Refill apparatus and method
AssigneeScitex Digital Printing, Inc.
InventorsRodney G. Mader, John C. Loyd, Russell L. Bartley
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Abstract
A system and method for emptying a refill container used in a continuous ink jet fluid system reduces the amount of ink left in the refill container and eliminates adverse effects in the event that air enters the fluid system through the refill apparatus. The system for emptying the container includes a system vacuum and a refill container. A bi-directional path is provided between the system vacuum and the refill container. The air is then removed from the refill container while maintaining the system vacuum within a predetermined range.
Claims10
A continuous ink jet imaging system comprising:
- a means for providing a system vacuum for a constant fluidic system;
- a means for containing a refill fluid;
- a means for providing a bi-directional path associated with the constant fluidic system;
- a means for detecting the system vacuum and providing a signal in response thereto;
- and
- a control means for removing air in the means for containing a refill fluid while maintaining the system vacuum within a predetermined range.
A method for emptying a refill container in a continuous ink jet imaging system comprising the steps of:
- providing a system vacuum for a constant fluidic system;
- providing a means for containing a refill fluid;
- providing a bi-directional path associated with the constant fluidic system;
- detecting the system vacuum and providing a signal in response thereto;
- and
- removing air in the means for containing a refill fluid while maintaining the system vacuum within a predetermined range.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.