Patent ID: 9707773
Date: 2017-07-18
CPC Classifications: B41J

Claim:
1. A system for delivering ink to a print head, comprising: a positive-displacement, electrically-operated pump connectable between an ink supply and a print head; an ink reservoir fluidly connectable between the output of the pump and the print head, wherein the ink reservoir and a first ink path between the output of the pump and the reservoir are designed to be substantially free of air during operation; a manifold coupled directly to the reservoir and being directly connectable to the print head without the use of tubing, wherein a second ink path between the reservoir and the print head is designed to be substantially free of air during operation, wherein the second ink path includes the manifold; a biased diaphragm connected between the output of the pump and the print head to reduce pressure swings of the ink in the reservoir; and a pressure sensor connected to sense the fluid pressure of the ink between the pump output and the print head; wherein a volume of ink between the pump and the print head is substantially constant and free of air so that the use of ink by the print head can create a negative fluid pressure on the ink between the pump and the print head.