User-replaceable liquid toner cartridge with integral pump and valve mechanisms
US5396316A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 1993 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/104
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A user-replaceable liquid toner cartridge fits into a receptacle in an EP printer. The receptacle includes automatic fluid and mechanical connectors that mate with the cartridge upon its insertion. The cartridge includes a liquid toner supply reservoir, a pump connected to an outlet from the reservoir; a mechanical coupling that automatically engages a pump actuator that extends from the receptacle; and a three-port valve. The three-port valve is connected to an output from the pump and has a first port that communicates with the reservoir and a second port that communicates with an external wall of the cartridge. The fluid connector automatically connects to a fluid fitting in the receptacle upon insertion of the cartridge. The fluid fitting in the receptacle also automatically operates the valve in the cartridge and redirects liquid toner flow from a recirculation path to the cartridge's reservoir and directs it into the receptacle's fluid fitting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.