Consumable supply item with capacitive fluid level detection for micro-fluid applications

US8491111B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• FUNAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD. · JP

Inventors

• Trevor Gray · Versailles, US
• Jason Vanderpool · Lexington, US
• Robert Henry Muyskens · Lexington, US
• David Ward · Lexington, US
• Gregory Webb · Lexington, US
• Marvin Nicholson, III · Lexington, US
• Jason Todd McReynolds · Georgetown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 28, 2011
• Grant date: Jul 23, 2013
• Expiry date: Oct 13, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B41J2/17566
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A consumable supply item for an imaging device holds an initial or refillable volume of fluid. Its housing defines an interior having a pair of opposed electrodes. The electrodes define a capacitance that varies in response to an amount of liquid between them. A volume space filled by the liquid varies along a length of the electrodes. The design facilitates abrupt changes in capacitance values at each change in the volume space. Devices can recalibrate fluid levels at these changes. Electrode interior surfaces face one another. At least one electrode has an open region, such as a hole or a cutout of material. In another design, a support material connects to each electrode to provide mechanical stability and create a region preventing filling by the liquid. Further embodiments contemplate material selection, construction, and modularity, to name a few.