Patent ID: 6012806
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An ink-jet printing system, comprising:a printer frame structure;a carriage mounted on the printer frame structure for movement across a print zone during normal printing operations and which is positionable in a refill position;at least one printhead mounted on the carriage, and having an inlet port accessible without having to remove the printhead;a support bracket attached to the printer frame structure;at least one ink supply valve mounted on the support bracket;a clamp structure mounted on the support bracket and moveable between a clamping position for engaging the carriage in the refill position and securing the carriage, and a disengaged position wherein the clamp structure is not in contact with the carriage;an automated mechanism operatively connected to the support bracket which moves the clamp structure from the disengaged position to the engaged position, and which moves the at least one ink supply valve toward the carriage in said rest position for engagement of said ink supply valve with said inlet port of said printhead mounted in the carriage, said automated mechanism including a single motor which is activated to move the clamp structure and the at least one ink supply valve.