Printhead/ink cartridge for pen

Details Printhead/ink cartridge for pen Printhead/ink cartridge for pen

2000-10-20

2003-04-22

Huson, Gregory L. (Department: 3751)

Coating implements with material supply

Separate feed from plural supply means to tool or to work

Selective feed

C178S018080, C178S079000, C345S179000, C401S028000, C401S047000, C401S194000, C401S195000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06550997

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to implements for placing markings, such as writing and drawings, on substrates, and more particularly to devices capable of placing markings with selectable characteristics, such as color, line width, and style. Marking includes the deposition of material, such as ink or toner, or the modification of the substrate itself, such as by thermal or electrostatic means.
CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
Various methods, systems and apparatus relating to the present invention are disclosed in the following co-pending applications filed by the applicant or assignee of the present invention simultaneously with the present invention:
09/693,415
09/693,219
09/693,280
09/693,515
09/693,705
09/693,647
09/693,690
09/693,593
09/693,216
09/693,341
09/696,473
09/696,514
09/693,301
09/693,388
09/693,704
09/693,510
09/693,336
09/693,335
The disclosures of these co-pending applications are incorporated herein by cross-reference.
Various methods, systems and apparatus relating to the present invention are disclosed in the following co-pending applications filed by the applicant or assignee of the present invention on Sep. 15, 2000:
09/663,579
09/669,599
091663,701
09/663,640
The disclosures of these co-pending applications are incorporated herein by cross-reference.
Various methods, systems and apparatus relating to the present invention are disclosed in the following co-pending applications filed by the applicant or assignee of the present invention on Jun. 30, 2000:
09/609,139
09/608,970
09/609,039
09/607,852
09/607,656
09/609,132
09/609,303
09/610,095
09/609,596
09/607,843
09/607,605
09/608,178
09/609,553
09/609,233
09/609,149
09/608,022
09/609,232
09/607,844
09/607,657
09/608,920
09/607,985
09/607,990
09/607,196
09/606,999
The disclosures of these co-pending applications are incorporated herein by cross-reference
Various methods, systems and apparatus relating to the present invention are disclosed in the following co-pending applications filed by the applicant or assignee of the present invention on May 23, 2000:
09/575,197
09/575,195
09/575,159
09/575,132
09/575,123
09/575,148
09/575,130
09/575,165
09/575,153
09/575,118
09/575,131
09/575,116
09/575,144
09/575,139
09/575,186
09/575,185
09/575,191
09/575,145
09/575,192
09/575,181
09/575,193
09/575,156
09/575,183
09/575,160
09/575,150
09/575,169
09/575,184
09/575,128
09/575,180
09/575,149
09/575,179
09/575,133
09/575,143
09/575,187
09/575,155
09/575,196
09/575,198
09/575178 
09/575,164
09/575,146
09/575,174
09/575,163
09/575,168
09/575,154
09/575,129
09/575,124
09/575,188
09/575,189
09/575,162
09/575,172
09/575,170
09/575,171
09/575,161
09/575,141
09/575,125
09/575,142
09/575,140
09/575,190
09/575,138
09/575,126
09/575,127
09/575,158
09/575,117
09/575,147
09/575,152
091575,176
09/575,115
09/575,114
09/575,113
09/575,112
09/575,111
09/575,108
09/575,109
09/575,110
The disclosures of these co-pending applications are incorporated herein by cross-reference.
BACKGROUND
Current drawing and writing implements such as pens and pencils are relatively static devices in relation to the characteristics of the marking that they produce. A pencil, fountain or ball type pen generally has a single marking point which deposits a single color of lead or ink. The marking point of a pen cannot be modified other than by replacement and any modification of the characteristics of markings made rely on the user changing the orientation of the implement, the direction of movement and the force applied to the substrate. Whilst some ball type pens are available with multiple separate cartridges, these merely provide the user with the ability to select a particular color. Because each color is provided by a separate cartridge, there is a limit on the number of colors which may be practically provided.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In an attempt to provide a writing or marking implement with increased utility, the present invention, in one broad form, provides a pen or a cartridge for a pen including an inkjet type printhead as an alternative to a conventional nib or point of a pen or pencil. The provision of an inkjet type printhead enables more variation of and easier control over the characteristics of the markings made as compared to conventional pens and pencils.
The invention also provides, in one broad form, a pen including a marking device and operative to mark a visible path onto a surface, the marking device electronically controllable to change at least one attribute of the path, the pen including a user interface whereby a user may modify the at least one attribute.
The marking device may be integral with the pen or may be part of a user replaceable cartridge.
Accordingly, in one broad form, the invention also provides a cartridge for a pen, the cartridge including a marking device and operative to mark a visible path onto a surface, the marking device electronically controllable to change at least one attribute of the path.
The pen or the cartridge may include a non marking stylus nib. The stylus nib is preferably movable along a first axis relative to the cartridge body or pen. Alternatively, the stylus nib may be fixed. In the preferred form the stylus and marking device are both part of a user replaceable cartridge but the stylus nib may be part of the pen and the marking device part of a disposable cartridge.
A position sensor which senses the relative position of the stylus nib, or a force sensor which senses the compressive force applied to the stylus nib, or both, may be provided. The information sensed may be used merely to turn the marking device on or off or it may also be used to control an attribute of the path deposited.
An on/off switch may be turned to an “on” state upon sensing of more than a predetermined amount of movement of the stylus nib or application of more than a predetermined compressive force to the stylus nib.
The marking device preferably includes a capping device movable between an open position, in which the printhead may deposit ink on the surface, and a closed position in which the capping device blocks the printhead from depositing ink.
In the preferred form the capping device rotates about an axis between the open and closed positions. Preferably this movement is achieved by movement of the stylus nib.
In a preferred embodiment there is a stylus nib movable along a first axis which includes a slot or groove extending at other than 0° or 90° to the first axis. A capping device is mounted in front of the marking device and is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis between an open and closed position. The capping device includes an arm engaging the slot or groove, whereby movement of the stylus nib along the first axis moves the capping device between the open and closed positions.
The cartridge or pen may include a power source for at least the marking device and preferably for the user interface. The power source may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery.
Where a cartridge is provided, the cartridge preferably includes an electrical input for receiving at least one control signal for changing the at least one attribute from the pen.
The marking device may act onto the surface or a transfer device may be provided onto which the marking device acts.
Where a cartridge is provided, the cartridge may include non volatile memory which stores at least data relating to the modifiable attribute or attributes.
The marking device is preferably an ink ejection type printhead but other marking devices may be used.
The invention in a further embodiment provides a pen including a marking device and operative to mark a visible path onto a surface, the marking device electronically controllable to change at least one attribute of the path, the pen including a user interface whereby a user may modify the at least one attribute, and at least one sensing device for sensing images or colors or both.
At least one attribute may be modified, based on the sensed image or color.
The pen preferably includes a memory for storing at least one user defined set of attributes and a user de

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