Ink supply line shock absorber
US6402312B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/175
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hydraulic shock absorber for connection within an ink supply line which is connected so as to supply ink from a stationary ink reservoir to at least one moving inkjet print head. The shock absorber includes a conduit having at least one wall defining an inlet, an outlet and a contained volume. At least part of the wall is readily deformed by variations in a pressure differential across the part of the wall so as to vary the contained volume. The shock absorber also includes a collapse prevention element, deployed within the conduit, which is configured to prevent deformation of the part of the wall in a manner which would obstruct passage through the conduit from the inlet to the outlet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.