Ink container electrical resistance ink level sensing mechanism and method for determining ink level information
US6554382B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/17579
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A replaceable ink container for providing ink to a printhead of a printing system. The ink container has a housing that includes and ink reservoir for containing a supply of ink, and an ink level sensor for sensing a low ink condition in the ink reservoir. The ink reservoir includes a capillary ink storage member. The ink level sensor includes resistance probes that are in fluid communication with the supply of ink, but are free from contact with the capillary ink storage member. The resistance probes are mounted to the housing by way of sensor ports that extend through the housing and prevent contact between the capillary ink storage member and the probes. The resistance probes protrude slightly from an exterior surface of the housing to define electrical contacts for engaging corresponding electrical contacts of the printing system. A change in electrical resistance measured across the resistance probes indicates a low ink condition in the ink reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.