US5158377A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer
Assignee: Seiko Epson Corp
•
Filing: 1990-11-30
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Granted: 1992-10-27
•
Expires: 2010-11-30
Abstract
Abstract An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer including an ink-supply tank formed with an ink supply delivery port having an opening for passage of ink from the ink-supply tank. An ink absorbing member formed of a porous material is mounted within the ink-supply tank and compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member at least in the region thereof facing the opening of the ink supply delivery port.
Inventors
- 👤 Takashi Suzuki
- 👤 Masanao Matsuzawa
- 👤 Yoshinori Miyazawa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 17:54
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/22; B41J2/23; B41J2/235; B41J2/25; B41J2/255; B41J2/005; B41J2/01; B41J2/17; B41J2/175; B41J2/17503; B41J2/17513; B41J2/305
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 137
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A dot matrix printer comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material contained within said ink-supply tank; and means projecting into said ink-supply tank and formed with an opening for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head, said ink absorbing member having a surface facing said opening, at least the entire region of said ink absorbing member of said surface facing the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means being compressed so as to change the porosity of said region relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
A dot matrix printer comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material contained within said ink-supply tank; and means projecting into said ink-supply tank and formed with an opening for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head, said ink absorbing member having a surface facing said opening, at least the entire region of said ink absorbing member of said surface facing the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means being compressed so as to change the porosity of said region relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 1, wherein said ink-supply tank includes a wall facing said ink receiving and transmitting means, said ink absorbing member being compressingly contained in the space intermediate said wall and said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 2, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink receiving and transmitting means is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply a compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 2, wherein said ink absorbing member carries substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank, said ink-supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 4, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 4, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
71 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 6, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink receiving and transmitting means is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply a compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member, at least a portion of said projections extending from the inner wall surface of said cover means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 4, wherein said projections are formed in an inner wall surface of said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 8, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 1, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
68 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 1, wherein said ink absorbing member comprises at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers, one of said porous members which is closer to said ink receiving and transmitting means being made of a porous material having a smaller average pore size than the porous material of the other porous member more remote from said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 1 wherein the ink absorbing member is held in compression in the vicinity of said ink receiving and transmitting means by said ink-supply tank.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
145 words
A dot matrix printer comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material contained within said ink-supply tank, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank; and means projecting into said ink-supply tank and formed with an opening for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening, at least the region of said ink absorbing member facing the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means being compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
145 words
A dot matrix printer comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material contained within said ink-supply tank, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank; and means projecting into said ink-supply tank and formed with an opening for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening, at least the region of said ink absorbing member facing the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means being compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
50 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 13, said ink supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
122 words
A dot matrix printer, comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank and being formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening and being compressingly contained by the ink-supply tank against the ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
122 words
A dot matrix printer, comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank and being formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening and being compressingly contained by the ink-supply tank against the ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
46 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 15, wherein said ink-supply tank includes a wall facing said ink-supply delivery port, at least a portion of the ink absorbing member being compressingly contained in the space between said ink-supply delivery port and said wall of said ink tank.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
52 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 16, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply a compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
31 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 15, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
64 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 15, wherein said ink absorbing member comprises at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers, one of said porous members which is closer to said ink-supply delivery port being made of a porous material having a smaller average pore size than the porous material of the other porous member more remote from said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
59 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 16, wherein said ink absorbing member carries substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank, said ink-supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 20, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
92 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 21, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply a compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member, said ink-supply tank cover including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface, at least a portion of said projections extending from the inner wall surface of said cover.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 20, wherein said projections are formed in an inner wall surface of said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 23, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
31 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 20, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
143 words
A dot matrix printer comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening and being compressingly contained by the ink-supply tank against the ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
143 words
A dot matrix printer comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening and being compressingly contained by the ink-supply tank against the ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
50 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 26, said ink supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
138 words
A dot matrix printer, comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank and a wall facing said ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank and being formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region forming said opening and being compressingly contained in the space defined between said wall facing said ink-supply delivery port and said ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
138 words
A dot matrix printer, comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank and a wall facing said ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank and being formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region forming said opening and being compressingly contained in the space defined between said wall facing said ink-supply delivery port and said ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
52 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 28, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply a compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
31 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 28, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
159 words
A dot matrix printer comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank and a wall facing said ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region forming said opening and being compressively contained in the space defined between said wall facing said ink-supply delivery port and said ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
159 words
A dot matrix printer comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank and a wall facing said ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region forming said opening and being compressively contained in the space defined between said wall facing said ink-supply delivery port and said ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
50 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 31, said ink supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface and including means for providing ambient air to the space betwen said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
69 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 32, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply a compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member, at least a portion of said projections extending from the inner wall surface of said cover means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
40 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 31, and including an inner wall surface of said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 34, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
31 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 31, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
121 words
A dot matrix printer comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said ink-supply tank and having a surface facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port, at least the entire region of said ink absorbing member at said surface facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port being compressed so as to change the porosity of said region relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
121 words
A dot matrix printer comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said ink-supply tank and having a surface facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port, at least the entire region of said ink absorbing member at said surface facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port being compressed so as to change the porosity of said region relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
46 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 37, wherein said ink-supply tank includes a wall facing said ink-supply delivery port, at least a portion of the ink absorbing member being compressingly contained in the space between said ink-supply delivery port and said wall of said ink tank.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
52 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 38, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply the compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
59 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 38, wherein said ink absorbing member carries substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the desired capacity of the ink-supply tank, said ink-supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
26 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 40, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
69 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 41, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply the compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member, at least a portion of said projections extending from the inner wall, surface of said cover means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
29 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 40, wherein said projections are formed in an inner wall surface of said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
26 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 43, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
31 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 40, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
31 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 37, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
64 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 37, wherein said ink absorbing member comprises at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers, one of said porous members which is closer to said ink-supply delivery port being made of a porous material having a smaller average pore size than the porous material of the other porous member more remote from said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
28 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 37, wherein the ink absorbing member is held in compression in the vicinity of said ink-supply delivery port by said ink-supply tank.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
136 words
A dot matrix printer comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said ink-supply tank and having a region facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port, at least the region of said ink absorbing member facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port being compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
136 words
A dot matrix printer comprising: printing means for applying ink in a dot matrix to effect printing; and an ink supply means for delivering ink to said printing means comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said ink-supply tank and having a region facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port, at least the region of said ink absorbing member facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port being compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
50 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 49, said ink supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
103 words
A method for supplying ink for a dot matrix printer comprising: providing an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within an ink-supply tank and substantially filling the ink-supply tank; providing means projecting into said ink-supply tank and having an opening for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member; compressing said ink absorbing member relative to at least another region thereof at least in the region of the ink absorbing member facing the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means; and withdrawing said ink from said ink-supply tank through the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
103 words
A method for supplying ink for a dot matrix printer comprising: providing an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within an ink-supply tank and substantially filling the ink-supply tank; providing means projecting into said ink-supply tank and having an opening for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member; compressing said ink absorbing member relative to at least another region thereof at least in the region of the ink absorbing member facing the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means; and withdrawing said ink from said ink-supply tank through the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 51, wherein said compression of said ink absorbing member is effected by the securing of a cover means which bears on the ink absorbing member and faces said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 51, including the further step of applying ink to said ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 51, including the step of forming said ink absorbing member of at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers, one of said porous members which is closer to said ink receiving and transmitting means being made of a porous material having a smaller average pore size than the porous material of the other porous member more remote from said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 51, wherein the step of compressing said ink-absorbing member is by the engagement thereof by said ink tank.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for supplying ink for a dot matrix printer comprising the steps of: providing an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within an ink-supply tank; providing means projecting into said ink-supply tank and having an opening for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member; providing a space between at least an inner wall surface of the ink-supply tank and the ink absorbing member, and including the further step of providing ambient air to said space; compressing said ink absorbing member relative to at least another region thereof at least in the entire region at the surface of the ink absorbing member facing the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means so as to change the porosity of the compressed region; and withdrawing said ink from said ink-supply tank through the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for supplying ink for a dot matrix printer comprising the steps of: providing an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within an ink-supply tank; providing means projecting into said ink-supply tank and having an opening for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member; providing a space between at least an inner wall surface of the ink-supply tank and the ink absorbing member, and including the further step of providing ambient air to said space; compressing said ink absorbing member relative to at least another region thereof at least in the entire region at the surface of the ink absorbing member facing the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means so as to change the porosity of the compressed region; and withdrawing said ink from said ink-supply tank through the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for supplying ink for a dot matrix printer comprising: providing an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within an ink-supply tank; applying ink to said ink-supply tank so that said ink absorbing member carries substantially all of the ink that said ink-supply tank was designed to hold; providing means projecting into said ink-supply tank and having an opening for receiving and transmitting ink from said in absorbing member; compressing said ink absorbing member relative to at least another region thereof at least in the region of the ink absorbing member facing the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means; and withdrawing said ink from said ink-supply tank through the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for supplying ink for a dot matrix printer comprising: providing an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within an ink-supply tank; applying ink to said ink-supply tank so that said ink absorbing member carries substantially all of the ink that said ink-supply tank was designed to hold; providing means projecting into said ink-supply tank and having an opening for receiving and transmitting ink from said in absorbing member; compressing said ink absorbing member relative to at least another region thereof at least in the region of the ink absorbing member facing the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means; and withdrawing said ink from said ink-supply tank through the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
110 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer head comprising: an ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material contained within said ink-supply tank; and means projecting into said ink-supply tank and formed with an opening for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head, said ink absorbing member having a surface facing said opening, at least the entire region of said ink absorbing member at said surface facing the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means being compressed so as to change the porosity of said region relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
110 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer head comprising: an ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material contained within said ink-supply tank; and means projecting into said ink-supply tank and formed with an opening for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head, said ink absorbing member having a surface facing said opening, at least the entire region of said ink absorbing member at said surface facing the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means being compressed so as to change the porosity of said region relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
39 words
The ink-supply system of claim 58, wherein said ink-supply tank includes a wall facing said ink receiving and transmitting means, said ink absorbing member being compressingly contained in the space intermediate said wall said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
53 words
The ink-supply system of claim 59, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink receiving and transmitting means is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply a compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
58 words
The ink-supply system of claim 59, wherein said ink absorbing member carries substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank, said ink-supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ink-supply system of claim 61, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ink-supply system of claim 61, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
70 words
The ink-supply system of claim 63, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink receiving and transmitting means is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply a compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member, at least a portion of said projections extending from the inner wall surface of said cover means.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ink-supply system of claim 61, wherein said projections are formed in an inner wall surface of said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ink-supply system of claim 65, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ink-supply system of claim 58, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
67 words
The ink-supply system of claim 58, wherein said ink absorbing member comprises at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers, one of said porous members which is closer to said ink receiving and transmitting means being made of a porous material having a smaller average pore size than the porous material of the other porous member more remote from said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
29 words
The ink-supply system of claim 58, wherein the ink absorbing member is held in compression in the vicinity of said ink receiving and transmitting means by said ink-supply tank.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
126 words
An ink supply system for a dot matrix printer head comprising: an ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material contained within said ink-supply tank, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank; and means projecting into said ink-supply tank and formed with an opening for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening, at least the region of said ink absorbing member facing the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means being compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
126 words
An ink supply system for a dot matrix printer head comprising: an ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material contained within said ink-supply tank, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank; and means projecting into said ink-supply tank and formed with an opening for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening, at least the region of said ink absorbing member facing the opening of said ink receiving and transmitting means being compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
50 words
The ink supply system of claim 70, said ink supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
101 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer, comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member substantially filling the ink-supply tank and being formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening and being compressingly contained by the ink-supply tank against the ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
101 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer, comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member substantially filling the ink-supply tank and being formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening and being compressingly contained by the ink-supply tank against the ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
45 words
The ink-supply system of claim 72, wherein said ink-supply tank includes a wall facing said ink-supply delivery port, at least a portion of the ink absorbing member being compressingly contained in the space between said ink-supply delivery port and said wall of said ink tank.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
51 words
The ink-supply system of claim 73, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply a compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ink-supply system of claim 72, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
63 words
The ink-supply system of claim 72, wherein said ink absorbing member comprises at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers, one of said porous members which is closer to said ink-supply delivery port being made of a porous material having a smaller average pore size than the porous material of the other porous member more remote from said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
122 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer, comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening and being compressingly contained by the ink-supply tank against the ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
122 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer, comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening and being compressingly contained by the ink-supply tank against the ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
50 words
The ink supply system of claim 77, said ink supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
68 words
The ink-supply system of claim 78, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply the compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member, at least a portion of said projections extending from the inner wall surface of said cover means.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
39 words
The ink-supply system of claim 77, and including an inner wall surface of said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ink-supply system of claim 80, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ink-supply system of claim 77, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
126 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer, comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening and being compressingly contained by the ink-supply tank against the ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member; and said ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank, said ink-supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
126 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer, comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening and being compressingly contained by the ink-supply tank against the ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member; and said ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank, said ink-supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ink-supply system of claim 83, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
117 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer, comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank and a wall facing said ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank and being formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening and being compressingly contained in the space defined between said wall facing said ink-supply delivery port and said ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
117 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer, comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank and a wall facing said ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank and being formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening and being compressingly contained in the space defined between said wall facing said ink-supply delivery port and said ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
51 words
The ink-supply system of claim 85, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply a compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ink-supply system of claim 85, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
138 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer, comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank and a wall facing said ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening and being compressingly contained in the space defined between said wall facing said ink-supply delivery port and said ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when saidd ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
138 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer, comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank and a wall facing said ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said tank, said ink absorbing member having a region facing said opening and being compressingly contained in the space defined between said wall facing said ink-supply delivery port and said ink-supply delivery port so that at least the region of the ink absorbing member facing said opening is compressed relative to at least another region of the ink absorbing member, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when saidd ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
50 words
The ink suppy system of claim 88, said ink supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
68 words
The ink-supply system of claim 89, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply a compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member, at least a portion of said projections extending from the inner wall surface of said cover means.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
39 words
The ink-supply system of claim 88, and including an inner wall surface of said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply deliverly port having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ink-supply system of claim 91, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ink-supply system of claim 88, and including ink impregenated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
100 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said ink-supply tank and having a surface facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port, at least the entire region of said ink absorbing member at said surface facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port being compressed so as to change the porosity of said region relative to at least another region of said ink absorbing member.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
100 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said ink-supply tank and having a surface facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port, at least the entire region of said ink absorbing member at said surface facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port being compressed so as to change the porosity of said region relative to at least another region of said ink absorbing member.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
45 words
The ink-supply system of claim 94, wherein said ink-supply tank includes a wall facing said ink-supply delivery port, at least a portion of the ink absorbing member being compressingly contained in the space between said ink-supply delivery port and said wall of said ink tank.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
51 words
The ink-supply system of claim 95, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply a compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
58 words
The ink-supply system of claim 95, wherein said ink absorbing member carries substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank, said ink-supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ink-supply system of claim 97, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
68 words
The ink-supply system of claim 98, wherein said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port is a cover means bearing on said ink absorbing member when assembled to said ink-supply tank to at least in part apply a compressive force to effect compression of said ink absorbing member, at least a portion of said projections extending from the inner wall surface of said cover means.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
28 words
The ink-supply system of claim 97, wherein said projections are formed in an inner wall surface of said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ink-supply system of claim 100, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ink-supply system of claim 97, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ink-supply system of claim 94, and including ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
63 words
The ink-supply system of claim 94, wherein said ink absorbing member comprises at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers, one of said porous members which is closer to said ink-supply delivery port being made of a porous material having a smaller average pore size than the porous material of the other porous member more remote from said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
27 words
The ink-supply system of claim 94, wherein the ink absorbing member is held in compression in the vicinity of said ink-supply delivery port by said ink-supply tank.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
115 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said ink-supply tank and having a region facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port, at least the region of said ink absorbing member facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port being compressed relative to at least another region of said ink absorbing member, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
115 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer comprising: an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from said ink-supply tank; and an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material mounted within said ink-supply tank and having a region facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port, at least the region of said ink absorbing member facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port being compressed relative to at least another region of said ink absorbing member, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink in said ink-supply tank when said ink-supply tank is filled to the designed capacity of the ink-supply tank.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
49 words
The ink supply system of claim 106, said ink-supply tank including an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 128
Independent Claim
102 words
A method for supplying ink to a dot matrix printer comprising: providing an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material within an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from the ink-supply tank; compressing said ink absorbing member relative to at least another region thereof at least in the entire region at a surface of said ink absorbing member facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port so as to change the porosity of said compressed region; and withdrawing ink from said ink-supply tank through the opening in said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 129
Independent Claim
102 words
A method for supplying ink to a dot matrix printer comprising: providing an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material within an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from the ink-supply tank; compressing said ink absorbing member relative to at least another region thereof at least in the entire region at a surface of said ink absorbing member facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port so as to change the porosity of said compressed region; and withdrawing ink from said ink-supply tank through the opening in said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 108, wherein said compression of said ink absorbing member is effected by the securing of a cover means which bears on the ink absorbing member and faces said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 108, including the further step of applying ink to said ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method of claim 108, including the step of forming said ink absorbing member of at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers, one of said porous members which is closer to said ink-supply delivery port being made of a porous material having a smaller average pore size than the porous material of the other porous member more remote from said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 108, wherein the step of compressing said ink-absorbing member is by the engagement thereof by said ink tank.
Claim 134
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for supplying ink to a dot matrix printer comprising the steps of: providing an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material within an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from the ink-supply tank, said ink absorbing member being selected to substantially fill the ink-supply tank; compressing said ink absorbing member relative to at least another region thereof at least in the region of said ink absorbing member facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port; and providing a space between at least an inner wall surface of the ink-supply tank and the ink absorbing member, and including the further step of providing ambient air to said space; withdrawing ink from said ink-supply tank through the opening in said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 135
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for supplying ink to a dot matrix printer comprising the steps of: providing an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material within an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from the ink-supply tank, said ink absorbing member being selected to substantially fill the ink-supply tank; compressing said ink absorbing member relative to at least another region thereof at least in the region of said ink absorbing member facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port; and providing a space between at least an inner wall surface of the ink-supply tank and the ink absorbing member, and including the further step of providing ambient air to said space; withdrawing ink from said ink-supply tank through the opening in said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 136
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for supplying ink to a dot matrix printer comprising the steps of: providing an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material within an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from the ink-supply tank; applying ink to said ink-supply tank so that said ink absorbing member carrier substantially all of the ink that said ink-supply tank was designed to hold; compressing said ink absorbing member relative to at least another region thereof at least in the region of said ink absorbing member facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port; and withdrawing ink from said ink-supply tank through the opening in said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 137
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for supplying ink to a dot matrix printer comprising the steps of: providing an ink absorbing member formed of a porous material within an ink-supply tank formed with an ink-supply delivery port having an opening for the passage of ink from the ink-supply tank; applying ink to said ink-supply tank so that said ink absorbing member carrier substantially all of the ink that said ink-supply tank was designed to hold; compressing said ink absorbing member relative to at least another region thereof at least in the region of said ink absorbing member facing said opening of said ink-supply delivery port; and withdrawing ink from said ink-supply tank through the opening in said ink-supply delivery port.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-10-27 | 1996-04-27 | 1996-10-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-10-27 | 2000-04-27 | 2000-10-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-10-27 | 2004-04-27 | 2004-10-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |