Patent ID: 6477956
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: B41C,B41F,B41J

Abstract:
An improved ink cartridge used in lithographic printing presses, the ink cartridge comprising a hollow cylindrical body for holding a supply of extrudable ink, the cylindrical body having a dispensing end and a plunger end, the plunger end being closed by a plunger adapted to serve as a piston within the cylindrical body to extrude the contents of the dispenser when the plunger is forced toward the dispensing end, the dispensing end being closed by a dispensing fitment affixed thereto, the dispensing fitment comprising a flat covering portion, a sidewall formed around the periphery of the covering portion, and an orifice disposed in the covering portion, the improvement comprising:a nozzle extending from the periphery of the orifice and having a rim, said nozzle defining a space; a flexible spring means mounted within the space defined by the nozzle and having openings to accommodate the flow of ink therethrough; and a substantially rigid valve member located downstream of and supported by the flexible spring means, said valve member being moveable between a closed position in which the valve member is urged against the nozzle rim by the biasing force of the flexible spring means and an open position in which the valve member is below the nozzle rim to create an annular opening when pressure applied by the ink to the spring means and to the valve member exceeds the biasing force of the spring means.