Apparatus for providing ink to an ink jet print head
US6508545B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17556
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for providing ink to an ink jet print head. The apparatus includes a back pressure regulator for receiving ink from an ink reservoir and for delivering ink to the print head. The regulator has a compliant wall that responds to atmospheric pressure on one side and to the pressure of the ink in the regulator on the another side. Within the regulator is a valve that regulates the pressure of the ink delivered to the print head and is actuated by the wall. Also within the regulator is a compression spring that simultaneously pre-loads the valve shut and urges the compliant wall against the atmospheric pressure. In an other aspect, an apparatus is provided with a print head having two arrays of nozzles and two back pressure regulators that independently deliver inks of different hues to separate arrays of nozzles on the print head. In still a further aspect, the apparatus performs bi-directional ink jet color printing without hue shift through positioning the regulators and print heads with respect to the printer carriage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.