Method and apparatus for reducing entrained air in ink for ink jet cartridges used in ink jet printers
US6213596A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/20
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for reducing the amount of air entrained in ink of ink jet printer cartridges especially during filling of the ink cartridge is disclosed. The method includes providing ink suitable for ink jet printing heating the ink to a predetermined temperature range to liberate air entrained in the ink, and then filling the ink jet cartridge while maintaining the elevated temperature of the ink. The apparatus includes an ink holding tank in fluid communication via a conduit with an air removal device that includes a heater adapted to elevate the temperature of the ink and liberate air entrained therein. The air removal device is in turn in fluid communication via a second conduit with an ink cartridge. Preferably, the heater is a temperature controlled resistance heater while the air removal device further includes a baffled holding chamber adapted to allow the ink time to reach and maintain the elevated temperature. The second conduit may include a second resistance heater to help maintain the elevated temperature of the ink during transfer of the heated ink from the heater to the ink cartridge during filling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.