Refill assembly and system for ink-jet printer cartridges
US5531055A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17506
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An assembly for refilling a printer cartridge includes a base that receives the printer cartridge to be refilled. A lid is located on the base and includes separate stations that sequentially open a refill opening, provide a predetermined amount of air to an equalize opening of the cartridge, dispense ink through the refill opening into the cartridge, and seal the refill opening. In a preferred embodiment, the four stations are mounted on the lid that is rotatable about an axis. The lid forms a seal with the printer cartridge so that air flow to an internal chamber of the cartridge is controlled during the refill process. The base contains any spills, mess, or the like, overcoming the types of problems associated with other ink refill processes and provides an accurate, dependable refill of ink to the printer cartridge.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.