Fluid distribution system having four-way valve

US8777388B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Zamtec Ltd · IE

Inventors

• Jeff Borra · San Diego, US
• Ryan Root · San Diego, US
• Jon Lucas · Tampa, US
• Tom Alesi · San Diego, US
• Neal Cekalski · San Diego, US
• Bob Mallory · San Diego, US
• Robert Rosati · San Diego, US
• Raul Perez · San Diego, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 16, 2011
• Grant date: Jul 15, 2014
• Expiry date: Sep 20, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/87338
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A fluid distribution system for a printhead, the system having a fluid container fluidically interconnected with the printhead via a closed fluid flow loop, a bypass fluid path bypassing the printhead on the closed loop, a gas vent on the closed loop and a four-way valve on the closed loop for selectively allowing fluid flow along the closed loop via the printhead and the bypass path and venting of gas in the closed loop via the gas vent.