On-line/off-line primer for ink jet cartridge
US5420619A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 30, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Ink jet printhead primer apparatus including a resilient bellows having an upper end cap, a lower end cap, a capper having an opening supported by the upper end cap selective sealing engagement with a nozzle array of a printhead so that negative pressure produced in the opening of the upper end cap is communicated to the nozzles of the nozzle array, or with a conduit structure connected to the nozzles of the nozzle array. Displacement of the lower end cap is controlled by cam surfaces formed on the inner opposing surfaces of parallel plate-like gear sectors of a rotatable cam assembly having gear teeth that drive a flywheel. Cam edges on the gear sectors move a sliding cam member that moves the upper end cap between a retracted position and an extended position. Pursuant to rotation of the cam assembly in one direction and then in the opposite direction, negative pressure is produced at the capper opening as it is engaged with the nozzle array of the cartridge to be primed or with the conduit structure connected to the nozzle array, ink suctioning negative pressure is produced, and the capper is disengaged from the nozzle array or the conduit structure while negative pressure conti…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.