Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for horizontally loading and unloading an ink-jet print cartridge from a carriage

US6471334B2 · kind B2 · utility

15Cited by
12References
27Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 31, 2001
Grant dateOct 29, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 31, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J25/34
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for horizontally loading and unloading an ink-jet print cartridge from a carriage in a printer. The apparatus includes a generally rectangular print cartridge, an elongate supporting lip located on a side wall of the print cartridge, a carriage body, a chute mounted on the carriage for receiving the print cartridge, and a generally horizontal rail on a side wall of the chute for guiding the print cartridge into the carriage. In operation, the apparatus horizontally loads a print cartridge into a carriage by translating the print cartridge horizontally forward into a carriage, engaging a lip on the print cartridge with a guide rail on the carriage, sliding the print cartridge up and over a datum on the carriage with the guide rail and latching the print cartridge in the carriage. The apparatus unloads a print cartridge from a carriage by rotating the print cartridge about a datum on the carriage, unlatching the print cartridge from the carriage, and horizontally translating the print cartridge out of the carriage.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.