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US 2006/0187268 A1Published application
Channeling fluid flow
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorsDavid Olsen, Gilbert Smith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In one embodiment, a fluid flow channel includes a first part and a second part connected to and positioned downstream from the first part such that fluid can flow from the first part to the second part. The first part has opposing sidewalls, a floor extending between the sidewalls, and a ceiling extending between the sidewalls. The ceiling of the first part slopes upward in an upstream direction or the sidewalls taper in toward one another in a downstream direction, or both. The second part has opposing sidewalls and a ceiling extending between the sidewalls. The ceiling of the second part slopes upward in an upstream direction.
Claims21
A fluid flow channel, comprising:
- a first part having opposing sidewalls, a floor extending between the sidewalls, and a ceiling extending between the sidewalls, the ceiling sloping upward in an upstream direction or the sidewalls tapering in toward one another in a downstream direction, or both;
- and
- a second part connected to and positioned downstream from the first part such that fluid can flow from the first part to the second part, the second part having opposing sidewalls and a ceiling extending between the sidewalls, the ceiling sloping upward in an upstream direction.
A fluid flow channel, comprising:
- a generally vertical first part having a non-circular cross section;
- and
- a generally horizontal second part connected to and positioned downstream from the first part such that fluid can flow from the first part to the second part, the second part having opposing sidewalls, a floor extending between the sidewalls, and a ceiling extending between the sidewalls, the ceiling sloping downward in a downstream direction or the sidewalls tapering in toward one another in a downstream direction, or both.
A fluid flow channel, comprising:
- a first run for generally vertical fluid flow, the first run having a non-circular cross section characterized by a first smaller part into which substantially all bubbles in the ink cannot enter and a second larger part through which substantially all bubbles may enter and pass;
- a second run for generally horizontal fluid flow, the second run connected to and positioned downstream from the first run such that fluid can flow from the first run to the second run, the second run having opposing sidewalls, a floor extending between the sidewalls, and a ceiling extending between the sidewalls, the ceiling sloping upward in an upstream direction or the sidewalls tapering in toward one another in a downstream direction, or both;
- and
- a third run for generally vertical fluid flow, the third run connected to and positioned downstream from the second run such that fluid can flow from the second run to the third run, the third run having opposing sidewalls and a ceiling extending between the sidewalls, the ceiling sloping upward in an upstream direction.
1 more element
A device for use in an inkjet printer, comprising:
- a chamber for holding ink;
- a passage configured to keep drag forces exerted by ink flowing through the passage on bubbles in the ink lower than buoyancy forces exerted by the bubbles on the ink;
- and
- a printhead operatively connected to the chamber through the passage such that ink flowing from the chamber to the printhead passes through the passage.
1 more element
A print cartridge, comprising:
- a first chamber for holding a printer marking material fluid;
- a second chamber;
- a printhead;
- and
- a channel extending between the first and second chambers and the printhead, the channel including
- a first run for generally vertical fluid flow, the first run connected to a fluid outlet from the first chamber and to a bubble inlet to the second chamber and the first run having a non-circular cross section characterized by a first smaller part into which substantially all bubbles in the ink cannot enter and a second larger part through which substantially all bubbles may enter and pass;
- a second run for generally horizontal fluid flow, the second run connected to and positioned downstream from the first run such that fluid can flow from the first run to the second run, the second run having opposing sidewalls, a floor extending between the sidewalls, and a ceiling extending between the sidewalls, the ceiling sloping upward in an upstream direction or the sidewalls tapering in toward one another in a downstream direction, or both;
- and
- a third run for generally vertical fluid flow down into the printhead, the third run connected to and positioned downstream from the second run such that fluid can flow from the second run to the third run, the third run having opposing sidewalls and a ceiling extending between the sidewalls, the ceiling sloping upward in an upstream direction.
6 more elements
A device for use in an inkjet printer, comprising:
- a chamber for holding ink;
- a passage;
- a printhead operatively connected to the chamber through the passage such that ink flowing from the chamber to the printhead passes through the passage;
- and
- the passage including a means for keeping drag forces exerted by ink flowing through the passage on bubbles in the ink lower than buoyancy forces exerted by the bubbles on the ink.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.