Ink supply system for ink jet printers
US8926077B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17596
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ink supply system for ink jet printers includes a recirculation tank coupled to a recirculation pump configured to provide a substantially pulseless flow of ink. A heating assembly having an ink conduit formed into a spiral in thermal contact with at least one heating element receives ink from the pump and outlets to a sensor assembly with temperature and pressure sensors that measure ink parameters both as the ink enters a printhead and is returned from the printhead. The returned ink is then ported to a recirculation tank from which the pump draws the recirculating ink. An air pump is coupled to the recirculation tank in order to maintain a substantial vacuum within the tank.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.