Ink jet priming system
US4870431A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 1987 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/185
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ink jet priming system for an ink jet printer having a reservoir containing ink for ink jets connected thereto and a reservoir opening for receiving ink is described. The ink jet priming system is provided with a seal for selectively closing the reservoir opening. Pressurized air is supplied to the reservoir from a tank connected thereto through an opening in the seal. The flow of air to the reservoir is controlled so that there is an initial low pressure air flow to force ink into the jets followed by a high pressure flow to force the discharge of the streaming discharge of the ink. A gutter assembly, connected to a disposable waste container is provided for receiving and collecting the ink discharged during the priming process. The ink jet priming system can be used with a moving print head that contains two or more separate reservoirs each with a separate reservoir opening. When used with a moving print head-multiple reservoir printer, the priming system is provided with a capture assembly for positioning the print head so a single system can be used to seal and prime all the reservoirs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.