Ink recirculation for Drop-On-Demand ink jet systems
US9649848B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2016 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/1856
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments described herein provide ink recirculation capabilities for Drop-On-Demand (DOD) printing systems. One embodiment comprises a system that includes a controller, a DOD print head, an ink tank, an ink pump, and a recirculation cap. The ink pump transports ink from the ink tank to the DOD print head, and the recirculation cap captures ink ejected by the DOD print head. The recirculation cap also transports the capture ink to the ink tank. In response to detecting a start of an ink recirculation cycle, the controller collocates the recirculation cap proximate to nozzles of the DOD print head, and directs the DOD print head to begin ejecting ink through the nozzles into the recirculation cap for transport of the captured ink to the ink tank. The controller detects an end to the ink recirculation cycle, and directs the DOD print head to stop ejecting ink into the recirculation cap.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.