Patent Publication Number: US-8529017-B2

Title: Printhead cleaning web assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/402,425 filed on Apr. 3, 2009 by Kevin T. Kersey and Timothy J. Carllin and entitled PRINTHEAD CLEANING WEB ASSEMBLY, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Printheads are sometimes used to deposit ink and other fluid in patterns or images. Servicing and maintaining the printheads frequently involves complex, costly and space consuming servicing components. Such servicing may be inadequate, reducing the useful life of the printheads. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of one example of a printing system according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the printing system of  FIG. 1  according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the system of  FIG. 2  illustrating positioning of a capper in a capping position according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary top perspective view of the system of  FIG. 2  illustrating a service station prior to reception of a service cartridge according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a fragmentary top perspective view illustrating the service cartridge positioned within the service station with portions of the service station omitted for purposes of illustration according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of a cartridge of the system of  FIG. 2  with portions of the cartridge omitted for purposes of illustration according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a portion of the cartridge of  FIG. 6  illustrating a web path according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevational view illustrating a cartridge in a non-wiping position according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the cartridge in a wiping position according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a fragmentary top perspective view of the cartridge inserted into the service station of the system of  FIG. 2  according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of the cartridge of the system  FIG. 2  illustrating the cartridge positioned opposite printheads during priming or spitting according to an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  schematically illustrates one example embodiment of a printing system  10 . Printing system  10  is configured to print images upon media. As will be described in greater detail hereafter, printing system  10  services printheads in a compact, less complex and cost-effective manner. 
     Printing system  10  generally includes main frame or housing  12 , media support  14 , actuator  16 , printheads  20 , service station  24 , service cartridge  30  and controller  32 . Housing  12  comprises one or more structures configured to support and at least partially house and contain the remaining components of printing system  10 . Housing  12  may have various sizes and configurations and may support or enclose components in addition to those shown. 
     Media support  14  comprises one of more structures configured to support media being printed upon. In one embodiment, media support  14  comprises a tray, carriage, platform or the like configured to support a sheet  40  of media. The media may comprise a cellulose, polymeric or other material. In another embodiment, media support  14  may be configured to support other forms of media such as media in the form of a web. 
     Actuator  16  comprises a device configured to move and reposition media support  14  with respect to either printheads  20  or service station  24 . In the embodiment illustrated, actuator  16  is configured to move media support  14  in a direction along the X axis so as to enable service station  24  to be moved along the Y axis to move service cartridge  30  between a servicing position in which service cartridge  30  is generally opposite to printheads  20  (shown in solid lines) and a non-servicing position in which service cartridge  30  is not opposite to printheads  20  (shown in broken lines). 
     In other embodiments, actuator  16  may alternatively be configured to move media support  14  in directions along either the Y axis or the Z axis. In one embodiment, actuator  16  may comprise a rack and pinion drive, wherein a pinion is rotatably driven by a motor. In other embodiments, actuator  16  may alternatively comprise a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder-piston assembly or other linear actuator configured to move support  14  out of the way of service station  24 . In still other embodiments, actuator  16  a be configured to pivot support station  24  to a withdrawn position so as to not interfere with positioning of cartridge  30  opposite to printheads  20 . In still other embodiments, actuator  16  may be omitted where service station  24  is substantially stationary and printheads  20  are movably supported so as to move between support  14  and service cartridge  30 . 
     Printheads  20  comprise one or more printheads configured to eject fluid upon media supported by support  14  in a desired image or pattern. In one embodiment, printheads  20  comprise thermoresistive inkjet printheads stationarily supported with respect to housing  12  during printing upon media  40  or during servicing of printheads  20  by service station  24 . In the example illustrated, printheads  20  include multiple printheads having a length L. In one embodiment, printheads  20  have a length L of at least 4 inches, allowing system  10  to print upon substantially an entire surface of a larger media, such as a photo media, in fewer passes, such as a single pass. In other embodiments, printed  20  may comprise other fluid emitting devices, may be movable with respect to service station  24  and may have other dimensions. 
     Service station  24  receives and supports service cartridge  30  and supplies power to cartridge  30  to drive components of cartridge  30  and to move cartridge  30  relative to service station  24 . In the particular example illustrated, service station  24  further caps printheads  20  and movably supports cartridge  30  relative to printheads  20 . As schematically shown in  FIG. 1 , service station  24  includes frame  44 , latch  48 , capper  50 , actuator  52 , torque source  54  and a linear actuator  56 . Frame  44  comprises one or more structures configured to removably receive cartridge  30 . Frame  44  further supports remaining components of service station  24 . In the example illustrated, frame  44  is itself movably supported with respect to housing  12  of printing system  10 . In other embodiments, frame  44  may be stationarily supported with respect to housing  12 . 
     Latch  48  comprises a mechanism associated with frame  44  and configured to releasably secure cartridge  30  with respect to frame  44 . In the particular example illustrated, latch  48  further movably supports cartridge  30  with respect to frame  44 , facilitating pivoting of cartridge  30  between a wiping position and retracted position (shown in  FIG. 1 ) as will be described in more detail hereafter. Because latch  48  both pivotally supports cartridge  30  and secures cartridge  30 , service station  24  is less complex. In other embodiments, separate mechanism or components may be used for securing cartridge  32  of service station  24  and for pivotally supporting cartridge  30  with respect to service station  24 . 
     Capper  50  comprises a mechanism configured to cap or seal nozzles of printheads  20  when printheads  20  are not being used. In one embodiment, capper  50  includes elastomeric rims or walls extending along a face and configured to the pressed or held against a face of printheads  20  opposite to the nozzles of printheads  20 . In other embodiments, capper  50  may comprise other presently developed or future developed structures configured to cap or seal printheads  20  when not in use. 
     In the embodiment illustrated, capper  50  is configured to move between a withdrawn printing or servicing position and a capping position (shown in broken lines). In the particular example illustrated, capper  50  pivots between a lowered withdrawn position and a raised capping position. In the particular embodiment illustrated, capper  50  is pivotally connected to frame  44  of service station  24 . In other embodiments, capper  50  may be configured to move in other fashions between a capping position opposite to printheads  20  and a printing position in which capper  50  is out of the way of media support  14 . In other embodiments, in lieu of being supported by frame  44  of service station  24 , capper  50  may be supported by other structures associated with printing system  12 . 
     Actuator  52  comprises a mechanism configured to pivot capper  50  between the capping position and a printing position. In one embodiment, actuator  52  comprises a motor, such as a stepper motor or a servo motor, configured to supply torque which is transmitted via a drive train  60  to capper  50  so as to pivot capper  50  as desired. Drive train  60  may comprise one or more of a gear train, a belt and pulley arrangement, a chain and sprocket arrangement, a series of mechanical links and levers or combinations thereof. Actuator  52  is coupled to and supported by frame  44  of service station  24 . In other embodiments, actuator  52  may be supported by other structures associated with system  10 , such as housing  12 . 
     In the example illustrated, actuator  52  is further operably coupled to service cartridge  30  so as to pivot service cartridge  30  about axis  62  between the wiping position and a non-wiping position as will be described in more detail hereafter. In one embodiment, actuator  52  is supported by frame  44  of service station  24  and is operably coupled to cartridge  30  by pivot mechanism  64 . In one embodiment, mechanism  64  may comprise a cam and a linkage or other structure which upon receiving force from actuator  52 , pivots cartridge  30  about axis  62 . Because system  10  utilizes a single actuator  52  to pivot both capper  50  and service cartridge  30 , system  10  is less complex and more compact. In other embodiments, system  10  may utilize distinct actuators for such functions. 
     Torque source  54  comprises a source of rotational force or torque supported by frame  44  of service station  24  and operably coupled to cartridge  30 . Torque source  54  provides torque for driving servicing elements of cartridge  30 . In one embodiment, torque source  54  comprises a motor such as a stepper motor or servo motor. 
     Linear actuator  56  comprises a mechanism configured to linearly move service station  24  either of the directions indicated by arrows  68  between a servicing position in which cartridge  30  extends generally opposite to printheads  20  and a printing position in which cartridge  30  is offset from printheads  20  (shown in broken lines). As schematically indicated by broken lines  70 , in one embodiment, linear actuator  56  may comprise a mechanism operably coupled to torque source  54  so as to utilize torque from source  54  to linearly moving service station  44  in the direction indicated by arrows  68 . Again, this arrangement reduces the number of motors or other driving components of system  10  to reduce complexity, size and cost. In one embodiment, linear actuator  56  may comprise a rack and pinion mechanism. In other embodiments, linear actuator  56  may comprise other linear actuation mechanisms and may utilize a separate additional torque source or other driving component such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder-piston assemblies, a solenoid and the like. 
     Cartridge  30  comprises a collection of elements configured to receive ink or other fluid from printheads  22  during priming and spitting of the nozzles of printheads  20 , during clog detection of each of the nozzles of printheads  20 , and during wiping of the nozzles of printheads  20 . Because cartridge  30  is removably coupled to frame  44  of service station  24 , cartridge  30  may be more easily removed for repair, replacement or refurbishment. Cartridge  30  generally includes housing  76 , supply core  78 , take-up core  80 , supports  82 A,  82 B,  82 C,  82 D and  82 E (collectively referred to as supports  82 ), wiping support  84 , input shaft  86 , drive train  88 , one-way clutch  90 , basin  92 , and sensor  94 . Housing  76  comprises one or more structures configured support and retain the remaining components of cartridge  30 . In the example illustrated, housing  76  is further configured to be releasably connected to latch  48  of service station  24 . In particular, housing  76  includes an elongate transversely extending shaft  100  that is releasably latched or secured to latch  48  and which further provides pivot axis  62  for cartridge  30 . In other embodiments, housing  76  may include other structures facilitating latching of cartridge  32  to latch  48  of service station  24  for pivotally supporting cartridge  30 . 
     Supply core  78  comprises a spindle, spool, roll or other structure configured to support windings or a web of material  104 . Core  78  is configured to rotate about axis  105  permit material  104  to be unwound from core  78 . Material  104  comprises one or more materials configured to be wiped against printheads  22  and to further receive and absorb ink. or other fluid ejected from printheads  20 . In one embodiment, material  104  comprises a cellulose based material such as a fabric. In the example illustrated, material  104  has a width of at least about five inches to facilitate simultaneous or near simultaneous spitting or priming of printheads  20  having a collective width of at least about five inches in other embodiments, material  104  may comprise materials and may have other dimensions. 
     Take-up core  80  comprises a spindle, spool, roll or other structure configured to support windings of material  104  that have been unwound from supply core  78  and that have been used for servicing printheads  20 . Take-up core  80  is operably coupled to torque source  54  of service station  24  by drive train  88 . 
     Supports  82  comprise structures between supply core  78  and take-up core  80  that are configured to direct or guide movement of the webbing of material  104  therebetween. In the example illustrated, supports  82  comprise idler shafts. In other embodiments, supports  82  may comprise other rotating or non-rotating structures which engage and direct movement of the webbing of material  104 . Supports  82 A and  82 B stretch the webbing of material  104  therebetween to form a spit and prime waste ink area  106 . Area  106  is vertically disposed below support  84  such that material  104  along area  106  does not contact printheads  20  during wiping. In the example illustrated, area  106  has a sufficient area to receive ink or other fluid spit from all of the nozzles of printheads  20 . In one embodiment, area  106  has a length of at least about 4 inches and width of at least about 5 inches. In other embodiments, area  106  may have other dimensions. In other embodiments, area  106  may alternatively be configured to service fewer printheads having a smaller width. 
     Support  84  comprises a structure configured to elevate material  104  above area  106  and to support material  104  in engagement with printheads  20  during wiping. In one embodiment, support  84  elevates material  104  at least about 0.1 inches above an upper surface of material  104  across area  106 . In one embodiment, support  84  extends alongside area  106  between area  106  and basin  92 . In one embodiment, support  84  resiliently supports material  104  against printheads  20  during wiping. In other embodiments, support  84  may support material  104  in other fashions. 
     Input shaft  86  comprises a shaft configured to grip the webbing of material  104  to control the length of material  104  taken up by take-up core  80 . Input shaft  86  is operably coupled to torque source  54  by drive train  88  so as to be rotatably driven. In one embodiment, input shaft  86  comprises a knurled shaft to enhance gripping of material  104 . In other embodiments, input shaft  86  may have other surface treatments, teeth and the like to enhance being of material  104  to facilitate enhanced control of material take-up. 
     Drive train  88  comprises a series of one or more structures configured to transmit torque to take-up core  80  and input shaft  86 . Drive train  88  includes, amongst others, clutch  110  and gear  112 . In the example illustrated, drive train  88  is configured to overdrive take-up core  80  with respect to input shaft  86 . As a result, material  104  is more tightly wound about core  80 . Material  104  is also more tightly held against input shaft  86 . Clutch  110  comprises a friction clutch configured to facilitate relative rotation between drive train  88  and take-up core  80 . In embodiments where take-up core  80  is not overdriven relative to input shaft  86  by drive train  88 , clutch  110  may be omitted. 
     Gear  112  transmits torque along drive train  88  to input shaft  86  and a core  80 . During advancement of the webbing of material  104 , gear  112  is rotatably driven in the direction indicated by arrow  114 . Gear  112  further cooperates with one-way clutch  90  to inhibit undesirable release or unwinding of material  104  from supply core  78  as will be described hereafter. 
     One-way clutch  90  comprises a one-way clutch mechanism operably coupled between gear  112  and supply core  78 . One-way clutch  90  is configured to permit faster relative angular rotation of gear  112  with respect to angular rotation of supply core  78  and to inhibit or prevent faster angular relative rotation of take-up core  78  with respect to that of gear  112 . In the particular example illustrated, one-way clutch  90  includes gear  118 , arm  120  and ratchet  122 . Gear  118  comprises a gear operably coupled to take core  78  by drive train  126  such that gear  118  rotates during rotation of core  78 . During rotation of core  78 , gear  118  rotates in the direction indicated by arrow  128  about axis  130 . 
     Arm  120  movably supports ratchet  122  about axis  130 . In one embodiment, arm  120  stationarily extends from housing  76  proximate to gear  118  and is configured to resiliently deflect or deform to permit movement of ratchet  122 . In another embodiment, arm  120  is coupled to gear  118  by a friction clutch so as to rotate with the rotation of gear  118  while resiliently cantilevering ratchet  122 . 
     Ratchet  122  comprises a mechanism configured to lock relative rotation of gear  118  with respect to gear  112 . In one of bottom, ratchet  122  comprises a gear rotatably supported at an end of arm  120 . In another embodiment, ratchet  122  may comprise other structures rotatably or not rotatably supported or cantilevered at the end of arm  120 . 
     As shown by  FIG. 1 , arm  120  movably supports ratchet  122  between a locking position (shown in solid lines) in which ratchet  122  simultaneously engages gear  112  and a gear  118  to inhibit faster angular rotation of gear  118  relative to gear  112  and a withdrawn position (shown in broken lines). In one embodiment, arm  120  resiliently cantilevers ratchet  122  against gear  112  such that when gear  112  is being rotated at a faster angular speed than gear  118  (such as during normal advancement of material  104 ), rotation of gear  112  resiliently deflects arm  120  and ratchet  122  to the withdrawn position. However, when the linear actuator  56  is being driven to move service station  24  in the direction indicated by arrow  133  during wiping (when actuator  52  has pivoted support  84  and the overlying material  104  about axis  62  into engagement with printheads  20 ), any advancement of material  104  from supply core  78  due to friction between printheads  20  and material  104  is inhibited as a result of gear  118  being initially rotated in the direction indicated by arrow  128  to retain ratchet  12  in concurrent engagement with both gear  118  and gear  112 , which is not rotating. Thus, one-way clutch inhibits excess release of material  104  during wiping in opposite directions. Because one-way clutch  90  employs gear  118 , arm  120  and ratchet  122 , one-way clutch  90  utilizes relatively few inexpensive parts, reducing size, complexity and cost. In other embodiment, one-way clutch  90  comprises other one-way clutching mechanisms. 
     Basin  92  comprises a cavity or receptacle configured to receive drops of ink or other fluid ejected from printheads  20  to facilitate detection of any clogged nozzles of printheads  20 . In the example illustrated, basin  92  extends on an opposite side of support  84  as spitting area  106 . This location of basin  92  permits nozzle detection to be implemented without contaminating material  104  upstream of wiping to be performed by support  84 . Basin  92  has a length at least equal to the collective length of printheads  20 , reducing the time to evaluate the nozzles of printheads  20 . Because basin  92  is formed as part of cartridge  30 , waste ink from drop detection is captured and may be removed and recycled when cartridge  30  is removed. 
     Sensor  94  comprises one or more devices configured to sense drops of fluid or ink ejected by printheads  20  to facilitate determination of whether printheads  20  includes any clogged nozzles. In one embodiment, sensor  94  comprises optical sensors, at least one sensor for each of the individual printheads  20 . Sensor  94  generates and transmits signals based upon the detection of fluid drops passing between the optical sensing elements to controller  32 . In other embodiments, basin  92  and sensor  94  may be omitted. 
     Controller  32  comprises one or more processing units configured to analyze signals from sensor  94  and for any other sensors associated with system  10 , and to generate control signals for directing the operation of actuator  16 , printheads  20 , actuator  52  and torque source  54 . For purposes of this disclosure, the term “processing unit” shall mean a presently developed or future developed processing unit that executes sequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform steps such as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistent storage. In other embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the functions described. Controller  32  is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit. 
     In operation, controller  32  generates control signals directing the printing of one or more images upon media  40 , the capping of printheads  20  when printheads  20  are not being used and the servicing of printheads  20 . For printing, controller  32  generates control signals directing actuator  16  to move media support  14  to a position opposite to printheads  20 . Controller  32  further generates control signals directing printheads  20  to selectively eject fluid upon media  40 . 
     When printheads  20  are not being used for ejecting fluid on media, controller  32  generates control signals directing actuator  52  to pivot capper  50  to the capping position (shown in broken lines) against printheads  20 . 
     When controller  32  has determined that printheads  20  are to be serviced or in response to a servicing request from a user, controller  32  generates control signals directing actuator  52  to pivot capper  50  to the lowered withdrawn position (shown in solid lines). Alternatively, controller  32  may generate control signals directing actuator  16  to move media support  14  to a withdrawn position so as to not interfere with the positioning of cartridge  30  opposite to printheads  20 . 
     Once a path has been made below printheads  20 , controller  32  generates control signals directing torque source  54  to supply torque to linear actuator  56  so as to move service station  24  in the direction indicated by arrow  133  to position basin  92  opposite to printheads  20 . Thereafter, controller  32  generates control signals directing printheads  20  to eject ink or other fluid into basin  92 , wherein sensor  94  detects any clogs or misfires from the nozzles of printheads  20 . 
     To wipe nozzles of print heads  20 , controller  32  generates control signals directing actuator  52  to pivot cartridge  30  about axis  62  so as to raise wiping support  84  to a height sufficient such that material  104  elevated by support  84  may contact the nozzles of printhead  20 . Controller  32  further generates control signals directing torque source  54  to supply torque to linear actuator  56  so as to move service station  24  and cartridge  30  relative to printheads  20  in either of the directions indicated by arrows  68 . During movement of cartridge  30  and during wiping in the direction indicated by arrow  134 , clutch  90  inhabits excess release or unwinding of material  104  from supply core  78 . 
     To perform spitting or priming of printheads  20 , controller  32  generates control signals directing torque source  54  to supply torque to linear actuator  56  to move service station  24  to position spitting area  106  opposite to printheads  20 . Once area  106  is positioned opposite to printheads  20 , controller  32  generates control signals selectively directing printheads  20  to eject ink or fluid onto area  106 . 
     Once material  104  extending over wiping support  84  is sufficiently soiled or contaminated, controller  32  generates control signals directing torque source  54  to supply torque to drive train  88  which moves material  104  extending over support  84  in the direction indicated by arrow  134  to area  106  between supports  82 A and  82 B. As a result, even though material  104  may be sufficiently soiled so as to have a reduced wiping performance, the remaining absorbency of the same material may still be further utilized as part of spitting and priming area  106 . Consequently, material  104  is more fully utilized. Should area  106  become sufficiently saturated such that a new web of material  104  should be positioned across area  106 , controller  32  may generate control signals directing torque source  54  to supply torque to drive train  88  so as to drive input shaft  86  and take up core  80  to unwind additional material  104  for positioning across support  84  and/or area  106 . 
       FIGS. 2-11  illustrate printing system  210 , an example embodiment of printing system  10 . Printing system  110  generally includes housing  12 , media support  14 , actuator  16  and controller  32 , all of which are illustrated and described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . System  210  additionally includes printheads  220 , service station  224  and print cartridge  230 . In the example illustrated, printheads  220  comprise three printheads stationarily supported by housing  12  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) generally above space  231  in which media support  14  may position media  40  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) for printing or in which cartridge  230  may be positioned for servicing printheads  220 . In other embodiments, fewer or greater than three such printheads  220  may be employed. 
     Service station  224  securely receives and supports cartridge  230  and is movable with respect to housing  12  to position cartridge  230  in space  231  opposite to printheads  220  for servicing printheads  220 . Service station  224  includes frame  244 , latches  248 , capper  250 , actuator  252  (shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 ), torque source  254  (shown in  FIG. 5 ), linear actuator  256  and payout sensor  257 . Frame  244  comprises one or structures configured to removably receive cartridge  230 . Frame  244  further supports remaining components of service station  224 . In the example illustrated, frame  244  is itself movably supported with respect to housing  12  by linear actuator  256 . In other embodiments in which printheads  220  move relative to service station  224 , service station  224  may be stationarily supported by housing  12 . 
     Latches  248  comprise a pair of mechanisms associated with frame  244  and configured to releasably secure cartridge  230  with respect to frame  244 .  FIG. 4  illustrates one of latches  248  in more detail. As shown by  FIG. 4 , latch  248  includes detent  400 , mouth  402  and retaining member  404 . Detent  400  comprises a depression configured to rotatably or pivotably receive a connecting portion such as a shaft or other projection of cartridge  230  to secure cartridge  230  to service station  224  and to permit cartridge  230  to pivot relative to service station  224 . Mouth  402  comprises an opening leading to detent  400  facilitating insertion of a connection portion of cartridge  230  into detent  400 . Retaining member  404  comprise a structure resiliently cantilevered opposite to detent  400  such capture the connecting portion of cartridge  230  in detent  400  as will be described in detail hereafter. Latches  248  permit the portion of cartridge  230  to be easily inserted with a lower insertion force. At the same time, latches  248  resist extremely large horizontal forces to securely retain cartridge  230  in service station  24 . Latches  248  also retain cartridge  230  against moderate lifting forces and release cartridge  230  when a vertical lifting force exceeds a predetermined threshold, wherein retaining member  404  allows free extraction of cartridge  230  horizontally. 
     Capper  250  comprises a mechanism configured to cap or seal the nozzles of printheads  220  when printheads  220  are not being used. As shown by  FIG. 2 , capper  250  includes elastomeric rims or walls  410  configured to be held or pressed against a face of each of printheads  220  opposite to the nozzles of printheads  220  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Actuator  252  comprises a mechanism configured to pivot capper  250  between a capping position (shown in  FIG. 3 ) and a printing or servicing position (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In the example illustrated, actuator  252  includes torque source  412  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) and drive train  260  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 8 . As shown by  FIG. 8 , torque source  412  has an output shaft connected to an output gear  414 . Gear  414  drives cluster gear  416  which further transmits torque to cluster gear  418 . As shown by  FIG. 3 , cluster gear  418  is fixed to shaft  420  which a secured to clamping linkage  422 . Clamping linkage  422  comprises a series of linkages configured to hold and retain capper  250  against printheads  220  when power to drive train  260  from torque source  412  is ceased. Selective rotation of gear  414  by torque source  412  results in capper  250  being moved between the capping position shown in  FIG. 3  and the printing or servicing position shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     In the example illustrated, actuator  252  is configured to further pivot service cartridge  230  between a lowered position (shown in  FIG. 8 ) in which the plane p tangent to the top of support  284  is below the faces of the nozzles of printhead  220  by a distance d and a raised wiping position (shown in  FIG. 9 ). As shown in  FIG. 3 , service station  224  additionally includes cam  423  secured to shaft  420 . To pivot cartridge  230  to the wiping position, controller  32  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) generates control signals directing torque source  412  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) to supply torque to shaft  420  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of drive train  260  so as to rotate cam  423  from the lower positioned shown in  FIG. 8  to a lifting positioned shown in  FIG. 9 . As a result, material  304  supported by support  284  is lifted to extend slightly above nozzles of printheads  220 . As a result, movement of service station  224  and cartridge  230  results in material  304  supported by support  284  being wiped across the face of the nozzles of printheads  220  along the plane p. 
     Torque source  254  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) comprises a source of rotational force or torque operably coupled to cartridge  230  so as to drive elements of cartridge  230 . In the example illustrated, torque source  254  comprises a DC stepper motor. In other embodiments, torque source  254  may comprise other sources of torque. 
     Linear actuator  256  comprises a mechanism configured to linearly move service station  224  in either of directions indicated by arrows  428  shown in  FIG. 2 . In the example illustrated, linear actuator  256  includes rack gears  430  and pinion gears  432 . Rack gears  430  are coupled to frame  12  and extend along opposite sides of space  231 . Pinion gears  432  are rotatably supported by frame  244  of service station  224  and are in meshing engagement with rack gears  430  such that rotation of pinion gears  432  results in service station  22  moving along rack gears  430  into and out of space  231 . 
     As shown by  FIG. 3 , pinion gear  432  of linear actuator  256  are operably coupled to torque source  254  by drive train  270 . In particular, drive train  270  includes gear  440  secured to an output shaft of torque source  254 . Gear  440  is in meshing engagement with cluster gear  442  which is in meshing engagement with cluster gear  444 . Cluster gear  444  is in meshing engagement with gear  446  which is in meshing engagement with gear  448 . Gear  448  is in meshing engagement with pinion gear  432  to complete the drive train connection between torque source  254  and pinion gear  432 . In other embodiments, drive train  270  may include other torque transferring arrangements such as belt and pulley arrangements, chain and sprocket arrangements or combinations thereof. 
       FIGS. 3-5  illustrate transmission of torque from torque source  254  to service cartridge  230  by drive train  288 . As shown by  FIG. 3 , drive train  288  shares gears  440 ,  442  and  444  with drive train  270 . Drive train  88  further includes gears  450 , rocker  452 , gear  454  and gear  456 . Gear  450  is rotatably supported by frame  244  and is in meshing engagement with gear  444 . Gear  450  is connected to a shaft  459  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) passing through frame  244  (removed in  FIG. 5  for purposes of illustration) to gear  454  which is located on an interior  458  of station  224 . Rocker  452  comprises an arm pivotably connected to frame  244  for pivotal movement about axis  460 . Rocker  452  includes a projection or tab  462  configured to cooperate with cartridge  230  so as to control pivoting of rocker  452  and gear  456  into and out of engagement with a portion of drive train  288  associated with cartridge  230  as will be described hereafter. Gear  456  is rotatably supported by rocker  452  and is in meshing engagement with gear  454 . Gear  456  is configured to be in meshing engagement with a gear of drive train  288  associated with cartridge  230 . As will the described hereafter, gear  456  is further configured to be pivoted out of engagement with a gear of cartridge  230  when cartridge  230  is pivoted to a wiping position. Because torque source  254  supplies torque for both linear movement of service station  224  and for driving components of service cartridge  230 , system  210  has fewer parts, is more compact and is less costly. 
     Payout sensor  257  comprises a sensing device configured sense payout of material  304  and to detect the presence of cartridge  230  and service station  224 . In one embodiment, sensor  257  comprises an optical sensor having and emitter and a corresponding detector, wherein transmission of light from the emitter, such as an optical beam, is interrupted by a portion of cartridge  230  upon its insertion. Sensor  257  communicates signals representing the presence of cartridge  230  and payout of material  304  to controller  32  to facilitate generation of status signals or warnings regarding the operational status of print system  210 . 
     Cartridge  230  is configured to receive ink or other fluid from printheads  220  to determine the status of each the nozzles of printheads  220 , to wipe the nozzles of printheads  220  and to receive ink or fluid during spitting or priming of the nozzles of print heads  220 . As shown by  FIG. 2 , cartridge  230  is removable from station  224  for repair, replacement or refurbishment. As shown by  FIGS. 2 ,  6  and  7 , cartridge  230  includes housing  276 , supply core  278 , take-up core  280 , supports  282 A,  282 B,  282 C,  282 D and  282 E (collectively referred to as supports  282 ), support  284 , input shaft  286 , portions of drive train  288 , a drop detection basin  292  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), sensors  294  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) and payout indicator  295 . 
     Housing  76  comprises one or more structures configured to support and retain the remaining components of cartridge  230 . As shown by  FIGS. 2 and 5 , housing  276  includes a lower side rail  470 . Side rail  470  extends from transverse side of cartridge  230  and extends below tab  462  of rocker  452  when cartridge  230  is inserted into interior  458  of station  224 . Side rail  470  is configured to engage and pivot tab  462  of rocker  452  so as to disengage gear  456  from portions of drive train  288  associate with cartridge  230  when cartridge  230  is pivoted by actuator  252  to the wiping position. As a result, that portion of drive train  288  associated with service station  224  that is utilized to transfer power to pinion gear  432  of linear actuator  256  may be driven to move service station  24  back and forth during wiping, or other repositioning of service station  224  while cartridge  230  is raised to a wiping position without the substantial release or unwinding of material  304 . In other embodiments, rail  470  may be positioned in other locations and may have other configurations depending upon location and configuration of rocker  452 . 
     Supply core  278  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) comprises a spool or spindle rotatably supported by housing  276  and configured to support windings of material  304 . Material  304  is substantially similar to material  104  described above. Take-up core  280  comprises a spool or spindle rotatably supported by housing  276  and configured to take up used material  304 . 
     Supports  282  comprise structures to guide and direct the web of material  304 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , supports  282  comprise idler shafts in the embodiment illustrated. Support  282 A and  282 B stretch the webbing of material  304  to form spitting area  306 . Spitting area  306  is substantially similar to spitting area  106  described above with respect to system  10 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , for spitting or priming of the nozzles of print heads  220 , controller  32  generates control signals directing torque source  254  to supply torque to linear actuator  256  to position service station  224  and cartridge  230  opposite to print heads  220  such that spitting area  306  may receive and absorb ink or fluid ejected from the nozzles of printheads  220 . Because spitting area  306  has a length equal to or greater than the length of printheads  220 , each of the nozzles of printheads  220  may be primed at one time. Because spitting area  306  is located immediately adjacent to support  284 , any fluid remaining on the faces of printheads  220  after blow priming or spitting may be immediately wiped to inhibit the fluid or ink from being pulled back into print heads  220  by capillary action which would otherwise result in the mixing of different colors of ink or different fluids. 
     Support  284  comprises a structure configured to support the webbing of material  304  at an elevated position with respect to webbing  306 . In other embodiments, support  284  may alternatively support  304  at a height similar to or less than that of spitting area  306 . Support  284  resiliently supports webbing of material  304  during contact with printheads  220  during wiping. In the example illustrated, support  284  comprises a foam rubber roller  474  which includes a foam material about a rigid shaft that is resiliently supported by a resilient suspension  476 . In one embodiment, suspension  476  comprises a preloaded shock or spring secured at one end of housing  276  or a structure fixedly secured to housing  276  and an opposite end secured to journal supports  478  which support foam roller  474 . Suspension  476  allows the axis of roller  474  to conform to any macro misalignments between cartridge  30  and the face of printheads  220 . As a result, material  304  may be placed into contact with printheads  220  while maintaining even pressure. In addition, spring loading of supports  478  compensates for larger misalignments between the faces of printheads  220  during wiping while maintaining even wipe pressure In other embodiments, support  284  may include other structures or materials for resiliently supporting material  304  or may omit such resilient supporting structures. 
     Input shaft  286  comprises a shaft configured to grip the material  304 . In the embodiment illustrated, input shaft  286  comprises a knurled shaft rotatably supported by frame  276 . As a result, cartridge  230  provides accurate control of the take-up and unwinding of material  304 . In other words, input shaft  286  provides uniform advance per a given input shaft rotation. In the embodiment illustrated, axial ends of input shaft  286  provide outward projections which are received within detents  400  of latches  248  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The axial ends of input shaft  286  serve to both longitudinally secure or service cartridge  230  in service station  224  and to provide a pivot axis about which cartridge  230  may be pivoted between a non-wiping position and a wiping position. As a result, printing system  210  may use fewer parts and occupy less space. 
     Drive train  288  includes components associated with both service station  224  and cartridge  230 . As shown by  FIGS. 2 ,  6  and  7 , drive train  88  additionally includes cluster gear  490 , intermediate idler gears  492 , input shaft gear  494  and friction clutch  310  associated with cartridge  230 . Cluster gear  490  includes an outer most gear  500  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and an inner gear  314 . As shown by  FIG. 5 , when cartridge  230  is inserted into station  224 , gear  500  meshes with gear  456  of drive train  288 . As shown by  FIG. 6 , gear  314  of cluster gear  490  meshes with intermediate gear  492  of gear  314  which is further secured to take-up core  280  to rotate take-up core  280  and to take up material  304 . Gear  314  further cooperates with clutch mechanism  290  to inhibit payout of material  304  during wiping of printheads  220 . 
     Idler gears  492  are rotatably supported by housing  276  and are in meshing engagement with one another so as to transmit torque to input shaft gear  494 . Input shaft  494  is rotatably supported by housing  276  and is secured to input shaft  286 . In the embodiment illustrated, gear  314  is overdriven relative to the rotation of gear  494 . As a result, material  304  is more tightly wound about core  280  and is more securely held against input shaft  286 . Clutch  310  comprises a friction clutch configured to facilitate relative rotation between gear  314  and take-up core  280 . 
     One-way clutch mechanism  290  comprises a one-way clutching mechanism operably coupled between gear  112  and supply core  278 . Like one-way clutch  90 , one-way clutch  90  is configured to permit faster relative angular rotation of gear  112  with respect to the angular rotation of supply core  278  and to inhibit or prevent faster angular relative rotation of take-up core  278  with respect to data of gear  312 . In other words, one-way clutch mechanism  290  allows for low back tension of supply core  278  while preventing excess material  304  from being pulled out when the wiping friction forces would otherwise do so. In the example illustrated, one-way clutch mechanism  290  includes gear  318 , arm  320  and ratchet  322  which are substantially identical to gear  118 , arm  120  and ratchet  122 , respectively, described above with respect to one-way clutch mechanism  90 . In example illustrated, arm  320  resiliently supports ratchet  322  in concurrent meshing engagement with gear  312  and gear  318 , wherein arm  320  resiliently deflects during driving of gear  312  by torque source  54  to payout material  304 . 
     In the particular example illustrated, one way clutch mechanism  290  additionally includes drag  323 . Drag  323  comprises a resilient arm cantilevered from housing  276  into engagement with an outer diamer of gear  318 . Drag  323  adds a drag force to inhibit rotation of gear  318  and payout of material  306  which may occur during ratcheting of gear  322 . In other embodiments, drag  323  may alternatively by omitted. 
     Drop detect basin  292  is similar to drop detect basin  92  described above with respect to system  10 . In particular, drop detection basin  92  comprises a receptacle or chamber configured to receive fluid or ink droplets ejected from nozzles of printheads  220 . In the example illustrated, basin  292  spans multiple printheads such that the operation of the nozzles of each of printheads  220  may be simultaneously detected by sensors  294 . 
     Sensors  294  extend opposite to basin  292  and detect the passing of droplets therethrough to basin  292 . In the example illustrated, sensors  294  comprise optical sensors having an emitter which emits an optical beam towards an optical detector, wherein droplets passing between the emitter and the detector interrupt the beam which results in signals being transmitted to controller  32 . Controller  32  uses the received signals from sensors  294  to determine which, if any, of nozzles of printheads  220  are clogged or are malfunctioning. Because basin  292  and sensors  294  are located on an opposite side of support  284  as spitting area  306 , detection of nozzle malfunctioning may be performed without contamination of material  304  prior to use of material  304  to wipe printheads  220 . Because waste fluid or ink from each of wiping, spitting or priming and drop detection is captured in the same removable cartridge  230 , removal, recycling and replacement of such waste ink is facilitated. 
     Payout indicator  295  comprises a device configured to be sensed by payout sensor  257  associated with service station  224  so as to indicate the presence of cartridge  230  in station  224  and the payout of material  304 . In the example illustrated, indicator  295  comprises an interrupter wheel rotatably supported by housing  276  and operably coupled to gear  318  so as to rotate in proportion to rotation of gear  318  and supply core  278 . During rotation of supply core  78  during the payout of material  304 , indicator  295  also rotates such that notches, windows or other openings in indicator  295  and intermediate blocking portions of indicator  295  alternately interrupt optical beams of sensor  257  to create pulses which are transmitted to controller  32  to enable controller  32  to sense rotation of indicator  295 . In the example illustrated, indicator  295  is located at an insertion end  520  of cartridge  230  such that indicator  295  is sensed by sensor  257  upon full or substantially complete insertion of cartridge  30  into service station  24 , wherein sensor  257  is able to detect the presence or absence of indicator  295 . Because indicator  295  is operably coupled to supply core  278  and because indicator  295  is located at end  520  of cartridge  230 , indicator  295  cooperates with sensor  257  to provide several benefits: (1) the indication of when cartridge  230  is fully inserted into service station  224  or is present, (2) the indication of whether material  304  is properly being advanced or whether the supply roll of material  304  is empty or jammed by the lack pulses or (3) the provision of signals which may be used by controller  32  to determine or estimate the expenditure of material  304  from supply core  278  or the remaining amount of material  304  about supply core  278 . All of such benefits are provided by a single indicator-sensor mechanism. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.