초록 ▼

Underpressure changes in an ink-jet pen (20, 120) reservoir (22, 122) are compensated for by volumetric changes in the reservoir (22, 122) effected by movement of a piston (56, 156) within a sleeve (50, 150) that is connected to the reservoir (22, 122). The piston (56, 156) and sleeve (50, 150) are

Underpressure changes in an ink-jet pen (20, 120) reservoir (22, 122) are compensated for by volumetric changes in the reservoir (22, 122) effected by movement of a piston (56, 156) within a sleeve (50, 150) that is connected to the reservoir (22, 122). The piston (56, 156) and sleeve (50, 150) are sized to provide capillarity for holding ink (72, 172) therebetween. The ink (72, 172) between the piston (56, 156) and sleeve (50, 150) acts as a low-friction seal for preventing fluid communication between ambient air and the interior of the resevoir (22, 122). In one embodiment (120), the volumetric efficiency of the pen is enhanced with an auxiliary ink reservoir carried on the piston (156).

대표청구항 ▼

An accumulator apparatus for an ink-jet pen or the like, comprising: a reservoir; a sleeve connected to the reservoir; and a piston member mounted within the sleeve, the reservoir, sleeve and piston member defining a reservoir volume, the piston member being movable within the sleeve for changing th

An accumulator apparatus for an ink-jet pen or the like, comprising: a reservoir; a sleeve connected to the reservoir; and a piston member mounted within the sleeve, the reservoir, sleeve and piston member defining a reservoir volume, the piston member being movable within the sleeve for changing the size of the reservoir volume, the piston member and sleeve being configured to define a capillary space for supporting liquid between the piston member and sleeve.