Method and apparatus for positive pressure filling a printbar

Abstract

A printbar, such as a full width array printbar, filling method and apparatus provides for the selective application of positive pressure to an ink container, such as an ink bag, for forcing the expulsion of ink out of the bag and into the printbar. A steady force is applied until ink appears in a window provided in a vent line adjacent to and in fluid communication with the printbar, at which time the printbar manifold is full. Additional steady pressure forces ink to flow into the ink jet channels, assuring that the channels are fully primed and functional, at which time the positive pressure can be stopped. In an alternative embodiment, a motive force provided by, for example, a solenoid or motor, preferably including a gear and cam, are included to provide the motive force for the application of pressure against the ink bag. Pressure limiting springs may be utilized to provide the desired positive pressure to the ink manifold. A reflective light sensor may be included to detect ink in the vent line window and automatically turn off the motor or solenoid, preferably after a delay to allow priming of the channels.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.