Abstract:
A method of generating print data for an inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink planes. The method includes the steps of: receiving image data for a print job in a printer controller; retrieving keep-wet pattern data for each ink plane of the printhead, the retrieved keep-wet pattern data being determined using one or more input parameters; generating first print data for each ink plane in the printer controller based on the received image data; merging the first print data with the keep-wet pattern data to provide second print data for each ink plane; and sending the second print data from the printer controller to the printhead, thereby causing the printhead to print an image together with a keep-wet pattern. The keep-wet pattern is defined by a plurality of dots printed at a frequency sufficient to maintain hydration of each nozzle in the printhead.
Abstract:
An inkjet printhead assembly includes: a plurality of printhead segments arranged in two parallel rows in a staggered overlapping arrangement; and a slotted shield plate positioned relative to the printhead segments. Each of the printhead segments is exposed through the slotted shield plate.
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 thermoplastic first polymer onto the frontside surface and into each hole; (ii) reflowing the first polymer; (iii) exposing the wafer substrate to a controlled oxidative plasma; (iv) optionally repeating steps (i) to (iii); (v) depositing a layer of a photoimageable second polymer; (vi) selectively removing the second polymer from regions outside a periphery of the holes using exposure and development; and (vii) planarizing the frontside surface to provide holes filled with a plug comprising the first and second polymers, which are different than each other. Each plug has a respective upper surface coplanar with the frontside surface.
Abstract:
An inkjet ink includes: (i) a disazo dye of formula (I): (ii) sulfolane; (iii) a glycol compound selected from the group consisting of: ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and pentaethylene glycol; and (iv) water.
Abstract:
An inkjet nozzle device includes a resistive heater element for ejecting ink droplets through a nozzle opening. The resistive heater element includes: an aluminide layer having a native passivating oxide and a tantalum oxide layer disposed on the native passivating oxide of the aluminide layer. The tantalum oxide layer is a relatively thin layer, which may be deposited using atomic layer deposition.
Abstract:
A printer includes: a media tray; a picker; a media guide for guiding the media sheets around a media feed path towards a print zone; a main drive roller assembly positioned upstream of the print zone; and an intermediary drive roller assembly positioned between the picker and the main drive roller assembly. The intermediary drive roller assembly includes: an intermediary idler roller mounted on an intermediary idler shaft; and an intermediary drive roller having a gripping surface engaged with the intermediary idler roller. An intermediary drive shaft is pivotally connected to a support shaft via a swing arm, such that the intermediary drive shaft is arcuately moveable relative to the intermediary idler shaft to provide a variable distance therebetween.
Abstract:
An inkjet printhead assembly includes: a plurality of printhead segments arranged in two parallel rows in a staggered overlapping arrangement; and a slotted shield plate positioned relative to the printhead segments. Each of the printhead segments is exposed through the slotted shield plate.
Abstract:
A printing system includes: a fixed printhead assembly having an array of printheads and vacuum platen assembly. The vacuum platen assembly includes a fixed vacuum platen and a plurality of rotatable service modules embedded in the fixed vacuum platen. Each service module is positioned opposite a respective printhead, and each service module comprises a respective vacuum platen module.
Abstract:
An inkjet nozzle device configured for venting a gas bubble during droplet ejection. The inkjet nozzle device includes: a firing chamber for containing ink, the firing chamber having a floor and a roof defining an elongate nozzle aperture having a perimeter; and an elongate heater element bonded to the floor of the firing chamber, the heater element and nozzle aperture having aligned longitudinal axes. The device is configured to satisfy the relationships A=swept volume/area of heater element=8 to 14 microns; and B=firing chamber volume/swept volume=2 to 6. The swept volume is defined as the volume of a shape defined by a projection from the perimeter of the nozzle aperture to the floor of the firing chamber, and includes a volume contained within the nozzle aperture.
Abstract:
An inkjet nozzle device for symmetrically constrained bubble formation includes: a firing chamber having and an end wall, opposite sidewalls and a nozzle aperture defined in a roof thereof; a baffle plate positioned between the sidewalls of the firing chamber, such that a pair of firing chamber entrances are defined between side edges of the baffle plate and the sidewalls; and an elongate heating element bonded to a floor of the firing chamber, the heater element extending longitudinally between the baffle plate and the end wall. The baffle plate is wider than the heater element. Further, a centroid of the heater element coincides with a midpoint between the baffle plate and the end wall.