Cross References to Related Applications The following patents or patent applications filed by the applicant or assignee of the present invention are hereby incorporated by cross-reference.

6,750, 901 6,476, 863 6, 788, 336 6,322, 181 6,322, 181 6,597, 817 6,227, 648 6,727, 948 6,690, 419 09/112, 742 09/112,741 6,196, 541 6,195, 150 6,362, 868 09/112,738 09/113,067 6,431, 669 6,362, 869 6,472, 052 6,356, 715 09/112,777 6,636, 216 6,366, 693 6,329, 990 09/113,072 6,459, 495 6,137, 500 6,690, 416 09/113,071 6, 398, 328 09/113,090 6,431, 704 09/113,222 09/112,786 6,415, 054 09/112,782 6,665, 454 6,542, 645 6,486, 886 6,381, 361 6,317, 192 09/113,057 09/113,054 6,646, 757 09/112,759 6,624, 848 6,357, 135 09/113,107 6,271, 931 6,353, 772 6,106, 147 6,665, 008 6,304, 291 09/112, 788 6,305, 770 6, 289, 262 6,315, 200 6,217, 165 6,786, 420 09/113,052 6,350, 023 6,318, 849 09/113,101 6,227, 652 6,213, 588 6,213, 589 6,231, 163 6,247, 795 6,394, 581 6,244, 691 6,257, 704 6,416, 168 6,220, 694 6,257, 705 6,247, 794 6,234, 610 6,247, 793 6,264, 306 6,241, 342 6,247, 792 6,264, 307 6,254, 220 6,234, 611 6,302, 528 6, 283, 582 6,239, 821 6, 338, 547 6,247, 796 6,557, 977 6,390, 603 6,362, 843 6,293, 653 6,312, 127 6,227, 653 6,234, 755 6,238, 040 6, 188, 415 6,227, 654 6,209, 989 6,247, 791 6,336, 710 6,217, 153 6,416, 167 6,243, 113 6,283, 581 6,247, 790 6,260, 953 6,267, 469 6,224, 780 6,235, 212 6,280, 643 6, 284, 147 6,241, 244 6,071, 750 6,267, 905 6,251, 298 6,258, 258 6,225, 138 6,241, 904 6,299, 786 09/113,124 6,231, 773 6,190, 931 6,248, 249 6,290, 862 6,241, 906 6,565, 762 6,241, 905 6,451, 216 6,231, 772 6,274, 056 6,290, 861 6, 248, 248 6,306, 671 6,331, 258

6,110, 754 6,294, 101 6,416, 679 6,264, 849 6,254, 793 6,235, 211 6,491, 833 6,264, 850 6, 258, 284 6,312, 615 6,228, 668 6,180, 427 6,171, 875 6,267, 904 6,245, 247 6,315, 914 6,231, 148 09/113,106 6,293, 658 6,614, 560 6,238, 033 6,312, 070 6,238, 111 6, 738, 096 09/113,094 6, 378, 970 6,196, 739 09/112,774 6,270, 182 6,152, 619 09/113,092 6,087, 638 6,340, 222 09/113,062 6,041, 600 6,299, 300 6,067, 797 6,286, 935 6,044, 646 09/113,065 09/113,078 6,382, 769 10/760,230 10/760,225 10/760,224 10/760,242 10/760,228 10/760,250 10/760,215 10/760,256 10/760,257 10/760,240 10/760,251 10/760,266 10/760,239 10/760,193 10/760,214 10/760,260 10/760,226 10/760, 269 10/760,199 10/760,241 10/760,272 10/760,273 10/760,187 10/760,182 10/760, 188 10/760218 10/760217 10/760216 10/760,233 10/760246 10/760212 10/760243 10/760201 10/760,185 10/760253 10/760255 10/760209 10/760208 10/760194 10/760, 238 10/760,234 10/760,235 10/760, 183 10/760,189 10/760,262 10/760232 10/760231 10/760200 10/760,190 10/760,191 10/760227 10/760207 10/760,181 10/760,254 10/760,210 10/760,202 10/760,197 10/760, 198 10/760,249 10/760,263 10/760, 196 10/760,247 10/760,223 10/760,264 10/766,244 10/760,245 10/760,222 10/760,248 10/760,236 10/760,192 10/760,203 10/760,204 10/760, 205 10/760,206 10/760,267 10/760, 270 10/760,259 10/760,271 10/760,275 10/760,274 10/760,268 10/760, 184 lot60, 195 10/760, 186 10/760,261 10/760, 258 10/760, 180 10/760,229 10/760, 213 10/760,219 10/760,237 10/760,221 10/760, 220 10/760,211 10/760,252 lot60, 265 Some applications have been listed by docket numbers. These will be replaced when application numbers are known.

Background of the Invention The invention is suitable for a wide range of applications including, but not limited to: wallpaper; billboard panels; architectural plans; advertising and promotional posters; and

banners and signage.

However, in the interests of brevity, it will be described with particular reference to wallpaper and an associated method of production. It will be appreciated that the on-demand wallpaper printing sytem described herein is purely illustrative and the invention has much broader application.

Wallpaper The size of the wallpaper market in the United States, Japan and Europe offers strong opportunities for innovation and competition. The retail wall covering market in the United States in 1997 was USD $1. 1 billion and the market in the United States is estimated at over US $1.5 billion today. The wholesale wallpaper market in Japan in 1999 was JPY 158. 96 billion. The UK wall coverings market was £186m in 2000 and is expected to grow to £197m in 2004.

Wallpapers are a leading form of interior design product for home improvement and for commercial applications such as in offices, hotels and halls. About 70 million rolls of wallpaper are sold each year in the United States through thousands of retail and design stores. In Japan, around 280 million rolls of wallpaper are sold each year.

The wallpaper industry currently operates around an inventory based model where wallpaper is printed in centralized printing plants using large and expensive printing presses. Printed rolls are distributed to a point of sale where wallpaper designs are selected by consumers and purchased subject to availability.

Inventory based sales are hindered by the size and content of the inventory.

The present invention seeks to transform the way wallpaper is currently manufactured, distributed and sold. The invention provides for convenient, low cost, high quality products coupled with a dramatically expanded range of designs and widths which may be offered by virtue of the present invention.

Printing Technologies Many different types of printing have been invented, a large number of which are presently in use.

The known forms of print have a variety of methods for marking the print media with a relevant marking media. Commonly used forms of printing include offset printing, laser printing and copying devices, dot matrix type impact printers, thermal paper printers, film recorders, thermal wax printers, dye sublimation printers and ink jet printers both of the drop on demand and continuous flow type. Each type of printer has its own advantages and problems when considering cost, speed, quality, reliability, simplicity of construction and operation etc.

In recent years, the field of ink jet printing, wherein each individual pixel of ink is derived from one or more ink nozzles has become increasingly popular primarily due to its inexpensive and versatile nature.

Many different techniques on ink jet printing have been invented. For a survey of the field, reference is made to an article by J Moore,"Non-Impact Printing: Introduction and Historical Perspective", Output Hard Copy Devices, Editors R Dubeck and S Sherr, pages 207-220 (1988).

Ink Jet printers themselves come in many different types. The utilization of a continuous stream of ink in ink jet printing appears to date back to at least 1929 wherein US Patent No. 1941001 by Hansell discloses a simple form of continuous stream electro-static ink jet printing.

US Patent 3596275 by Sweet also discloses a process of a continuous ink jet printing including the step wherein the ink jet stream is modulated by a high frequency electro-static field so as to cause drop separation. This technique is still utilized by several manufacturers including Elmjet and Scitex (see also US Patent No. 3373437 by Sweet et al) Piezoelectric ink jet printers are also one form of commonly utilized ink jet printing device.

Piezoelectric systems are disclosed by Kyser et. al. in US Patent No. 3946398 (1970) which utilizes a diaphragm mode of operation, by Zolten in US Patent 3683212 (1970) which discloses a squeeze mode of operation of a piezoelectric crystal, Stemme in US Patent No. 3747120 (1972) discloses a bend mode of piezoelectric operation, Howkins in US Patent No. 4459601 discloses a piezoelectric push mode actuation of the ink jet stream and Fischbeck in US 4584590 which discloses a shear mode type of piezoelectric transducer element.

Recently, thermal ink jet printing has become an extremely popular form of ink jet printing. The ink jet printing techniques include those disclosed by Endo et al in GB 2007162 (1979) and Vaught et al in US Patent 4490728. Both the aforementioned references disclosed ink jet printing techniques that rely upon the activation of an electrothermal actuator which results in the creation of a bubble in a constricted space, such as a nozzle, which thereby causes the ejection of ink from an aperture connected to the confined space onto a relevant print media. Printing devices utilizing the electro-thermal actuator are manufactured by manufacturers such as Canon and Hewlett Packard.

As can be seen from the foregoing, many different types of printing technologies are available.

Ideally, a printing technology should have a number of desirable attributes. These include inexpensive construction and operation, high speed operation, safe and continuous long term operation etc. Each technology may have its own advantages and disadvantages in the areas of cost, speed, quality, reliability, power usage, simplicity of construction operation, durability and consumables.

In the construction of any inkjet printing system, there are a considerable number of important factors which must be traded off against one another especially as large scale printheads are constructed, especially those of a pagewidth type. A number of these factors are outlined in the following paragraphs.

Firstly, inkjet printheads are normally constructed utilizing micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques. As such, they tend to rely upon standard integrated circuit construction/fabrication techniques of depositing planar layers on a silicon wafer and etching certain portions of the planar layers.

Within silicon circuit fabrication technology, certain techniques are more well known than others. For example, the techniques associated with the creation of CMOS circuits are likely to be more readily used than those associated with the creation of exotic circuits including ferroelectrics, galium arsenide etc. Hence, it is desirable, in any MEMS constructions, to utilize well proven semi-conductor fabrication techniques which do not require any"exotic"processes or materials. Of course, a certain degree of trade off will be undertaken in that if the advantages of using the exotic material far out weighs its disadvantages then it may become desirable to utilize the material anyway.

With a large array of ink ejection nozzles, it is desirable to provide for a highly automated form of manufacturing which results in an inexpensive production of multiple printhead devices.

Preferably, the device constructed utilizes a low amount of energy in the ejection of ink. The utilization of a low amount of energy is particularly important when a large pagewidth full color printhead is constructed having a large array of individual print ejection mechanism with each ejection mechanisms, in the worst case, being fired in a rapid sequence. The device would have wide application in traditional areas of inkjet printing as well as areas previously unrelated to inkjet printing. On such area is the production wallpaper.

Summary of the Invention In a first aspect the present invention provides a printing system for printing a consumer selected print on a media web, the printing system comprising: at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead ; at least one processor to receive and process the selected print and to control printing of the selected print, by the printhead, on the media web; and, second drive means to drive the media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

Advantageously the printing further comprises a user interface for the consumer to select the selected print.

Preferably, the user interface is a touch screen.

Preferably the consumer is able to select the selected print using a barcode scanner.

Preferably the at least one media cartridge is reusable.

Preferably the at least one media cartridge is moved into a printing position by a carousel.

Preferably the media web includes one or more background patterns or colors.

Preferably the first drive means is located within the at least one media cartridge.

Preferably the first drive means is at least one driven roller.

Preferably the first drive means comprises a driven roller associated with an idler roller.

Preferably the second drive means is located within a cutter module.

Preferably the second drive means is at least one driven roller.

Preferably the second drive means comprises a driven roller associated with an idler roller.

Preferably the roller is part of a container provided to the consumer.

Preferably the winding means is a driven support provided in working association with the roller.

Preferably the selected print is a wallpaper pattern such that the printing system produces wallpaper.

In a further aspect there is provided a cabinet for the printing system, the cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold the at least one media cartridge, and to hold the printhead; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed media web; and a receiving stage to receive printed media web onto a roller.

In another aspect the present invention provides a method of producing on-demand media web printed with a print pattern for sale to a consumer using the printing system, the method including the steps of : providing an input device in communication with the at least one processor and a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and media web width; printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer.

In a further aspect there is provided a drying system for use in the printing system, the drying system comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In another aspect there is provided a composite heating system for use in the media web printing system, the media web printing system further adapted to pass the media web along a media path from the media cartridge, past the printhead, to a media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the media web exit region, comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of drying a printed media web in the printing system, the method including the steps of : passing the media web along a media path from the media cartridge, past the printhead, and over an opening; using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In a further aspect there is provided a container for receiving printed media web from the media web printing system, the media web printing system further including a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising : a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed media web against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In another aspect the printing system further includes a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past the printhead at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising:

a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a printed media web produced by the printing system, the printing system further comprising an input device in communication with the at least one processor, and a slitter device to cut the media web to the selected width, the printed media web comprising: the media web; and, a pattern printed on the media web by the printing system; such that, a consumer chooses the selected width the pattern using the input device of the printing system.

In another aspect of the printing system, the printhead is a printhead assembly comprising: a casing ; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of printing media web using the printing system, the method comprising the steps of : receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print; processing data associated with the selected print to raster and compress the selected print; transmitting the compressed selected print data to the at least one processor; expanding and rendering the selected print in the processor; extracting the media web from the media cartridge; driving the blank media web past the printhead controlled by the processor using the first drive means; and, printing the selected print using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a ink fluid delivery system for the printing system wherein the printhead is formed by a series of printhead tiles, each of the printhead tiles having a group of inlet ports, the ink fluid delivery system comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; and the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; wherein, the groups of inlet ports of each printhead tile are aligned with respective groups of the outlet ports.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module for the printing system, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates, a media web able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile for use in the printing system, the printhead tile comprising : a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in

fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly with a communications module for the printing system, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In a further aspect of the printing system the printhead is a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of the media web, the printhead comprising: a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer for producing printed media web, the printer using the printing system, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; and input means for a consumer to choose a selected print to be printed on a media web to form the printed media web; wherein, the at least one processor receives and processes the selected print to control printing of the selected print.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a cabinet for a printing system for printing a consumer selected print on a media web, the cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold a printhead ; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry the printed media web; and a receiving stage to receive the printed media web onto a roller.

Preferably the support is a carousel.

Preferably the at least one guide is a pre-heater.

Preferably the at least one guide is substantially planar.

Preferably the further support holds the at least one ink reservoir at a height greater than the height of the printhead.

Preferably the further support includes at least one ink supply tube harness.

Preferably each at least one ink reservoir has an ink level monitor.

Preferably the ink level monitor is in communication with the at least one processor.

Preferably the user interface is a touch screen.

Preferably the cabinet includes a display screen for maintenance work.

Preferably the drying compartment is positioned intermediate the printhead and the receiving stage.

Preferably the drying compartment includes an automatically operated door through which the printed media web is received by the drying compartment.

Preferably receiving stage is an exterior well.

Preferably the receiving stage includes a roller driver.

Preferably the receiving stage is adapted to support a container for the printed media web.

Preferably the selected print is a wallpaper pattern such that the printing system produces wallpaper.

In a further aspect the printing system is provided for printing a consumer selected print on a media web, the printing system comprising: at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process the selected print and to control printing of the selected print, by the printhead, by the printhead; and, second drive means to drive the media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

In another aspect the there is provided a cabinet, for use in a method of producing on-demand media web printed with a print pattern for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of : providing a printing system for producing wallpaper comprising: at least one media cartridge containing a blank media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a print pattern on the media web; providing an input device in communication with the at least one processor and a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and media web width; printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer.

In another aspect there is provided a cabinet, wherein the printing system includes a drying system, the drying system comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of a printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In a further aspect there is provided a cabinet, wherein the printing system includes a composite heating system, the printing system passing the media web along a media path from the media cartridge, past the printhead, to a media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising:

a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the media web exit region, comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In a further aspect there is provided a cabinet, for use in the method of drying a printed media web in a printing system, the method including the steps of : passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, and over an opening; using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In a further aspect there is provided a cabinet, wherein the printing system is adapted to feed printed media web to a container, the printing system including a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core; two support members associated with opposite distal ends of the core respectively such that the printed media web can be wound about the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed media web against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In a further aspect there is provided a cabinet, wherein the printing system receives a media web from a media web cartridge, the printing system including a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past a printhead at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate;

two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a cabinet, wherein the printed media web produced by the printing system comprises: a media web; and, a consumer selected print printed on the media web by the wallpaper printing system; whereby, the selected print is chosen by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the wallpaper width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, the printing system further comprises: at least one media cartridge containing a media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the selected print on the media web; the input device in communication with at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the media web to the selected width.

In a further aspect there is provided a cabinet, wherein the printing system includes a printhead assembly, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In a further aspect there is provided a cabinet, for use in a method of printing on-demand wide format printed media web, the method comprising the steps of : receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print; processing data associated with the user selected print to raster and compress the user selected print; transmitting the compressed print data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the print in the print engine controller;

extracting a continuous blank media web from a media cartridge; driving the blank media web past a printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a cabinet, wherein the printing system includes a printer with an ink fluid delivery system, the ink fluid delivery system comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and, a series of printhead tiles forming a printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In a further aspect there is provided a cabinet, wherein the printing system includes a wallpaper printer with a combined cutter and slitter module, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates, a media web able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a cabinet, wherein the printing system includes at least one printhead tile, the printhead tile comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper

layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In a further aspect there is provided a cabinet, wherein the printing system includes a printhead assembly with a communications module, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In a further aspect there is provided a cabinet, wherein the printing system includes a printer provided with a micro-electro-mechanical printhead for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of a media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process a selected print and to control printing of the print, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In a further aspect there is provided a cabinet, for use with a mobile printer for producing wide format printed media, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; input means for a consumer to choose a selected print to be printed on a media web to form the wide format printed media; at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, at least one processor to receive and process the selected print and to control printing of the selected print.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing on-demand wide format printed media web for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of : providing a printing system for producing wide format printed media web comprising: at least one media cartridge containing a blank media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a selected print on the blank media web to form the wide format printed media web; an input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the selected print and width chosen by the consumer; printing the selected print on the blank media web; cutting the wide format printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer for the wide format printed media web.

Preferably samples of prints available for sale are displayed to the consumer in books or collections.

Preferably the books or collections are provided on racks.

Preferably the consumer can select or modify any of the prints from the books or collections are provided on racks.

Preferably the data indicating the selected print chosen by the consumer, is received via a touch screen.

Preferably the data indicating the selected print chosen by the consumer, is received via a barcode reader, each displayed print having an associated barcode.

Preferably the consumer can browse the prints available for sale, via a computer network, the prints being stored in a remote database.

Preferably the consumer can upload or import a new print into the at least one processor.

Preferably the wide format printed media web is wound and provided to the consumer in a transportable container Preferably the wide format printed media web is cut to the selected width and length by a cutter/slitter module.

Preferably the selected print is a wallpaper pattern such that the printing system produces wallpaper.

Preferably the printing system further comprises: first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead for printing with a consumer selected pattern ; and, second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format printed media web for sale to a consumer wherein the printing system is housed in a cabinet, the cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold the at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold the printhead; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead; at least one module adapted to hold the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed media web; and a receiving stage to receive printed media web onto a roller; wherein, the input device is a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor.

In another aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format media web for sale to a consumer, further including the step of : providing a drying system for use in the printing system, the drying system comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In another aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format media web for sale to a consumer, further including the step of : providing a composite heating system for use in the media web printing system, the media web printing system passing the media web along a media path from the media cartridge, past the printhead, to a media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the media web exit region, comprising: a heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In another aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format printed media web for sale to a consumer, further including the printed media web drying steps of : passing the media web along a media path from the media cartridge, past the printhead, and over an opening; using at least one fan to force air past a heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In another aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format printed media web for sale to a consumer, further including the steps of : providing a container for receiving printed media web from the media web printing system, the media web printing system including a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed media web against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format printed media web for sale to a consumer, wherein the media web cartridge is adapted to store the media web to be introduced into the printing system, the printing system further including a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past the printhead, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format printed media web for sale to a consumer, wherein the printed media web produced by the printing system comprises the media web; and, a print pattern printed on the media web by the printing system; whereby, the print pattern and the printed media web width is selected by the consumer using the input device.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format printed media web for sale to a consumer, wherein the printhead is a printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format printed media web for sale to a consumer, wherein the steps of receiving input data from the consumer which identifying the selected print, further comprises: processing data associated with the selected to raster and compress the selected print; transmitting the compressed selected print data to the processor, the processor having a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the wallpaper pattern in the print engine controller;

extracting the media web from the media cartridge; driving the blank media web past the printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format printed media web for sale to a consumer, further including the steps of : providing an ink fluid delivery system for the printhead, the printhead being formed by a series of printhead tiles, the ink delivery system comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; wherein, the series of printhead tiles are provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format printed media web for sale to a consumer, wherein the slitter module is a combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates such that the media web able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller ; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format printed media web for sale to a consumer, wherein the printhead is formed from a series of printhead tiles, each printhead tile comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots;

an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format printed media web for sale to a consumer, wherein the printhead is a printhead assembly with a communications module for the printing system, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format printed media web for sale to a consumer, wherein the printhead further comprises: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of a media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; wherein, the printhead includes of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead ; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead ; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm ; and,

at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of producing wide format printed media web for sale to a consumer, wherein the printhead is installed in a mobile printer for producing wide format printed media web, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; the input device for the consumer to select the print pattern to be printed on the media web; the least one media cartridge containing the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, the at lea st one processor.

In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a drying system for use in a printing system, the drying system comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of a printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

Preferably the heating element is controlled by a thermal sensor.

Preferably more than one heating element is provided.

Preferably the heating element extends substantially across the width of the first chamber.

Preferably the at least one fan is a blower or a centrifugal fan.

Preferably the first chamber tapers towards the opening.

Preferably each fan is associated with a circulation duct.

Preferably there are two fans and two circulation ducts.

Preferably a rotatable door covers the opening.

Preferably the rotatable door is operated by a winding motor.

Preferably the second chamber tapers towards the opening.

Preferably the printed media web is passed into the second chamber as a loose suspended loop.

Preferably the at least one circulation duct extends from a base region of the second chamber to one side of the at least one fan.

Preferably the at least one fan is provided external to the first chamber.

Preferably the at least one fan is substantially encased by an intake duct.

Preferably the intake duct receives at least a portion of air-flow from the at least one circulation duct.

Preferably the printing system prints a wallpaper pattern on to a media web to produce wallpaper.

In another aspect there is provided a drying system wherein the printing system comprises: at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process print data and to control printing on the media web, by the printhead; and, second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

In a further aspect there is provided a drying system wherein the printing system uses a cabinet, the cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold a printhead; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead ; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed media web; and a receiving stage to receive printed media web onto a roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a drying system for use in method of producing on-demand printed media web for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of : providing a printing system for producing printed media web comprising: at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web;

at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a print pattern on the blank media web; an input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and width; printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer.

In a further aspect there is provided a drying system for use with a composite heating system for use in the printing system, the printing system passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, to a printed media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the printed media web exit region, comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In a further aspect there is provided a drying system for use in a method of drying the printed media web in a printing system, the method including the steps of : passing the media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, and over an opening; using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In another aspect there is provided a drying system for use with a container for receiving the printed media web from the printing system, the printing system further comprising a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web;

a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed media web against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In a further aspect there is provided a drying system for use with a media web cartridge for storing a media web to be introduced into the printing system, the printing system further comprising a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past a printhead at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate ; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a drying system for drying printed media web produced by the printing system, the printed media web comprising: a media web; and, a print pattern printed on the media web by the printing system; whereby, the print pattern is selected by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the wallpaper width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, whereby, the printing system further comprises: at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the print pattern on the media web; the input device in communication with at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the printed media web to the selected width.

In a further aspect there is provided a drying system for use with a printhead assembly for a media web printing system, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing;

a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In another aspect there is provided a drying system for use in a method of printing on-demand printed media web, the method comprising the steps of : receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print; processing data associated with the user selected print to raster and compress the user selected print; transmitting the compressed user selected print data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the user selected print in the print engine controller; extracting a continuous blank media web from a media cartridge ; driving the blank media web past a printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a drying system for use with an ink fluid delivery system for a printer, comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and, a series of printhead tiles forming a printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In a further aspect there is provided a drying system for use with a combined cutter and slitter module for a printer, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates, a media web able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers;

a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In another aspect there is provided a drying system for use with a printhead tile for use in a printing system, the printhead tile comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In a further aspect there is provided a drying system wherein the printing system has a printhead assembly with a communications module, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In a further aspect there is provided a drying system for use with a printer provided with a micro-electro- mechanical printhead for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of a media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process a selected print pattern and to control printing of the print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead ; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In a further aspect there is provided a drying system for use with a mobile printer for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; input means for a consumer to select a print pattern to be printed on a media web; at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern.

In a fifth aspect the present invention provides a composite heating system for use in a printing system, the printing system passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, to a printed media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the printed media web exit region, comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and,

the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

Preferably the pre-heater is a platen.

Preferably the pre-heater is a substantially flat plate.

Preferably the media web is passed across the pre-heater by pilot guides.

Preferably the first chamber tapers towards the opening.

Preferably each fan is associated with a circulation duct.

Preferably a rotatable door covers the opening.

Preferably the rotatable door is operated by a winding motor.

Preferably the second chamber tapers towards the opening.

Preferably the at least one circulation duct extends from a base region of the second chamber to one side of the at least one fan.

Preferably the at least one fan is provided external to the first chamber.

Preferably the at least one fan is substantially encased by an intake duct.

Preferably the intake duct receives at least a portion of air-flow from the at least one circulation duct.

Preferably the at least one circulation duct vents at least part of the air-flow out of the printing system.

Preferably the printing system prints a wallpaper pattern on to a media web to produce wallpaper.

Preferably the printing system further comprises: first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process a selected wallpaper pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web to produce the printed media web ;, and, second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

In another aspect there is provided a composite heating system wherein the printing system uses a cabinet comprising:

a support adapted to hold the at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold the printhead; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed media web; and a receiving stage to receive printed media web onto a roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a composite heating system for use in a method of producing on-demand printed media web for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of : providing the printing system; the printing system further comprises: at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a print pattern on the blank media web; an input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; wherein the printhead extends at least the width of the media web; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and width; printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer.

In another aspect there is provided a composite heating system for use in a drying system for use in the printing system, the drying system comprising: a heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In another aspect there is provide a composite heating system, for use in a method of drying a printed media web in a printing system, the method including the steps of : passing the media web along the media path from the media cartridge, past the printhead, and over the opening;

using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within the first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into the second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In another aspect there is provide a composite heating system, for use with a container for receiving printed media web from the printing system, the printing system further comprising a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed wallpaper against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In another aspect there is provide a composite heating system, wherein the media web cartridge for storing the media web is introduced into the printing system and the printing system further comprises a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past the printhead, the printhead being at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In another aspect there is provide a composite heating system, wherein the printing system produces printed media web, the printed media web comprising: the media web; and, a print pattern printed on the media web by the printing system; whereby, the print pattern is selected by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the media web width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, whereby, the printing system for producing the printed media web further comprises:

at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the print pattern on the media web; the input device in communication with at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the printed media web to the selected width.

In another aspect there is provide a composite heating system, wherein the printhead is a printhead assembly, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In another aspect there is provide a composite heating system, for use in a method of printing media web, the method comprising the steps of : receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print pattern; processing data associated with the user selected print pattern to raster and compress the user selected print pattern; transmitting the compressed user selected print pattern data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the user selected print pattern in the print engine controller; extracting a continuous blank media web from the media cartridge; driving the blank media web past the printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print pattern using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In another aspect there is provide a composite heating system, for use with an ink fluid delivery system for the printhead, the ink fluid delivery system comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and,

a series of printhead tiles forming a printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In another aspect there is provide a composite heating system, adapted for use with a combined cutter and slitter module for the printing system, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates positioned such that the media web is able to pass between them; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In another aspect there is provide a composite heating system, wherein the printhead is formed by a series of printhead tiles, each of the printhead tiles comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In another aspect there is provide a composite heating system, wherein the printhead is a printhead assembly with a communications module for the printing system, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing ; a printhead module;

a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In another aspect there is provide a composite heating system, wherein the printhead further comprises: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process a selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In another aspect there is provide a composite heating system, adapted for use in a mobile printer for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; input means for a consumer to select a print pattern to be printed on the media web; the at least one media cartridge containing the media web; the printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead ; and, at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern.

In a sixth aspect the present invention provides a method of drying a printed media web in a printing system, the method including the steps of : passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, and over an opening;

using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

Preferably the heating element is controlled by a thermal sensor.

Preferably more than one heating element is provided.

Preferably the heating element extends substantially across the width of the first chamber.

Preferably the at least one fan is a blower or a centrifugal fan.

Preferably the first chamber tapers towards the opening.

Preferably each fan is associated with a circulation duct.

Preferably a rotatable door covers the opening.

Preferably the rotatable door is operated by a winding motor.

Preferably the second chamber tapers towards the opening.

Preferably the printed media web is passed into the second chamber as a loose suspended loop.

Preferably the at least one circulation duct extends from a base region of the second chamber to one side of the at least one fan.

Preferably the at least one fan is provided external to the first chamber.

Preferably the at least one fan is substantially encased by an intake duct.

Preferably the intake duct receives at least a portion of air-flow from the at least one circulation duct.

Preferably the printing system prints a wallpaper pattern on to a media web to produce wallpaper.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, wherein the printing system comprises:

the least one media cartridge containing the media web; the printhead extending at least the width of the media web; first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process a user selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern, by the printhead, on the media; and, second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, wherein the printing system uses in a cabinet, the cabinet comprises: a support adapted to hold the at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold the printhead; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed wallpaper; and a receiving stage to receive printed wallpaper onto a roller.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, wherein the printed web is produced by a method of producing on-demand printed media web for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of : providing a printing system for producing printed media web comprising: at least one media cartridge containing a blank media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a consumer selected pattern on the blank media web; an input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and width; printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, adapted for use with a drying system for use in a printing system, the drying system comprising: the heating element provided within the first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into the second drying chamber;

the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, adapted for use with a composite heating system for use in the printing system, the printing system passing the media web along the media path from a media cartridge, past the printhead, to a printed media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the printed media web exit region, comprising: the heating element provided within the first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; the at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into the second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, wherein the printed media web is produced by the printing system, the printing system including a winding area adapted to receive a container, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed media web against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, wherein the printed media web is produced by the printing system, the printing system including a region to receive a media web cartridge and feed the media web past the printhead, the printhead being at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate;

two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, wherein the printed media web is produced by the printing system, the printed media web comprising: the media web; and, a print pattern printed on the media web by the printing system; whereby, the print pattern is selected by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the media web width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, whereby, the printing system for producing the media web comprises: the at least one media cartridge containing a media web; the printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the print pattern on the media web; the input device in communication with at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the media web to the selected width.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, wherein the printhead is a printhead assembly for the printing system, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, adapted for use with a method of printing on-demand media web, the method comprising the steps of : receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print pattern; processing data associated with the print pattern to raster and compress the print pattern; transmitting the compressed print pattern data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the print pattern in the print engine controller;

extracting the blank media web from the media cartridge; driving the blank media web past the printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print pattern using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, wherein the printhead is installed in a printer, the printer connected to an ink fluid delivery system for a printer, the ink fluid delivery system comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and, a series of printhead tiles forming the printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, adapted for use with a combined cutter and slitter module for a media web printer, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates positioned such that the media web is able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller ; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, wherein the printhead is a series of printhead tiles, each of the printhead tiles comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots;

an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, wherein the printhead is a printhead assembly with a communications module for a wallpaper printing system, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, wherein the printed media web is produced by a printer, the printer comprising: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process a selected print pattern and to control printing of the print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead ; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid;

a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In another aspect there is provide a method of drying a printed media web, wherein the printed media web is produced by a mobile printer, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; input means for a consumer to select a print pattern to be printed on a media web; the at least one media cartridge containing the media web; the printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern.

In a seventh aspect the present invention provides a container for receiving printed media web from a printing system, the printing system including a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed media web against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

Preferably the winding area is external to the printing system.

Preferably the casing includes a viewing window.

Preferably the casing includes a handle.

Preferably the casing is an elongated folded carton.

Preferably both support members include a hub.

Preferably the casing includes openings at both ends to receive the hubs.

Preferably the core is a hollow cylinder.

Preferably the core is the support members each include a circumferential bearing surface.

Preferably the circumferential bearing surface is attached to the hub by spokes.

Preferably the hub is provided with teeth to engage the drive spindle.

Preferably each hub engages a drive spindle.

Preferably the printing system prints a wallpaper pattern on to a media web to produce wallpaper.

In another aspect there is provided a container, wherein the printing system comprises: at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web to produce the printed media web; and, second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

In another aspect there is provided a container, wherein the printing system is housed in cabinet, the cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold a printhead; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed media web; and a receiving stage to receive printed media web onto a roller.

In another aspect there is provided a container, adapted for use in a method of producing on-demand media web for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of : providing a printing system for producing printed media web comprising: at least one media cartridge containing a blank media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a wallpaper pattern on the blank media web to form the printed media web; an input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width;

receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and width; printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed print according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer.

In another aspect there is provided a container, wherein the printing system further includes a drying system, the drying system comprising: a heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of a printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In another aspect there is provided a container, wherein the printing system further includes a composite heating system, the printing system passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, to a printed media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the printed media web exit region, comprising : an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In another aspect there is provided a container, for use in a method of drying a printed media web in the printing system, the method including the steps of : passing a media web along the media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, and over an opening; using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening ; and,

driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In another aspect there is provided a container, wherein the printed media web is printed on a media web, the media web being stored on a media web cartridge to be introduced into the printing system, the printing system including a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past a printhead at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In another aspect there is provided a container, wherein the printed media web comprises: a media web; and, a print pattern printed on the media web by the printing system; whereby, the print pattern is selected by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the media web width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, whereby, the printing system for producing the printed media web comprises: at least one media cartridge containing a media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the print pattern on the media web; the input device in communication with at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the printed media web to the selected width.

In another aspect there is provided a container, wherein the printing system has a printhead assembly, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and,

each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In another aspect there is provided a container, for use in a method of printing on-demand printed media web, the method comprising the steps of receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print pattern; processing data associated with the print pattern to raster and compress the print pattern; transmitting the compressed print pattern data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the print pattern in the print engine controller; extracting a continuous blank media web from a media cartridge; driving the blank media web past a printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print pattern using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In another aspect there is provided a container, wherein the printing system has an ink fluid delivery system and a printer, the ink delivery system comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and, a series of printhead tiles forming a printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In another aspect there is provided a container, wherein the printing system further comprises a combined cutter and slitter module, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates positioned such that a media web is able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller;

a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In another aspect there is provided a container, wherein the printing system further comprises a printhead tile, the printhead tile comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In another aspect there is provided a container, wherein the printing system has a printhead assembly with a communications module for a printing system, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In another aspect there is provided a container, wherein the printing system further comprises a printer, the printer comprising: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of a media web;

drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process a selected print pattern and to control printing of the print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In another aspect there is provided a container, wherein the printing system further comprises a mobile printer for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer ; input means for a consumer to select a print pattern to be printed on a media web to form the printed media web; at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected wallpaper pattern.

In an eighth aspect the present invention provides a media web cartridge for storing a media web to be introduced into a printing system, the printing system including a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past a printhead at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

Preferably the casing is a hinged casing formed of two halves.

Preferably a distal end of the casing is provided with a handle.

Preferably a top of the casing is provided with a folding handle.

Preferably the fixed shaft is a hollow cylinder.

Preferably the internal diameter of the wound media web is greater than the external diameter of the fixed shaft.

Preferably the shaft is provided with at least one notch that engages at least one nib of at least one of the support members to prevent rotation of the shaft.

Preferably at least one of the two support members includes at least one integrated extension that is received by a slot in the casing.

Preferably there are two extensions.

Preferably each extension includes a lunette which engages a cooperating groove in at least one of the feed rollers.

Preferably one of the feed rollers is a driven roller and one of the feed rollers is an idler roller.

Preferably each support member holds a different feed roller.

Preferably the coupling includes teeth provided on or in at least one of the feed rollers.

Preferably the exit region is defined by an interface between the halves of the casing when closed.

Preferably the printing system prints a wallpaper pattern on to the media web to produce wallpaper.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, wherein during use the printing system produces printed media web having a consumer selected print pattern printed on a media web, the printing system further comprising: first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web to produce the printed media web; and, second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, wherein the printing system is housed in a cabinet, the cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold the media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold the printhead; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed wallpaper; and a receiving stage to receive printed wallpaper onto a roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, adapted for use in a method of producing on- demand printed media web for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of : providing a printing system for producing printed media web comprising: at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a print pattern on the blank media web to form the printed media web; an input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and width; printing the selected print pattern on the media web; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, wherein the printing system includes a drying system, the drying system comprising: a heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of a printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, wherein the printing system includes a composite heating system, the printing system passing the media web along the media path from the media cartridge, past the printhead, to a printed media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the printed media web exit region, comprising:

an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element ; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, adapted for use in a method of drying a printed media web in the printing system, the method including the steps of : passing the media web along a media path from the media cartridge, past the printhead, and over an opening; using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, wherein the printing system includes a container for receiving printed media web, the printing system further including a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed media web against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, wherein the printed media web is produced by a wallpaper printing system comprising: the media web; and, a print pattern printed on the media web by the printing system; whereby, the print pattern is selected by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the media web width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, whereby, the printing system for producing the media web comprises: at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the print pattern on the media web;

the input device in communication with at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the wallpaper to the selected width.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, wherein the printing system includes a printhead assembly, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, adapted for use in a method of printing on-demand printed media web, the method comprising the steps of : receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print pattern; processing data associated with the print pattern to raster and compress the print pattern; transmitting the compressed print pattern data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the print pattern in the print engine controller; extracting a continuous blank media web from a media cartridge; driving the blank media web past a printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print pattern using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, wherein the printing system includes an ink fluid delivery system for a printer, the ink delivery system comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and, a series of printhead tiles forming a printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, wherein the printing system includes a combined cutter and slitter module for a printer, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates positioned such that the media web is able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, wherein the printing system includes a printhead tile for use in a printing system, the printhead tile comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, wherein the printing system includes a printhead assembly with a communications module, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module;

a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, wherein the printing system includes a printer, the printer comprising: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of a media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process a selected print pattern and to control printing of the print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In a further aspect there is provided a media web cartridge, wherein the printing system includes a mobile printer, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; input means for a consumer to select a print pattern to be printed on the media web to form the printed media web; at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern.

In a ninth aspect the present invention provides a printed media web produced by a printing system, the printed media web comprising: a media web; and, a print pattern printed on the media web by the printing system;

whereby, the print pattern is selected by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the printed media web width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, whereby, the printing system for producing the printed media web comprises: at least one media cartridge containing a media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the print pattern on the media web; the input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the wallpaper to the selected width.

Preferably the input device is a touch screen.

Preferably the consumer is able to select the print pattern using a barcode scanner.

Preferably the media web includes one or more background patterns or colors.

Preferably samples of the printed media web for sale are displayed to the consumer in books or collections.

Preferably the consumer can select to modify a displayed print pattern.

Preferably the consumer can browse and select, via a computer network, print patterns stored in a remote database.

Preferably the consumer can upload or import a new print pattern into the at least one processor.

Preferably the printed media web is wound in the printing system and provided to the consumer in a transportable container.

Preferably the consumer is able to operate the printing system at the place of purchase of the printed media web.

Preferably the printing system prints a wallpaper pattern on to the media web to produce wallpaper.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, wherein the printing system further comprises: first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means; wherein,

the at least one processor receives and processes the selected print pattern from the input device and to control printing of the selected print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web to produce the printed media web.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, wherein the printing system uses a cabinet, the cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold the at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold the printhead; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead; at least one module adapted to hold the at least one processor; the input device being a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed media web; and a receiving stage to receive printed media web onto a roller.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, produced by an on-demand method for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of : providing the printing system for producing printed media web comprising: the at least one media cartridge containing the blank media web; the printhead extending at least the width of the media web; the at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a print pattern on the blank media web to form the printed media web; the input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, the slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and width; printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, wherein the printing system includes a drying system, the drying system comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, wherein the printing system includes a composite heating system, the printing system passing the media web along a media path from the media cartridge, past the printhead, to a printed media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the printed media web exit region, comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, dried using a method of drying a printed media web in a printing system, the method including the steps of : passing the media web along a media path from the media cartridge, past the printhead, and over an opening; using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, wherein the printing system further comprises a container for receiving printed media web, the printing system also including a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed media web against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, wherein the printing system further includes a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past a printhead at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, wherein the printhead is a printhead assembly, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, produced by a method of printing on-demand printed media web, the method comprising the steps of : receiving input data from the user which identifies a user selected print pattern; processing data associated with the print pattern to raster and compress the print pattern; transmitting the compressed print pattern data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the print pattern in the print engine controller; extracting the continuous blank media web from the media cartridge ;. driving the blank media web past the printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print pattern using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, wherein the printing system further comprises an ink fluid delivery system for the printhead, the ink delivery system comprising :

a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and, a series of printhead tiles forming the printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, wherein the slitter device is a combined cutter and slitter module for a printer, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates positioned such that the media web is able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, wherein the printhead is a series of printhead tiles, each of the printhead tiles comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in

fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, wherein the printhead is a printhead assembly with a communications module, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, wherein the printhead further comprises: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of a media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process a selected print pattern and to control printing of the print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead ; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid;. a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In another aspect there is provided a printed media web, wherein the printing system includes a mobile printer for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; the input device for the consumer to select a print pattern to be printed on the media web to form the printed media web;

the at least one media cartridge containing the media web; the printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, the at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern.

In a tenth aspect the present invention provides a printhead assembly for a printing system, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

Preferably the casing houses drive electronics for the printhead.

Preferably the casing includes notches to engage tabs on the fluid channel member.

Preferably a printhead tile abuts an adjacent printhead tile.

Preferably the printhead tiles are supported by the fluid channel member.

Preferably each of the printhead tiles has a stepped region.

Preferably the fluid channel member is provided with at least seven ducts.

Preferably the fluid channel member is formed by injection moulding.

Preferably the fluid channel member is formed of a material with a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Preferably the assembly includes power busbars arranged along the length of the assembly.

Preferably the fluid channel member is provided with a female end portion at one distal end and a male end portion at the other distal end.

Preferably more than one fluid channel member can be fixedly associated together in an end to end arrangement.

Preferably the fluid channel member includes a series of fluid outlet ports arranged along the length of the fluid channel member.

Preferably the printing system prints a wallpaper pattern on to a media web to produce wallpaper.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system is adapted to produce printed media web having a consumer selected a print pattern printed on a media web to form the printed media web, the printing system comprising: at least one media cartridge containing the media web; the printhead assembly extending at least the width of the media web; first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web to produce the printed media web; and, second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system uses a cabinet, the cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold the printhead assembly; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead ; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed media web; and a receiving stage to receive printed wallpaper onto a roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of producing on-demand printed media web for sale to a consumer using a printhead assembly, wherein, the method including the steps of providing the printing system for producing printed media web comprising: at least one media cartridge containing a blank media web; the printhead assembly extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead assembly of a print pattern on the blank media web to form the printed media web; an input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and width;

printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system incorporates a drying system, the drying system comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of a printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system includes a composite heating system, the printing system passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, to a printed media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the printed media web exit region, comprising : an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In another aspect there is provided a method of drying a printed media web in a printing system using the printhead assembly, the method including the steps of : passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, and over an opening; using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system further includes a winding area adapted to receive a container for printed media web from the system, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed media web against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system further includes a region to receive a media web cartridge for storing a media web, the system adapted to feed the media web past the printhead assembly, the printhead assembly being at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein printed media web produced by a printing system comprises: a media web; and, a print pattern printed on the media web by the printing system; whereby, the print pattern is selected by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the printed media web width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, whereby, the printing system for producing the printed media web comprises: at least one media cartridge containing a media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the print pattern on the media web; the input device in communication with at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the printed media web to the selected width.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, for use in a method of printing on-demand printed media web, the method comprising the steps of : receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print pattern; processing data associated with the print pattern to raster and compress the print pattern; transmitting the compressed print pattern data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the print pattern in the print engine controller; extracting a continuous blank media web from a media cartridge; driving the blank media web past a printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print pattern using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system includes an ink fluid delivery system, the ink fluid delivery system comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and, a series of printhead tiles forming a printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system includes a combined cutter and slitter module, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates positioned such that a media web is able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printhead tile comprises:

a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, further including a communications module for the printing system, wherein: the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printhead assembly is a micro-electro- mechanical printhead extending at least the width of a media web; and the printing system further comprises: drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process a selected print pattern and to control printing of the print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber;

an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, incorporated into a mobile printer for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer ; input means for a consumer to select a print pattern to be printed on a media web to form the printed media web ; at least one media cartridge containing the media web; the printhead assembly extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern.

In an eleventh aspect the present invention provides a method of printing on-demand printed media web, the method comprising the steps of : receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print pattern; processing data associated with the print pattern to raster and compress the print pattern ; transmitting the compressed print pattern data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the print pattern in the print engine controller; extracting a continuous blank media web from a media cartridge; driving the blank media web past a printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print pattern using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

Preferably the compressed print pattern is passed to a memory buffer of the print engine controller.

Preferably data from the memory buffer is passed to a page image expander.

Preferably data from the page image expander is passed to dithering means.

Preferably data from the dithering means and the page image expander is passed to a compositor.

Preferably data from the compositor is passed to rendering means.

Preferably the processing data step includes producing page layouts and objects.

Preferably the print engine controller communicates with a plurality of printhead tiles forming the printhead.

Preferably the print engine controller communicates with a master quality assurance chip.

Preferably the print engine controller communicates with an ink cartridge quality assurance chip.

Preferably the print engine controller includes an interface to the drive means.

Preferably the print engine controller includes an additional memory interface.

Preferably the print engine controller includes at least one bi-level buffer.

Preferably the drive means includes at least one driven roller.

Preferably the user selected print pattern is a wallpaper pattern such that the printed media web is wallpaper.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of printing on-demand printed media web, wherein the method is carried out using a printing system for producing printed media web, where a print pattern, to be printed on a media web to form the printed media web, is able to be selected by a consumer, the printing system comprising: at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web to produce the printed media web; and, second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of printing on-demand printed media web, wherein the method is carried out using a printing system for producing printed media web, the printing system housed in a cabinet, the cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold a printhead ; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead ; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed media web; and a receiving stage to receive printed media web onto a roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of printing on-demand printed media web, for sale to a consumer, the method further including the steps of : providing a printing system for producing printed media web comprising:

at least one media cartridge containing a blank media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a print pattern on the blank media web to form the printed media web; an input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and width; printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer.

In a further aspect there is provided a drying system for drying a media web printed with a user selected print pattern in accordance with the method of printing on-demand printed media web wherein, the drying system comprises: an heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of a printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In another aspect there is provided a composite heating system for drying a media web printed with a user selected print pattern in accordance with the method of printing on-demand printed media web, wherein during use, the printing system passes a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, to a printed media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the printed media web exit region, comprising : an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In another aspect there is provided a method of printing on-demand printed media web, the method further including the drying steps of : passing the media web along a media path from the media cartridge, past the printhead, and over an opening; using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In another aspect there is provided a method of printing on-demand printed media web, carried out using a printing system, wherein a container is adapted for receiving printed media web from the printing system, the printing system further including a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed wallpaper against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In another aspect there is provided a method of printing on-demand printed media web, the media web cartridge is adapted for storing a media web to be introduced into a printing system, the printing system including a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past a printhead at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In another aspect there is provided a method of printing on-demand printed media web, carried out by a printing system, the printed media web produced by the system comprising :

a media web; and, a print pattern printed on the media web by the printing system; whereby, the print pattern is selected by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the printed media web width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, whereby, the printing system for producing the printed media web comprises : at least one media cartridge containing a media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the wallpaper pattern on the media web; the input device in communication with at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the wallpaper to the selected width.

In another aspect there is provided a method of printing on-demand printed media web, wherein the printhead is a printhead assembly for a printing system, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In another aspect there is provided a method of printing on-demand printed media web, carried out on a system incorporating an ink fluid delivery system for a printer, the ink fluid delivery system comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and, a series of printhead tiles forming the printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In another aspect there is provided a method of printing on-demand printed media web, carried out on a printer, the printer including a combined cutter and slitter module, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising:

at least two end plates, a media web able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In another aspect there is provided a method of printing on-demand printed media web, carried out in a printing system having a printhead tile, the printhead tile comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In another aspect there is provided a method of printing on-demand printed media web, carried out in a printing system having printhead assembly with a communications module, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module;

a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In another aspect there is provided a method of printing on-demand wallpaper, carried out using a printer provided with a micro-electro-mechanical printhead for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of a media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process a selected print pattern and to control printing of the print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead ; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In another aspect there is provided a method of printing on-demand printed media web, carried out using a mobile printer for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; input means for a consumer to select a print pattern to be printed on a media web to form the printed media web; at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern.

In a twelfth aspect the present invention provides an ink fluid delivery system for a printer, comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes;

an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and, a series of printhead tiles forming a printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

Preferably there is additionally provided an air pump and at least one air delivery tube to supply air to the printhead.

Preferably there is provided a detachable coupling in the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes.

Preferably there are at least six ink reservoirs and six ink supply tubes.

Preferably the ink reservoirs are provided with ink level monitoring apparatus.

Preferably an end of the ink fluid supply channel member is provided with a female end portion or a male end portion.

Preferably the ink fluid supply channel member can engage an adjacent ink fluid supply channel member to provide an extended length.

Preferably the at least one ink fluid delivery connector has a female end or a male end to engage the ink fluid supply channel member.

Preferably the at least one ink fluid delivery connector is provided with tubular portions to attach to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes.

Preferably the ink fluid supply channel member includes a sealing member at one end.

Preferably each outlet port in a group is connected to a separate duct.

Preferably a printhead tile abuts an adjacent printhead tile.

Preferably the series of printhead tiles are supported by the ink fluid supply channel member.

Preferably the printhead prints a wallpaper pattern on to a media web to produce wallpaper.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, for use in a printing system for producing printed media web, where a print pattern, to be printed on a media web to form the printed media web, is able to be selected by a consumer, the printing system comprising: at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web to produce the printed media web; and, second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, for use in a printing system for producing printed media web, the printing system housed in a cabinet, the cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold a printhead; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed media web; and a receiving stage to receive printed media web onto a roller.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, for use in a method of producing on-demand printed media web for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of : providing a printing system for producing printed media web comprising: at least one media cartridge containing a blank media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a print pattern on the blank media web to form the printed media web; an input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and width; printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, for use with a drying system used with a printing system, the drying system comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element;

the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of a printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, for use in a composite heating system for use in a printing system, the printing system passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, to a printed media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the printed media web exit region, comprising : an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, for use in a method of drying a printed media web in a printing system, the method including the steps of : passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, and over an opening; using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, for use in a printing system, the system adapted to feed printed media web to a container, the printing system including a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed media web against at least one interior surface of the casing; and,

at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, for use in a printing system, the system adapted to receive a media web from a media web cartridge for storing the media web, the printing system including a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past the printhead at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, for use in a printing system for producing printed media web, the printed media web comprising: a media web; and, a print pattern printed on the media web by the printing system; whereby, the print pattern is selected by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the printed media web width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, whereby, the printing system for producing the printed media web comprises: at least one media cartridge containing a media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the print pattern on the media web; the input device in communication with at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the printed media web to the selected width.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, wherein the printhead is a printhead assembly for a printing system, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module;

a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, for use in a method of printing on-demand printed media web, the method comprising the steps of : receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print pattern; processing data associated with the print pattern to raster and compress the print pattern; transmitting the compressed print pattern data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the print pattern in the print engine controller; extracting a continuous blank media web from a media cartridge; driving the blank media web past a printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print pattern using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, for use in a printer, the printer having a combined cutter and slitter module, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates, a media web able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, for use in a printing system having at least one printhead tile, each of the printhead tiles comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper

layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, wherein the printhead is a printhead assembly with a communications module for a wallpaper printing system, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, for use in a printer provided with a micro- electro-mechanical printhead for producing wallpaper, the printer comprising: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of a media web; drive means to drive the media web past : the printhead ; at least one processor to receive and process a selected print pattern and to control printing of the print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm ; and,

at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In a further aspect there is provided an ink fluid delivery system, for use in a mobile printer for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; input means for a consumer to select a print pattern to be printed on a media web to form the printed media web; at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern.

In a thirteenth aspect the present invention provides a combined cutter and slitter module for a printer, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates, a media web able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

Preferably the transverse cutter is fixed to the at least two end plates.

Preferably the combined cutter and slitter module further includes at least two entry rollers fixed between the at least two end plates.

Preferably at least one of the entry rollers is powered.

Preferably the drive motor also drives the at least one entry roller.

Preferably the at least two slitter rollers are provided with two or more cutting disks.

Preferably the position of at least one of the two or more cutting disks varies between each of the at least two slitter rollers.

Preferably there are four slitter rollers.

Preferably the guide roller is provided with circumferential recesses to engage the at least one cutting disk.

Preferably the at least two slitter rollers are mounted on two brackets which are rotatably attached to the at least two endplates.

Preferably a stabilising shaft is provided between the two brackets.

Preferably the combined cutter and slitter module also includes at least two exit rollers fixed between the at least two end plates.

Preferably at least one of the exit rollers is powered.

Preferably the drive motor also drives the at least one exit roller.

Preferably a blade of the cutter is mounted between a pair of rotating cams.

Preferably the printer prints a wallpaper pattern on to a media web to produce wallpaper.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a printing system for producing printed media web having a consumer selected print pattern printed on a media web, the printing system comprising: at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web to produce the printed media web; and, second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

383. The combined cutter and slitter module as claimed in claim 366, for use in a printing system for producing printed media web, the printing system using a cabinet, the cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold a printhead; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor;

a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed media web; and a receiving stage to receive printed media web onto a roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a method of producing on-demand printed media web for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of : providing a printing system for producing printed media web comprising: at least one media cartridge containing a blank media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a print pattern on the blank media web to form the printed media web; an input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, the slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and width; printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a printing system including a drying system, the drying system comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of a printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a printing system having a composite heating system, the printing system passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, to a printed media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the printed media web exit region, comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element;

the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a method of drying a printed media web in a printing system, the method including the steps of : passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, and over an opening; using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a printing system, the system adapted to feed printed media web to a container, the printing system including a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed media web against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a printing system, the system adapted to receive a media web from a media web cartridge for storing a media web, the printing system including a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past a printhead at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and,

at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a wallpaper printing system for producing wallpaper, the wallpaper comprising: a media web; and, a wallpaper pattern printed on the media web by the wallpaper printing system; whereby, the wallpaper pattern is selected by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the wallpaper width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, whereby, the printing system for producing the wallpaper comprises: at least one media cartridge containing a media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the wallpaper pattern on the media web; the input device in communication with at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the wallpaper to the selected width.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a printing system having a printhead assembly, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing ; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a method of printing on- demand printed media web, the method comprising the steps of : receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print pattern; processing data associated with the print pattern to raster and compress the print pattern; transmitting the compressed print pattern data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the print pattern in the print engine controller; extracting a continuous blank media web from a media cartridge; driving the blank media web past a printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and,

printing the user selected print pattern using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a printer having an ink fluid delivery system, the ink fluid delivery system comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and, a series of printhead tiles forming a printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a printing system having at least one printhead tile, each of the printhead tiles comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a printing system having a printhead assembly with a communications module, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module;

a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a printer provided with a micro-electro-mechanical printhead for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of a media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process a selected print pattern and to control printing of the print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In a further aspect there is provided a combined cutter and slitter module, for use in a mobile printer for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; input means for a consumer to select a print pattern to be printed on a media web to form the printed media web; at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern.

In a fourteenth aspect the present invention provides a printhead tile for use in a printing system, the printhead tile comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles;

a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

Preferably the upper layer and the middle layer each include one or more air holes.

Preferably the lower layer includes at least one air channel.

Preferably an endplate is provided adjacent the channel layer.

Preferably the channel layer slots are provided as fingers integrated in the channel layer.

Preferably the printhead integrated circuit is bonded onto the upper layer.

Preferably the array of ink nozzles overlie the array of upper layer holes.

Preferably the channel layer acts to direct air flow across the printhead integrated circuit.

Preferably the diameter of holes decreases from the inlet holes to the middle layer holes to the upper layer holes.

Preferably printhead tile additionally including a nozzle guard adjacent the printhead integrated circuit.

Preferably the printing system is adapted for producing wallpaper having a consumer selected wallpaper pattern, to be printed on a media web to form the wallpaper.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, wherein the printing system is adapted for producing printed media web having a consumer selected print pattern, to be printed on a media web, the printing system comprising:

at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web to produce the printed media web; and, second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, wherein the printing system is adapted for producing printed media web, the system using a cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold a printhead; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor ; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed media web; and a receiving stage to receive printed media web onto a roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, for use in a method of producing on-demand printed media web for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of : providing a printing system for producing printed media web comprising: at least one media cartridge containing a blank media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a print pattern on the blank media web to form the printed media web; an input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and width; printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, wherein the printing system uses a drying system, the drying printing system comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of a printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and,

at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, wherein the printing system includes a composite heating system, the printing system passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, to a printed media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the printed media web exit region, comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, wherein for use in a method of drying a printed media web in a printing system, the method including the steps of : passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, and over an opening; using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, wherein the printing system is adapted to feed printed media web to a container, the printing system including a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed media web against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, wherein the printing system receives a media web from a media web cartridge, the printing system including a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past a printhead at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate ; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, wherein the printing system is adapted to produce printed media web, the printed media web comprising: a media web; and, a print pattern printed on the media web by the printing system; whereby, the print pattern is selected by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the printed media web width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, whereby, the printing system for producing the printed media web comprises: at least one media cartridge containing a media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the print pattern on the media web; the input device in communication with at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the printed media web to the selected width.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, for use in a printhead assembly for the printing system, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of the printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, for use in a method of printing on-demand printed media web, the method comprising the steps of : receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print pattern; processing data associated with the print pattern to raster and compress the print pattern; transmitting the compressed print pattern data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the print pattern in the print engine controller; extracting a continuous blank media web from a media cartridge; driving the blank media web past a printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print pattern using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, for use in a printer having an ink fluid delivery system, the ink fluid delivery system comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and, a series of printhead tiles forming a printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, for use in a printer having a combined cutter and slitter module, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates positioned such that a media web is able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, wherein the printing system has a printhead assembly with a communications module, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, for use in a printer provided with a micro-electro- mechanical printhead for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of a media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process a selected print pattern and to control printing of the print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead tile, for use in a mobile printer for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; input means for a consumer to select a print pattern to be printed on a media web to form the printed media web; at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and,

at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern.

In a fifteenth aspect the present invention provides a printhead assembly with a communications module for a printing system, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

Preferably the printhead module includes a plurality of printhead tiles.

Preferably each printhead tile is in electrical connection with the power supply port, data communication with the data port and fluid communication with the fluid delivery port.

Preferably the fluid channel member is provided with a female end portion at one distal end and a male end portion at the other distal end.

Preferably more than one fluid channel member can be fixedly associated together in an end to end arrangement.

Preferably the fluid channel member includes a series of fluid outlet ports arranged along the length of the fluid channel member.

Preferably the fluid channel member has a female end or a male end to engage the fluid delivery connection port.

Preferably the fluid delivery connection port is provided with tubular portions to attach to a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes.

Preferably each printhead tile is supported by the fluid channel member.

Preferably the power supply connection port and the data connection port are mounted on a connection platform attached to or part of the casing.

Preferably the connection platform includes a spring portion.

Preferably the spring portion is at least one integrated serpentine member of the connection platform.

Preferably an endplate is disposed between the casing and the connection ports.

Preferably the printhead module prints a wallpaper pattern on to a media web to produce wallpaper.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system produces printed media web having a consumer selected print pattern printed on a media web, the printing system further comprising : at least one media cartridge containing the media web ; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web ; first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead ; at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web to produce the printed media web ; and, second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system uses a cabinet for producing printed media web, the cabinet comprising : a support adapted to hold at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold a printhead ; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead ; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead ; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor ; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor ; a drying compartment to dry printed media web ; and a receiving stage to receive printed media web onto a roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, for use in a method of producing on-demand printed media web for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of providing a printing system for producing printed media web comprising : at least one media cartridge containing a blank media web ; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web ; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a print pattern on the blank media web to form the printed media web ; an input device in communication with the at least one processor ; and, a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width ;

receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and width ; printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web ; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width ; and, charging the consumer.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system includes a drying system, the drying system comprising : an heating element provided within a first chamber ; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element ; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber ; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of a printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening ; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system includes a composite heating system, the printing system passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, to a printed media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising : a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater ; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the printed media web exit region, comprising : an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web ; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element ; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web ; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, for use in a method of drying a printed media web in the printing system, the method including the steps of passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, and over an opening ; using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening ; and,

driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system is adapted to feed printed media web to container, the printing system including a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed media web against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system receives media web from a media web cartridge, the printing system including a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past a printhead at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein printed media web produced by a printing system, the printed media web comprising: a media web; and, a print pattern printed on the media web by the printing system; whereby, the print pattern is selected by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the printed media web width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, whereby, the printing system for producing the printed media web comprises: at least one media cartridge containing a media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web;

at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the print pattern on the media web; the input device in communication with at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the printed media web to the selected width.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system has printhead assembly, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, for use in a method of printing on-demand printed media web, the method comprising the steps of : receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print pattern; processing data associated with the wallpaper pattern to raster and compress the print pattern ; transmitting the compressed print pattern data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the print pattern in the print engine controller ;- extracting a continuous blank media web from a media cartridge ; driving the blank media web past a printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print pattern using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, for use in a printer having an ink fluid delivery system, the ink delivery system comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and,

a series of printhead tiles forming a printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, for use in a printer having a combined cutter and slitter module, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates positioned such that a media web is able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, wherein the printing system has a printhead tile, the printhead tile comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles; a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby ; the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, for use in a printer provided with a micro-electro- mechanical printhead for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of a media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead;

at least one processor to receive and process a selected print pattern and to control printing of the print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, for use in a mobile printer for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; input means for a consumer to select a print pattern to be printed on a media web to form the printed media web; at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern.

In a sixteenth aspect the present invention provides a printer provided with a micro-electro-mechanical printhead for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of a media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process a selected print pattern and to control printing of the print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm ; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

Preferably the lever arm forms a rim of the nozzle chamber.

Preferably the rim includes radial recesses.

Preferably each nozzle arrangement includes an anchor for the actuator beam.

Preferably the nozzle chamber includes a fluidic seal.

Preferably the drive means is at least one driven roller.

Preferably the drive means comprises a driven roller associated with an idler roller.

Preferably each printhead tile abuts an adjacent printhead tile.

Preferably the printhead tiles are supported by the fluid channel member.

Preferably each of the printhead tiles has a stepped region.

Preferably each printhead tile is in electrical connection with a power supply and data communication with the at least one processor.

Preferably each nozzle arrangement is positioned on a substrate.

Preferably the printer additionally includes a drying system.

Preferably the printer additionally includes a cutter-slitter module.

Preferably the media web is supplied from a self-threading media cartridge with integrated media web drive means.

Preferably the micro-electro-mechanical printhead prints a wallpaper pattern on to a media web to produce wallpaper.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a printing system for producing media web, to be printed with a consumer selected print pattern, the printing system comprising: at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead;

at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web to produce the printed media web; and, second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a printing system, the system using a cabinet for producing printed media web, the cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold a printhead; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead ; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed media web; and a receiving stage to receive printed media web onto a roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a method of producing on-demand printed media web for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of : providing a printing system for producing printed media web comprising: at least one media cartridge containing a blank media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a print pattern on the blank media web to form the printed media web; an input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and width; printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer for the printed media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a printing system having a drying system, the drying system comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber ; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of a printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a printing system having a composite heating system, the printing system passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, to a printed media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the wallpaper exit region, comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a method of drying a printed media web in a printing system, the method including the steps of : passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, and over an opening; using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a printing system adapted to feed printed media web to a container, the printing system including a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising : a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web can be wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed media web against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed media web about the core.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a printing system adapted to receive a media web from a media web cartridge, the printing system including a region to receive the media web cartridge and

feed the media web past a printhead at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a printing system for producing printed media web, the printed media web comprising: a media web; and, a print pattern printed on the media web by the printing system; whereby, the print pattern is selected by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the printed media web width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, whereby, the printing system for producing the printed media web comprises: at least one media cartridge containing a media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the print pattern on the media web; the input device in communication with at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the printed media web to the selected width.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a printing system having a printhead assembly, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a method of printing on-demand printed media web, the method comprising the steps of :

receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print pattern; processing data associated with the print pattern to raster and compress the print pattern; transmitting the compressed print pattern data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the print pattern in the print engine controller; extracting a continuous blank media web from a media cartridge; driving the blank media web past a printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print pattern using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use with an ink fluid delivery system, the ink fluid delivery system comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and, a series of printhead tiles forming a printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a printer having a combined cutter and slitter module, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates, a media web able to pass between the at least two end plates ; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a printing system having a printhead tile, the printhead tile comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles;

a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a printing system having a printhead assembly with a communications module, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, for use in a mobile printer for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; input means for a consumer to select a print pattern to be printed on a media web to form the printed media web; at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern.

In a seventeenth aspect the present invention provides a mobile printer for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a vehicle adapted to hold and transport the printer; input means for a consumer to select a print pattern to be printed on a media web to form the printed media web; at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; and, at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern.

Preferably the input means is a touch screen.

Preferably the drive means is located within the at least one media cartridge.

Preferably the drive means is at least one driven roller.

Preferably there is provided a second drive means located within a cutter module.

Preferably the second drive means is at least one driven roller.

Preferably the printed media web is automatically wound about a roller in a container provided to the consumer.

Preferably winding means is used to drive the roller.

Preferably the at least one processor is adapted to connect to a remote database enabling the consumer to browse and select wallpaper patterns stored in the database.

Preferably the at least one processor is adapted to allow the consumer to upload or import a new print pattern.

Preferably the printer prints a print pattern on to a media web to produce printed media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, using a printing system for producing, a media web printed with a consumer selected print pattern, the printing system comprising: at least one media cartridge containing the media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; first drive means to drive the media web past the printhead; at least one processor to receive and process the selected print pattern and to control printing of the selected print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web to produce the printed media web; and,

second drive means to drive the printed media web onto a roller to be wound by a winding means.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, using a printing system for producing printed media web, the system incorporating a cabinet, the cabinet comprising: a support adapted to hold at least one media cartridge, containing the media web, and to hold a printhead; at least one guide to direct the media web past the printhead; a further support adapted to hold at least one ink reservoir in fluid communication with the printhead; at least one module adapted to hold at least one processor; a user interface to forward user instructions to the at least one processor; a drying compartment to dry printed media web; and a receiving stage to receive printed media web onto a roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, for use in a method of producing on-demand wallpaper for sale to a consumer, the method including the steps of : providing a printing system for producing printed media web comprising: at least one media cartridge containing a blank media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of a print pattern on the blank media web to form the printed media web; an input device in communication with the at least one processor; and, a slitter module to cut the media web to a selected width; receiving, from the consumer via the input device, data indicating the consumer selected print pattern and width; printing the selected print pattern on the blank media web; cutting the printed media web according to the consumer selected width; and, charging the consumer.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, using a printing system for producing printed media web, the system incorporating a drying system, the drying system comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second drying chamber; the second drying chamber receiving subsequent portions of a printed media web passed into the second drying chamber through the opening; and, at least one circulation duct provided to transfer at least a portion of the heated air from the second drying chamber to near the at least one fan.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, using a printing system for producing printed media web, the system incorporating a composite heating system, the printing system passing a media web along a

media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, to a printed media web exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre- heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the printed media web exit region, comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, for use in a method of drying a printed media web in a printing system, the method including the steps of : passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, and over an opening; using at least one fan to force air past an heating element provided within a first chamber located on one side of the opening, the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through the opening into a second drying chamber located on the other side of the opening; and, driving the printed media web along the media path such that the printed media web extends from the media path, via the opening, into the second drying chamber which receives subsequent portions of the printed media web as the media web is driven along the media path.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, using a printing system for producing printed media web, the system incorporating a container for receiving printed media web, the printing system including a winding area adapted to receive the container, the container comprising: a casing able to be closed to envelope the printed media web; a core about which printed media web is wound; two support members that each associate with opposite distal ends of the core, the support members bearing the load of the printed wallpaper against at least one interior surface of the casing; and, at least one of the support members including a hub which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing, the hub adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the winding area of the printing system, the drive spindle rotating the hub which results in rotation of the core and consequent winding of the printed wallpaper about the core.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, using a printing system for producing printed media web, the system incorporating a media web cartridge for storing a media web to be introduced into the

printing system, the printing system including a region to receive the media web cartridge and feed the media web past a printhead at least as wide as the width of the media web, the media web cartridge comprising: a casing which envelopes the media web; a fixed shaft about which the media web is wound and is free to rotate; two support members that each hold an opposite end of the shaft, the support members adapted to be supported by the casing and to prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the casing; at least two feed rollers to draw the media web from about the shaft and force the media web through an exit region of the casing; and, at least one of the feed rollers including a coupling which protrudes through an opening in an end of the casing and is adapted to engage with a drive spindle provided in the printing system, the drive spindle adapted to rotate the at least one feed roller.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, wherein the printed media web comprises: a media web; and, a print pattern printed on the media web by the printing system; whereby, the print pattern is selected by a consumer using an input device of the printing system, and the printed media web width is selected by a consumer using the input device; and, whereby, the printing system for producing the printed media web comprises: at least one media cartridge containing a media web; a printhead extending at least the width of the media web; at least one processor to control printing by the printhead of the print pattern on the media web; the input device in communication with at least one processor; and, a slitter device to cut the printed media web to the selected width.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, using a printing system for producing printed media web, the system incorporating a printhead assembly, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing ; a printhead module, the printhead module comprised of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged substantially along the length of the printhead module; a fluid channel member held within the casing adjacent the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts, fluid within each of the ducts being in fluid communication with each of the printhead tiles; and, each printhead tile including a printhead integrated circuit formed to dispense fluid, a printed circuit board to facilitate communication with a processor controlling the printing, and fluid inlet ports to receive fluid from the fluid channel member.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, for use in a method of printing on-demand printed media web, the method comprising the steps of receiving input data from a user which identifies a user selected print pattern;

processing data associated with the print pattern to raster and compress the print pattern; transmitting the compressed print pattern data to a print engine controller; expanding and rendering the print pattern in the print engine controller; extracting a continuous blank media web from a media cartridge; driving the blank media web past a printhead controlled by the print engine controller using drive means; and, printing the user selected print pattern using the printhead which extends at least the width of the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, further comprising a ink fluid delivery system comprising : a plurality of ink reservoirs associated in fluid communication with a plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; at least one ink fluid delivery connector attached to the plurality of ink fluid supply tubes; an ink fluid supply channel member associated in fluid communication with the at least one ink fluid delivery connector, the ink fluid supply channel member containing a plurality of ducts, at least one duct associated with at least one ink reservoir; the ink fluid supply channel member provided with a series of groups of outlet ports dispersed along the length of the ink fluid supply channel member; and, a series of printhead tiles forming a printhead, each printhead tile provided with a group of inlet ports aligned with a group of the outlet ports.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, further comprising a combined cutter and slitter module, the combined cutter and slitter module comprising: at least two end plates, a media web able to pass between the at least two end plates; at least two slitter rollers rotatably held between the at least two end plates, each of the slitter rollers provided with at least one cutting disk, each of the cutting disks located at different positions along the length of the at least two slitter rollers; a guide roller positioned to selectively engage with at least one cutting disk, the media web able to be passed between the guide roller and the at least one cutting disk; a drive motor to rotate the guide roller; a first actuating motor to selectively rotate the at least two slitter rollers and thereby selectively engage at least one cutting disk with the guide roller; a transverse cutter positioned along at least the width of the media web; and, a second actuating motor to force the transverse cutter against the media web.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, using a printing system for producing printed media web, the system incorporating a printhead tile, the printhead tile comprising: a printhead integrated circuit including an array of ink nozzles;

a channel layer provided adjacent the printhead integrated circuit, the channel layer provided with a plurality of channel layer slots; an upper layer provided adjacent the channel layer, the upper layer provided with an array of upper layer holes on a first side, and an array of upper layer channels on a second side, at least some of the upper layer holes in fluid communication with at least some of the upper layer channels, and at least some of the upper layer holes aligned with a channel layer slot; a middle layer provided adjacent the upper layer, the middle layer provided with a plurality of middle layer holes, at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with at least some of the upper layer channels; and, a lower layer provided adjacent the middle layer, the lower layer provided with an array of inlet holes on a first side, and an array of lower layer channels on a second side, at least one of the inlet holes in fluid communication with at least one of the lower layer channels, and at least some of the middle layer holes aligned with a lower layer channel; whereby, the inlet holes receive different types or colors of ink, each type or color of ink separately transported to different nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, using a printing system for producing printed media web, the system incorporating a printhead assembly with a communications module, the printhead assembly comprising: a casing; a printhead module; a fluid channel member positioned adjacent to the printhead module, the fluid channel member including a plurality of ducts that substantially span the length of the printhead module; a power supply connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the power supply port electrically connected to at least one busbar that substantially spans the length of the printhead module; a fluid delivery connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the fluid delivery port in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and, a data connection port positioned at a distal end of the casing, the data port electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board positioned within the casing, the at least one printed circuit board further electrically connected to the printhead module.

In a further aspect there is provided a mobile printer, using a printer provided with a micro-electro-mechanical printhead for producing printed media web, the printer comprising: a micro-electro-mechanical printhead extending at least the width of a media web; drive means to drive the media web past the printhead ; at least one processor to receive and process a selected print pattern and to control printing of the print pattern, by the printhead, on the media web; the printhead including of a plurality of printhead tiles arranged along the length of the printhead ; a fluid channel member adjacent the printhead; each printhead tile including a series of micro-electro-mechanical nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid channel member; and,

each nozzle arrangement comprising: a nozzle chamber for holding fluid; a lever arm for forcing at least part of the fluid from the nozzle chamber; an actuator beam for distorting the lever arm ; and, at least one electrode for receiving an electrical current that heats and expands the actuator beam.

Brief Description of the Figures 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 in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wallpaper printer according to the teachings of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a typical retail setting, illustrating the deployment of the present invention; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a wallpaper printer of the type depicted in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a wallpaper printer with a service door open; Figure 5 is a cross section through the device depicted in Figure 1; Figure 6 is a detail of the cross section depicted in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a cross section through a wallpaper printer depicting a wallpaper production paper path; Figure 8A is a top plan view of a dryer cabinet; Figure 8B is an elevation of a dryer cabinet; Figure 8C is a side elevation of a dryer cabinet; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a dryer cabinet; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the printhead and ink harness; Figure 11 is another perspective view of the printhead and ink harness showing removal of the printhead; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a slitter module; Figure 13 is another perspective of a slitter module showing the transverse cutter; Figure 14A and 14Bare perspective views of a media cartridge; Figure 15 is a perspective view of the media cartridge depicted in Figure 14 with the case open; Figure 16 in an exploded perspective of an interior of a media cartridge; Figure 17A and 17D are various views of the media cartridge depicted in Figures 14-16; Figure 18 is a cross section through a media cartridge;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a carry container or finished wallpaper product; and Figure 20 is an exploded perspective of the container depicted in Figure 19; Figure 21 shows a perspective view of a printhead assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 22 shows the opposite side of the printhead assembly of Figure 21; Figure 23 shows a sectional view of the printhead assembly of Figure 21; Figure 24A illustrates a portion of a printhead module that is incorporated in the printhead assembly of Figure 21; Figure 24B illustrates a lid portion of the printhead module of Figure 24A ; Figure 25A shows a top view of a printhead tile that forms a portion of the printhead module of Figure 24A; Figure 25B shows a bottom view of the printhead tile of Figure 25A; Figure 26 illustrates electrical connectors for printhead integrated circuits that are mounted to the printhead tiles as shown in Figure 25A; Figure 27 illustrates a connection that is made between the printhead module of Figure 24A and the underside of the printhead tile of Figures 25A and 25B; Figure 28 illustrates a"female"end portion of the printhead module of Figure 24A; Figure 29 illustrates a"male"end portion of the printhead module of Figure 24A; Figure 30 illustrates a fluid delivery connector for the male end portion of Figure 29; Figure 31 illustrates a fluid delivery connector for the female end portion of Figure 28 ; Figure 32 illustrates the fluid delivery connector of Figures 30 or 31 connected to fluid delivery tubes; Figure 33 illustrates a tubular portion arrangement of the fluid delivery connectors of Figures 30 and 31 ; Figure 34A illustrates a capping member for the female and male end portions of Figures 28 and2 9; Figure 34B illustrates the capping member of Figure 34A applied to the printhead module of Figure 24A; Figure 35A shows a sectional (skeletal) view of a support frame of a casing of the printhead assembly of Figure 21 ; Figures 35B and 35C show perspective views of the support frame of Figure 35A in upward and downward orientations, respectively; Figure 36 illustrates a printed circuit board (PCB) support that forms a portion of the printhead assembly of Figure 21 ; Figures 37A and 37B show side and rear perspective views of the PCB support of Figure 36; Figure 38A illustrates circuit components carried by a PCB supported by the PCB support of Figure 36; Figure 38B shows an opposite side perspective view of the PCB and the circuit components of Figure 38A ; Figure 39A shows a side view illustrating further components attached to the PCB support of Figure 36; Figure 39B shows a rear side view of a pressure plate that forms a portion of the printhead assembly of Figure 21; Figure 40 shows a front view illustrating the further components of Figure 39; Figure 41 shows a perspective view illustrating the further components of Figure 39; Figure 42 shows a front view of the PCB support of Figure 36; Figure 42A shows a side sectional view taken along the line I-I in Figure 42; Figure 42B shows an enlarged view of the section A of Figure 42A;

Figure 42C shows a side sectional view taken along the line II-II in Figure 42; Figure 42D shows an enlarged view of the section B of Figure 42C; Figure 42E shows an enlarged view of the section C of Figure 42C; Figure 43 shows a side view of a cover portion of the casing of the printhead assembly of Figure 21 ; Figure 44 illustrates a plurality of the PCB supports of Figure 36 in a modular assembly; Figure 45 illustrates a connecting member that is carried by two adjacent PCB supports of Figure 44 and which is used for interconnecting PCBs that are carried by the PCB supports; Figure 46 illustrates the connecting member of Figure 45 interconnecting two PCBs ; Figure 47 illustrates the interconnection between two PCBs by the connecting member of Figure 45; Figure 48 illustrates a connecting region of busbars that are located in the printhead assembly of Figure 21; Figure 49 shows a perspective view of an end portion of a printhead assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 50 illustrates a connector arrangement that is located in the end portion of the printhead assembly as shown in Figure 49; Figure 51 illustrates the connector arrangement of Figure 50 housed in an end housing and plate assembly which forms a portion of the printhead assembly; Figures 52A and 52B show opposite side views of the connector arrangement of Figure 50; Figure 52C illustrates a fluid delivery connection portion of the connector arrangement of Figure 50; Figure 53A illustrates a support member that is located in a printhead assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 53B shows a sectional view of the printhead assembly with the support member of Figure 53A located therein; Figure 53C illustrates a part of the printhead assembly of Figure 53B in more detail; Figure 54 illustrates the connector arrangement of Figure 50 housed in the end housing and plate assembly of Figure 51 attached to the casing of the printhead assembly; Figure 55A shows an exploded perspective view of the end housing and plate assembly of Figure 51 ; Figure 55B shows an exploded perspective view of an end housing and plate assembly which forms a portion of the printhead assembly of Figure 21; Figure 56 shows a perspective view of the printhead assembly when in a form which uses both of the end housing and plate assemblies of Figures 55A and 55B ; Figure 57 illustrates a connector arrangement housed in the end housing and plate assembly of Figure 55B ; Figures 58A and 58B shows opposite side views of the connector arrangement of Figure 57; Figure 59 illustrates an end plate when attached to the printhead assembly of Figure 49; Figure 60 illustrates data flow and functions performed by a print engine controller integrated circuit that forms one of the circuit components shown in Figure 38A; Figure 61 illustrates the print engine controller integrated circuit of Figure 60 in the context of an overall printing system architecture ; Figure 62 illustrates the architecture of the print engine controller integrated circuit of Figure 61; Figure 63 shows an exploded view of a fluid distribution stack of elements that form the printhead tile of Figure 25A;

Figure 64 shows a perspective view (partly in section) of a portion of a nozzle system of a printhead integrated circuit that is incorporated in the printhead module of the printhead assembly of Figure 21 ; Figure 65 shows a vertical sectional view of a single nozzle (of the nozzle system shown in Figure 64) in a quiescent state; Figure 66 shows a vertical sectional view of the nozzle of Figure 65 at an initial actuation state; Figure 67 shows a vertical sectional view of the nozzle of Figure 66 at a later actuation state; Figure 68 shows in perspective a partial vertical sectional view of the nozzle of Figure 65, at the actuation state shown in Figure 66; Figure 69 shows in perspective a vertical section of the nozzle of Figure 65, with ink omitted; Figure 70 shows a vertical sectional view of the nozzle of Figure 69; Figure 71 shows in perspective a partial vertical sectional view of the nozzle of Figure 65, at the actuation state shown in Figure 66; Figure 72 shows a plan view of the nozzle of Figure 65; Figure 73 shows a plan view of the nozzle of Figure 65 with lever arm and movable nozzle portions omitted; Figures 74-76 illustrate the basic operational principles of an embodiment of a nozzle; Figure 77 illustrates a three dimensional view of a single ink jet nozzle arrangement; Figure 78 illustrates an array of the nozzle arrangements of Figure 77; Figure 79 shows a table to be used with reference to Figures 80 to 89; Figures 80 to 89 show various stages in the manufacture of the ink jet nozzle arrangement of Figure 77; and Figure 90 illustrates a method of sale for printed wallpaper.

Best Mode and Other Embodiments of the Invention 1. Exterior Overview As shown in Figure 1 a wallpaper printer 100 comprises a cabinet 102 with exterior features to facilitate the specification of, purchase of, and packaging of wallpaper which is selected and printed, on- demand, for example at a point of sale. The cabinet 102 includes input means, for example a tilting touch screen interface 104 such as an LCD TFT screen which may be positioned at a convenient height for a standing person. The cabinet may also support a pistol grip type barcode scanner 108 which serves as a data capture device and input. The scanner 108 is preferably attached to the cabinet 102 by a data cable or a tether 110, even if the scanner 108 operates over a wireless network.

The cabinet may additionally be provided with wired or wireless connection to a network, enabling a processor within the cabinet to communicate with remote information sources.

The cabinet 102 includes a winding area, in this example taking the form of an exterior well 106 for receiving a container for printed wallpaper, as will be further explained. The well holds a specially configured container 208 (see Figures 4 and 5). The container holds a winding core onto which is wound a roll of wallpaper for purchase. The well includes a pair of spindles 120, at least one of which is driven by a motor and which align, engage and rotate the winding core within the container 208. The cabinet also

includes a tape dispenser 112 with a lid which is used by the machine operator to dispense tape for attaching the wallpaper media to the disposable winding core in the container 208, as will be further explained.

Other exterior cabinet features include a vent area 114 on the top of the cabinet for the discharge of heated or moist air. The vent or vent area 114 is covered by a top plate 116. The cabinet includes one or more service doors 402. When the service door is open, the media cartridges 400 can be inserted or withdrawn by their handles 1408. Adjustable feet 122 may be provided. The cabinet is preferably built around a frame (see Figure 3) clad with stainless steel and may be decorated with ornamental insert panels 118.

2. Operation Overview As shown in Figure 2, the wallpaper printer of the present invention 100 can serve as the production facility of a business operation such as a retail operation. In this Figure, it can be seen that wallpaper samples or swatches may be arranged into books or collections 200 and displayed on racks 202 for easy access by consumers. In short, a consumer 204 selects a wallpaper pattern from a collection 200 or bases a selection on the modification of an existing pattern. A machine operator scans an associated barcode or other symbol of that pattern with the scanner 108 or enters an alphanumeric code through the touch screen 104 (or other interface) to the printer's processor. Rolls of wallpaper are produced in standardized boxes or totes 208, on demand and according to consumer preferences which are input to the printer. Consumer preferences might include a selection of a pattern, a variation to the basic pattern, a custom pattern, the width and length of the finished product, or the web or substrate type onto which the pattern is printed.

After the appropriate selections have been made, a free end of a roll of media (already protruding from the exit slot 206 adjacent to the well 106) is taped to a winding core, for example with tape which is provided by the tape dispenser 112 (see Figure 1). The disposable core (see 2014 in Figure 20) is supported within a box 208. As the selected wallpaper is printed and dispensed from the slot 206, it is wound onto the winding core 2014. At the end of the production run of a particular roll, the web of printed wallpaper is separated with a transverse knife located with the cabinet. By further advancing the winding core, the trailing end of the roll is taken up into the container 208. When the winding is complete winding spindle may be disengaged from the box 208 allowing it to be withdrawn from the well 106 (see Figure 1).

In some embodiments, a consumer of wallpaper may operate the printer. In other embodiments an operator with some degree of training may operate the machine in accordance with a customer's requirements, preferences or instructions.

It will be appreciated that this kind of operation provides the basis for a wallpaper printing business or the deployment of a franchise based on the technology.

In a franchise setting, a head licensor supplies the printer to franchisees. The licensor may also supply the consumables such as inks, media, media cartridges, totes, cores etc. As each of these items potentially require quality control supervision and therefore supply from the licensor in order to ensure the success of the franchise, their consumption by the franchisee may also serve as metrics for franchisee performance and a basis for franchisor remuneration. The franchisor may also supply new patterns and collections of patterns as software, in lieu of actual physical inventory. New patterns insure that the franchisees are able to exploit trends, fashions and seasonal variances in demand, without having to stock any printed media. A printer of this kind may be operated as a networked device, allowing for networked

accounting, monitoring, support and pattern supply, also allowing decentralized control over printer operation and maintenance.

The printing system 100 may also facilitate the option for the consumer to load or import a desired wallpaper pattern into the processing system of the printer. For example, a consumer may have independently created or located a desired wallpaper pattern which the consumer can load or import into the printing system 100 so that the consumer can print customised wallpaper. This facility can be achieved by a variety of means, for example, the consumer may input wallpaper pattern data, in any of a variety of data formats, by inserting a diskette, CD, USB memory stick, or other memory device into a data loading port (not illustrated) of the printing system 100. In another form, the consumer may operate a terminal associated with the printing system 100 to locate and download wallpaper pattern data from a remote information source, for example using the Internet.

3. Construction Overview As shown in Figure 3, the cabinet 100 is built around a frame 300. The frame 300 supports the outer panels, e. g. side panels 302,304, a rear panel 306, upper and lower front panels 308 310 and a top panel 312.

The well 106 is shown as having a support spindle 330 and a driven spindle 314. Tracing the paper flow path backward from the well 106, the path comprises a slitter and transverse cutter module 316, a dryer 318, a full width stationery printhead 320, and the media cartridges with their drive mechanism 322. Ink reservoirs 324 are located above the printhead 320. The reservoirs may have level monitors or quality control means that measure or estimate the amount of ink remaining. This quantity may be transmitted to the printer's processor where it can be used to generate a display or alarm. The processing capabilities of the device are located in a module or enclosure 340. The processor operates the unit in accordance to stored technical and business rules in conjunction with operator inputs.

As shown in Figure 4, wallpaper media, before it is printed, is contained in cartridges 400. In this example there is an uppermost cartridge located in a loading area, ready for use and two other cartridges in storage located below it. As will be explained, the printer is self threading and no manual intervention is required by the machine operator to thread the web of unprinted paper into the printing system other than to load the upper cartridge 400 correctly. The service door 402 provides access to the media cartridges 400 and required machine interfaces as well as to the ink reservoirs 324. Ink reservoirs 324 hold up to several liters of ink and are easily removed and interchanged through the service door 402. An instruction panel or display screen 410 may be provided at or near eye level.

As the printer is self-threading, it is possible that a media cartridge 400 may be automatically loaded into position without manual intervention. For example, a series of media cartridges may be provided in a form of carousel, such as a linear stepped carousel or rotating carousel. When a media cartridge is exhausted of blank media web, or the processing system determines there is insufficient remaining blank media web for a wallpaper printing job, the media cartridge can be rotated or moved out of alignment with the pilot guides 512 and a new media cartridge rotated or moved into alignment with the pilot guides 512.

In a further particular embodiment, the printing system 100 can be provided as a transportable device. For example the printing system 100 can be carried by or integrated with a vehicle, such as a van or light truck. This allows the printing system 100 to be mobile and offer a service whereby the vehicle is driven

to a consumer's home or premises where the consumer can select desired wallpaper. Such a mobile printing system 100 might be used to initially print a sample of wallpaper to be tested or judged in the position or location of the wallpapers intended use.

A consumer can purchase on-demand wallpaper which is offered for sale to the consumer. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, and referring to Figure 90, the method of sale 9000 includes step 9010 of providing the printing system for producing wallpaper, receiving at step 9020, from the consumer via an input device, data 9030 indicating the consumer selected wallpaper pattern and any wallpaper width parameters, printing at step 9040 the selected wallpaper pattern on the blank media web, cutting at step 9050 the printed wallpaper according to any consumer selected width, and, at step 9060 charging the consumer for the wallpaper.

4. Printhead and Ink The embodiment shown uses one of the applicant's Memjet printheads. A typical example of these printheads is shown in PCT Application No PCT/AU98/00550, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in Figure 5, the printhead 500 is preferably a Memjetw style printhead which delivers 1600 dpi photographic quality reproduction. The style of printhead is fabricated using micro electro- mechanical techniques so as to deliver an essentially all silicon printhead with 9290 nozzles per inch or more than 250,000 nozzles covering a standard roll width of 27 inches. The media web 420 (see Figures 6 and 7) is delivered past the stationary printhead at 90 feet per minute, allowing wallpaper for a standard sized room to be printed and packaged in about 2 minutes. Figures 10 and 11 show the elongated printhead 500 carried by a rail 502. The rail allows the printhead to be easily removed and installed, for service, maintenance or replacement by sliding motion, into and out of position.

Referring again to Figure 5, the printhead is supplied with liquid ink from the reservoirs 324. The removable reservoirs are located above the printhead 500 and a harness 504 comprising a number of ink supply tubes 1012 carries the 6 different ink colors from the 6 reservoirs 324 to the printhead 500. The liquid ink harness 504 is interrupted by a self sealing coupling 1002,1004 (see Figures 10 and 11). Furthermore, by loosening thumb screws 1006 and disconnecting the ink harness coupling 1002,1004 allows the printhead to be withdrawn from the rail 502. Also note that an air pump 1010 supplies compressed air through an air hose 1011 to the printhead or an area adjacent to it. This supply of air may be used to blow across the nozzles in order to prevent the media from resting on the nozzles.

Rail microadjusters 1014 (see Figures 6 and 10) are used to accurately adjust the distance or space that defines a gap between the printheads and the media being printed.

As shown in Figure 6, a capper motor 602 drives a rotary capping and blotting device. The capping device seals the printheads when not in use in order to prevent dust or contaminants from entering the printheads. It uncaps and rotates to produce an integral blotter, which is used for absorbing ink fired from the printheads during routine printer start-up maintenance.

5. Media Path

As shown in Figures 5,6 and 7, the printhead 500 resides in an intermediate portion of a media path which extends from a blank media input near the upper cartridge 400 to the printed wallpaper exit slot near the winding roll 2014 (see Figure 20). The media path is able to be threaded without user intervention because the media is guided at all times in the path. In some embodiments, the path extends to within the tote or container 208. The path extends in a generally straight line from cartridge 400, across a very short gap to between the pilot guides 512, across a flat pre-heater or platen 510 to a location under the printhead 500 and thereafter across an opening 506 which defines the mouth of the dryer's drying compartment 520. The opening into the compartment 520 is covered by a rotating door 508. The door is closed, except during printing which requires air drying. As shown in Figure 7, the door 508 of the dryer 318 can be opened so that the media web 420 descends, following a catenary path when required, into the compartment 520, providing additional path length and drying time. The path may form a catenary loop or strictly speaking, a loop portion which is suspended within the compartment from each end. In one embodiment the door 508 is biased into an open position and closed by the action of a winding motor 522 operated by the printer's processor.

After the dryer 318, the path continues in a generally straight line to the cutting and slitting or module 316. The media path then extends from the cutting and slitting module 316 through the exit opening 206 of the cabinet.

6. The Dryer As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the removable drying cabinet or module 318 utilizes one or more top mounted blowers or centrifugal fans 800. The fans 800 provide a supply of air, downward through a chamber 808 (also referred to as a plenum), across one or more heating elements 802 that are controlled by a thermal sensor 804. The stream of heated air is channeled by a tapered duct 806 and blown across the opening 506 (not shown in these Figures). When the door 508 is open, the heated air blows into the drying compartment 520. Exterior circulation ducts 812 allow air from the drying compartment 520 to be collected and supplied to the intakes 814 of each motor 800. The ducts extend from vents in the compartment upwardly and may include an upper vent 902 which allows hot or moist air to escape through the vent area 114 of the cabinet.

7. The Slitter/Cutter Module Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the slitter/cutter module 1200. The module 1200 comprises a frame, such as a sheet metal frame 1202 having end plates 1204 and 1206. The paper path through the module 1200 is defined by a pair of entry rollers 1208 and 1210 and a pair of exit rollers 1212 and 1214. One of the entry rollers 1208 and one of the exit rollers 1212 is powered. Power is supplied to both drive rollers by a drive motor 1216 and a drive belt 1218. The drive rollers 1208,1212 in conjunction with the idler rollers 1210, 1214 serve as a transport mechanism for the wallpaper through the module 1200.

Also located between the side plates 1204,1206 is an optional, slitter gang or mechanism in a rotating carrousel configuration. The slitter gang comprises a separate pair of brackets or end plates 1220 and 1222 between which extend a plurality of slitter rollers 1224,1226, 1228 and 1230 and a central stabilizing shaft 1232. In this example, four independent rollers are depicted along with a stabilizing shaft 1232. It will be understood that the slitter gang is optional and may be provided either as a single roller or a gang of two or more rollers as illustrated by Figure 12. An actuating motor 1232 rotates the slitter gang into a selected

position. A central guide roller 1234 extends between the end plates 1204,1206 and beneath the slitter gang.

The guide roller 1234 has a succession of circumferential grooves 1236 formed along its length. The grooves 1236 correspond to the position of each of the blades, cutters or rotating cutting disks 1238 which are formed on each of the slitters 1224-1230. In this way, the guide roller acts as a cutting block and allows the blades 1238 to penetrate the wallpaper when they are rotated into position. In this way, each of the slitters 1224- 1230 can be rotated into an out of position, as required.

As shown in Figure 13, the exit portion of the slitter/cutter module 1200 comprises a transverse cutter 1300. The cutter blade 1300 is mounted eccentrically between a pair of rotating cams 1302 which are rotated in unison by an actuating motor 1304 to provide a circular cutting stroke. The motor may be mounted on an end plate 1306. Actuation of the cutter 1300 divides the wallpaper web.

8. Media Supply Cartridge Figures 14-18 illustrate the construction of the wallpaper media supply cartridges 400. Each cartridge comprises, for example, a high density polyethylene molding which forms a hinged case 1400. The case 1400 includes a top half 1402 and a bottom half 1404 which are held together by hinge such as an integral hinge 1406. One end face of the cartridge 400 preferably includes a handle 1408. A second folding handle 1410 may be provided, for ease of handling, along the top of the cartridge 400. The two halves, 1402, 1404, may be held together by one or more resilient clips 1414.

As shown in Figure 16, the cartridge 400 is preferably loaded by introducing an assembly into the bottom case half. The assembly includes a roll of blank media 1600 on a hollow core 1630 which rotates freely about a shaft 1610, rollers 1620,1622 and the support moldings 1614.

The shaft 1610 carries a roller support molding 1614 at each end. The may be interchangeable so as to be used at either end. A notch 1632 at each end of the shaft 1610 engages a cooperating nib 1634 on the support moldings. Because the support moldings 1614 are restrained from rotating by locator slots 1636 formed in the cases halves, the shaft does not rotate (but the media roll 1600 does). The roller support moldings also may include resilient extensions 1616. Lunettes 1638 at the end of the extensions engage cooperating grooves 1618 formed at the ends of the cartridge drive roller 1620 and idler roller 1622. The rollers 1620,1622 are supported between the ends of the cartridge 400, but maintained in proximity to one another and in registry with the shaft 1610 by the support moldings 1614. The resilient force imposed by the extensions 1616 keep the drive roller 1620 and the idler 1622 in close enough proximity (or in contact) that when the drive roller 1620 is operated on by the media driver motor, the wallpaper medium is dispensed from the dispensing slot 1640 of the cartridge 400. Further advancing the drive roller 1620 advances the media web into the media path.

In some embodiments, the driven roller 1620 is slightly longer than the idler roller 1622. One case half has an opening 1650 which allows a shaft or spindle to rotate the drive roller 1620 via a coupling half 1652 formed in the roller. The opening may serve as a journal for the shaft 1620. The idler roller remains fully within the case when the halves are shut.

The media web 420 held by the media cartridge 400 may be a completely blank media web, a blank colored media web, a media web with background patterns already provided, or a media web with any form of

black or colored indicia already provided on the media web. The media web may be formed from any of a variety of types of medium, such as, for example, plain, glossed, treated or textured paper.

9. Customer Tote As shown in Figures 19 and 20, a tote or container 1900 for the finished product comprises an elongated folding carton with a central axially directed opening 1902 at each end 1902. The carton may be disposable and formed from paper, cardboard or any other thin textile. The carton holds about 50 meters of printed wallpaper. As shown in Figure 20, the finished roll of wallpaper 2000 is shown on a core 2008 supported between a pair of support moldings 2002 and 2004. The core 2008 may be disposable. Each of the support moldings comprises a hub or stub shaft 2006 which is adapted to engage the interior of the core 2008 which carries the printed wallpaper 2000. The support moldings may have a circumferential bearing surface 2010, attached to the stub shaft 2006, for example by spokes 2030, for distributing the load onto the interior bottom and walls of the carton. Each molding, 2002,2004 includes an external shoulder 2012 which is adapted to fit through the openings 1902. At least one of the moldings 2002 has axially or radially extending teeth on shoulder 2012 forming a coupling feature which is adapted to be driven by the drive mechanism located within the cradle 106 formed on the front of the cabinet. Other types of coupling features may be used. A viewing window 2020 may be formed in an upper flap of the carton 1900 so that the printed pattern can be viewed with the lid 2022 closed.

An edge 1920 of the carton adjacent to the lid 2022 may include a return fold so as to smooth the edge presented to wallpaper as it is wound onto the core. A smooth edge may also be provided by applying a separate anti-friction material. Note the gap 1922 between the lid and the carton. Wallpaper enters the tote through the gap 1922.

The carton 1900 may include folding handles 1910 provided singly or in opposing pairs, 1910,1912.

In some embodiments a handle is provided on either side of the gap 1922. Folding handles of this kind form a grip when deployed but do not interfere with the location of the box 1900 within the cradle. An arrow 1914 or other visual device printed on the box indicates which end of the carton orients to or corresponds to the driving end of the cradle 106 (see Figure 3).

10. Information Processing The invention has been disclosed with reference to a module 340 in which is placed a processor. It will be understood that the processing capabilities of the printer of the present invention may be physically deployed and interconnected with the hardware and software required for the printer in a number of ways. In this document and the claims, the broad term"processor"is used to refer to the totality of electronic information processing resources required by the printer (regardless of location, platform, arrangement, network, configuration etc. ) unless a contrary intention or meaning is indicated. In general the processor is responsible for coordination of the printer's functions in accordance with the operator inputs. The printer's functions may include any one or more of : providing operator instruction, creating alerts to system performance, self threading, operation of the printhead and its accessory features, obtaining operator inputs from any of a variety of sources, movement of the web through the printer and out of it, operation of any cutter or slitter, winding of the finished roll onto a spool or into a tote, communication with the operator and

driving any display, self diagnosis and report, self maintenance, monitoring system parameters and adjusting printing systems.

In a particular embodiment, the processing system 340 of the wallpaper printer 100 is generally associated with or includes at least a processor or processing unit, a memory, an associated input device 104 and/or 108 and an output device 104 or printhead 500, coupled together via a bus or collection of buses. An interface can also be provided for coupling the processing system 340 to a storage device which houses a database. The memory can be any form of memory device, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc. The input device receives data input and can include, for example, a touchscreen, a keyboard, pointer device, barcode reader, voice control device, data acquisition card, etc. The output device can include, for example, a display device, monitor, printer, etc. The storage device can be any form of storage means, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc. In use, the processing system can be adapted to allow data or information to be stored in and/or retrieved from the database. The processor receives instructions via the input device. It should be appreciated that the processing system may be any form of processing system, computer, server, specialised hardware, or the like.

In a further particular embodiment, the printer 100 may be part of a networked data communications system, in which a consumer can be provided with access to a terminal, remote or local to the printer 100, or which is capable of requesting and receiving information from other local or remote information sources, eg. databases or servers. In such a system a terminal may be a type of processing system, computer or computerised device, a personal computer (PC), a mobile or cellular phone, a mobile data terminal, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or any other similar type of electronic device. Thus, in one embodiment the consumer may request, and possibly also pay for, printed wallpaper with a particular pattern via, for example, a mobile telephone interface, and then collect or have delivered the printed wallpaper. The capability of a terminal to request and/or receive information from the wallpaper printer's processing system can be provided by an application program, hardware, firmware, etc. A terminal may be provided with associated devices, for example a local storage device such as a hard disk drive or solid state drive to store a consumer's past choices or preferences, and/or a memory of the wallpaper printer or associated remote storage may store a consumer's past choices or preferences, and possibly other information about the purchase.

An information source that may be remotely associated with the wallpaper printer can be a server coupled to an information storage device. The exchange of information between the printer and the information source is facilitated by communication means. The communication means can be realised by physical cables, for example a metallic cable such as a telephone line, semi-conducting cables, electromagnetic signals, for example radio-frequency signals or infra-red signals, optical fibre cables, satellite links or any other such medium or combination thereof connected to a network infrastructure.

The network infrastructure can include devices such as a telephone switch, a base station, a bridge, a router, or any other such specialised component, which facilitates the connection between the printer 100 and an information source. For example, the network infrastructure may be a computer network, telecommunications network, data communications network, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area

Network (WAN), wireless network, Internetwork, Intranetwork, the Internet and developments thereof, transient or temporary networks, combinations of the above or any other type of network.

11. Methods of Operation The device of the present invention is preferably operated as an on demand printer. An operator of the device is able to select a pattern for printing in a number of ways. The pattern may be selected by viewing pattern on the display 104, or from a collection of printed swatches 200 or by referring to other sources. The identity of the selected pattern is communicated to the printer by the scanner 108 or by a keyboard, the touchscreen 104 or other means. In some embodiments the pattern may be customized by operator input, such as changing the color or scale of a pattern, the spacing of stripes or the combination of patterns. Input devices such as the touchscreen 104 also allow the customer, user or operator to configure the printer for a particular run or job. Configuration information that can be input to the processor includes roll length, slitting requirements, media selection or modifications to the pattern. The totality of inputs are processed and when the printer is ready to print, the operator insures that the web is taped to the core in the tote and that the core and tote are ready for winding. Alerts will be generated by the printer if any system function or parameter indicates that the job will not be printed and wound successfully. This may require the self diagnosis of a variety of physical parameters such as ink fill levels, remaining web length, web tension, end-to-end integrity of the web etc. Information requirements and resources may be parsed and checked as well prior to the initiation of a print run. Once the required roll length has been wound, the tote is severed from the web, either automatically or manually, as required.

A detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the printhead will now be described with reference to Figures 21-73.

The printhead assembly 3010 as shown in Figures 21 and 22 is intended for use as a page width printhead in a printing system. That is, a printhead which extends across the width or along the length of a page of print media, e. g. , paper, for printing. During printing, the printhead assembly ejects ink onto the print media as it progresses past, thereby forming printed information thereon, with the printhead assembly being maintained in a stationary position as the print media is progressed past. That is, the printhead assembly is not scanned across the page in the manner of a conventional printhead.

As can be seen from Figures 21 and 22, the printhead assembly 3010 includes a casing 3020 and a printhead module 3030. The casing 3020 houses the dedicated (or drive) electronics for the printhead assembly together with power and data inputs, and provides a structure for mounting the printhead assembly to a printer unit. The printhead module 3030, which is received within a channel 3021 of the casing 3020 so as to be removable therefrom, includes a fluid channel member 3040 which carries printhead tiles 3050 having printhead integrated circuits 3051 incorporating printing nozzles thereon. The printhead assembly 3010 further includes an end housing 3120 and plate 3110 assembly and an end plate 3111 which are attached to longitudinal ends of the assembled casing 3020 and printhead module 3030.

The printhead module 3030 and its associated components will now be described with reference to Figures 21 to 34B.

As shown in Figure 23, the printhead module 3030 includes the fluid channel member 3040 and the printhead tiles 3050 mounted on the upper surface of the member 3040.

As illustrated in Figures 21 and 22, sixteen printhead tiles 3050 are provided in the printhead module 3030. However, as will be understood from the following description, the number of printhead tiles and printhead integrated circuits mounted thereon may be varied to meet specific applications of the present invention.

As illustrated in Figures 21 and 22, each of the printhead tiles 3050 has a stepped end region so that, when adjacent printhead tiles 3050 are butted together end-to-end, the printhead integrated circuits 3051 mounted thereon overlap in this region. Further, the printhead integrated circuits 3051 extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the printhead tiles 3050 to facilitate overlapping between the printhead integrated circuits 3051. This overlapping of adjacent printhead integrated circuits 3051 provides for a constant pitch between the printing nozzles (described later) incorporated in the printhead integrated circuits 3051 and this arrangement obviated discontinuities in information printed across or along the print media (not shown) passing the printhead assembly 3010.

Figure 24 shows the fluid channel member 3040 of the printhead module 3030 which serves as a support member for the printhead tiles 3050. The fluid channel member 3040 is configured so as to fit within the channel 3021 of the casing 3020 and is used to deliver printing ink and other fluids to the printhead tiles 3050. To achieve this, the fluid channel member 3040 includes channel-shaped ducts 3041 which extend throughout its length from each end of the fluid channel member 3040. The channel-shaped ducts 3041 are used to transport printing ink and other fluids from a fluid supply unit (of a printing system to which the printhead assembly 3010 is mounted) to the printhead tiles 3050 via a plurality of outlet ports 3042.

The fluid channel member 3040 is formed by injection moulding a suitable material. Suitable materials are those which have a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE), so that the nozzles of the printhead integrated circuits are accurately maintained under operational condition (described in more detail later), and have chemical inertness to the inks and other fluids channelled through the fluid channel member 3040. One example of a suitable material is a liquid crystal polymer (LCP). The injection moulding process is employed to form a body portion 3044a having open channels or grooves therein and a lid portion 3044b which is shaped with elongate ridge portions 3044c to be received in the open channels. The body and lid portions 3044a and 3044b are then adhered together with an epoxy to form the channel-shaped ducts 3041 as shown in Figures 23 and 24A. However, alternative moulding techniques may be employed to form the fluid channel member 3040 in one piece with the channel-shaped ducts 3041 therein.

The plurality of ducts 3041, provided in communication with the corresponding outlet ports 3042 for each printhead tile 3050, are used to transport different coloured or types of inks and the other fluids. The different inks can have different colour pigments, for example, black, cyan, magenta and yellow, etc. , and/or be selected for different printing applications, for example, as visually opaque inks, infrared opaque inks, etc.

Further, the other fluids which can be used are, for example, air for maintaining the printhead integrated circuits 3051 free from dust and other impurities and/or for preventing the print media from coming into direct contact with the printing nozzles provided on the printhead integrated circuits 3051, and fixative for fixing the ink substantially immediately after being printed onto the print media, particularly in the case of high-speed printing applications.

In the assembly shown in Figure 24, seven ducts 3041 are shown for transporting black, cyan, magenta and yellow coloured ink, each in one duct, infrared ink in one duct, air in one duct and fixative in one duct. Even though seven ducts are shown, a greater or lesser number may be provided to meet specific applications. For example, additional ducts might be provided for transporting black ink due to the generally higher percentage of black and white or greyscale printing applications.

The fluid channel member 3040 further includes a pair of longitudinally extending tabs 3043 along the sides thereof for securing the printhead module 3030 to the channel 3021 of the casing 3020 (described in more detail later). It is to be understood however that a series of individual tabs could alternatively be used for this purpose.

As shown in Figure 25A, each of the printhead tiles 3050 of the printhead module 3030 carries one of the printhead integrated circuits 3051, the latter being electrically connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) 3052 using appropriate contact methods such as wire bonding, with the connections being protectively encapsulated in an epoxy encapsulant 3053. The PCB 3052 extends to an edge of the printhead tile 3050, in the direction away from where the printhead integrated circuits 3051 are placed, where the PCB 3052 is directly connected to a flexible printed circuit board (flex PCB) 3080 for providing power and data to the printhead integrated circuit 3051 (described in more detail later). This is shown in Figure 26 with individual flex PCBs 3080 extending or"hanging"from the edge of each of the printhead tiles 3050. The flex PCBs 3080 provide electrical connection between the printhead integrated circuits 3051, a power supply 3070 and a PCB 3090 (see Figure 23) with drive electronics 3100 (see Figure 38A) housed within the casing 3020 (described in more detail later).

Figure 25B shows the underside of one of the printhead tiles 3050. A plurality of inlet ports 3054 is provided and the inlet ports 3054 are arranged to communicate with corresponding ones of the plurality of outlet ports 3042 of the ducts 3041 of the fluid channel member 3040 when the printhead tiles 3050 are mounted thereon. That is, as illustrated, seven inlet ports 3054 are provided for the outlet ports 3042 of the seven ducts 3041. Specifically, both the inlet and outlet ports are orientated in an inclined disposition with respect to the longitudinal direction of the printhead module so that the correct fluid, i. e. , the fluid being channelled by a specific duct, is delivered to the correct nozzles (typically a group of nozzles is used for each type of ink or fluid) of the printhead integrated circuits.

On a typical printhead integrated circuit 3051 as employed in realisation of the present invention, more than 7000 (e. g. , 7680) individual printing nozzles may be provided, which are spaced so as to effect printing with a resolution of 1600 dots per inch (dpi). This is achieved by having a nozzle density of 391 nozzles/mm2 across a print surface width of 20 mm (0.8 in), with each nozzle capable of delivering a drop volume of 1 pl.

Accordingly, the nozzles are micro-sized (i. e. , of the order of 10-6 metres) and as such are not capable of receiving a macro-sized (i. e. , millimetric) flows of ink and other fluid as presented by the inlet ports 3054 on the underside of the printhead tile 3050. Each printhead tile 3050, therefore, is formed as a fluid distribution stack 3500 (see Figure 63), which includes a plurality of laminated layers, with the printhead integrated circuit 3051, the PCB 3052, and the epoxy 3053 provided thereon.

The stack 3500 carries the ink and other fluids from the ducts 3041 of the fluid channel member 3040 to the individual nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit 3051 by reducing the macro-sized flow

diameter at the inlet ports 3054 to a micro-sized flow diameter at the nozzles of the printhead integrated circuits 3051. An exemplary structure of the stack which provides this reduction is described in more detail later.

Nozzle systems which are applicable to the printhead assembly of the present invention may comprise any type of ink jet nozzle arrangement which can be integrated on a printhead integrated circuit.

That is, systems such as a continuous ink system, an electrostatic system and a drop-on-demand system, including thermal and piezoelectric types, may be used.

There are various types of known thermal drop-on-demand system which may be employed which typically include ink reservoirs adjacent the nozzles and heater elements in thermal contact therewith. The heater elements heat the ink and create gas bubbles which generate pressures in the ink to cause droplets to be ejected through the nozzles onto the print media. The amount of ink ejected onto the print media and the timing of ejection by each nozzle are controlled by drive electronics. Such thermal systems impose limitations on the type of ink that can be used however, since the ink must be resistant to heat.

There are various types of known piezoelectric drop-on-demand system which may be employed which typically use piezo-crystals (located adjacent the ink reservoirs) which are caused to flex when an electric current flows therethrough. This flexing causes droplets of ink to be ejected from the nozzles in a similar manner to the thermal systems described above. In such piezoelectric systems the ink does not have to be heated and cooled between cycles, thus providing for a greater range of available ink types. Piezoelectric systems are difficult to integrate into drive integrated circuits and typically require a large number of connections between the drivers and the nozzle actuators.

As an alternative, a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) of nozzles may be used, such a system including thermo-actuators which cause the nozzles to eject ink droplets. An exemplary MEMS nozzle system applicable to the printhead assembly of the present invention is described in more detail later.

Returning to the assembly of the fluid channel member 3040 and printhead tiles 3050, each printhead tile 3050 is attached to the fluid channel member 3040 such that the individual outlet ports 3042 and their corresponding inlet ports 3054 are aligned to allow effective transfer of fluid therebetween. An adhesive, such as a curable resin (e. g. , an epoxy resin), is used for attaching the printhead tiles 3050 to the fluid channel member 3040 with the upper surface of the fluid channel member 3040 being prepared in the manner shown in Figure 27.

That is, a curable resin is provided around each of the outlet ports 3042 to form a gasket member 3060 upon curing. This gasket member 3060 provides an adhesive seal between the fluid channel member 3040 and printhead tile 3050 whilst also providing a seal around each of the communicating outlet ports 3042 and inlet ports 3054. This sealing arrangement facilitates the flow and containment of fluid between the ports.

Further, two curable resin deposits 3061 are provided on either side of the gasket member 3060 in a symmetrical manner.

The symmetrically placed deposits 3061 act as locators for positioning the printhead tiles 3050 on the fluid channel member 3040 and for preventing twisting of the printhead tiles 3050 in relation to the fluid channel member 3040. In order to provide additional bonding strength, particularly prior to and during curing of the gasket members 3060 and locators 3061, adhesive drops 3062 are provided in free areas of the upper surface of the fluid channel member 3040. A fast acting adhesive, such as cyanoacrylate or the like, is

deposited to form the locators 3061 and prevents any movement of the printhead tiles 3050 with respect to the fluid channel member 3040 during curing of the curable resin.

With this arrangement, if a printhead tile is to be replaced, should one or a number of nozzles of the associated printhead integrated circuit fail, the individual printhead tiles may easily be removed. Thus, the surfaces of the fluid channel member and the printhead tiles are treated in a manner to ensure that the epoxy remains attached to the printhead tile, and not the fluid channel member surface, if a printhead tile is removed from the surface of the fluid channel member by levering. Consequently, a clean surface is left behind by the removed printhead tile, so that new epoxy can readily be provided on the fluid channel member surface for secure placement of a new printhead tile.

The above-described printhead module of the present invention is capable of being constructed in various lengths, accommodating varying numbers of printhead tiles attached to the fluid channel member, depending upon the specific application for which the printhead assembly is to be employed. For example, in order to provide a printhead assembly for A3-sized pagewidth printing in landscape orientation, the printhead assembly may require 16 individual printhead tiles. This may be achieved by providing, for example, four printhead modules each having four printhead tiles, or two printhead modules each having eight printhead tiles, or one printhead module having 16 printhead tiles (as in Figures 21 and 22) or any other suitable combination. Basically, a selected number of standard printhead modules may be combined in order to achieve the necessary width required for a specific printing application.

In order to provide this modularity in an easy and efficient manner, plural fluid channel members of each of the printhead modules are formed so as to be modular and are configured to permit the connection of a number of fluid channel members in an end-to-end manner. Advantageously, an easy and convenient means of connection can be provided by configuring each of the fluid channel members to have complementary end portions. In one embodiment of the present invention each fluid channel member 3040 has a"female"end portion 3045, as shown in Figure 28, and a complementary"male"end portion 3046, as shown in Figure 29.

The end portions 3045 and 3046 are configured so that on bringing the male end portion 3046 of one printhead module 3030 into contact with the female end portion 3045 of a second printhead module 3030, the two printhead modules 3030 are connected with the corresponding ducts 3041 thereof in fluid communication. This allows fluid to flow between the connected printhead modules 3030 without interruption, so that fluid such as ink, is correctly and effectively delivered to the printhead integrated circuits 3051 of each of the printhead modules 3030.

In order to ensure that the mating of the female and male end portions 3045 and 3046 provides an effective seal between the individual printhead modules 3030 a sealing adhesive, such as epoxy, is applied between the mated end portions.

It is clear that, by providing such a configuration, any number of printhead modules can suitably be connected in such an end-to-end fashion to provide the desired scale-up of the total printhead length. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that other configurations and methods for connecting the printhead assembly modules together so as to be in fluid communication are within the scope of the present invention.

Further, this exemplary configuration of the end portions 3045 and 3046 of the fluid channel member 3040 of the printhead modules 3030 also enables easy connection to the fluid supply of the printing system to which the printhead assembly is mounted. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, fluid delivery

connectors 3047 and 3048 are provided, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, which act as an interface for fluid flow between the ducts 3041 of the printhead modules 3030 and (internal) fluid delivery tubes 3006, as shown in Figure 32. The fluid delivery tubes 3006 are referred to as being internal since, as described in more detail later, these tubes 3006 are housed in the printhead assembly 3010 for connection to external fluid delivery tubes of the fluid supply of the printing system. However, such an arrangement is clearly only one of the possible ways in which the inks and other fluids can be supplied to the printhead assembly of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 30, the fluid delivery connector 3047 has a female connecting portion 3047a which can mate with the male end portion 3046 of the printhead module 3030. Alternatively, or additionally, as shown in Figure 31, the fluid delivery connector 3048 has a male connecting portion 3048a which can mate with the female end portion 3045 of the printhead module 3030. Further, the fluid delivery connectors 3047 and 3048 include tubular portions 3047b and 3048b, respectively, which can mate with the internal fluid delivery tubes 3006. The particular manner in which the tubular portions 3047b and 3048b are configured so as to be in fluid communication with a corresponding duct 3041 is shown in Figure 32.

As shown in Figures 30 to 33, seven tubular portions 3047b and 3048b are provided to correspond to the seven ducts 3041 provided in accordance with the above-described exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, seven internal fluid delivery tubes 3006 are used each for delivering one of the seven aforementioned fluids of black, cyan, magenta and yellow ink, IR ink, fixative and air. However, as previously stated, those skilled in the art clearly understand that more or less fluids may be used in different applications, and consequently more or less fluid delivery tubes, tubular portions of the fluid delivery connectors and ducts may be provided.

Further, this exemplary configuration of the end portions of the fluid channel member 3040 of the printhead modules 3030 also enables easy sealing of the ducts 3041. To this end, in one embodiment of the present invention, a sealing member 3049 is provided as shown in Figure 34A, which can seal or cap both of the end portions of the printhead module 3030. That is, the sealing member 3049 includes a female connecting section 3049a and a male connecting section 3049b which can respectively mate with the male end portion 3046 and the female end portion 3045 of the printhead modules 3030. Thus, a single sealing member is advantageously provided despite the differently configured end portions of a printhead module. Figure 34B illustrates an exemplary arrangement of the sealing member 3049. sealing the ducts 3041 of the fluid channel member 3040. Sealing of the sealing member 3049 and the fluid channel member 3040 interface is further facilitated by applying a sealing adhesive, such as an epoxy, as described above.

In operation of a single printhead module 3030 for an A4-sized pagewidth printing application, for example, a combination of one of the fluid delivery connectors 3047 and 3048 connected to one corresponding end portion 3045 and 3046 and a sealing member 3049 connected to the other of the corresponding end portions 3045 and 3046 is used so as to deliver fluid to the printhead integrated circuits 3051. On the other hand, in applications where the printhead assembly is particularly long, being comprised of a plurality of printhead modules 3030 connected together (e. g. , in wide format printing), it may be necessary to provide fluid from both ends of the printhead assembly : Accordingly, one each of the fluid delivery connectors 3047 and 3048 may be connected to the corresponding end portions 3045 and 3046 of the end printhead modules 3030.

The above-described exemplary configuration of the end portions of the printhead module of the present invention provides, in part, for the modularity of the printhead modules. This modularity makes it possible to manufacture the fluid channel members of the printhead modules in a standard length relating to the minimum length application of the printhead assembly. The printhead assembly length can then be scaled-up by combining a number of printhead modules to form a printhead assembly of a desired length. For example, a standard length printhead module could be manufactured to contain eight printhead tiles, which may be the minimum requirement for A4-sized printing applications. Thus, for a printing application requiring a wider printhead having a length equivalent to 32 printhead tiles, four of these standard length printhead modules could be used. On the other hand, a number of different standard length printhead modules might be manufactured, which can be used in combination for applications requiring variable length printheads.

However, these are merely examples of how the modularity of the printhead assembly of the present invention functions, and other combinations and standard lengths could be employed and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Casing The casing 3020 and its associated components will now be described with reference to Figures 21 to 23 and 35A to 48.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the casing 3020 is formed as a two-piece outer housing which houses the various components of the printhead assembly and provides structure for the printhead assembly which enables the entire unit to be readily mounted in a printing system. As shown in Figure 23, the outer housing is composed of a support frame 3022 and a cover portion 3023. Each of these portions 3022 and 3023 are made from a suitable material which is lightweight and durable, and which can easily be extruded to form various lengths. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the portions 3022 and 3023 are formed from a metal such as aluminium.

As shown in Figures 35A to 35C, the support frame 3022 of the casing 3020 has an outer frame wall 3024 and an inner frame wall 3025 (with respect to the outward and inward directions of the printhead assembly 3010), with these two walls being separated by an internal cavity 3026. The channel 3021 (also see Figure 23) is formed as an extension of an upper wall 3027 of the support frame 3022 and an arm portion 3028 is formed on a lower region of the support frame 3022, extending from the inner frame wall 3025 in a direction away from the outer frame wall 3024. The channel 3021 extends along the length of the support frame 3022 and is configured to receive the printhead module 3030. The printhead module 3030 is received in the channel 3021 with the printhead integrated circuits 3051 facing in an upward direction, as shown in Figures 21 to 23, and this upper printhead integrated circuit surface defines the printing surface of the printhead assembly 3010.

As depicted in Figure 35A, the channel 3021 is formed by the upper wall 3027 and two, generally parallel side walls 3024a and 3029 of the support frame 3022, which are arranged as outer and inner side walls (with respect to the outward and inward directions of the printhead assembly 3010) extending along the length of the support frame 3022. The two side walls 3024a and 3029 have different heights with the taller, outer side wall 3024a being defined as the upper portion of the outer frame wall 3024 which extends above

the upper wall 3027 of the support frame 3022, and the shorter, inner side wall 3029 being provided as an upward extension of the upper wall 3027 substantially parallel to the inner frame wall 3025. The outer side wall 3024a includes a recess (groove) 24b formed along the length thereof. A bottom surface 3024c of the recess 3024b is positioned so as to be at the same height as a top surface 3029a of the inner side wall 3029 with respect to the upper wall 3027 of the channel 3021. The recess 3024b further has an upper surface 3024d which is formed as a ridge which runs along the length of the outer side wall 3024a (see Figure 35B).

In this arrangement, one of the longitudinally extending tabs 3043 of the fluid channel member 3040 of the printhead module 3030 is received within the recess 3024b of the outer side wall 3024a so as to be held between the lower and upper surfaces 3024c and 3024d thereof. Further, the other longitudinally extending tab 3043 provided on the opposite side of the fluid channel member 3040, is positioned on the top surface 3029a of the inner side wall 3029. In this manner, the assembled printhead module 3030 may be secured in place on the casing 3020, as will be described in more detail later.

Further, the outer side wall 3024a also includes a slanted portion 3024e along the top margin thereof, the slanted portion 3024e being provided for fixing a print media guide 3005 to the printhead assembly 3010, as shown in Figure 23. This print media guide is fixed following assembly of the printhead assembly and is configured to assist in guiding print media, such as paper, across the printhead integrated circuits for printing without making direct contact with the nozzles of the printhead integrated circuits.

As shown in Figure 35A, the upper wall 3027 of the support frame 3022 and the arm portion 3028 include lugs 3027a and 3028a, respectively, which extend along the length of the support frame 3022 (see Figures 35B and 35C). The lugs 3027a and 3028a are positioned substantially to oppose each other with respect to the inner frame wall 3025 of the support frame 3022 and are used to secure a PCB support 3091 (described below) to the support frame 3022.

Figures 35B and 35C illustrate the manner in which the outer and inner frame walls 3024 and 25 extend for the length of the casing 3020, as do the channel 3021, the upper wall 3027, and its lug 3027a, the outer and inner side walls 3024a and 3029, the recess 3024b and its bottom and upper surfaces 3024c and 3024d, the slanted portion 3024e, the top surface 3029a of the inner side wall 3029, and the arm portion 3028, and its lugs 3028a and 3028b and recessed and curved end portions 3028c and 3028d (described in more detail later).

The PCB support 3091 will now be described with reference to Figures 23 and 36 to 42E. In Figure 23, the support 3091 is shown in its secured position extending along the inner frame wall 3025 of the support frame 3022 from the upper wall 3027 to the arm portion 3028. The support 3091 is used to carry the PCB 3090 which mounts the drive electronics 3100 (as described in more detail later).

As can be seen particularly in Figures 37A to 37C, the support 3091 includes lugs 3092 on upper and lower surfaces thereof which communicate with the lugs 3027a and 3028a for securing the support 3091 against the inner frame wall 3025 of the support frame 3022. A base portion 3093 of the support 3091, is arranged to extend along the arm portion 3028 of the support frame 3022, and is seated on the top surfaces of the lugs 3028a and 3028b of the arm portion 3028 (see Figure 35B) when mounted on the support frame 3022.

The support 3091 is formed so as to locate within the casing 3020 and against the inner frame wall 3025 of the support frame 3022. This can be achieved by moulding the support 3091 from a plastics material having inherent resilient properties to engage with the inner frame wall 3025. This also provides the support

3091 with the necessary insulating properties for carrying the PCB 3090. For example, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or polycarbonate may be used for the support 3091.

The base portion 3093 further includes recessed portions 3093a and corresponding locating lugs 3093b, which are used to secure the PCB 3090 to the support 3091 (as described in more detail later).

Further, the upper portion of the support 3091 includes upwardly extending arm portions 3094, which are arranged and shaped so as to fit over the inner side wall 3029 of the channel 3021 and the longitudinally extending tab 3043 of the printhead module 3030 (which is positioned on the top surface 3029a of the inner side wall 3029) once the fluid channel member 3040 of the printhead module 3030 has been inserted into the channel 3021. This arrangement provides for securement of the printhead module 3030 within the channel 3021 of the casing 3020, as is shown more clearly in Figure 23.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the extending arm portions 3094 of the support 3091 are configured so as to perform a"clipping"or"clamping"action over and along one edge of the printhead module 3030, which aids in preventing the printhead module 3030 from being dislodged or displaced from the fully assembled printhead assembly 3010. This is because the clipping action acts upon the fluid channel member 3040 of the printhead module 3030 in a manner which substantially constrains the printhead module 3030 from moving upwards from the printhead assembly 3010 (i. e. , in the z-axis direction as depicted in Figure 23) due to both longitudinally extending tabs 3043 of the fluid channel member 3040 being held firmly in place (in a manner which will be described in more detail below), and from moving across the longitudinal direction of the printhead module 3030 (i. e. , in the y-axis direction as depicted in Figure 23), which will be also described in more detail below.

In this regard, the fluid channel member 3040 of the printhead module 3030 is exposed to a force exerted by the support 3091 directed along the y-axis in a direction from the inner side wall 3029 to the outer side wall 3024a. This force causes the longitudinally extending tab 3043 of the fluid channel member 3040 on the outer side wall 3024a side of the support frame 3022 to be held between the lower and upper surfaces 3024c and 3024d of the recess 3024b. This force, in combination with the other longitudinally extending tab 3043 of the fluid channel member 3040 being held between the top surface 3029a of the inner side wall 3029 and the extending arm portions 3094 of the support 3091, acts to inhibit movement of the printhead module 3030 in the z-axis direction (as described in more detail later).

However, the printhead module 3030 is still able to accommodate movement in the x-axis direction (i. e. , along the longitudinal direction of the printhead module 3030), which is desirable in the event that the casing 3020 undergoes thermal expansion and contraction, during operation of the printing system. As the casing is typically made from an extruded metal, such as aluminium, it may undergo dimensional changes due to such materials being susceptible to thermal expansion and contraction in a thermally variable environment, such as is present in a printing unit.

That is, in order to ensure the integrity and reliability of the printhead assembly, the fluid channel member 3040 of the printhead module 3030 is firstly formed of material (such as LCP or the like) which will not experience substantial dimensional changes due to environmental changes thereby retaining the positional relationship between the individual printhead tiles, and the printhead module 3030 is arranged to be substantially independent positionally with respect to the casing 3020 (i. e. , the printhead module"floats"in

the longitudinal direction of the channel 3021 of the casing 3020) in which the printhead module 3030 is removably mounted.

Therefore, as the printhead module is not constrained in the x-axis direction, any thermal expansion forces from the casing in this direction will not be transferred to the printhead module. Further, as the constraint in the z-axis and y-axis directions is resilient, there is some tolerance for movement in these directions. Consequently, the delicate printhead integrated circuits of the printhead modules are protected from these forces and the reliability of the printhead assembly is maintained.

Furthermore, the clipping arrangement also allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the printhead assembly by the mere"unclipping"of the PCB support (s) from the casing. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 36, a pair of extending arm portions 3094 is provided; however those skilled in the art will understand that a greater or lesser number is within the scope of the present invention.

Referring again to Figures 36 to 37C, the support 3091 further includes a channel portion 3095 in the upper portion thereof. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the channel portion 3095 includes three channelled recesses 3095a, 3095b and 3095c. The channelled recesses 3095a, 3095b and 3095c are provided so as to accommodate three longitudinally extending electrical conductors or busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 (see Figure 22) which form the power supply 3070 (see Figure 23) and which extend along the length of the printhead assembly 3010. The busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 are conductors which carry the power required to operate the printhead integrated circuits 3051 and the drive electronics 3100 located on the PCB 3090 (shown in Figure 38A and described in more detail later), and may be formed of copper with gold plating, for example.

In one embodiment of the present invention, three busbars are used in order to provide for voltages of Vcc (e. g. , via the busbar 3071), ground (Gnd) (e. g. , via the busbar 3072) and V+ (e. g. , via the busbar 3073). Specifically, the voltages of Vcc and Gnd are applied to the drive electronics 3100 and associated circuitry of the PCB 3090, and the voltages of Vcc, Gnd and V+ are applied to the printhead integrated circuits 3051 of the printhead tiles 3050. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a greater or lesser number of busbars, and therefore channelled recesses in the PCB support can be used depending on the power requirements of the specific printing applications.

The support 3091 of the present invention further includes (lower) retaining clips 3096 positioned below the channel portion 3095. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 36, a pair of the retaining clips 3096 is provided. The retaining clips 3096 include a notch portion 3096a on a bottom surface thereof which serves to assist in securely mounting the PCB 3090 on the support 3091. To this end, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 38A, the PCB 3090 includes a pair of slots 3097 in a topmost side thereof (with respect to the mounting direction of the PCB 3090), which align with the notch portions 3096a when mounted so as to facilitate engagement with the retaining clips 3096.

As shown in Figure 23, the PCB 3090 is snugly mounted between the notch portions 3096a of the retaining clips 3096 and the afore-mentioned recessed portions 3093a and locating lugs 3093b of the base portion 3093 of the support 3091. This arrangement securely holds the PCB 3090 in position so as to enable reliable connection between the drive electronics 3100 of the PCB 3090 and the printhead integrated circuits 3051 of the printhead module 3030.

Referring again to Figure 38A, an exemplary circuit arrangement of the PCB 3090 will now be described. The circuitry includes the drive electronics 3100 in the form of a print engine controller (PEC) integrated circuit. The PEC integrated circuit 3100 is used to drive the printhead integrated circuits 3051 of the printhead module 3030 in order to print information on the print media passing the printhead assembly 3010 when mounted to a printing unit. The functions and structure of the PEC integrated circuit 3100 are discussed in more detail later.

The exemplary circuitry of the PCB 3090 also includes four connectors 3098 in the upper portion thereof (see Figure 38B) which receive lower connecting portions 3081 of the flex PCBs 3080 that extend from each of the printhead tiles 3050 (see Figure 26). Specifically, the corresponding ends of four of the flex PCBs 3080 are connected between the PCBs 3052 of four printhead tiles 3050 and the four connectors 3098 of the PCB 3090. In turn, the connectors 3098 are connected to the PEC integrated circuit 3100 so that data communication can take place between the PEC integrated circuit 3100 and the printhead integrated circuits 3051 of the four printhead tiles 3050.

In the above-described embodiment, one PEC integrated circuit is chosen to control four printhead tiles in order to satisfy the necessary printing speed requirements of the printhead assembly. In this manner, for a printhead assembly having 16 printhead tiles, as described above with respect to Figures 21 and 22, four PEC integrated circuits are required and therefore four PCB supports 3091 are used. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the number of PEC integrated circuits used to control a number of printhead tiles may be varied, and as such many different combinations of the number of printhead tiles, PEC integrated circuits, PCBs and PCB supports that may be employed depending on the specific application of the printhead assembly of the present invention. Further, a single PEC integrated circuit 3100 could be provided to drive a single printhead integrated circuit 3051. Furthermore, more than one PEC integrated circuit 3100 may be placed on a PCB 3090, such that differently configured PCBs 3090 and supports 3091 may be used.

It is to be noted that the modular approach of employing a number of PCBs holding separate PEC integrated circuits for controlling separate areas of the printhead advantageously assists in the easy determination, removal and replacement of defective circuitry in the printhead assembly.

The above-mentioned power supply to the circuitry of the PCB 3090 and the printhead integrated circuits 3051 mounted to the printhead tiles 3050 is provided by the flex PCBs 3080. Specifically, the flex PCBs 3080 are used for the two. functions of providing data connection between the PEC integrated circuit (s) 3100 and the printhead integrated circuits 3051 and providing power connection between the busbars 3071, 3072 and 3073 and the PCB 3090 and the printhead integrated circuits 3051. In order to provide the necessary electrical connections, the flex PCBs 3080 are arranged to extend from the printhead tiles 3050 to the PCB 3090. This may be achieved by employing the arrangement shown in Figure 23, in which a resilient pressure plate 3074 is provided to urge the flex PCBs 3080 against the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073. In this arrangement, suitably arranged electrical connections are provided on the flex PCBs 3080 which route power from the busbars 3071 and 3072 (i. e. , Vcc and Gnd) to the connectors 3098 of the PCB 3090 and power from all of the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 (i. e. , Vcc, Gnd and V+) to the PCB 3052 of the printhead tiles 3050.

The pressure plate 3074 is shown in more detail in Figures 39A to 41. The pressure plate 3074 includes a raised portion (pressure elastomer) 3075 which is positioned on a rear surface of the pressure plate

3074 (with respect to the mounting direction on the support 3091), as shown in Figure 39B, so as to be aligned with the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073, with the flex PCBs 3080 lying therebetween when the pressure plate 3074 is mounted on the support 3091. The pressure plate 3074 is mounted to the support 3091 by engaging holes 3074a with corresponding ones of (upper) retaining clips 3099 of the support 3091 which project from the extending arm portions 3094 (see Figure 35A) and holes 3074b with the corresponding ones of the (lower) retaining clips 3096, via tab portions 3074c thereof (see Figure 40). The pressure plate 3074 is formed so as to have a spring-like resilience which urges the flex PCBs 3080 into electrical contact with the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 with the raised portion 3075 providing insulation between the pressure plate 3074 and the flex PCBs 3080.

As shown most clearly in Figure 41, the pressure plate 3074 further includes a curved lower portion 3074d which serves as a means of assisting the demounting of the pressure plate 3074 from the support 3091.

The specific manner in which the pressure plate 3074 is retained on the support 3091 so as to urge the flex PCBs 3080 against the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073, and the manner in which the extending arm portions 3094 of the support 3091 enable the above-mentioned clipping action will now be fully described with reference to Figures 42 and 42A to 42E.

Figure 42 illustrates a front schematic view of the support 3091 in accordance with a exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 42A is a side sectional view taken along the line I-I in Figure 42 with the hatched sections illustrating the components of the support 3091 situated on the line I-I.

Figure 42A particularly shows one of the upper retaining clips 3099. An enlarged view of this retaining clip 3099 is shown in Figure 42B. The retaining clip 3099 is configured so that an upper surface of one of the holes 3074a of the pressure plate 3074 can be retained against an upper surface 3099a and a retaining portion 3099b of the retaining clip 3099 (see Figure 41). Due to the spring-like resilience of the pressure plate 3074, the upper surface 3099a exerts a slight upwardly and outwardly directed force on the pressure plate 3074 when the pressure plate 3074 is mounted thereon so as to cause the upper part of the pressure plate 3074 to abut against the retaining portion 3099b.

Referring now to Figure 42C, which is a side sectional view taken along the line II-II in Figure 42, one of the lower retaining clips 3096 is illustrated. An enlarged view of this retaining clip 3096 is shown in Figure 42D. The retaining clip 3096 is configured so that a tab portion 3074c of one of the holes 3074b of the pressure plate 3074 can be retained against an inner surface 3096c of the retaining clip 3096 (see Figure 40).

Accordingly, due to the above-described slight force exerted by the retaining clip 3099 on the upper part of the pressure plate 3074 in a direction away from the support 3091, the lower part of the pressure plate 3074 is loaded towards the opposite direction, e. g. , in an inward direction with respect to the support frame 3022.

Consequently, the pressure plate 3074 is urged towards the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073, which in turn serves to urge the flex PCBs 3080 in the same direction via the raised portion 3075, so as to effect reliable contact with the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073.

Returning to Figure 42C, in'which one of the extending arm portions 3094 is illustrated. An enlarged view of this extending arm portion 3094 is shown in Figure 42E. The extending arm portion 3094 is configured so as to be substantially L-shaped, with the foot section of the L-shape located so as to fit over the inner side wall 3029 of the channel 3021 and the longitudinally extending tab 3043 of the fluid channel member 3040 of the printhead module 3030 arranged thereon. As shown in Figure 42E, the end of the foot

section of the L-shape has an arced surface. This surface corresponds to the edge of a recessed portion 3094a provided in each the extending arm portions 3094, the centre of which is positioned substantially at the line II- II in Figure 42 (see Figures 36 and 37C). The recessed portions 3094a are arranged so as to engage with angular lugs 3043a regularly spaced along the length of the longitudinally extending tabs 3043 of the fluid channel member 3040 (Figure 24A), so as to correspond with the placement of the printhead tiles 3050, when the extending arm portions 3094 are clipped over the fluid channel member 3040.

In this position, the arced edge of the recessed portion 3094a is contacted with the angled surface of the angular lugs 3043a (see Figure 24A), with this being the only point of contact of the extending arm portion 3094 with the longitudinally extending tab 3043. Although not shown in Figure 24A, the longitudinally extending tab 3043 on the other side of the fluid channel member 3040 has similarly angled lugs 3043a, where the angled surface comes into contact with the upper surface 3024d of the recess 3024b on the support frame 3022.

As alluded to previously, due to this specific arrangement, at these contact points a downwardly and inwardly directed force is exerted on the fluid channel member 3040 by the extending arm portion 3094. The downwardly directed force assists to constrain the printhead module 3030 in the channel 3021 in the z-axis direction as described earlier. The inwardly directed force also assists in constraining the printhead module 3030 in the channel 3021 by urging the angular lugs 3043a on the opposing longitudinally extending tab 3043 of the fluid channel member 3040 into the recess 3024b of the support frame 3020, where the upper surface 3024d of the recess 3024b also applies an opposing downwardly and inwardly directed force on the fluid channel member. In this regard the opposing forces act to constrain the range of movement of the fluid channel member 3040 in the y-axis direction. It is to be understood that the two angular lugs 3043a shown in Figure 24A for each of the recessed portions 3094a are merely an exemplary arrangement of the angular lugs 3043a.

Further, the angular lugs 3043a are positioned so as to correspond to the placement of the printhead tiles 3050 on the upper surface of the fluid channel member 3040 so that, when mounted, the lower connecting portions 3081 of each of the flex PCBs 3080 are aligned with the corresponding connectors 3098 of the PCBs 3090 (see Figures 26 and 38B). This is facilitated by the flex PCBs 3080 having a hole 3082 therein (Figure 26) which is received by the lower retaining clip 3096 of the support 3091. Consequently, the flex PCBs 3080 are correctly positioned under the pressure plate 3074 retained by the retaining clip 3096 as described above.

Further still, as also shown in Figures 42C and 42E, the (upper) lug 3092 of the support 3091 has an inner surface 3092a which is also slightly angled from the normal of the plane of the support 3091 in a direction away from the support 3091. As shown in Figures 37B and 37C, the upper lugs 3092 are formed as resilient members which are able to hinge with respect to the support 3091 with a spring-like action.

Consequently, when mounted to the casing 3020, a slight force is exerted against the lug 3027a of the uppermost face 3027 of the support frame 3022 which assists in securing the support 3091 to the support frame 3022 of the casing 3020 by biasing the (lower) lug 3092 into the recess formed between the lower part of the inner surface 3025 and the lug 3028a of the arm portion 3028 of the support frame 3022.

The manner in which the structure of the casing 3020 is completed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 21,22, 35A and 43.

As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the casing 3020 includes the aforementioned cover portion 3023 which is positioned adjacent the support frame 3022. Thus, together the support frame 3022 and the cover portion 3023 define the two-piece outer housing of the printhead assembly 3010. The profile of the cover portion 3023 is as shown in Figure 43.

The cover portion 3023 is configured so as to be placed over the exposed PCB 3090 mounted to the PCB support 3091 which in turn is mounted to the support frame 3022 of the casing 3020, with the channel 3021 thereof holding the printhead module 3030. As a result, the cover portion 3023 encloses the printhead module 3030 within the casing 3020.

The cover portion 3023 includes a longitudinally extending tab 3023a on a bottom surface thereof (with respect to the orientation of the printhead assembly 3010) which is received in the recessed portion 3028c formed between the lug 3028b and the curved end portion 3028d of the arm portion 3028 of the support frame 3022 (see Figure 35A). This arrangement locates and holds the cover portion 3023 in the casing 3020 with respect to the support frame 3022. The cover portion 3023 is further held in place by affixing the end plate 3111 or the end housing 3120 via the end plate 3110 on the longitudinal side thereof using screws through threaded portions 3023b (see Figures 43,49 and 59). The end plates 3110 and/or 111 are also affixed to the support frame 3022 on either longitudinal side thereof using screws through threaded portions 3022a and 3022b provided in the internal cavity 3026 (see Figures 35A, 49 and 59). Further, the cover portion 3023 has the profile as shown in Figure 33, in which a cavity portion 3023c is arranged at the inner surface of the cover portion 3023 (with respect to the inward direction on the printhead assembly 3010) for accommodating the pressure plate (s) 3074 mounted to the PCB support (s) 91.

Further, the cover portion may also include fin portions 3023d (see also Figure 23) which are provided for dissipating heat generated by the PEC integrated circuits 3100 during operation thereof. To facilitate this the inner surface of the cover portion 3023 may also be provided with a heat coupling material portion (not shown) which physically contacts the PEC integrated circuits 3100 when the cover portion 3023 is attached to the support frame 3022. Further still, the cover portion 3023 may also function to inhibit electromagnetic interference (EMI) which can interfere with the operation of the dedicated electronics of the printhead assembly 3010.

The manner in which a plurality of the PCB supports 3091 are assembled in the support frame 3022 to provide a sufficient number of PEC integrated circuits 3100 per printhead module 3030 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 36 and 44 to 47.

As described earlier, in one embodiment of the present invention, each of the supports 3091 is arranged to hold one of the PEC integrated circuits 3100 which in turn drives four printhead integrated circuits 3051. Accordingly, in a printhead module 3030 having 16 printhead tiles, for example, four PEC integrated circuits 3100, and therefore four supports 3091 are required. For this purpose, the supports 3091 are assembled in an end-to-end manner, as shown in Figure 44, so as to extend the length of the casing 3020, with each of the supports 3091 being mounted and clipped to the support frame 3022 and printhead module 3030 as previously described. In such a way, the single printhead module 3030 of sixteen printhead tiles 3050 is securely held to the casing 3020 along the length thereof.

As shown more clearly in Figure 36, the supports 3091 further include raised portions 3091a and recessed portions 3091b at each end thereof. That is, each edge region of the end walls of the supports 3091

include a raised portion 3091a with a recessed portion 3091b formed along the outer edge thereof. This configuration produces the abutting arrangement between the adjacent supports 3091 shown in Figure 44.

This arrangement of two abutting recessed portions 3091b with one raised portion 3091a at either side thereof forms a cavity which is able to receive a suitable electrical connecting member 3102 therein, as shown in cross-section in Figure 45. Such an arrangement enables adjacent PCBs 3090, carried on the supports 3091 to be electrically connected together so that data signals which are input from either or both ends of the plurality of assembled supports 3091, i. e. , via data connectors (described later) provided at the ends of the casing 3020, are routed to the desired PEC integrated circuits 3100, and therefore to the desired printhead integrated circuits 3051.

To this end, the connecting members 3102 provide electrical connection between a plurality of pads provided at edge contacting regions on the underside of each of the PCBs 3090 (with respect to the mounting direction on the supports 3091). Each of these pads is connected to different regions of the circuitry of the PCB 3090. Figure 46 illustrates the pads of the PCBs as positioned over the connecting member 3102.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 46, the plurality of pads are provided as a series of connection strips 3090a and 3090b in a substantially central region of each edge of the underside of the PCBs 3090.

As mentioned above, the connecting members 3102 are placed in the cavity formed by the abutting recessed portions 3091b of adjacent supports 3091 (see Figure 45), such that when the PCBs 3090 are mounted on the supports 3091, the connection strips 3090a of one PCB 3090 and the connection strips 3090b of the adjacent PCB 3090 come into contact with the same connecting member 3102 so as to provide electrical connection therebetween.

To achieve this, the connecting members 3102 may each be formed as shown in Figure 47 to be a rectangular block having a series of conducting strips 3104 provided on each surface thereof. Alternatively, the conducting strips 3104 may be formed on only one surface of the connecting members 3102 as depicted in Figures 45 and 3046. Such a connecting member may typically be formed of a strip of silicone rubber printed to provide sequentially spaced conductive and non-conductive material strips. A shown in Figure 47, these conducting strips 3104 are provided in a 2: 1 relationship with the connecting strips 3090a and 3090b of the PCBs 3090. That is, twice as many of the conducting strips 3104 are provided than the connecting strips 3090a and 3090b, with the width of the conducting strips 3104 being less than half the width of the connecting strips 3090a and 3090b. Accordingly, any one connecting strip 3090a or 90b may come into contact with one or both of two corresponding conducting strips 3104, thus minimising alignment requirements between the connecting members 3104 and the contacting regions of the PCBs 3090.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting strips 3090a and 3090b are about 0.4 mm wide with a 0.4 mm spacing therebetween, so that two thinner conducting strips 3104 can reliably make contact with only one each of the connecting strips 3090a and 3090b whilst having a sufficient space therebetween to prevent short circuiting. The connecting strips 3090a and 3090b and the conducting strips 3104 may be gold plated so as to provide reliable contact. However, those skilled in the art will understand that use of the connecting members and suitably configured PCB supports is only one exemplary way of connecting the PCBs 3090, and other types of connections are within the scope of the present invention.

Additionally, the circuitry of the PCBs 3090 is arranged so that a PEC integrated circuit 3100 of one of the PCB 3090 of an assembled support 3091 can be used to drive not only the printhead integrated circuits

3051 connected directly to that PCB 3090, but also those of the adjacent PCB (s) 3090, and further of any non- adjacent PCB (s) 3090. Such an arrangement advantageously provides the printhead assembly 3010 with the capability of continuous operation despite one of the PEC integrated circuits 3100 and/or PCBs 3090 becoming defective, albeit at a reduced printing speed.

In accordance with the above-described scalability of the printhead assembly 3010 of the present invention, the end-to-end assembly of the PCB supports 3091 can be extended up to the required length of the printhead assembly 3010 due to the modularity of the supports 3091. For this purpose, the busbars 3071, 3072 and 3073 need to be extended for the combined length of the plurality of PCB supports 3091, which may result in insufficient power being delivered to each of the PCBs 3090 when a relatively long printhead assembly 3010 is desired, such as in wide format printing applications.

In order to minimise power loss, two power supplies can be used, one at each end of the printhead assembly 3010, and a group of busbars 3070 from each end may be employed. The connection of these two busbar groups, e. g. , substantially in the centre of the printhead assembly 3010, is facilitated by providing the exemplary connecting regions 3071a, 3072a and 3073a shown in Figure 48.

Specifically, the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 are provided in a staggered arrangement relative to each other and the end regions thereof are configured with the rebated portions shown in Figure 48 as connecting regions 3071a, 3072a and 3073a. Accordingly, the connecting regions 3071a, 3072a and 3073a of the first group of busbars 3070 overlap and are engaged with the connecting regions 3071a, 3072a and 3073a of the corresponding ones of the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 of the second group of busbars 3070.

The manner in which the busbars are connected to the power supply and the arrangements of the end plates 3110 and 111 and the end housing (s) 3120 which house these connections will now be described with reference to Figures 21,22 and 49 to 59.

Figure 49 illustrates an end portion of an exemplary printhead assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention similar to that shown in Figure 21. At this end portion, the end housing 3120 is attached to the casing 3020 of the printhead assembly 3010 via the end plate 3110.

The end housing and plate assembly houses connection electronics for the supply of power to the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 and the supply of data to the PCBs 3090. The end housing and plate assembly also houses connections for the internal fluid delivery tubes 3006 to external fluid delivery tubes (not shown) of the fluid supply of the printing system to which the printhead assembly 3010 is being applied.

These connections are provided on a connector arrangement 3115 as shown in Figure 50. Figure 50 illustrates the connector arrangement 3115 fitted to the end plate 3110 which is attached, via screws as described earlier, to an end of the casing 3020 of the printhead assembly 3010 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the connector arrangement 3115 includes a power supply connection portion 3116, a data connection portion 3117 and a fluid delivery connection portion 3118. Terminals of the power supply connection portion 3116 are connected to corresponding ones of three contact screws 3116a, 3116b, 3116c provided so as to each connect with a corresponding one of the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073.

To this end, each of the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 is provided with threaded holes in suitable locations for engagement with the contact screws 3116a, 3116b, 3116c. Further, the connection regions 3071a, 3072a and 3073a (see Figure 48) may also be provided at the ends of the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 which are to be in

contact with the contact screws 3116a, 3116b, 3116c so as to facilitate the engagement of the busbars 3071, 3072 and 3073 with the connector arrangement 3115, as shown in Figure 51.

In Figures 50,52A and 52B, only three contact screws or places for three contact screws are shown, one for each of the busbars. However, the use of a different number of contact screws is within the scope of the present invention. That is, depending on the amount of power being routed to the busbars, in order to provide sufficient power contact it may be necessary to provide two or more contact screws for each busbar (see, for example, Figures 53B and 53C). Further, as mentioned earlier a greater or lesser number of busbars may be used, and therefore a corresponding greater of lesser number of contact screws. Further still, those skilled in the art will understand that other means of contacting the busbars to the power supply via the connector arrangements as are typical in the art, such as soldering, are within the scope of the present invention.

The manner in which the power supply connection portion 3116 and the data connection portion 3117 are attached to the connector arrangement 3115 is shown in Figures 52A and 52B. Further, connection tabs 3118a of the fluid delivery connection portion 3118 are attached at holes 3115a of the connector arrangement 3115 so as that the fluid delivery connection portion 3118 overlies the data connection portion 3117 with respect to the connector arrangement 3115 (see Figures 50 and 52C).

As seen in Figures 50 and 52C, seven internal and external tube connectors 3118b and 118c are provided in the fluid delivery connection portion 3118 in accordance with the seven internal fluid delivery tubes 3006. That is, as shown in Figure 54, the fluid delivery tubes 3006 connect between the internal tube connectors 3118b of the fluid delivery connection portion 3118 and the seven tubular portions 3047b or 3048b of the fluid delivery connector 3047 or 3048. As stated earlier, those skilled in the art clearly understand that the present invention is not limited to this number of fluid delivery tubes, etc.

Returning to Figures 52A and 52B, the connector arrangement 3115 is shaped with regions 3115b and 3115c so as to be received by the casing 3020 in a manner which facilitates connection of the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 to the contact screws 3116a, 3116b and 3116c of the power supply connection portion 3116 via region 3115b and connection of the end PCB 3090 of the plurality of PCBs 3090 arranged on the casing 3020 to the data connection portion 3117 via region 3115c.

The region 3115c of the connector arrangement 3115 is advantageously provided with connection regions (not shown) of the data connection portion 3117 which correspond to the connection strips 3090a or 90b provided at the edge contacting region on the underside of the end PCB 3090, so that one of the connecting members 3102 can be used to connect the data connections of the data connection portion 3117 to the end PCB 3090, and thus all of the plurality of PCBs 3090 via the connecting members 3102 provided therebetween.

This is facilitated by using a support member 3112 as shown in Figure 53A, which has a raised portion 3112a and a recessed portion 3112b at one edge thereof which is arranged to align with the raised and recessed portions 3091a and 3091b, respectively, of the end PCB support 3091 (see Figure 44). The support member 3112 is attached to the rear surface of the end PCB support 3091 by engaging a tab 3112c with a slot region 3091c on the rear surface of the end PCB support 3091 (see Figures 37B and 37C), and the region 3115c of the connector arrangement 3115 is retained at upper and lower side surfaces thereof by clip portions

3112d of the support member 3112 so as that the connection regions of the region 3115c are in substantially the same plane as the edge contacting regions on the underside of the end PCB 3090.

Thus, when the end plate 3110 is attached to the end of the casing 3020, an abutting arrangement is formed between the recessed portions 3112b and 3091b, similar to the abutting arrangement formed between the recessed portions 3091b of the adjacent supports 3091 of Figure 44. Accordingly, the connecting member 3102 can be accommodated compactly between the end PCB 3090 and the region 3115c of the connector arrangement 3115. This arrangement is shown in Figures 53B and 33C for another type of connector arrangement 3125 with a corresponding region 3125c, which is described in more detail below with respect to Figures 57, 58A and 58B.

This exemplary manner of connecting the data connection portion 3117 to the end PCB 3090 contributes to the modular aspect of the present invention, in that it is not necessary to provide differently configured PCBs 3090 to be arranged at the longitudinal ends of the casing 3020 and the same method of data connection can be retained throughout the printhead assembly 3010. It will be understood by those skilled in the art however that the provision of additional or other components to connect the data connection portion 3117 to the end PCB 3090 is also included in the scope of the present invention.

Returning to Figure 50, it can be seen that the end plate 3110 is shaped so as to conform with the regions 3115b and 3115c of the connector arrangement 3115, such that these regions can project into the casing 3020 for connection to the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 and the end PCB 3090, and so that the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 can extend to contact screws 3116a, 3116b and 3116c provided on the connector arrangement 3115. This particular shape of the end plate 3110 is shown in Figure 55A, where regions 3110 and 3110b of the end plate 3110 correspond with the regions 3115b and 3115c of the connector arrangement 3115, respectively. Further, a region 3110c of the end plate 3110 is provided so as to enable connection between the internal fluid delivery tubes 3006 and the fluid delivery connectors 3047 and 3048 of the printhead module 3030.

The end housing 3120 is also shaped as shown in Figure 55A, so as to retain the power supply, data and fluid delivery connection portions 3116,3117 and 3118 so that external connection regions thereof, such as the external tube connector 3118c of the fluid delivery connection portion 3118 shown in Figure 52C, are exposed from the printhead assembly 3010, as shown in Figure 49.

Figure 55B illustrates the end plate 3110 and the end housing 3120 which may be provided at the other end of the casing 3020 of the printhead assembly 3010 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 55B, for example, corresponds to a situation where an end housing is provided at both ends of the casing so as to provide power supply and/or fluid delivery connections at both ends of the printhead assembly. Such an exemplary printhead assembly is shown in Figure 56, and corresponds, for example, to the above-mentioned exemplary application of wide format printing, in which the printhead assembly is relatively long.

To this end, Figure 57 illustrates the end housing and plate assembly for the other end of the casing with the connector arrangement 3125 housed therein. The busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 are shown attached to the connector arrangement 3125 for illustration purposes. As can be seen, the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 are provided with connection regions 3071a, 3072a and 3073a for engagement with connector arrangement

3125, similar to that shown in Figure 51 for the connector arrangement 3115. The connector arrangement 3125 is illustrated in more detail in Figures 58A and 58B.

As can be seen from Figures 58A and 58B, like the connector arrangement 3115, the connector arrangement 3125 holds the power supply connection portion 3116 and includes places for contact screws for contact with the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073, holes 3125a for retaining the clips 3118a of the fluid delivery portion 3118 (not shown), and regions 3125b and 3125c for extension into the casing 3020 through regions 3110 and 3110b of the end plate 3110, respectively. However, unlike the connector arrangement 3115, the connector arrangement 3125 does not hold the data connection portion 3117 and includes in place thereof a spring portion 3125d.

This is because, unlike the power and fluid supply in a relatively long printhead assembly application, it is only necessary to input the driving data from one end of the printhead assembly. However, in order to input the data signals correctly to the plurality of PEC integrated circuits 3100, it is necessary to terminate the data signals at the end opposite to the data input end. Therefore, the region 3125c of the connector arrangement 3125 is provided with termination regions (not shown) which correspond with the edge contacting regions on the underside of the end PCB 3090 at the terminating end. These termination regions are suitably connected with the contacting regions via a connecting member 3102, in the manner described above.

The purpose of the spring portion 3125d is to maintain these terminal connections even in the event of the casing 3020 expanding and contracting due to temperature variations as described previously, any effect of which may exacerbated in the longer printhead applications. The configuration of the spring portion 3125d shown in Figures 58A and 58B, for example, enables the region 3125c to be displaced through a range of distances from a body portion 3125e of the connector arrangement 3125, whilst being biased in a normal direction away from the body portion 3125e.

Thus, when the connector arrangement 3125 is attached to the end plate 3110, which in turn has been attached to the casing 3020, the region 3125c is brought into abutting contact with the adjacent edge of the end PCB 3090 in such a manner that the spring portion 3125d experiences a pressing force on the body of the connector arrangement 3125, thereby displacing the region 3125c from its rest position toward the body portion 3125e by a predetermined amount. This arrangement ensures that in the event of any dimensional changes of the casing 3020 via thermal expansion and contraction thereof, the data signals remain terminated at the end of the plurality of PCBs 3090 opposite to the end of data signal input as follows.

The PCB supports 3091 are retained on the support frame 3022 of the casing 3020 so as to"float" thereon, similar to the manner in which the printhead module (s) 3030"float"on the channel 3021 as described earlier. Consequently, since the supports 3091 and the fluid channel members 3040 of the printhead modules 3030 are formed of similar materials, such as LCP or the like, which have the same or similar coefficients of expansion, then in the event of any expansion and contraction of the casing 3020, the supports 3091 retain their relative position with the printhead module (s) 3030 via the clipping of the extending arm portions 3094.

Therefore, each of the supports 3091 retain their adjacent connections via the connecting members 3102, which is facilitated by the relatively large overlap of the connecting members 3102 and the connection strips 3090a and 3090b of the PCBs 3090 as shown in Figure 47. Accordingly, since the PCBs 3090, and therefore the supports 3091 to which they are mounted, are biased towards the connector arrangement 3115

by the spring portion 3125d of the connector arrangement 3125, then should the casing 3020 expand and contract, any gaps which might otherwise form between the connector arrangements 3115 and 3125 and the end PCBs 3090 are prevented, due to the action of the spring portion 3125d.

Accommodation for any expansion and contraction is also facilitated with respect to the power supply by the connecting regions 3071a, 3072a and 3073a of the two groups of busbars 3070 which are used in the relatively long printhead assembly application. This is because, these connecting regions 3071a, 3072a and 3073a are configured so that the overlap region between the two groups of busbars 3070 allows for the relative movement of the connector arrangements 3115 and 3125 to which the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 are attached whilst maintaining a connecting overlap in this region.

In the examples illustrated in Figures 50,53B, 53C and 57, the end sections of the busbars 3071, 3072 and 3073 are shown connected to the connector arrangements 3115 and 3125 (via the contact screws 3116a, 3116b and 3116c) on the front surface of the connector arrangements 3115 and 3125 (with respect to the direction of mounting to the casing 3020). Alternatively, the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 can be connected at the rear surfaces of the connector arrangements 3115 and 3125. In such an alternative arrangement, even though the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 thus connected may cause the connector arrangements 3115 and 3125 be slightly displaced toward the cover portion 3023, the regions 3115c and 3125c of the connector arrangements 3115 and 3125 are maintained in substantially the same plane as the edge contacting regions of the end PCBs 3090 due to the clip portions 3112d of the support members 3112 which retain the upper and lower side surfaces of the regions 3115c and 3125c.

Printed circuit boards having connecting regions printed in discrete areas may be employed as the connector arrangements 3115 and 3125 in order to provide the various above-described electrical connections provided thereby.

Figure 59 illustrates the end plate 3111 which may be attached to the other end of the casing 3020 of the printhead assembly 3010 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, instead of the end housing and plate assemblies shown in Figures 55A and 55B. This provides for a situation where the printhead assembly is not of a length which requires power and fluid to be supplied from both ends. For example, in an A4-sized printing application where a printhead assembly housing one printhead module of 16 printhead tiles may be employed.

In such a situation therefore, since it is unnecessary specifically to provide a connector arrangement at the end of the printhead module 3030 which is capped by the capping member 3049, then the end plate 3111 can be employed which serves to securely hold the support frame 3022 and cover portion 3023 of the casing 3020 together via screws secured to the threaded portions 3022a, 22b and 23b thereof, in the manner already described (see also Figure 22).

Further, if it is necessary to provide data signal termination at this end of the plurality of PCBs 3090, then the end plate 3111 can be provided with a slot section (not shown) on the inner surface thereof (with respect to the mounting direction on the casing 3020), which can support a PCB (not shown) having termination regions which correspond with the edge contacting regions of the end PCB 3090, similar to the region 3125c of the connector arrangement 3125. Also similarly, these termination regions may be suitably connected with the contacting regions via a support member 3112 and a connecting member 3102. This PCB may also include a spring portion between the termination regions and the end plate 3111, similar to the

spring portion 3125d of the connector arrangement 3125, in case expansion and contraction of the casing 3020 may also cause connection problems in this application.

With either the attachment of the end housing 3120 and plate 3110 assemblies to both ends of the casing 3020 or the attachment of the end housing 3120 and plate 3110 assembly to one end of the casing 3020 and the end plate 3111 to the other end, the structure of the printhead assembly according to the present invention is completed.

The thus-assembled printhead assembly can then be mounted to a printing unit to which the assembled length of the printhead assembly is applicable. Exemplary printing units to which the printhead module and printhead assembly of the present invention is applicable are as follows.

For a home office printing unit printing on A4 and letter-sized paper, a printhead assembly having a single printhead module comprising 11 printhead integrated circuits can be used to present a printhead width of 224 mm. This printing unit is capable of printing at approximately 60 pages per minute (ppm) when the nozzle speed is about 20 kHz. At this speed a maximum of about 1690x 106 drops or about 1.6896 ml of ink is delivered per second for the entire printhead. This results in a linear printing speed of about 0.32 mus 1 or an area printing speed of about 0.07 sqms 1. A single PEC integrated circuit can be used to drive all 11 printhead integrated circuits, with the PEC integrated circuit calculating about 1.8 billion dots per second.

For a printing unit printing on A3 and tabloid-sized paper, a printhead assembly having a single printhead module comprising 16 printhead integrated circuits can be used to present a printhead width of 325 mm. This printing unit is capable of printing at approximately 120 ppm when the nozzle speed is about 55 kHz. At this speed a maximum of about 6758x 106 drops or about 6.7584 ml of ink is delivered per second for the entire printhead. This results in a linear printing speed of about 0.87 motor an area printing speed of about 0.28 sqms~'. Four PEC integrated circuits can be used to each drive four of the printhead integrated circuits, with the PEC integrated circuits collectively calculating about 7.2 billion dots per second.

For a printing unit printing on a roll of wallpaper, a printhead assembly having one or more printhead modules providing 36 printhead integrated circuits can be used to present a printhead width of 732 mm.

When the nozzle speed is about 55 kHz, a maximum of about 15206X 106 drops or about 15.2064 ml of ink is delivered per second for the entire printhead. This results in a linear printing speed of about 0.87 motor an area printing speed of about 0.64 sqms 1. Nine PEC integrated circuits can be used to each drive four of the printhead integrated circuits, with the PEC integrated circuits collectively calculating about 16.2 billion dots per second.

For a wide format printing unit printing on a roll of print media, a printhead assembly having one or more printhead modules providing 92 printhead integrated circuits can be used to present a printhead width of 1869 mm. When the nozzle speed is in a range of about 15 to 55 kHz, a maximum of about 10598M106 to 38861 x 106 drops or about 10.5984 to 38. 8608 ml of ink is delivered per second for the entire printhead. This results in a linear printing speed of about 0.24 to 0.87 motor an area printing speed of about 0.45 to 1.63 sqms~l. At the lower speeds, six PEC integrated circuits can be used to each drive 16 of the printhead integrated circuits (with one of the PEC integrated circuits driving 12 printhead integrated circuits), with the PEC integrated circuits collectively calculating about 10. 8 billion dots per second. At the higher speeds, 23 PEC integrated circuits can be used each to drive four of the printhead integrated circuits, with the PEC integrated circuits collectively calculating about 41.4 billions dots per second.

For a"super wide"printing unit printing on a roll of print media, a printhead assembly having one or more printhead modules providing 200 printhead integrated circuits can be used to present a printhead width of 4064 mm. When the nozzle speed is about 15 kHz, a maximum of about 23040x106 drops or about 23.04 ml of ink is delivered per second for the entire printhead. This results in a linear printing speed of about 0.24 mus 1 or an area printing speed of about 0.97 sqms~l. Thirteen PEC integrated circuits can be used to each drive 16 of the printhead integrated circuits (with one of the PEC integrated circuits driving eight printhead integrated circuits), with the PEC integrated circuits collectively calculating about 23.4 billion dots per second.

For the above exemplary printing unit applications, the required printhead assembly may be provided by the corresponding standard length printhead module or built-up of several standard length printhead modules. Of course, any of the above exemplary printing unit applications may involve duplex printing with simultaneous double-sided printing, such that two printhead assemblies are used each having the number of printhead tiles given above. Further, those skilled in the art understand that these applications are merely examples and the number of printhead integrated circuits, nozzle speeds and associated printing capabilities of the printhead assembly depends upon the specific printing unit application.

Print Engine Controller Integrated circuit The functions and structure of the PEC integrated circuit applicable to the printhead assembly of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to Figures 60 to 62.

In the above-described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the printhead integrated circuits 3051 of the printhead assembly 3010 are controlled by the PEC integrated circuits 3100 of the drive electronics. One or more PEC integrated circuits 3100 is or are provided in order to enable pagewidth printing over a variety of different sized pages. As described earlier, each of the PCBs 3090 supported by the PCB supports 3091 has one PEC integrated circuit 3100 which interfaces with four of the printhead integrated circuits 3051, where the PEC integrated circuit 3100 essentially drives the printhead integrated circuits 3051 and transfers received print data thereto in a form suitable for printing.

An exemplary PEC integrated circuit which is suited to driving the printhead integrated circuits of the present invention is described in the Applicant's co-pending US patent applications 09/575, 108 (Docket No. PECOlUS), 09/575,109 (Docket No. PEC02US), 09/575,110 (Docket No. PEC03US), 09/607, 985 (Docket No. PEC04US), 09/607,990 (Docket No. PEC05US) and 09/606,999 (Docket No. PEC07US), which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to Figure 60, the data flow and functions performed by the PEC integrated circuit 3100 will be described for a situation where the PEC integrated circuit 3100 is suited to driving a printhead assembly having a plurality of printhead modules 3030. As described above, the printhead module 3030 of one embodiment of the present invention utilises six channels of fluid for printing. These are: Cyan, Magenta and Yellow (CMY) for regular colour printing; Black (K) for black text and other black or greyscale printing ; Infrared (IR) for tag-enabled applications ; and Fixative (F) to enable printing at high speed.

As shown in Figure 60, documents are typically supplied to the PEC integrated circuit 3100 by a computer system or the like, having Raster Image Processor (s) (RIP (s) ), which is programmed to perform various processing steps 3131 to 3134 involved in printing a document prior to transmission to the PEC integrated circuit 3100. These steps typically involve receiving the document data (step 3131) and storing this data in a memory buffer of the computer system (step 3132), in which page layouts may be produced and any required objects may be added. Pages from the memory buffer are rasterized by the RIP (step 3133) and are then compressed (step 3134) prior to transmission to the PEC integrated circuit 3100. Upon receiving the page data, the PEC integrated circuit 3100 processes the data so as to drive the printhead integrated circuits 3051.

Due to the page-width nature of the printhead assembly of the present invention, each page must be printed at a constant speed to avoid creating visible artifacts. This means that the printing speed cannot be varied to match the input data rate. Document rasterization and document printing are therefore decoupled to ensure the printhead assembly has a constant supply of data. In this arrangement, a page is not printed until it is fully rasterized, and in order to achieve a high constant printing speed a compressed version of each rasterized page image is stored in memory. This decoupling also allows the RIP (s) to run ahead of the printer when rasterizing simple pages, buying time to rasterize more complex pages.

Because contone colour images are reproduced by stochastic dithering, but black text and line graphics are reproduced directly using dots, the compressed page image format contains a separate foreground bi-level black layer and background contone colour layer. The black layer is composited over the contone layer after the contone layer is dithered (although the contone layer has an optional black component). If required, a final layer of tags (in IR or black ink) is optionally added to the page for printout.

Dither matrix selection regions in the page description are rasterized to a contone-resolution bi-level bitmap which is losslessly compressed to negligible size and which forms part of the compressed page image.

The IR layer of the printed page optionally contains encoded tags at a programmable density.

As described above, the RIP software/hardware rasterizes each page description and compresses the rasterized page image. Each compressed page image is transferred to the PEC integrated circuit 3100 where it is then stored in a memory buffer 3135. The compressed page image is then retrieved and fed to a page image expander 3136 in which page images are retrieved. If required, any dither may be applied to any contone layer by a dithering means 3137 and any black bi-level layer may be composited over the contone layer by a compositor 3138 together with any infrared tags which may be rendered by the rendering means 3139.

Returning to a description of process steps, the PEC integrated circuit 3100 then drives the printhead integrated circuits 3051 to print the composited page data at step 140 to produce a printed page 141.

In this regard, the process performed by the PEC integrated circuit 3100 can be considered to consist of a number of distinct stages. The first stage has the ability to expand a JPEG-compressed contone CMYK layer, a Group 4 Fax-compressed bi-level dither matrix selection map, and a Group 4 Fax-compressed bi-level black layer, all in parallel. In parallel with this, bi-level IR tag data can be encoded from the compressed page image. The second stage dithers the contone CMYK layer using a dither matrix selected by a dither matrix select map, composites the bi-level black layer over the resulting bi-level K layer and adds the IR layer to the page. A fixative layer is also generated at each dot position wherever there is a need in any of the C, M, Y, K, or IR channels. The last stage prints the bi-level CMYK+IR data through the printhead assembly.

Figure 61 shows an exemplary embodiment of the printhead assembly of the present invention including the PEC integrated circuit (s) 3100 in the context of the overall printing system architecture. As shown, the various components of the printhead assembly includes: * a PEC integrated circuit 3100 which is responsible for receiving the compressed page images for storage in a memory buffer 3142, performing the page expansion, black layer compositing and sending the dot data to the printhead integrated circuits 3051. The PEC integrated circuit 3100 may also communicate with a master Quality Assurance (QA) integrated circuit 3143 and a (replaceable) ink cartridge QA integrated circuit 3144, and provides a means of retrieving the printhead assembly characteristics to ensure optimum printing; the memory buffer 3142 for storing the compressed page image and for scratch use during the printing of a given page. The construction and working of memory buffers is known to those skilled in the art and a range of standard integrated circuits and techniques for their use might be utilized in use of the PEC integrated circuit (s) 3100 ; and the master integrated circuit 3143 which is matched to the replaceable ink cartridge QA integrated circuit 3144. The construction and working of QA integrated circuits is known to those skilled in the art and a range of known QA processes might be utilized in use of the PEC integrated circuit (s) 3100 ; As mentioned in part above, the PEC integrated circuit 3100 of the present invention essentially performs four basic levels of functionality : receiving compressed pages via a serial interface such as an IEEE 1394; acting as a print engine for producing a page from a compressed form. The print engine functionality includes expanding the page image, dithering the contone layer, compositing the black layer over the contone layer, optionally adding infrared tags, and sending the resultant image to the printhead integrated circuits; acting as a print controller for controlling the printhead integrated circuits and stepper motors of the printing system; and serving as two standard low-speed serial ports for communication with the two QA integrated circuits. In this regard, two ports are used, and not a single port, so as to ensure strong security during authentication procedures.

These functions are now described in more detail with reference to Figure 62 which provides a more specific illustration of the PEC integrated circuit architecture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The PEC integrated circuit 3100 incorporates a simple micro-controller CPU core 3145 to perform the following functions : perform QA integrated circuit authentication protocols via a serial interface 3146 between print pages; run the stepper motor of the printing system via a parallel interface 3147 during printing to control delivery of the paper to the printhead integrated circuits 3051 for printing (the stepper motor requires a 5 KHz process); synchronize the various components of the PEC integrated circuit 3100 during printing; provide a means of interfacing with external data requests (programming registers etc. ) ;

provide a means of interfacing with the corresponding printhead module's low-speed data requests (such as reading the characterization vectors and writing pulse profiles); and provide a means of writing the portrait and landscape tag structures to an external DRAM 3148.

In order to perform the page expansion and printing process, the PEC integrated circuit 3100 includes a high-speed serial interface 3149 (such as a standard IEEE 1394 interface), a standard JPEG decoder 3150, a standard Group 4 Fax decoder 3151, a custom halftoner/compositor (HC) 3152, a custom tag encoder 3153, a line loader/formatter (LLF) 154, and a printhead interface 3155 (PHI) which communicates with the printhead integrated circuits 3051. The decoders 3150 and 3151 and the tag encoder 3153 are buffered to the HC 3152. The tag encoder 3153 establishes an infrared tag (s) to a page according to protocols dependent on what uses might be made of the page.

The print engine function works in a double-buffered manner. That is, one page is loaded into the external DRAM 3148 via a DRAM interface 3156 and a data bus 3157 from the high-speed serial interface 3149, while the previously loaded page is read from the DRAM 3148 and passed through the print engine process. Once the page has finished printing, then the page just loaded becomes the page being printed, and a new page is loaded via the high-speed serial interface 3149.

At the aforementioned first stage, the process expands any JPEG-compressed contone (CMYK) layers, and expands any of two Group 4 Fax-compressed bi-level data streams. The two streams are the black layer (although the PEC integrated circuit 3100 is actually colour agnostic and this bi-level layer can be directed to any of the output inks) and a matte for selecting between dither matrices for contone dithering. At the second stage, in parallel with the first, any tags are encoded for later rendering in either IR or black ink.

Finally, in the third stage the contone layer is dithered, and position tags and the bi-level spot layer are composited over the resulting bi-level dithered layer. The data stream is ideally adjusted to create smooth transitions across overlapping segments in the printhead assembly and ideally it is adjusted to compensate for dead nozzles in the printhead assembly. Up to six channels of bi-level data are produced from this stage.

However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that not all of the six channels need be present on the printhead module 3030. For example, the printhead module 3030 may provide for CMY only, with K pushed into the CMY channels and IR ignored. Alternatively, the position tags may be printed in K if IR ink is not available (or for testing purposes). The resultant bi-level CMYK-IR dot-data is buffered and formatted for printing with the printhead integrated circuits 3051 via a set of line buffers (not shown). The majority of these line buffers might be ideally stored on the external DRAM 3148. In the final stage, the six channels of bi-level dot data are printed via the PHI 3155.

The HC 3152 combines the functions of halftoning the contone (typically CMYK) layer to a bi-level version of the same, and compositing the spotl bi-level layer over the appropriate halftoned contone layer (s).

If there is no K ink, the HC 3152 is able to map K to CMY dots as appropriate. It also selects between two dither matrices on a pixel-by-pixel basis, based on the corresponding value in the dither matrix select map.

The input to the HC 3152 is an expanded contone layer (from the JPEG decoder 146) through a buffer 3158, an expanded bi-level spotl layer through a buffer 3159, an expanded dither-matrix-select bitmap at typically the same resolution as the contone layer through a buffer 3160, and tag data at full dot resolution through a buffer (FIFO) 3161.

The HC 3152 uses up to two dither matrices, read from the external DRAM 3148. The output from the HC 3152 to the LLF 3154 is a set of printer resolution bi-level image lines in up to six colour planes.

Typically, the contone layer is CMYK or CMY, and the bi-level spotl layer is K. Once started, the HC 3152 proceeds until it detects an"end-of-page"condition, or until it is explicitly stopped via its control register (not shown).

The LLF 3154 receives dot information from the HC 3152, loads the dots for a given print line into appropriate buffer storage (some on integrated circuit (not shown) and some in the external DRAM 3148) and formats them into the order required for the printhead integrated circuits 3051. Specifically, the input to the LLF 3154 is a set of six 32-bit words and a DataValid bit, all generated by the HC 3152. The output of the LLF 3154 is a set of 190 bits representing a maximum of 15 printhead integrated circuits of six colours. Not all the output bits may be valid, depending on how many colours are actually used in the printhead assembly.

The physical placement of the nozzles on the printhead assembly of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is in two offset rows, which means that odd and even dots of the same colour are for two different lines. The even dots are for line L, and the odd dots are for line L-2. In addition, there is a number of lines between the dots of one colour and the dots of another. Since the six colour planes for the same dot position are calculated at one time by the HC 3152, there is a need to delay the dot data for each of the colour planes until the same dot is positioned under the appropriate colour nozzle. The size of each buffer line depends on the width of the printhead assembly. Since a single PEC integrated circuit 3100 can generate dots for up to 15 printhead integrated circuits 3051, a single odd or even buffer line is therefore 15 sets of 640 dots, for a total of 9600 bits (1200 bytes). For example, the buffers required for six colour odd dots totals almost 45 KBytes.

The PHI 3155 is the means by which the PEC integrated circuit 3100 loads the printhead integrated circuits 3051 with the dots to be printed, and controls the actual dot printing process. It takes input from the LLF 3154 and outputs data to the printhead integrated circuits 3051. The PHI 3155 is capable of dealing with a variety of printhead assembly lengths and formats. The internal structure of the PHI 3155 allows for a maximum of six colours, eight printhead integrated circuits 3051 per transfer, and a maximum of two printhead integrated circuit 3051 groups which is sufficient for a printhead assembly having 15 printhead integrated circuits 3051 (8.5 inch) printing system capable of printing on A4/Letter paper at full speed.

A combined characterization vector of the printhead assembly 3010 can be read back via the serial interface 3146. The characterization vector may include dead nozzle information as well as relative printhead module alignment data. Each printhead module can be queried via its low-speed serial bus 3162 to return a characterization vector of the printhead module. The characterization vectors from multiple printhead modules can be combined to construct a nozzle defect list for the entire printhead assembly and allows the PEC integrated circuit 3100 to compensate for defective nozzles during printing. As long as the number of defective nozzles is low, the compensation can produce results indistinguishable from those of a printhead assembly with no defective nozzles.

Fluid distribution stack An exemplary structure of the fluid distribution stack of the printhead tile will now be described with reference to Figure 63.

Figure 63 shows an exploded view of the fluid distribution stack 3500 with the printhead integrated circuit 3051 also shown in relation to the stack 3500. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 63, the stack 3500 includes three layers, an upper layer 3510, a middle layer 3520 and a lower layer 3530, and further includes a channel layer 3540 and a plate 3550 which are provided in that order on top of the upper layer 3510. Each of the layers 3510,3520 and 3530 are formed as stainless-steel or micro-moulded plastic material sheets.

The printhead integrated circuit 3051 is bonded onto the upper layer 3510 of the stack 3500, so as to overlie an array of holes 3511 etched therein, and therefore to sit adjacent the stack of the channel layer 3540 and the plate 3550. The printhead integrated circuit 3051 itself is formed as a multi-layer stack of silicon which has fluid channels (not shown) in a bottom layer 3051a. These channels are aligned with the holes 3511 when the printhead integrated circuit 3051 is mounted on the stack 3500. In one embodiment of the present invention, the printhead integrated circuits 3051 are approximately 1 mm in width and 21 mm in length. This length is determined by the width of the field of a stepper which is used to fabricate the printhead integrated circuit 3051. Accordingly, the holes 3511 are arranged to conform to these dimensions of the printhead integrated circuit 3051.

The upper layer 3510 has channels 3512 etched on the underside thereof (Figure 63 shows only some of the channels 3512 as hidden detail). The channels 3512 extend as shown so that their ends align with holes 3521 of the middle layer 3520. Different ones of the channels 3512 align with different ones of the holes 3521. The holes 3521, in turn, align with channels 3531 in the lower layer 3530.

Each of the channels 3531 carries a different respective colour or type of ink, or fluid, except for the last channel, designated with the reference numeral 3532. The last channel 3532 is an air channel and is aligned with further holes 3522 of the middle layer 3520, which in turn are aligned with further holes 3513 of the upper layer 3510. The further holes 3513 are aligned with inner sides 3541 of slots 3542 formed in the channel layer 3540, so that these inner sides 3541 are aligned with, and therefore in fluid-flow communication with, the air channel 3532, as indicated by the dashed line 30543.

The lower layer 3530 includes the inlet ports 3054 of the printhead tile 3050, with each opening into the corresponding ones of the channels 3531 and 3532.

In order to feed air to the printhead integrated circuit surface, compressed filtered air from an air source (not shown) enters the air channel 3532 through the corresponding inlet port 3054 and passes through the holes 3522 and 3513 and then the slots 3542 in the middle layer 3520, the upper layer 3510 and the channel layer 3540, respectively. The air enters into a side surface 3051b of the printhead integrated circuit 3051 in the direction of arrows A and is then expelled from the printhead integrated circuit 3051 substantially in the direction of arrows B. A nozzle guard 3051c may be further arranged on a top surface of the printhead integrated circuit 3051 partially covering the nozzles to assist in keeping the nozzles clear of print media dust.

In order to feed different colour and types of inks and other fluids (not shown) to the nozzles, the different inks and fluids enter through the inlet ports 3054 into the corresponding ones of the channels 3531, pass through the corresponding holes 3521 of the middle layer 3520, flow along the corresponding channels 3512 in the underside of the upper layer 3510, pass through the corresponding holes 3511 of the upper layer 3510, and then finally pass through the slots 3542 of the channel layer 3540 to the printhead integrated circuit 3051, as described earlier.

In traversing this path, the flow diameters of the inks and fluids are gradually reduced from the macro-sized flow diameter at the inlet ports 3054 to the required micro-sized flow diameter at the nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit 3051.

The exemplary embodiment of the fluid distribution stack shown in Figure 63 is arranged to distribute seven different fluids to the printhead integrated circuit, including air, which is in conformity with the earlier described. exemplary embodiment of the ducts of the fluid channel member. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a greater or lesser number of fluids may be used depending on the specific printing application, and therefore the fluid distribution stack can be configured as necessary.

Nozzles and Actuators An exemplary nozzle arrangement which is suitable for the printhead assembly of the present invention is described in the Applicant's co-pending/granted applications identified below which are incorporated herein by reference.

6,227, 652 6,213, 588 6,213, 589 6,231, 163 6,247, 795 6,394, 581 6,244, 691 6,257, 704 6,416, 168 6,220, 694 6,257, 705 6,247, 794 6,234, 610 6,247, 793 6,264, 306 6,241, 342 6,247, 792 6,264, 307 6,254, 220 6,234, 611 6,302, 528 6,283, 582 6,239, 821 6,338, 547 6,247, 796 6,557, 977 6,390, 603 6,362, 843 6,293, 653 6,312, 107 6,227, 653 6,234, 609 6,238, 040 6,188, 415 6,227, 654 6,209, 989 6,247, 791 6,336, 710 6,217, 153 6,416, 167 6,243, 113 6, 283, 581 6,247, 790 6,260, 953 6,267, 469 6,273, 544 6,309, 048 6,420, 196 6,443, 558 6,439, 689 6,378, 989 09/425,420 6,634, 735 6,299, 289 6,299, 290 6,425, 654 6,623, 101 6,406, 129 6,505, 916 6,457, 809 6,550, 895 6,457, 812 6,428, 133 6,390, 605 6,322, 195 6,612, 110 6, 480, 089 6,460, 778 6,305, 788 6,426, 014 6,364, 453 6,457, 795 6,595, 624 6,417, 757 6,623, 106 10/129,433 6,575, 549 6,659, 590 10.129, 503 10/129,437 6,439, 693 6,425, 971 6,478, 406 6,315, 399 6,338, 548 6,540, 319 6, 328, 431 6,328, 425 09/575,127 6,383, 833 6,464, 332 6,390, 591 09/575, 152. 09/575,176 6,322, 194 09/575,177 6,629, 745 09/608, 780 6,428, 139 6,575, 549 09/693,079 09/693,135 6, 428, 142 6,565, 193 6,609, 786 6,609, 787 6,439, 908 09/693, 735 6, 588, 885 6,502, 306 6,652, 071 10/407,212 10/407,207 JUM003 JUM004 10/302,274 10/302,669 10/303,352 10/303,348 10/303,433 10/303,312 10/302,668 10/302,577 10/302, 644 10/302,618 10/302,617 10/302,297 MTBO1 MTB02 MTB03 MTB04 MTB05 MTB06 MTB07 MTB08 MTB09 MTB10 MTB11 MTB12 MTB13 MTB14 This nozzle arrangement will now be described with reference to Figures 64 to 73. One nozzle arrangement which is incorporated in each of the printhead integrated circuits 3051 mounted on the printhead

tiles 3050 (see Figure 25A) includes a nozzle and corresponding actuator. Figure 64 shows an array of the nozzle arrangements 3801 formed on a silicon substrate 3815. The nozzle arrangements are identical, but in one embodiment, different nozzle arrangements are fed with different coloured inks and fixative. It will be noted that rows of the nozzle arrangements 3801 are staggered with respect to each other, allowing closer spacing of ink dots during printing than would be possible with a single row of nozzles. The multiple rows also allow for redundancy (if desired), thereby allowing for a predetermined failure rate per nozzle.

Each nozzle arrangement 3801 is the product of an integrated circuit fabrication technique. As illustrated, the nozzle arrangement 3801 is constituted by a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS).

For clarity and ease of description, the construction and operation of a single nozzle arrangement 3801 will be described with reference to Figures 65 to 73.

Each printhead integrated circuit 3051 includes a silicon wafer substrate 3815.0. 42 Micron 1 P4M 12 volt CMOS microprocessing circuitry is positioned on the silicon wafer substrate 3815.

A silicon dioxide (or alternatively glass) layer 3817 is positioned on the wafer substrate 3815. The silicon dioxide layer 3817 defines CMOS dielectric layers. CMOS top-level metal defines a pair of aligned aluminium electrode contact layers 3830 positioned on the silicon dioxide layer 3817. Both the silicon wafer substrate 3815 and the silicon dioxide layer 3817 are etched to define an ink inlet channel 3814 having a generally circular cross section (in plan). An aluminium diffusion barrier 3828 of CMOS metal 1, CMOS metal 2/3 and CMOS top level metal is positioned in the silicon dioxide layer 3817 about the ink inlet channel 3814. The diffusion barrier 3828 serves to inhibit the diffusion of hydroxyl ions through CMOS oxide layers of the drive circuitry layer 3817.

A passivation layer in the form of a layer of silicon nitride 3831 is positioned over the aluminium contact layers 3830 and the silicon dioxide layer 3817. Each portion of the passivation layer 3831 positioned over the contact layers 3830 has an opening 3832 defined therein to provide access to the contacts 3830.

The nozzle arrangement 3801 includes a nozzle chamber 3829 defined by an annular nozzle wall 3833, which terminates at an upper end in a nozzle roof 3834 and a radially inner nozzle rim 3804 that is circular in plan. The ink inlet channel 3814 is in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber 3829. At a lower end of the nozzle wall, there is disposed a movable rim 3810, that includes a movable seal lip 3840. An encircling wall 3838 surrounds the movable nozzle, and includes a stationary seal lip 3839 that, when the nozzle is at rest as shown in Figure 65, is adjacent the moving rim 3810. A fluidic seal 3811 is formed due to the surface tension of ink trapped between the stationary seal lip 3839 and the moving seal lip 3840. This prevents leakage of ink from the chamber whilst providing a low resistance coupling between the encircling wall 3838 and the nozzle wall 3833.

As best shown in Figure 72, a plurality of radially extending recesses 3835 is defined in the roof 3834 about the nozzle rim 3804. The recesses 3835 serve to contain radial ink flow as a result of ink escaping past the nozzle rim 3804.

The nozzle wall 3833 forms part of a lever arrangement that is mounted to a carrier 3836 having a generally U-shaped profile with a base 3837 attached to the layer 3831 of silicon nitride.

The lever arrangement also includes a lever arm 3818 that extends from the nozzle walls and incorporates a lateral stiffening beam 3822. The lever arm 3818 is attached to a pair of passive beams 3806,

formed from titanium nitride (TiN) and positioned on either side of the nozzle arrangement, as best shown in Figures 68 and 71. The other ends of the passive beams 3806 are attached to the carrier 3836.

The lever arm 3818 is also attached to an actuator beam 3807, which is formed from TiN. It will be noted that this attachment to the actuator beam is made at a point a small but critical distance higher than the attachments to the passive beam 3806.

As best shown in Figures 68 and 71, the actuator beam 3807 is substantially U-shaped in plan, defining a current path between the electrode 3809 and an opposite electrode 3841. Each of the electrodes 3809 and 3841 is electrically connected to a respective point in the contact layer 3830. As well as being electrically coupled via the contacts 3809, the actuator beam is also mechanically anchored to anchor 3808.

The anchor 3808 is configured to constrain motion of the actuator beam 3807 to the left of Figures 65 to 67 when the nozzle arrangement is in operation.

The TiN in the actuator beam 3807 is conductive, but has a high enough electrical resistance that it undergoes self-heating when a current is passed between the electrodes 3809 and 3841. No current flows through the passive beams 3806, so they do not expand.

In use, the device at rest is filled with ink 3813 that defines a meniscus 3803 under the influence of surface tension. The ink is retained in the chamber 3829 by the meniscus, and will not generally leak out in the absence of some other physical influence.

As shown in Figure 66, to fire ink from the nozzle, a current is passed between the contacts 3809 and 3841, passing through the actuator beam 3807. The self-heating of the beam 3807 due to its resistance causes the beam to expand. The dimensions and design of the actuator beam 3807 mean that the majority of the expansion in a horizontal direction with respect to Figures 65 to 67. The expansion is constrained to the left by the anchor 3808, so the end of the actuator beam 3807 adjacent the lever arm 3818 is impelled to the right.

The relative horizontal inflexibility of the passive beams 3806 prevents them from allowing much horizontal movement the lever arm 3818. However, the relative displacement of the attachment points of the passive beams and actuator beam respectively to the lever arm causes a twisting movement that causes the lever arm 3818 to move generally downwards. The movement is effectively a pivoting or hinging motion.

However, the absence of a true pivot point means that the rotation is about a pivot region defined by bending of the passive beams 3806.

The downward movement (and slight rotation) of the lever arm 3818 is amplified by the distance of the nozzle wall 3833 from the passive beams 3806. The downward movement of the nozzle walls and roof causes a pressure increase within the chamber 3029, causing the meniscus to bulge as shown in Figure 66. It will be noted that the surface tension of the ink means the fluid seal 3011 is stretched by this motion without allowing ink to leak out.

As shown in Figure 67, at the appropriate time, the drive current is stopped and the actuator beam 3807 quickly cools and contracts. The contraction causes the lever arm to commence its return to the quiescent position, which in turn causes a reduction in pressure in the chamber 3829. The interplay of the momentum of the bulging ink and its inherent surface tension, and the negative pressure caused by the upward movement of the nozzle chamber 3829 causes thinning, and ultimately snapping, of the bulging meniscus to define an ink drop 3802 that continues upwards until it contacts the adjacent print media.

Immediately after the drop 3802 detaches, the meniscus forms the concave shape shown in Figure 65. Surface tension causes the pressure in the chamber 3829 to remain relatively low until ink has been sucked upwards through the inlet 3814, which returns the nozzle arrangement and the ink to the quiescent situation shown in Figure 65.

As best shown in Figure 68, the nozzle arrangement also incorporates a test mechanism that can be used both post-manufacture and periodically after the printhead assembly is installed. The test mechanism includes a pair of contacts 3820 that are connected to test circuitry (not shown). A bridging contact 3819 is provided on a finger 3843 that extends from the lever arm 3818. Because the bridging contact 3819 is on the opposite side of the passive beams 3806, actuation of the nozzle causes the priding contact to move upwardly, into contact with the contacts 3820. Test circuitry can be used to confirm that actuation causes this closing of the circuit formed by the contacts 3819 and 820. If the circuit is closed appropriately, it can generally be assumed that the nozzle is operative.

Exemplary Method of Assembling Components An exemplary method of assembling the various above-described modular components of the printhead assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention will now be described. It is to be understood that the below described method represents only one example of assembling a particular printhead assembly of the present invention, and different methods may be employed to assemble this exemplary printhead assembly or other exemplary printhead assemblies of the present invention.

The printhead integrated circuits 3051 and the printhead tiles 3050 are assembled as follows: A. The printhead integrated circuit 3051 is first prepared by forming nozzles in an upper surface thereof, which are spaced so as to be capable of printing with a resolution of 1600 dpi; B. The fluid distribution stacks 3500 (from which the printhead tiles 3050 are formed) are constructed so as to have the three layers 3510,3520 and 3530, the channel layer 3540 and the plate 3550 made of stainless steel bonded together in a vacuum furnace into a single body via metal inter-diffusion, where the inner surface of the lower layer 3530 and the surfaces of the middle and upper layers 3520 and 3510 are etched so as to be provided with the channels and holes 3531 and 3532,3521 and 3522, and 3511 to 3513, respectively, so as to be capable of transporting the CYMK and IR inks and fixative to the individual nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit 3051 and air to the surface of the printhead integrated circuit 3051, as described earlier. Further, the outer surface of the lower layer 3530 is etched so as to be provided with the inlet ports 3054; C. An adhesive, such as a silicone adhesive, is then applied to an upper surface of the fluid distribution stack 3500 for attaching the printhead integrated circuit 3051 and the (fine pitch) PCB 3052 in close proximity thereto; D. The printhead integrated circuit 3051 and the PCB 3052 are picked up, pre-centred and then bonded on the upper surface of the fluid distribution stack 3500 via a pick-and-place robot; E. This assembly is then placed in an oven whereby the adhesive is allowed to cure so as to fix the printhead integrated circuit 3051 and the PCB 3052 in place;

F. Connection between the printhead integrated circuit 3051 and the PCB 3052 is then made via a wire bonding machine, whereby a 25 micron diameter alloy, gold or aluminium wire is bonded between the bond pads on the printhead integrated circuit 3051 and conductive pads on the PCB 3052; G. The wire bond area is then encapsulated in an epoxy adhesive dispensed by an automatic two- head dispenser. A high viscosity non-sump adhesive is firstly applied to draw a dam around the wire bond area, and the dam is then filled with a low viscosity adhesive to fully encapsulate the wire bond area beneath the adhesive ; H. This assembly is then placed on levelling plates in an oven and heat cured to form the epoxy encapsulant 3053. The levelling plates ensure that no encapsulant flows from the assembly during curing; and I. The thus-formed printhead tiles 3050 and printhead integrated circuits 3051 are'wet'tested with a suitable fluid, such as pure water, to ensure reliable performance and are then dried out, where they are then ready for assembly on the fluid channel member 3040.

The units composed of the printhead tiles 3050 and the printhead integrated circuits 3051 are prepared for assembly to the fluid channel members 3040 as follows: J. The (extended) flex PCB 3080 is prepared to provide data and power connection to the printhead integrated circuit 3051 from the PCB 3090 and busbars 3071,3072 and 3073; and K. The flex PCB 3080 is aligned with the PCB 3052 and attached using a hot bar soldering machine.

The fluid channel members 3040 and the casing 3020 are formed and assembled as follows: L. Individual fluid channel members 3040 are formed by injection moulding an elongate body portion 3044a so as to have seven individual grooves (channels) extending therethrough and the two longitudinally extending tabs 3043 extending therealong on either side thereof. The (elongate) lid portion 3044b is also moulded so as to be capable of enclosing the body portion 3044a to separate each of the channels. The body and lid portions are both moulded so as to have end portions which form the female and male end portions 3045 and 3046 when assembled together. The lid portion 3044b and the body portion 3044a are then adhered together with epoxy and cured so as to form the seven ducts 3041; M. The casing 3020 is then formed by extruding aluminium to a desired configuration and length by separately forming the (elongate) support frame 3022, with the channel 3021 formed on the upper wall 3027 thereof, and the (elongate) cover portion 3023; N. The end plate 3110 is attached with screws via the threaded portions 3022a and 3022b formed in the support frame 3022 to one (first) end of the casing 3020, and the end plate 3111 is attached with screws via the threaded portions 3022a and 3022b to the other (second) end of the casing 3020; O. An epoxy is applied to the appropriate regions (i. e. , so as not to cover the channels) of either a female or male connector 3047 or 3048, and either the female or male connecting section 3049a or 3049b of a capping member 3049 via a controlled dispenser;

P. An epoxy is applied to the appropriate regions (i. e. , so as not to cover the channels) of the female and male end portions 3045 and 3046 of the plurality of fluid channel members 3040 to be assembled together, end-to-end, so as to correspond to the desired length via the controlled dispenser; Q. The female or male connector 3047 or 3048 is then attached to the male or female end portion 3046 or 3045 of the fluid channel member 3040 which is to be at the first end of the plurality of fluid channel members 3040 and the female or male connecting section 3049a or 3049b of the capping member 3049 is attached to the male or female end portion 3046 or 3045 of the fluid channel member 3040 which is to be at the second end of the plurality of fluid channel members 3040; R. Each of the fluid channel members 3040 is then placed within the channel 3021 one-by-one.

Firstly, the (first) fluid channel member 3040 to be at the first end is placed within the channel 3021 at the first end, and is secured in place by way of the PCB supports 3091 which are clipped into the support frame 3022, in the manner described earlier, so that the unconnected end portion 3045 or 3046 of the fluid channel member 3040 is left exposed with the epoxy thereon. Then, a second member 3040 is placed in the channel 3021 so as to mate with the first fluid channel member 3040 via its corresponding end portion 3045 or 3046 and the epoxy therebetween and is then clipped into place with its PCB supports 3091. This can then be repeated until the final fluid channel member 3040 is in place at the second end of the channel 3021. Of course, only one fluid channel member 3040 may be used, in which case it may have a connector 3047 or 3048 attached to one end portion 3046 or 3045 and a capping member 3049 attached at the other end portion 3045 or 3046; S. This arrangement is then placed in a compression jig, whereby a compression force is applied against the ends of the assembly to assist in sealing the connections between the individual fluid channel members 3040 and their end connector 3047 or 3048 and capping member 3049.

The complete assembly and jig is then placed in an oven at a temperature of about 100°C for a predefined period, for example, about 45 minutes, to enhance the curing of the adhesive connections. However, other methods of curing, such as room temperature curing, could also be employed; T. Following curing, the arrangement is pressure tested to ensure the integrity of the seal between the individual fluid channel members 3040, the connector 3047 or 3048, and the capping member 3049; and U. The exposed upper surface of the assembly is then oxygen plasma cleaned to facilitate attachment of the individual printhead tiles 3050 thereto.

The printhead tiles 3050 are attached to the fluid channel members 3040 as follows: V. Prior to placement of the individual printhead tiles 3050 upon the upper surface of the fluid channel members 3040, the bottom surface of the printhead tiles 3050 are argon plasma cleaned to enhance bonding. An adhesive is then applied via a robotic dispenser to the upper surface of the fluid channel members 3040 in the form of an epoxy in strategic positions on

the upper surface around and symmetrically about the outlet ports 3042. To assist in fixing the printhead tiles 3050 in place a fast acting adhesive, such as cyanoacrylate, is applied in the remaining free areas of the upper surface as the adhesive drops 3062 immediately prior to placing the printhead tiles 3050 thereon; W. Each of the individual printhead tiles 3050 is then carefully aligned and placed on the upper surface of the fluid channel members 3040 via a pick-and-place robot, such that a continuous print surface is defined along the length of the printhead module 3030 and also to ensure that that the outlet ports 3042 of the fluid channel members 3040 align with the inlet ports 3054 of the individual printhead tiles 3050. Following placement, the pick-and-place robot applies a pressure on the printhead tile 3050 for about 5 to 10 seconds to assist in the setting of the cyanoacrylate and to fix the printhead tile 3050 in place. This process is repeated for each printhead tile 3050; X. This assembly is then placed in an oven at about 100°C for about 45 minutes to cure the epoxy so as to form the gasket member 3060 and the locators 3061 for each printhead tile 3050 which seal the fluid connection between each of the outlet and inlet ports 3042 and 3054.

This fixes the printhead tiles 3050 in place on the fluid channel members 3040 so as to define the print surface; and Y. Following curing, the assembly is inspected and tested to ensure correct alignment and positioning of the printhead tiles 3050.

The printhead assembly 3010 is assembled as follows: Z. The support member 3112 is attached to the end PCB supports 3091 so as to align with the recessed portion 3091b of the end supports 3091; AA. The connecting members 3102 are placed in the abutting recessed portions 3091b between the adjacent PCB supports 3091 and in the abutting recessed portions 3112b and 3091b of the support members 3112 and end PCB supports 3091, respectively; BB. The PCBs 3090, each having assembled thereon a PEC integrated circuit 3100 and its associated circuitry, are then mounted on the PCB supports 3091 along the length of the casing 3020 and are retained in place between the notch portions 3096a of the retaining clips 3096 and the recessed portions 3093a and locating lugs 3093b of the base portions 3093 of the PCB supports 3091. As described earlier, the PCBs 3090 can be arranged such that the PEC integrated circuit 3100 of one PCB 3090 drives the printhead integrated circuits 3051 of four printhead tiles 3050, or of eight printhead tiles 3050, or of 16 printhead tiles 3050. Each of the PCBs 3090 include the connection strips 3090a and 3090b on the inner face thereof which communicate with the connecting members 3102 allowing data transfer between the PEC integrated circuits 3100 of each of the PCBs 3090, between the printhead integrated circuits 3051 and PEC integrated circuits 3100 of each of the PCBs 3090, and between the data connection portion 3117 of the connector arrangement3115 ; CC. The connector arrangement 3115, with the power supply, data and fluid delivery connection portions 3116,3117 and 3118 attached thereto, is attached to the end plate 3110 with screws

so that the region 3115c of the connector arrangement 3115 is clipped into the clip portions 3112d of the support member 3112; DD. The busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 are inserted into the corresponding channelled recesses 3095a, 3095b and 3095c of the plurality of PCB supports 3091 and are connected at their ends to the corresponding contact screws 3116a, 3116b and 3116c of the power supply connection portion 3116 of the connector arrangement 3115. The busbars 3071,3072 and 3073 provide a path for power to be distributed throughout the printhead assembly; EE. Each of the flex PCBs 3080 extending from each of the printhead tiles 3050 is then connected to the connectors 3098 of the corresponding PCBs 3090 by slotting the slot regions 81 into the connectors 3098 ; FF. The pressure plates 3074 are then clipped onto the PCB supports 3091 by engaging the holes 3074a and the tab portions 3074c of the holes 3074b with the corresponding retaining clips 3099 and 3096 of the PCB supports 3091, such that the raised portions 75 of the pressure plates 3074 urge the power contacts of the flex PCBs 3080 into contact with each of the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073, thereby providing a path for the transfer of power between the busbars 3071,3072 and 3073, the PCBs 3090 and the printhead integrated circuits 3051 ; GG. The internal fluid delivery tubes 3006 are then attached to the corresponding tubular portions 3047b or 3048b of the female or male connector 3047 or 3048 ; and HH. The elongate, aluminium cover portion 3023 of the casing 3020 is then placed over the assembly and screwed into place via screws through the remaining holes in the end plates 3110 and 3111 into the threaded portions 3023b of the cover portion 3023, and the end housing 3120 is placed over the connector arrangement 3115 and screwed into place with screws into the end plate 3110 thereby completing the outer housing of the printhead assembly and so as to provide electrical and fluid communication between the printhead assembly and a printer unit. The external fluid tubes or hoses can then be assembled to supply ink and the other fluids to the channels ducts. The cover portion 3023 can also act as a heat sink for the PEC integrated circuits 3100 if the fm portions 3023d are provided thereon, thereby protecting the circuitry of the printhead assembly 3010.

Testing of the printhead assembly occurs as follows: II. The thus-assembled printhead assembly 3010 is moved to a testing area and inserted into a final print test machine which is essentially a working printing unit, whereby connections from the printhead assembly 3010 to the fluid and power supplies are manually performed; JJ. A test page is printed and analysed and appropriate adjustments are made to finalise the printhead electronics; and KK. When passed, the print surface of the printhead assembly 3010 is capped and a plastic sealing film is applied to protect the printhead assembly 3010 until product installation.

Nozzle Arrangement-Schematic Overview

The fabrication of a variety of nozzles is disclosed in detail throughout this specification and the documents incorporated by cross-reference. In particular, a detailed description of the thermal bend actuator nozzles shown in Figs 64 to 73 is provided later in this specification. However, Figs 74 to 89 provide a useful schematic overview of the structure and operation of this type of nozzle.

It should be noted that the reference numbering used to identify particular features in Figures 74 to 89 does not correspond to the reference numbering used in other Figures or sections of this specification.

The nozzle arrangement shown in Figures 74 to 89 has a nozzle chamber containing ink and a thermal actuator connected to a paddle positioned within the chamber. The thermal bend actuator device is actuated so as to eject ink from the nozzle chamber. The preferred embodiment includes a particular thermal actuator, which includes a series of tapered portions for providing conductive heating of a conductive trace.

The actuator is connected to the paddle via an arm received through a slotted wall of the nozzle chamber. The actuator arm has a mating shape so as to mate substantially with the surfaces of the slot in the nozzle chamber wall.

Turning initially to Fig. 74-76, there is provided schematic illustrations of the basic operation of a nozzle arrangement of the invention. A nozzle chamber 1 is provided filled with ink 2 by means of an ink inlet channel 3 which can be etched through a wafer substrate on which the nozzle chamber 1 rests. The nozzle chamber 1 further includes an ink ejection port 4 around which an ink meniscus forms.

Inside the nozzle chamber 1 is a paddle type device 7 which is interconnected to an actuator 8 through a slot in the wall of the nozzle chamber 1. The actuator 8 includes a heater means eg. 9 located adjacent to an end portion of a post 10. The post 10 is fixed to a substrate.

When it is desired to eject a drop from the nozzle chamber 1, as illustrated in Fig. 75, the heater means 9 is heated so as to undergo thermal expansion. Preferably, the heater means 9 itself or the other portions of the actuator 8 are built from materials having a high bend efficiency where the bend efficiency is Young's Modulus x (Coefficient of thermal Expansion) deEnedas bend efficiency<BR> <BR> Density x Specific Heat Capacity A suitable material for the heater elements is a copper nickel alloy which can be formed so as to bend a glass material.

The heater means 9 is ideally located adjacent the end portion of the post 10 such that the effects of activation are magnified at the paddle end 7 such that small thermal expansions near the post 10 result in large movements of the paddle end.

The heater means 9 and consequential paddle movement causes a general increase in pressure around the ink meniscus 5 which expands, as illustrated in Fig. 75, in a rapid manner. The heater current is pulsed and ink is ejected out of the port 4 in addition to flowing in from the ink channel 3.

Subsequently, the paddle 7 is deactivated to again return to its quiescent position. The deactivation causes a general reflow of the ink into the nozzle chamber. The forward momentum of the ink outside the nozzle rim and the corresponding backflow results in a general necking and breaking off of the drop 12 which proceeds to the print media. The collapsed meniscus 5 results in a general sucking of ink into the nozzle chamber 2 via the ink flow channel 3. In time, the nozzle chamber 1 is refilled such that the position in Fig.

74 is again reached and the nozzle chamber is subsequently ready for the ejection of another drop of ink.

Fig. 77 illustrates a side perspective view of the nozzle arrangement Fig. 78 illustrates sectional view through an array of nozzle arrangement of Fig. 77. In these figures, the numbering of elements previously introduced has been retained.

Firstly, the actuator 8 includes a series of tapered actuator units eg. 15 which comprise an upper glass portion (amorphous silicon dioxide) 16 formed on top of a titanium nitride layer 17. Alternatively a copper nickel alloy layer (hereinafter called cupronickel) can be utilized which will have a higher bend efficiency where bend efficiency is defined as: <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> Young's Modulus x (Coecient of themal Expansion)<BR> <BR> <BR> bend efficiency =<BR> <BR> <BR> Density x Specific Heat Capacity The titanium nitride layer 17 is in a tapered form and, as such, resistive heating takes place near an end portion of the post 10. Adjacent titanium nitride/glass portions 15 are interconnected at a block portion 19 which also provides a mechanical structural support for the actuator 8.

The heater means 9 ideally includes a plurality of the tapered actuator unit 15 which are elongate and spaced apart such that, upon heating, the bending force exhibited along the axis of the actuator 8 is maximized. Slots are defined between adjacent tapered units 15 and allow for slight differential operation of each actuator 8 with respect to adjacent actuators 8.

The block portion 19 is interconnected to an arm 20. The arm 20 is in turn connected to the paddle 7 inside the nozzle chamber 1 by means of a slot e. g. 22 formed in the side of the nozzle chamber 1. The slot 22 is designed generally to mate with the surfaces of the arm 20 so as to minimize opportunities for the outflow of ink around the arm 20. The ink is held generally within the nozzle chamber 1 via surface tension effects around the slot 22.

When it is desired to actuate the arm 20, a conductive current is passed through the titanium nitride layer 17 via vias within the block portion 19 connecting to a lower CMOS layer 6 which provides the necessary power and control circuitry for the nozzle arrangement. The conductive current results in heating of the nitride layer 17 adjacent to the post 10 which results in a general upward bending of the arm 20 and consequential ejection of ink out of the nozzle 4. The ejected drop is printed on a page in the usual manner for an inkjet printer as previously described.

An array of nozzle arrangements can be formed so as to create a single printhead. For example, in Fig.

78 there is illustrated a partly sectioned various array view which comprises multiple ink ejection nozzle arrangements of Fig. 77 laid out in interleaved lines so as to form a printhead array. Of course, different types of arrays can be formulated including full color arrays etc.

Fabrication of the ink jet nozzle arrangement is indicated in Figs 80 to 89. The preferred embodiment achieves a particular balance between utilization of the standard semi-conductor processing material such as titanium nitride and glass in a MEMS process. Obviously the skilled person may make other choices of materials and design features where the economics are justified. For example, a copper nickel alloy of 50% copper and 50% nickel may be more advantageously deployed as the conductive heating compound as it is likely to have higher levels of bend efficiency. Also, other design structures may be employed where it is not necessary to provide for such a simple form of manufacture.

The presently disclosed ink jet printing technology is potentially suited to a wide range of printing system including : colour and monochrome office printers, short run digital printers, high speed digital

printers, offset press supplemental printers, low cost scanning printers high speed pagewidth printers, notebook computers with inbuilt pagewidth printers, portable colour and monochrome printers, colour and monochrome copiers, colour and monochrome facsimile machines, combined printer, facsimile and copying machines, label printers, large format plotters, photograph copiers, printers for digital photographic "minilabs", video printers, PHOTO CD (PHOTO CD is a registered trade mark of the Eastman Kodak Company) printers, portable printers for PDAs, wallpaper printers, indoor sign printers, billboard printers, fabric printers, camera printers and fault tolerant commercial printer arrays. Of these applications, the printing of wallpaper will now be described in detail below.

Other Inkjet 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 ink jet 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 ink jet 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 ink jet 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 printhead, but is a major impediment to the fabrication of pagewidth printheads with 19,200 nozzles.

Ideally, the ink jet 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 ink jet 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 ink jet systems described below with differing levels of difficulty. Forty-five different ink jet 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 under the heading Cross References to Related Applications.

The ink jet 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 printhead is designed to be a monolithic 0.5 micron CMOS chip with MEMS post processing. For color photographic applications, the printhead is 100

mm long, with a width which depends upon the ink jet type. The smallest printhead designed is IJ38, which is 0. 35 mm wide, giving a chip area of 35 square mm. The printheads each contain 19,200 nozzles plus data and control circuitry.

Ink is supplied to the back of the printhead 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 printhead is connected to the camera circuitry by tape automated bonding.

Tables of Drop-on-Demand Ink Jets Eleven important characteristics of the fundamental operation of individual ink jet 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 ink jet 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 ink jet nozzle. While not all of the possible combinations result in a viable ink jet technology, many million configurations are viable. It is clearly impractical to elucidate all of the possible configurations. Instead, certain ink jet types have been investigated in detail. These are designated IJ01 to IJ45 above which matches the docket numbers in the table under the heading Cross References to Related Applications.

Other ink jet configurations can readily be derived from these forty-five examples by substituting alternative configurations along one or more of the 11 axes. Most of the IJO 1 to IJ45 examples can be made into ink jet printheads with characteristics superior to any currently available ink jet 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, print technology may be listed more than once in a table, where it shares characteristics with more than one entry.

Suitable applications for the ink jet technologies 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) Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Thermal An electrothermal + Large force + High power + Canon Bubblejet bubble heater heats the ink to generated + Ink carrier 1979 Endo et al GB above boiling point, + Simple limited to water patent 2,007, 162 transferring significant construction + Low efficiency + Xerox heater-in- heat to the aqueous + No moving parts + High pit 1990 Hawkins et ink. A bubble + Fast operation temperatures al USP 4,899, 181 nucleates and quickly # Small chip area required + Hewlett-Packard forms, expelling the required for actuator + High mechanical TIJ 1982 Vaught et ink. stress al USP 4,490, 728 The efficiency of the + Unusual process is low, with materials required typically less than # Large drive 0.05% of the electrical transistors energy being + Cavitation causes transformed into actuator failure kinetic energy of the # Kogation reduces bubble formation + Large print heads are difficult to fabricate Actuator mechanism (applied only to selected ink drops) Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Piezo-A piezoelectric crystal + Low power + Very large area + Kyser et al USP electric such as lead consumption required for actuator 3,946, 398 lanthanum zirconate Many ink types + Difficult to + Zoltan USP (PZT) is electrically can be used integrate with 3,683, 212 activated, and either + Fast operation electronics + 1973 Stemme expands, shears, or High efficiency + High voltage USP 3,747, 120 bends to apply drive transistors + Epson Stylus pressure to the ink, required # Tektronix ejecting drops. + Full pagewidth + IJ04 print heads impractical due to actuator size Requires electrical poling in high field strengths during manufacture Electro-An electric field is Low power # Low maximum + Seiko Epson, strictive used to activate consumption strain (approx. Usui et all JP electrostriction in # Many ink types 0.01%) 253401/96 relaxor materials such can be used # Large area # IJ04 as lead lanthanum Low thermal required for actuator zirconate titanate expansion due to low strain (PLZT) or lead Electric field + Response speed magnesium niobate strength required is marginal (-10 (PMN) (approx. 3.5 V/µm) µs) can be generated + High voltage without difficulty drive transistors + Does not require required electrical poling # Full pagewidth print heads impractical due to actuator size Actuator mechanism (applied only to selected ink drops) Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Ferro-An electric field is + Low power + Difficult to IJ04 electric used to induce a phase consumption integrate with transition between the + Many ink types electronics antiferroelectric (AFE) can be used + Unusual and ferroelectric (FE) + Fast operation materials such as phase. Perovskite (< 1, us) PLZSnT are materials such as tin + Relatively high required modified lead longitudinal strain + Actuators require lanthanum zirconate + High efficiency a large area titanate (PLZSnT) + Electric field exhibit large strains of strength of around 3 up to 1% associated V/m can be readily with the AFE to FE provided phase transition. Electro-Conductive plates are # Low power Difficult to # IJ02, IJ04 static plates separated by a consumption operate electrostatic compressible or fluid + Many ink types devices in an dielectric (usually air). can be used aqueous Upon application of a # Fast operation environment voltage, the plates The electrostatic attract each other and actuator will displace ink, causing normally need to be drop ejection. The separated from the conductive plates may ink be in a comb or Very large area honeycomb structure, required to achieve or stacked to increase high forces the surface area and + High voltage therefore the force. drive transistors may be required + Full pagewidth print heads are not competitive due to actuator size Actuator mechanism (applied only to selected ink drops) Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Electro-A strong electric field + Low current + High voltage + 1989 Saito et al, static pull is applied to the ink, consumption required USP 4,799, 068 on ink whereupon + Low temperature + May be damaged + 1989 Miura et al, electrostatic attraction by sparks due to air USP 4,810, 954 accelerates the ink breakdown + Tone-jet towards the print + Required field medium. strength increases as the drop size decreases + High voltage drive transistors required + Electrostatic field attracts dust Permanent An electromagnet + Low power + Complex # IJ07, IJ10 magnet directly attracts a consumption fabrication electro-permanent magnet, + Many ink types + Permanent magnetic displacing ink and can be used magnetic material causing drop ejection. Fast operation such as Neodymium Rare earth magnets High efficiency Iron Boron (NdFeB) with a field strength Easy extension required. around 1 Tesla can be from single nozzles High local used. Examples are: to pagewidth print currents required Samarium Cobalt heads Copper (SaCo) and magnetic metalization should materials in the be used for long neodymium iron boron electromigration family (NdFeB, lifetime and low NdDyFeBNb, resistivity NdDyFeB, etc) + Pigmented inks are usually infeasible + Operating temperature limited to the Curie temperature (around 540 K) Actuator mechanism (applied only to selected ink drops) Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Soft A solenoid induced a + Low power # Complex # IJ01, IJ05, IJ08, magnetic magnetic field in a soft consumption fabrication IJ10, IJ12, IJ14, core electro-magnetic core or yoke + Many ink types + Materials not IJ15, IJ17 magnetic fabricated from a can be used usually present in a ferrous material such + Fast operation CMOS fab such as as electroplated iron # High efficiency NiFe, CoNiFe, or alloys such as CoNiFe # Easy extension CoFe are required [1], CoFe, or NiFe from single nozzles + High local alloys. Typically, the to pagewidth print currents required soft magnetic material heads + Copper is in two parts, which metalization should are normally held be used for long apart by a spring. electromigration When the solenoid is lifetime and low actuated, the two parts resistivity attract, displacing the Electroplating is ink. required + High saturation flux density is required (2.0-2. 1 T is achievable with CoNiFe [1]) Actuator mechanism (applied only to selected ink drops) Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Lorenz The Lorenz force + Low power + Force acts as a IJ06, IJ11, IJ13, force acting on a current consumption twisting motion IJ16 carrying wire in a + Many ink types + Typically, only a magnetic field is can be used quarter of the utilized. + Fast operation solenoid length This allows the + High efficiency provides force in a magnetic field to be a Easy extension useful direction supplied externally to from single nozzles + High local the print head, for to pagewidth print currents required example with rare heads Copper earth permanent metalization should magnets. be used for long Only the current electromigration carrying wire need be lifetime and low fabricated on the print-resistivity head, simplifying Pigmented inks materials are usually requirements. infeasible Magneto-The actuator uses the + Many ink types + Force acts as a + Fischenbeck, striction giant magnetostrictive can be used twisting motion USP 4,032, 929 effect of materials + Fast operation + Unusual + IJ25 such as Terfenol-D (an + Easy extension materials such as alloy of terbium, from single nozzles Terfenol-D are dysprosium and iron to pagewidth print required developed at the Naval heads + High local Ordnance Laboratory, # High force is currents required hence Ter-Fe-NOL). available Copper For best efficiency, the metalization should actuator should be pre-be used for long stressed to approx. 8 electromigration lifetime and low resistivity Pre-stressing may be required Actuator mechanism (applied only to selected ink drops) Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Surface Ink under positive + Low power + Requires Silverbrook, EP tension pressure is held in a consumption supplementary force 0771658 A2 and reduction nozzle by surface + Simple to effect drop related patent tension. The surface construction separation applications tension of the ink is + No unusual + Requires special reduced below the materials required in ink surfactants bubble threshold, fabrication + Speed may be causing the ink to + High efficiency limited by surfactant egress from the Easy extension properties nozzle. from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Viscosity The ink viscosity is + Simple + Requires Silverbrook, EP reduction locally reduced to construction supplementary force 0771658 A2 and select which drops are + No unusual to effect drop related patent to be ejected. A materials required in separation applications viscosity reduction can fabrication + Requires special be achieved + Easy extension ink viscosity electrothermally with from single nozzles properties most inks, but special to pagewidth print + High speed is inks can be engineered heads difficult to achieve for a 100: 1 viscosity + Requires reduction. oscillating ink pressure + A high temperature difference (typically 80 degrees) is required Actuator mechanism (applied only to selected ink drops) Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Acoustic An acoustic wave is Can operate + Complex drive + 1993 Hadimioglu generated and without a nozzle circuitry et al, EUP 550, 192 focussed upon the plate + Complex + 1993 Elrod et al, drop ejection region. fabrication EUP 572,220 + Low efficiency Poor control of drop position Poor control of drop volume Thermo-An actuator which Low power + Efficient aqueous # IJ03, IJ09, IJ17, elastic bend relies upon differential consumption operation requires a IJ18, IJ19, IJ20, actuator thermal expansion + Many ink types thermal insulator on IJ21, IJ22, IJ23, upon Joule heating is can be used the hot side IJ24, IJ27, IJ28, used. Simple planar + Corrosion IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, fabrication prevention can be IJ32, IJ33, IJ34, Small chip area difficult IJ35, IJ36, IJ37, required for each # Pigmented inks IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, actuator may be infeasible, IJ41 + Fast operation as pigment particles High efficiency may jam the bend # CMOS actuator compatible voltages and currents Standard MEMS processes can be used 1 Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Actuator mechanism (applied only to selected ink drops) Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples High CTE A material with a very + High force can + Requires special # IJ09, IJ17, IJ18, thermo-high coefficient of be generated material (e. g. PTFE) IJ20, IJ21, IJ22, elastic thermal expansion + Three methods of + Requires a PTFE IJ23, IJ24, IJ27, actuator (CTE) such as PTFE deposition are deposition process, IJ28, IJ29, IJ30, polytetrafluoroethylen under development: which is not yet IJ31, IJ42, IJ43, e (PTFE) is used. As chemical vapor standard in ULSI IJ44 high CTE materials deposition (CVD), fabs are usually non-spin coating, and PTFE deposition conductive, a heater evaporation cannot be followed fabricated from a + PTFE is a with high conductive material is candidate for low temperature (above incorporated. A 50 Rm dielectric constant 350 °C) processing long PTFE bend insulation in ULSI Pigmented inks actuator with + Very low power may be infeasible, polysilicon heater and consumption as pigment particles 15 mW power input + Many ink types may jam the bend can provide 180 R N can be used actuator force and 10 im Simple planar deflection. Actuator fabrication motions include: + Small chip area Bend required for each Push actuator Buckle + Fast operation # High efficiency Rotate # CMOS compatible voltages and currents + Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Actuator mechanism (applied only to selected ink drops) Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Conduct-ive A polymer with a high + High force can Requires special + IJ24 polymer coefficient of thermal be generated materials thermo-expansion (such as + Very low power development (High elastic PTFE) is doped with consumption CTE conductive actuator conducting substances + Many ink types polymer) to increase its can be used Requires a PTFE conductivity to about 3 # Simple planar deposition process, orders of magnitude fabrication which is not yet below that of copper. # Small chip area standard in ULSI The conducting required for each fabs polymer expands actuator + PTFE deposition when resistively + Fast operation cannot be followed heated. # High efficiency with high Examples of + CMOS temperature (above conducting dopants compatible voltages 350 °C) processing include: and currents Evaporation and Carbon nanotubes + Easy extension CVD deposition Metal fibers from single nozzles techniques cannot Conductive polymers to pagewidth print be used such as doped heads Pigmented inks may be infeasible, polythiophene as pigment particles Carbon granules may jam the bend actuator Actuator mechanism (applied only to selected ink drops) Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Shape A shape memory alloy + High force is + Fatigue limits IJ26 memory such as TiNi (also available (stresses maximum number alloy known as Nitinol-of hundreds of MPa) of cycles Nickel Titanium alloy + Large strain is + Low strain (1%) developed at the Naval available (more than is required to extend Ordnance Laboratory) 3%) fatigue resistance is thermally switched + High corrosion + Cycle rate between its weak resistance limited by heat martensitic state and + Simple removal its high stiffness construction + Requires unusual austenic state. The + Easy extension materials (TiNi) shape of the actuator from single nozzles + The latent heat of in its martensitic state to pagewidth print transformation must is deformed relative to heads be provided the austenic shape. + Low voltage + High current The shape change operation operation causes ejection of a + Requires pre- drop. stressing to distort the martensitic state Linear Linear magnetic + Linear Magnetic + Requires unusual + IJ12 Magnetic actuators include the actuators can be semiconductor Actuator Linear Induction constructed with materials such as Actuator (LIA), Linear high thrust, long soft magnetic alloys Permanent Magnet travel, and high (e. g. CoNiFe) Synchronous Actuator efficiency using Some varieties (LPMSA), Linear planar also require Reluctance semiconductor permanent magnetic Synchronous Actuator fabrication materials such as (LRSA), Linear techniques Neodymium iron Switched Reluctance + Long actuator boron (NdFeB) Actuator (LSRA), and travel is available Requires the Linear Stepper + Medium force is complex multi- Actuator (LSA). available phase drive circuitry + Low voltage + High current operation operation Basic operation mode Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Actuator This is the simplest + Simple operation + Drop repetition + Thermal ink jet directly mode of operation: the + No external rate is usually + Piezoelectric ink pushes ink actuator directly fields required limited to around 10 jet supplies sufficient + Satellite drops kHz. However, this + IJ01, IJ02, IJ03, kinetic energy to expel can be avoided if is not fundamental IJ04, IJ05, IJ06, the drop. The drop drop velocity is less to the method, but is IJ07, IJ09, IJ11, must have a sufficient than 4 m/s related to the refill IJ12, IJ14, IJ16, velocity to overcome + Can be efficient, method normally IJ20, IJ22, IJ23, the surface tension. depending upon the used IJ24, IJ25, IJ26, actuator used + All of the drop IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, kinetic energy must IJ30, IJ31, IJ32, be provided by the IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, actuator IJ36, IJ37, IJ38, + Satellite drops IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, usually form if drop IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 velocity is greater than 4.5 m/s Proximity The drops to be + Very simple print + Requires close Silverbrook, EP printed are selected by head fabrication can proximity between 0771 658 A2 and some manner (e. g. be used the print head and related patent thermally induced + The drop the print media or applications surface tension selection means transfer roller reduction of does not need to May require two pressurized ink). provide the energy print heads printing Selected drops are required to separate alternate rows of the separated from the ink the drop from the image in the nozzle by nozzle Monolithic color contact with the print print heads are medium or a transfer difficult roller. Basic operation mode Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Electro-The drops to be + Very simple print + Requires very + Silverbrook, EP static pull printed are selected by head fabrication can high electrostatic 0771 658 A2 and on ink some manner (e. g. be used field related patent thermally induced + The drop + Electrostatic field applications surface tension selection means for small nozzle + Tone-Jet reduction of does not need to sizes is above air pressurized ink). provide the energy breakdown Selected drops are required to separate + Electrostatic field separated from the ink the drop from the may attract dust in the nozzle by a nozzle strong electric field. Magnetic The drops to be + Very simple print + Requires Silverbrook, EP pull on ink printed are selected by head fabrication can magnetic ink 0771 658 A2 and some manner (e. g. be used + Ink colors other related patent thermally induced + The drop than black are applications surface tension selection means difficult reduction of does not need to + Requires very pressurized ink). provide the energy high magnetic fields Selected drops are required to separate separated from the ink the drop from the in the nozzle by a nozzle strong magnetic field acting on the magnetic ink. Shutter The actuator moves a + High speed (>50 + Moving parts are + IJ13, IJ17, IJ21 shutter to block ink kHz) operation can required flow to the nozzle. The be achieved due to + Requires ink ink pressure is pulsed reduced refill time pressure modulator at a multiple of the + Drop timing can + Friction and wear drop ejection be very accurate must be considered frequency. + The actuator + Stiction is energy can be very possible low Basic operation mode Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Shuttered The actuator moves a + Actuators with + Moving parts are IJ08, IJ15, IJ18, grill shutter to block ink small travel can be required IJ19 flow through a grill to used + Requires ink the nozzle. The shutter + Actuators with pressure modulator movement need only small force can be Friction and wear be equal to the width used must be considered of the grill holes. # High speed (>50 Stiction is kHz) operation can possible be achieved Pulsed A pulsed magnetic + Extremely low # Requires an + IJl0 magnetic field attracts an'ink energy operation is external pulsed pull on ink pusher'at the drop possible magnetic field pusher ejection frequency. An + No heat + Requires special actuator controls a dissipation materials for both catch, which prevents problems the actuator and the the ink pusher from ink pusher moving when a drop is + Complex not to be ejected. construction Auxiliary mechanism (applied to all nozzles) Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples None The actuator directly Simplicity Of Drop ejection + Most ink jets, fires the ink drop, and construction energy must be including there is no external Simplicity of supplied by piezoelectric and field or other operation individual nozzle thermal bubble. mechanism required. + Small physical actuator + IJ01, IJ02, IJ03, size IJ04, IJ05, IJ07, IJ09, IJ11, IJ12, IJ14, IJ20, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ26, IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32, IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36, IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Oscillating The ink pressure Oscillating ink + Requires external + Silverbrook, EP ink pressure oscillates, providing pressure can provide ink pressure 0771 658 A2 and (including much of the drop a refill pulse, oscillator related patent acoustic ejection energy. The allowing higher + Ink pressure applications stimul-actuator selects which operating speed phase and amplitude + IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, ation) drops are to be fired + The actuators must be carefully IJ17, IJ18, IJ19, by selectively may operate with controlled IJ21 blocking or enabling much lower energy + Acoustic nozzles. The ink + Acoustic lenses reflections in the ink pressure oscillation can be used to focus chamber must be may be achieved by the sound on the designed for vibrating the print nozzles head, or preferably by an actuator in the ink supply. Auxiliary mechanism (applied to all nozzles) Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Media The print head is + Low power + Precision Silverbrook, EP proximity placed in close + High accuracy assembly required 0771 658 A2 and proximity to the print + Simple print head + Paper fibers may related patent medium. Selected construction cause problems applications drops protrude from Cannot print on the print head further rough substrates than unselected drops, and contact the print medium. The drop soaks into the medium fast enough to cause drop separation. Transfer Drops are printed to a + High accuracy + Bulky Silverbrook, EP roller transfer roller instead + Wide range of + Expensive 0771658 A2 and of straight to the print print substrates can + Complex related patent medium. A transfer be used construction applications roller can also be used + Ink can be dried + Tektronix hot for proximity drop on the transfer roller melt piezoelectric separation. ink jet + Any of the IJ series Electro-An electric field is + Low power + Field strength + Silverbrook, EP static used to accelerate + Simple print head required for 0771658 A2 and selected drops towards construction separation of small related patent the print medium. drops is near or applications above air Tone-Jet breakdown Direct A magnetic field is + Low power + Requires Silverbrook, EP magnetic used to accelerate + Simple print head magnetic ink 0771658 A2 and field selected drops of construction + Requires strong related patent magnetic ink towards magnetic field applications the print medium. Auxiliary mechanism (applied to all nozzles) Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Cross The print head is Does not require + Requires external + IJ06, IJ16 magnetic placed in a constant magnetic materials magnet field magnetic field. The to be integrated in + Current densities Lorenz force in a the print head may be high, current carrying wire manufacturing resulting in is used to move the process electromigration actuator. problems Pulsed A pulsed magnetic + Very low power + Complex print + IJ10 magnetic field is used to operation is possible head construction field cyclically attract a + Small print head + Magnetic paddle, which pushes size materials required in on the ink. A small print head actuator moves a catch, which selectively prevents the paddle from moving. Actuator amplification or modification method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples None No actuator Operational Many actuator Thermal Bubble mechanical simplicity mechanisms have Ink jet amplification is used. insufficient travel, + IJOl, IJ02, IJ06, The actuator directly or insufficient force, IJ07, IJ16, IJ25, drives the drop to efficiently drive IJ26 ejection process. the drop ejection process Differential An actuator material # Provides greater + High stresses are + Piezoelectric expansion expands more on one travel in a reduced involved IJ03, IJ09, IJ17, bend side than on the other. print head area + Care must be IJ18, IJ19, IJ20, actuator The expansion may be taken that the IJ21, IJ22, IJ23, thermal, piezoelectric, materials do not IJ24, IJ27, IJ29, magnetostrictive, or delaminate IJ30, IJ31, IJ32, other mechanism. The + Residual bend IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, bend actuator converts resulting from high IJ36, IJ37, IJ38, a high force low travel temperature or high IJ39, IJ42, IJ43, actuator mechanism to stress during IJ44 high travel, lower formation force mechanism. Transient A trilayer bend + Very good + High stresses are # IJ40, IJ41 bend actuator where the two temperature stability involved actuator outside layers are + High speed, as a + Care must be identical. This cancels new drop can be taken that the bend due to ambient fired before heat materials do not temperature and dissipates delaminate residual stress. The + Cancels residual actuator only responds stress of formation to transient heating of one side or the other. Actuator amplification or modification method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Reverse The actuator loads a + Better coupling + Fabrication + IJ05, IJ11 spring spring. When the to the ink complexity actuator is turned off, High stress in the the spring releases. spring This can reverse the force/distance curve of the actuator to make it compatible with the force/time requirements of the drop ejection. Actuator A series of thin + Increased travel Increased Some stack actuators are stacked. + Reduced drive fabrication piezoelectric ink jets This can be voltage complexity IJ04 appropriate where 1 Increased actuators require high possibility of short electric field strength, circuits due to such as electrostatic pinholes and piezoelectric actuators. Multiple Multiple smaller Increases the Actuator forces + IJ12, IJ13, IJ18, actuators actuators are used force available from may not add IJ20, IJ22, IJ28, simultaneously to an actuator linearly, reducing IJ42, IJ43 move the ink. Each + Multiple efficiency actuator need provide actuators can be only a portion of the positioned to control force required. ink flow accurately Linear A linear spring is used + Matches low + Requires print + IJ15 Spring to transform a motion travel actuator with head area for the with small travel and higher travel spring high force into a requirements longer travel, lower + Non-contact force motion. method of motion transformation Actuator amplification or modification method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Coiled A bend actuator is Increases travel Generally IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, actuator coiled to provide Reduces chip restricted to planar IJ35 greater travel in a area implementations reduced chip area. Planar due to extreme implementations are fabrication difficulty relatively easy to in other orientations. fabricate. Flexure A bend actuator has a + Simple means of + Care must be IJ10, IJ19, IJ33 bend small region near the increasing travel of taken not to exceed actuator fixture point, which a bend actuator the elastic limit in flexes much more the flexure area readily than the + Stress remainder of the distribution is very actuator. The actuator uneven flexing is effectively + Difficult to converted from an accurately model even coiling to an with finite element angular bend, resulting analysis in greater travel of the actuator tip. Catch The actuator controls a + Very low + Complex # IJ10 small catch. The catch actuator energy construction either enables or + Very small + Requires external disables movement of actuator size force an ink pusher that is + Unsuitable for controlled in a bulk pigmented inks manner. Actuator amplification or modification method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Gears Gears can be used to + Low force, low 1 Moving parts are IJ13 increase travel at the travel actuators can required expense of duration. be used + Several actuator Circular gears, rack + Can be fabricated cycles are required and pinion, ratchets, using standard + More complex and other gearing surface MEMS drive electronics methods can be used. processes + Complex construction + Friction, friction, and wear are possible Buckle plate A buckle plate can be Very fast + Must stay within S. Hirata et al, used to change a slow movement elastic limits of the"An Ink-jet Head actuator into a fast achievable materials for long Using Diaphragm motion. It can also device life Microactuator", convert a high force, + High stresses Proc. IEEE MEMS, low travel actuator involved Feb. 1996, pp 418- into a high travel, # Generally high 423. medium force motion. power requirement IJ18, IJ27 Tapered A tapered magnetic + Linearizes the + Complex + IJ14 magnetic pole can increase magnetic construction pole travel at the expense force/distance curve of force. Lever A lever and fulcrum is + Matches low + High stress # IJ32, IJ36, IJ37 used to transform a travel actuator with around the fulcrum motion with small higher travel travel and high force requirements into a motion with Fulcrum area has longer travel and no linear movement, lower force. The lever and can be used for can also reverse the a fluid seal direction of travel. Actuator amplification or modification method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Rotary The actuator is + High mechanical + Complex + IJ28 impeller connected to a rotary advantage construction impeller. A small + The ratio of force + Unsuitable for angular deflection of to travel of the pigmented inks the actuator results in actuator can be a rotation of the matched to the impeller vanes, which nozzle requirements push the ink against by varying the stationary vanes and number of impeller out of the nozzle. vanes Acoustic A refractive or No moving parts + Large area + 1993 Hadimioglu lens diffractive (e. g. zone required et al, EUP 550,192 plate) acoustic lens is + Only relevant for + 1993 Elrod et al, used to concentrate acoustic ink jets EUP 572,220 sound waves. Sharp A sharp point is used Simple + Difficult to | Tone-jet conductive to concentrate an construction fabricate using point electrostatic field. standard VLSI processes for a surface ejecting ink- jet + Only relevant for electrostatic ink jets Actuator motion Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Volume The volume of the Simple High energy is + Hewlett-Packard expansion actuator changes, construction in the typically required to Thermal Ink jet pushing the ink in all case of thermal ink achieve volume + Canon Bubblejet directions. jet expansion. This leads to thermal stress, cavitation, and kogation in thermal ink jet implementations Linear, The actuator moves in Efficient High fabrication + IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, normal to a direction normal to coupling to ink complexity may be IJ07, IJ11, IJ14 chip surface the print head surface. drops ejected required to achieve The nozzle is typically normal to the perpendicular in the line of surface motion movement. Parallel to The actuator moves Suitable for + Fabrication + IJ12, IJ13, IJ15, chip surface parallel to the print planar fabrication complexity IJ33,, IJ34, IJ35, head surface. Drop + Friction IJ36 ejection may still be + Stiction normal to the surface. Membrane An actuator with a The effective + Fabrication + 1982 Howkins push high force but small area of the actuator complexity USP 4,459, 601 area is used to push a becomes the Actuator size stiff membrane that is membrane area + Difficulty of in contact with the ink. integration in a VLSI process Rotary The actuator causes Rotary levers + Device + IJ05, IJ08, IJ13, the rotation of some may be used to complexity IJ28 element, such a grill or increase travel + May have impeller + Small chip area friction at a pivot requirements point Actuator motion Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Bend The actuator bends A very small Requires the + 1970 Kyser et al when energized. This change in actuator to be made USP 3,946, 398 may be due to dimensions can be from at least two + 1973 Stemme differential thermal converted to a large distinct layers, or to USP 3,747, 120 expansion, motion. have a thermal + IJ03, IJ09, IJ10, piezoelectric difference across the IJ19, IJ23, IJ24, expansion, actuator IJ25, IJ29, IJ30, magnetostriction, or IJ31, IJ33, IJ34, other form of relative IJ35 dimensional change. Swivel The actuator swivels + Allows operation Inefficient IJ06 around a central pivot. where the net linear coupling to the ink This motion is suitable force on the paddle motion where there are is zero opposite forces + Small chip area applied to opposite requirements sides of the paddle, e. g. Lorenz force. Straighten The actuator is Can be used with Requires careful IJ26, IJ32 normally bent, and shape memory balance of stresses straightens when alloys where the to ensure that the energized. austenic phase is quiescent bend is planar accurate Double The actuator bends in + One actuator can Difficult to make + IJ36, IJ37, IJ38 bend one direction when be used to power the drops ejected by one element is two nozzles. both bend directions energized, and bends + Reduced chip identical. the other way when size. A small another element is + Not sensitive to efficiency loss energized. ambient temperature compared to equivalent single bend actuators. Shear Energizing the + Can increase the Not readily 1 1985 Fishbeck actuator causes a shear effective travel of applicable to other USP 4,584, 590 motion in the actuator piezoelectric actuator material. actuators mechanisms Actuator motion Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Radial con-The actuator squeezes + Relatively easy + High force # 1970 Zoltan USP striction an ink reservoir, to fabricate single required 3,683, 212 forcing ink from a nozzles from glass + Inefficient constricted nozzle. tubing as Difficult to macroscopic integrate with VLSI structures processes Coil/uncoil A coiled actuator Easy to fabricate + Difficult to + IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, uncoils or coils more as a planar VLSI fabricate for non-IJ35 tightly. The motion of process planar devices the free end of the + Small area + Poor out-of-plane actuator ejects the ink. required, therefore stiffness low cost Bow The actuator bows (or + Can increase the + Maximum travel # IJ16, IJ18, IJ27 buckles) in the middle speed of travel is constrained when energized. + Mechanically + High force rigid required Push-Pull Two actuators control + The structure is + Not readily + IJ18 a shutter. One actuator pinned at both ends, suitable for ink jets pulls the shutter, and so has a high out-of-which directly push the other pushes it. plane rigidity the ink Curl A set of actuators curl + Good fluid flow + Design + IJ20, IJ42 inwards inwards to reduce the to the region behind complexity volume of ink that the actuator they enclose, increases efficiency Curl A set of actuators curl # Relatively simple + Relatively large # IJ43 outwards outwards, pressurizing construction chip area ink in a chamber surrounding the actuators, and expelling ink from a nozzle in the chamber. Iris Multiple vanes enclose + High efficiency + High fabrication + IJ22 a volume of ink. These + Small chip area complexity simultaneously rotate, + Not suitable for reducing the volume pigmented inks between the vanes. Actuator motion Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Acoustic The actuator vibrates The actuator can + Large area # 1993 Hadimioglu vibration at a high frequency. be physically distant required for et al, EUP 550, 192 from the ink efficient operation # 1993 Elrod et al, at useful frequencies EUP 572,220 + Acoustic coupling and crosstalk Complex drive circuitry + Poor control of drop volume and position None In various ink jet No moving parts + Various other + Silverbrook, EP designs the actuator tradeoffs are 0771658 A2 and does not move. required to related patent eliminate moving applications parts + Tone-jet Nozzle refill method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Surface This is the normal way Fabrication + Low speed Thermal ink jet tension that ink jets are simplicity + Surface tension Piezoelectric ink refilled. After the + Operational force relatively jet actuator is energized, simplicity small compared to + IJ01-IJ07, IJ10- it typically returns actuator force IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, rapidly to its normal + Long refill time IJ22-IJ45 position. This rapid usually dominates return sucks in air the total repetition through the nozzle rate opening. The ink surface tension at the nozzle then exerts a small force restoring the meniscus to a minimum area. This force refills the nozzle. Shuttered Ink to the nozzle + High speed + Requires + IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, oscillating chamber is provided at + Low actuator common ink IJ17, IJ18, IJ19, ink pressure a pressure that energy, as the pressure oscillator IJ21 oscillates at twice the actuator need only + May not be drop ejection open or close the suitable for frequency. When a shutter, instead of pigmented inks drop is to be ejected, ejecting the ink drop the shutter is opened for 3 half cycles: drop ejection, actuator return, and refill. The shutter is then closed to prevent the nozzle chamber emptying during the next negative pressure cycle. Nozzle refill method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Refill After the main High speed, as + Requires two + IJ09 actuator actuator has ejected a the nozzle is independent drop a second (refill) actively refilled actuators per nozzle actuator is 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 + High refill rate, + Surface spill + Silverbrook, EP pressure positive pressure. therefore a high must be prevented 0771 658 A2 and After the ink drop is drop repetition rate + Highly related patent ejected, the nozzle is possible hydrophobic print applications chamber fills quickly head surfaces are Alternative for:, as surface tension and required IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14, ink pressure both IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45 operate to refill the nozzle. Method of restricting back-flow through inlet Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Long inlet The ink inlet channel Design simplicity + Restricts refill + Thermal ink jet channel to the nozzle chamber + Operational rate + Piezoelectric ink is made long and simplicity + May result in a jet relatively narrow, + Reduces relatively large chip + IJ42, IJ43 relying on viscous crosstalk area drag to reduce inlet + Only partially back-flow. effective Positive ink The ink is under a Drop selection + Requires a + Silverbrook, EP pressure positive pressure, so and separation method (such as a 0771 658 A2 and that in the quiescent forces can be nozzle rim or related patent state some of the ink reduced effective applications drop already protrudes + Fast refill time hydrophobizing, or Possible from the nozzle. both) to prevent operation of the This reduces the flooding of the following: IJ01- pressure in the nozzle ejection surface of IJ07, IJ09-IJ12, chamber which is the print head. IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, required to eject a IJ22,, IJ23-IJ34, certain volume of ink. IJ36-IJ41, IJ44 The reduction in chamber pressure results in a reduction in ink pushed out through the inlet. Baffle One or more baffles The refill rate is + Design + HP Thermal Ink are placed in the inlet not as restricted as complexity Jet ink flow. When the the long inlet May increase + Tektronix actuator is energized, method. fabrication piezoelectric ink jet the rapid ink + Reduces complexity (e. g. movement creates crosstalk Tektronix hot melt eddies which restrict Piezoelectric print the flow through the heads). inlet. The slower refill process is unrestricted, and does not result in eddies. Method of restricting back-flow through inlet Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Flexible flap In this method recently Significantly Not applicable to Canon restricts disclosed by Canon, reduces back-flow most ink jet inlet the expanding actuator for edge-shooter configurations (bubble) pushes on a thermal inkjet Increased flexible flap that devices fabrication restricts the inlet. complexity + Inelastic deformation of polymer flap results in creep over extended use Inlet filter A filter is located + Additional + Restricts refill IJ04, IJ12, IJ24, between the ink inlet advantage of ink rate IJ27, IJ29, IJ30 and the nozzle filtration + May result in chamber. The filter Ink filter may be complex has a multitude of fabricated with no construction small holes or slots, additional process restricting ink flow. steps The filter also removes particles which may block the nozzle. Small inlet The ink inlet channel Design simplicity + Restricts refill + IJ02, IJ37, IJ44 compared to the nozzle chamber rate to nozzle has a substantially + May result in a smaller cross section relatively large chip than that of the nozzle area , resulting in easier ink + Only partially egress out of the effective nozzle than out of the inlet. Inlet shutter A secondary actuator Increases speed + Requires separate IJ09 controls the position of of the ink-jet print refill actuator and a shutter, closing off head operation drive circuit the ink inlet when the main actuator is energized. Method of restricting back-flow through inlet Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples The inlet is The method avoids the Back-flow Requires careful + IJO1, IJ03, 1J05, located problem of inlet back-problem is design to minimize IJ06, IJ07, IJ10, behind the flow by arranging the eliminated the negative IJ11, IJ14, IJ16, ink-pushing ink-pushing surface of pressure behind the IJ22, IJ23, IJ25, surface the actuator between paddle IJ28, IJ31, IJ32, the inlet and the IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, nozzle. IJ36, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41 Part of the The actuator and a Significant Small increase in + IJ07, IJ20, IJ26, actuator wall of the ink reductions in back-fabrication IJ38 moves to chamber are arranged flow can be complexity shut off the so that the motion of achieved inlet the actuator closes off + Compact designs the inlet. possible Nozzle In some configurations + Ink back-flow None related to + Silverbrook, EP actuator of ink jet, there is no problem is ink back-flow on 0771 658 A2 and does not expansion or eliminated actuation related patent result in ink movement of an applications back-flow actuator which may + Valve-jet cause ink back-flow # Tone-jet through the inlet. Nozzle Clearing Method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Normal All of the nozzles are + No added May not be + Most ink jet nozzle firing fired periodically, complexity on the sufficient to systems before the ink has a print head displace dried ink + IJ01, IJ02, IJ03, chance to dry. When IJ04, IJ05, IJ06, not in use the nozzles IJ07, IJ09, IJ10, are sealed (capped) IJ11, IJ12, IJ14, against air. IJ16, IJ20, IJ22, The nozzle firing is IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, usually performed IJ26, IJ27, IJ28, during a special IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, clearing cycle, after IJ32, IJ33, IJ34, first moving the print IJ36, IJ37, IJ38, head to a cleaning IJ39, IJ40"IJ41, station. IJ42, IJ43, IJ44,, IJ45 Extra In systems which heat Can be highly + Requires higher Silverbrook, EP power to the ink, but do not boil effective if the drive voltage for 0771 658 A2 and ink heater it under normal heater is adjacent to clearing related patent situations, nozzle the nozzle May require applications clearing can be larger drive achieved by over-transistors powering the heater and boiling ink at the nozzle. Nozzle Cleari7ngMethod Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Rapid The actuator is fired in Does not require Effectiveness May be used success-ion rapid succession. In extra drive circuits depends with: IJOl, IJ02, of actuator some configurations, on the print head substantially upon IJ03, IJ04, IJ05, pulses this may cause heat Can be readily the configuration of IJ06, IJ07, IJ09, build-up at the nozzle controlled and the ink jet nozzle IJ10, IJ11, IJ14, which boils the ink, initiated by digital IJ16, IJ20, IJ22, clearing the nozzle. In logic IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, other situations, it may IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, cause sufficient IJ30, IJ31, IJ32, vibrations to dislodge IJ33, IJ34, IJ36, clogged nozzles. IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44, IJ45 Extra Where an actuator is A simple Not suitable May be used power to not normally driven to solution where where there is a with: IJ03, IJ09, ink pushing the limit of its motion, applicable hard limit to IJ16, IJ20, IJ23, actuator nozzle clearing may be actuator movement IJ24, IJ25, IJ27, assisted by providing IJ29, IJ30, Il31, an enhanced drive IJ32, IJ39, IJ40, signal to the actuator. IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44, IJ45 Acoustic An ultrasonic wave is A high nozzle + High + IJ08, IJ13, If15, resonance applied to the ink clearing capability implementation cost IJ17, IJ18, IJ19, chamber. This wave is can be achieved if system does not IJ21 of an appropriate May be already include an amplitude and implemented at very acoustic actuator frequency to cause low cost in systems sufficient force at the which already nozzle to clear include acoustic blockages. This is actuators easiest to achieve if the ultrasonic wave is at a resonant frequency of the ink cavity. Nozzle Clearing Method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Nozzle A microfabricated Can clear + Accurate Silverbrook, EP clearing plate is pushed against severely clogged mechanical 0771658 A2 and plate the nozzles. The plate nozzles alignment is related patent has a post for every required applications nozzle. A post moves Moving parts are through each nozzle, required displacing dried ink. There is risk of damage to the nozzles + Accurate fabrication is required Ink The pressure of the ink May be effective + Requires May be used pressure is temporarily where other pressure pump or with all IJ series ink pulse increased so that ink methods cannot be other pressure jets streams from all of the used actuator nozzles. This may be 1 Expensive used in conjunction + Wasteful of ink with actuator energizing. Print head A flexible'blade'is + Effective for + Difficult to use if + Many ink jet wiper wiped across the print planar print head print head surface is systems head surface. The surfaces non-planar or very blade is usually Low cost fragile fabricated from a + Requires flexible polymer, e. g. mechanical parts rubber or synthetic Blade can wear elastomer. out in high volume print systems Nozzle Clearing Method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Separate A separate heater is # Can be effective + Fabrication Can be used with ink boiling provided at the nozzle where other nozzle complexity many IJ series ink heater although the normal clearing methods jets drop e-ection cannot be used mechanism does not + Can be require it. The heaters implemented at no do not require additional cost in individual drive some ink jet circuits, as many configurations nozzles can be cleared simultaneously, and no imaging is required. Nozzle plate construction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Electro-A nozzle plate is Fabrication High Hewlett Packard formed separately fabricated simplicity temperatures and Thermal Ink jet nickel from electroformed pressures are nickel, and bonded to required to bond the print head chip. nozzle plate Minimum thickness constraints Differential thermal expansion Laser Individual nozzle No masks + Each hole must Canon Bubblejet ablated or holes are ablated by an required be individually + 1988 Sercel et drilled intense UV laser in a + Can be quite fast formed al. , SPIE, Vol. 998 polymer nozzle plate, which is + Some control + Special Excimer Beam typically a polymer over nozzle profile equipment required Applications, pp. such as polyimide or is possible # Slow where there 76-83 polysulphone + Equipment are many thousands # 1993 Watanabe required is relatively of nozzles per print et al. , USP low cost head 5,208, 604 May produce thin burrs at exit holes Silicon A separate nozzle + High accuracy is + Two part K. Bean, IEEE micro-plate is attainable construction Transactions on machined micromachined from + High cost Electron Devices, single crystal silicon, # Requires Vol. ED-25, No. 10, and bonded to the precision alignment 1978, pp 1185-1195 print head wafer. + Nozzles may be Xerox 1990 clogged by adhesive Hawkins et al. , USP 4, 899, 181 Nozzle plate construction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Glass Fine glass capillaries # No expensive + Very small # 1970 Zoltan USP capillaries are drawn from glass equipment required nozzle sizes are 3, 683, 212 tubing. This method + Simple to make difficult to form has been used for single nozzles + Not suited for making individual mass production nozzles, but is difficult to use for bulk manufacturing of print heads with thousands of nozzles. Monolithic, The nozzle plate is + High accuracy Requires Silverbrook, EP surface deposited as a layer (<l Jjn) sacrificial layer 0771658 A2 and micro-using standard VLSI + Monolithic under the nozzle related patent machined deposition techniques. # Low cost plate to form the applications using VLSI Nozzles are etched in Existing nozzle chamber # IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, litho-the nozzle plate using processes can be Surface may be IJ11, IJ12, IJ17, graphic VLSI lithography and used fragile to the touch IJ18, IJ20, IJ22, processes etching. IJ24, IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32, IJ33, IJ34, IJ36, IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Monolithic, The nozzle plate is a + High accuracy + Requires long IJ03, IJ05, IJ06, etched buried etch stop in the (<1 (im) etch times IJ07, IJ08, IJ09, through wafer. Nozzle + Monolithic + Requires a IJ10, IJ13, IJ14, substrate chambers are etched in # Low cost support wafer IJ15, IJ16, IJ19, the front of the wafer, # No differential IJ21, IJ23, IJ25, and the. wafer is expansion IJ26 thinned from the back side. Nozzles are then etched in the etch stop layer. Nozzle plate construction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples No nozzle Various methods have + No nozzles to + Difficult to + Ricoh 1995 plate been tried to eliminate become clogged control drop Sekiya et al USP the nozzles entirely, to position accurately 5,412, 413 prevent nozzle + Crosstalk + 1993 Hadimioglu clogging. These problems et al EUP 550,192 include thermal bubble 1993 Elrod et al mechanisms and EUP 572,220 acoustic lens mechanisms Trough Each drop ejector has + Reduced + Drop firing + IJ35 a trough through manufacturing direction is sensitive which a paddle moves. complexity to wicking. There is no nozzle + Monolithic plate. Nozzle slit The elimination of + No nozzles to + Difficult to + 1989 Saito et al instead of nozzle holes and become clogged control drop USP 4,799, 068 individual replacement by a slit position accurately nozzles encompassing many + Crosstalk actuator positions problems reduces nozzle clogging, but increases crosstalk due to ink surface waves Drop ejection direction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Edge Ink flow is along the + Simple + Nozzles limited + Canon Bubblejet ('edge surface of the chip, construction to edge 1979 Endo et al GB shooter') and ink drops are + No silicon + High resolution patent 2,007, 162 ejected from the chip etching required is difficult + Xerox heater-in- edge. + Good heat + Fast color pit 1990 Hawkins et sinking via substrate printing requires al USP 4,899, 181 + Mechanically one print head per # Tone-jet strong color + Ease of chip handing Drop ejection direction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Surface Ink flow is along the No bulk silicon Maximum ink 'Hewlett-Packard ('roof surface of the chip, etching required flow is severely TIJ 1982 Vaught et shooter') and ink drops are Silicon can make restricted al USP 4,490, 728 ejected from the chip an effective heat + IJ02, IJ11, IJ12, surface, normal to the sink IJ20, IJ22 plane of the chip. Mechanical strength Through Ink flow is through the # High ink flow Requires bulk + Silverbrook, EP chip, chip, and ink drops are + Suitable for silicon etching 0771 658 A2 and forward ejected from the front pagewidth print related patent surface of the chip. heads applications shooter') + High nozzle + IJ04, IJ17, IJ18, packing density IJ24, IJ27-IJ45 therefore low manufacturing cost Through Ink flow is through the # High ink flow # Requires wafer # IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, chip, chip, and ink drops are # Suitable for thinning IJ06, IJ07, IJ08, reverse ejected from the rear pagewidth print + Requires special IJ09, IJ10, IJ13, ('down surface of the chip. heads handling during IJ14, IJ15, IJ16, shooter') + High nozzle manufacture IJ19, IJ21, IJ23, packing density IJ25, IJ26 therefore low manufacturing cost Through Ink flow is through the + Suitable for Pagewidth print + Epson Stylus actuator actuator, which is not piezoelectric print heads require + Tektronix hot fabricated as part of heads several thousand melt piezoelectric the same substrate as connections to drive ink jets the drive transistors. circuits Cannot be manufactured in standard CMOS fabs + Complex assembly required Ink type Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Aqueous, Water based ink which + Environmentally Slow drying + Most existing ink dye typically contains: friendly # Corrosive jets water, dye, surfactant, + No odor # Bleeds on paper + All IJ series ink humectant, and # May jets biocide. strikethrough # Silverbrook, EP Modern ink dyes have + Cockles paper 0771 658 A2 and high water-fastness, related patent light fastness applications Aqueous, Water based ink which + Environmentally Slow drying + IJ02, IJ04, IT21, pigment typically contains: friendly + Corrosive IJ26, IJ27, IJ30 water, pigment, + No odor + Pigment may + Silverbrook, EP surfactant, humectant, + Reduced bleed clog nozzles 0771 658 A2 and and biocide. Reduced wicking + Pigment may related patent Pigments have an + Reduced clog actuator applications advantage in reduced strikethrough mechanisms + Piezoelectric ink- bleed, wicking and Cockles paper jets strikethrough. + Thermal ink jets (with significant restrictions) Methyl MEK is a highly Very fast drying Odorous + All IJ series ink Ethyl volatile solvent used Prints on various # Flammable jets Ketone for industrial printing substrates such as (MEK) on difficult surfaces metals and plastics such as aluminum cans. Alcohol Alcohol based inks + Fast drying + Slight odor All IJ series ink (ethanol, 2-can be used where the + Operates at sub-+ Flammable jets butanol, printer must operate at freezing and others) temperatures below temperatures the freezing point of # Reduced paper water. An example of cockle this is in-camera # Low cost consumer photographic printing. Ink type Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Phase The ink is solid at # No drying time-+ High viscosity + Tektronix hot change room temperature, and ink instantly freezes + Printed ink melt piezoelectric (hot melt) is melted in the print on the print medium typically has a ink jets head before jetting. + Almost any print'waxy'feel + 1989 Nowak Hot melt inks are medium can be used + Printed pages USP 4, 820, 346 usually wax based, # No paper cockle may'block'+ All IJ series ink with a melting point occurs + Ink temperature jets around 80 °C. After # No wicking may be above the jetting the ink freezes occurs curie point of almost instantly upon + No bleed occurs permanent magnets contacting the print # No strikethrough + Ink heaters medium or a transfer occurs consume power roller. + Long warm-up time Oil Oil based inks are + High solubility + High viscosity : # All IJ series ink extensively used in medium for some this is a significant jets offset printing. They dyes limitation for use in have advantages in Does not cockle ink jets, which improved paper usually require a characteristics on Does not wick low viscosity. Some paper (especially no through paper short chain and wicking or cockle). multi-branched oils Oil soluble dies and have a sufficiently pigments are required. low viscosity. 1 Slow drying Micro= A microemulsion is a Stops ink bleed Viscosity higher All IJ series ink emulsion stable, self forming + High dye than water jets emulsion of oil, water, solubility Cost is slightly and surfactant. The Water, oil, and higher than water characteristic drop size amphiphilic soluble based ink is less than 100 nm, dies can be used High surfactant and is determined by Can stabilize concentration the preferred curvature pigment required (around of the surfactant. suspensions 5%)

While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, various modifications will be apparent to and might readily be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the description as set forth herein, but, rather, that the claims be broadly construed.