# Patent

## Title
Print roll core with internal ink storage

## Abstract

A print roll unit includes an elongate core defining a plurality of elongate ink chambers for each storing a respective type of ink. A roll of print media includes a tubular former in which the core can be received and a length of print media which is wound upon the former. A housing includes a pair of molded covers which can be fastened together in a releasable manner to house the roll of print media.

## Background
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/336,773 filed Jan. 23, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,512 which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/144,805 filed Jun. 6, 2005, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,086,724, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/831,236 filed Apr. 26, 2004, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,077,515, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/112,743 filed on Jul. 10, 1998, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,727,951, all of which are herein incorporated by reference.


FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to digital cameras and in particular, the onboard processing of image data captured by the camera.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Recently, digital cameras have become increasingly popular. These cameras normally operate by means of imaging a desired image utilising a charge coupled device (CCD) array and storing the imaged scene on an electronic storage medium for later down loading onto a computer system for subsequent manipulation and printing out. Normally, when utilising a computer system to print out an image, sophisticated software may available to manipulate the image in accordance with requirements.
Unfortunately such systems require significant post processing of a captured image and normally present the image in an orientation to which it was taken, relying on the post processing process to perform any necessary or required modifications of the captured image. Also, much of the environmental information available when the picture was taken is lost. Furthermore, the type or size of the media substrate and the types of ink used to print the image can also affect the image quality. Accounting for these factors during post processing of the captured image data can be complex and time consuming.
The present Applicant addresses these issues with a digital camera having an image processor takes account of the lighting conditions at the time of image capture, and confirms the type of ink and media, in order to enhance the quality of the printed image. This camera is described below and in many of the cross referenced documents incorporated herein by reference.
One particular feature of this camera is the instant production of personalised postcards using an inbuilt printhead. This requires a media cartridge that holds a reasonable amount of print media while remaining compact enough to keep the overall dimensions of the camera and cartridge acceptable to users.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides a media cartridge for supplying print media to a printhead, the cartridge comprising:
a roll of print media;
a casing with a rotatable core for supporting the media roll;
an ink supply within the core;
at least one ink outlet at one end of the core for establishing fluid communication between the ink supply and the printhead;
a drive roller assembly for engaging an external drive to feed the print media to the printhead; wherein,
the longitudinal axes of the core, and rollers of the drive roller assembly are parallel.
A media cartridge adopting this design is particularly compact, has a high media and ink capacity and relatively cost effective to manufacture. The majority of the components can be made from injection molded plastics and snap fitted together.
In some embodiments, the core is segmented with different coloured inks stored in each of the segments, wherein each of the segments has a respective ink outlet in the end of the core.
Preferably, the drive roller assembly comprises at least one media de-curling roller; such that,
as the media is fed to the printhead, it wraps around a portion of the at least one de-curling roller to remove residual curl caused by storage as a roll.
Providing the media in a roll allows the cartridge to be small and compact. However, the curl imparted to the media from being stored as a roll can interfere with printing when the media substrate passes the printhead. Using a de-curling roller within the drive rollers can straighten the media enough for flat engagement with the platen opposite the printhead.
The invention will be described with respect to its use with a digital camera with an inbuilt printhead. However, it will be appreciated that this is merely illustrative and the invention has clear application in many other fields.
Preferably, the cartridge has one de-curling roller and two pinch rollers, wherein the pinch rollers maintain the media substrate wrapped around the required portion of the de-curling roller. In a further preferred form, one of the pinch rollers is driven. In some forms, the driven pinch roller has a geared axle that extends beyond the casing for engagement with an external drive source via a corresponding gear.
Preferably, and an outer cover enclosing the roll and the drive roller assembly, the outer cover comprising two interengaging side moldings that snap lock together to form a media outlet slot adjacent the drive roller assembly. Preferably, one side of the slot has a resilient guide extending away from the slot for resilient engagement with a paper path leading to the printhead upon installation of the cartridge. In particular embodiments, the printhead is controlled by an image processor and the cartridge further comprises an authentication chip for confirming the suitability of the ink and the media to the image processor.
In a particularly preferred form, the cartridge is configured for engagement with a cartridge interface such that the ink outlets establish fluid communication with the printhead, the image processor accesses the authentication chip, the geared axle of the drive roller engages the external drive and the resilient guide extending from the outlet slot engages the paper feed path, in a single installation action.
According to a related aspect, there is provided a digital camera for use with a media cartridge comprising a supply of media substrate on which images can be printed, and an information store with information relating to the media substrate, the camera comprising:
an image sensor for capturing an image;
an image processor for processing image data from the image sensor and transmitting processed data to a printhead; and,
a cartridge interface for accessing the information such that the image processor can utilise the information relating to the media substrate.
The camera accesses information about the media substrate so that the image processor can utilise the information to enhance the quality of the printed image.
Preferably, the media substrate has postcard formatting printed on its reverse surface so that the camera can produce personalised postcards, and the information store has the dimensions of the postcard formatting to allow the image processor to align printed images with the postcard formatting.
In a further preferred form the cartridge further comprises an ink supply for the printhead and the information store is an authentication chip that allows the image processor to confirm that the media substrate and the ink supply is suitable for use with the camera.
According to a related aspect, there is provided a digital camera for sensing and storing an image, the camera comprising:
an image sensor with a charge coupled device (CCD) for capturing image data relating to a sensed image, and an auto exposure setting for adjusting the image data captured by the CCD in response to the lighting conditions at image capture; and,
an image processor for processing image data from the CCD and storing the processed data; wherein,
the image processor is adapted to use information from the auto exposure setting relating to the lighting conditions at image capture when processing the image data from the CCD.
Utilising the auto exposure setting to determine an advantageous re-mapping of colours within the image allows the processor to produce an amended image having colours within an image transformed to account of the auto exposure setting. The processing can comprise re-mapping image colours so they appear deeper and richer when the exposure setting indicates low light conditions and re-mapping image colours to be brighter and more saturated when the auto exposure setting indicates bright light conditions.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings which:
FIG. 1 illustrates the method of operation of the preferred embodiment;
FIG. 2 illustrates a form of print roll ready for purchase by a consumer;
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view, partly in section, of an alternative form of a print roll;
FIG. 4 is a left side exploded perspective view of the print roll of FIG. 3; and,
FIG. 5 is a right side exploded perspective view of a single print roll.



DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS
The preferred embodiment is preferable implemented through suitable programming of a hand held camera device such as that described in the present applicant's application entitled “A Digital Image Printing Camera with Image Processing Capability”, the content of which is hereby specifically incorporated by cross reference and the details of which, and other related applications are set out in the tables below.
The aforementioned patent specification discloses a camera system, hereinafter known as an “Artcam” type camera, wherein sensed images can be directly printed out by an Artcam portable camera unit. Further, the aforementioned specification discloses means and methods for performing various manipulations on images captured by the camera sensing device leading to the production of various effects in any output image. The manipulations are disclosed to be highly flexible in nature and can be implemented through the insertion into the Artcam of cards having encoded thereon various instructions for the manipulation of images, the cards hereinafter being known as Artcards. The Artcam further has significant onboard processing power by an Artcam Central Processor unit (ACP) which is interconnected to a memory device for the storage of important data and images.
In the preferred embodiment, the Artcam has an auto exposure sensor for determining the light level associated with the captured image. This auto exposure sensor is utilised to process the image in accordance with the set light value so as to enhance portions of the image.
Preferably, the area image sensor includes a means for determining the light conditions when capturing an image. The area image sensor adjusts the dynamic range of values captured by the CCD in accordance with the detected level sensor. The captured image is transferred to the Artcam central processor and stored in the memory store. Intensity information, as determined by the area image sensor, is also forwarded to the ACP. This information is utilised by the Artcam central processor to manipulate the stored image to enhance certain effects.
Turning now to FIG. 1, the auto exposure setting information 1 is utilised in conjunction with the stored image 2 to process the image by utilising the ACP. The processed image is returned to the memory store for later printing out 4 on the output printer.
A number of processing steps can be undertaken in accordance with the determined light conditions. Where the auto exposure setting 1 indicates that the image was taken in a low light condition, the image pixel colours are selectively re-mapped so as to make the image colours stronger, deeper and richer.
Where the auto exposure information indicates that highlight conditions were present when the image was taken, the image colours can be processed to make them brighter and more saturated. The re-colouring of the image can be undertaken by conversion of the image to a hue-saturation-value (HSV) format and an alteration of pixel values in accordance with requirements. The pixel values can then be output converted to the required output colour format of printing.
Of course, many different re-colouring techniques may be utilised. Preferably, the techniques are clearly illustrated on the pre-requisite Artcard inserted into the reader. Alternatively, the image processing algorithms can be automatically applied and hard-wired into the camera for utilization in certain conditions.
Alternatively, the Artcard inserted could have a number of manipulations applied to the image which are specific to the auto-exposure setting. For example, clip arts containing candles etc could be inserted in a dark image and large suns inserted in bright images.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 5, the Artcam prints the images onto media stored in a replaceable print roll 5. In some preferred embodiments, the operation of the camera device is such that when a series of images is printed on a first surface of the print roll, the corresponding backing surface has a ready made postcard which can be immediately dispatched at the nearest post office box within the jurisdiction. In this way, personalized postcards can be created.
It would be evident that when utilising the postcard system as illustrated FIG. 2 only predetermined image sizes are possible as the synchronization between the backing postcard portion and the front image must be maintained. This can be achieved by utilising the memory portions of the authentication chip stored within the print roll 5 to store details of the length of each postcard backing format sheet. This can be achieved by either having each postcard the same size or by storing each size within the print rolls on-board print chip memory.
In an alternative embodiment, there is provided a modified form of print roll which can be constructed mostly from injection moulded plastic pieces suitably snapped fitted together. The modified form of print roll has a high ink storage capacity in addition to a somewhat simplified construction. The print media onto which the image is to be printed is wrapped around a plastic sleeve former for simplified construction. The ink media reservoir has a series of air vents which are constructed so as to minimise the opportunities for the ink flow out of the air vents. Further, a rubber seal is provided for the ink outlet holes with the rubber seal being pierced on insertion of the print roll into a camera system. Further, the print roll includes a print media ejection slot and the ejection slot includes a surrounding moulded surface which provides and assists in the accurate positioning of the print media ejection slot relative to the printhead within the printing or camera system.
Turning to FIG. 3 there is illustrated a single point roll unit 5 in an assembled form with a partial cutaway showing internal portions of the print roll. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate left and right side exploded perspective views respectively. The print roll 5 is constructed around the internal core portion 6 which contains an internal ink supply. Outside of the core portion 6 is provided a former 7 around which is wrapped a paper or film supply 8. Around the paper supply it is constructed two cover pieces 9, 10 which snap together around the print roll so as to form a covering unit as illustrated in FIG. 3. The bottom cover piece 10 includes a slot 11 through which the output of the print media 12 for interconnection with the camera system.
Two pinch rollers 13, 14 are provided to pinch the paper against a drive pinch roller 15 so they together provide for a decurling of the paper around the roller 15. The decurling acts to negate the strong curl that may be imparted to the paper from being stored in the form of print roll for an extended period of time. The rollers 13, 14 are provided to form a snap fit with end portions of the cover base portion 10 and the roller 15 which includes a cogged end 16 for driving, snap fits into the upper cover piece 9 so as to pinch the paper 12 firmly between.
The cover pieces 9, 10 includes an end protuberance or lip 17. The end lip 17 is provided for accurate alignment of the exit hole of the paper with a corresponding printing heat platen structure within the camera system. In this way, accurate alignment or positioning of the exiting paper relative to an adjacent printhead is provided for full guidance of the paper to the printhead.
It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.
The present invention is best utilized in the Artcam device, the details of which are set out in the following paragraphs.
Ink Jet Technologies
The embodiments of the invention use an ink jet printer type device. Of course many different devices could be used. However presently popular ink jet printing technologies are unlikely to be suitable.
The most significant problem with thermal inkjet is power consumption. This is approximately 100 times that required for high speed, and stems from the energy-inefficient means of drop ejection. This involves the rapid boiling of water to produce a vapor bubble which expels the ink. Water has a very high heat capacity, and must be superheated in thermal inkjet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, from electricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out.
The most significant problem with piezoelectric inkjet is size and cost. Piezoelectric crystals have a very small deflection at reasonable drive voltages, and therefore require a large area for each nozzle. Also, each piezoelectric actuator must be connected to its drive circuit on a separate substrate. This is not a significant problem at the current limit of around 300 nozzles per print head, but is a major impediment to the fabrication of pagewide print heads with 19,200 nozzles.
Ideally, the inkjet technologies used meet the stringent requirements of in-camera digital color printing and other high quality, high speed, low cost printing applications. To meet the requirements of digital photography, new inkjet technologies have been created. The target features include:
low power (less than 10 Watts)
high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more)
photographic quality output
low manufacturing cost
small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section)
high speed (<2 seconds per page).
All of these features can be met or exceeded by the inkjet systems described below with differing levels of difficulty. 45 different inkjet technologies have been developed by the Assignee to give a wide range of choices for high volume manufacture. These technologies form part of separate applications assigned to the present Assignee as set out in the table below.
The inkjet designs shown here are suitable for a wide range of digital printing systems, from battery powered one-time use digital cameras, through to desktop and network printers, and through to commercial printing systems
For ease of manufacture using standard process equipment, the print head is designed to be a monolithic 0.5 micron CMOS chip with MEMS post processing. For color photographic applications, the print head is 100 mm long, with a width which depends upon the inkjet type. The smallest print head designed is IJ38, which is 0.35 mm wide, giving a chip area of 35 square mm. The print heads each contain 19,200 nozzles plus data and control circuitry.
Ink is supplied to the back of the print head by injection molded plastic ink channels. The molding requires 50 micron features, which can be created using a lithographically micromachined insert in a standard injection molding tool. Ink flows through holes etched through the wafer to the nozzle chambers fabricated on the front surface of the wafer. The print head is connected to the camera circuitry by tape automated bonding.
Cross-Referenced Applications
The following table is a guide to cross-referenced patent applications filed concurrently herewith and discussed hereinafter with the reference being utilized in subsequent tables when referring to a particular case:












Docket No.
Reference
Title







IJ01US
6227652
Radiant Plunger Ink Jet Printer


IJ02US
6213588
Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer


IJ03US
6213589
Planar Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet


IJ04US
6231163
Stacked Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer


IJ05US
6247795
Reverse Spring Lever Ink Jet Printer


IJ06US
6394581
Paddle Type Ink Jet Printer


IJ07US
6244691
Permanent Magnet Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer


IJ08US
6257704
Planar Swing Grill Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer


IJ09US
6416168
Pump Action Refill Ink Jet Printer


IJ10US
6220694
Pulsed Magnetic Field Ink Jet Printer


IJ11US
6257705
Two Plate Reverse Firing Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer


IJ12US
6247794
Linear Stepper Actuator Ink Jet Printer


IJ13US
6234610
Gear Driven Shutter Ink Jet Printer


IJ14US
6247793
Tapered Magnetic Pole Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer


IJ15US
6264306
Linear Spring Electromagnetic Grill Ink Jet Printer


IJ16US
6241342
Lorenz Diaphragm Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer


IJ17US
6247792
PTFE Surface Shooting Shuttered Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printer


IJ18US
6264307
Buckle Grip Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printer


IJ19US
6254220
Shutter Based Ink Jet Printer


IJ20US
6234611
Curling Calyx Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer


IJ21US
6302528
Thermal Actuated Ink Jet Printer


IJ22US
6283582
Iris Motion Ink Jet Printer


IJ23US
6239821
Direct Firing Thermal Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer


IJ24US
6338547
Conductive PTFE Ben Activator Vented Ink Jet Printer


IJ25US
6247796
Magnetostrictive Ink Jet Printer


IJ26US
6557977
Shape Memory Alloy Ink Jet Printer


IJ27US
6390603
Buckle Plate Ink Jet Printer


IJ28US
6362843
Thermal Elastic Rotary Impeller Ink Jet Printer


IJ29US
6293653
Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer


IJ30US
6312107
Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Using PTFE and Corrugated Copper Ink Jet Printer


IJ31US
6227653
Bend Actuator Direct Ink Supply Ink Jet Printer


IJ32US
6234609
A High Young's Modulus Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer


IJ33US
6238040
Thermally actuated slotted chamber wall ink jet printer


IJ34US
6188415
Ink Jet Printer having a thermal actuator comprising an external coiled spring


IJ35US
6227654
Trough Container Ink Jet Printer


IJ36US
6209989
Dual Chamber Single Vertical Actuator Ink Jet


IJ37US
6247791
Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Fulcrum Actuator Ink Jet


IJ38US
6336710
Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Actuator Ink Jet


IJ39US
6217153
A single bend actuator cupped paddle ink jet printing device


IJ40US
6416167
A thermally actuated ink jet printer having a series of thermal actuator units


IJ41US
6243113
A thermally actuated ink jet printer including a tapered heater element


IJ42US
6283581
Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet


IJ43US
6247790
Inverted Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet


IJ44US
6260953
Surface bend actuator vented ink supply ink jet printer


IJ45US
6267469
Coil Acutuated Magnetic Plate Ink Jet Printer









Tables of Drop-on-Demand Inkjets

Eleven important characteristics of the fundamental operation of individual inkjet nozzles have been identified. These characteristics are largely orthogonal, and so can be elucidated as an eleven dimensional matrix. Most of the eleven axes of this matrix include entries developed by the present assignee.
The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table of inkjet types.
Actuator mechanism (18 types)
Basic operation mode (7 types)
Auxiliary mechanism (8 types)
Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types)
Actuator motion (19 types)
Nozzle refill method (4 types)
Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types)
Nozzle clearing method (9 types)
Nozzle plate construction (9 types)
Drop ejection direction (5 types)
Ink type (7 types)
The complete eleven dimensional table represented by these axes contains 36.9 billion possible configurations of inkjet nozzle. While not all of the possible combinations result in a viable inkjet technology, many million configurations are viable. It is clearly impractical to elucidate all of the possible configurations. Instead, certain inkjet types have been investigated in detail. These are designated IJ01 to IJ45 above.
Other inkjet configurations can readily be derived from these 45 examples by substituting alternative configurations along one or more of the 11 axes. Most of the IJ01 to IJ45 examples can be made into inkjet print heads with characteristics superior to any currently available inkjet technology.
Where there are prior art examples known to the inventor, one or more of these examples are listed in the examples column of the tables below. The IJ01 to IJ45 series are also listed in the examples column. In some cases, a printer may be listed more than once in a table, where it shares characteristics with more than one entry.
Suitable applications include: Home printers, Office network printers, Short run digital printers, Commercial print systems, Fabric printers, Pocket printers, Internet WWW printers, Video printers, Medical imaging, Wide format printers, Notebook PC printers, Fax machines, Industrial printing systems, Photocopiers, Photographic minilabs etc.
The information associated with the aforementioned 11 dimensional matrix are set out in the following tables.










ACTUATOR MECHANISM (APPLIED ONLY TO SELECTED INK DROPS)

















Actuator




Mechanism
Description
Advantages





Thermal bubble
An electrothermal heater heats the ink to
Large force generated



above boiling point, transferring
Simple construction



significant heat to the aqueous ink. A
No moving parts



bubble nucleates and quickly forms,
Fast operation



expelling the ink.
Small chip area required for



The efficiency of the process is low, with
actuator



typically less than 0.05% of the electrical



energy being transformed into kinetic



energy of the drop.


Piezoelectric
A piezoelectric crystal such as lead
Low power consumption



lanthanum zirconate (PZT) is electrically
Many ink types can be used



activated, and either expands, shears, or
Fast operation



bends to apply pressure to the ink,
High efficiency



ejecting drops.


Electro-strictive
An electric field is used to activate
Low power consumption



electrostriction in relaxor materials such
Many ink types can be used



as lead lanthanum zirconate titanate
Low thermal expansion



(PLZT) or lead magnesium niobate
Electric field strength required



(PMN).
(approx. 3.5 V/μm) can be




generated without difficulty




Does not require electrical poling


Ferroelectric
An electric field is used to induce a
Low power consumption



phase transition between the
Many ink types can be used



antiferroelectric (AFE) and ferroelectric
Fast operation (<1 μs)



(FE) phase. Perovskite materials such as
Relatively high longitudinal strain



tin modified lead lanthanum zirconate
High efficiency



titanate (PLZSnT) exhibit large strains of
Electric field strength of around 3 V/μm can



up to 1% associated with the AFE to FE
be readily provided



phase transition.


Electrostatic
Conductive plates are separated by a
Low power consumption


plates
compressible or fluid dielectric (usually
Many ink types can be used



air). Upon application of a voltage, the
Fast operation



plates attract each other and displace ink,



causing drop ejection. The conductive



plates may be in a comb or honeycomb



structure, or stacked to increase the



surface area and therefore the force.


Electrostatic
A strong electric field is applied to the
Low current consumption


pull on ink
ink, whereupon electrostatic attraction
Low temperature



accelerates the ink towards the print



medium.


Permanent
An electromagnet directly attracts a
Low power consumption


magnet electromagnetic
permanent magnet, displacing ink and
Many ink types can be used



causing drop ejection. Rare earth
Fast operation



magnets with a field strength around 1
High efficiency



Tesla can be used. Examples are:
Easy extension from single



Samarium Cobalt (SaCo) and magnetic
nozzles to pagewidth print



materials in the neodymium iron boron
heads



family (NdFeB, NdDyFeBNb,



NdDyFeB, etc)


Soft magnetic
A solenoid induced a magnetic field in a
Low power consumption


core electromagnetic
soft magnetic core or yoke fabricated
Many ink types can be used



from a ferrous material such as
Fast operation



electroplated iron alloys such as CoNiFe
High efficiency



[1], CoFe, or NiFe alloys. Typically, the
Easy extension from single



soft magnetic material is in two parts,
nozzles to pagewidth print



which are normally held apart by a
heads



spring. When the solenoid is actuated,



the two parts attract, displacing the ink.


Magnetic
The Lorenz force acting on a current
Low power consumption


Lorenz force
carrying wire in a magnetic field is
Many ink types can be used



utilized.
Fast operation



This allows the magnetic field to be
High efficiency



supplied externally to the print head, for
Easy extension from single



example with rare earth permanent
nozzles to pagewidth print



magnets.
heads



Only the current carrying wire need be



fabricated on the print-head, simplifying



materials requirements.


Magnetostriction
The actuator uses the giant
Many ink types can be used



magnetostrictive effect of materials such
Fast operation



as Terfenol-D (an alloy of terbium,
Easy extension from single



dysprosium and iron developed at the
nozzles to pagewidth print



Naval Ordnance Laboratory, hence Ter-
heads



Fe-NOL). For best efficiency, the
High force is available



actuator should be pre-stressed to



approx. 8 MPa.


Surface tension
Ink under positive pressure is held in a
Low power consumption


reduction
nozzle by surface tension. The surface
Simple construction



tension of the ink is reduced below the
No unusual materials required in



bubble threshold, causing the ink to
fabrication



egress from the nozzle.
High efficiency




Easy extension from single




nozzles to pagewidth print




heads


Viscosity
The ink viscosity is locally reduced to
Simple construction


reduction
select which drops are to be ejected. A
No unusual materials required in



viscosity reduction can be achieved
fabrication



electrothermally with most inks, but
Easy extension from single



special inks can be engineered for a
nozzles to pagewidth print



100:1 viscosity reduction.
heads


Acoustic
An acoustic wave is generated and
Can operate without a nozzle



focussed upon the drop ejection region.
plate


Thermoelastic
An actuator which relies upon
Low power consumption


bend actuator
differential thermal expansion upon
Many ink types can be used



Joule heating is used.
Simple planar fabrication




Small chip area required for each




actuator




Fast operation




High efficiency




CMOS compatible voltages and




currents




Standard MEMS processes can be




used




Easy extension from single




nozzles to pagewidth print




heads


High CTE
A material with a very high coefficient of
High force can be generated


thermoelastic
thermal expansion (CTE) such as
PTFE is a candidate for low


actuator
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is used.
dielectric constant insulation in



As high CTE materials are usually non-
ULSI



conductive, a heater fabricated from a
Very low power consumption



conductive material is incorporated. A 50 μm
Many ink types can be used



long PTFE bend actuator with
Simple planar fabrication



polysilicon heater and 15 mW power
Small chip area required for each



input can provide 180 μN force and 10 μm
actuator



deflection. Actuator motions include:
Fast operation



1) Bend
High efficiency



2) Push
CMOS compatible voltages and



3) Buckle
currents



4) Rotate
Easy extension from single




nozzles to pagewidth print




heads


Conductive
A polymer with a high coefficient of
High force can be generated


polymer
thermal expansion (such as PTFE) is
Very low power consumption


thermoelastic
doped with conducting substances to
Many ink types can be used


actuator
increase its conductivity to about 3
Simple planar fabrication



orders of magnitude below that of
Small chip area required for each



copper. The conducting polymer expands
actuator



when resistively heated.
Fast operation



Examples of conducting dopants include:
High efficiency



1) Carbon nanotubes
CMOS compatible voltages and



2) Metal fibers
currents



3) Conductive polymers such as doped
Easy extension from single



polythiophene
nozzles to pagewidth print



4) Carbon granules
heads


Shape memory
A shape memory alloy such as TiNi (also
High force is available (stresses of


alloy
known as Nitinol - Nickel Titanium alloy
hundreds of MPa)



developed at the Naval Ordnance
Large strain is available (more



Laboratory) is thermally switched
than 3%)



between its weak martensitic state and its
High corrosion resistance



high stiffness austenic state. The shape of
Simple construction



the actuator in its martensitic state is
Easy extension from single



deformed relative to the austenic shape.
nozzles to pagewidth print



The shape change causes ejection of a
heads



drop.
Low voltage operation


Linear Magnetic
Linear magnetic actuators include the
Linear Magnetic actuators can be


Actuator
Linear Induction Actuator (LIA), Linear
constructed with high thrust,



Permanent Magnet Synchronous
long travel, and high efficiency



Actuator (LPMSA), Linear Reluctance
using planar semiconductor



Synchronous Actuator (LRSA), Linear
fabrication techniques



Switched Reluctance Actuator (LSRA),
Long actuator travel is available



and the Linear Stepper Actuator (LSA).
Medium force is available




Low voltage operation












Actuator




Mechanism
Disadvantages
Examples





Thermal bubble
High power
Canon Bubblejet 1979



Ink carrier limited to water
Endo et al GB patent



Low efficiency
2,007,162



High temperatures required
Xerox heater-in-pit 1990



High mechanical stress
Hawkins et al U.S. Pat. No.



Unusual materials required
4,899,181



Large drive transistors
Hewlett-Packard TIJ 1982



Cavitation causes actuator failure
Vaught et al U.S. Pat. No.



Kogation reduces bubble formation
4,490,728



Large print heads are difficult to fabricate


Piezoelectric
Very large area required for actuator
Kyser et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,398



Difficult to integrate with electronics
Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. 3,683,212



High voltage drive transistors required
1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. No.



Full pagewidth print heads impractical due to
3,747,120



actuator size
Epson Stylus



Requires electrical poling in high field
Tektronix



strengths during manufacture
IJ04


Electro-strictive
Low maximum strain (approx. 0.01%)
Seiko Epson, Usui et all JP



Large area required for actuator due to low
253401/96



strain
IJ04



Response speed is marginal (~10 μs)



High voltage drive transistors required



Full pagewidth print heads impractical due to



actuator size


Ferroelectric
Difficult to integrate with electronics
IJ04



Unusual materials such as PLZSnT are



required



Actuators require a large area


Electrostatic
Difficult to operate electrostatic devices in an
IJ02, IJ04


plates
aqueous environment



The electrostatic actuator will normally need



to be separated from the ink



Very large area required to achieve high



forces



High voltage drive transistors may be required



Full pagewidth print heads are not competitive



due to actuator size


Electrostatic
High voltage required
1989 Saito et al, U.S. Pat. No.


pull on ink
May be damaged by sparks due to air
4,799,068



breakdown
1989 Miura et al, U.S. Pat. No.



Required field strength increases as the drop
4,810,954



size decreases
Tone-jet



High voltage drive transistors required



Electrostatic field attracts dust


Permanent
Complex fabrication
IJ07, IJ10


magnet electromagnetic
Permanent magnetic material such as



Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) required.



High local currents required



Copper metalization should be used for long



electromigration lifetime and low



resistivity



Pigmented inks are usually infeasible



Operating temperature limited to the Curie



temperature (around 540 K)


Soft magnetic
Complex fabrication
IJ01, IJ05, IJ08, IJ10


core electromagnetic
Materials not usually present in a CMOS fab
IJ12, IJ14, IJ15, IJ17



such as NiFe, CoNiFe, or CoFe are



required



High local currents required



Copper metalization should be used for long



electromigration lifetime and low



resistivity



Electroplating is required



High saturation flux density is required (2.0-2.1



T is achievable with CoNiFe [1])


Magnetic
Force acts as a twisting motion
IJ06, IJ11, IJ13, IJ16


Lorenz force
Typically, only a quarter of the solenoid



length provides force in a useful direction



High local currents required



Copper metalization should be used for long



electromigration lifetime and low



resistivity



Pigmented inks are usually infeasible


Magnetostriction
Force acts as a twisting motion
Fischenbeck, U.S. Pat. No.



Unusual materials such as Terfenol-D are
4,032,929



required
IJ25



High local currents required



Copper metalization should be used for long



electromigration lifetime and low



resistivity



Pre-stressing may be required


Surface tension
Requires supplementary force to effect drop
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658


reduction
separation
A2 and related patent



Requires special ink surfactants
applications



Speed may be limited by surfactant properties


Viscosity
Requires supplementary force to effect drop
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658


reduction
separation
A2 and related patent



Requires special ink viscosity properties
applications



High speed is difficult to achieve



Requires oscillating ink pressure



A high temperature difference (typically 80



degrees) is required


Acoustic
Complex drive circuitry
1993 Hadimioglu et al,



Complex fabrication
EUP 550,192



Low efficiency
1993 Elrod et al, EUP



Poor control of drop position
572,220



Poor control of drop volume


Thermoelastic
Efficient aqueous operation requires a thermal
IJ03, IJ09, IJ17, IJ18


bend actuator
insulator on the hot side
IJ19, IJ20, IJ21, IJ22



Corrosion prevention can be difficult
IJ23, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28



Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as pigment
IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32



particles may jam the bend actuator
IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36




IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40




IJ41


High CTE
Requires special material (e.g. PTFE)
IJ09, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20


thermoelastic
Requires a PTFE deposition process, which is
IJ21, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24


actuator
not yet standard in ULSI fabs
IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, IJ30



PTFE deposition cannot be followed with high
IJ31, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44



temperature (above 350° C.) processing



Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as pigment



particles may jam the bend actuator


Conductive
Requires special materials development (High
IJ24


polymer
CTE conductive polymer)


thermoelastic
Requires a PTFE deposition process, which is


actuator
not yet standard in ULSI fabs



PTFE deposition cannot be followed with high



temperature (above 350° C.) processing



Evaporation and CVD deposition techniques



cannot be used



Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as pigment



particles may jam the bend actuator


Shape memory
Fatigue limits maximum number of cycles
IJ26


alloy
Low strain (1%) is required to extend fatigue



resistance



Cycle rate limited by heat removal



Requires unusual materials (TiNi)



The latent heat of transformation must be



provided



High current operation



Requires pre-stressing to distort the



martensitic state


Linear Magnetic
Requires unusual semiconductor materials
IJ12


Actuator
such as soft magnetic alloys (e.g. CoNiFe



[1])



Some varieties also require permanent



magnetic materials such as Neodymium



iron boron (NdFeB)



Requires complex multi-phase drive circuitry



High current operation



















BASIC OPERATION MODE

















Operational




mode
Description
Advantages





Actuator directly
This is the simplest mode of operation:
Simple operation


pushes ink
the actuator directly supplies sufficient
No external fields required



kinetic energy to expel the drop. The
Satellite drops can be avoided if



drop must have a sufficient velocity to
drop velocity is less than 4 m/s



overcome the surface tension.
Can be efficient, depending upon




the actuator used


Proximity
The drops to be printed are selected by
Very simple print head fabrication



some manner (e.g. thermally induced
can be used



surface tension reduction of pressurized
The drop selection means does



ink). Selected drops are separated from
not need to provide the energy



the ink in the nozzle by contact with the
required to separate the drop



print medium or a transfer roller.
from the nozzle


Electrostatic
The drops to be printed are selected by
Very simple print head fabrication


pull on ink
some manner (e.g. thermally induced
can be used



surface tension reduction of pressurized
The drop selection means does



ink). Selected drops are separated from
not need to provide the energy



the ink in the nozzle by a strong electric
required to separate the drop



field.
from the nozzle


Magnetic pull on
The drops to be printed are selected by
Very simple print head fabrication


ink
some manner (e.g. thermally induced
can be used



surface tension reduction of pressurized
The drop selection means does



ink). Selected drops are separated from
not need to provide the energy



the ink in the nozzle by a strong
required to separate the drop



magnetic field acting on the magnetic
from the nozzle



ink.


Shutter
The actuator moves a shutter to block ink
High speed (>50 KHz) operation



flow to the nozzle. The ink pressure is
can be achieved due to reduced



pulsed at a multiple of the drop ejection
refill time



frequency.
Drop timing can be very accurate




The actuator energy can be very




low


Shuttered grill
The actuator moves a shutter to block ink
Actuators with small travel can be



flow through a grill to the nozzle. The
used



shutter movement need only be equal to
Actuators with small force can be



the width of the grill holes.
used




High speed (>50 KHz) operation




can be achieved


Pulsed magnetic
A pulsed magnetic field attracts an ‘ink
Extremely low energy operation


pull on ink
pusher’ at the drop ejection frequency.
is possible


pusher
An actuator controls a catch, which
No heat dissipation problems



prevents the ink pusher from moving




when a drop is not to be ejected.












Operational




mode
Disadvantages
Examples





Actuator directly
Drop repetition rate is usually limited to less
Thermal inkjet


pushes ink
than 10 KHz. However, this is not
Piezoelectric inkjet



fundamental to the method, but is related to
IJ01, IJ02, IJ03, IJ04



the refill method normally used
IJ05, IJ06, IJ07, IJ09



All of the drop kinetic energy must be
IJ11, IJ12, IJ14, IJ16



provided by the actuator
IJ20, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24



Satellite drops usually form if drop velocity is
IJ25, IJ26, IJ27, IJ28



greater than 4.5 m/s
IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32




IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36




IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40




IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44


Proximity
Requires close proximity between the print
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2



head and the print media or transfer roller
and related patent



May require two print heads printing alternate
applications



rows of the image



Monolithic color print heads are difficult


Electrostatic
Requires very high electrostatic field
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658


pull on ink
Electrostatic field for small nozzle sizes is
A2 and related patent



above air breakdown
applications



Electrostatic field may attract dust
Tone-Jet


Magnetic pull on
Requires magnetic ink
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658


ink
Ink colors other than black are difficult
A2 and related patent



Requires very high magnetic fields
applications


Shutter
Moving parts are required
IJ13, IJ17, IJ21



Requires ink pressure modulator



Friction and wear must be considered



Stiction is possible


Shuttered grill
Moving parts are required
IJ08, IJ15, IJ18, IJ19



Requires ink pressure modulator



Friction and wear must be considered



Stiction is possible


Pulsed magnetic
Requires an external pulsed magnetic field
IJ10


pull on ink
Requires special materials for both the


pusher
actuator and the ink pusher



Complex construction



















AUXILIARY MECHANISM (APPLIED TO ALL NOZZLES)

















Auxiliary




Mechanism
Description
Advantages





None
The actuator directly fires the ink drop,
Simplicity of construction



and there is no external field or other
Simplicity of operation



mechanism required.
Small physical size


Oscillating ink
The ink pressure oscillates, providing
Oscillating ink pressure can


pressure
much of the drop ejection energy. The
provide a refill pulse, allowing


(including
actuator selects which drops are to be
higher operating speed


acoustic
fired by selectively blocking or enabling
The actuators may operate with


stimulation)
nozzles. The ink pressure oscillation may
much lower energy



be achieved by vibrating the print head,
Acoustic lenses can be used to



or preferably by an actuator in the ink
focus the sound on the nozzles



supply.


Media proximity
The print head is placed in close
Low power



proximity to the print medium. Selected
High accuracy



drops protrude from the print head
Simple print head construction



further than unselected drops, and



contact the print medium. The drop soaks



into the medium fast enough to cause



drop separation.


Transfer roller
Drops are printed to a transfer roller
High accuracy



instead of straight to the print medium. A
Wide range of print substrates can



transfer roller can also be used for
be used



proximity drop separation.
Ink can be dried on the transfer




roller


Electrostatic
An electric field is used to accelerate
Low power



selected drops towards the print medium.
Simple print head construction


Direct magnetic
A magnetic field is used to accelerate
Low power


field
selected drops of magnetic ink towards
Simple print head construction



the print medium.


Cross magnetic
The print head is placed in a constant
Does not require magnetic


field
magnetic field. The Lorenz force in a
materials to be integrated in



current carrying wire is used to move the
the print head manufacturing



actuator.
process


Pulsed magnetic
A pulsed magnetic field is used to
Very low power operation is


field
cyclically attract a paddle, which pushes
possible



on the ink. A small actuator moves a
Small print head size



catch, which selectively prevents the



paddle from moving.












Auxiliary




Mechanism
Disadvantages
Examples





None
Drop ejection energy must be supplied by
Most inkjets, including



individual nozzle actuator
piezoelectric and




thermal bubble.




IJ01-IJ07, IJ09, IJ11




IJ12, IJ14, IJ20, IJ22




IJ23-IJ45


Oscillating ink
Requires external ink pressure oscillator
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658


pressure
Ink pressure phase and amplitude must be
A2 and related patent


(including
carefully controlled
applications


acoustic
Acoustic reflections in the ink chamber must
IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17


stimulation)
be designed for
IJ18, IJ19, IJ21


Media proximity
Precision assembly required
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 A2



Paper fibers may cause problems
and related patent



Cannot print on rough substrates
applications


Transfer roller
Bulky
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658



Expensive
A2 and related patent



Complex construction
applications




Tektronix hot melt




piezoelectric inkjet




Any of the IJ series


Electrostatic
Field strength required for separation of small
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658



drops is near or above air breakdown
A2 and related patent




applications




Tone-Jet


Direct magnetic
Requires magnetic ink
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658


field
Requires strong magnetic field
A2 and related patent




applications


Cross magnetic
Requires external magnet
IJ06, IJ16


field
Current densities may be high, resulting in



electromigration problems


Pulsed magnetic
Complex print head construction
IJ10


field
Magnetic materials required in print head



















ACTUATOR AMPLIFICATION OR MODIFICATION METHOD

















Actuator




amplification
Description
Advantages





None
No actuator mechanical amplification is
Operational simplicity



used. The actuator directly drives the




drop ejection process.



Differential
An actuator material expands more on
Provides greater travel in a


expansion bend
one side than on the other. The
reduced print head area


actuator
expansion may be thermal, piezoelectric,
The bend actuator converts a high



magnetostrictive, or other mechanism.
force low travel actuator




mechanism to high travel,




lower force mechanism.


Transient bend
A trilayer bend actuator where the two
Very good temperature stability


actuator
outside layers are identical. This cancels
High speed, as a new drop can be



bend due to ambient temperature and
fired before heat dissipates



residual stress. The actuator only
Cancels residual stress of



responds to transient heating of one side
formation



or the other.


Actuator stack
A series of thin actuators are stacked.
Increased travel



This can be appropriate where actuators
Reduced drive voltage



require high electric field strength, such




as electrostatic and piezoelectric



actuators.


Multiple
Multiple smaller actuators are used
Increases the force available from


actuators
simultaneously to move the ink. Each
an actuator



actuator need provide only a portion of
Multiple actuators can be



the force required.
positioned to control ink flow




accurately


Linear Spring
A linear spring is used to transform a
Matches low travel actuator with



motion with small travel and high force
higher travel requirements



into a longer travel, lower force motion.
Non-contact method of motion




transformation


Reverse spring
The actuator loads a spring. When the
Better coupling to the ink



actuator is turned off, the spring releases.




This can reverse the force/distance curve



of the actuator to make it compatible



with the force/time requirements of the



drop ejection.


Coiled actuator
A bend actuator is coiled to provide
Increases travel



greater travel in a reduced chip area.
Reduces chip area




Planar implementations are




relatively easy to fabricate.


Flexure bend
A bend actuator has a small region near
Simple means of increasing travel


actuator
the fixture point, which flexes much
of a bend actuator



more readily than the remainder of the




actuator. The actuator flexing is




effectively converted from an even




coiling to an angular bend, resulting in



greater travel of the actuator tip.


Gears
Gears can be used to increase travel at
Low force, low travel actuators



the expense of duration. Circular gears,
can be used



rack and pinion, ratchets, and other
Can be fabricated using standard



gearing methods can be used.
surface MEMS processes


Catch
The actuator controls a small catch. The
Very low actuator energy



catch either enables or disables
Very small actuator size



movement of an ink pusher that is




controlled in a bulk manner.


Buckle plate
A buckle plate can be used to change a
Very fast movement achievable



slow actuator into a fast motion. It can




also convert a high force, low travel




actuator into a high travel, medium force




motion.



Tapered
A tapered magnetic pole can increase
Linearizes the magnetic


magnetic pole
travel at the expense of force.
force/distance curve


Lever
A lever and fulcrum is used to transform
Matches low travel actuator with



a motion with small travel and high force
higher travel requirements



into a motion with longer travel and
Fulcrum area has no linear



lower force. The lever can also reverse
movement, and can be used for



the direction of travel.
a fluid seal


Rotary impeller
The actuator is connected to a rotary
High mechanical advantage



impeller. A small angular deflection of
The ratio of force to travel of the



the actuator results in a rotation of the
actuator can be matched to the



impeller vanes, which push the ink
nozzle requirements by



against stationary vanes and out of the
varying the number of impeller



nozzle.
vanes


Acoustic lens
A refractive or diffractive (e.g. zone
No moving parts



plate) acoustic lens is used to concentrate



sound waves.


Sharp
A sharp point is used to concentrate an
Simple construction


conductive
electrostatic field.


point












Actuator




amplification
Disadvantages
Examples





None
Many actuator mechanisms have insufficient
Thermal Bubble Inkjet



travel, or insufficient force, to efficiently
IJ01, IJ02, IJ06, IJ07



drive the drop ejection process
IJ16, IJ25, IJ26


Differential
High stresses are involved
Piezoelectric


expansion bend
Care must be taken that the materials do not
IJ03, IJ09, IJ17-IJ24


actuator
delaminate
IJ27, IJ29-IJ39, IJ42,



Residual bend resulting from high temperature
IJ43, IJ44



or high stress during formation


Transient bend
High stresses are involved
IJ40, IJ41


actuator
Care must be taken that the materials do not



delaminate


Actuator stack
Increased fabrication complexity
Some piezoelectric ink jets



Increased possibility of short circuits due to
IJ04



pinholes


Multiple
Actuator forces may not add linearly, reducing
IJ12, IJ13, IJ18, IJ20


actuators
efficiency
IJ22, IJ28, IJ42, IJ43


Linear Spring
Requires print head area for the spring
IJ15


Reverse spring
Fabrication complexity
IJ05, IJ11



High stress in the spring


Coiled actuator
Generally restricted to planar implementations
IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, IJ35



due to extreme fabrication difficulty in



other orientations.


Flexure bend
Care must be taken not to exceed the elastic
IJ10, IJ19, IJ33


actuator
limit in the flexure area



Stress distribution is very uneven



Difficult to accurately model with finite



element analysis


Gears
Moving parts are required
IJ13



Several actuator cycles are required



More complex drive electronics



Complex construction



Friction, friction, and wear are possible


Catch
Complex construction
IJ10



Requires external force



Unsuitable for pigmented inks


Buckle plate
Must stay within elastic limits of the materials for
S. Hirata et al, “An Ink-jet



long device life
Head . . . ”, Proc. IEEE



High stresses involved
MEMS, February 1996, pp



Generally high power requirement
418-423.




IJ18, IJ27


Tapered
Complex construction
IJ14


magnetic pole


Lever
High stress around the fulcrum
IJ32, IJ36, IJ37


Rotary impeller
Complex construction
IJ28



Unsuitable for pigmented inks


Acoustic lens
Large area required
1993 Hadimioglu et al,



Only relevant for acoustic ink jets
EUP 550,192




1993 Elrod et al, EUP




572,220


Sharp
Difficult to fabricate using standard VLSI
Tone-jet


conductive
processes for a surface ejecting ink-jet


point
Only relevant for electrostatic ink jets



















ACTUATOR MOTION

















Actuator motion
Description
Advantages





Volume
The volume of the actuator changes,
Simple construction in the case of


expansion
pushing the ink in all directions.
thermal ink jet


Linear, normal
The actuator moves in a direction normal
Efficient coupling to ink drops


to chip surface
to the print head surface. The nozzle is
ejected normal to the surface



typically in the line of movement.


Linear, parallel
The actuator moves parallel to the print
Suitable for planar fabrication


to chip surface
head surface. Drop ejection may still be




normal to the surface.



Membrane push
An actuator with a high force but small
The effective area of the actuator



area is used to push a stiff membrane that
becomes the membrane area



is in contact with the ink.



Rotary
The actuator causes the rotation of some
Rotary levers may be used to



element, such a grill or impeller
increase travel




Small chip area requirements


Bend
The actuator bends when energized. This
A very small change in



may be due to differential thermal
dimensions can be converted to



expansion, piezoelectric expansion,
a large motion.



magnetostriction, or other form of



relative dimensional change.


Swivel
The actuator swivels around a central
Allows operation where the net



pivot. This motion is suitable where there
linear force on the paddle is



are opposite forces applied to opposite
zero



sides of the paddle, e.g. Lorenz force.
Small chip area requirements


Straighten
The actuator is normally bent, and
Can be used with shape memory



straightens when energized.
alloys where the austenic phase




is planar


Double bend
The actuator bends in one direction when
One actuator can be used to



one element is energized, and bends the
power two nozzles.



other way when another element is
Reduced chip size.



energized.
Not sensitive to ambient




temperature


Shear
Energizing the actuator causes a shear
Can increase the effective travel



motion in the actuator material.
of piezoelectric actuators


Radial
The actuator squeezes an ink reservoir,
Relatively easy to fabricate single


constriction
forcing ink from a constricted nozzle.
nozzles from glass tubing as




macroscopic structures


Coil/uncoil
A coiled actuator uncoils or coils more
Easy to fabricate as a planar VLSI



tightly. The motion of the free end of the
process



actuator ejects the ink.
Small area required, therefore low




cost


Bow
The actuator bows (or buckles) in the
Can increase the speed of travel



middle when energized.
Mechanically rigid


Push-Pull
Two actuators control a shutter. One
The structure is pinned at both



actuator pulls the shutter, and the other
ends, so has a high out-of-



pushes it.
plane rigidity


Curl inwards
A set of actuators curl inwards to reduce
Good fluid flow to the region



the volume of ink that they enclose.
behind the actuator increases




efficiency


Curl outwards
A set of actuators curl outwards,
Relatively simple construction



pressurizing ink in a chamber



surrounding the actuators, and expelling



ink from a nozzle in the chamber.


Iris
Multiple vanes enclose a volume of ink.
High efficiency



These simultaneously rotate, reducing
Small chip area



the volume between the vanes.


Acoustic
The actuator vibrates at a high frequency.
The actuator can be physically


vibration

distant from the ink


None
In various ink jet designs the actuator
No moving parts



does not move.












Actuator motion
Disadvantages
Examples





Volume
High energy is typically required to achieve
Hewlett-Packard Thermal


expansion
volume expansion. This leads to thermal
Inkjet



stress, cavitation, and kogation in thermal
Canon Bubblejet



ink jet implementations


Linear, normal
High fabrication complexity may be required
IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ07


to chip surface
to achieve perpendicular motion
IJ11, IJ14


Linear, parallel
Fabrication complexity
IJ12, IJ13, IJ15, IJ33,


to chip surface
Friction
IJ34, IJ35, IJ36



Stiction


Membrane push
Fabrication complexity
1982 Howkins U.S. Pat. No.



Actuator size
4,459,601



Difficulty of integration in a VLSI process


Rotary
Device complexity
IJ05, IJ08, IJ13, IJ28



May have friction at a pivot point


Bend
Requires the actuator to be made from at least
1970 Kyser et al U.S. Pat. No.



two distinct layers, or to have a thermal
3,946,398



difference across the actuator
1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. No.




3,747,120




IJ03, IJ09, IJ10, IJ19




IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ29




IJ30, IJ31, IJ33, IJ34




IJ35


Swivel
Inefficient coupling to the ink motion
IJ06


Straighten
Requires careful balance of stresses to ensure
IJ26, IJ32



that the quiescent bend is accurate


Double bend
Difficult to make the drops ejected by both
IJ36, IJ37, IJ38



bend directions identical.



A small efficiency loss compared to



equivalent single bend actuators.


Shear
Not readily applicable to other actuator
1985 Fishbeck U.S. Pat. No.



mechanisms
4,584,590


Radial
High force required
1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No.


constriction
Inefficient
3,683,212



Difficult to integrate with VLSI processes


Coil/uncoil
Difficult to fabricate for non-planar devices
IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, IJ35



Poor out-of-plane stiffness


Bow
Maximum travel is constrained
IJ16, IJ18, IJ27



High force required


Push-Pull
Not readily suitable for inkjets which directly
IJ18



push the ink


Curl inwards
Design complexity
IJ20, IJ42


Curl outwards
Relatively large chip area
IJ43


Iris
High fabrication complexity
IJ22



Not suitable for pigmented inks


Acoustic
Large area required for efficient operation at
1993 Hadimioglu et al,


vibration
useful frequencies
EUP 550,192



Acoustic coupling and crosstalk
1993 Elrod et al, EUP



Complex drive circuitry
572,220



Poor control of drop volume and position


None
Various other tradeoffs are required to
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658



eliminate moving parts
A2 and related patent




applications




Tone-jet



















NOZZLE REFILL METHOD

















Nozzle refill




method
Description
Advantages





Surface tension
After the actuator is energized, it
Fabrication simplicity



typically returns rapidly to its normal
Operational simplicity



position. This rapid return sucks in air




through the nozzle opening. The ink




surface tension at the nozzle then exerts a




small force restoring the meniscus to a



minimum area.


Shuttered
Ink to the nozzle chamber is provided at
High speed


oscillating ink
a pressure that oscillates at twice the
Low actuator energy, as the


pressure
drop ejection frequency. When a drop is
actuator need only open or



to be ejected, the shutter is opened for 3
close the shutter, instead of



half cycles: drop ejection, actuator
ejecting the ink drop



return, and refill.


Refill actuator
After the main actuator has ejected a
High speed, as the nozzle is



drop a second (refill) actuator is
actively refilled



energized. The refill actuator pushes ink



into the nozzle chamber. The refill



actuator returns slowly, to prevent its



return from emptying the chamber again.


Positive ink
The ink is held a slight positive pressure.
High refill rate, therefore a high


pressure
After the ink drop is ejected, the nozzle
drop repetition rate is possible



chamber fills quickly as surface tension




and ink pressure both operate to refill the




nozzle.












Nozzle refill




method
Disadvantages
Examples





Surface tension
Low speed
Thermal inkjet



Surface tension force relatively
Piezoelectric inkjet



small compared to actuator force
IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14



Long refill time usually
IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45



dominates the total repetition rate


Shuttered
Requires common ink pressure oscillator
IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17


oscillating ink
May not be suitable for pigmented inks
IJ18, IJ19, IJ21


pressure


Refill actuator
Requires two independent actuators per nozzle
IJ09


Positive ink
Surface spill must be prevented
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658


pressure
Highly hydrophobic print head surfaces are
A2 and related patent



required
applications




Alternative for:




IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14




IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45



















METHOD OF RESTRICTING BACK-FLOW THROUGH INLET

















Inlet back-flow




restriction


method
Description
Advantages





Long inlet
The ink inlet channel to the nozzle
Design simplicity


channel
chamber is made long and relatively
Operational simplicity



narrow, relying on viscous drag to reduce
Reduces crosstalk



inlet back-flow.


Positive ink
The ink is under a positive pressure, so
Drop selection and separation


pressure
that in the quiescent state some of the ink
forces can be reduced



drop already protrudes from the nozzle.
Fast refill time



This reduces the pressure in the nozzle




chamber which is required to eject a




certain volume of ink. The reduction in




chamber pressure results in a reduction




in ink pushed out through the inlet.



Baffle
One or more baffles are placed in the
The refill rate is not as restricted



inlet ink flow. When the actuator is
as the long inlet method.



energized, the rapid ink movement
Reduces crosstalk



creates eddies which restrict the flow




through the inlet. The slower refill



process is unrestricted, and does not



result in eddies.


Flexible flap
In this method recently disclosed by
Significantly reduces back-flow


restricts inlet
Canon, the expanding actuator (bubble)
for edge-shooter thermal ink



pushes on a flexible flap that restricts the
jet devices



inlet.



Inlet filter
A filter is located between the ink inlet
Additional advantage of ink



and the nozzle chamber. The filter has a
filtration



multitude of small holes or slots,
Ink filter may be fabricated with



restricting ink flow. The filter also
no additional process steps



removes particles which may block the



nozzle.


Small inlet
The ink inlet channel to the nozzle
Design simplicity


compared to
chamber has a substantially smaller cross



nozzle
section than that of the nozzle, resulting




in easier ink egress out of the nozzle than



out of the inlet.


Inlet shutter
A secondary actuator controls the
Increases speed of the ink-jet print



position of a shutter, closing off the ink
head operation



inlet when the main actuator is



energized.


The inlet is
The method avoids the problem of inlet
Back-flow problem is eliminated


located behind
back-flow by arranging the ink-pushing



the ink-pushing
surface of the actuator between the inlet



surface
and the nozzle.



Part of the
The actuator and a wall of the ink
Significant reductions in back-


actuator moves
chamber are arranged so that the motion
flow can be achieved


to shut off the
of the actuator closes off the inlet.
Compact designs possible


inlet


Nozzle actuator
In some configurations of ink jet, there is
Ink back-flow problem is


does not result
no expansion or movement of an actuator
eliminated


in ink back-flow
which may cause ink back-flow through




the inlet.














Inlet back-flow





restriction



method
Disadvantages
Examples







Long inlet
Restricts refill rate
Thermal inkjet



channel
May result in a relatively large chip area
Piezoelectric inkjet




Only partially effective
IJ42, IJ43



Positive ink
Requires a method (such as a nozzle rim or
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658



pressure
effective hydrophobizing, or both) to
A2 and related patent




prevent flooding of the ejection surface of
applications




the print head.
Possible operation of the





following:





IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ12





IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22,





IJ23-IJ34, IJ36-IJ41





IJ44



Baffle
Design complexity
HP Thermal Ink Jet




May increase fabrication complexity (e.g.
Tektronix piezoelectric ink




Tektronix hot melt Piezoelectric print
jet




heads).



Flexible flap
Not applicable to most inkjet configurations
Canon



restricts inlet
Increased fabrication complexity




Inelastic deformation of polymer flap results




in creep over extended use



Inlet filter
Restricts refill rate
IJ04, IJ12, IJ24, IJ27




May result in complex construction
IJ29, IJ30



Small inlet
Restricts refill rate
IJ02, IJ37, IJ44



compared to
May result in a relatively large chip area



nozzle
Only partially effective



Inlet shutter
Requires separate refill actuator and drive
IJ09




circuit



The inlet is
Requires careful design to minimize the
IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, IJ06



located behind
negative pressure behind the paddle
IJ07, IJ10, IJ11, IJ14



the ink-pushing

IJ16, IJ22, IJ23, IJ25



surface

IJ28, IJ31, IJ32, IJ33





IJ34, IJ35, IJ36, IJ39





IJ40, IJ41



Part of the
Small increase in fabrication complexity
IJ07, IJ20, IJ26, IJ38



actuator moves



to shut off the



inlet



Nozzle actuator
None related to ink back-flow on actuation
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658



does not result

A2 and related patent



in ink back-flow

applications





Valve-jet





Tone-jet





IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17





IJ18, IJ19, IJ21




















NOZZLE CLEARING METHOD

















Nozzle Clearing




method
Description
Advantages





Normal nozzle
All of the nozzles are fired periodically,
No added complexity on the print


firing
before the ink has a chance to dry. When
head



not in use the nozzles are sealed (capped)




against air.




The nozzle firing is usually performed



during a special clearing cycle, after first



moving the print head to a cleaning



station.


Extra power to
In systems which heat the ink, but do not
Can be highly effective if the


ink heater
boil it under normal situations, nozzle
heater is adjacent to the nozzle



clearing can be achieved by over-




powering the heater and boiling ink at



the nozzle.


Rapid
The actuator is fired in rapid succession.
Does not require extra drive


succession of
In some configurations, this may cause
circuits on the print head


actuator pulses
heat build-up at the nozzle which boils
Can be readily controlled and



the ink, clearing the nozzle. In other
initiated by digital logic



situations, it may cause sufficient




vibrations to dislodge clogged nozzles.


Extra power to
Where an actuator is not normally driven
A simple solution where


ink pushing
to the limit of its motion, nozzle clearing
applicable


actuator
may be assisted by providing an




enhanced drive signal to the actuator.



Acoustic
An ultrasonic wave is applied to the ink
A high nozzle clearing capability


resonance
chamber. This wave is of an appropriate
can be achieved



amplitude and frequency to cause
May be implemented at very low



sufficient force at the nozzle to clear
cost in systems which already



blockages. This is easiest to achieve if
include acoustic actuators



the ultrasonic wave is at a resonant



frequency of the ink cavity.


Nozzle clearing
A microfabricated plate is pushed against
Can clear severely clogged


plate
the nozzles. The plate has a post for
nozzles



every nozzle. The array of posts



Ink pressure
The pressure of the ink is temporarily
May be effective where other


pulse
increased so that ink streams from all of
methods cannot be used



the nozzles. This may be used in




conjunction with actuator energizing.



Print head wiper
A flexible ‘blade’ is wiped across the
Effective for planar print head



print head surface. The blade is usually
surfaces



fabricated from a flexible polymer, e.g.
Low cost



rubber or synthetic elastomer.



Separate ink
A separate heater is provided at the
Can be effective where other


boiling heater
nozzle although the normal drop e-ection
nozzle clearing methods



mechanism does not require it. The
cannot be used



heaters do not require individual drive
Can be implemented at no



circuits, as many nozzles can be cleared
additional cost in some inkjet



simultaneously, and no imaging is
configurations



required.














Nozzle Clearing





method
Disadvantages
Examples







Normal nozzle
May not be sufficient to displace dried ink
Most ink jet systems



firing

IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ12





IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22





IJ23-IJ34, IJ36-IJ45



Extra power to
Requires higher drive voltage for clearing
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658



ink heater
May require larger drive transistors
A2 and related patent





applications



Rapid
Effectiveness depends substantially upon the
May be used with:



succession of
configuration of the inkjet nozzle
IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ11



actuator pulses

IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22





IJ23-IJ25, IJ27-IJ34





IJ36-IJ45



Extra power to
Not suitable where there is a hard limit to
May be used with:



ink pushing
actuator movement
IJ03, IJ09, IJ16, IJ20



actuator

IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ27





IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32





IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42





IJ43, IJ44, IJ45



Acoustic
High implementation cost if system does not
IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17



resonance
already include an acoustic actuator
IJ18, IJ19, IJ21



Nozzle clearing
Accurate mechanical alignment is required
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658



plate
Moving parts are required
A2 and related patent




There is risk of damage to the nozzles
applications




Accurate fabrication is required



Ink pressure
Requires pressure pump or other pressure
May be used with all IJ



pulse
actuator
series ink jets




Expensive




Wasteful of ink



Print head wiper
Difficult to use if print head surface is non-
Many ink jet systems




planar or very fragile




Requires mechanical parts




Blade can wear out in high volume print




systems



Separate ink
Fabrication complexity
Can be used with many IJ



boiling heater

series ink jets




















NOZZLE PLATE CONSTRUCTION

















Nozzle plate




construction
Description
Advantages





Electroformed
A nozzle plate is separately fabricated
Fabrication simplicity


nickel
from electroformed nickel, and bonded




to the print head chip.



Laser ablated or
Individual nozzle holes are ablated by an
No masks required


drilled polymer
intense UV laser in a nozzle plate, which
Can be quite fast



is typically a polymer such as polyimide
Some control over nozzle profile



or polysulphone
is possible




Equipment required is relatively




low cost


Silicon micromachined
A separate nozzle plate is
High accuracy is attainable



micromachined from single crystal




silicon, and bonded to the print head




wafer.



Glass capillaries
Fine glass capillaries are drawn from
No expensive equipment required



glass tubing. This method has been used
Simple to make single nozzles



for making individual nozzles, but is



difficult to use for bulk manufacturing of



print heads with thousands of nozzles.


Monolithic,
The nozzle plate is deposited as a layer
High accuracy (<1 μm)


surface micromachined
using standard VLSI deposition
Monolithic


using VLSI
techniques. Nozzles are etched in the
Low cost


lithographic
nozzle plate using VLSI lithography and
Existing processes can be used


processes
etching.


Monolithic,
The nozzle plate is a buried etch stop in
High accuracy (<1 μm)


etched through
the wafer. Nozzle chambers are etched in
Monolithic


substrate
the front of the wafer, and the wafer is
Low cost



thinned from the back side. Nozzles are
No differential expansion



then etched in the etch stop layer.


No nozzle plate
Various methods have been tried to
No nozzles to become clogged



eliminate the nozzles entirely, to prevent



nozzle clogging. These include thermal



bubble mechanisms and acoustic lens



mechanisms


Trough
Each drop ejector has a trough through
Reduced manufacturing



which a paddle moves. There is no
complexity



nozzle plate.
Monolithic


Nozzle slit
The elimination of nozzle holes and
No nozzles to become clogged


instead of
replacement by a slit encompassing


individual
many actuator positions reduces nozzle


nozzles
clogging, but increases crosstalk due to



ink surface waves












Nozzle plate




construction
Disadvantages
Examples





Electroformed
High temperatures and pressures are required
Hewlett Packard Thermal Inkjet


nickel
to bond nozzle plate




Minimum thickness constraints



Differential thermal expansion


Laser ablated or
Each hole must be individually formed
Canon Bubblejet


drilled polymer
Special equipment required
1988 Sercel et al., SPIE,



Slow where there are many thousands of
Vol. 998 Excimer Beam



nozzles per print head
Applications, pp. 76-83



May produce thin burrs at exit holes
1993 Watanabe et al.,




U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,604


Silicon micromachined
Two part construction
K. Bean, IEEE



High cost
Transactions on



Requires precision alignment
Electron Devices, Vol.



Nozzles may be clogged by adhesive
ED-25, No. 10, 1978,




pp 1185-1195




Xerox 1990 Hawkins et




al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181


Glass capillaries
Very small nozzle sizes are difficult to form
1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No.



Not suited for mass production
3,683,212


Monolithic,
Requires sacrificial layer under the nozzle
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658


surface micromachined
plate to form the nozzle chamber
A2 and related patent


using
Surface may be fragile to the touch
applications


VLSI

IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ11


lithographic

IJ12, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20


processes

IJ22, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28




IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32




IJ33, IJ34, IJ36, IJ37




IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41




IJ42, IJ43, IJ44


Monolithic,
Requires long etch times
IJ03, IJ05, IJ06, IJ07


etched through
Requires a support wafer
IJ08, IJ09, IJ10, IJ13


substrate

IJ14, IJ15, IJ16, IJ19




IJ21, IJ23, IJ25, IJ26


No nozzle plate
Difficult to control drop position accurately
Ricoh 1995 Sekiya et al



Crosstalk problems
U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,413




1993 Hadimioglu et al




EUP 550,192




1993 Elrod et al EUP




572,220


Trough
Drop firing direction is sensitive to wicking.
IJ35


Nozzle slit
Difficult to control drop position accurately
1989 Saito et al U.S. Pat. No.


instead of
Crosstalk problems
4,799,068


individual


nozzles



















DROP EJECTION DIRECTION











Ejection






direction
Description
Advantages
Disadvantages
Examples





Edge
Ink flow is along the surface of the chip,
Simple construction
Nozzles limited to edge
Canon Bubblejet 1979


(‘edge
and ink drops are ejected from the chifp
No silicon etching required
High resolution is difficult
Endo et al GB patent


shooter’)
edge.
Good heat sinking via substrate
Fast color printing requires
2,007,162




Mechanically strong
one print head per color
Xerox heater-in-pit 1990




Ease of chip handing

Hawkins et al






U.S. Pat. No.






4,899,181






Tone-jet


Surface
Ink flow is along the surface of the chip,
No bulk silicon etching required
Maximum ink flow is
Hewlett-Packard TIJ 1982


(‘roof
and ink drops are ejected from the chip
Silicon can make an effective heat
severely restricted
Vaught et al


shooter’)
surface, normal to the plane of the chip.
sink

U.S. Pat. No.




Mechanical strength

4,490,728






IJ02, IJ11, IJ12, IJ20






IJ22


Through
Ink flow is through the chip, and ink
High ink flow
Requires bulk silicon 
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658


chip,
drops are ejected from the front surface
Suitable for pagewidth print
etching
A2 and related patent


forward (‘up
of the chip.
High nozzle packing density

applications


shooter’)

therefore low manufacturing

IJ04, IJ17, IJ18, IJ24




cost

IJ27-IJ45


Through
Ink flow is through the chip, and ink
High ink flow
Requires wafer thinning
IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, IJ06


chip,
drops are ejected from the rear surface of
Suitable for pagewidth print
Requires special handling
IJ07, IJ08, IJ09, IJ10


reverse
the chip.
High nozzle packing density
during manufacture
IJ13, IJ14, IJ15, IJ16


(‘down

therefore low manufacturing

IJ19, IJ21, IJ23, IJ25


shooter’)

cost

IJ26


Through
Ink flow is through the actuator, which is
Suitable for piezoelectric print
Pagewidth print heads
Epson Stylus


actuator
not fabricated as part of the same
heads
require several
Tektronix hot melt



substrate as the drive transistors.

thousand connections
piezoelectric ink jets





to drive circuits





Cannot be manufactured





in standard CMOS fabs





Complex assembly





required



















INK TYPE











Ink type
Description
Advantages
Disadvantages
Examples





Aqueous, dye
Water based ink which typically
Environmentally friendly
Slow drying
Most existing inkjets



contains: water, dye, surfactant,
No odor
Corrosive
All IJ series ink jets



humectant, and biocide.

Bleeds on paper
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658



Modern ink dyes have high water-

May strikethrough
A2 and related patent



fastness, light fastness

Cockles paper
applications


Aqueous,
Water based ink which typically
Environmentally friendly
Slow drying
IJ02, IJ04, IJ21, IJ26


pigment
contains: water, pigment, surfactant,
No odor
Corrosive
IJ27, IJ30



humectant, and biocide.
Reduced bleed
Pigment may clog nozzles
Silverbrook, EP 0771 658



Pigments have an advantage in reduced
Reduced wicking
Pigment may clog actuator
A2 and related patent



bleed, wicking and strikethrough.
Reduced strikethrough
mechanisms
applications





Cockles paper
Piezoelectric ink-jets






Thermal ink jets (with






significant restrictions)


Methyl Ethyl
MEK is a highly volatile solvent used for
Very fast drying
Odorous
All IJ series ink jets


Ketone (MEK)
industrial printing on difficult surfaces
Prints on various substrates
Flammable



such as aluminum cans.
such as metals and plastics


Alcohol
Alcohol based inks can be used where
Fast drying
Slight odor
All IJ series ink jets


(ethanol, 2-
the printer must operate at temperatures
Operates at sub-freezing
Flammable


butanol, and
below the freezing point of water. An
temperatures


others)
example of this is in-camera consumer
Reduced paper cockle



photographic printing.
Low cost


Phase change
The ink is solid at room temperature, and
No drying time-ink instantly
High viscosity
Tektronix hot melt


(hot melt)
is melted in the print head before jetting.
freezes on the print medium
Printed ink typically
piezoelectric ink jets



Hot melt inks are usually wax based,
Almost any print medium
has a ‘waxy’ feel
1989 Nowak U.S. Pat. No.



with a melting point around 80° C. After
can be used
Printed pages may ‘block’
4,820,346



jetting the ink freezes almost instantly
No paper cockle occurs
Ink temperature may be
All IJ series ink jets



upon contacting the print medium or a
No wicking occurs
above the curie point of



transfer roller.
No bleed occurs
permanent magnets




No strikethrough occurs
Ink heaters consume power





Long warm-up time


Oil
Oil based inks are extensively used in
High solubility medium for
High viscosity: this is
All IJ series ink jets



offset printing. They have advantages in
some dyes
a significant limitation



improved characteristics on paper
Does not cockle paper
for use in inkjets, which



(especially no wicking or cockle). Oil
Does not wick through paper
usually require a low



soluble dies and pigments are required.

viscosity. Some short





chain and multi-branched





oils have a sufficiently





low viscosity.





Slow drying


Microemulsion
A microemulsion is a stable, self forming
Stops ink bleed
Viscosity higher than water
All IJ series ink jets



emulsion of oil, water, and surfactant.
High dye solubility
Cost is slightly higher



The characteristic drop size is less than
Water, oil, and amphiphilic
than water based ink



100 nm, and is determined by the
soluble dies can be used
High surfactant concentration



preferred curvature of the surfactant.
Can stabilize pigment
required (around 5%)




suspensions









Ink Jet Printing

A large number of new forms of ink jet printers have been developed to facilitate alternative ink jet technologies for the image processing and data distribution system. Various combinations of ink jet devices can be included in printer devices incorporated as part of the present invention. Australian Provisional Patent Applications relating to these ink jets which are specifically incorporated by cross reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.













Australian


U.S. Patent/Patent


Provisional


Application


Number
Filing Date
Title
and Filing Date







PO8066
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ01)
6,227,652





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8072
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ02)
6,213,588





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8040
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ03)
6,213,589





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8071
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ04)
6,231,163





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8047
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ05)
6,247,795





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8035
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ06)
6,394,581





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8044
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ07)
6,244,691





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8063
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ08)
6,257,704





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8057
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ09)
6,416,168





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8056
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ10)
6,220,694





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8069
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ11)
6,257,705





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8049
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ12)
6,247,794





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8036
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ13)
6,234,610





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8048
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ14)
6,247,793





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8070
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ15)
6,264,306





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8067
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ16)
6,241,342





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8001
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ17)
6,247,792





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8038
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ18)
6,264,307





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8033
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ19)
6,254,220





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8002
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ20)
6,234,611





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8068
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ21)
6,302,528





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8062
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ22)
6,283,582





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8034
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ23)
6,239,821





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8039
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ24)
6,338,547





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8041
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ25)
6,247,796





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8004
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ26)
09/113,122





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8037
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ27)
6,390,603





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8043
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ28)
6,362,843





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8042
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ29)
6,293,653





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8064
15 Jul. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ30)
6,312,107





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9389
23 Sep. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ31)
6,227,653





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9391
23 Sep. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ32)
6,234,609





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0888
12 Dec. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ33)
6,238,040





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0891
12 Dec. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ34)
6,188,415





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0890
12 Dec. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ35)
6,227,654





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0873
12 Dec. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ36)
6,209,989





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0993
12 Dec. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ37)
6,247,791





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0890
12 Dec. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ38)
6,336,710





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP1398
19 Jan. 1998
An Image Creation Method and Apparatus
6,217,153




(IJ39)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP2592
25 Mar. 1998
An Image Creation Method and Apparatus
6,416,167




(IJ40)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP2593
25 Mar. 1998
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ41)
6,243,113





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP3991
9 Jun. 1998
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ42)
6,283,581





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP3987
9 Jun. 1998
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ43)
6,247,790





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP3985
9 Jun. 1998
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ44)
6,260,953





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP3983
9 Jun. 1998
Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ45)
6,267,469





(Jul. 10, 1998)









Ink Jet Manufacturing

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor fabrication techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable manufacturing techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.













Australian


U.S. Patent/


Provisional


Patent Application


Number
Filing Date
Title
and Filing Date







PO7935
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,224,780




Apparatus (IJM01)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7936
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,235,212




Apparatus (IJM02)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7937
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,280,643




Apparatus (IJM03)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8061
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,284,147




Apparatus (IJM04)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8054
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,214,244




Apparatus (IJM05)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8065
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,071,750




Apparatus (IJM06)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8055
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,267,905




Apparatus (IJM07)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8053
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,251,298




Apparatus (IJM08)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8078
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,258,285




Apparatus (IJM09)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7933
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,225,138




Apparatus (IJM10)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7950
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,241,904




Apparatus (IJM11)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7949
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,299,786




Apparatus (IJM12)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8060
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
09/113,124




Apparatus (IJM13)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8059
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,231,773




Apparatus (IJM14)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8073
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,190,931




Apparatus (IJM15)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8076
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,248,249




Apparatus (IJM16)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8075
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,290,862




Apparatus (IJM17)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8079
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,241,906




Apparatus (IJM18)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8050
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
09/113,116




Apparatus (IJM19)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8052
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,241,905




Apparatus (IJM20)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7948
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,451,216




Apparatus (IJM21)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7951
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,231,772




Apparatus (IJM22)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8074
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,274,056




Apparatus (IJM23)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7941
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,290,861




Apparatus (IJM24)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8077
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,248,248




Apparatus (IJM25)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8058
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,306,671




Apparatus (IJM26)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8051
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,331,258




Apparatus (IJM27)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8045
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,110,754




Apparatus (IJM28)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7952
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,294,101




Apparatus (IJM29)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8046
15 Jul. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,416,679




Apparatus (IJM30)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8503
11 Aug. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,264,849




Apparatus (IJM30a)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9390
23 Sep. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,254,793




Apparatus (IJM31)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9392
23 Sep. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,235,211




Apparatus (IJM32)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0889
12 Dec. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,235,211




Apparatus (IJM35)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0887
12 Dec. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,264,850




Apparatus (IJM36)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0882
12 Dec. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,258,284




Apparatus (IJM37)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0874
12 Dec. 1997
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,258,284




Apparatus (IJM38)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP1396
19 Jan. 1998
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,228,668




Apparatus (IJM39)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP2591
25 Mar. 1998
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,180,427




Apparatus (IJM41)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP3989
9 Jun. 1998
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,171,875




Apparatus (IJM40)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP3990
9 Jun. 1998
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,267,904




Apparatus (IJM42)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP3986
9 Jun. 1998
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,245,247




Apparatus (IJM43)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP3984
9 Jun. 1998
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,245,247




Apparatus (IJM44)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP3982
9 Jun. 1998
A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation
6,231,148




Apparatus (IJM45)
(Jul. 10, 1998)









Fluid Supply

Further, the present application may utilize an ink delivery system to the ink jet head. Delivery systems relating to the supply of ink to a series of ink jet nozzles are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.













Australian


U.S. Patent/Patent


Provisional


Application and


Number
Filing Date
Title
Filing Date







PO8003
15 Jul. 1997
Supply Method and
6,350,023




Apparatus (F1)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8005
15 Jul. 1997
Supply Method and
6,318,849




Apparatus (F2)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9404
23 Sep. 1997
A Device and Method
09/113,101




(F3)
(Jul. 10, 1998)









MEMS Technology

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor microelectromechanical techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable microelectromechanical techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.













Australian


U.S. Patent/


Provisional


Patent Application and


Number
Filing Date
Title
Filing Date







PO7943
15 Jul. 1997
A device (MEMS01)



PO8006
15 Jul. 1997
A device (MEMS02)
6,087,638





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8007
15 Jul. 1997
A device (MEMS03)
09/113,093





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8008
15 Jul. 1997
A device (MEMS04)
6,340,222





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8010
15 Jul. 1997
A device (MEMS05)
6,041,600





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8011
15 Jul. 1997
A device (MEMS06)
6,299,300





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7947
15 Jul. 1997
A device (MEMS07)
6,067,797





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7945
15 Jul. 1997
A device (MEMS08)
09/113,081





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7944
15 Jul. 1997
A device (MEMS09)
6,286,935





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7946
15 Jul. 1997
A device (MEMS10)
6,044,646





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9393
23 Sep. 1997
A Device and Method (MEMS11)
09/113,065





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0875
12 Dec. 1997
A Device (MEMS12)
09/113,078





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0894
12 Dec. 1997
A Device and Method (MEMS13)
09/113,075





(Jul. 10, 1998)









IR Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of a disposable camera system such as those described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.













Australian


U.S. Patent/


Provisional


Patent Application and


Number
Filing Date
Title
Filing Date







PP0895
12 Dec. 1997
An Image Creation Method and Apparatus
6,231,148




(IR01)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0870
12 Dec. 1997
A Device and Method (IR02)
09/113,106





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0869
12 Dec. 1997
A Device and Method (IR04)
6,293,658





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0887
12 Dec. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus
09/113,104




(IR05)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0885
12 Dec. 1997
An Image Production System (IR06)
6,238,033





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0884
12 Dec. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus
6,312,070




(IR10)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0886
12 Dec. 1997
Image Creation Method and Apparatus
6,238,111




(IR12)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0871
12 Dec. 1997
A Device and Method (IR13)
09/113,086





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0876
12 Dec. 1997
An Image Processing Method and
09/113,094




Apparatus (IR14)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0877
12 Dec. 1997
A Device and Method (IR16)
6,378,970





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0878
12 Dec. 1997
A Device and Method (IR17)
6,196,739





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0879
12 Dec. 1997
A Device and Method (IR18)
09/112,774





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0883
12 Dec. 1997
A Device and Method (IR19)
6,270,182





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0880
12 Dec. 1997
A Device and Method (IR20)
6,152,619





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0881
12 Dec. 1997
A Device and Method (IR21)
09/113,092





(Jul. 10, 1998)









DotCard Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of a data distribution system such as that described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.













Australian


U.S. Patent/Patent


Provisional


Application


Number
Filing Date
Title
and Filing Date







PP2370
16 Mar.
Data Processing Method
09/112,781



1998
and Apparatus (Dot01)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP2371
16 Mar.
Data Processing Method
09/113,052



1998
and Apparatus (Dot02)
(Jul. 10, 1998)









Artcam Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of camera and data processing techniques such as an Artcam type device as described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.













Australian


U.S. Patent/


Provisional


Patent Application and


Number
Filing Date
Title
Filing Date







PO7991
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/113,060




(ART01)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7988
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
6,476,863




(ART02)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7993
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/113,073




(ART03)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9395
23 Sep. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
6,322,181




(ART04)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8017
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,747




(ART06)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8014
15 Jul. 1997
Media Device (ART07)
6,227,648





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8025
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,750




(ART08)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8032
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,746




(ART09)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7999
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,743




(ART10)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7998
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,742




(ART11)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8031
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,741




(ART12)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8030
15 Jul. 1997
Media Device (ART13)
6,196,541





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7997
15 Jul. 1997
Media Device (ART15)
6,195,150





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7979
15 Jul. 1997
Media Device (ART16)
6,362,868





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8015
15 Jul. 1997
Media Device (ART17)
09/112,738





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7978
15 Jul. 1997
Media Device (ART18)
09/113,067





(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7982
15 Jul. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
6,431,669




(ART19)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7989
15 Jul. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
6,362,869




(ART20)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8019
15 Jul. 1997
Media Processing Method and Apparatus
6,472,052




(ART21)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7980
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
6,356,715




(ART22)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8018
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,777




(ART24)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7938
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/113,224




(ART25)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8016
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
6,366,693




(ART26)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8024
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
6,329,990




(ART27)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7940
15 Jul. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
09/113,072




(ART28)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7939
15 Jul. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,785




(ART29)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8501
11 Aug. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
6,137,500




(ART30)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8500
11 Aug. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,796




(ART31)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7987
15 Jul. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
09/113,071




(ART32)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8022
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
6,398,328




(ART33)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8497
11 Aug. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/113,090




(ART34)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8020
15 Jul. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
6,431,704




(ART38)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8023
15 Jul. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
09/113,222




(ART39)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8504
11 Aug. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,786




(ART42)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8000
15 Jul. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
6,415,054




(ART43)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7977
15 Jul. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,782




(ART44)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7934
15 Jul. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
09/113,056




(ART45)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7990
15 Jul. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
09/113,059




(ART46)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8499
11 Aug. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
6,486,886




(ART47)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8502
11 Aug. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
6,381,361




(ART48)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7981
15 Jul. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
6,317,192




(ART50)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7986
15 Jul. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
09/113,057




(ART51)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO7983
15 Jul. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
09/113,054




(ART52)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8026
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,752




(ART53)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8027
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,759




(ART54)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO8028
15 Jul. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,757




(ART56)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9394
23 Sep. 1997
Image Processing Method and Apparatus
6,357,135




(ART57)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9396
23 Sep. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
09/113,107




(ART58)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9397
23 Sep. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
6,271,931




(ART59)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9398
23 Sep. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
6,353,772




(ART60)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9399
23 Sep. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
6,106,147




(ART61)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9400
23 Sep. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,790




(ART62)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9401
23 Sep. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
6,304,291




(ART63)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9402
23 Sep. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
09/112,788




(ART64)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9403
23 Sep. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
6,305,770




(ART65)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PO9405
23 Sep. 1997
Data Processing Method and Apparatus
6,289,262




(ART66)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP0959
16 Dec. 1997
A Data Processing Method and
6,315,200




Apparatus (ART68)
(Jul. 10, 1998)


PP1397
19 Jan. 1998
A Media Device (ART69)
6,217,165





(Jul. 10, 1998)

## Claims

1. A print roll unit comprising:
an elongate core defining a plurality of elongate ink chambers, each for storing a respective type of ink;
a roll of print media comprising a tubular former in which the core can be received and a length of print media which is wound upon the former; and
a housing comprising a pair of molded covers which can be fastened together in a releasable manner to house the roll of print media.

2. A print roll unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the molded covers define complementary formations to enable the molded covers to be snap-fitted together.

3. A print roll unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the molded covers defines an elongate slot through which the print media can exit the print roll unit.

4. A print roll unit as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a triplet of pinch rollers which are each rotationally mounted to the housing and are arranged to de-curl the print media as it is unwound from the roll.

5. A print roll unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein the triplet comprises a single drive roller and a pair of passive rollers.

6. A print roll unit as claimed in claim 5, wherein the drive roller is mounted to a first one of the covers and the passive rollers are mounted to the other one of the covers.

7. A print roll unit as claimed in claim 5, wherein the passive rollers are snap fitted to formations defined by the housing.

8. A camera comprising a print roll unit as claimed in claim 1 and a printer in fluid communication with the core and configured to print captured images on the print media with ink stored in the core.