Multi-color recorder with plural ink jets and reservoirs co-mounted on a reciprocating carriage, each reservoir containing a sub-reservoir in communication with an ink supply conduit
US4999651A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1990 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/031
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for reproducing color images by electronically scanning an original to control the paint-spraying of a larger duplicate image. Multiple ink spray heads scan the width of the recording medium while being controlled by width-modulation of constant air pressure supplied to the heads. Ink is contained in multiple reservoirs that are each connected to one of the spray heads by a conduit extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the spray heads. Each ink reservoir contains a sub-reservoir with a bottom surface above the level of the bottom surface of the primary reservoir. Sloping deflector plates cause ink to flow from the primary reservoir into the sub-reservoir during acceleration or deceleration of the reservoirs. The height of the ink in the reservoir is such that a meniscus of ink is maintained on the tip of the spray jet during periods when ink is not being sprayed. A fill cap in each reservoir extends into the interior of the reservoir to limit the height of the ink in the reservoir and avoid spillage. The fill cap area is preferably one inch or more in diameter to permit visual observation of the ink during filling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.