US4424521A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ink jet apparatus and reservoir
Assignee: Exxon Mobil Corp
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Filing: 1982-01-04
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Granted: 1984-01-03
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Expires: 2002-01-04
Abstract
Abstract An ink jet array comprises a plurality of ink jet chambers having inlets coupled to a reservoir. In order to promote priming, the reservoir is concave with the inlets to the chamber coupled into the reservoir in an area of reduced cross-sectional area.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur M. Lewis
- 👤 Morris W. Leen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:54
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/005; B41J2/01; B41J2/135; B41J2/165; B41J2/16517; B41J2/1652; B41J2/16526
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
An ink jet apparatus comprising: at least one ink jet chamber including an ink droplet ejection orifice and an inlet; and a relatively shallow reservoir including wall portions at the outer extremities of the reservoir tapering to an acute angle, said inlet of said ink jet communicating with said reservoir in the region of said acute angle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
57 words
An ink jet apparatus comprising: at least one ink jet chamber including an ink droplet ejection orifice and an inlet; and a relatively shallow reservoir including wall portions at the outer extremities of the reservoir tapering to an acute angle, said inlet of said ink jet communicating with said reservoir in the region of said acute angle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said walls is inwardly concave.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said walls is characterized by a radius of curvature substantially larger than the maximum depth of the reservoir.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 1 wherein the acute angle is less than 30°.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a supply opening at one end of said reservoir.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a supply opening and a vent opening at opposite ends of said reservoir.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
72 words
An ink jet apparatus comprising: a reservoir of relatively shallow depth including wall portions along one side of the reservoir tapering to an acute angle; a plurality of ink jet chambers respectively including an ink jet droplet ejection orifice and an inlet located adjacent said one side of said reservoir; and a plurality of inlets located along said one side of said reservoir communicating with said reservoir and said ink jet chamber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
72 words
An ink jet apparatus comprising: a reservoir of relatively shallow depth including wall portions along one side of the reservoir tapering to an acute angle; a plurality of ink jet chambers respectively including an ink jet droplet ejection orifice and an inlet located adjacent said one side of said reservoir; and a plurality of inlets located along said one side of said reservoir communicating with said reservoir and said ink jet chamber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 7 comprising a plate including said reservoir, said inlets and said ink jet chambers.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 7 comprising a first plate including said ink jet chamber and said reservoir and a second plate including said inlets, said second plate abutting said first plate to close said ink jet chambers and said reservoir.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a supply opening located at one end of said reservoir.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a supply opening and a vent opening located at opposite ends of said reservoir.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 7 wherein the entire periphery of said reservoir is formed by a wall portion tapering to an acute angle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 7 wherein at least one of said walls forming said reservoir is inwardly concave.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 7 wherein at least one of said walls is characterized by a radius of curvature at said one side of said reservoir substantially larger than the maximum depth of the reservoir.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The ink jet apparatus of claim 7 wherein the acute angle along said side is less than 30°.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
An ink jet apparatus of claim 7 wherein the axis of each said ink jet droplet orifice extends in a direction parallel to the shallow depth of the reservoir.
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) | 1987-01-02 | 1987-07-04 | 1988-01-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-02 | 1991-07-04 | 1992-01-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-02 | 1995-07-04 | 1996-01-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |