Patent ID: 6341853
Filing Date: 2002-01-29
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An ink-jet printer/plotter for ink-jet printing onto a print media, comprising:an ink-jet cartridge including an ink-jet print head and a spring-bag primary ink reservoir in fluid communication with said print head for holding an internal supply of liquid ink under negative pressure, said reservoir including a movable side wall and an internal spring for biasing said side wall against collapsing as ink is withdrawn from said reservoir and ejected from said print head onto a print medium during printing operations; a supply of liquid ink disposed in said primary ink reservoir; a cartridge carriage for holding the cartridge; a cartridge carriage drive mechanism for moving the cartridge carriage along a carriage axis for printing a swath; an auxiliary ink reservoir disposed at a supply location off the cartridge carriage for holding an auxiliary supply of liquid ink; a connection tube connectable between said primary reservoir and the auxiliary reservoir for providing a fluid path between the primary and auxiliary reservoirs; and automated apparatus for providing relative motion between the auxiliary reservoir and the spring bag primary ink reservoir during ink replenishment operations.