초록 ▼

In one embodiment, an air purge apparatus includes a first station and a second station. The print cartridge is mounted in the first station with its nozzles facing downward. The first station includes a bellows, or any other pump, for pressurizing a diaphragm internal to a regulator-based inkjet pr

In one embodiment, an air purge apparatus includes a first station and a second station. The print cartridge is mounted in the first station with its nozzles facing downward. The first station includes a bellows, or any other pump, for pressurizing a diaphragm internal to a regulator-based inkjet print cartridge. This opens a regulator valve which allows air to be purged out of the print cartridge body. The print cartridge is then positioned in the second station with its nozzles facing upwards. The second station includes a pump for supplying a negative pressure to the nozzles of the print cartridge so as to purge air from the manifold of the print cartridge. In another embodiment, the stations are deleted, and the print cartridge is held in place manually. A syringe may be used for the pressure source. In another embodiment, ink at a high pressure is supplied to an ink inlet port of the print cartridge to open the regulator valve and to purge air through the nozzles.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for removing air from an inkjet print cartridge, said print cartridge having a plurality of ports comprising an air intake port, an ink inlet port, and at least one nozzle port for expelling ink during printing, said print cartridge also having an internal pr

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for removing air from an inkjet print cartridge, said print cartridge having a plurality of ports comprising an air intake port, an ink inlet port, and at least one nozzle port for expelling ink during printing, said print cartridge also having an internal pressure regulator including a regulator valve for regulating a flow of ink entering said print cartridge through said ink inlet port, said regulator having a flexible member with a reference surface communicating with said air intake port, said flexible member for actuating said regulator valve, said apparatus comprising:a first interface for forming a substantially airtight seal with respect to at least one of said plurality of ports; andat least one pressure generator in communication with said first interface, said at least one pressure generator providing a pressure which flexes said flexible member to actuate, and thereby open, said regulator valve while air is purged from said print cartridge as ink is supplied to said ink inlet port by another pressure generator.