Method and device for supplying ink to a print head
US5886721A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17566
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A main ink chamber with a through-hole contains a capillary member. An intermediate ink chamber is provided on the side wall of the main ink chamber. A path communicatively interconnects the main ink chamber and the intermediate ink chamber. A second meniscus forming member is disposed in a joint port, to thereby prevent ink leakage. In a print mode, ink flows from the main ink chamber to the joint port, through a meniscus forming member that is disposed in the through-hole. Air bubbles mingled into the ink move along the slanting upper wall of the path by their buoyant force, and are accumulatively stored in the upper part of the intermediate ink chamber. When ink is reduced to zero in the main ink chamber, air bubbles are introduced into the intermediate ink chamber through the meniscus forming member. As a result, the liquid level of the intermediate ink chamber is quickly reduced, thereby indicating a state that ink is used up.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.