Inkjet printer

Abstract

To provide an inkjet printer improved in adhesion of ink printed on a cassette.SOLUTION: A printer comprises a housing. The housing includes: a printing engine assembly provided with an inlet opening operable to introduce one or more cassettes or cassette frames to the housing, an ink jet cartridge holder operable to receive an inkjet cartridge, and a heater; a chute disposed between the inlet opening and a print engine; and a processor including a non-transient machine readable command for instructing at least one of conveying of the cassettes or the cassette frames introduced through the inlet opening to the print engine and heating of surfaces of the cassettes or the cassette frames by the heater before / after a printing operation. Thus, ink adhesion can be improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 656,060, entitled "Ink Jet Printer," filed June 4, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a cassette printer. [Background technology]

[0003] Tissues removed from the body for the diagnosis of disease processes are often processed in histology laboratories to create paraffin blocks, embed them, cut thin tissue sections, mount them on slides, stain them, and view them under a microscope for analysis by a pathologist. These preanalytical processes generally include, in order: macroscopic examination, fixation, dehydration, clearing, paraffin infiltration, and embedding. This procedure is used for processing tissues including biopsies, larger specimens removed during surgery, or tissues obtained at autopsy.

[0004] Macroscopic examination generally consists of delineating a macroscopic specimen and placing all or a selected portion of it in a sample carrier, such as a small plastic cassette that holds the tissue while the macroscopic specimen is processed into a paraffin block. The cassette is first placed in a fixative.

[0005] Macroscopic examination is followed by fixation of the tissue. The purpose of fixation is to permanently preserve the tissue in as close to a vital state as possible by altering the structure of proteins so that they do not degrade autolytically. Once the tissue has been fixed or fixed, it must be processed into a form that can be sectioned for microscopic examination. This is usually done using paraffin. Embedding the tissue in paraffin provides a rigid support matrix for the tissue, allowing it to be sectioned at thicknesses of 1 to 20 microns. Converting fixed tissue into paraffin for sectioning is called tissue processing, and the main steps in this process are dehydration, clearing, infiltration, and then embedding.

[0006] Tissues fixed in aqueous solutions cannot be directly infiltrated with paraffin. They must first be dehydrated. This can be done with a series of alcohols at different concentrations (e.g., 70%, 95%, 100%). Alternatively, dehydration can be performed with a mixture of formalin and alcohol. Other dehydrating agents, such as acetone or a mixture of different solvents, can also be used.

[0007] Following dehydration, the tissue is cleared. "Clearing" consists of removing some of the dehydrating agent and lipids using a substance that is miscible with the embedding medium (e.g., paraffin). The most common clearing agent is xylene.

[0008] Once cleared, the tissue is infiltrated with an embedding medium such as paraffin. Finally, the tissue, either in or removed from the cassette, is placed in molten paraffin, which is then cooled to form a solid block, allowing the tissue to be embedded or mounted for sectioning. Alternatively, the tissue can be processed in a sectionable cassette, which is then embedded in paraffin and sectioned. Once the tissue is embedded in the solid paraffin block, it can be sectioned and placed on one or more slides. This is done using a microtome. Once the sections are cut, they are floated in a warm water bath to remove any wrinkles. The paraffin-encased tissue sections are then removed from the water bath and placed on glass microscope slides.

[0009] Sample carriers, such as cassettes, can be marked with identifying and / or processing information. The introduction of barcoding has made it possible to trace sample carriers through every verification step of histological sample processing, embedding, sectioning, and preparation, through to storage, by printing a machine-readable barcode on the sample carrier. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate like elements. It should be noted that references to "an" or "one" embodiment in this disclosure do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a right upper side perspective view of the tissue cassette. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 shows an upper right exploded perspective view of another tissue cassette or cassette system. [Figure 3] 3 shows an upper right side perspective view of an inkjet printer that automatically prints identifier information (identifier) ​​on a cassette such as the cassette of FIG. 1 or the frame of the cassette system of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 shows a top left side perspective view of the inkjet printer of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5]4 shows a left side view of the inkjet printer 100 of FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a view through line 6-6' in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 is a view through line 7-7' in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the printer in FIG. 3. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a front left side perspective view of the printer of FIG. 3 with the panels that make up the left side wall, right side wall, and front side wall removed. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 illustrates a top rear left perspective view of a service station that can be placed on the inkjet printer of FIG. 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top front right-hand exploded perspective view of the service station of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] 4 shows a top right side perspective view of the inkjet printer of FIG. 3 with the housing removed. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 illustrates an upper left front perspective view of the hopper subassembly of the inkjet printer of FIG. 3 separated from the electronics and base plate subassemblies and the print engine subassembly. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates an upper left rear perspective view of the hopper subassembly of FIG. 13 separated from the electronics and base plate subassemblies and the print engine subassembly. [Figure 15A] 4 shows a top rear perspective view of an example cassette magazine suitable for use in the inkjet printer of FIG. 3. [Figure 15B] 15B shows a top front perspective view of the cassette magazine of FIG. 15A. FIG. [Figure 16] 15B shows an exploded perspective view of the upper portion of the cassette magazine of FIG. 15A. [Figure 17] 4 shows a top perspective view of a magazine base or sleeve suitable for use in the inkjet printer of FIG. 3. [Figure 18] 4 shows a top perspective view of a second magazine base or sleeve suitable for use in the inkjet printer of FIG. 3; [Figure 19]FIG. 4 illustrates a top right side perspective view of the inkjet printer of FIG. 3 with the electronics and base plate subassembly separated from the hopper subassembly and print engine subassembly. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a rear view of the separated electronics and base plate subassembly of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 20 is a left side view of the separated electronics and base plate subassembly of FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 illustrates a top perspective view of the tilted chute assembly of the electronics and base plate subassembly of FIG. [Figure 23] 23 shows a top view of the inclined chute assembly of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] A view through line 24-24' of FIG. 23 is shown. [Figure 25] 25 shows a view of the electronics and baseplate subassembly of FIG. 19 through line 25-25' of FIG. 20. [Figure 26] A right side view of the electronics and base plate subassembly 250 is shown after the angled chute of the angled chute assembly has been rotated clockwise as shown to match the same angle or inclination as the chute of the hopper assembly. [Figure 27] 20 illustrates a right side view of the electronics and base plate subassembly of FIG. 19 with the inclined chute of the inclined chute assembly rotated to the heating and printing position. [Figure 28] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the inkjet printer of FIG. 3 with the print engine subassembly separated from the electronics and base and hopper subassemblies. [Figure 29] 3 shows a top front perspective view of the inkjet printer of FIG. 3 with the print engine subassembly separated from the electronics and base plate subassemblies and the hopper subassembly, and with the electronics guard and fan guard 389 removed. [Figure 30]FIG. 4 illustrates a top rear perspective view of the inkjet printer of FIG. 3 with the print engine subassembly separated from the electronics and base plate subassemblies and the hopper subassembly, and with the electronics guard and fan guard removed. [Figure 31] A top front perspective view of the print engine subassembly 270 is shown with the electronics guard and fan guard removed, and the curing and reading devices removed. [Figure 32] 4 shows a top right side perspective view of an inkjet cartridge suitable for use in the inkjet printer of FIG. 3. [Figure 33] An example of a user interface that allows a user to operate the inkjet printer of FIG. 3 is shown. [Figure 34] FIG. 4 is a front view of the inkjet printer of FIG. 3 with the front wall removed. [Figure 35] 4 shows a rear view of the lower panel of the front wall of the housing of the inkjet printer of FIG. 3. [Figure 36] 4 shows a right upper rear perspective view of the lower panel of the front wall of the housing of the inkjet printer of FIG. 3. [Figure 37] 4 is a flowchart of a printing operation in the inkjet printer of FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a right upper side perspective view of a tissue cassette. Cassette 30A is generally a rectangular box made of a rigid polymeric material, with an interior volume defined by side walls and a base, and a hinged lid that can be opened and closed. The front side wall or face of cassette 30 may be oriented at an angle relative to the base, such as a 30-50 degree angle, a 45 degree angle, or the like, while the other side walls may be oriented at an angle approximately 90 degrees relative to the base. An example of cassette 30A is the Tissue-Tek® Uni-Cassette®, commercially available from Sakura Finetek USA, Inc., Torrance, California. The Tissue-Tek® Uni-Cassette® has an external width dimension W of 28 mm and an external length L of 41 mm when the lid is open and the bottom surface of the lid is facing up, and an external height of 6 millimeters (mm). Another example of cassette 30A is the Tissue-Tek® Mega-Cassette™ available from Sakura Finetek USA, Inc., which has an outer width dimension W of 25 mm and an outer length L of approximately 82 mm when the lid is open with the bottom of the lid facing up and an outer height of 10 mm.

[0012] Figure 2 shows an upper right exploded perspective view of a second cassette. Cassette 30B is a two-part cassette system or assembly including a rectangular frame 31B with sidewalls made of a rigid polymeric material and a cassette made of a material with sectioning properties similar to paraffin. The cassette includes a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped body with an interior volume defined by sidewalls and a base, and an openable, hinged lid. The cassette sidewalls include an upper, outwardly protruding flange that engages with an inwardly protruding projection on the frame when the cassette is inserted into the frame to form the assembly. An example of cassette 30B is the Tissue-Tek® Paraform® sectionable cassette, which fits into a Tissue-Tek® Paraform® frame; both the cassette and frame are commercially available from Sakura Finetek USA, Inc. The Tissue-Tek® Paraform® sectionable cassette and frame assembly has similar exterior width and length dimensions to the Tissue-Tek® Uni-Cassette® cassette, but may have a slightly smaller exterior height dimension due to the lack of a rigid polymer lid. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, a "cassette," such as cassette 30A or cassette 30B, includes a unitary cassette, such as a Tissue-Tek® Uni-Cassette®, or a cassette assembly, such as a Tissue-Tek® Paraform® sectionable cassette that fits into a Tissue-Tek® Paraform® frame.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1 , each of cassettes 30A and 30B includes an identifier 35, such as a barcode, that contains or references information such as patient information, physician information, and optionally, tissue sample processing protocols, and is affixed by a technician to the front wall or surface of cassette 30. An exemplary barcode may be a two-dimensional (2D) barcode. Identifier 35 is illustrated as a 2D barcode. Identifier 35 may also include text in addition to the barcode. Exemplary text includes patient name, test variables, physician name, date, and count. Identifier 35 may be printed directly on the front wall or surface of the cassette or frame in the case of a cassette assembly.

[0014] 3 shows a right upper side perspective view of a printer that automatically prints identifier information (identifiers) on cassettes or frames. Printer 100 includes a generally rectangular parallelepiped housing 110 consisting of a base, front and rear opposing side walls, left and right opposing side walls, and a top. The dimensions (height, width, depth) of housing 110 are suitable for use on a laboratory bench or table.

[0015] Hopper 115 and hopper 120 are located in the top of housing 110 and are each operable to receive a magazine of cassettes therein. The top of housing 110 also includes a lid 125 located behind hopper 115 and hopper 120. Lid 125 is connected to the rear sidewall by a hinge that allows lid 125 to be opened by rotating about the hinge to expose the print engine within housing 110.

[0016] The front wall includes an upper panel 136 and a lower panel 138. A cassette door 130 is located on the upper panel 136 of the front wall of the housing 110 of the printer 100. Opening or removing the cassette door 130 provides an access opening for inserting a single cassette or frame (e.g., one at a time) into the printer 100. At the base of each of the left and right walls of the lower panel 138 are exit openings through which the cassette or frame exits the printer 100 after printing. In FIG. 3, only the left wall is visible, showing the exit opening 135. The presence of two exit openings allows a user of the printer 100 to select which exit opening they want the cassette or frame to exit the printer through. The user makes this selection by positioning (turning) a knob or dial 140 on the lower panel 138 of the front wall of the housing 110 to the left or right. The front wall of the housing 110 further includes a status light 145, which may be a light emitting diode that glows green when the printer 100 is on and operational, and red when there is a problem with the printer that needs to be addressed.

[0017] FIG. 4 shows an upper left side perspective view of printer 100. FIG. 5 shows a left side view of printer 100. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, at the base of the left side wall of housing 110 is an exit opening 137 similar to exit opening 135 in the right side wall described above. FIGS. 4 and 5 also show that the left side wall of housing 110 includes a service station door 150. The opening in service station door 150 provides an access opening for inserting and / or replacing a service station in inkjet printer 100.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a view taken through line 6-6' in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows that the lid 125 of the printer 100 is connected to the back wall of the housing 110 by a hinge 155, allowing the lid to rotate about the hinge 155 and providing access to the interior of the printer 100 from above. FIG. 7 is a view taken through line 7-7' in FIG. 5, showing a cassette door into which one cassette may be inserted for printing. FIG. 8 is a back view of the printer 100, showing that the lid 125 of the printer 100 is connected to the back wall of the housing 110 by the hinge 155. The back view of FIG. 8 also shows a power port 160 for a DC power source, a local area network (LAN) port for accessing the controller inside the device, fan vents or openings 165 (two openings) behind the print engine area, and a fan vent or opening 170 near the base of the printer behind the electronics area of ​​the device.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a front left perspective view of the printer 100 with the panels constituting the left, right, and front walls removed. FIG. 9 shows the hoppers 115 and 120, each sized to receive a cassette magazine. FIG. 9 also shows the service station bracket 175 disposed inside the housing 110 and capable of receiving a replaceable service station 200. The service station 200 provides servicing for inkjet cartridges. The service station 200 is a consumable unit designed to service an inkjet cartridge or cartridges a certain number of times and then be replaced. The service station 200 includes a roughly rectangular parallelepiped housing with a rugged front. The service station 200 is positioned on the bracket 175 with its front end at the innermost position of the printer 100 and its rear end facing the service station door 150 (see FIG. 4 for the service station door 150, for example). The service station 200 includes rollers 205 and 210 separated by a cuspidor 215 on the upper surface of the housing. Each of the rollers 205 and 210 may be made of a flexible polymer material such as foam. A ribbon 220 is disposed on the surface of the rollers 205 and 210. The ribbon 220 has a first side that is a cloth or similar absorbent material and a second side that is a polymeric non-porous film. The ribbon 220 is routed around the roller 210 with the cloth or similar absorbent material facing up and around the roller 205 with the film side facing up. The cloth or similar absorbent material on the roller 210 of the ribbon 220 provides a cleaning or wiping area for wiping the printhead (e.g., excess ink on the printhead). The film side of the ribbon 220 functions to seal the printhead when it comes into contact with the printhead to prevent the ink in the inkjet cartridge from drying, evaporating, or otherwise contaminating it. A cuspidor 215 between the rollers 205 and 210 provides an area for the inkjet cartridge to expel some ink before and / or after a printing operation.

[0020] FIG. 10 shows a top rear left perspective view of the service station 200. FIG. 11 shows an exploded top front right perspective view of the service station 200. As seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the service station 200 includes a gear 225 protruding from the left side wall. The gear 225 is connected to the shaft of a take-up roll 235, which extends through the service station housing to the right side wall, and the gear 225 is supported by a bracket on the right side wall. A gear retainer 229 secures the gear 225 to the shaft 235. Referring to FIG. 9, inside the printer 100 are a motor 180 and a gear 185 connected to the motor 180 via a shaft. When the service station 200 is installed in the service station bracket 175 of the printer 100, the gear 225 protrudes through an opening 190 in the side of the service station bracket and engages with the gear 185 of the printer 100.

[0021] As seen in FIG. 11 , rollers 205 and 210 are partially within the volume of the housing of service station 200 and partially protrude through the top surface of the housing. Each of rollers 205 and 210 is located on a dedicated shaft disposed between opposing side walls of the housing, and each roller rotates on its dedicated shaft. Service station 200 also includes ribbon roll 230 and take-up roll 235 within the housing. Ribbon roll 230 feeds a length of ribbon 220 to rollers 205 and 210. Typically, as shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. 11 , ribbon 220 is fed clockwise, fabric or absorbent side up, over roller 210 (step A), then counterclockwise, film side up, over roller 205 (step B), and then transported to take-up roll 235 (step C). By feeding ribbon 220 onto take-up roll 235, the ribbon may be advanced by rotation of motor 180 and gear 185, which rotates gear 225 of service station 200 as desired, such as after one or more wipes at a location on ribbon 220 on roller 210, to provide a clean surface for the cloth or absorbent material. This may continue until most of the length of ribbon 220 around ribbon roll 230 has been used, at which point service station 200 may be removed from printer 100 and replaced with another service station with a new ribbon. 10, service station 200 includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag 240 attached to an exterior sidewall, which may include information about ribbon 220, such as its length and configuration, as well as a count tied to the useful life of the inkjet cartridges used in inkjet printer 100, such that the useful life of service station 200 is linked to the useful life of the inkjet cartridges in inkjet printer 100. As a representative example, the life of an inkjet cartridge is 10,000 identifier prints. The initial count on RFID tag 240 is 10,000.Referring to FIG. 9, the service station bracket 175 includes an RFID reader / writer 177 that can read and write the RFID tag 240. The RFID reader / writer 177 reads the RFID tag 240 and, under instructions from the PC controller 275, can decrement the total count each time an identifier is printed by the inkjet cartridge. Starting with a print count of 10,000 on the RFID tag 240, the count is decremented by one after the first identifier is printed on a cassette or frame by the inkjet cartridge of the inkjet printer. The RFID reader / writer can rewrite the count on the RFID tag 240 from 10,000 to 9,999. This allows a determination to be made as to when the service station 200 of the printer 100 needs to be replaced.

[0022] 12 shows a top right side perspective view of printer 100 with housing 110 removed. In this view, three subassemblies of printer 100 are visible: electronics and base plate subassembly 250, hopper subassembly 260, and print engine subassembly 270. FIG. 12 shows electronics and base plate subassembly 250 at the base of printer 100, with hopper subassembly 260 and print engine subassembly 270 residing on platform 280 above electronics and base plate subassembly 250.

[0023] FIG. 13 shows an upper left front perspective view of hopper subassembly 260 separated from electronics and base plate subassembly 250 and print engine subassembly 270. FIG. 14 shows an upper left rear perspective view of hopper subassembly 260 separated from electronics and base plate subassembly 250 and print engine subassembly 270. Hopper subassembly 260 includes hopper 115 and hopper 120, each operable to receive a magazine of cassettes. Each hopper is rectangular in shape with opposing side walls and an open top and base. The front and rear side walls of hopper 115 and hopper 120 are connected to base plate 281. The left and right side walls of hopper 115 and hopper 120 are generally rectangular, but are stepped midway from front to rear to define openings 285 and 287. Located between and connected to the hoppers 115 and 120 is a chute 282. The chute 282 has a width at least slightly larger than the width of the widest cassette permitted for printing by the inkjet printer 100. The chute 282 typically has a width of approximately 35 to 50 mm. The chute 282 has a flat upper surface disposed at an angle of approximately 30 to 50 degrees relative to the base plate 281, and the chute 282 slopes downward from front to rear, allowing a cassette placed on the chute 282 to slide down the chute from front to rear. The front end of the chute 282 extends to the rear of the top panel 136 on the front wall of the inkjet printer 100, up to the door 130 (see FIG. 3). By opening the door 130, a user can place a cassette on the chute 282.

[0024] FIG. 15A shows a top rear perspective view of an example cassette magazine. FIG. 15B shows a top front perspective view of the cassette magazine. FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of the cassette magazine of FIG. 15A. The cassette magazine 300 includes a hollow rectangular body 310 of plastic, chipboard, or pasteboard with a top or lid 315 closed and a bottom or base 320 open. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 16, the rear wall of the cassette magazine 300 includes an RFID tag 323 near the base of the cassette magazine. The RFID tag 323 contains information readable by an RFID reader regarding the type and color of the cassettes or frames in the cassette magazine 300 and the number of cassettes or frames present in the cassette magazine. The body 310 has interior dimensions capable of accommodating cassettes or frames 330 stacked top to bottom. As shown in FIG. 15B, the front wall of the cassette magazine includes a rectangular protrusion 324 near the base of the cassette magazine. The rectangular protrusion 324 functions as a registration stop or fastening point when the cassette magazine 300 is placed in a magazine base or sleeve, as will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0025] The cassette or frame 330 is placed in the cassette magazine 300 with its face facing rearward (toward the rear sidewall) and its base facing downward (toward the base of the cassette magazine 300). Typically, a Tissue-Tek® Paraform® biopsy cassette frame measures 13 mm by 13 mm. The interior dimensions, width, and depth of the rectangular body 310 are slightly larger than those of a Tissue-Tek® Paraform® biopsy cassette frame, e.g., 14 mm by 14 mm, so that the frame can be accommodated in the body 310 and maintained in a stacked configuration with other similar frames. The cassette magazine 300 is long enough to typically accommodate 20, 30, 40, or 50 cassettes or frames 330. The cassette magazine 300 includes a removable cap 325 at the base of the cassette magazine. The cap 325 is formed with two pairs of opposing side walls, an open top and a bottom with an upper or inner surface that slopes slightly downward (e.g., 5 to 15 degrees) from the front to the back of the cap. The downward slope of the bottom of the cap 325 positions the cassette or frame 330 within the magazine 300 at an angle corresponding to the slope. The cap 325 is removed (e.g., manually removed) when the cassette magazine 300 is loaded into the hopper 115 or hopper 120 of the inkjet printer 100. The cassette magazine 300 may also include a label 311 that indicates the type and color of the cassettes or frames in the cassette magazine and the amount of cassettes or frames initially present. The cassette magazine may also include adhesive strips 313 affixed to the front and back of the magazine and cap 325 that attach the cap 325 to the cassette magazine and protect the RFID tag 323. The adhesive strip 313 is removed when the cassette magazine 300 is loaded into a magazine base or sleeve, as will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0026] Cassettes and frames are available in different dimensions (e.g., length and width dimensions). For example, the Tissue-Tek® Paraform® biopsy cassette frame is a one-piece rectangular frame that includes a surface that receives identifier information, such as a one-dimensional (1D) or 2D barcode, from an inkjet printer, while the Tissue-Tek® Uni-Cassette® includes a 28 mm cassette body and a 41 mm external length when the lid is open and the bottom of the lid faces up. Tissue-Tek® Uni-Cassette® cassettes are stacked in an open configuration, with the bottom of the lid facing up, in a cassette magazine, such as cassette magazine 300. The width and depth dimensions of a cassette magazine, such as cassette magazine 300 containing Tissue-Tek® Uni-Cassette® cassettes, are significantly different from cassette magazines containing Tissue-Tek® Paraform® biopsy cassette frames, e.g., 29 mm x 42 mm vs. 14 mm x 14 mm. To accommodate the different width and depth dimensions of the cassette magazines, hoppers 115 and 120 can have different width and depth dimensions, or hoppers 115 and 120 can have similar width and depth dimensions, and inkjet printer 100 can be provided with different sized magazine bases or sleeves having internal dimensions for accommodating a particular cassette magazine therein and external dimensions for fitting within hopper 115 or hopper 120.

[0027] FIGS. 17 and 18 each show a top perspective view of a magazine base or sleeve. Magazine sleeve 340 of FIG. 17 typically includes a hollow, rectangular body, e.g., made of plastic, having an internal width W and depth D sized to accommodate a cassette magazine, such as cassette magazine 300, which accommodates Tissue-Tek® Paraform® biopsy cassette frames. Typically, magazine sleeve 340 has an internal width dimension W of approximately 16 to 18 mm and a similar internal depth dimension D. The front and rear side walls of the magazine sleeve include a pair of protruding rails 342 extending a portion of the length of the side walls. Rails 342 are operable to slide within grooves 284 in the front and rear side walls of hopper 115 and hopper 120 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 . The rear side wall of magazine sleeve 340 includes an opening or window 345 for exposing an RFID tag on the cassette magazine, such as RFID tag 323 on cassette magazine 300. Thus, a cassette magazine such as cassette magazine 300 is loaded into magazine sleeve 340 with its rear sidewall facing the rear sidewall of magazine sleeve 340 and extends to the depth of magazine sleeve 340, exposing RFID tag 323 through opening or window 345.

[0028] The magazine sleeve 340 of FIG. 17 also includes a base 344 extending across the interior width W and depth D dimensions, or may include shelves on two or four opposing side walls. Such bases or shelves serve to support a cassette or frame within the magazine sleeve 340 when a cassette magazine, such as cassette magazine 300, is loaded into the magazine sleeve 340 with the cassette magazine cap removed so that the open bottom end of the cassette magazine faces the base 344. The magazine sleeve 340 includes opposing left and right side walls. Each of the opposing left and right side walls has an opening 346 at its base. The opening 346 has a height dimension H that exposes not only the base 344 but also at least one full cassette or frame (i.e., the height dimension of the base 344 plus the height dimension of at least one cassette or frame).

[0029] A cassette magazine, such as cassette magazine 300, is loaded into magazine sleeve 340 through the open top of magazine sleeve 340. The front wall of magazine sleeve 340 includes a rectangular opening or window 341 to accommodate a similarly shaped and sized protrusion on the front wall of the magazine (e.g., protrusion 324 of cassette magazine 300). When a magazine, such as magazine 300, is inserted into magazine sleeve 340, the front wall protrusion, such as protrusion 324, secures the magazine in a fixed position at a predetermined depth within the magazine sleeve. In the inserted position, the magazine sleeve does not contact base 344 of magazine sleeve 340, but a cassette or frame within the magazine sleeve may fall into base 344 of magazine sleeve 340.

[0030] The magazine sleeve 350 shown in FIG. 18 is similar in structure to the magazine sleeve 340. The magazine sleeve 350 typically includes a hollow, rectangular body, made of, for example, plastic, having an internal width W and depth D that are sized to accommodate a cassette magazine, such as the cassette magazine 300 that accommodates Tissue-Tek® Uni-Cassette® cassettes. Typically, the magazine sleeve 350 has an internal width dimension W of about 30 mm to 33 mm and a depth dimension D of 43 mm to 45 mm. The magazine sleeve 350 includes a pair of rails 352 on its front and rear side walls that are operable to slide within grooves 284 in the front and rear walls of the hoppers 115 and 120 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , and a base 354, or alternatively, a shelf, on a pair of opposing side walls that extends the internal width W and depth D dimensions. The rear sidewall of magazine sleeve 350 includes an opening or window 355 for exposing an RFID tag on the cassette magazine, such as RFID tag 323 on cassette magazine 300. A cassette magazine, such as cassette magazine 300, is loaded into magazine sleeve 350 with its rear sidewall facing the rear sidewall of magazine sleeve 350 and extends to the depth of magazine sleeve 350, exposing RFID tag 323 through opening or window 355. The front sidewall of magazine sleeve 350 includes a rectangular opening or window 351 for accommodating a similarly shaped and sized protrusion on the front sidewall of the magazine (e.g., protrusion 324 on cassette magazine 300). When a magazine, such as magazine 300, is inserted into magazine sleeve 350, a front sidewall protrusion, such as protrusion 324, secures the magazine in a fixed position at a predetermined depth within the magazine sleeve. Magazine sleeve 350 further includes opposing left and right sidewalls. Each of the opposing left and right side walls has an opening 356 in its base having a height dimension H, exposing not only the base 354 but also at least one full cassette or frame (i.e., the base 354 plus the height dimension of at least one cassette).

[0031] 13 and 14, magazine sleeve 340 and magazine sleeve 350 are loaded into hopper 115 or hopper 120, respectively, through the top openings of the hoppers, and a cassette magazine, such as cassette magazine 300, may be loaded into the magazine sleeves. Hopper subassembly 260 includes a right ejector or pusher assembly 286 and a left ejector or pusher assembly 288. Each of the right pusher assembly 286 and the left pusher assembly 288 includes a motor (e.g., motor 289 of the left pusher assembly 288 shown in FIG. 13 ) that drives pulleys 290, 292 coupled to sleds 294, 296 to move sled 294 laterally (to the right) and sled 296 laterally (to the left) as shown from a first position outside the area under hopper 115 / hopper 120 to a second position within the area under the hoppers, such as a second position extending a certain distance to the hopper wall of each of hoppers 115 and 120 closest to chute 282, and then returning the sled to the first position. The sleds have a height or thickness no greater than the height of the cassette base or frame, for example, 13 mm or less, e.g., 10-12 mm.

[0032] When a magazine sleeve such as magazine sleeve 340 is loaded into, for example, hopper 115, base 344 of magazine sleeve 340 is positioned below the level of sled 296 so that a cassette or frame in the cassette magazine loaded into the magazine sleeve rests on base 344 in a plane similar to the plane of the base of sled 296. As described above, the cassette or frame rests on base 344 below the bottom of the cassette magazine, with other cassettes possibly stacked above it. When pusher assembly 288 moves sled 296 from its initial position through opening 287 below hopper 115, the sled pushes the cassette or frame resting on base 344 inward toward, and ultimately against, chute 282. The sled then returns to its initial position, allowing the next cassette or frame in the cassette magazine to drop onto base 344.

[0033] As mentioned above, located on the front wall of the housing 110 of the printer 100 is the cassette door 130. Opening the cassette door 130 provides an access opening for inserting a single cassette or frame (e.g., one at a time) into the printer 100. The front end of the chute 282 is located behind the cassette door 130. Thus, rather than dispensing cassettes or frames onto the chute 282 via the hopper 115 or hopper 120, a single cassette or frame may be introduced for printing through the cassette door 130. Examples when printing a single cassette with the cassette door 130 may be desired include an emergency cassette or frame that needs to be printed differently from the cassette or frame magazine in either the hopper 115 or hopper 120, or an undersized or oversized cassette or frame that does not fit into the magazine sleeve appropriate for the hopper 115 or hopper 120.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a front view of the hopper subassembly 260. A light-emitting diode 297 is connected to the front wall of the hopper 115, and emits a light that indicates the status of the printer 100. For example, the light-emitting diode 297 emits a green light when the printer 100 is on and operational, and emits a red light when there is a problem with the printer that needs to be addressed. FIG. 14 is a rear view of the hopper subassembly 260. An RFID reader / writer 291 is connected to the rear or back wall of the hopper 115, and an RFID reader / writer 293 is connected to the rear or back wall of the hopper 120. RFID reader / writer 291 and RFID reader / writer 293 are each operable to read RFID tags on cassette magazines, such as RFID tag 323 on cassette magazine 300. This allows RFID reader / writer 291 and RFID reader / writer 293 to confirm the type and color of cassettes or frames in the cassette magazines loaded in their respective hoppers, and the quantity of cassettes in the cassette magazine. When a cassette is removed from the base of the cassette magazine for a printing operation, such as by pusher assembly 286 or pusher assembly 288, RFID reader / writer 291 or RFID reader / writer 293 can write the number of cassettes or frames remaining in the cassette magazine to, for example, RFID tag 323 on cassette magazine 300, by subtracting the removed cassette or frame from the total number of cassettes or frames present in the cassette magazine at the start of the printing operation and after each cassette is printed thereafter.

[0035] Also coupled to the rear or back wall of hopper 115 is an RFID reader / writer 299. RFID reader / writer 299 is operable to read RFID tags on inkjet cartridges loaded into inkjet printer 100, as described below. RFID reader / writer 299 provides the system with the ability to identify the type of inkjet cartridge (e.g., type of ink) as well as the ability to track the amount of ink in the inkjet cartridges within inkjet printer 100 by rewriting the amount on the RFID tag after each use. For example, an inkjet cartridge may contain enough ink to print 10,000 identifiers on a cassette or frame. In this example, the RFID tag starts out with a capacity for 10,000 prints. After the first cassette or frame is printed, RFID reader / writer 299 can rewrite the available print amount as 999 prints, and then proceed to subtract and rewrite the remaining total as each cassette or frame is printed.

[0036] Figure 19 is a top right side perspective view of the electronics and base plate subassembly 250 separated from the hopper subassembly 260 and the print engine subassembly 270. Figure 20 is a rear view of the separated electronics and base plate subassembly 250. Figure 21 is a left side view of the separated electronics and base plate subassembly 250. The electronics and base plate subassembly 250 includes a DC power supply assembly 272, an inkjet printer left controller board 273, an inkjet printer right controller board 274, and a PC controller 275, as well as other electronics for operating the inkjet printer 100, which are connected to the inkjet printer base 279. The PC controller 275 contains non-transitory machine-readable instructions for the operation of the inkjet printer 100.

[0037] The electronics and base plate subassembly 250 also includes an inclined chute assembly 360. The inclined chute assembly 360 includes an inclined chute 362, an inclined chute motor, and a clamp lever subassembly 364. The inclined chute 362 has a flat upper surface and a width similar to that of the chute 282. The chute surface of the inclined chute 362 is defined by a left end wall 361 and a right end wall 363 that are opposed along its length. As shown in FIG. 22 , the left end wall 361 extends the entire length of the inclined chute 362, while the right end wall 363 extends from the front of the inclined chute 362 and terminates short of the rear end of the inclined chute. A clamping mechanism is located on the right side of the inclined chute 362, including a roller clamp 365 connected to a clamp arm 366, a clamp lever 367, and a solenoid 368. Operation of solenoid 368 engages clamp lever 367 to rotate clamp arm 366, which moves roller clamp 365 toward left end wall 361 so that when a cassette or frame is at the rear end of inclined chute 362, roller clamp 365 contacts the side wall of the cassette or frame and clamps or holds the cassette or frame against left end wall 361. Figure 22 shows sensor 369 connected to the rear surface of left end wall 361. Sensor 369 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor that detects when a cassette or frame is at the rear of inclined chute 362. When a cassette or frame is detected, solenoid 368 is activated by a command from PC controller 275, causing roller clamp 365 to clamp the cassette or frame.

[0038] The tilt chute motor and clamp lever subassembly 364 also includes a tilt axis motor 370 operable to rotate the tilt chute 362 based on commands from the PC controller 275. FIG. 23 shows a top view of the tilt chute assembly 360. In this view, the tilt chute 362 is in a horizontal position. FIG. 23 also shows the tilt axis motor 370, which includes a shaft 371 connected to the tilt chute 362. FIG. 24 shows a view through line 24-24' of FIG. 23. FIG. 24 shows the tilt chute 362 having a base 3625 with an opening extending therethrough. The shaft 371, connected to the tilt axis motor 370, is disposed through the opening in the base 3625. A bearing 372 is disposed around the shaft 371. Rotation of shaft 371 by tilt axis motor 370 in the clockwise direction as shown rotates tilt chute 362 clockwise about the axis defined by shaft 371, and rotation of the shaft in the counterclockwise direction rotates tilt chute 362 counterclockwise. Clockwise rotation is desired when a cassette or frame is loaded into tilt chute 362, and counterclockwise rotation is desired prior to a printing operation on the cassette or frame.

[0039] As described above with reference to Figures 13 and 14, a cassette or frame in hopper 115 or hopper 122 is pressed against chute 282 of hopper subassembly 260. Chute 282 has a flat upper surface disposed at an angle of approximately 30 to 50 degrees relative to base plate 281, and chute 282 is inclined downward from front to rear, allowing a cassette placed on chute 282 to slide down the chute from front to rear. To transition from chute 282 to inclined chute 362, inclined chute 362 is rotated clockwise to the same angle or inclination as chute 282. As can be seen in Figure 22, inclined chute 362 does not have a rear end wall. One or more stops are provided on the rear surface of inclined chute 362 to prevent a cassette or frame from sliding off the rear end of inclined chute 362 when inclined chute 362 is positioned at the same angle or inclination as chute 282. FIG. 25 shows electronics and base plate subassembly 250 through line 25-25' in FIG. 20. FIG. 25 shows stopper 271, e.g., of rubber or plastic material, connected to platform 280 and projecting upward from platform 280 a certain distance as shown to act as a rear wall when inclined chute 362 is rotated to match the angle or inclination of chute 282. FIG. 26 shows a right side view of electronics and base plate subassembly 250 after inclined chute 362 has been rotated clockwise as shown by tilt axis motor 370 to match the same angle or inclination as chute 282. The front end of inclined chute 362 mates with the rear end of chute 282. The cassette or frame slides down chute 282 and rests first on the face of inclined chute 362. When the cassette or frame slides to the rear of inclined chute 362, it is detected by sensor 369 (FIG. 22). Commands from the PC controller 275 then direct the cassette or frame to be clamped by roller clamp 365 .Once clamped, commands from the PC controller 275 direct counterclockwise rotation of the tilt shaft motor 370 of the tilt chute 362 to transport the cassette or frame to the print engine subassembly 270 where the face of the cassette or frame is exposed to the heat source and can receive prints from the inkjet printer. FIG. 27 is a right side view of the electronics and base plate subassembly 250, showing the tilt chute 362 rotated to its heating and printing position. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 27, the platform 280 has an opening below the tilt chute 362, allowing the front end of the tilt chute 362 to rotate downward while the rear end of the tilt chute 362 rotates upward to a vertical position.

[0040] FIG. 28 shows a front view of the print engine subassembly 270 separated from the electronics and base plate subassembly 250 and the hopper subassembly 260. The print engine subassembly 270 includes an inkjet cartridge holder 380 and an ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) 387, which are slidably connected (from left to right in the illustration) to the front or front side of a bracket 396 (see FIG. 29). The rear side of the bracket 396 has a first notch or slot on a horizontally disposed metal rail or cleat 3812 and a metal rail or cleat 3814 on a substrate 381, e.g., a metal plate. The UV LED 387 has a UV-A wavelength of approximately 365 nanometers (nm) to 430 nm and generates up to 12 watts of optical power per square centimeter from 390 nm to 430 nm. A heat sink 389 is located below and connected to the UV LED 387. An infrared (IR) heater 382 is horizontally positioned below the inkjet cartridge holder 380 and is also connected to the substate 381. The IR heater 382 is, for example, an electric single-tube short-wave IR heater having an overall length of approximately 100 millimeters (mm), a heating length of 32 mm, a power of 125 watts, and a voltage of 36 volts. Below the IR heater 382 is a heater fan assembly 383. On the back of the heater fan assembly 383 is a motor 384 connected to the substate 381. The motor 384 includes a shaft 3842 protruding from the back of the motor and a pulley 3844 on the shaft 3842. Connected to the inkjet cartridge holder 380, the UV LED 387 / heat sink 389 between the inkjet cartridge holder and the printer assembly, and the substate 381 is a lead screw 385. The right side of the lead screw 385 includes a pulley 3845 fixedly connected to the lead screw. The pulley 3845 is connected to the pulley 3844 by a belt 3846.Rotation of shaft 3842 by motor 384 rotates pulley 3845 which rotates a lead screw, causing inkjet cartridge holder 380 and UV heater / heat sink 389 to move left or right (x-movement) depending on the direction of rotation of shaft 3842 by motor 384. Movement in the x-direction is guided by rails 3812 and 3814 on substrate 381 (see FIG. 29). FIG. 28 also shows electronics guard 388 which covers and is connected to UV LED 387, and wire and fan guard 389 which is behind electronics guard 388.

[0041] FIG. 29 shows a top front perspective view of the print engine subassembly 270 separated from the electronics and base plate subassembly 250 and the hopper subassembly 260. FIG. 30 shows a top rear perspective view of the print engine subassembly 270 separated from the electronics and base plate subassembly 250 and the hopper subassembly 260. In both FIGS. 29 and 30, the electronics guard 388 and the fan guard 389 have been removed. FIG. 29 shows the barcode reader 390 positioned between the inkjet cartridge holder 380 and the UV LED 387. FIG. 31 shows a top front perspective view of the print engine subassembly 270 with the electronics guard 388 and the fan guard 389 removed, and with the UV LED 387 and the barcode reader 390 removed. FIG. 31 shows an L-bracket 397, e.g., a metal plate, slidably coupled to the front of bracket 396. Bracket 396 includes a cleat or rail 398 coupled vertically (in the Z direction). The rear side of the L-bracket 397 includes a slot that aligns with a cleat or rail 398. This connection allows the L-bracket 397 to move or slide vertically (in the Z direction). The inkjet cartridge holder 380, UV LED 387, and barcode reader 390 are each connected to the L-bracket 397, allowing them to move vertically (up and down) as the L-bracket 397 moves. Figures 29 and 30 show a motor 391 connected to the L-bracket 397 and operable to move the L-bracket 397, inkjet cartridge holder 380, UV LED 387, and barcode reader 390 up and down (in the z direction). Depending on the type of cassette or frame on which the identifier is printed, the tilt angle and / or the position of the printing surface may differ (e.g., the Tissue-Tek® Mega-Cassette™ has a larger height dimension (z dimension) than the Tissue-Tek® Uni-Cassette™). A typical distance between the printheads of the thermal inkjet cartridges in inkjet cartridge holder 380 during a printing operation is approximately 1 mm to 4 mm.The z-axis of the inkjet cartridge holder 380, UV LED 387, and barcode reader 390 must move up and down to avoid contact with the cassette or frame held by the angled chute 362 and to access the printing surface. The z-axis also changes (e.g., lowers) when the ink cartridges in the inkjet cartridge holder 380 are wiped or capped at the service station 200. Other examples of when the z-axis may change include to move the surface of the cassette or frame closer to the UV LED 387 or to allow the barcode reader 390 to read an identifier printed on the cassette or frame during a quality control operation described below (e.g., moving the barcode reader during scanning improves barcode detection and reduces glare from the surface of the cassette or frame). If an ink cartridge in the inkjet cartridge holder 380 and / or service station 200 needs to be removed and replaced (swapped out) with another, the z-axis can be raised to facilitate removal and replacement.

[0042] FIG. 30 illustrates a platform 392, e.g., a metal plate, connected to the top surface of the substrate 381. A cable landing board 393 and a photoelectric sensor 394 are attached to the platform 392. The photoelectric sensor 384 is used to detect the home position of the bracket 396, inkjet cartridge holder 380, UV LED 387, and barcode reader 390 in the z-axis (z-dimension). A motor 391 moves the bracket upward. FIG. 30 also illustrates a fan assembly 395, e.g., two fans, connected to the base of the backside of the substrate 381. The fan assembly 395 may be used to remove heat and is controlled by the PC controller 275. FIGS. 29 and 30 also illustrate a cable carrier and guard 399 located on the backside of the substrate 381, extending from the top of the fan assembly 395 to the cable landing board 393. A cable carrier and guard 399 , such as an IGUS® cable carrier and guard, may be used to protect, for example, electronic cables leading from the electronics and baseplate subassembly 250 to the print engine subassembly 270 .

[0043] FIG. 32 shows a right upper side perspective view of an inkjet cartridge suitable for use in inkjet printer 100. Inkjet cartridge 373 may be, for example, a thermal inkjet cartridge. In another example, the inkjet cartridge may be a piezoelectric inkjet cartridge. Inkjet cartridge 373 includes a body defining the exterior of the cartridge, which in this example includes a casing 3732 having a generally rectangular perimeter (length L and width W) with a downwardly projecting snout portion 3734 on one side of its base, as shown in FIG. 32. Typical dimensions of casing 110 include, but are not limited to, a length L of 2 centimeters (cm) to 8 cm, a depth D of 1.5 cm to 8 cm, and a width W of 1 cm to 3 cm. Width W of casing 3732 defines the interior volume of inkjet cartridge 373 and separates opposing housing sidewalls 3735 and 3736. The housing sidewalls 3735 and 3736 have a similar shape to the casing 3732 and may be affixed to the casing 3732 via adhesive, heat bonding, or press fittings. The sidewalls 3735 and 3736 may be made of a hard polymer or plastic material similar to the material of the casing 3732, or may be made of a material that is more flexible in the presence of atmospheric pressure. The snout portion 3734 of the inkjet cartridge 373 may be part of the casing 3732, provides an ejection path for ink within the inkjet cartridge 373, includes an ejection opening 3737 in its bottom wall, and has the inkjet printhead 170 affixed to its outer surface. The casing 3732, including the hard polymer or plastic snout portion 3734, may typically be made by molding techniques. The hard polymer or plastic sidewalls 3735 and 3736 may also be made by molding techniques.

[0044] The casing 3732 of the inkjet cartridge 373 includes a front surface 3738. As shown in FIG. 32 , an RFID tag 374 is attached to the front surface 3738 of the casing 3732. The RFID tag 374 may include information regarding the type of ink in the inkjet cartridge 373 as well as the amount of ink present. In one example, the inkjet cartridge 373 has sufficient capacity to print identifiers on 10,000 cassettes or frames. When installed in the inkjet cartridge holder 380 (e.g., see FIG. 28 ), the front surface 3738 of the inkjet cartridge 373 faces forward (i.e., the front surface 3738 faces the hopper subassembly 260). As described above with reference to FIG. 14 , the hopper subassembly 260 includes an RFID reader / writer 299 attached to the rear or back sidewall of the hopper. The RFID reader / writer 299 is operable to read the RFID tag on the inkjet cartridge 373 when the inkjet cartridge is loaded into the inkjet cartridge holder 380. RFID reader / writer 299 provides the system with the ability to not only identify the type of inkjet cartridge (e.g., type of ink), but also track the amount of ink in inkjet cartridge 373 of inkjet printer 100 by rewriting the amount on the RFID tag after each use. For example, if inkjet cartridge 373 contains enough ink to print 10,000 identifiers in a cassette or frame, RFID tag 374 will start with an amount that will allow 10,000 prints. After the first cassette or frame is printed, RFID reader / writer 299 can rewrite RFID tag 374 with the amount of available prints as 999 prints, and then proceed to subtract and rewrite the total amount remaining as each cassette or frame is printed.

[0045] 32 also shows a product label 375 that may be placed on the front surface 3738 of the casing 3732 to protect the RFID tag 374 during transport and storage. Once the inkjet cartridge 373 is ready for use (i.e., installed in the inkjet cartridge holder 380), the product label 375 may be removed. The inkjet cartridge 373 may be placed in the inkjet cartridge holder 380 by opening the top lid 125 of the housing 110 (see FIG. 3) to expose the print engine subassembly 270 within the housing 110.

[0046] In operation, an inkjet cartridge, such as the inkjet cartridge 373, is placed in the inkjet cartridge holder 380. The inkjet cartridge may be brought to the service station 200 before printing an identifier on the cassette or frame. A non-transitory machine-readable instruction from the PC controller 275 instructs the motor 384 to move the inkjet cartridge holder 380 (including the inkjet cartridge), as well as the barcode reader 390 and the UV LED 387, to an area including the service station 200. An instruction from the PC controller 275 may align the printhead of the inkjet cartridge above the cuspidor 215 and eject a quantity of ink from the inkjet cartridge into the cuspidor 215 to purge the printhead. Further instructions from the PC controller may instruct the inkjet cartridge to move to the roller 210 and contact the cloth or absorbent surface of the ribbon 220 on the roller in a manner that wipes the surface of the printhead with the ribbon. The PC controller 275 then directs the motor 384 to move the inkjet cartridge holder 380 (containing the inkjet cartridges) as well as the UV LED 387 to the area for printing the cassette or frame.

[0047] When the cassette or frame is ready to be printed, such as when the inclined chute 362 is raised to raise the cassette or frame to a position near the IR heater 382, ​​the print engine subassembly 270 first heats (preheats) the surface of the cassette or frame raised by the inclined chute 362 with the IR heater 382. The duration of the preheating operation may be approximately 1 to 4 seconds, and may last, for example, 2 to 3 seconds, such as 2 seconds. The purpose of the preheating operation is to improve the adhesion of the ink that will subsequently be applied to the surface of the cassette or frame by the inkjet printing operation. Prior to the IR heating operation, a non-transitory command from the PC controller 275 may instruct the inkjet cartridge holder 380 (including the inkjet cartridges), barcode reader 390, and UV LED 387 to move to the right (x-direction movement) with reference to FIG. 28 to a position away from the IR heater 382 by the motor 384. Following the preheating operation, the IR heater 382 is turned off, and the motor 384 moves the inkjet cartridge holder 380 containing the inkjet cartridge to the front of the cassette or frame (movement from left to right, in the x-direction) so that the inkjet cartridge printhead is positioned above the face of the cassette or frame (e.g., 1-3 mm above the face of the cassette or frame). The tilted chute 362 holds the lifted cassette or frame in a near-vertical position so that the face of the cassette or frame is oriented in a plane parallel to the plane of the inkjet cartridge printhead. An identifier may then be printed on the lifted cassette or frame.

[0048] As described above with reference to FIG. 19 , the electronics and base plate subassembly 250 includes a PC controller 275. The PC controller 275 includes non-transitory machine-readable instructions (software program) for printing identifiers. The PC controller 275 includes, for example, a Windows® operating system. A user wishing to print one or more cassettes or frames connects via network access to the machine-readable instructions, for example, via an IP address, and activates the machine-readable instructions in the PC controller 275. Once connected, an interface is then displayed to the user, allowing the user to specify the content to be printed on the identifiers. FIG. 33 shows an example of a user interface. The user interface 400 includes a menu bar 410 that specifies available operations for the user, such as manual printing operations, reviewing a log of previous printing operations, printer setup operations, and service operations. The user interface 400 also includes a job information window 415 that allows the user to enter the necessary information for the identifiers. For example, a user may want to print three lines of text on the identifiers in addition to a barcode. Examples of text include, but are not limited to, the patient name, test variables, date, and counter. The desired text, along with the generated barcode, is displayed in job information window 415 for user viewing. Job information window 415 also allows the user to select the quantity of cassettes or frames on which to print the desired identifier information. User interface 400 may also include a hopper details window 420 that allows the user to select the type and color of cassettes or frames that will receive the identifiers. User interface 400 may also include an ink details window 425 that shows the volume of ink available in an inkjet cartridge (e.g., inkjet cartridge 373) of inkjet printer 100. Furthermore, user interface 400 may include a queue window 430 that shows the current status of the inkjet printer, such as what is currently printing or waiting to print.Once the user is satisfied with the identifier to be printed on the cassette or frame, the type and color of the cassette or frame, and the number of cassettes or frames to be printed, the user instructs inkjet printer 100 to print using print button 435. PC controller 275 receives the print information and, by referencing information from RFID reader / writer 291 or 293 (see FIG. 14 ), confirms that the type, color, and number of cassettes or frames are present in hopper 115 or hopper 120, and executes the print operation by communicating with print engine subassembly 270 to print the desired identifier.

[0049] 28-31 of the print engine subassembly 270, following printing of the identifier on the cassette or frame, the inkjet cartridge holder 380 (including the inkjet cartridge) is moved to the left in the illustration by a motor 384 to position a UV LED 387 near the face of the cassette or frame held by the inclined chute 362. The UV LED 387 is then rotated to apply ultraviolet energy to the face of the cassette or frame, partially or fully curing the identifier printed on the cassette or frame. The UV curing operation typically takes 1 to 4 seconds, such as 1 to 3 seconds, for example 2 to 3 seconds, for example 2 seconds.

[0050] Following UV curing of the identifier printed on the cassette or frame held by the tilted chute 362, the motor 384 moves the UV LED 387 to the right, as shown in FIGS. 28-29, positioning the barcode reader 390 in front of the face of the cassette or frame containing the newly printed identifier. A quality control operation then occurs. Non-transitory machine-readable instructions within the PC controller 275 instruct the barcode reader 390 to read the barcode printed on the identifier and communicate this to the PC controller 275. The PC controller 275 then verifies whether the barcode was readable and whether the barcode information is correct (i.e., what the user wanted printed as the identifier). If the barcode is readable and the barcode information is correct, the printing operation is complete, and the cassette or frame is released by tilting the chute 362. If the barcode is unreadable or the barcode information is incorrect, the PC controller 275 instructs the PC controller 275 to destroy or otherwise damage the identifier information on the cassette or frame. To destroy or damage the barcode, motor 384 moves inkjet cartridge holder 380 (including the inkjet cartridge) back over the surface of the cassette or frame and darkens (e.g., blackens) or overprints the identifier area so that the barcode is no longer readable and / or visually unacceptable to a user. Following the destruction or damage of the barcode, the destroyed or damaged identifier may be cured by motor 384 moving UV LED 387 over the face of the barcode and performing a UV curing operation. Chute 362 may then be tilted to release the cassette or frame with the destroyed or damaged barcode.

[0051] Following the printing and quality control operation or a series of printing and quality control operations, non-transitory machine-readable instructions in the PC controller 275 may instruct the motor 384 to move the inkjet cartridge holder 380, including the inkjet cartridge, to the service station 200 for maintenance and temporary storage. The inkjet cartridge holder 380, along with the barcode reader 390 and the UV LED 387, is moved by the motor to an area including the service station 200. At the service station 200, instructions from the PC controller 275 may optionally instruct the cuspidor 220 to be purged of ink, then wiped onto the ribbon on the roller 210, and then cap or seal the printhead of the inkjet cartridge to the ribbon 220 on the roller 205 (e.g., in full contact) to prevent the ink from drying out of the inkjet cartridge. When the inkjet cartridge is to be moved from the capped position to return to a printing operation, instructions from the PC controller 275 may instruct the cuspidor 220 to be purged of ink and / or wiped onto the ribbon on the roller 210, and then moved to the printing area. Commands from the PC controller 275 may direct the take-up roll 235 of the service station 200 to rotate to expose a clean or unused portion of the ribbon 220 on the roller 210 .

[0052] As described above, the inclined chute 362 holds the cassette or frame in a near-vertical position for printing. Following printing, curing, and quality control operations, the inclined chute 362 releases the cassette or frame rollers via operation of the solenoid 368, which releases the roller clamp 365 described with reference to FIG. 22. The released cassette or frame is then allowed to free fall down the inclined chute (toward the front of the inclined chute). FIG. 34 is a front view of the printer 100 with the front wall removed. FIG. 34 shows the exit chute 386 below the platform 280. The platform 280 has an opening therethrough below the inclined chute 362. The exit chute 386 extends to or through this opening. The exit chute 386 includes a chute surface that aligns with the plane of the inclined chute 362 when the inclined chute 362 is in a near-vertical position. When the inclined chute 362 releases the cassette or frame, the cassette or frame falls into and passes through the exit chute 386. The exit chute 386 carries the cassette or frame to the front of the printer 100.

[0053] FIG. 35 shows a rear view of the lower panel 138 on the front wall of the housing 110. FIG. 36 shows a rear perspective view of the lower panel 138 from the upper right. A left ramp 1382 and a right ramp 1384 are connected to the rear wall of the lower panel 138. Each of the left ramp 1382 and the right ramp 1384 extends at an angle α of 30° to 50°, e.g., 45°, from the midpoint of the rear of the lower panel 138 to an exit opening in the left or right wall of the lower panel 138 (see exit opening 135 in FIG. 3). An exit chute 386 terminates at the apex of each of the left ramp 1382 and the right ramp 1384. A diverter 1385 is located at the apex of each of the left ramp 1382 and the right ramp 1384. The diverter 1385 is used to divert cassettes to one of the left ramp 1382 or the right ramp 1384. The diverter 1385 is connected to a knob or dial 140 on the front of the bottom panel 138. The user can select whether the printed cassette or frame will exit the inkjet printer through the exit opening on the left or right side of the printer. The user makes this selection by positioning (turning) the knob or dial 140 to the left or right. As seen in FIG. 36 , the diverter 1385 has an upward-facing protruding edge wall 1386 on the left side and a protruding edge wall 1387 on the right side. The position of the protruding edge wall determines whether the cassette or frame will exit the inkjet printer through the exit opening on the left or right side of the printer. The diverter 1385 also reverses the orientation of the cassette or frame as it exits the printer. Cassettes or frames ejected by the inclined chute 362 fall with their rear side wall forward. When the cassette or frame contacts the diverter 1385, the diverter 1385 causes the cassette or frame to turn and slide forward down the left ramp 1382 or right ramp 1384 out the respective exit opening.

[0054] A flowchart of the printing operation in the inkjet printer 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 37. Referring to process 500 in FIG. 37, the first operation is to align the tilted chute 362 with the tilt or angle of the chute 282 (block 510). As described above, the tilted chute 362 can be rotated by the tilt axis motor 370 until the tilted chute 362 is positioned at the same angle or tilt as the chute 282. Once the tilted chute 362 is at the same angle or tilt as the chute 282 and the clamp lever subassembly 364 of the tilted chute is open, a cassette or frame may be placed first on the chute 282 (block 515). The cassette or frame may be ejected into the chute 282 from a cassette magazine in the hopper 115 or hopper 120, or may be manually introduced by opening the cassette door 130 and placing the cassette first on the chute 282.

[0055] When the cassette or frame reaches the rear end of the inclined chute 362, the cassette or frame is clamped to the inclined chute 362 (block 520). The inclined chute 362 is then rotated so that the face of the cassette or frame faces upward (block 525). The face of the cassette or frame is then heated using the IR heater 382 (block 530). An identifier is then printed on the face of the cassette or frame by an inkjet cartridge in the inkjet cartridge holder 380 (block 535). Following printing, the identifier ink on the face of the cassette is subjected to a curing operation using the UV LED 387 (block 540). Following curing, the identifier is subjected to a quality control operation. The identifier printed on the face of the cassette or frame is read by the barcode reader 390 (block 545). The PC controller 275 then verifies whether the barcode information is readable and correct (block 550). If the bar code information is readable and correct, the cassette or frame is released from the inclined chute 362 into the exit chute 386 and out the exit opening of the printer (block 555). If the bar code information is unreadable or incorrect, the inkjet printer is returned to a position above the face of the cassette or frame, and the identifier on the cassette or frame is destroyed or defaced, for example, by blackening or overprinting (block 560). The destroyed or damaged cassette or frame is then released from the inclined chute 362 into the exit chute 386 and out the exit opening of the printer (block 570).

Claims

1. 1. A printer comprising a housing, the housing comprising: an entrance opening operable to introduce one or more cassettes or cassette frames into the housing; a print engine subassembly including an inkjet cartridge holder operable to receive an inkjet cartridge and a heater; a chute disposed between the entrance opening and the print engine; 1. A processor comprising non-transitory machine-readable instructions, directing the transport of a cassette or cassette frame introduced into the entrance opening to a print engine; a processor including non-transitory machine-readable instructions for directing the heater to heat a surface of the cassette or the cassette frame prior to a printing operation; A printer equipped with:

2. 10. The printer of claim 1, wherein the print engine subassembly further comprises a curing device, and the processor further includes non-transitory machine-readable instructions directing the curing device to cure the cassette or the cassette frame after a printing operation.

3. The printer of claim 2 , wherein the curing device is an ultraviolet light emitting diode.

4. The printer of claim 3 , wherein the heater is an infrared heater.

5. The printer of claim 1 , wherein the print engine subassembly further comprises a reader, and the processor includes non-transitory machine-readable instructions for reading a face of the cassette or the cassette frame after a printing operation.

6. The printer of claim 5 , wherein the reader comprises a barcode reader.

7. The inlet opening comprises a hopper subassembly, the hopper subassembly comprising: at least one hopper sized to be operable to receive a cassette magazine; at least one pusher assembly including a sled operable to move from a first position adjacent a base of a cassette magazine in said hopper to a second position to push cassettes or cassette frames from the cassette magazine onto said chute; The printer according to claim 1 .

8. The printer of claim 7 , wherein the pusher assembly further comprises a motor connected to the sled and operable to move the sled from the first position to the second position.

9. 8. The printer of claim 7, further comprising a magazine sleeve including a body having exterior dimensions to fit within the hopper and interior dimensions to receive a magazine within the body, and opposing sidewall openings, a first of the opposing sidewall openings allowing the sled to move from the first position to the second position, and a second of the opposing sidewall openings allowing a cassette or frame to move from its position within the magazine sleeve onto the chute.

10. The printer of claim 9 , wherein the internal dimensions of the magazine sleeve body are specific to a particular size cassette or cassette frame.

11. 8. The printer of claim 7, wherein the hopper subassembly further comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader / writer positioned to read a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on a cassette magazine and, if the RFID tag contains the total number of cassettes or frames in the cassette magazine, to write a new total number of cassettes or frames to the RFID tag when a cassette or frame is pushed from the cassette magazine.

12. 10. The printer of claim 1, further comprising: a service station including a housing including a cuspidor, a wiping roller, a sealing roller, and a ribbon disposed between a feed roll, the wiping roller, the sealing roller, and a take-up roll, wherein the ribbon has a first absorbent surface positioned on an outer side of the wiping roller and an opposite film surface positioned on an outer side of the sealing roller.

13. The printer of claim 1 , wherein the inkjet cartridge holder is operable to receive an inkjet cartridge including a printhead.

14. The printer of claim 1 , wherein the inkjet cartridge holder is operable to receive a thermal inkjet cartridge.

15. heating a surface of the cassette or cassette frame; After heating, printing an identifier on the surface of the cassette or cassette frame using an inkjet printing process; A method comprising:

16. The method of claim 15 , further comprising, after printing the identifier, curing the identifier on a surface of the cassette or the cassette frame.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein preheating the face of the cassette is performed using an infrared heater.

18. The method of claim 16 , wherein curing the surface of the cassette or cassette frame after printing the identifier is performed using ultraviolet light emitting diodes.

19. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the inkjet printing process comprises a thermal inkjet printing process.

20. placing the cassette or cassette frame into an inkjet printer; printing an identifier on a surface of the cassette or the cassette frame using an inkjet printing process; reading the identifier while the cassette or frame is in the inkjet printer; automatically determining whether the identifier is readable and correct; if the identifier is determined to be unreadable or incorrect, using the inkjet printer to print the identifier on the surface of the cassette or the frame and destroy or damage the identifier; A method comprising:

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the identifier comprises a barcode, and reading the identifier comprises reading the barcode.

22. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the inkjet printing process comprises a thermal inkjet printing process.

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