Ink tank with capillary member
US6951387B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17513
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ink tank comprises a housing that defines a container for ink that is substantially free from a negative pressure producing material. In various embodiments, a non-porous capillary member is disposed in the container. The capillary member may be formed by part of the housing, for example, by a channel formed in a side wall of the housing. Alternatively, the capillary member may be a capillary tube. A wick may be situated at an outlet formed in the housing and may be held there by a retaining member, for example, a rib that extends from the housing. The housing may include a cover that allows the container to vent to atmosphere. The cover may include a vent hole that communicates with the container via a tortuous path. Part of the cover may comprise an air permeable material. The housing may also define a spillover area outside of the container.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.