Regulator for a free-ink inkjet pen
US5975686A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F23/72
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A free-ink inkjet pen is adapted to be fluidically coupled to a positive pressure, off-axis ink reservoir. The pen includes a pressure regulator mechanism in an ink accumulation chamber fluidically coupled to a print head mechanism maintained at a predetermined back pressure by the pressure regulator. A flexible bag is maintained at atmospheric pressure within the accumulator and acts as an actuator against a pressure regulator bias. In the preferred embodiment, the pressure regulator mechanism includes an actuation lever and a pressure regulation lever biased toward each other. The flexible bag is mounted between the levers where by expanding and contracting both levers are actuated appropriately. A variety of bag fabrication configurations, bag materials, and valve seat materials are disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.