Self-sealing fluid inerconnect with double sealing septum
US5777646A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/17569
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fluid interconnect for coupling an ink supply to an ink-jet printer includes a fluid outlet and a fluid inlet. The fluid outlet has a housing with one end in fluid communication with the ink supply and the other end sealed by a septum. A sealing member is positioned within the housing and is biased against the septum by a spring to form a second seal. The fluid inlet includes a hollow needle having one end in fluid communication with the print head and the other end defining a hole. A sliding collar surrounds the needle and is biased into a sealing position in which it seals the hole. The fluid inlet and fluid outlet can be coupled by pressing them together. During the coupling process, the needle pierces the septum to enter the housing and press the sealing member away from the septum. This allows fluid to flow from the ink supply, into the housing, passed the sealing member, into the hole in the needle and to the print head. Upon decoupling, the needle is withdrawn to seal the septum. In addition, the sealing member is biased back into place against the septum to reform the second seal and the sliding collar is again biased into its sealing position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.