Consumable supply item with fluid sensing and pump enable for micro-fluid applications
US9132656B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/17579
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A consumable supply item for an imaging device holds an initial or refillable volume of ink. A housing defines an interior having a pair of opposed electrodes. The electrodes have a capacitance that varies in response to an amount of liquid between them. A controller energizes one electrode and receives an output reading from the other. The controller processes the reading on board the housing and supplies it as a digital data stream to the imaging device during use. A memory stores calibration values for an empty and full housing. The controller writes back to the memory present fluid levels obtained from the output reading of the electrode. An enable output allows operation or not of a fluid pump in the imaging device. Materials, construction, modularity, and fluid communication ports are further embodiments, to name a few.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.