公开(公告)号：US5980032A

公开(公告)日：1999-11-09

申请号：US706045

申请日：1996-08-30

Applicant: Norman E. Pawlowski, Jr. ,  Ted Lee ,  Jaren D. Marler ,  Winthrop D. Childers

Inventor： Norman E. Pawlowski, Jr. ,  Ted Lee ,  Jaren D. Marler ,  Winthrop D. Childers

IPC: B41J2/14 ,  B41J2/175 ,  G01F23/00 ,  G01F23/72

CPC classification number: B41J2/17556 ,  B41J2/14145 ,  B41J2/175 ,  B41J2/17509 ,  B41J2/17513 ,  B41J2/1752 ,  B41J2/17523 ,  B41J2/17526 ,  B41J2/17533 ,  B41J2/17553 ,  B41J2/17566 ,  B41J2/17596 ,  G01F23/003 ,  G01F23/72 ,  B41J2/17503 ,  B41J2002/14387 ,  B41J2002/17516

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, an inkjet printer includes a replaceable print cartridge which is inserted into a scanning carriage. An ink tube extends from the scanning carriage to a separate ink supply located within the printer. A fluid interconnect on the print cartridge connects to a fluid interconnect on the carriage when the print cartridge is inserted into the carriage to complete the fluid connection between the external ink supply and the print cartridge. In one embodiment, the fluid interconnection is made between the print cartridge and the ink tube simply by placing the print cartridge into a stall in the scanning carriage. A flexible ink conduit is connected to the fluid interconnect on the carriage to enable the fluid interconnect to have a degree of movement to allow precise alignment with the fluid interconnect on the print cartridge. A pressure regulator, which may be internal or external to the print cartridge, regulates the flow of ink from the external ink supply to the print cartridge. The external ink supply may be pressurized or non-pressurized.

Abstract translation: 在优选实施例中，喷墨打印机包括插入到扫描托架中的可替换打印盒。 墨水管从扫描托架延伸到位于打印机内的单独的墨水供应源。 当打印墨盒插入滑架以完成外部墨水供应和打印墨盒之间的流体连接时，打印墨盒上的流体互连件连接到托架上的流体互连。 在一个实施例中，简单地通过将打印墨盒放置在扫描托架中的失速中，在打印墨盒和墨管之间形成流体互连。 柔性墨水导管连接到滑架上的流体互连件，以使得流体互连具有一定程度的运动，以允许与打印墨盒上的流体互连件的精确对准。 可能在打印墨盒内部或外部的压力调节器调节从外部墨水供应到打印墨盒的墨水流量。 外部供墨可以被加压或不加压。

公开(公告)号：US5971529A

公开(公告)日：1999-10-26

申请号：US708143

申请日：1996-08-30

Applicant: Norman E. Pawlowski, Jr. ,  Ted Lee ,  Jaren D. Marler ,  Winthrop D. Childers

Inventor： Norman E. Pawlowski, Jr. ,  Ted Lee ,  Jaren D. Marler ,  Winthrop D. Childers

IPC: B41J2/14 ,  B41J2/175 ,  G01F23/00 ,  G01F23/72

CPC classification number: B41J2/17533 ,  B41J2/14145 ,  B41J2/175 ,  B41J2/17509 ,  B41J2/17513 ,  B41J2/1752 ,  B41J2/17523 ,  B41J2/17526 ,  B41J2/17553 ,  B41J2/17556 ,  B41J2/17566 ,  B41J2/17596 ,  G01F23/003 ,  G01F23/72 ,  B41J2002/14387

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, an inkjet printer includes a replaceable print cartridge which is inserted into a scanning carriage. An ink tube extends from the scanning carriage to a separate ink supply located within the printer. A fluid interconnect on the print cartridge connects to a fluid interconnect on the carriage when the print cartridge is inserted into the carriage to complete the fluid connection between the external ink supply and the print cartridge. In one embodiment, the fluid interconnection is made between the print cartridge and the ink tube simply by placing the print cartridge into a stall in the scanning carriage. A pressure regulator, which may be internal or external to the print cartridge, regulates the flow of ink from the external ink supply to the print cartridge. The external ink supply may be pressurized or non-pressurized.

Abstract translation: 在优选实施例中，喷墨打印机包括插入到扫描托架中的可替换打印盒。 墨水管从扫描托架延伸到位于打印机内的单独的墨水供应源。 当打印墨盒插入滑架以完成外部墨水供应和打印墨盒之间的流体连接时，打印墨盒上的流体互连连接到滑架上的流体互连。 在一个实施例中，简单地通过将打印墨盒放置在扫描托架中的失速中，在打印墨盒和墨管之间形成流体互连。 可能在打印墨盒内部或外部的压力调节器调节从外部墨水供应到打印墨盒的墨水流量。 外部供墨可以被加压或不加压。

公开(公告)号：US5924198A

公开(公告)日：1999-07-20

申请号：US880972

申请日：1997-06-23

Applicant: David W. Swanson ,  Jaren D. Marler ,  Winthrop D. Childers

Inventor： David W. Swanson ,  Jaren D. Marler ,  Winthrop D. Childers

IPC: B41J2/01 ,  B41J2/05 ,  B41J2/14 ,  B41J2/16 ,  B41J2/175

CPC classification number: B41J2/17559 ,  B41J2/14145 ,  B41J2/16 ,  B41J2/1603 ,  B41J2/1623 ,  B41J2/1628 ,  B41J2/1637 ,  B41J2/17513 ,  B41J2002/14362 ,  Y10T29/49401

Abstract: A method of attaching an ink-jet printhead assembly to the headland region of an ink-jet pen cartridge to form a leak-proof seal without the use of any externally applied adhesive material. The cartridge includes a frame structure fabricated of a rigid plastic frame member formed of a first plastic material and a polymeric second material molded to the frame member. A headland region is defined at the tip of a snout region of the cartridge. An ink reservoir is connected through a standpipe defined by the rigid frame material with the headland region. The second plastic material defines a printhead assembly support structure which circumscribes a printhead and the stand-pipe. The printhead assembly is attached to the support structure after alignment by heatstaking the printhead assembly to the second plastic material defining the support structure. For an edge-fed printhead secured to a back surface of a flexible polymer tape, the support structure is a racetrack extending from a surface of the headland region, to which the back surface of the tape is heat staked. For a center-fed printhead die, the support structure is a pedestal surrounding the standpipe, to which the die is bonded by melting and reflowing the pedestal material.

Abstract translation: 一种将喷墨打印头组件附接到喷墨笔筒的岬角区域以在不使用任何外部施加的粘合材料的情况下形成防漏密封的方法。 盒包括由第一塑料材料形成的刚性塑料框架构件和模制到框架构件的聚合物第二材料制成的框架结构。 岬角区域限定在药筒的鼻部区域的尖端。 墨水储存器通过由刚性框架材料限定的竖管与岬角区域连接。 第二塑料材料限定了打印头组件支撑结构，其包围打印头和支架。 打印头组件通过将打印头组件加热到限定支撑结构的第二塑料材料而在对准之后附接到支撑结构。 对于固定到柔性聚合物胶带的后表面的边缘馈送打印头，支撑结构是从岬角区域的表面延伸的跑道，带的后表面被热定位到该跑道。 对于中心馈送的打印头模具，支撑结构是围绕立管的基座，通过熔融和回流基座材料将模具结合到该基座上。

公开(公告)号：US5909231A

公开(公告)日：1999-06-01

申请号：US550437

申请日：1995-10-30

Applicant: Winthrop D. Childers ,  Brian J. Keefe ,  Barbara Parcells ,  Frank Drogo ,  Shailendra Kumar ,  Steven L. Webb ,  Hanno Ix ,  Kai Kong Iu

Inventor： Winthrop D. Childers ,  Brian J. Keefe ,  Barbara Parcells ,  Frank Drogo ,  Shailendra Kumar ,  Steven L. Webb ,  Hanno Ix ,  Kai Kong Iu

IPC: B41J2/175 ,  B41J2/19

CPC classification number: B41J2/17506 ,  B41J2/19

Abstract: In a inkjet print cartridge ink flows from the reservoir around the edge of the silicon substrate before being ejected out of the nozzles. During operation, warm thermal boundary layers of ink form adjacent the substrate and dissolved gases in the thermal boundary layer of the ink form the bubbles. If the bubbles to grow larger than the diameter of subsequent ink passageways these bubbles choke the flow of ink to the vaporization chambers. This results in causing some of the nozzles of the printhead to become temporarily inoperable. The disclosure describes a method of avoiding such a malfunction in a liquid inkjet printing system by providing a method for reducing residual air bubbles in an inkjet print cartridge by flushing the empty cartridge by passing carbon dioxide through the fill port or the ink ejection nozzles prior to filling the print cartridge with ink and thereby eliminating residual air bubbles from the print cartridge when the print cartridge is filled with ink.

Abstract translation: 在喷墨打印墨盒中，在喷出喷嘴之前，墨水从硅基片的边缘周围流出。 在操作期间，油墨的温热边界层形成在基底附近，溶解在油墨热边界层中的气体形成气泡。 如果气泡生长大于随后的油墨通道的直径，则这些气泡阻止油墨流向蒸发室。 这导致打印头的一些喷嘴暂时不能操作。 本公开描述了一种通过提供一种通过在二氧化碳通过填充口或喷墨嘴之前冲洗空盒而减少喷墨打印墨盒中的残留气泡的方法来避免液体喷墨打印系统中的这种故障的方法 用墨水填充打印墨盒，从而在打印墨盒充满墨水时消除打印墨盒的残留气泡。

公开(公告)号：US5903292A

公开(公告)日：1999-05-11

申请号：US615749

申请日：1996-03-14

Applicant: Joseph E. Scheffelin ,  Elizabeth Zapata ,  Winthrop D. Childers ,  David S. Hunt

Inventor： Joseph E. Scheffelin ,  Elizabeth Zapata ,  Winthrop D. Childers ,  David S. Hunt

IPC: B41J2/175

CPC classification number: B41J2/1752 ,  B41J2/17506 ,  B41J2/17513 ,  B41J2/17523 ,  B41J2/17553 ,  B41J2/17566 ,  B41J2002/17516 ,  B41J2002/17573 ,  B41J2002/17586

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the ink reservoir in a print cartridge consists of a spring-loaded collapsible ink bag, where the spring urges the sides of the ink bag apart and thus maintains a negative pressure within the ink bag relative to ambient pressure. An ink refill system containing a supply of ink has a valve with a connector portion which is engageable with the connector portion of the print cartridge refill valve. When the valves are connected, the negative pressure within the print cartridge ink bag draws the ink from the ink refill system reservoir into the ink bag until the ink bag is substantially full. The print cartridge is then removed from the ink refill system. The mechanical coupling initially created between the two valves acts to pull the two valves closed as the print cartridge is pulled from the ink refill system. Once the two valves are closed, further pulling of the print cartridge releases the mechanical coupling, and the print cartridge may now be reused. Various external ink supply structures, having a variety of types of ink exit ports, are disclosed for use with the preferred print cartridge. In a preferred embodiment, the ink refill system contains one recharge for the print cartridge.

Abstract translation: 在优选实施例中，打印墨盒中的墨水储存器由弹簧加载的可折叠墨水袋组成，其中弹簧将墨水袋的侧面分开，从而相对于环境压力维持墨水袋内的负压。 包含墨水供应的墨水补充系统具有带有连接器部分的阀，该连接器部分可与打印墨盒补充阀的连接器部分接合。 当阀连接时，打印墨盒墨水袋内的负压将墨水从墨水补充系统储存器吸入墨水袋中，直到墨水袋基本上满满为止。 然后从墨水补充系统中取出打印墨盒。 最初在两个阀之间产生的机械联轴器用于当从墨水补充系统拉出打印墨盒时拉动两个阀关闭。 一旦两个阀关闭，进一步拉动打印墨盒释放机械联接器，并且打印墨盒现在可以重复使用。 公开了具有各种类型的出墨口的各种外部供墨结构，用于优选的打印墨盒。 在优选实施例中，墨水补充系统包含用于打印墨盒的一次再充电。

公开(公告)号：US5874974A

公开(公告)日：1999-02-23

申请号：US608376

申请日：1996-02-28

Applicant: Kenneth J. Courian ,  John L. Stoffel ,  Richard A. Sader ,  Keshava A. Prasad ,  Steven L. Webb ,  David H. Donovan ,  Jules G. Moritz, III ,  Brian J. Keefe ,  Steven W. Steinfield ,  Winthrop D. Childers

Inventor： Kenneth J. Courian ,  John L. Stoffel ,  Richard A. Sader ,  Keshava A. Prasad ,  Steven L. Webb ,  David H. Donovan ,  Jules G. Moritz, III ,  Brian J. Keefe ,  Steven W. Steinfield ,  Winthrop D. Childers

IPC: B41J2/05 ,  B41J2/14 ,  B41J2/16 ,  B41J2/175

CPC classification number: B41J2/1643 ,  B41J2/04511 ,  B41J2/04541 ,  B41J2/04543 ,  B41J2/04546 ,  B41J2/0458 ,  B41J2/04581 ,  B41J2/14024 ,  B41J2/1404 ,  B41J2/14072 ,  B41J2/14129 ,  B41J2/14145 ,  B41J2/14201 ,  B41J2/1433 ,  B41J2/1603 ,  B41J2/1623 ,  B41J2/1625 ,  B41J2/1628 ,  B41J2/1631 ,  B41J2/1634 ,  B41J2202/13

Abstract: An inkjet drop ejection system comprises a combination of printhead components and ink, mutually tuned to maximize operating characteristics of the printhead and print quality and dry time of the ink. Use of a short shelf (distance from ink source to ink firing element), on the order of 55 microns, provides a very high speed refill. However, it is a characteristic of high speed refill that it has a tendency for being overdamped. To provide the requisite damping, the ink should have a viscosity greater than about 2 cp. In this way, the ink and architecture work together to provide a tuned system that enables stable operation at high frequencies. One advantage of the combination of a pigment and a dispersant in the ink is the resultant higher viscosity provided. The high speed would be of little value if the ink did not have a fast enough rate of drying. This is accomplished by the addition of alcohols or alcohol(s) and surfactant(s) to the ink. Fast dry times are achieved with a combination of alcohols, such as isopropyl alcohol with a 4 or 5 carbon alcohol or with iso-propyl alcohol plus surfactant(s). One preferred embodiment of a short shelf (90 to 130 microns), ink viscosity of about 3 cp, and surface tension of about 54 provides a high speed drop generator capable of operating at about 12 KHz. Reducing the shelf length to about 55 microns, in combination with rotating the substrate at an angle to the scan direction, permits maximum drop generator operation as high as about 20 KHz. As a consequence of employing pigment-based inks, high optical densities are realized, along with excellent permanence (no fade and better waterfastness), and good stability. The combination of preferred ink and pen architecture provides good drop generator stability.

Abstract translation: 喷墨墨滴喷射系统包括打印头部件和油墨的组合，其相互调节以最大化打印头的操作特性以及油墨的打印质量和干燥时间。 使用大约55微米的短搁架（墨水源到墨水喷射元件的距离）提供了非常高的速度补充。 然而，它具有高速补充的特点，它具有过度阻尼的倾向。 为了提供必要的阻尼，油墨的粘度应大于约2cp。 以这种方式，墨水和结构共同工作，提供了一个可在高频下稳定运行的调谐系统。 油墨中颜料和分散剂的组合的一个优点是得到较高的粘度。 如果墨水没有足够的干燥速度，高速度就没有什么价值。 这通过向油墨中加入醇或醇和表面活性剂来实现。 快速干燥时间通过醇，例如异丙醇与4或5个碳醇或与异丙醇加表面活性剂的组合来实现。 短架（90-130微米），油墨粘度约为3cp，表面张力约为54的一个优选实施例提供了能够在约12KHz下操作的高速液滴发生器。 将搁板长度减小至约55微米，与基板以扫描方向成一定角度的旋转结合使得最大的液滴发生器运转高达约20KHz。 作为使用颜料基油墨的结果，实现了高的光密度，以及优异的耐久性（不褪色和更好的耐水性）和良好的稳定性。 优选的墨水和笔结构的组合提供了良好的液滴发生器稳定性。

公开(公告)号：US5860363A

公开(公告)日：1999-01-19

申请号：US785103

申请日：1997-01-21

Applicant: Winthrop D. Childers ,  Bruce Cowger

Inventor： Winthrop D. Childers ,  Bruce Cowger

IPC: B41J2/175

CPC classification number: B41J2/17553 ,  B41J2/17513 ,  B41J2/17546 ,  B41J2/17566

Abstract: A replaceable ink cartridge for an ink jet printer having an ink supply station with an ink receptacle and an electric connector. The cartridge includes a chassis removable from the ink supply station, and having an ink passage and an electrical connector connectable to the printer's electric connector. An ink reservoir is removably connected to the chassis, and has a chamber containing a supply of ink. The reservoir has an ink outlet registered with the ink passage, and the chassis has an ink level annunciator connected to the cartridge's electrical connector, for generating a signal to enable printing after the ink reservoir is depleted and replaced with a second reservoir.

Abstract translation: 一种用于喷墨打印机的可更换墨盒，具有一个具有一个墨水容器和一个电连接器的供墨站。 墨盒包括可从墨水供应站移除的底盘，并具有墨水通道和可连接到打印机的电连接器的电连接器。 墨水储存器可拆卸地连接到底盘，并且具有容纳墨水供应的腔室。 储存器具有与墨水通道对准的墨水出口，并且底座具有连接到墨盒的电连接器的墨水量指示器，用于在墨水储存器耗尽之后产生信号以使能打印并且用第二储存器更换。

公开(公告)号：US5844580A

公开(公告)日：1998-12-01

申请号：US869151

申请日：1997-06-04

Applicant: John A. Barinaga ,  John A. Underwood ,  James Cameron ,  Winthrop D. Childers

Inventor： John A. Barinaga ,  John A. Underwood ,  James Cameron ,  Winthrop D. Childers

IPC: B41J2/125 ,  B41J2/175 ,  B41J2/195

CPC classification number: B41J2/1752 ,  B41J2/17513 ,  B41J2/17566 ,  B41J2002/17573 ,  B41J2002/17576

Abstract: The present invention is a replaceable ink container for use with a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus of the type having out of ink detection. The replaceable ink container includes a fluid reservoir having an outlet. The outlet is configured for connection to a fluid inlet associated with the printing apparatus. Also included in the replaceable ink container is an actuator engagement device for engaging an actuator associated with the printing apparatus. The actuator is of the type that is movable between a first position wherein an out of ink signal is generated and a second position. The actuator engagement device is disposed and arranged to engage the actuator to prevent movement of the actuator from the second position to the first position thereby preventing the out of ink signal.

Abstract translation: 本发明是与打印装置一起使用的可更换墨盒。 具有墨水检测不良的打印装置。 可替换的墨水容器包括具有出口的流体储存器。 出口构造成连接到与打印装置相关联的流体入口。 也可以包括在可更换墨盒中的是用于与与打印装置相关联的致动器接合的致动器接合装置。 致动器的类型是在产生墨水信号的第一位置和第二位置之间可移动的。 致动器接合装置被布置和布置成接合致动器以防止致动器从第二位置移动到第一位置，从而防止油墨信号失效。

公开(公告)号：US5685074A

公开(公告)日：1997-11-11

申请号：US550328

申请日：1995-10-30

Applicant: Yichuan Pan ,  Winthrop D. Childers

Inventor： Yichuan Pan ,  Winthrop D. Childers

IPC: B41J2/14 ,  B41J2/16 ,  B41J2/175 ,  B41J2/05 ,  H01C17/02

CPC classification number: B41J2/17559 ,  B41J2/14024 ,  B41J2/1404 ,  B41J2/14145 ,  B41J2/1433 ,  B41J2/1603 ,  B41J2/162 ,  B41J2/1623 ,  B41J2/1631 ,  B41J2/1634 ,  B41J2/1643 ,  B41J2/175 ,  B41J2/17526 ,  B41J2002/14387 ,  B41J2002/14467 ,  B41J2202/03 ,  B41J2202/11 ,  Y10T29/49083 ,  Y10T29/49346

Abstract: A means is provided to eliminate ink trajectory errors when an inkjet printhead is fabricated as described below. In a preferred embodiment, a nozzle member containing an array of orifices is affixed to a barrier layer formed on a substrate, the substrate having heater elements formed thereon. The nozzle member is affixed to the barrier layer using heat and pressure. Each orifice in the nozzle member is associated with a single heating element formed on the substrate. The back surface of the nozzle member extends beyond the outer edges of the substrate. During the heating and pressure step used to affix the nozzle member to the barrier layer, the nozzle member undesirable bends over the outer edges of the barrier layer, causing the nozzles to be tilted outward. Disclosed is a method and design wherein the barrier layer is formed with one or more trenches parallel to the long edges of the barrier layer and with backward peninsulas formed in the barrier layer and extending into the trenches to cause the nozzle member to dip and bend over the trenches and backward peninsulas in an mount approximately equal to the bend into the ink channels on the outer edge of the substrate. The nozzles are located at the crest of the bent nozzle member and thus remain normal to the surface of the printhead.

Abstract translation: 当如下所述制造喷墨打印头时，提供了一种消除墨水轨迹误差的装置。 在优选实施例中，包含孔阵列的喷嘴构件固定在形成在基板上的阻挡层上，该基板上形成有加热元件。 使用热和压力将喷嘴构件固定到阻挡层。 喷嘴构件中的每个孔与形成在基底上的单个加热元件相关联。 喷嘴构件的后表面延伸超过衬底的外边缘。 在用于将喷嘴构件固定到阻挡层的加热和压力步骤期间，喷嘴构件不期望地在阻挡层的外边缘上弯曲，导致喷嘴向外倾斜。 公开了一种方法和设计，其中阻挡层形成有平行于阻挡层的长边缘的一个或多个沟槽和形成在阻挡层中并延伸到沟槽中的向后半岛，以使喷嘴构件倾斜并弯曲 大致相当于衬底的外边缘上的墨水通道的弯曲部分中的沟槽和向后的半岛。 这些喷嘴位于弯曲的喷嘴构件的顶部，因此保持垂直于打印头的表面。

公开(公告)号：US5673073A

公开(公告)日：1997-09-30

申请号：US615936

申请日：1996-03-14

Applicant: Winthrop D. Childers ,  Joseph E. Scheffelin

Inventor： Winthrop D. Childers ,  Joseph E. Scheffelin

IPC: B41J2/015 ,  B41J2/175 ,  F16K3/26

CPC classification number: B41J2/17513 ,  B41J2/17506 ,  B41J2/1752 ,  B41J2/17523 ,  B41J2002/17516 ,  B41J2002/17573 ,  B41J2002/17586

Abstract: A modified syringe for recharging an ink supply in a print cartridge is described. In the preferred embodiment, the end of a syringe valve is inserted into the end of a print cartridge valve to create both a mechanical coupling and a fluid tight coupling between the two valves. A further insertion causes both valves to become open, thus creating an airtight fluid path between the syringe chamber and the depleted print cartridge reservoir. A negative pressure within the print cartridge ink bag draws the ink from the syringe chamber into the ink bag until the ink bag is substantially full and the pressure in the ink bag is at or near atmospheric pressure. An air intake port is provided on the syringe to fill the void left by the ink in the syringe chamber. Once the print cartridge has been recharged, a plunger in the syringe is manually pulled back a predetermined distance to draw an amount of ink out of the print cartridge to create the desired negative pressure in the print cartridge. The syringe is then removed from the print cartridge, automatically pulling the two valves closed.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于对打印墨盒中的墨水供应进行再充电的改进的注射器。 在优选实施例中，注射器阀的端部插入打印墨盒阀的端部，以在两个阀之间产生机械联接和流体密封连接。 进一步的插入导致两个阀打开，从而在注射器室和耗尽的打印墨盒储存器之间形成气密的流体路径。 打印墨盒墨水袋内的负压将墨水从注射器室吸入墨水袋中，直至墨水袋充分充满，并且墨水袋中的压力处于或接近大气压。 在注射器上设置有一个进气口，以填充注射器腔中的油墨留下的空隙。 一旦打印墨盒已被充电，将注射器中的柱塞手动地拉回预定距离，以将一定量的墨水从打印墨盒中取出以在打印墨盒中产生所需的负压。 然后将注射器从打印碳粉盒中取出，自动将两个阀关闭。