Patent ID: 6776478
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A regulator adapted to regulate the throughput of an ink between an ink source and a print head, the regulator comprising;a pressurized chamber including an ink inlet adapted to provide fluid communication with an ink source, an ink outlet adapted to provide fluid communication with a print head, and at least one exterior flexible wall having an inner surface facing an interior of the pressurized-chamber; and a lever pivotable on a fulcrum including a first arm extending approximate a portion of the exterior flexible wall and an opposing arm operatively coupled to a seal, the seal closing the ink inlet when the lever is in a first position and to opening the ink inlet to allow fluid communication between the ink inlet and the pressurized chamber when the lever is pivoted to a second position, the lever being biased to the first position; wherein a higher pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall causes the exterior flexible wall to apply force against the first arm, overcoming the bias, to thereby pivot the lever to the second position, opening the ink inlet; wherein a lower pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall causes the force applied by the exterior flexible wall against the first arm to weaken, succumbing to the bias, which pivots the lever back to the first position, closing the ink inlet; wherein a pressure change from the lower pressure differential to the higher pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall causes the force applied by the exterior flexible wall to increase without overcoming the bias; and wherein the ink inlet and the ink outlet positioned on the same side of the fulcrum as the opposing arm of the lever.