Importance

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Abstract

An inkjet printer having ink cartridge tape removal capability and method of assembling the printer. The printer comprises a frame and a slide bar attached to the frame. A carriage holding a plurality of ink cartridges is adapted to slidably translate along the slide bar. Each ink cartridge has a plurality of ink ejection orifice for ejecting ink drops therefrom. A take-up reel is connected to the frame, the take-up reel having a protective tape extending therefrom and adhesively adhering to the ink cartridges so as to cover the ink ejection orifices. Purpose of the tape is to prevent dirt, dust and other particulate matter from entering the ink ejection orifices during transport and storage of the printer and prior to first operation of the printer. When an end user of the printer first operates the printer, the carriage translates along the slide bar away from the take-up reel. As the carriage translates along the slide bar, the tape peels from the cartridges and exposes the ink ejection orifices because the take-up reel anchors one end of the protective tape as the other end of the tape is free to peel from the cartridges. Engaging the take-up reel is an actuator. The actuator operates the take-up reel, so that the protective tape winds about the take-up reel after peeling from the cartridges in order to avoid interference with movement of the carriage during printing.

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First Claim