Patent · US Expired

Ink delivery system with print cartridge, container and reservoir apparatus and method

US7210771B2 · kind B2 · utility

17Cited by
16References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 13, 2004
Grant dateMay 1, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 6, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J2/17513
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An ink delivery system delivers ink from a stationary ink supply to a print cartridge on a movable carriage. The system comprises an ink container, a reservoir, and a flexible tubing connecting the reservoir to the print cartridge. The ink container has an internal cavity not open to atmosphere holding a supply of ink, and an air inlet channel and an ink exit channel. The ink reservoir has fluid channels to mate with the air inlet channel and ink exit channel on the ink container, and an air opening on the upper portion to connect the internal space of the reservoir to atmosphere and an ink exit port. The ink level in the ink reservoir is controlled by allowing the ink to rise to a level where the ink blocks the air channel into the ink container thereby preventing air to flow there through.

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