Patent ID: 6106109
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An inkjet printing system comprising:a frame;a supplemental supply of ink;a carriage mounted on the frame for movement across a print zone during normal printing operations and which is positionable in a rest position;a carriage drive mechanism operatively coupled to the carriage for moving the carriage across the print zone and to the rest position;at least one printhead mounted on the carriage, and having a printhead reservoir, a nozzle array, and an inlet port in communication with the printhead reservoir, the inlet port separate from the nozzle array and in a normally closed position and accessible for engagement without having to remove said printhead;a bracket attached to said frame;at least one ink supply valve mounted on said bracket;an automated mechanism independent from said carriage drive mechanism, said automated mechanism operatively connected to said bracket to move said bracket and said ink supply valve in a forwardly direction toward said carriage in said rest position for engagement of said ink supply valve with said inlet port of said printhead mounted in said carriage to provide replenishment of ink from said supplemental supply of ink through said inlet port directly to the printhead reservoir without passing ink through the nozzle array, and while maintaining the printhead reservoir sealed off from the outside ambient atmosphere.