Incremental printing of symbolic information – Ink jet – Fluid or fluid source handling means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-19
2001-10-16
Vo, Anh T. N. (Department: 2861)
Incremental printing of symbolic information
Ink jet
Fluid or fluid source handling means
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302535
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to ink containers for providing ink to inkjet printers. More specifically, the present invention relates to an ink container that is configured for insertion into a receiving station within an inkjet printing system to establish reliable electrical connection therewith.
Inkjet printers frequently make use of an inkjet printhead mounted within a carriage that is moved relative to a print media, such as paper. As the printhead is moved relative to the print media, a control system activates the printhead to deposit or eject ink droplets onto the print media to form images and text. Ink is provided to the printhead by a supply of ink that is either integral with the printhead, as in the case of a disposable print cartridge, or by a supply of ink that is replaceable separate from the printhead.
One type of previously used printing system makes use of the ink supply that is carried with the carriage. This ink supply has been formed integral with the printhead, whereupon the entire printhead and ink supply are replaced when ink is exhausted. Alternatively, the ink supply can be carried with the carriage and be separately replaceable from the printhead. For the case where the ink supply is separately replaceable, the ink supply is replaced when exhausted. The printhead is then replaced at the end of printhead life. Regardless of where the ink supply is located within the printing system, it is critical that the ink supply provide a reliable supply of ink to the inkjet printhead.
There is an ever present need for inkjet printing systems that make use of replaceable ink containers that are easy to install and remove. The installation of the ink container should produce reliable functional connection to the printer. These ink containers should be relatively easy to manufacture, thereby tending to reduce the ink supply cost. Reduction of the ink supply cost tends to reduce the per page printing cost of the printing system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is a replaceable ink container for providing ink to an inkjet printing system. The replaceable ink container includes an engagement feature disposed on the leading edge and configured for engagement with corresponding engagement features associated with the inkjet printing system. The engagement features define a pivot axis about which the replaceable ink container pivots during insertion into the inkjet printing system. Also included with the replaceable ink container is a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on a leading edge relative to an insertion direction. The plurality of electrical contacts are disposed on the replaceable ink container below the pivot axis so that pivoting the replaceable ink container about the pivot axis during insertion causes the plurality of electrical contacts on the ink container to move toward corresponding electrical contacts associated with the printing system to establish electrical interconnection therebetween.
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A copy of PCT International Search Report for International Application No. PCT/US01/03121 mailed on May 21, 2001 (6 pages).
“Prints From New Epson Ink Jets Offer Longevity of Silver Halide.”The Hard Copy Observer. vol. X, No. 2, Feb. 2000, pp. 1, 60-64.
Johnson David C.
Steinmetz Charles R.
Sturgeon Scott D.
Hewlett--Packard Company
Sullivan Kevin B.
Vo Anh T. N.
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