; a cleaning fluid reservoir for supplying a cleaning fluid to the primary fluid inlet; and a traversing mechanism for traversing the carriage longitudinally along the printhead in the cleaning direction. The maintenance member does not contact inkjet nozzles of the printhead; and the cleaning fluid has a higher surface tension than the ink.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• 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 method of printing an image from a printhead module having a plurality of horizontal ink planes M supplied with a same ink. Each ink plane has a nozzle row and the nozzles rows of all ink planes have vertically aligned nozzles. The method includes the steps of: defining contiguous span groups along each nozzle row, each span group containing N nozzles; allocating dot data for each image line of the image to a predetermined number of nozzles P in each span group of each nozzle row; sending the dot data to the printhead module and firing nozzles sequentially from the ink planes to print the image line. Only one nozzle from each span group in a same nozzle row is fired simultaneously, N is an integer multiple of M, and P is N divided by M.

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 method of printing an image from a printhead module having a plurality of horizontal nozzle rows. Each nozzle row has a main row portion and a corresponding dropped row portion vertically offset from the main row portion. The method includes the steps of: determining a predetermined delay for the dropped row portions based on the offset, a print speed and a print resolution; allocating dot data for image lines to respective nozzle rows based on the print speed and print resolution, sending first dot data for each main row portion and second dot data for each dropped row portion to the printhead module; and firing nozzles from the main row portions and dropped row portion in a predetermined sequence. Each dropped row portion is fired independently of its corresponding main row portion and delayed relative to its corresponding main row portion by the predetermined delay.

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 print chip includes: an elongate silicon substrate defining nominal leading and trailing longitudinal sides of the print chip; circuitry layers positioned on the silicon substrate; and a MEMS layer positioned on the circuitry layers. The MEMS layer includes a plurality of parallel nozzle rows, each nozzle row having a plurality of inkjet nozzle devices arranged in a main row portion and a dropped row portion offset from the main row portion. The circuitry layers include data latches configured to provide dot data for the inkjet nozzle devices. A first row of data latches is positioned adjacent a leading row of the main row portion, and a second row of data latches is positioned adjacent a trailing row of the dropped row portion.

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 method of printing an image from a printhead module having a plurality of horizontal nozzle rows. The method includes the steps of: allocating first dot data for an image line of the image to nozzles in a main row portion of a first nozzle row; allocating second dot data for the image line to nozzles in a dropped row portion of the first nozzle row; sending the first and second dot data to the printhead module and firing respective droplets. Some bits of the first dot data correspond to pixels of the image line aligned with the dropped row portion, and some bits of the second dot data correspond to pixels of the image line aligned with the main row portion.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/145 - Arrangement 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

Abstract

A method of printing an image from a printhead module having a plurality of horizontal nozzle rows, the method including the steps of: allocating first dot data for an image line of the image to nozzles of a main row portion of a first nozzle row; allocating second dot data for the image line to nozzles of a dropped row portion of a second nozzle row; and sending the first and second dot data to the printhead module and firing respective droplets. Each nozzle row of the printhead module has a same number of nozzles N; and the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row are non-corresponding nozzle rows, such that a number of nozzles contained in the main portion of the first nozzle row and a number of nozzles contained in the dropped row portion of the second nozzle row is greater or fewer than N nozzles.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/145 - Arrangement thereof

Abstract

An electronic assembly includes a substrate having a die and PCB mounted thereon. Wirebonds interconnect bond pads of the die with contact pads of the PCB, each wirebond having a first end portion bonded to a respective bond pad, an opposite second end portion bonded to a respective contact pad and an intermediate section extending between the first and second end portions. A dam encapsulant encapsulates each of the first and second end portions, a first fill encapsulant contacts the substrate and the dam encapsulant; and a second fill encapsulant overlies the first fill encapsulant. The first fill encapsulant has a lower modulus of elasticity than the second fill encapsulant and the dam encapsulant.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof

Abstract

A MEMS chip assembly includes: a support structure having a chip mounting surface; a MEMS chip mounted on the chip mounting surface, the MEMS chip having an active surface including one or more rows of MEMS devices and a row of bond pads disposed alongside a connection edge of the MEMS chip and parallel with the rows of MEMS devices; electrical connectors connected to the bond pads; and an encapsulant material covering the electrical connectors. The MEMS chip has a plurality of trenches defined in the active surface, the trenches extending parallel with the rows of MEMS devices and disposed between the bond pads and the MEMS devices. The encapsulant material does not encroach past the trenches towards the MEMS devices.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64C 39/02 - Aircraft not otherwise provided for characterised by special use
• G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude, or attitude of land, water, air, or space vehicles, e.g. automatic pilot

Abstract

A process for forming inkjet nozzle devices on a frontside surface of a wafer substrate. The process includes the steps of: (i) providing the wafer substrate having a plurality of etched holes defined in the frontside surface, each etched hole being filled with first and second polymers such that the second polymer is coplanar with the frontside surface; (ii) forming the inkjet nozzle devices on the frontside surface using MEMS fabrication steps; and (iii) removing the first and second polymers via oxidative ashing, wherein first and second polymers are different.

IPC Classes  ?

• B81C 1/00 - Manufacture or treatment of devices or systems in or on a substrate
• B41J 2/16 - Production of nozzles

Abstract

A print module including: a cradle having a longitudinal cavity; an elongate printhead carrier positioned in the longitudinal cavity, the printhead carrier having a first end and a second end, the printhead carrier being pivotable relative to the cradle about a pivot axis the second end; a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the cradle along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead carrier, the supply assembly having ink couplings for fluidic connection to a printhead received in the printhead carrier; and a mechanical linkage interconnecting the first end of the printhead carrier and the supply assembly. Reciprocal movement of the supply assembly moves the printhead carrier between a tilted position and a non-tilted position.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/54 - Locking devices applied to printing mechanisms
• B41J 29/02 - Framework

Abstract

A printing system includes: an ink supply; a feed line coupled to the ink supply; a return line coupled to the ink supply; and a plurality of printhead modules each having an inlet port fluidically coupled to the feed line and an outlet port fluidically coupled to the return line. Each print module has a bypass line fluidically coupling the feed line to the return line. The bypass line is open for both priming and printing operations.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 29/02 - Framework
• B41J 3/54 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 2/18 - Ink recirculation systems
• B41J 15/04 - Supporting, feeding, or guiding devices; Mountings for web rolls or spindles

Abstract

A method of forming an inkjet printhead. The method includes the steps of: providing a metal alloy shim having a plurality of shim apertures; nitriding a surface of the shim; bonding the shim to a rigid elongate manifold having ink supply channels, such that each shim aperture is in fluid communication with a respective ink supply channel; and bonding printhead chips to the shim, thereby forming the inkjet printhead.

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
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 29/02 - Framework
• B41J 29/13 - Cases or covers
• B41J 2/16 - Production of nozzles
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages

Abstract

An inkjet printhead including: an elongate fluid manifold having a base defining a plurality of fluid outlets; and printhead chips attached to the base, each printhead chip receiving printing fluid from a plurality of the fluid outlets. All fluid outlets are laterally flared towards a side of a respective printhead chip.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 2/515 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes from an assembly of identical printing elements line printer type
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• 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 process for filling one or more etched holes defined in a frontside surface of a wafer substrate. The process includes the steps of: depositing a layer of a thermoplastic first polymer onto the frontside surface and into each hole until the holes are overfilled with the first polymer; depositing a layer of a photoimageable second polymer different than the first polymer; selectively removing the second polymer from regions outside a periphery of the holes; exposing the wafer substrate to a controlled oxidative plasma so as to reveal the frontside surface of the wafer substrate; and planarizing the frontside surface to provide holes filled with a plug of the first polymer only, each plug having a respective upper surface coplanar with the frontside surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• B81C 1/00 - Manufacture or treatment of devices or systems in or on a substrate
• B41J 2/16 - Production of nozzles

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes: a manifold having first, second, third and fourth ink supply channels extending along the manifold and corresponding first, second, third and fourth rows of outlets defined in the manifold, wherein a first ink delivery group contains the first and second rows of outlets and a second ink delivery group contains the third and fourth rows of outlets. A first row of printhead chips is mounted to a lower surface of the manifold and a second row of printhead chips is mounted to the lower surface of the manifold. Each row of printhead chips prints two ink colors to provide a four-color printhead.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages

Abstract

A method of printing an image using a printing system having first and second overlapping printhead segments. The method includes the steps of: (i) identifying a strip of the image to be printed in an overlap region of the first and second printhead segments; (ii) determining a stitching technique for the first and second printhead segments; and (iii) printing the image using the first and second printhead segments, the printing including stitching the first and second printhead segments in the overlap region using the determined stitching technique. The stitching technique may be a butt stitch or a feathered stitch, dependent on image content in the strip.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 3/54 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 19/14 - Character- or line-spacing mechanisms with means for effecting line or character spacing in either direction
• G06K 15/10 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers by matrix printers
• H04N 1/407 - Control or modification of tonal gradation or of extreme levels, e.g. background level
• H04N 1/56 - Processing of colour picture signals
• H04N 1/58 - Edge or detail enhancement; Noise or error suppression, e.g. colour misregistration correction
• G06T 3/00 - Geometric image transformation in the plane of the image
• 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 2/07 - Ink jet characterised by jet control
• G06K 15/12 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers by photographic printing

Abstract

3 for optimal printing results.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 13/00 - Devices or arrangements specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
• B41J 3/54 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
• B65H 5/06 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by rollers
• B65H 29/12 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by means of the nip between two, or between two sets of, moving tapes or bands
• B41J 11/20 - Platen adjustments for varying the strength of impression, for a varying number of papers, for wear or for alignment
• B65H 11/00 - Feed tables
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 11/02 - Platens
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 13/03 - Rollers driven, e.g. feed rollers separate from platen
• B41J 2/01 - Ink jet

Abstract

A compliance for use in an inkjet printer. The compliance includes flexible bellows configured for dampening pressure fluctuations in a fluid, wherein the bellows comprise a plurality of concentric portions joined via concertinaed sidewalls.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/18 - Ink recirculation systems

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes: an elongate fluid manifold including a longitudinally extending channel having a pair of opposite longitudinal sidewalls and a base defining a floor of the channel; a plurality of printhead chips bonded to the base of the fluid manifold, each printhead chip receiving ink from fluid outlets defined in the floor of the channel; and a plurality of transverse ribs extending across the channel between the sidewalls, each transverse rib extending upwardly from the floor of the channel.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• 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 2/515 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes from an assembly of identical printing elements line printer type

Abstract

An integrated inkjet module includes: first and second opposite end brackets; a single print module asymmetrically positioned between the end brackets, the print module having an elongate printhead; a wiper carriage positioned between a first end of the print module and the first end bracket, the wiper carriage being configured for longitudinally wiping the printhead; and a print module carrier mounted between the first and second end brackets. The print module includes a mounting arm bridging over the wiper carriage and the print module carrier is slidably liftable relative to the first and second end brackets.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 29/02 - Framework
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 19/00 - Character- or line-spacing mechanisms
• B41J 2/145 - Arrangement thereof

Abstract

An inkjet module includes: first and second opposite end brackets; a print module slidably mounted between the end brackets for raising and lowering the print module relative to the end brackets, the print module having a front face, a rear face and an elongate printhead positioned at a lower surface of the print module; and a cable array including a plurality of laterally arranged cables connected to the print module. The cables of the cable array extend in a common plane parallel to the rear face of the print module and follow a curved path such that an outer cable is longer than an inner cable.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 29/02 - Framework
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 19/00 - Character- or line-spacing mechanisms
• B41J 2/145 - Arrangement thereof

Abstract

An integrated inkjet module for a scalable inkjet printer includes: first and second opposite end brackets; a print module asymmetrically positioned between the end brackets; and a maintenance module for maintaining an inkjet printhead of the print module. The maintenance module includes a frame fixedly mounted between the end brackets having a longer leg extending along one side of the print module and a shorter leg positioned between a first end of the print module and the first end bracket. The print module is slidably liftable relative to the end brackets, the longer leg includes a laterally extendible capper for capping the printhead and the shorter leg includes a longitudinally movable wiper carriage for wiping the printhead.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 29/02 - Framework
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 19/00 - Character- or line-spacing mechanisms
• B41J 2/145 - Arrangement thereof

Abstract

A print module configured for interconnection between a positive ink line and a negative ink line via respective inlet and outlet lines. The print module includes: an inlet port; an outlet port; a printhead interconnected between the inlet port and the outlet port; a control valve positioned at the inlet port for controlling an ink pressure in the printhead; an ink pressure sensor for sensing an ink pressure in the print module; and a controller for receiving feedback from the pressure sensor and controlling the control valve. During printing, the ink pressure sensor, the controller and the control valve cooperate to control a backpressure in the printhead within a predetermined backpressure range.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/18 - Ink recirculation systems
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

Abstract

A print engine includes: a media support chassis having a plurality of guide rollers mounted between opposite sidewalls thereof, the plurality of guide rollers defining a curved media feed path; a plurality of spittoons, each spittoon being positioned between a neighboring pair of guide rollers and each spittoon having an upper guide portion; and a plurality of printheads, each printhead opposing a respective spittoon. The upper guide portion at least partially intersects a common tangential plane defined between a neighboring pair of rollers, such that print media fed along the curved media path contact the rollers and upper guide portions of the spittoons.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/02 - Framework
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing

Abstract

A print module includes a printhead cartridge releasably engaged with a supply module. The supply module has an ink inlet module and an ink outlet module positioned on opposite external sidewalls of the body and flanking the body, each of the ink inlet and ink outlet modules having a respective ink coupling engaged with complementary inlet and outlet couplings of the printhead cartridge. The ink inlet and outlet modules each include a respective lever mechanism for slidably moving the ink inlet and outlet modules relative to the opposite external sidewalls of the body between a coupled position in which the supply module is fluidically coupled to the printhead cartridge and a decoupled position in which the supply module is fluidically decoupled from the printhead cartridge.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/02 - Framework
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing

Abstract

A print engine includes: a media support chassis having a plurality of guide rollers mounted between opposite sidewalls thereof, the plurality of guide rollers defining a media feed path; a maintenance chassis pivotally mounted on the media support chassis, the maintenance chassis including a plurality of maintenance modules fixedly mounted thereto and aligned along the media feed path; and a print bar chassis movably mounted on the maintenance chassis, the print bar chassis including a plurality of print modules, each print module having a printhead; a pivot actuation mechanism for pivoting the maintenance chassis between an open and closed position; and a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the print bar chassis relative to the maintenance chassis between a maintenance position a printing position.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 29/02 - Framework

Abstract

A print engine includes: a media support chassis defining a curved media feed path; a maintenance chassis mounted on the media support chassis; a plurality of maintenance modules fixedly mounted between sidewalls of the maintenance chassis; a plurality of guide rails extending radially upwards from the maintenance chassis; a plurality of print module carriers, each print module carrier being slidingly received on respective parallel guide rails; a plurality of print modules releasably engaged with a respective one of the print module carriers; and a lift mechanism for radially raising and lowering the plurality of print module carriers relative to the maintenance chassis between a maintenance position a printing position.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/15 - Arrangement thereof for serial printing
• B41J 29/02 - Framework
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing

Abstract

A printer includes: an inkjet printhead having a row of printhead chips; a platen having a spittoon slot, the spittoon slot having a length corresponding to a length of the printhead and a width extending between an upstream sidewall and a downstream sidewall of the platen; a roller positioned in the spittoon slot between the upstream and downstream sidewalls for receiving ink spitted from the printhead, a rotation mechanism for rotating the roller; and a scraper positioned for scraping received ink from the roller. A diameter of the roller is less than the width of the spittoon slot, and an upper roller surface is relatively closer to the printhead than an upper surface of the upstream sidewall and/or the downstream sidewall.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 11/02 - Platens

Abstract

A method of inhibiting evaporation of water from inkjet nozzles of a printhead. The method includes the steps of: providing a wiping material infused with a liquid composition comprising an evaporation inhibitor; and wiping the wiping material over a nozzle plate of the printhead. The evaporation inhibitor is transferred to the nozzle plate during wiping and thereby inhibits evaporation of water from the inkjet nozzles.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A method of preparing a printhead for dry shipment. The method includes the steps of: treating an ink pathway in the printhead with an aqueous treatment fluid containing at least one ink-soluble solvent having a boiling point of at least 150 degrees; and drying the printhead so as to leave a film of liquid solvent on a surface of the ink pathway. The film of liquid solvent solubilizes organic materials leached or outgassed from the printhead during dry storage or shipment.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles

Abstract

An ink tank for an ink delivery system includes: a first ink chamber having an ink inlet port and an ink outlet port; a second ink chamber positioned above the first ink chamber and having a roof defining a tortuous vent pathway open to atmosphere via a gas port; and a diffusion tube interconnecting the first and second ink chambers. The first ink chamber has a smaller volume than the second ink chamber and the diffusion tube minimizes diffusion of air from the second chamber to the first chamber.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/18 - Ink recirculation systems

Abstract

An ink filter for an ink delivery system. The ink filter includes: a filter chamber having a filter inlet port, a filter outlet port and a vent port, the vent port being positioned in a roof of the filter chamber; a filter material positioned between the filter inlet port and the filter outlet port; and a closed vent chamber connected to the vent port. The vent chamber has wall exposed to atmosphere formed of an air-permeable polymer.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 2/18 - Ink recirculation systems
• B41J 2/195 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for monitoring ink quality

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes: a rigid elongate manifold having ink supply channels extending along its length and a plurality of ink outlets defined therein; a shim attached to the manifold, the shim having a plurality of shim apertures for receiving ink from the ink outlets; and a plurality of printhead chips adhesively bonded directly to the shim, each printhead chip receiving ink from one or more of the ink outlets. The shim is formed of a metal alloy having a CTE of 5 ppm/° C. or less and includes an adhesion-promoting surface film layer.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/16 - Production of nozzles
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• 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 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages

Abstract

A dual nip release mechanism includes: a rigid actuator body including a tail portion with a handle and a pivotally-mounted head portion having a nose member extending therefrom; a rocker arm pivotally mounted about a rocker arm shaft, the rocker arm having a proximal end for engagement with part of the nose member and a distal end engaged with a first shaft; and legs hingedly connected to the tail portion, each leg having a foot engaged with a second shaft and a heel for camming engagement with a fixed plate. During use, actuation of the handle causes simultaneous movement of the first and second shafts from a nip closed position to a nip open position via pivoting of the rocker arm and simultaneous camming engagement of the heel with the fixed plate.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 5/06 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by rollers
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 11/14 - Platen-shift mechanisms; Driving gear therefor
• B65H 29/12 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by means of the nip between two, or between two sets of, moving tapes or bands
• B41J 13/02 - Rollers
• B65H 5/38 - Article guides or smoothers, e.g. movable in operation immovable in operation
• B41J 11/44 - Controlling by devices, e.g. programme tape or contact wheel, moved in correspondence with movement of paper-feeding devices, e.g. platen rotation

Abstract

A printer includes: a printhead; a platen positioned below the printhead for supporting print media conveyed along a media feed direction through a print zone, the platen defining a particle-collection slot upstream of the print zone relative to the media feed direction; and a vacuum chamber in fluid communication with the particle-collection slot. An upper surface of the platen has a plurality of raised ribs extending along the platen in the media feed direction and a dam wall extending across the platen transverse to the ribs. The dam wall is positioned at a downstream side of the particle-collection slot and the ribs extend towards the dam wall from an upstream side of the particle-collection slot.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling
• B41J 2/185 - Ink-collectors; Ink-catchers

Abstract

A printer includes: a platen having an ink-collection slot extending across its width; a wick bar received in the ink-collection slot, wherein an upstream gap and a downstream gap are defined at either side of the wick bar relative to a media feed direction; a printhead positioned over the wick bar; and a vacuum chamber in fluid communication with the ink-collection slot. The wick bar has a wick surface sloped upwards from the upstream gap towards the downstream gap.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling
• B41J 2/185 - Ink-collectors; Ink-catchers

Abstract

An inkjet ink includes: (i) a disazo dye of formula (I): (ii) 1,3-propanediol; (iii) a glycol compound selected from the group consisting of: triethylene glycol and tetraethylene glycol; and (iv) water. The ink has low toxicity and is preferably absent ethylene glycol and sulfolane.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• 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
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
• C09D 11/328 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by colouring agents characterised by dyes
• C09B 31/02 - Disazo dyes
• C09B 31/06 - Disazo dyes from a coupling component "C" containing a directive hydroxy group
• C09D 11/033 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder characterised by the solvent
• C09D 11/037 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder characterised by the pigment

Abstract

A maintenance system for maintaining an elongate inkjet printhead. The maintenance system includes: a carriage movable longitudinally along the printhead, the carriage including a maintenance member having a primary suction nozzle facing inkjet nozzles of the printhead and a wiper adjacent the primary suction nozzle; a traversing mechanism for traversing the carriage longitudinally along the printhead; and an engagement mechanism for urging the wiper and the printhead into engagement with each other. During use, the wiper contacts a non-printing part of the printhead and the primary suction nozzle is spaced apart from the printhead.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A print module includes: a body housing at least one printed circuit board (PCB); an air inlet and an air outlet positioned in a roof of the body; an air pathway extending through the body between the air inlet and the air outlet; and an inkjet printhead positioned at a lower part of the body opposite the roof, the inkjet printhead electrically communicating with the PCB.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• 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 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for
• B41J 29/02 - Framework
• B41J 29/38 - Drives, motors, controls, or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism

Abstract

A capping assembly includes a capper having a perimeter seal for sealing engagement with the printhead. The capping assembly has an enclosed capping volume when the capper is sealingly engaged with the printhead, whereby the capping volume is variable in response to relative differences in pressures inside and outside the capping volume.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• F16J 3/04 - Bellows
• F16J 15/04 - Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces without packing between the surfaces, e.g. with ground surfaces, with cutting edge

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes: a manifold having first, second, third and fourth ink supply channels extending along the manifold and corresponding first, second, third and fourth rows of outlets defined in the manifold, wherein a first ink delivery group contains the first and second rows of outlets and a second ink delivery group contains the third and fourth rows of outlets. A first array of printhead chips is mounted to a lower surface of the manifold so as receive ink from the first and second rows of outlets and a second array of printhead chips is mounted to the lower surface of the manifold so as to receive receive ink from the third and fourth rows of outlets. A distance between the first and second ink delivery groups is greater than a distance between the first and second rows of outlets or the third and fourth rows of outlets.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes: a manifold having a plurality of ink outlets defined in a manifold surface; a plurality of printhead chips mounted to the manifold surface and aligned with the ink outlets; a PCB mounted to the manifold surface and offset from the ink outlets, the PCB being electrically connected to the printhead chips; and a shield plate covering the PCB. The shield plate has one face in thermal contact with the PCB and an exposed opposite face defining a lower surface of the printhead.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes: a rigid elongate manifold having ink supply channels extending along its length and a plurality of ink outlets defined therein; a shim attached to the manifold, the shim having a plurality of shim apertures for receiving ink from the ink outlets; and a plurality of printhead chips adhesively bonded directly to the shim, each printhead chip receiving ink from one or more of the ink outlets. The the shim is formed of a metal alloy having a CTE of 5 ppm/° C. or less.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes: a manifold having an ink supply channel and a lower surface with a longitudinal ink cavity defined therein; a shim attached to the lower surface so as to bridge across the longitudinal ink cavity, the shim having a plurality of shim apertures for receiving ink from the longitudinal ink cavity; and a plurality of printhead chips attached to the shim. A plurality of through-holes are defined in the manifold to provide fluid communication between the ink supply channel and the longitudinal ink cavity. Each through-hole has a first portion with a first end defined in the roof and a second portion extending through a sidewall of the ink cavity such that the shim seals an end of the second portion.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/15 - Arrangement thereof for serial printing
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages

Abstract

A multi-channel fluid coupling for a printhead includes: a body having a first channel and a second channel, the second channel being relatively longer than the first channel; a first inlet port and a first outlet port at opposite ends of the first channel; and a second inlet port and a second outlet port at opposite ends of the second channel. The first and second channels are configured for proportionally modulating a flow resistance of fluids flowing therethrough.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes: a manifold having a plurality of ink outlets defined in a manifold surface; a plurality of printhead chips mounted to the manifold surface, each printhead chip having an odd number of color channels and each color channel having one or more respective rows of inkjet nozzle devices. A central color channel of each printhead chip is a dummy color channel that does not receive ink from the manifold.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes: a rigid elongate carrier having an ink supply channel and a lower surface having a plurality of printhead chips mounted thereon; a rigid PCB attached to the lower surface of the carrier, the PCB extending a length of the carrier and projecting laterally beyond a sidewall of the carrier; a lead retainer attached to the sidewall of the carrier; and a plurality of leads extending upwardly from contact pads positioned along a longitudinal edge portion of the PCB, each lead being secured to the sidewall of the carrier via the lead retainer. The PCB supplies power and data to the printhead chips via electrical connections between the PCB and the printhead chips.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes: a rigid elongate manifold having one or more ink supply channels extending along its length, each ink supply channel having a base defining a plurality of ink outlets and a roof comprising an elongate flexible film; and a plurality of printhead chips mounted to the manifold, each printhead chip receiving ink from one or more of the ink outlets The flexible film includes a plurality of operatively independent bellows positioned along a length of one or more ink supply channels.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes: a manifold having a plurality of ink outlets defined in a manifold surface; a shim adhesively bonded to the manifold surface, the shim having apertures aligned with the ink outlets; a first row of printhead chips adhesively bonded to the shim; and a second row of printhead chips adhesively bonded to the shim. The shim is a one-part common shim for mounting all printhead chips of the first and second row.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages

Abstract

A printhead cartridge includes: an elongate manifold; a plurality of printhead chips mounted to a lower part of the manifold; and a casing mounted to an upper part of the manifold. The casing includes a first casing part and a second casing part, the first and second parts being longitudinally biased towards each such that the casing is expandable along a longitudinal axis of the manifold.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages

Abstract

3 for optimal printing results.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 13/03 - Rollers driven, e.g. feed rollers separate from platen
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B65H 11/00 - Feed tables
• B65H 5/06 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by rollers
• B65H 29/12 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by means of the nip between two, or between two sets of, moving tapes or bands
• B41J 11/20 - Platen adjustments for varying the strength of impression, for a varying number of papers, for wear or for alignment
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 11/02 - Platens
• B41J 3/54 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
• B41J 13/00 - Devices or arrangements specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
• B41J 2/01 - Ink jet

Abstract

A method of multi-color printing in a single pass using a fixed pagewide array of monochrome inkjet printheads. The printheads are aligned with each other in a media feed direction and the method includes the steps of: feeding print media along the media feed direction past a first printhead positioned furthest upstream in the array, a third printhead downstream of the first printhead and a second printhead positioned furthest downstream in the array; printing a yellow ink onto the print media using the first printhead; printing a black ink onto the print media using the third printhead; and printing a cyan or magenta ink onto the print media using the second printhead.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/01 - Ink jet
• B41J 2/07 - Ink jet characterised by jet control
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• 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 method of printing an image using a printing system having first and second overlapping printhead segments. The method includes the steps of: (i) identifying a strip of the image to be printed in an overlap region of the first and second printhead segments; (ii) determining a continuous seam in the strip based on a cost function, the cost function including a parameter selected from the group consisting of: (a) minimizing a density of printed ink along the seam; and (b) maximizing a luminance along the seam; and (iii) printing the image using the first and second printhead segments, the printing including stitching the first and second printhead segments across the seam. The strip contains variable image content and the seam has a varying position within the strip.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 3/54 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• 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 19/14 - Character- or line-spacing mechanisms with means for effecting line or character spacing in either direction
• G06K 15/10 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers by matrix printers
• H04N 1/407 - Control or modification of tonal gradation or of extreme levels, e.g. background level
• B41J 2/07 - Ink jet characterised by jet control
• G06K 15/12 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers by photographic printing
• H04N 1/56 - Processing of colour picture signals
• H04N 1/58 - Edge or detail enhancement; Noise or error suppression, e.g. colour misregistration correction

Abstract

A method of printing an image using a printing system having first and second overlapping printhead segments. The method includes the steps of: (i) identifying a strip of the image to be printed in an overlap region of the first and second printhead segments; (ii) identifying a foreground image and a background image for image content contained in the strip; (iii) determining a seam in the foreground image; (iv) printing the foreground image using only nozzles from the first printhead segment at one side of the seam and only nozzles from the second printhead segment at the other side of the seam; and (v) printing the background image using nozzles from both the first and second printhead segments across the overlap region.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 3/54 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 19/14 - Character- or line-spacing mechanisms with means for effecting line or character spacing in either direction
• G06K 15/10 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers by matrix printers
• H04N 1/407 - Control or modification of tonal gradation or of extreme levels, e.g. background level
• 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 2/07 - Ink jet characterised by jet control
• G06K 15/12 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers by photographic printing
• H04N 1/56 - Processing of colour picture signals
• H04N 1/58 - Edge or detail enhancement; Noise or error suppression, e.g. colour misregistration correction

Abstract

A printer includes: a first fixed printhead having a respective first print zone; a second fixed printhead positioned downstream of the first printhead relative to a media feed direction, the second printhead having a respective second print zone; an input roller assembly positioned upstream of the first platen, the input roller assembly being configured for feeding media sheets along a downward trajectory towards the first print zone; and an intermediary roller assembly positioned between the first and second print zones, the intermediary roller assembly being configured for receiving the media sheets from the first print zone and feeding the media sheets along a downward trajectory. The second print zone is positioned relatively lower than the first print zone.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 13/10 - Sheet holders, retainers, or stationary guides
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 3/54 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 11/20 - Platen adjustments for varying the strength of impression, for a varying number of papers, for wear or for alignment
• B41J 2/01 - Ink jet

Abstract

A suspended inkjet printing system includes: a pair of support beams extending across a media path; a mounting frame mounted between the support beams, a print head chassis mounted on the mounting frame, the print head chassis being actuable between at least a printing position and a maintenance position; and a plurality of print heads mounted on the print head chassis, each print head extending across the media path and spaced apart along the media path in a direction of media propagation. A plurality of projections extend from the print head chassis into engagement with the mounting frame, the projections controlling a height of the print head chassis relative to the media path.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• H04N 1/50 - Picture reproducers
• H04N 1/60 - Colour correction or control
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 29/02 - Framework
• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof

Abstract

A process for filling one or more etched holes defined in a frontside surface of a wafer substrate. The process includes the steps of: (i) depositing a layer of a photoimageable thermoplastic polymer onto the frontside surface and into each hole; (ii) reflowing the polymer; (iii) selectively removing the polymer from regions outside a periphery of each hole, the selective removing comprising exposure and development of the polymer; (iv) optionally repeating steps (i) to (iii) until each hole is overfilled with the polymer; and (v) planarizing the frontside surface to provide one or more holes filled with a plug of the polymer. Each plug has a respective upper surface coplanar with the frontside surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• B81C 1/00 - Manufacture or treatment of devices or systems in or on a substrate
• B41J 2/16 - Production of nozzles

Abstract

A printer including: a print module having a printhead for printing onto media fed along a media feed path and a maintenance module for maintaining the printhead. The maintenance module includes an L-shaped frame having a longer arm extending parallel with a longitudinal axis of the printhead and a shorter arm. The longer arm includes a capper for capping the printhead and the shorter arm includes a wiper for longitudinally wiping the printhead.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• 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 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A print module including a printhead cartridge releasably engaged with a supply module The supply module includes a body housing electronic circuitry for supplying power and data to a printhead of the printhead cartridge; and an ink inlet module and an ink outlet module flanking the body at opposite sides thereof. Each of the ink inlet and ink outlet modules having a respective ink coupling engaged with complementary inlet and outlet couplings of the printhead cartridge.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• 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 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A print module includes: a body housing first and second opposed printed circuit boards (PCBs), each of the first and second PCBs having heat-generating electronic components; an air inlet and an air outlet positioned towards an upper part of the body; an air pathway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet; a plurality of heatsinks, each heatsink being thermally coupled with one of the heat-generating components and having an array of cooling fins extending into the air pathway; and an inkjet printhead receiving power and print data from at least one of the first and second PCBs. The inkjet printhead is positioned toward a lower part of the print module.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• 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 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A printhead capping system includes: a mounting bracket having a fixed shaft; a cap assembly mounted on the mounting bracket; and an arm hingedly connected to the shaft, the arm moving the cap assembly between a capping position and a printing position. The shaft is a drain shaft for receiving fluid drained from the cap assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• 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 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A printhead maintenance system includes: a maintenance chassis having a maintenance module with a laterally movable capper; a print bar chassis movably mounted on the maintenance chassis, the print bar chassis having a printhead and a cover for the capper; a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the print bar chassis relative to the maintenance chassis between a capping position a printing position; and a retraction mechanism for laterally extending and retracting the capper between the capping position and the printing position. The printhead is engaged with the capper in the capping position and the cover is engaged with the capper in the printing position.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• 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 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

Abstract

An inkjet printhead including: an elongate fluid manifold having a plurality of fluid outlets positioned longitudinally along a base of the fluid manifold, each neighboring pair of fluid outlets being separated by a support web; and a plurality of butting printhead chips arranged in a row and attached to the base of the fluid manifold, each printhead chip receiving a printing fluid from one or more fluid outlets. Each butting pair of printhead chips has respective butting end portions commonly supported by one of the support webs.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• 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 2/515 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes from an assembly of identical printing elements line printer type

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes: an elongate fluid manifold comprising at least one longitudinally extending channel, the fluid manifold having a base defining a plurality of ink outlets, the fluid outlets being spaced apart longitudinally along a floor of the channel; a plurality of printhead chips bonded to the base of the fluid manifold, each printhead chip receiving ink from one or more fluid outlets; and a plurality of transverse ribs positioned across the channel, each transverse rib extending upwardly from the floor of the channel. One or more of the transverse ribs has a recess allowing fluid flow along the floor of the channel between the transverse ribs.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• 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 2/515 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes from an assembly of identical printing elements line printer type

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes: an elongate fluid manifold having a plurality of fluid outlets positioned longitudinally along a base of the fluid manifold; one or more printhead chips attached to the base of the fluid manifold, each printhead chip receiving printing fluid from one or more fluid outlets. Each fluid outlet is laterally flared towards a longitudinal edge of a respective printhead chip.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 1/14 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the mounting, arrangement or disposition of the types or dies with types or dies carried on sliding bars or rods on side surfaces thereof, e.g. fixed thereto the types or dies being movable relative to the bars or rods
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• 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 2/515 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes from an assembly of identical printing elements line printer type

Abstract

An inkjet printhead including: an elongate fluid manifold having a base comprising a plurality of fluid delivery compartments, each compartment having a fluid outlet and a bubble-venting cavity; and one or more printhead chips attached to the base, each printhead chip receiving printing fluid from one or more fluid outlets. Each fluid outlet is aligned with a respective printhead chip and each bubble-venting cavity is offset from the respective printhead chip.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/515 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes from an assembly of identical printing elements line printer type
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• 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

An inkjet printhead includes: an elongate fluid manifold having at least one longitudinally extending channel, the fluid manifold having a base defining a plurality of fluid outlets, the fluid outlets being spaced apart along a floor of the channel; a plurality of printhead chips bonded to the base of the fluid manifold, each printhead chip receiving ink from one or more fluid outlets; and a plurality of transverse ribs positioned across the channel, each transverse rib extending upwardly from the floor of the channel.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• 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 2/515 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes from an assembly of identical printing elements line printer type

Abstract

An ink delivery system for an inkjet printer includes: a positive ink line; a negative ink line; and one or more print modules interconnected between the positive ink line and the negative ink line. Each print module includes: an inlet port; an outlet port; a printhead interconnected between the inlet port and the outlet port; a control valve positioned at the inlet port for controlling an ink pressure in the printhead; an ink pressure sensor for sensing an ink pressure in the print module; and a controller for receiving feedback from the pressure sensor and controlling the control valve. During printing, the ink pressure sensor, the controller and the control valve cooperate to control a backpressure in the printhead within a predetermined backpressure range.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

Abstract

An inkjet printer includes: an inkjet printhead; an ink line connected to the printhead; and a compliance fluidically communicating with the ink line. The compliance includes sealed flexible bellows configured for dampening ink pressure fluctuations in the ink line.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

Abstract

A printer includes: a media support defining a media feed path; and a pagewide printing unit for printing onto media fed along the media feed path. The printing unit includes: a maintenance chassis fixedly positioned over the media feed path, the maintenance chassis having a maintenance module fixedly mounted thereto; a print bar chassis movably mounted on the maintenance chassis, the print bar chassis including a print module having a printhead; and a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the print bar chassis relative to the maintenance chassis between a maintenance position a printing position. The printhead extends and retracts through a space defined by the maintenance module in the printing and maintenance positions, respectively.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• 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 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A printhead capping system includes: a fixed plate; first and second sliders slidably movable along the fixed plate; a mounting bracket having a cap assembly mounted thereon; and first and second arms interconnecting the mounting bracket and the respective first and second sliders. Movement of the first and second sliders towards each other causes lateral movement of the cap assembly away from the fixed plate, and movement of the first and second sliders away from each other causes lateral movement of the cap assembly towards the fixed plate.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• 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 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A pagewide printing unit for mounting over a media feed path and printing onto media. The printing unit includes: a print module having a printhead; a maintenance module having a fixed frame supporting a capper and a wiper, the print module being movable relative to the fixed frame; and a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the print module relative to the fixed frame between a maintenance position a printing position. The fixed frame is in a same fixed position in both the maintenance and printing positions. Further, the capper and the wiper are each independently movable relative to the fixed frame.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• 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 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A modular printer includes: a media support defining a media feed path; and a plurality of pagewide printing units spaced apart along a media feed direction of the media feed path. Each printing unit includes: a maintenance chassis fixedly positioned over the media feed path; and a print bar chassis seated on the maintenance chassis, the print bar chassis supporting one or more print modules extending across a width of the media feed path. A lift mechanism raises and lowers the print bar chassis relative to the maintenance chassis, with each print bar chassis being independently liftable from a printing position to a maintenance position. A footprint of each printing unit in both the printing and maintenance positions is defined by a perimeter of the maintenance chassis.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• 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 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes an elongate fluid manifold having a base which includes a truss structure. The truss structure has webs extending between opposite chords, wherein a plurality of openings between the webs and the chords define fluid outlets. One or more printhead chips are attached to the webs of the truss structure with each printhead chip receiving printing fluid from a plurality of the fluid outlets.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• 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 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/515 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes from an assembly of identical printing elements line printer type

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes an elongate fluid manifold having a base which includes a truss structure. The truss structure has webs extending between opposite chords, wherein a plurality of openings between the webs and the chords define fluid outlets. One or more printhead chips are attached to the webs of the truss structure with each printhead chip receiving printing fluid from a plurality of the fluid outlets.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• 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 2/515 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes from an assembly of identical printing elements line printer type

Abstract

An inkjet printhead includes: an elongate fluid manifold having a base defining a plurality of fluid outlets; and a plurality of printhead chips attached to the base of the fluid manifold, each printhead chip receiving ink from one or more fluid outlets. Each fluid outlet extends transversely across the ink manifold and extends at least half a width of each printhead chip.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• 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 2/515 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes from an assembly of identical printing elements line printer type

Abstract

An inkjet printhead including: an elongate fluid manifold comprising: an inlet boss, an outlet boss, a longitudinal channel extending between the inlet and outlet bosses, a plurality of air cavities positioned above the longitudinal channel in a roof cavity of the fluid manifold, and plurality of fluid outlets defined in a floor of the longitudinal channel; and a plurality of printhead chips attached to the base of the fluid manifold, each printhead chip receiving printing fluid from one or more fluid outlets. The air cavities are defined by ribs extending from a roof of the fluid manifold towards the longitudinal channel and each rib has a lip protruding beyond a lower surface of the inlet and outlet bosses.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
• B41J 2/19 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• 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 2/515 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes from an assembly of identical printing elements line printer type

Abstract

A method of wiping a plurality of printheads positioned in a staggered overlapping arrangement across a width of a media feed path, each printhead having a respective wiper associated therewith. The wipers for neighboring printheads are moved in opposite directions with respect to each other.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
• B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for