Patent attributes
A printer includes first and second ink cartridges, a print head having first and second nozzle arrays, first and second ink supply passages having first and second valves, and a connecting passages having a third valve. The first passage connects the first cartridge to the first nozzle array. The second passage connects the second cartridge to the second nozzle array. The connecting passage connects the first and second passages at first and second connecting portions, respectively. The first valve is provided in the first passage between the first cartridge and the first connecting portion. The second valve is provided in the second passage between the second cartridge and the second connecting portion. Both the first and second valves are open and the third valve being closed in a first state. The third valve and either one of the first and second valves are open in a second state.
