Inhibiting sediment formation in a MICR ink tank
US9707765B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/175
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
What is disclosed is an apparatus and method for inhibiting the formation of sediment in an ink tank of a MICR inkjet printer. In one embodiment, the present apparatus comprises an ink tank containing MICR ink and an electromagnet which resides in a chamber located on, near, or inside the ink tank. Activation of the electromagnet causes the particles to be attracted to the electromagnet's magnetic field such that the particles are lifted off a bottom of the tank to inhibit sediment formation thereon. The electromagnet can be activated in response to the MICR inkjet printer having been turned OFF. A sensor may further be employed to activate the electromagnet in response to one of: sediment in the ink tank having reached a pre-determined level; a flow-rate of liquid ink through the tank having fallen below a threshold level, sediment levels, or a pressure inside the tank.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.