Patent · US Expired

Ink cartridge with separate magnets

US6623092B2 · kind B2 · utility

10Cited by
2References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 29, 2002
Grant dateSep 23, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 29, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J2002/17579
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An ink cartridge using separate magnets is provided. The ink cartridge includes an ink container, which includes first and second chambers separated by a vertical partition formed therewithin for containing ink, and a head for ejecting the ink in the ink container onto a printing medium in the form of droplets. The first chamber includes a sponge filling most of the inside of the first chamber, a filter provided on a bottom portion of the sponge, and an ink supply pipe for supplying the ink which has passed through the filter to the head. The second chamber includes a magnet float floating on the ink in the second chamber and including a first magnet in its inside, and a second magnet provided in the bottom surface of the second chamber. The ink cartridge includes a magnet sensor for detecting a magnetic flux having at least a predetermined level when the magnet float contacts the second magnet. Accordingly, the ink cartridge with separate magnets does not require a cartridge container to be formed of a transparent material. By using the separate magnets, a magnetic flux having a strength necessary for detection can be induced while preventing magnetic interference between ink cont…

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