Ink-delivery systems
US9156304B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2013 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB43K23/04
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Ink delivery systems to provide ink from a reservoir to an applicator pad for marking a surface. Ink is stored in a reservoir within a marker body. A valve system controls the flow of ink to the applicator pad to prevent puddling of ink on the marking surface. The reservoir is a hollow body with free flowing ink or may contain a fiber reservoir at least partially saturated with ink. The reservoir may also contain capillary channels and ribs to aid in transporting ink to the valve system. The valve system includes a plug and a spring to bias the plug in a closed position. The plug includes at least one contact surface to contact a housing, and thereby control the flow of ink from the reservoir to the applicator pad. The spring may be a coil spring or a compressible foam-like spring.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.