Image forming apparatus
US8474932B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J3/60
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes a head tank and a main tank that sends liquid to the head tank. When the remaining ink amount in the main tank is less than or equal to a predetermined amount (near empty), the liquid sending amount to be sent from the main tank to the head tank required for detecting a full state of the head tank is set to be a second liquid sending amount which is greater than a usual first liquid sending amount. An ink supply operation is performed to send liquid corresponding to the second liquid sending amount, from the main tank to the head tank. Then, it is determined whether the head tank is in a full state. When the head tank is not in a full state, the main tank is determined to be in an ink empty state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.