Patent ID: 6286941
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A printing apparatus comprising: a printhead comprising:a substrate having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface, and a first edge;a nozzle member having a plurality of ink orifices formed therein, said nozzle member being positioned to overlie said top surface of said substrate;at least one groove disposed between said nozzle member and said substrate, said at least one groove being associated with said plurality of ink orifices, said at least one groove having a first end communicating with an ink reservoir;a plurality of ink ejection elements formed on said top surface of said substrate, each of said ink ejection elements being located proximate to an associated one of said orifices for expelling a portion of ink from said associated orifice;fluid channels communicating with a second end of said at least one groove and leading to each of said orifices and said ink ejection elements, said fluid channels comprise at least one plenum and a plurality of ink ejection chambers, said at least one plenum communicating between a second end of said at least one groove and said ink ejection chambers, each of said ink ejection chambers being associated with an ink orifice and an ink ejection element; andwherein said at least one plenum is in fluid communication with said ink reservoir solely through said at least one groove, and said fluid channels allow ink to flow from said second end of said at least one groove to said ink ejection chambers.