Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Auxiliary Ink Reservoir and Feed System and Method For Ink Jet
Cartridges
DESCRIPTION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY:
This application is based on and claims priority from two U.S.
Provisional Applications Serial No. 60/016,919, filed May 6, 1996
and Serial No. 60/025.211, filed August 23, 1996 by us, both
entitled "AUXILIARY INK RESERVOIR AND FEED SYSTEM FOR INK JET
CARTRIDGES". This application also applies to apparatus and
methods of auxiliary feed of ink jet ink of the type disclosed
in our copending application Serial No. 08/558,143, filed
November 13, 1995, entitled "INK COMPOSITIONS HAVING IMPROVED
OPTICAL DENSITY CHARACTERISTICS", the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD:
The invention relates to an ink refill system to continuously
replenish both pigment and/or dye-based inks in cartridges of ink
jet printers, plotters, copiers, and fax machines. A variety of
embodiments are shown for black ink and multiple color ink
systems, the principal embodiment of which is characterized by
a bag reservoir, a feed tube with screw-on or clip-on reservoir
connector, and a special lay-flat tube adaptor at the outlet end
of the tubing for connection to the vacuum relief check valve
port in the bottom of the main (original ) cartridge of the ink
jet printer for use-generated, self-regulated vacuum draw of ink
from the reservoir into the cartridge.
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BACKGROUND ART:
Ink jet printers, plotters, copiers, and fax machines,
particularly those for home or business or legal office use, have
original ink cartridges of limited volumetric capacity, typically
on the order of 40-50 ml. This provides print:ing approximately
800-lO00 pages of text at 5% coverage. The typical ink jet
printers, plotters, copiers or ink jet plain paper fax machine,
such as the Hewlett-Packard series units, do not have systems for
indicating remaining ink status or low ink conditions to prevent
running out of ink in the midst of a printing job. There are a
number of proposals for auxiliary or reservoir feed systems which
typically involve drilling a hole in the top of the original
printer tank, and inserting a tu~e into the tank. These are
generally gravity fed, and may cause problems with the pressure
differential between atmosphere and the inside of the original
ink cartridge which is ordinarily under a slight but controlled
negative pressure.
For example, Crystal, et al. (Graphic Utilities ) U.S. Patent
5,488,400 shows a top fill arrangement for refilling an ink
cartridge. Ruder U.S. Patent 4,967,207 (Hewlett-Packard ~ shows
a top fill (needle ) system separate from a top mounted vacuum
port. The cartridge is moved to a service station that involves
a valve that connects to the top fill needle and another valve
connects to the vacuum port. A vacuum is drawn in the cartridge
and it is batch filled with colorant through the separate fill
needle. Erickson 5,367,328, 5,369,429, and 5469,201 are three
related patents directed to various aspects o-~ a continuous top
ink fill system which include an in line regulator for
controlling the flow of ink. Cowger, et al. U.S. Patent
5,0lO,~54 is directed to a primary ink reservoir connected to a
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capillary volume element that is intermediate in pressure between
the low pressure in the ink reservoir and external atmospheric
pressure. As the ambient atmospheric pressure or temperature
~
varies, the capillary element absorbs or discharges ink so that
the primary reservoir pressure rPm~in~ substantially constant so
ink does not leak out the printhead orifices.
Such systems typically involve top feed, and either require
special modifications of the printer cartridge by the consumer
for retrofitting the auxiliary ink feed system, or a specially
designed cartridge not of original equipment manufactured design
to receive the external tank feed tube. A retrofit requirement
is to drill a hole in the top of the tank, which can deposit
debris in the tank. Such systems typically require skills and
equipment that many consumers either do not have, or the systems
require operations that consumers do not care to do.
Inks are complex compositions or mixtures. They are generally
considered to be active, and must be maintained under controlled
environmental conditions to maintain consistently high printing
performance and print quality. By way of background in
connection with certain types of problems of inks, including
print rate, coverage, density and the like, see our copending
application Serial Number 08/555,143 filed November 13, 1995, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein to the
extent need be for full and adequate disclosure of ink
characteristics.
Modern ink jet printer cartridges operate under slight negative
pressure, inter alia to prevent leakage of ink through the ink
jet nozzles when the printer is not in use, and to assist in
proper ink droplet formation during printing. There are a
variety of devices incorporated in cartridge construction,
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including a lung-type spring-biased bellows system, and an inlet
check valve which permits introduction of small bubbles of air
as the ink volume within the generally sealed tank is reduced
through usage. As the ink is used, the volume of lnk within the
reservoir is gradually reduced, and an increasingly negative
pressure is created within the tank. If the pressure drops too
low, then the cartridge will exhibit stall failure, in that the
negative pressure within the tank wlll prevent feeding ink
through the print droplet-forming ports or jet apertures.
Accordingly, the check valve permits bleed-in of small bubbles
of air to help maintain the pressure, hence the name vacuum
relief valVe, or vacuum check valve or the more colloquial name
of "bubble generator." In addition, the spring bellows expand
slightly to compensate for loss of ink volume thus assisting in
control of the pressure. The check valve and bellows within the
cartridge are carefully balanced so that one can counteract the
effect of the other to an extent such that the pressure curve
flattens out and r~m~in~ relatively constant as the volume of ink
drops in the cartridge through usage.
Thus, any external ink replenishment system must not interfere
with the overall balanced pressure characteristics of the
original cartridge as each cartridge type is "tuned" to the
particular printer speed, droplet size, ink characteristics such
as viscosity, drying time, nature of ink (pigmented versus dye
based inks !, etc. Further, any external feed system must be
very simple and foolproof to retrofit, not involve special tools,
and not be messy. Where there is a long air-filled feeder line
from an external reservoir to the original cartridge, depending
on the volume in the line, the pressure balance in the original
tank can be adversely affected if that air were bled-in to the
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original tank in order to establish the ink feed from the
auxiliary tank. That is, presently proposed external tank feed
systems require priming the feed line from the external tank to
the original tank. This can lead to spills, and poses a skill
barrier to adoption by many consumers.
In addition, currently available external feed tank systems
require a positive head in order to prevent backflow or siphoning
out of the original tank to the auxiliary reservoir. Thus the
auxiliary reservoirs need to be placed above the original tank,
or they will require anti-siphon valves within the system. If
the external tank is placed too high, the head may be too great
and force too much fluid into the original tank. Likewise, if
the tank is too low, pumping would be required or one could have
a backflow siphoning effect potentially causing spillage of ink
in the area of the external tank.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a simple external
ink reservoir and feed system that avoids the problems of the
art, is simple to retrofit, works well with the original
cartridge system and does not upset the delicate pressure balance
and integrity of the original cartridge and the printer to which
it is tuned.
DISCLOSURE OF lNV~5~ lION:
It is among the objects and advantages of this invention to
provide an improved external auxiliary ink reservoir system,
particularly suited for ink jet printers, plotters, copiers, and
fax machines for business and personal applications which avoids
the problems of the prior art. A principal object and advantage
of the invention is to feed the OEM ink cartridge through one of
the OEM-provided openings of the cartridge (as defined below )
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so that the auxiliary ink feed system of this invention becomes
( and is an as-you-print-created vacuum draw system, and not a
gravity head system. This makes the system an anti-back flow,
anti-siphon system in which the combination of cartridge negative
pressure and feed tube inner diameter are tuned to the particular
printer speed preventing stall-out. The feed tube need not be
primed, thus avoiding messy leaks or requiring added operator
intervention upon installation. Once installed, the cartridge
does not have to be removed from the machine. The apparatus of
the invention preferably employs one or more check valves at any
convenient place in the system, as described in more detail
below.
The external ink feed system invention comprises an external
ink tank or reservoir which is removably securable to any
convenient location, such as an adjacent wall or cabinet, or to
the top or a sidewall of the printer, plotter, copier, or fax
unit, and which is preferably a bag in a box. The box can have
an aperture or window in a side wall thereof so that the
reservoir bag is visible. Indicia printed or adhered on the box
side wall or on the bag itself provide a gauge for the quantity
of ink remaining. A typical bag is volumetrically on the order
of 84 milliliters, but may be any convenient size. The ink
reservoir bag includes a connector which mates with a screw-on
or elastomeric diaphragm puncture-type fitting on the proximal
end of an ink feed tube ( supply line ) assembly. The ink feed
tube is typically a l/32" ID PVC ( e.g., Tygon ) tube which
includes a flex shield, which is typically a plastic coil
wrapping around the tube to provide both support and prevent
kinking. The feed tube is led from the external tank to the ink
cartridge of the printer, plotter, copier, or fax along any
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convenient path. For example, the tube routing may be around the
back of the printer, through the gap between the printer housing
and its cover, thence across the inner housing to the cartridge.
The tube may be taped or clipped to the top of the printer body
housing with a loop to the right side to avoid interference with
the printer control ribbon which loops to the left. In an HP
Fax 90o or Ink Jet 600c the tube may be fed across the midsection
of the device housing. In the HP 600 series printers the
auxiliary reservoir is conveniently placed on the left side of
the unit.
The distal end of the ink feed tube assembly terminates in a
delivery device for providing ink flow to the vacuum relief valve
in the bottom of the cartridge. In the preferred embodiment, a
lay-flat tubing assembly, also called a foot bag, is adhered with
double-sided tape to the back and bottom of the cartridge. This
delivery tubing assembly typically has a thickness of .040" and
is sufficiently thin to fit the tight clearances of currently
conventional ink jet cartridges. The lay-flat tubing wraps
around the lower front corner of the cartridge assembly. The
inner face of the lay-flat tubing has an aperture which is
coordinate with the vacuum relief valve opening. Internal ribs
running longit~l~in~lly the length of the lay-flat delivery tubing
assembly prevent it from collapsing or pinching sheet where it
is bent around a corner of the cartridge. Alternatively, a bag
spreader assembly may be employed.
Alternative embodiments of the distal ink feed system to the
vacuum relief valve include a foot plate which is fed directly
by the ink delivery tube or plug/feed tube assembly ( for spring-
bag-type cartridges ). The foot plate is adhered to the bottom
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of the cartridge. A channel from the tube to an opening aligned
with the vacuum relief valve is provlded.
The auxiliary ink system of this invention may be employed for
printers, plotters, copiers, and faxes using multiple color ink
cartridges by having multiple external reservoirs mounted on the
printer or on a wall or horizontal surface adjacent to the
machine. A multiple lumen feed tube may be used, with each lumen
dedicated to a particular reservoir color and terminating in lay-
flat tubing feed assembly or foot plate at the appropriate
cartridge. Thus, for color printing, four external reservoirs
can be provided, black, cyan, magenta and yellow. For hexachrome
printing, two additional reservoirs for green and orange may be
provided. Special auxiliary ink reservoir systems of the
invention can also be used for "spot color" applications.
Once the lay-flat tubing or foot plate is applied to the
cartridge, refilllng occurs externally without removal of the
cartridge from the printers. A twist-type or clip-type connector
is provided on the proximal end of the ink feed tubing. The
connectors preferably employ a rigid, blunt, tapered, cannula (
tubing ) that is pushed through a soft elastomeric disc-type
sealing plug in a connector tube sealed in the reservoir bag
wall. As the external reservoirs become empty, they may be
removed from the Velcro~ hold fast on the side of the printer (
or wherever placed ) and replaced with a fresh reservoir. The
combination of the small lumen in the ink feed tube, the ink
viscosity, the negative pressure of the system and optional
cartridge check or pinch valve(s) prevent ink dripping out of the
feed tube when switching bag reservoirs. As the system does not
depend on gravity feed, the reservoir bag can be placed in any
convenient position. The bag itself, or the ink level within the
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_ g _
auxiliary reservoir of this invention can be as low as about a
minus 4" head for a l/32" ID feed tube. That is, the ink level
can drop 4" without stalling, which permits vertical or
horizontal orientation of the bag.
The feed tube can be a single lumen, or it could be multiple
continuous tubules or capillaries for single or multi-color ink
reservoirs. Likewise, the ink can flow over the surface of
filaments via surface capillary conduction. Priming is not
necessary as the air in the line goes first into the ink
cartridge as the printing creates the necessary drawing vacuum
in the cartridge. The entire quantity of air in the feed line
from the reservoir through the lay-flat tubing is on the order
of l to 4 milliliters. Thus, the ink level would drop
approximately 5-lO~ in the cartridge whereupon the replenishment
ink feed starts from the reservoir.
The reservoir bag and lay-flat tubing are preferably of ethyl
vinyl acetate ( EVA ) plastic of sufficient thickness to provide
a barrier layer, or may be a multiple layer plastic bag and
tubing. It is preferred to have a barrier layer to prevent
deterioration of the ink through gases ( O~ and C0~ ) exchanged
through the plastic bag and to prevent evaporative loss of
solvent liquid ( e.g., water ) through the bag walls.
Likewise, the reservoir bag, ink feed line and lay-flat tubing
need to be of sufficiently high quality plastic to prevent on-
shelf or in-use aging and cracking causing leaks. The reservoir
bag in the box preferably has internal ribs and/or a tip tube,
and they may be oriented vertically. The connector between the
reservoir bag and the feed tube may be placed at the bottom of
the bag, or a bottom corner of the bag, but this is not
absolutely required as the ink is fed by vacuum. The bag
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gradually collapses and the ink can feed upwardly in the bag by
capillary draw resulting from surface tension and ink viscosity.
Indeed, having the bag outlet adjacent the top is an additional
safety feature in that it resists siphoning or leakage.
Typically, the box in which the reservoir bag is supplied is
factory sealed, so that the consumer when installing the system
handles the box and not the bag. The box provides an additional
safety barrier from the bag becoming accidentally pierced by
scissors, pencil points, and the like, which are frequently used
around the office.
In the foot plate embodiment, the foot plates are conveniently
made of two layers of ABS plastic, each on the order of 1/16 inch
thick which are glued together, but is preferably a single 1/8
inch thick layer. The Tygon ink feed tubing is typically solvent
glued to the plastic fittings. The anti-kink coil is typically
a polyolefin plastic. The ink feed tube is typically on the
order of 24 inches long but may be any suitable length.
As an alternative present best mode embodiment for springbag-
type cartridges, the invention comprises inserting a plug/feed
tubE assembly having an in-line check valve through an aperture
in the perimeter wall of the cartridge. Such cartridges include
the HP 51640 series ( 51640 A, black; 51640 C, cyan; 51640 Y,
yellow; 51640 M, magenta; the corresponding 51650 C,Y,M series
for plotters; 51645A, black for printers and plotters; and the
51644 C,Y,M series for plotters ). The aperture may be a special
hole drilled in the perimeter wall ( e.g., by an after market
refill house ), or may be derived by removal of an OEM fill plug,
which is typically a ball press-fit in the hole in the perimeter
wall to seal the fill hole. The ball can be pushed into the
cartridge to reopen the OEM file hole.
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In one alternative for this springbag cartridge auxiliary fill
system, an annular plug is provided to seal the aperture
drilled hole or OEM fill port ). The annular plug has a center
bore through which an ink feed tube passes from the auxiliary
reservoir. An inlet check value is employed at any convenient
place in the line, or may be provided as part of the annular plug
assembly. In the present best mode for this auxiliary fill
system for springbag cartridges, after the ball plug is pushed
into the cartridge, a foot plate or foot bag lS placed over the
hole. The foot plate or foot bag can include a rigid tubular
ball pusher that has a center bore connected to the channel in
the foot plate or to the aperture in the bag. The ball pusher
is centered on the OEM ball plug. As the foot plate is pressed
into the cartridge the ball is pushed into the cartridge and the
foot plate ( or foot bag ) is sealed to the cartridge at the same
time. This sealing can be accomplished in a number of ways: via
tape on the cartridge-facing side of the foot plate, by snap-in
of the ball pusher in the ball plug hole, or by other friction
or interference fit of resilient material in the ball plug hole.
Where check valves are used in the system of the invention,
they act as a safety as compared to prior art ink resupply
systems that are open to the atmosphere. In such "open~ systems,
if the auxiliary reservoir is disconnected or runs out of ink,
air can be introduced through the line ( luer ) into the
cartridge and ink leaks out the head; the bladder system becomes
non-functional due to pressure imbalance.
In the conventional sponge type cartridge, there is a small
open-to-atmosphere port, which may be a plug having a calibrated
borehole. The system of this invention involves providing a
lumen to insert in the borehole or in the hole remaining when the
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-12-
port plug is pushed into or extracted from the cartridge, or a
foot plate or foot bag placed over the port or borehole. The
lumen can be pushed partway into the cartridge or all the way
through the sponge to the bottom of the cartridge, providing
either top fill or bottom fill. In all three embodiments, the
port is sealed, either with an annular plug or via the sealing
surface of the foot plate or footbag, and an inlet check valve
is employed in line, or with the port seal mechanism, or in the
foot plate or bag or in association with the auxiliary reservoir.
The sponge cartridge now is converted to and operates as an
negative pressure cartridge. The pressure dynamics of a sponge
cartridge system will ordinarily require a somewhat lower spring
force in the check valve, i.e. the check valve opens at a lower
negative pressure, to counterbalance the sponge plus negative
pressure in the cartridge, to permit ink feed from the auxiliary
cartridge and prevent cartridge stall.
The invention, being a pull-through system based on vacuum
created by printing demand, is ideally suited to future
cartridges where the OEM fill port and ball plug system is
eliminated. That is, OEM manufacturers in the future may decide
to do the fill through the bubble generator by first evacuating
the cartridge ink space, thus eliminating the need for an OEM
fill port. The system of this invention is ideally suited to
this initial fill strategy where an initial va-uum is created in
the cartridge and a sealing member is placed surrounding the
bubble generator port, which in turn is connected via a tube to
an ink supply. The sealing member (such as an O-ring or other
resilient annular structure) is retracted from the cartridge once
filled, and applied to the next cartridge in line. Either a
vacuum can be pulled on the cartridge via the bubble generator,
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as the internal spring bladders ("lungs") can be inflated by
pressure through the open-to-atmosphere pressure equalization
port. Pressurizing the lungs forces air out the bubble
generator. Once the sealing ink feed assembly is placed over the
bubble generator, the lung pressure is released and the collapse
of the lungs draws ink into the cartridge, filling it.
Of course, the cartridge does not know whether this is an
initial fill or a refill. Thus, the process aspects of this
invention include thee methods for both initial fill and refill.
For a refill, a kit can be provided with a small rubber bulb pump
and a foot plate, or other ink feed sealing member, that is
sealingly connectible to the bubble generator. The bulb tip is
inserted in the air port of the lungs on the top of the cartridge
and the compressed, forcing air out the bubble generator. The
cartridge is preferably inverted during this procedure to prevent
residual ink leakage. Once compressed, a sealing member
(connected to the ink supply) is placed over the bubble
generator, the bulb is released and the ink is drawn into the
cartridge. The proximal end of the ink feed tube can then be
connected to another full auxiliary ink reservoir to continuously
replenish ink as described above. A unitary ~fill station"
assembly may be provided, where the empty cartridge is inserted
in a holder that has a mating bulb/pump inlet and a sealable ink
inlet. This can be used in production for initial fill, in which
case it is automated, or in a kit form for individuals to use
aftermarket.
In another embodiment of the invention, a fill kit can ~e
provided having a tubular piercing device that passes through the
hole in the top air port ( e.g. of an HP 51626-type cartridge ).
The tube is long enough to pierce the thin metal foil disc-type
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septum. Ink may be gravity or pump fed through the tube. The
tube is either multi-lumen, with at least one being an air
outlet, or may have side grooves to permit air to exhaust from
the cartridge during the filling process. In the alternative,
the cartridge can be inverted, and air escapes out the bubble
generator. Or a vacuum can be drawn first or simultaneously
through the bubble generator, in which case the tubular piercing
device is single lumen and sized to fit the full diameter of the
air port.
This multi-lumen air port fill approach is also useful for the
springbag-type cartridges, in which case the broad flexible sides
of the cartridge can be squeezed to exhaust air from the ink
reservoir zone of the cartridge.
~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric view from the right side of a typical
printer or plotter showing the preferred mounting location of the
external ink reservoir and the ink feed tube path to the lay-flat
tubing delivery assembly for feeding into the bottom of the
cartridge;
Figure 2 is a front 3/4 elevation showing the distal end of the
feed tube of the external ink feed system of the invention
terminating in the lay-flat tubing delivery assembly wrapping
around the front and bottom of the cartridgei
Figure 3 is an exploded isometric view of the preferred, best
mode of the reservoir bag and the protective mounting box;
Figure 4 is an exploded isometric of the ink reservoir bag
fitting and the twist-on fitting at the proximal end of the ink
feed tube;
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Figure ~ is a side elevation vlew of a portion of the presently
preferred ink reservoir bag and ink tube connector assembly;
Figure 6 is an exploded isometric view of the lay-flat tubing
assembly and the double-sided tape which secures it to the back
and bottom of the cartridge;
Figure 7 is an isometric view of the lay-flat tubing assembly
as secured to the cartridge;
Figure 8 is a section view taken along lines 8-8 of Figure 7
through the cartridge and lay-flat tubing assembly showing it
adhered in placei
Figure 9 is an enlarged, partly broken away, section view of
the back and bottom of the cartridge showing the detail of the
securement of the delivery tubing assembly to the cartridgei
Figure 10 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
the lay-flat tubing assembly showing a bag spreader internal to
the tubing;
Figure 11 is an isometric view showing one embodiment of the
foot plate assembly mounted to the cartridgei
Figure 12 is an exploded isometric of the foot plate assembly
embodiment shown in Figure 11;
Figure 13 is a section view of the foot plate assembly of
Figure 12 taken along lines 13-13 in Figure 12;
Figure 14 is an exploded isometric of a second embodiment of
the foot plate assembly showing how it is mounted to the bottom
of the cartridge and illustrating the vacuum relief valve
location;
Figure 15 is an isometric view of a sponge filled ink reservoir
bag;
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Figure 16 is an isometric of the system adapted to multiple
color printing showing a plurality of external reservoirs and
multiple feed tubes to multiple color cartridges; and
Figure 17 is a section view through the foot plate of Figure 11
along lines 17-i7 in Figure 12;
Figure 18 is partially schematic, partially broken away,
isometric view of a conventional springbag-type cartridge showing
two alternative placements of the distal connector and feed tube;
Figure 19 is a section view through the ball pusher foot plate
assembly of taken along line 18-18 of Figure 17.
Figure 20 is a schematic, view of an initlal fill/refill system
particularly suitable for refill kits, employing air pressure
through the air port and ink fill through the bubble generator
for cartridges having spring bladders and not having a fill port
or in which the fill port plug is not removed or removable;
Figure 21 is a schematic, partial section view showing an
initial fill system for cartridges of the type of Figure 20 in
which a valve is used to switch between a vacuum source and an
ink reservoir for initial fill or refill through the bubble
generator;
Figure 22 is a schematic section view of an alternative
piercing fill needle system for refill through an air port which
disables a spring bladder system of the cartridge; and
Figures 23A and 23B are section views of to two alternative
needle configurations for the system of Figure 22.
DETATT~n DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE
lNV~N l IONS:
The following detailed description illustrates the invention
by way of example, not by way of limitation of the principles of
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the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled
in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several
embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of
the invention, including what we presently believe ls the best
mode of carrying out the invention.
Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the external ink feed
system 1 of this invention which comprises an external ink tank
or reservoir assembly 10 and a feed tube assembly 40 which
extends between the external ink tank assembly 10 and the
standard cartridge 2 of the ink jet printer, plotter, copler, or
fax machine 3. As described in more detail below, the feed tube
assembly 40 has special connectors at the proximal, in-feed end
to connect the tube to the external ink reservoir and at the
distal delivery end to deliver the ink to the OEM ink cartridge.
Figure 1 illustrates the system of the invention viewed from the
right hand side of the printer and particularly shows the
arrangement from the external ink tank or reservoir assembly
viewpoint, whereas Figure 2 illustrates the delivery end of the
connection of the feed tube assembly 40 to the cartridge 2 (
discussed in more detail below ).
Turning now to Figures 3 and 4, the external ink tank or
reservoir assembly 10 comprises a bag-type reservoir 11 which is
inserted in a box 12 which is secured to the side of the lnk jet
printer, plotter, copier, or plain paper ink jet fax as shown in
Figure 1 by double-sided tape or Velcro~ hook and loop fastener
system 13. As shown in Figure 3, the left end panel 14 is
openable, and the bag reservoir 11 can be inserted and the end
panel closed by the closure flap 15. The reservoir connector
fitting 20 projects out the hole 16 at the right end of the box.
Figure 3 also shows an aperture or window 17 in the side wall for
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viewing the bag volume level. Convenient volume indicator
indicia 18 may be printed on the box. The bag 11 is typically
a plastic bag which is compatible to the ink so that ink
stability can be maintained. A good bag material is Mylar, PVC,
PETE, polyolefin or an ethyl vinyl acetate-type polymer. The
polymer type is not particularly critical, so long as it does not
affect the characteristics of the ink, and it preferably includes
a barrier layer to reduce or eliminate degradation by O, or CO~
diffusing through the bag walls. The sides of the bag can be
sealed adjacent the marginal edges as shown at 21A-D in Fi~ure 3.
The sealing also captures the interior end of the reservoir
fitting 20 with a leak proof seal. The reservoir is shown
mounted on the vertical right side of the printer, but it can be
wall mounted as shown in Figure 16, or even mounted on a
horizontal or inclined surface. Typical volume is 84 ml, but it
may be any convenient size.
As shown in Figure 4, a suitable and exemplary type of fitting
comprises an axial inlet 22, a spaced, coaxially larger
cylindrical body 23 to which the bag is sealed, a shoulder 24,
an external male connector tubing 25 having flanges 26 at the
distal end thereof, and an internal ring-biased valve stem 27.
The ink feed tube assembly 40 includes an ink feed tube 30 having
a twist-on connector 31 at the proximal end thereof. The
connector 31 includes a cylindrical body 32 with internal threads
33 which engage the tabs or lug 26 on the bag connector. Inlet
tube 34 has an axial length sufficient to engage the valve stem
27 so that when the threads 33 engage the tabs 26 and the two
pieces of the connector are tightened by rotating body 32, the
valve 27 is opened by axial movement and the ink can be withdrawn
from the cartridge. The ink feed tube may also be threaded
CA 022~3418 1998-11-02
W 097/42035 PCTrUS97/07126
- 1 9 -
through an protective coil wrap or flex shield 35 that functions
as a support and anti-kinking wrap. The tubing is preferably
Tygon having an external diameter of 0.093" and a central lumen
of 0.0313" internal diameter. A convenient length is on the
order of 20-30 inches.
As best shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ink feed tube assembly
40 is led around behind the printer 3 up through the gap between
the top lid 4 and the rear of the printer track housing 5 where
it is secured by a hold-down tape or clip assembly 50. Other
intermediate hold-down clips ( not shown ~ may be used to secure
the tube to any convenient surface. The feed type can be teed
to feed more than one printer, especially where the reservoir 10
is large. An important feature of the tape hold-down is that it
directs the ink feed tube assembly 40 at a diagonal from left to
right across the top of the printer housing 5. This is best
shown on Figure 2 by the angle ~, which typically ranges from 30-
60~. This angular securement causes the ink feed tube assembly
40 to snake to the right as shown by arrow 55 in Figures 1 and
2, as compared to the printer cartridge control ribbon 6 which
snakes to the left between the printer 3 and the cartridge 2.
This prevents the ink feed tube assembly 40 from becoming snagged
on the cartridge control ribbon 6 as the cartridge 2 oscillates
back and forth, left to right, during printing operations as
shown by arrow A in Figure 2. Optionally, an anti-kink and
support plastic coil 35 may be employed over the tubing 30 to
prevent cut-off of ink flow due to kinking. Optionally, a pinch
valve 45 may be employed to close the line when changing the
reservoirs to ensure no leakage out the proximal end of the line,
or from sucking air into the line if the printer is still running
during reservoir change-out.
, . . .
CA 022~34l8 l998-ll-02
W097/4203~ PCTAUS97/07126
-20-
Figure 5 shows the preferred bag fitting 20 and female
connector 31 at the proximate end of the ink reed tube 30. The
end of the connector body 20 contains a self-sealing elastomeric
disc-type plastic plug material 28 having a slit 29. The
proximal end of the ink feed tube assembly tubing 30 fits into
a cylindrical body 32 having a pair of opposed T-shaped spring
clamps 36 A and ~3 which are cantilevered at their centers by
transverse web 37 and terminate in prongs 38 A and B. The prongs
clamp over cylindrical end cap into which is press fit the
elastomeric disc 28. The aperture cap 41 has an enlarged end or
shank 25. By pressing the clamp ends 36A, B together, the prongs
38A, B are opened and the inlet tube 34, which is tapered at its
end 39, is pushed into and through the slit 29 in the soft
plastic plug material 28. The plug material seals against the
side walls of the inlet tube 34 and the ink feed connection is
accomplished. It permits use of a blunt tip 39 on the male
connector 31 rather than a sharp metal hollow needle. the tip
tube 52 in the bag 11 is inserted in the internal end 23 of the
main body. The lumen 42 connects the lumen of tube 30 with that
of dip tube 52. The bag 11 has interval, anti-wetting ribs 63
to prevent ink trapping as the bag empties.
The fittings described herein are typically a polyurethane
isoplastic, such as made by DOW Chemical Company and the Tygon
tubing 30 may be glued thereunto by cyclohexanone solvent
bonding. The reservoir bag 11 is preferably HF/RF sealed EVA
with a barrier layer. The plastic or cardboard box 12 is
typically on the order of 3-3/4 inches high by 4-3/4 inches long.
The best mode adhesive strip 68 is a closed-cell foam double-
sided adhesive tape such as Scotch Brand VHB4932 25 mil. acrylic
foam tape.
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-21-
The bag 11 may be mounted as shown in Figure 3 which is self-
collapsing as the ink is drawn therefrom by vacuum developed in
the cartridge 2. Preferably, however, a dip tube 52 ( shown in
Figures 2 and 5 ) leads from the interior end 22 of the fitting
20 ( see Figure 4 ) to the bottom of the bag 11. Alternately,
the fitting 20 may be placed adjacent the bottom corner of the
bag 11 rather than near the top.
Where priming is desired, the priming may be done by an inline
squeeze ball primer, a check valve or port primer, by syringe
introduction through a tee in the feed tube, or simply by finger
pressure on the window 17 in the box 12. Air ( or an inert gas
) may be left in, supplied upon initial filling, or let into the
bag during use via a check valve to improve ink level visibility
A universal screw-in filling, e.g., a luer-type fitting, may be
used as the bag fitting 20.
The preferred embodiment of the ink delivery system to the
cartridge 2 is a lay-flat ~tubing~ assembly 60. This is shown
in Figures 2 and 6-10. As shown in Figure 6, the ink feed tube
30 is sealed to a lay-flat tubing 61 which conveniently may be
a tube made from ethylene vinyl acetate, for example, made by
Solmed and offered as its Medipak brand multi-layer polymeric
lay-flat film ( part number Solmed 9002 ). The tubing 30 is
preferably directly sealed into the upper end 62A of the lay-flat
tubing assembly, and the other end is also sealed shut at 62B.
The tubing preferably has internal ribs 63 ( 63A, B ) projecting
inwardly from each inner tubing wall 64A, 64B. As best seen in
Figures 6 through 9, these ribs prevent the lay-flat tubing fro~
collapsing and pinching shut as the tubing is directed around the
corner 71 formed by the juncture of the back wall 7 and bottom
8 of the cartridge 2. As best seen in the broken away portion
CA 022~34l8 l998-ll-02
W097/42035 PCTAUS97/07126
of Figure 6, the ribs 63A, B on opposite sides of the bag are
offset so that continuous ink flow channels are maintained from
the inlet tubing 30 to the delivery hole 65. While Figure 6
shows a tapered wing type fitting 66, the direct sealing of the
Tygon tubing to the EVA plastic of the lay-flat tubing 61 as
shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9 is the preferred embodiment. The
ribs 63 maintain a full flow of ink. The bag ends 62A, B can be
sealed, preferably by high frequency RF, which is conventional
in the industry.
The inner face of the lay-flat tubing 61 is secured to the back
7 and bottom 8 of the cartridge 2 as shown in Figures 7, 8 and
9 by means of a relatively heavy duty double-sided tape 68 which
has a thickness sufficient to accommodate for variations in the
molding in the bottom 8 of the cartridge 2 or the upper flange
19 of the cartridge. The currently preferred double-sided tape
68 is a double-sided gasket material, 3M Scotch Brand VHB ( very
high bond ) of .025 inch thickness, having high bonding adhesive
on both sides.
As shown in Figure 6, a hole 69, which is coordinate with the
aperture 65 in one wall of the lay-flat tubing foot bag 61, is
provided in the tape 68. The first protective peel-off tape (
not show in Figure 6 ) is removed from the tape 68 and it is
adhered to the inner face of lay-flat tubing 61 with the holes
aligned. Later, at the time of application, the customer peels
off the other protective facing tape 70 and adheres the lay-flat
tubing assembly 61 to the bottom and back of the cartridge as
shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9. As best shown in Figure 9, the hole
65 in the inner face of the tubing 61 aligns with the hole 69 in
the double-sided VHB tape 68. In turn, both of these align with
the vacuum relief valve aperture g in the bottom 8 of the
CA 022~34l8 l998-ll-02
W097/42035 PCT~US97/07126
cartridge 2. As best seen in Figure 9, the staggered ribs 63A,
63B maintain spacing around the corner 71 to permit continuous
ink flow. The total thickness of the lay-flat tubing ls on the
order of .040" + .010~ inch even when permitting ink flow
therethrough, thus pro~iding ample clearance even in the Hewlett-
Packard:900 series plain paper fax machines. In the Hewlett-
Packard:500 and 600 series Desk Jet printers, there is even more
clearance.
Figure 10 shows an alternative method of insuring that the foot
bag is maintained open by means of a bag spreader 75 which
comprises an lnlet connector 76 terminating in a flange 77 to
which the bag is sealed. Projecting from the flange are a pair
of long flexible plastic or metal fingers 78A, B. The fingers
are thin and highly flexible, and while bend.able, prevent the
foot bag from collapsing so that the aperture 65 in the one wall
can be aligned with the vacuum check valve 9 as described in
connection with Figure 9. The connector fitting 76 receives the
tubing 30.
Figures 11 through 14 and 17 show several embodiments of
additional embodiments of the distal ink delivery system of the
ink feed tube assembly 40. These embodiments are generally
termed "foot plate" embodiments.
With respect to Figures 11 through 13 and 17, the supply line
( tube 30 wrapped with anti-kink coil 35 ) is led across the top
corner of the cartridge 2 and is held in place by clip 81. The
bare tubing 30 is then led down the back 7 of the cartridge to
a male connector 82 which is inset in a hole in the upper plate
85 of a foot plate assembly 80, which may be a single layer as
in Figures 11 and 17 or two layers as seen in Figures 12 and 13.
As best seen in FigureQ 12 and 13, the connector 82 leads to a
CA 022~3418 1998-11-02
W097/42035 PCTrUS97/07126
-24-
channel 86 in the lower layer 87 of the foot plate 80. This
channel is led diagonally to a hole 88 in the upper layer 85.
The foot plate hole 85 sealingly mates with the vacuum relief
valve 9 in the bottom 8 of the cartridge 2 as best seen in
Figure 11. An o-ring 89 may be used to assist in the seal. As
noted, Figure 13 is a section view taken along the line 13-13 of
Figure 12. Note also that the foot plate forward end 91 has one
or more notches 92 or ears 93A, B which mate with the
corresponding relieved portions 94A, B in the foot of the
cartridge as best seen in Figures 7, 8, 11 and 14. The ink is
fed down the tube 30, through the connector 82, thence through
the transverse diagonal channel 86, and is sucked up through the
opening 88 via valve 9 as the ink pressure drops inside the
cartridge 2.
Figures 11 and 17 show the best mode of the single layer
embodiment of the foot plate, in which channel 86 is a bare
formed by cross-drilling from an edge through entry 90. The
tubular connector 82 is inserted in hole 83 and the tube 86
terminates in hole 88. The inner end of the tube 82 includes a
relieved portion 84 on one side which permits ink flow into
tube 86. The entry so is then filled with an appropriate glue
plug 96, also shown in Figure 11.
Figure 14 shows an alternative foot plate 80A in which the tube
30 is fed into a corner 95 of the foot plate through channel 86
and thence through a hole 88 which mates with the vacuum check
valve 9 in the bottom of the cartridge 8. In this instance, the
double-sided tape surface 68 is shown. As noted by arrow B, the
foot plate is turned over 180~ to mount the foot plate on the
bottom of the cartridge so that the tubing 30 is led up along the
corner 97 of the cartridge 2.
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W097/4203S PCT~S97107126
-25-
Figure 15 shows an alternative embodiment in which the
reservoir bag llA is filled wlth a sponge, open celled plastic
foam, beads, microtubes, or other ink retaining material 98,
which retains and supplies ink by capillarity. A check valve 43
may be provided in line and an inlet, vacuum relief check valve
44 is advantageously mounted to the bag to prevent backflow and
printer stall. As shown, the end entry is used in a Hewlett-
Packard printer while a side entry ( not shown ) can be used for
a Canon printer.
Figure 16 shows a multiple feed system for printers, plotters,
copier, and faxes which use various colored inks. Note the
external reservoir system llC comprises a plurality of
reservoirs, identified K for black ink, C for cyan ( blue ), M
for magenta and Y for yellow. These are fed through multi-lumen
ink feed tube assembly 40 which is secured by clip 50 with each
of the tubes terminating in a lay-flat bag assembly 60 ( not
shown ) for their respective cartridges ( also not shown in
Figure 16 ). While the bag 11 of the external reservoir 10 shown
in Figure 3 typically has a volume on the order of 84
milliliters, which is double the OEM cartridge capacity, the
system shown in Figure 15 may use much larger, wall-mounted
reservoirs, which themselves can be refilled through appropriate
closures 99. A single reservoir may be manifolded to multiple
cartridges in separate printers, plotters, copiers, or faxes, or
to multiple cartridges in the same device, e.g., a plotter with
multiple same or different color pens.
Figures 18 and 19 show the invention adapted to a standard
springbag-type cartridge 100 having a perimeter wall 102 in which
is located an OEM fill port aperture 106 which is sealed after
the initial filling by a steel or plastic ball plug 104. The
CA 022~3418 1998-11-02
W097/42035 PCTAUS97/07126
-26-
application of the invention to these types of cartridges is by
use of a sealing member 108, typically a foot plate or footbag,
which includes rigid tubular ball pusher 110. As best seen in
Figure 19, the ball pusher is placed against the port 106 and
pushed inwardly to remove the ball 104 which falls to one side
in the cartridge as seen in Figure 18. Continuing to push seals
the foot plate to the cartridge wall by means of double sided
tape 109. The ball pusher includes a center bore which is
connected to the ink channel 112, which in turn is connected to
an ink feed tube 114. Convenient~y, a check valve 116, which
typically comprises a ball 118 and spring 120, may be provided
at any convenient place in line.
The upper right corner of Figure 18 also shows an aftermarket
solution not involving a ball pusher. In this embodiment, a hole
122 is drilled in the perimeter wall 102 and a plug 126 is
sealingly seated in the hole. Conveniently, the plug can
terminate in a delivery tube or diptube 124 which is connected
to the ink feed line 114. If desired the plug can include a
check valve 116 of a ball and spring type 118, 120.
Figures 20 and 21 show two alternatives for initial OEM fill
and subsequent aftermarket refilling of standard cartridges of
the HP 51626, -29, -33M and Encad types, series where such
cartridges do not have a ball-plug fill hole on the top or it is
determined that removal of the ball plug is not feasible or not
desirable. In Figure 20, a fill station 130 is provided which
comprises a cartridge holder 132 mounted to support 133 (shown
schematically) which grips the cartridge 134 in an inverted
position. An air pressure assembly 136 is provided having an
inlet line and a sealing member 138 for sealingly engaging the
air vent or air port 140 at the inverted top o~ the cartridge.
CA 022~3418 1998-11-02
W097/42035 PCT~US97/07126
In addition, an ink supply assembly 142 having a sealing member
144 is provided for sealingly engaging the bubble generator 146.
A flexible line is connected to an ink supply 148 which
conveniently may have a check valve 150. In this embodiment, the
air pressure and ink supply assemblies 136, 142 are linked by an
actuatlng mechanism 152, shown schematically. The solid dots are
pivot points. The lever 154 is connect via links 156A and 156B
to the air pressure supply and the ink supply, respectively.
In operation, the cartridge is placed in holder 132 of fill
station 130. The lever 154 is pressed down as shown by arrow A.
This contacts the air pressure supply 136 to the air port 140,
while simultaneously raising the ink supply sealing member 144
away from the bubble generator 146. Air pressure is supplied
through the air port 140 and the internal Spring bladders or
lungs 158 expand from position 158A to 158B forcing air to escape
from the remAining volume inslde the cartridge via the bubble
generator 146 or the jets 147. The volume on the lnterior of the
cartridge 160 which holds the ink is thus reduced. Tn the
second step of the operation, the lever 154 is raised as shown
by arrow B. This causes the ink supply sealing member 154 to
sealingly engage around the bubble generator port 156 while
unsealing the air port 140 as the sealing member 148 is removed
from engagement with the inverted top of the cartridge. The air
pressure from source 136 is stopped, but the pressure is
maintained to keep the lungs in the inflated position before the
lever 154 is actuated to the raised position. In addition, a
lost motion link in the linkage 152 ( not shown ) causes the
seating of ink supply sealing member 144 before the air pressure
sealing member 148 is removed from the air port. Alternatively,
pressure can be introduced or removed by a valve rather than by
CA 022~34l8 l998-ll-02
W097/42035 PCT~US97/07126
-28-
the physical actuation of the seal 138 to or from the surface.
Once the ink supply connection is made, the air exhausts from
the lungs 158 creating a vacuum in the cartridge ink volume 160
and ink is drawn from the ink supply 148 to fill the cartridge.
The cartridge is then righted and reinstalled in the printer,
plotter, copier or fax and used in a conventional manner.
Figure 21 shows an alternative system for filling a cartridge
134. While this is principally suitable for initial filling by
an OEM, as it requires a vacuum source, enough vacuum can be
provided by a manual pump such that it can be part of an
aftermarket kit or refill station.
The cartridge 134 is clamped between a base 172 and hold downs
174A and 174B. The base, hold downs and supply system 176 are
shown in schematic. A seal member 182 is recipricatingly
sealable against the bottom of the cartridge around the bubble
generator 146 as shown by arrow R. A three-way valve 178 is
turned so that it connects to a vacuum source 180. A vacuum is
drawn in the ink supply space 160 of the cartridge 134 and the
spring bladders 158 swell from the collapsed stage 158A to the
enlarged state 158B by draw in of air through the air port 140.
Then the three-way valve 178 is rotated clockwise as shown by the
arrow 184 to connect ink supply 148 to the interior of the
cartridge 160. The ink is drawn into the cartridge as the
bladder 158 collapses and air is exhausted out the air port 140.
The valve is closed and the seal member 182 is removed from the
bottom of the cartridge. The cartridge is removed from the hold
downs and another cartridge is automatically shuttled in place
for filling.
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W097/42035 PCT~US97107126
-29-
Figure~ 22 , 23A and 23B shown in partial section view still
another embodiment of the invention by which a cartridge 134 is
filled through the air port 140. The air port is a passage way
in plug 196 which is seated in an OEM aperture 198 in the top of
the cartridge. The plug 196 is generally T-shaped and has
lateral flanges 214 to which the bladder assembly 190 is secured.
The bladder assembly includes a pair of bags 194A and 194B and
flexible spring metal wings 192A and 192B. There is also a
circular thin metal foil diaphragm 204 which seals the assembly
so that there is a continuous air passage 202 from the air port
140 into the bags 194A and B. An ink supply needle 206 is pushed
downwardly through air port 140 so that its tip pierces the foil
diaphragm 204. The needle has a central lumen 208 which connects
to the ink supply 148. By rupturing the diaphragm, the spring
bladder assembly 190 is disabled. The filling of the ink through
the luer 208 ensures that the bladders 194A and B remain
collapsed. Air escapes through the rupture in the diaphragm 204
and then out a gap or notch 210 between the needle and the wall
of the port 140. This is best shown in Figure 23. Once the
cartridge is refilled, a plug or seal member (e.g., cylindrical
plug with a disc shaped top) is used to seal the air port 140.
Figures 23A and 23B show two alternative embodiments of the
fill needle 206 having a center bore or lumen 208. In Figure
23A, the needle 206 is oval thus leaving a gap 210 between the
side wall of the needle and the inner wall of the air port 140.
I~ Figure 23B, the needle may have one or more axially parallel
grooves 212 which leaves a space 210 between the needle side wall
and the port 140.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY:
CA 022~34l8 l998-ll-02
W097/4203~ PCTAUS97/07126
-30-
In actual tests, a prototype of the external feed reservoir
system of this invention having an 84 milliliter double cartridge
capacity successfully printed approximately 2400 pages
continuously at 5~ coverage with no cartridge interruption. That
is, the original cartridge capacity on the order of 800 pages was
trlpled by attachment of the external feed system of this
invention. The inks employed were those shown in our copending
application serial number 08/558,143, filed November 13, 1995.
The printer employed was an Hewlett-Packard Desk Jet 560C
employing black ink. The ink density was entirely satisfactory.
It should be noted that the system of this invention employs
a vacuum draw created by the printing. Thus, this as-print-
created vacuum draw ink feed system has a distinct commercial
advantage with great industrial applicability since the external
reservoir of this invention is less sensitive to height placement
than those of the prior art in which a positive feed head was
essentially critical to their operation. In contrast, in this
invention fluid head is of little or no importance. Thus, the
system is far more applicable and useful by unskilled people who
have no appreciation of fluid dynamics and either have no wish
or no inclination to learn about such problems. Thus, the
instant invention solves a serious prior art problem of reservoir
placement. Further, it easily triples ink capacity, extends the
life of the ink cartridges, saves money on replacement
cartridges, is fast and simple to use, clean to install, allows
ink level viewing, automatically shuts off, and requires less
frequent changing of ink supplies.
Further, since the system of this invention is a vacuum draw
system, the feed line 30 from the reservoir 10 to the cartridge
2 need not be primed. That is, the lay-flat tubing assembly 60
CA 022~34l8 l998-ll-02
W097/42035 PCT~US97/07126
or foot plate 80 is merely secured to the bottom or/and back of
the cartridge with the hole aligned with the vacuum relief valve
9. Since there is no ink in the feed tube and none in either the
foot plate or the lay-flat tubing assembly, when the protective
tape 70 is peeled off, there is no messy leakage or poor seal.
In addition, the system is under negative pressure, the ink is
of sufficient viscosity and the lumen of the tubing 30 is
sufficiently small that ink does not dribble from the tube 30
when changing reservoirs. Note that once the first installation
of the lay-flat delivery assembly 60 or foot plate is made,
subsequent reservoir replenishment is made via twist connector
20. No ink dribbles from the tubing 30 for the same reasons.
The application is simple, clean and essentially fool-proof.
The auxiliary ink system of this application will find wide
applicability to a wide variety of printers, plotters, copiers,
and plain paper faxes employing ink jet technology. Examples of
these include: Hewlett-Packard:900 series plain paper faxes,
Desk Jet and Desk Jet Plus printers of the 500, 600, 1200C and
1600C series; Desk Writer and Desk Writer C series; plotters of
the 650C and 750C series; and the ENCAD, Novajet I, II and III
series. Examples of single reservoir to multiple cartridge
systems are the Hewlett-Packard Design Jet or Bryce envelope
addressing printer. Without limitation, the system of this
invention is applicable to the Hewlett-Packard cartridges of the
following systems, 51625A; 51626A; 51640C, Y, M; 51640A ( Black
); 51649A; 51650C, Y, M; 51633M; 51645A and the Hewlett-Packard:
-26A and -29A series cartridges. The auxiliary ink feed system
of this invention may be easily adapted to cartridges, printers,
plotters, copiers, and fax machines of other manufacturers, and
for both pigment-type and dye-based inks. HP 51625A and 54640,
CA 022~3418 1998-11-02
W097l4203S PCT~US97/07126
-32-
51649, S1650 series cartridges have no bubble generators. Thus,
we can use the alternative embodiments of the invention as
described above for the springbag-type cartridges.
In a particularly useful example of applicability of the
invention, a single large auxiliary reservoir can be plumbed with
multiple lumens (feed lines~ to feed multiple cartridges in a
single machine, e.g., a Pitney Bowes addressing machine in which
individual cartridges are dedicated to specific address lines,
or to an HP "Design Jet 200" or "Design Jet 600" which currently
employ two cartridges. The multiple feed lines can be direct
from the large reservoir, or may be manifolded off a single
larger feed tube close to the machine, with each individual
cartride being fed by an individual feed tube.
Conversely, multiple cartridges in multiple machines can be fed
from a single large reservoir, such as multiple printers grouped
in a row in a central printer location, e.g., in a law firm,
grapics or print shop, publications department of a company,
educational institution, government office or the like.
It should be understood that various modifications within the
scope of th1s invention can be made by one of ordinary skill in
the art without departing from the spirit thereof. We therefore
wish our invention to be defined by the scope of the appended
claims as broadly as the prior art will permit, and in view of
the specification if need be.
