Filling ink supply containers
US5732751A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 31, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17506
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ink supply container for an ink-jet printer is provided with a main reservoir, which is typically maintained at ambient pressure. The main reservoir is coupled to a variable volume chamber via a one-way valve which allows the flow of ink from the reservoir to the chamber and prevents the flow of ink from the chamber to the reservoir. The chamber is coupled to a fluid outlet which is normally closed to prevent the flow of ink. A fill port is provided for directing ink into the reservoir to fill the reservoir. The apparatus and method for filling the ink container includes a nozzle that seals around the fill port and that has valved fluid lines connected thereto for evacuating the container prior to filling and for directing ink into the evacuated reservoir. The nozzle surrounds a plug that is moved to seal the port while the nozzle is still sealed around the port immediately after the container is filled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.