Ink jet printer with high capacity tank and associated ink refilling system
US7278719B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J29/02
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The ink jet printer comprises a printhead (22) movable in front of a printing medium (30) and provided with an ink cartridge (25) integral with it; the cartridge is filled with ink from a main, high capacity tank (35), which is connected at intervals to the cartridge (25) by means of a capillary element. During each connection, the capillary element (101) is brought into contact with the sponge (41) inside the cartridge, while a peristaltic pump (134) mounted integral upon the main tank provides a pressure suitable for generating a sufficient flow of ink to refill the cartridge (25) in a short time frame. To perform the refilling, the cartridge is brought at the end of its stroke into a service station (5) mounted on the body of the main tank (35), which is moved against the cartridge by means of a motor-driven linkage, controlled by a refilling management programme, in response to the signals of a cartridge ink level sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.