Rapid response one-way valve for high speed solid ink delivery
US7883198B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 2008 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0187
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A valve assembly is provided for a high-speed phase change ink image producing machine between a first storage reservoir for receiving and holding a first volume of melted ink from a source and a second storage reservoir for holding a second volume of melted ink to be delivered under pressure to a printhead system. The valve assembly includes a passive valve disc movable from the closed position in which said disc abuts a valve seat in sealed contact, and an open position in which said valve disc is supported by an angled surface. An upper portion of the valve disc is unsupported and a flow director surface behind the disc directs fluid flow against the upper portion to assist in closing the valve. The surface characteristics of the valve seat are controlled to improve the “crack” time of the valve disc when opening.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.