Syringe for filling print cartridge and establishing correct back pressure
US5673073A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/17586
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A modified syringe for recharging an ink supply in a print cartridge is described. In the preferred embodiment, the end of a syringe valve is inserted into the end of a print cartridge valve to create both a mechanical coupling and a fluid tight coupling between the two valves. A further insertion causes both valves to become open, thus creating an airtight fluid path between the syringe chamber and the depleted print cartridge reservoir. A negative pressure within the print cartridge ink bag draws the ink from the syringe chamber into the ink bag until the ink bag is substantially full and the pressure in the ink bag is at or near atmospheric pressure. An air intake port is provided on the syringe to fill the void left by the ink in the syringe chamber. Once the print cartridge has been recharged, a plunger in the syringe is manually pulled back a predetermined distance to draw an amount of ink out of the print cartridge to create the desired negative pressure in the print cartridge. The syringe is then removed from the print cartridge, automatically pulling the two valves closed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.