US4228442A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Means for preventing drying of ink at nozzles of print heads
Assignee: NCR Voyix Corp
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Filing: 1979-01-24
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Granted: 1980-10-14
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Expires: 1999-01-24
Abstract
Abstract An ink jet print head has at least one nozzle for ejecting ink droplets and includes an adjacent chamber containing liquid ink solvent therein. An absorbent material member is positioned to have one end thereof in the chamber-containing solvent and is directed or trained to an area which is in front of or around the nozzle to carry fluid or vapor therearound for the purpose of providing a moist or humid atmosphere at the nozzle and thereby prevent drying of the ink.
Inventors
- 👤 Felix B. Krull
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 14:59
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01D; G01D15/00; G01D15/16; G01D15/18; B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/005; B41J2/01; B41J2/135; B41J2/165; B41J2/16517; B41J2/1652; B41J2/16526; B41J2/16552
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
An ink jet print head having at least one nozzle through which pass droplets of ink onto a receiving medium, means associated with said print head capable of holding a quantity of liquid ink solvent, means adjacent said nozzle providing an area of atmosphere for a medium of gaseous nature, and wick means having capillaric action properties and having a portion immersed in said liquid ink solvent and another portion extending from said liquid ink solvent to and around said nozzle in said area of atmosphere for carrying said solvent to said area enabling evaporation of said solvent in said area for providing an enriched atmosphere at said nozzle for maintaining the ink in a moist condition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
117 words
An ink jet print head having at least one nozzle through which pass droplets of ink onto a receiving medium, means associated with said print head capable of holding a quantity of liquid ink solvent, means adjacent said nozzle providing an area of atmosphere for a medium of gaseous nature, and wick means having capillaric action properties and having a portion immersed in said liquid ink solvent and another portion extending from said liquid ink solvent to and around said nozzle in said area of atmosphere for carrying said solvent to said area enabling evaporation of said solvent in said area for providing an enriched atmosphere at said nozzle for maintaining the ink in a moist condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The ink jet print head of claim 1 wherein said means associated with said print head comprises a container adjacent thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ink jet print head of claim 1 wherein said means associated with said print head comprises a recessed portion thereof for containing said liquid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The ink jet print head of claim 1 wherein said means adjacent said nozzle comprises a chamber for evaporation of said liquid ink solvent and having an aperture for passage of said droplets of ink.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The ink jet print head of claim 4 including cover means movable across said aperture for opening and closing thereof and of said chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The ink jet print head of claim 1 wherein said liquid ink solvent carrying means comprises an elongated wick member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The ink jet print head of claim 6 wherein said wick member includes a first portion immersed in said liquid ink solvent and an end portion forward of said nozzle and having an aperture therein for passage of said droplets of ink therethrough.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The ink jet print head of claim 6 wherein said wick member includes a first portion immersed in said liquid ink solvent, a central portion, and an end portion of circular form and having an aperture therein aligned with said nozzle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
108 words
In an ink jet print head having at least one nozzle for passage of droplets of ink therethrough, and means for maintaining said droplets of ink in a wet condition, comprising a container associated with said print head and having a quantity of liquid ink solvent therein, a chamber adjacent said nozzle and formed to provide space for a certain volume of gas therein, and wick means having one end portion thereof immersed in said liquid ink solvent and another portion extending from said container and into said chamber for carrying said solvent thereinto and around said nozzle for evaporation to provide a moist atmosphere at said nozzle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
108 words
In an ink jet print head having at least one nozzle for passage of droplets of ink therethrough, and means for maintaining said droplets of ink in a wet condition, comprising a container associated with said print head and having a quantity of liquid ink solvent therein, a chamber adjacent said nozzle and formed to provide space for a certain volume of gas therein, and wick means having one end portion thereof immersed in said liquid ink solvent and another portion extending from said container and into said chamber for carrying said solvent thereinto and around said nozzle for evaporation to provide a moist atmosphere at said nozzle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
In the ink jet print head of claim 9 including a passageway extending from said container to said chamber for containing said wick means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
In the ink jet print head of claim 9 wherein said container comprises a recessed portion of said print head.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
42 words
In the ink jet print head of claim 9 wherein said wick means comprises a first portion immersed in said liquid ink solvent and an end portion of circular form surrounding said nozzle and having an aperture therein aligned with said nozzle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
In the ink jet print head of claim 9 wherein said chamber includes an aperture therein and there is provided cover means swingable across said aperture.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
In the ink jet print head of claim 9 including a carriage for moving said print head into and out of association with said chamber for exposing said nozzle to said atmosphere.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
In the ink jet print head of claim 9, wherein said chamber includes an elongated aperture therein for accommodating a plurality of nozzles in said print head.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-10-14 | 1984-04-14 | 1984-10-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-14 | 1988-04-14 | 1988-10-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-14 | 1992-04-14 | 1992-10-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |