Ink tank and ink-jet printer using the same

Details Ink tank and ink-jet printer using the same Ink tank and ink-jet printer using the same

2005-11-22

2005-11-22

Vo, Anh T. N. (Department: 2861)

Incremental printing of symbolic information

Ink jet

Fluid or fluid source handling means

C347S093000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06966642

ABSTRACT:
A printer and an ink tank for the printer capable of precisely detecting that ink has run out in a foam type ink tank. The ink chamber and an ink passage are formed in this order between the foam containing portion and the ink outlet of a foam-type ink tank. A first filter is installed between the foam containing portion and the ink passage and used to pass bubbles therethrough, whereas a second filter having a pore diameter smaller than the pore diameter of the first filter is installed between the ink chamber and the ink passage. A rectangular prism for detecting an ink end is formed on the side of the ink chamber. When the reflective surface of the rectangular prism is exposed from an ink liquid level as bubbles are gathered in the ink chamber with ink that is running short, light is reflected from the reflective surfaces and is detected by a reflection type optical sensor on the ink-jet printer side, so that the ink end can be determined. In a case where the capacity of the ink chamber is set sufficiently smaller, the ink end is detectable at a point of time when the ink has substantially run out.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5616929 (1997-04-01), Hara
patent: 5886721 (1999-03-01), Fujii et al.
patent: 5959649 (1999-09-01), Dietl et al.
patent: 6042224 (2000-03-01), Oda et al.
patent: 6209980 (2001-04-01), Kobayashi et al.
patent: 6332481 (2001-12-01), Shinada et al.
patent: 6736496 (2004-05-01), Hanaoka et al.
patent: 0 779 156 (1997-06-01), None
patent: 0 860 284 (1998-08-01), None
patent: 0 869 006 (1998-10-01), None
patent: 0 930 169 (1999-07-01), None
patent: 0 997 294 (2000-05-01), None
patent: 1 147 902 (2001-10-01), None
patent: 2 326 378 (1998-12-01), None
patent: 3-288653 (1991-12-01), None
patent: 6-143604 (1994-05-01), None
patent: 8-197743 (1996-08-01), None
patent: 8-207298 (1996-08-01), None
patent: 10-100448 (1998-04-01), None
patent: 11-115200 (1999-04-01), None
Patent Abstract of Japan, vol. 016, No. 122 (M-1226), Mar. 27, 1992 and JP 03 288653 A (Seiko Epson Corp.).
Patent Abstract of Japan, vol. 2003, No. 02, Feb. 5, 2003 and JP 2002 283588 A (Ricoh Co. Ltd.).
Patent Abstract of Japan, vol. 009, No. 245 (M-418), Oct. 2, 1985 and JP 60 097858 A (Canon KK).
Patent Abstract of Japan, vol. 2002, No. 09, Sep. 4, 2002 and JP 2002 127454 A (Canon Inc.).
Patent Abstract of Japan, vol. 013, No. 022 (M-786), Jan. 19, 1989 and JP 63 231943 A (Canon Inc.).
Patent Abstract of Japan, vol. 2000, No. 07, Sep. 29, 2000 and JP 2000 108373 A (Copyer Co. Ltd.).
Patent Abstract of Japan, vol. 011, No. 388 (M-652), Dec. 18, 1987 and JP 62 156963 A (Canon Inc.).

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Ink tank and ink-jet printer using the same does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Ink tank and ink-jet printer using the same, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ink tank and ink-jet printer using the same will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3493540