US 5,852,459 A · Printer using print cartridge with internal pressure regulator

Abstract

In the preferred embodiment, an inkjet printer includes a replaceable print cartridge which is inserted into a scanning carriage. An ink tube extends from the scanning carriage to a separate ink supply located within the printer. A fluid interconnect on the print cartridge connects to a fluid interconnect on the carriage when the print cartridge is inserted into the carriage to complete the fluid connection between the external ink supply and the print cartridge. In one embodiment, the fluid interconnection is made between the print cartridge and the ink tube simply by placing the print cartridge into a stall in the scanning carriage. A pressure regulator internal to the print cartridge regulates the flow of ink from the external ink supply to the print cartridge. The external ink supply may be pressurized or non-pressurized.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A printing system comprising:

a first ink reservoir;
a scanning carriage;
a print cartridge for installation in said carriage, said print cartridge having a second ink reservoir internal to said print cartridge, said print cartridge containing a pressure regulator comprising:
a valve for controlling an opening in an ink path between said first ink reservoir and said second ink reservoir;
a flexible member within said print cartridge maintained at an internal reference pressure, said flexible member expanding or contracting dependent upon the relative pressures internal and external to said flexible member;
and
an actuator in contact with said flexible member for actuating said valve based on the expansion and contraction of said flexible member, said valve controlling a flow of ink into said second ink reservoir such that ink is supplied to a printhead within said print cartridge at a substantially constant pressure.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Printer using print cartridge with internal pressure regulator

Life of this patent

Printer using print cartridge with internal pressure regulator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19