Liquid containment and dispensing device with improved resistance to shock loads
US6676251B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/1754
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ink containment and dispensing device for an ink-jet printer is provided with a main reservoir in the form of a flexible pouch, which is typically maintained at ambient pressure. The main reservoir is coupled to a variable volume chamber via a one-way valve which allows the flow of ink from the reservoir to the chamber and prevents the flow of ink from the chamber to the reservoir. The chamber is coupled to a fluid outlet, which is normally closed to prevent the flow of outward ink. However, when the ink supply is installed in a printer, the fluid outlet establishes a fluid connection between the chamber and the printer. The chamber is part of a pump provided with the ink supply that can be actuated to supply ink from the reservoir to the printer. The pump has a linearly acting pumping member and a flexible diaphragm that overlies the pumping member, the diaphragm being impervious to the transmission of oxygen and moisture therethrough to prevent degradation of the ink within the chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.