Patent US4682187A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4682187A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Ink jet method and apparatus utilizing grandular or hot melt ink
Assignee: Exxon Mobil Corp
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Filing: 1984-11-08
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Granted: 1987-07-21
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Expires: 2004-11-08
Abstract
Abstract Hot melt ink is delivered in particle form to a melting area. The particles are fluidized and then advanced under the influence of gravity. A float valve responsive to the level of melted ink in the melting area restricts the flow of ink particles to the melting area.
Inventors
- 👤 John G. Martner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 11:20
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/005; B41J2/01; B41J2/17; B41J2/175; B41J2/17593
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A hot melt ink jet apparatus comprising: an ink jet chamber including an inlet and an orifice for ejecting droplets of ink; a bin including an outlet for storing hot melt ink in particle form; means for advancing said particles in said bin toward said outlet including vibration means for fluidizing said particles; and a melting area coupled to said outlet for melting said particles and supplying melted ink to said inlet of said chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
A hot melt ink jet apparatus comprising: an ink jet chamber including an inlet and an orifice for ejecting droplets of ink; a bin including an outlet for storing hot melt ink in particle form; means for advancing said particles in said bin toward said outlet including vibration means for fluidizing said particles; and a melting area coupled to said outlet for melting said particles and supplying melted ink to said inlet of said chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for advancing includes at least one inclined surface leading to said outlet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said outlet is located at the base of said bin.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including means for controlling the flow of said ink particles through said outlet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means for controlling comprises a float valve floating at said melting area and adapted to close said outlet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means for controlling further comprises guide means for guiding said float valve into and out of said outlet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including a cartridge adapted to be placed above and in communication with said bin, said cartridge including a removable base.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cartridge includes a track and said removable base is adapted to slide in to and out of said track.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
93 words
A hot melt ink jet apparatus comprising: an ink jet chamber including an inlet and an orifice for ejecting droplets of ink; storage means including an outlet for storing hot melt ink in particle form; a melting area coupled to said outlet for melting said particles and supplying melted ink to said inlet of said chamber, means for controlling the flow of ink particles through said outlet including a float valve floating in the melted ink and adapted to close said outlet in response to the level of ink in said melting area.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
93 words
A hot melt ink jet apparatus comprising: an ink jet chamber including an inlet and an orifice for ejecting droplets of ink; storage means including an outlet for storing hot melt ink in particle form; a melting area coupled to said outlet for melting said particles and supplying melted ink to said inlet of said chamber, means for controlling the flow of ink particles through said outlet including a float valve floating in the melted ink and adapted to close said outlet in response to the level of ink in said melting area.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said storage means comprises a bin.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said bin includes at least one enclosed surface leading to said outlet.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said outlet is located at the base of said bin.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 9 including a cartridge adapted to be placed above and in communication with said storage means, said cartridge including a removable base.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said cartridge includes a track and said removable base is adapted to slide in to and out of said track.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
41 words
A method of operating a hot melt ink jet apparatus comprising the following steps: storing particles of hot melt ink; fluidizing the particles by vibration; advancing the fluidized particles toward a melting location; and melting the particles at the melting location.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
41 words
A method of operating a hot melt ink jet apparatus comprising the following steps: storing particles of hot melt ink; fluidizing the particles by vibration; advancing the fluidized particles toward a melting location; and melting the particles at the melting location.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 15 wherein the particles are advanced under the influence of gravity.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 15 wherein said particles have a maximum cross-sectional dimension of 0.2 mm.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-07-20 | 1991-01-19 | 1991-07-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-07-20 | 1995-01-19 | 1995-07-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-07-20 | 1999-01-19 | 1999-07-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |