US5174665A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer
Assignee: Seiko Epson Corp
•
Filing: 1990-11-30
•
Granted: 1992-12-29
•
Expires: 2010-11-30
Abstract
Abstract An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer including an ink-supply tank having an ink-supply delivery port and an ink absorbing member having at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers, one of the porous members which is closer to the 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 the ink-supply delivery port.
Inventors
- 👤 Takashi Suzuki
- 👤 Masanao Matsuzawa
- 👤 Yoshinori Miyazawa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:26
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: 63
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer comprising: an ink-supply tank having an ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member comprising 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, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink said ink-supply tank is designed to carry.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer comprising: an ink-supply tank having an ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member comprising 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, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink said ink-supply tank is designed to carry.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
65 words
The ink-supply system of claim 1, 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, projections being formed in an inner wall surface of said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ink-supply system of claim 2, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
The ink-supply system of claim 2, 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 6
Dependent Claim
68 words
The ink-supply system of claim 2, 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 7
Dependent Claim
83 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer comprising: an ink-supply tank having an ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member comprising 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, said ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
83 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer comprising: an ink-supply tank having an ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member comprising 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, said ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
The ink-supply system of claim 6, 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 10
Dependent Claim
96 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer comprising: an ink-supply tank having an ink-supply delivery port; an ink absorbing member comprising 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; and ink impregnated in the ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
96 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer comprising: an ink-supply tank having an ink-supply delivery port; an ink absorbing member comprising 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; and 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
122 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer head comprising: an ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member contained within said ink-supply tank; means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head; and said ink absorbing member comprising 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, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink said ink-supply tank is designed to carry.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
122 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer head comprising: an ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member contained within said ink-supply tank; means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head; and said ink absorbing member comprising 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, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink said ink-supply tank is designed to carry.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
48 words
The ink-supply system of claim 9, wherein said ink-supply tank includes a cover means facing said receiving and transmitting means and bearing on said ink absorbing means, said ink absorbing member being compressingly contained in the space intermediate said cover means and said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ink-supply system of claim 10, wherein said ink-supply tank includes an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ink-supply system of claim 11, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
70 words
The ink-supply system of claim 12, 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 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ink-supply system of claim 11, 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 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ink-supply system of claim 14, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
114 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer head comprising: an ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member contained within said ink-supply tank; means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head; and said ink absorbing member comprising 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; said ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
114 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer head comprising: an ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member contained within said ink-supply tank; means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head; and said ink absorbing member comprising 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; said ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ink-supply system of claim 16, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
126 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer head comprising: an ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member contained within said ink-supply tank; means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head; said ink absorbing member comprising 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, and ink impregnated in the ink-absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
126 words
An ink-supply system for a dot matrix printer head comprising: an ink-supply tank; an ink absorbing member contained within said ink-supply tank; means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head; said ink absorbing member comprising 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, and ink impregnated in the ink-absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
112 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 having an ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member comprising 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, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink said ink-supply tank is designed to carry.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
112 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 having an ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member comprising 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, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink said ink-supply tank is designed to carry.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
66 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 19, 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, projections being formed in an inner wall surface of said wall of said ink-supply tank facing said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
52 words
The dot matric printer of claim 20, 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 29
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 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 22, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
69 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 22, 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 32
Dependent Claim
104 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 having an ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member comprising 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, said ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
104 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 having an ink-supply delivery port; and an ink absorbing member comprising 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, said ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
49 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 25, 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 35
Dependent Claim
142 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 contained within said ink-supply tank; means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printing means; and said ink absorbing member comprising 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, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink said ink-supply tank is designed to carry.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
142 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 contained within said ink-supply tank; means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printing means; and said ink absorbing member comprising 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, said ink absorbing member carrying substantially all of the ink said ink-supply tank is designed to carry.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
49 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 27, wherein said ink-supply tank includes a cover means facing said receiving and transmitting means and bearing on said ink absorbing member, said ink absorbing member being compressingly contained in the space intermediate said cover means and said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 28, wherein said ink-supply tank includes an inner wall surface having projections to provide a space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 29, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
71 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 30, 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 41
Dependent Claim
31 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 29, 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 42
Dependent Claim
26 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 32, and including means for providing ambient air to the space between said ink absorbing member and said wall surface.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
134 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 contained within said ink-supply tank; means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printing means; and said ink absorbing member comprising 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, said ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
134 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 contained within said ink-supply tank; means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printing means; and said ink absorbing member comprising 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, said ink absorbing member substantially filling said ink-supply tank.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
49 words
The dot matrix printer of claim 34, 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 46
Dependent Claim
146 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 contained within said ink-supply tank; means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printing means; said ink absorbing member comprising 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, and ink impregnated in the ink-absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
146 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 contained within said ink-supply tank; means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printing means; said ink absorbing member comprising 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, and ink impregnated in the ink-absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of supplying ink to a dot matrix printer, comprising: providing an ink absorbing member within an ink-supply tank having an ink-supply delivery port; forming said ink absorbing member of at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers and so that said ink absorbing member substantially fills the ink-supply tank, one of the porous members which is closer to the 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; and withdrawing ink within said porous members through said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of supplying ink to a dot matrix printer, comprising: providing an ink absorbing member within an ink-supply tank having an ink-supply delivery port; forming said ink absorbing member of at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers and so that said ink absorbing member substantially fills the ink-supply tank, one of the porous members which is closer to the 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; and withdrawing ink within said porous members through said ink-supply delivery port.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 37, wherein a 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 51
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 37, and including 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.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of supplying ink to a dot matrix printer, comprising: providing an ink absorbing member within an ink-supply tank having an ink-supply delivery port; forming said ink absorbing member of at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers and so that said ink absorbing member substantially fills the ink-supply tank, one of the porous members which is closer to the 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; withdrawing ink within said porous members through said ink-supply delivery port; and applying ink to said ink-supply tank so that said ink absorbing member carries substantially all of the ink which said ink-supply tank is designed to carry.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of supplying ink to a dot matrix printer, comprising: providing an ink absorbing member within an ink-supply tank having an ink-supply delivery port; forming said ink absorbing member of at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers and so that said ink absorbing member substantially fills the ink-supply tank, one of the porous members which is closer to the 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; withdrawing ink within said porous members through said ink-supply delivery port; and applying ink to said ink-supply tank so that said ink absorbing member carries substantially all of the ink which said ink-supply tank is designed to carry.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
128 words
A method of supplying ink to a dot matrix printer, comprising: providing an ink absorbing member within an ink-supply tank having an ink-supply delivery port; forming said ink absorbing member of at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers and so that said ink absorbing member substantially fills the ink-supply tank, one of the porous members which is closer to the 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; withdrawing ink within said porous members through said ink-supply delivery port; and applying ink to said ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
128 words
A method of supplying ink to a dot matrix printer, comprising: providing an ink absorbing member within an ink-supply tank having an ink-supply delivery port; forming said ink absorbing member of at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers and so that said ink absorbing member substantially fills the ink-supply tank, one of the porous members which is closer to the 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; withdrawing ink within said porous members through said ink-supply delivery port; and applying ink to said ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of supplying ink to a dot matrix printer, comprising: providing an ink absorbing member within an ink-supply tank having a means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head; forming said ink absorbing member of at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers and so that said ink absorbing member substantially fills the ink-supply tank, one of the porous members which is closer to the 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; and withdrawing ink within said porous members through said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of supplying ink to a dot matrix printer, comprising: providing an ink absorbing member within an ink-supply tank having a means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head; forming said ink absorbing member of at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers and so that said ink absorbing member substantially fills the ink-supply tank, one of the porous members which is closer to the 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; and withdrawing ink within said porous members through said ink receiving and transmitting means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 42, wherein a 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 59
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 42, and including 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.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
156 words
A method of supplying ink to a dot matrix printer, comprising: providing an ink absorbing member within an ink-supply tank having a means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head; forming said ink absorbing member of at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers and so that said ink absorbing member substantially fills the ink-supply tank, one of the porous members which is closer to the 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; withdrawing ink within said porous members through said ink receiving and transmitting means; and applying ink to said ink-supply tank so that said ink absorbing member carries substantially all of the ink said ink-supply tank is designed to carry.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
156 words
A method of supplying ink to a dot matrix printer, comprising: providing an ink absorbing member within an ink-supply tank having a means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head; forming said ink absorbing member of at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers and so that said ink absorbing member substantially fills the ink-supply tank, one of the porous members which is closer to the 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; withdrawing ink within said porous members through said ink receiving and transmitting means; and applying ink to said ink-supply tank so that said ink absorbing member carries substantially all of the ink said ink-supply tank is designed to carry.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
153 words
A method of supplying ink to a dot matrix printer, comprising: providing an ink absorbing member within an ink-supply tank having a means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head; forming said ink absorbing member of at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers and so that said ink absorbing member substantially fills the ink-supply tank, one of the porous members which is closer to the 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; withdrawing ink within said porous members through said ink receiving and transmitting means; and applying ink to said ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
153 words
A method of supplying ink to a dot matrix printer, comprising: providing an ink absorbing member within an ink-supply tank having a means projecting into said ink-supply tank for receiving and transmitting ink from said ink absorbing member for delivery to said printer head; forming said ink absorbing member of at least two separate porous members disposed as stacked layers and so that said ink absorbing member substantially fills the ink-supply tank, one of the porous members which is closer to the 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; withdrawing ink within said porous members through said ink receiving and transmitting means; and applying ink to said ink absorbing member under a pressure sufficiently low to substantially eliminate air bubbles in the ink absorbing member.
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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) | 1995-12-29 | 1996-06-29 | 1996-12-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-12-29 | 2000-06-29 | 2000-12-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-12-29 | 2004-06-29 | 2004-12-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |