Multi-component installation feedback system for replacement print cartridges, valve holders, and service station cassettes for on board ink delivery systems replenishment
First Claim
1. An inkjet printing system comprising:
- a scanning carriage;
at least one printhead removably mounted in said carriage;
a first sensor feedback device to determine whether said one printhead is installed in an operable position on said carriage;
at least one off-carriage ink supply to which said printhead is periodically connected for periodically providing ink to said one printhead; and
a second sensor feedback device to determine whether said ink supply is installed in an operable position in said printing system;
at least one replaceable printhead servicing module positioned to engage said one printhead when said printhead is moved into a printhead servicing station; and
a third sensor feedback device which includes a sensor on said carriage for reading indicia on said servicing module to confirm that said servicing module is installed in an operable position in said servicing station.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An inkjet printing system which provides feedback to enable the user to determine whether various replaceable components such as print cartridges, valve holders, and service station cassettes have been installed in proper position. The system includes a printhead carriage and a first sensor feedback device to determine whether a printhead is installed in an operable position on the carriage. The system also includes at least one off-carriage ink supply to which a printhead or printheads on the carriage is/are periodically connected for periodically providing ink to the printheads and a second sensor feedback device to determine whether the replaceable. off-carriage ink supplies are installed in an operable position. At least one replaceable printhead servicing module is also provided positioned to engage one or more printheads when it is moved into a printhead servicing station and a third sensor feedback device which includes a sensor on the carriage is used to read indicia on the servicing module to confirm that the servicing module is installed in an operable position in said servicing station. Separate safety doors provide access to the printhead or printheads, off-carriage ink supply or supplies and servicing module or modules.
51 Citations
7 Claims
-
1. An inkjet printing system comprising:
-
a scanning carriage;
at least one printhead removably mounted in said carriage;
a first sensor feedback device to determine whether said one printhead is installed in an operable position on said carriage;
at least one off-carriage ink supply to which said printhead is periodically connected for periodically providing ink to said one printhead; and
a second sensor feedback device to determine whether said ink supply is installed in an operable position in said printing system;
at least one replaceable printhead servicing module positioned to engage said one printhead when said printhead is moved into a printhead servicing station; and
a third sensor feedback device which includes a sensor on said carriage for reading indicia on said servicing module to confirm that said servicing module is installed in an operable position in said servicing station. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
-
-
4. A method of operating an inkjet printing system which includes a scanning carriage, at least one printhead removably mounted in said carriage, at least one off-carriage ink supply station which is periodically connected to said printhead for providing ink to said one printhead, and a printhead servicing module in a printhead servicing station, said method comprising the steps of:
-
determining whether a printhead is installed in operable position in said carriage;
determining whether an off-carriage ink reservoir is installed in operable position in said off-carriage ink supply station;
determining whether a servicing module is positioned in operable position in said servicing station; and
providing information in real time indicative of the presence or absence of each of said printhead, said ink reservoir and said servicing module in said operable positions. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7)
-
Specification