Patent ID: 6296345
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
Apparatus for horizontally loading a print cartridge into a carriage, said apparatus comprising:said print cartridge having:a generally rectangular prismatic print cartridge body having first and second horizontally spaced apart and generally vertical side walls, vertically spaced apart and generally horizontal top and bottom walls, and horizontally spaced apart and generally vertical front and back walls;said bottom wall having a lower surface for said print cartridge upon which is carried a generally horizontally extending and planar print head, said print head having an array of vertically extending fine-dimension print orifices from which issues during operation of said print cartridge vertically downwardly directed ink droplets and said top wall having a planar outside surface;an elongate supporting lip located on said first side wall and extending generally horizontally and parallel to said planar outside surface of said top wall;said carriage having:a carriage body;a generally horizontally extending chute mounted on said carriage body for generally horizontally receiving said print cartridge, said chute having horizontally spaced apart and generally vertical first and second side walls and a generally vertical end wall; anda generally horizontally extending rail on said first side wall of said chute for engaging said elongate supporting lip on said print cartridge and for guiding said print cartridge generally horizontally into said carriage.