Abstract:
An example apparatus includes a housing including a first chamber and a second chamber, the housing defining a first port to fluidly couple the first chamber to a printer, the housing including a second port to fluidly couple the first chamber and the second chamber; a bladder disposed in the first chamber, the bladder being inflatable to increase a pressure within the first chamber; and a regulator to regulate fluid flow from the second chamber to the first chamber and to deter fluid flow from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/977,216, filed Jun. 28, 2013, which is a U.S. national stage of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US2011/020481, filed Jan. 7, 2011. Priority is claimed to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/977,216 and PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US2011/020481. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/977,216 and PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US2011/020481 are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Fluid containers store fluid to be supplied to other devices. Fluid containers may include multiple chambers and be removably installed in devices such as image forming apparatuses to supply the fluid thereto. Generally, one or more chambers include regulator units to regulate the flow of the fluid in the fluid container and/or the device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]    Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure are described in the following description, read with reference to the figures attached hereto and do not limit the scope of the claims. In the figures, identical and similar structures, elements or parts thereof that appear in more than one figure are generally labeled with the same or similar references in the figures in which they appear. Dimensions of components and features illustrated in the figures are chosen primarily for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily to scale. Referring to the attached figures: 
           [0004]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a fluid container according to an example. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a fluid container according to an example. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3A  is a block diagram illustrating a regulator unit of the fluid container according to an example. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of a regulator valve according to an example. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the fluid container of  FIG. 1  according to an example. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C  are chart representational views illustrating states of the regulated chamber of the fluid container of  FIG. 1  according to examples. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating the fluid container of  FIG. 1  according to an example. 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an example. 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a fluid container including an integrated multifunctional valve device according to an example. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating an integrated multifunctional valve device in a disassembled form according to an example. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C  are cross-sectional views illustrating the integrated multifunctional valve device of  FIG. 9  in an assembled form according to examples. 
       
    
    
       [0015]    Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is illustrated by way of illustration specific examples in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. 
         [0017]    Fluid containers store fluid to be supplied to other devices and are available in a variety of fluid storage capacities. Fluid containers may also be removably installed in devices such as image forming apparatuses to supply the fluid thereto. Such fluid containers may include regulator units to regulate the flow of fluid within and/or between the fluid container and, for example, the image forming apparatus. Generally, based at least on the respective fluid storage capacity of the fluid containers, the size, type and/or arrangement of regulator units vary within the respective fluid container. Such regulator unit variations exist even with respect to fluid containers having different fluid storage capacities that are still in the same fluid container family. Thus, such regulator unit variations may increase obstacles to create a common interface for fluid containers within the same fluid container family, increases the number of regulator parts, and increases manufacturing costs. 
         [0018]    In the present disclosure, a fluid container is disclosed having a regulated chamber and a free-fluid chamber. The fluid storage capacity of the fluid container may be the combined fluid storage capacities of the regulated chamber and the free-fluid chamber. The free-fluid chamber can vary in size based on the desired fluid storage capacity for the respective fluid container. A regulator unit is disposed within the regulated chamber. Additionally, in examples, the fluid container includes a plurality of valves such that at least one of the valves is configured to selectively isolate the free-fluid chamber from the regulated chamber when the regulated chamber is in a respective state. That is, based on the respective state of the regulated chamber, at least one of the valves stops fluid communication from the regulated chamber to the free-fluid chamber. Thus, the size, type and arrangement of the regulator unit may be based on a predetermined fluid storage capacity of the regulated chamber. In examples, one or more of the valves may be check valves. 
         [0019]    The respective state may be a pressurization state in which the regulator unit establishes positive pressure such as a hyperinflation priming and/or purging state. In this state, the additional fluid storage capacity of the free-fluid chamber does not impact the effectiveness of the regulator unit as the free-fluid chamber is isolated from the regulated chamber. In other states, however, such as a backpressure regulation state, the free-fluid chamber is not isolated from the regulated chamber allowing additional fluid to be provided thereto and available, for example, to print. Thus, fluid containers are disclosed in examples in which the same type, size and/or arrangement of a regulator unit disposed inside a regulated chamber may be used for fluid containers having a variety of fluid storage capacities. Accordingly, regulator unit variations may be reduced resulting in decreasing obstacles to creating a common interface for fluid containers within the same fluid container family, decreasing the number of regulator parts and reducing manufacturing costs. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a fluid container according to an example.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a fluid container according to an example. The fluid container  10  may be usable with an image forming apparatus  75  ( FIG. 7 ). Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the present example, the fluid container  10  includes a housing unit  11 , a free-fluid chamber  13  disposed in the housing unit  11  and configured to store fluid, and a regulated chamber  12  disposed in the housing unit  11 . In an example, the free-fluid chamber  13  and the regulated chamber  12  may be adjacent to each other and share a common wall  17 . The free-fluid chamber  13 , for example, may be a passive free-fluid chamber. That is, the passive free-fluid chamber does not sense or actively control fluid pressure or flow. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the regulated chamber  12  includes the regulator unit  14  which is configured to regulate respective fluid therein and includes a plurality of states  15 . The regulator unit  14  may include a plurality of expansion states  39  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . An expansion state  39  may correspond to a respective amount of expansion of the regulator unit  14 . The regulator unit  14  may be in the form of one or more of a pump, a spring, a biasing mechanism, a variable-volume chamber and an expansion and contraction member. The outlet  16  is configured to transport the respective fluid from the regulated chamber  12 . For example, the respective fluid may be transported to a fluid applicator assembly  73  external to the housing unit  11 , other chambers within or outside the housing unit  11 , or the like. 
         [0022]    The fluid container  10  also includes a plurality of valves  18  disposed in the housing unit  11 . In an example, at least one of the valves  18  is configured to selectively stop fluid communication between the regulated chamber  12  and the free-fluid chamber  13  based on the respective state of the regulated chamber  12 . In examples, each of the valves  18  selectively isolates the free-fluid chamber  13  from the regulated chamber  12 . That, is based on the respective state of the regulated chamber  12 , the valves  18  selectively isolate the free-fluid chamber  13  from the regulated chamber  12 . The fluid container  10  may also include one or more exterior openings  19  such as fluid interconnects, or the like, to establish communication between fluid chambers and the external environment such as an image forming apparatus  75  ( FIG. 7 ) and/or ambient atmosphere. 
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the fluid container of  FIG. 1  according to an example. Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 , the plurality of valves  18  include at least two of a regulator valve  48   a , a free-fluid valve  48   b , a vent valve  48   c  and a wet flow valve  48   d . In examples, one or more of the regulator valve  48   a , the free-fluid valve  48   b , the vent valve  48   c  and the wet flow valve  48   d  may be check valves. In the present example, each of the regulator valve  48   a , the free-fluid valve  48   b , the vent valve  48   c  and the wet flow valve  48   d  may be check valves. The fluid container  10  may also include a capillary relief valve  49  configured to selectively transport air from ambient atmosphere to the regulated chamber  12  based on a respective state  15  of the regulated chamber  12 . For example, the respective state  15  may be at least one of a hyperinflation priming and/or purging state  55   a  ( FIG. 5A ) and a normal and/or altitude robust state  55   c  ( FIG. 5C ). 
         [0024]    In an example, the wet flow valve  48   d  is configured to selectively establish fluid communication between the regulated chamber  12  and the free-fluid chamber  13 . In examples, a wet flow valve  48   d  stays below the fluid level in the supply. The regulator valve  48   a  is configured to selectively establish fluid communication between the regulated chamber  12  and air outside of the housing unit  11  such as ambient atmosphere. For example, the regulator valve  48   a  may be a pilot-operated valve actuated by a lever actuator member  35  to selectively close one or more respective ports  37  in response to an expansion state  39  of the regulator unit  14  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . In an example, the regulator unit  14  may be inflated and deflated through a pump, or the like (not illustrated). 
         [0025]    In an example, the free-fluid valve  48   b  is configured to selectively establish fluid communication between the free-fluid chamber  13  and air outside the housing unit  11  such as ambient atmosphere. For example, the free-fluid valve  48   b  may be pressure—actuated based on a differential pressure between the free-fluid chamber  13  and the regulated chamber  12 . The directional flow through the free-fluid valve  48   b  in an open state thereof is into the free-fluid chamber  13 . In an example, the vent valve  48   c  is configured to selectively establish fluid communication between the ambient air and the free-fluid chamber  13 . The vent valve  48   c  may be pressure—actuated based on a differential pressure between the ambient atmosphere and the free-fluid chamber  13 . The directional flow through the vent valve  48   c  in an open state thereof is into the free-fluid chamber  13 . 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , in the present example, the plurality of valves  18  may include each of the regulator valve  48   a , the free-fluid valve  48   b , the vent valve  48   c , the wet flow valve  48   d  and the capillary relief valve  49 . In the present example, the vent valve  48   c , regulator valve  48   a  and free-fluid valve  48   b  may be in series. That is, the regulator valve  48   a  is disposed between the vent valve  48   c  and the free-fluid valve  48   b . The regulator valve  48   a  selectively receives air from the ambient atmosphere through the vent valve  48   c  and selectively transports the air to the free-fluid chamber  13  through the free-fluid valve  48   b.    
         [0027]    In examples, the respective valves  18  may be either normally open or closed. In the present example, the wet flow valve  48   d  includes a normally open pressure-actuated valve. The regulator valve  48   a  includes a pilot-operated regulator valve  48   a . The regulator valve  48   a  may also include a lever actuator member  35  configured to move to selectively open and close a port  37  corresponding to the respective expansion state  39  of the regulator unit  14  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The free-fluid valve  48   b  includes a normally open pressure-actuated valve. The vent valve  48   c  includes a normally open pressure-actuated valve. The capillary relief valve  49  includes a normally closed relief valve. 
         [0028]    In a printing operation, for example, the fluid container  10  may be coupled to an image forming apparatus  75  ( FIG. 7 ) through one or more external openings  19  such as an inkjet printer to supply fluid such as ink to a fluid applicator assembly  73  ( FIG. 7 ) such as a print head assembly to be printed on a media. Ink from the regulated chamber  12  may be transported through the outlet  16  and external opening  19  to a print head assembly to selectively print ink on the media. The ink from the free-fluid chamber  13  is transported (e.g., flows) through the wet flow valve  49  into the regulated chamber  12 . Air flows from ambient atmosphere through each of the vent valve  48   c , the regulated valve  48   a  and the free-fluid valve  48   b  into the free-fluid chamber  13  to replace the ink that previously flowed into the regulated chamber  12 . 
         [0029]      FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C  are chart representational views illustrating states of the regulated chamber of the fluid container of  FIG. 1  according to examples. In examples, the plurality of states  15  may be a combination of pressurization and depressurization states. Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5C , in the present example, the states  15  include a hyperinflation priming and/or purging state  55   a  ( FIG. 5A ), a backpressure regulation state  55   b  ( FIG. 5B ), and a normal and/or altitude robust state  55   c  ( FIG. 5C ). In the hyperinflation priming and/or purging state  55   a , the regulator unit  14  is configured to pressurize the regulated chamber  12  to a positive pressure to perform at least one of a priming function and a purging function, such that the wet flow valve  48   d  is closed. That is, the regulated chamber  12  has a greater pressure than the free-fluid chamber  13 . Further, the regulator valve  48   a  is closed, the free-fluid valve  48   b  is closed, the vent valve  48   c  is closed, and a capillary relief valve  49  is closed. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 10C , for example, in operation in the hyperinflation priming and/or purging state  55   a , the regulator unit  14  expands pressurizing the regulated chamber  12  and, for example, moving a lever member  97   b  in a direction away from a respective port  93 . The actuator ball  97   a  also moves away from the respective port  93 . However, pressure within the regulated chamber  12  places a flexible disk member  94  into a closed port position and closes the wet flow valve  48   d . That is, the flexible disk member  94  is urged toward and against the respective port  93  to cover it isolating the free-fluid chamber  13  from the regulated chamber  12 . In an example, the capillary relief valve  49  is closed 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 5B and 10A , in the backpressure regulation state  55   b , the regulator unit  14  is configured to form a negative pressure in the regulated chamber  12  to perform a controlled fluid delivery function, such that the wet flow valve  48   d  is open, the regulator valve  48   a  is open, the free-fluid valve  48   b  is open, the vent valve  48   c  is open, and a capillary relief valve  49  is open. That is, pressure in the regulated chamber  12  is less than pressure in the free-fluid chamber  13 . For example, in operation in the backpressure regulation state  55   b , back pressure expands the regulator unit  14  pressurizing the regulated chamber  12  and, for example, moving a lever member  97   b  in a direction away from the respective port  93 . The actuator ball  97   a  also moves away from the respective port  93 . The flexible disk member  94  is placed in an open port position and the wet flow valve  48   d  is placed into an open position. That is, air flows through the vent valve  48   c  and free-fluid valve  48   b  into the free-fluid chamber  13 . Also, fluid flows from the free-fluid chamber  13  through the wet flow valve  48   d  into the regulated chamber  12 . In an example, the capillary relief valve  49  is open. Thus, air passes through the capillary relief valve  49  into the regulated chamber  12 , for example, along a capillary path  99 . 
         [0032]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 5C and 10B , in the normal and/or altitude robust state  55   c , the regulator unit  14  is in a partially expanded state configured to form a negative pressure in the regulated chamber  12  to perform at least a leak prevention function, such that the wet flow valve  48   d  is open, the regulator valve  48   a  is closed, the free-fluid valve  48   b  is closed, the vent valve  48   c  is closed, and a capillary relief valve  49  is closed. For example, in operation in the normal and/or altitude robust state  55   c , the regulator unit  14  partially expands. The flexible disk member  94  is urged against the respective port, for example, by the lever member  97   b  and/or actuator ball  97   a , or the like. Thus, the flexible disk member  94  is placed in a closed port position restricting air from flowing into the free-fluid chamber  13  through the vent valve  48   c  and free-fluid valve  48   b . The wet flow valve  48   d  is in an open position allowing fluid to flow into the regulated chamber  12  as the pressure in the regulated chamber  12  is less than the pressure in the free-fluid chamber  13 . In an example, the capillary relief valve  49  is closed. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating the fluid container of  FIG. 1  according to an example.  FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an example. Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the fluid container  10  may be usable with an image forming apparatus  75  having a fluid container receiver  71 , fluid detection chamber  72  and a fluid applicator assembly  73 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , the fluid container  10  includes a housing unit  11  including a free-fluid chamber  13  and a regulated chamber  12  configured to store fluid. In an example, the regulated chamber  12  and the free-fluid chamber  13  may be adjacent to each other and separated by a common wall  17 . The regulated chamber  12  includes a regulator unit  14  configured to regulate respective fluid therein and an outlet  16  configured to transport the respective fluid from the regulated chamber  12 , for example to another chamber and/or fluid applicator assembly ( FIG. 7 ) inside or outside the housing unit  11 . The regulated chamber  12  also includes a plurality of states  15 , for example, a hyperinflation priming and/or purging state  55   a , a backpressure regulation state  55   b , and a normal and/or altitude robust state  55   c.    
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the fluid container  10  includes a plurality of valves  18  disposed in the housing unit  11 . In an example, at least one of the valves  18  is configured to selectively isolate the free-fluid chamber  13  from the regulated chamber  12  in response to the regulated chamber  12  entering a pressurized state such as the hyperinflation priming and/or purging state  55   a  ( FIG. 5A ). That is, at least one of the valves  18  stops fluid communication from the regulated chamber  12  to the free-fluid chamber  13  in response to the regulated chamber  12  entering the hyperinflation priming and/or purging state  55   a  ( FIG. 5A ). In the present example, in the hyperinflation priming and/or purging state  55   a , the regulator unit  14  is configured to pressurize the regulated chamber  12  to a positive pressure to perform at least one of a priming function and a purging function. That is, pressure in the regulated chamber  12  is greater than pressure in the free-fluid chamber  13 . Accordingly, the priming function and/or purging function may be applied to one or more of the fluid detection chamber  72 , the regulated chamber  12  and the fluid applicator assembly  73  in response to the regulated chamber  12  entering the hyperinflation priming and/or purging state  55   a  as previously discussed and illustrated in  FIG. 5A . 
         [0035]    In an example, in the backpressure regulation state  55   b , the regulator unit  14  is configured to form a negative pressure in the regulated chamber  12  to perform a controlled fluid delivery function as previously discussed and illustrated in  FIG. 5B . In the normal and/or altitude robust state  55   c , the regulator unit  14  is in a partially expanded state configured to form a negative pressure in the regulated chamber  12  to perform at least a leak prevention function as previously discussed and illustrated in  FIG. 5C . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , in an example, the fluid container receiver  71  receives a respective fluid container  10  to establish fluid communication with the image forming apparatus  75 . The fluid detection chamber  72 , for example, may include a chamber (not illustrated) and detection members (not illustrated) to detect the presence and/or amount of fluid in the fluid container  10 . The fluid applicator assembly  73  may apply fluid to a media. For example, the fluid applicator assembly  73  may be a print head assembly to eject ink onto paper, or the like. In the present example, the fluid detection chamber  72  and the fluid applicator assembly  73  are disposed in the image forming apparatus  75  and in fluid communication with the regulated chamber  12  of the fluid container  10 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a fluid container including an integrated multifunctional valve device according to an example. The fluid container  80  of  FIG. 8  corresponds to the fluid container  10  previously described with respect to  FIG. 1 . Additionally, the fluid container  80  of  FIG. 8  includes an integrated multifunctional valve device  88  and a wet flow valve  48   d  corresponding to the plurality of valves  18  of the fluid container  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In the present example, each of the integrated multifunctional valve device  88  and the wet flow valve  48   d  selectively isolate the free-fluid chamber  13  and the regulated chamber  12 . That is, fluid communication between is selectively stopped between the free-fluid chamber  13  and the regulated chamber  12 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating an integrated multifunctional valve device in a disassembled form according to an example.  FIGS. 10A-10C  are cross-sectional views illustrating the integrated multifunctional valve device of  FIG. 9  in an assembled form according to examples. The integrated multifunctional valve device  88  may be usable with a fluid container  80 , for example, to direct fluid to, from and/or within the fluid container  80 . Referring to  FIGS. 9-10C , in the present example, the integrated multifunctional valve device  88  may include a surface member  97  having a first port  92  and a second port  93  formed therein, a flexible disk member  94 , a first seat member  95  extending outward from the surface member  91 , a second seat member  96  extending outward from the surface member  91  and an actuator member  97 . The outward direction do, for example, is a direction substantially perpendicular to and away from a surface portion of the surface member  91  in which the respective ports ( 92  and  93 ) and are formed. In the present example, the surface member  91  may be a portion of the fluid container  80  such as a housing portion and/or wall portion thereof. In other examples, the surface member  91  may be separate and attachable to the fluid container  80 . In an example, the fluid container  80  may also include a first housing member  98   a , a second housing member  98   b , and a capillary path  99 . The first housing member  98   a  and the second housing member  98   b  form an enclosed chamber  98   c  therebetween. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-10C , the first housing member  98   a  may extend outward from the surface member  91  to surround the first port  92 , the second port  93 , the first seat member  95 , the second seat member  96  and the flexible disk member  94 . In an example, the first housing member  98   a  and the surface member  91  may be a unitary member. In other examples, the first housing member  98   a  may be formed separately, disposed opposite and/or coupled to the surface member  91 , for example, through positioning components (not illustrated), adhesives, friction-fit arrangement, or the like. In examples, the second housing member  98   b  may be permanently or removably coupled to the second housing member  98   b . The second housing member  98   b  includes an access opening  98   d  to provide access to inside and outside of the enclosed chamber  98   c.    
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-10C , in the present example, the integrated multifunctional valve device  88  includes an integrated regulator valve  48   a , a first pressure-actuated valve and a second pressure-actuated valve. The regulator valve  48   a  includes an actuator member such as the lever member  97   b  and an actuator ball  97   a , the flexible disk member  94 , the first seat member  95 , the second seat member  96 , the first port  92  and the second port  93 . The regulator valve  48   a  has an open state corresponding to the open port position of the flexible disk member  94  and a closed state corresponding to the close port position of the flexible disk member  94 . In the open port position, the flexible disk member  94  moves away from the second seat member  96 . That is, the flexible disk member  94  moves away from the respective port  93 . Thus, in the open state of the regulator valve  48   a , the regulator valve  48   a  establishes fluid communication between the first port  92  and the second port  93 . In the close port position, the flexible disk member  94  is urged against and extends across the first seat member  95  and the second seat member  96 . That is, the flexible disk member  94  is urged towards the respective port  93 . Thus, in the closed state of the regulator valve  48   a , the regulator valve  48   a  stops the fluid communication between the first port  92  and the second port  93 . 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-10C , in the present example, the integrated multifunctional valve device  88  includes the flexible disk member  94 , the first seat member  95 , the second seat member  96  and the first port  92  to form a first pressure-actuated valve corresponding to the open state of the regulator valve  48   a . The flexible disk member  94 , the second seat member  96  and the second port  93  form a second pressure-actuated valve corresponding to the open state of the regulator valve  48   a . That is, adequate pressure may urge at least a portion of the flexible disk member  94  against the second seat member  96  thereby covering the second port  93 , even when the lever member  97   b  and actuator ball  97   a  do not move at least a portion of the flexible disk member  94  into the close port position ( FIG. 10C ). 
         [0042]    In an example, the first pressure-actuated valve may include a free-fluid valve  48   b  and the second pressure-actuated valve may include a vent valve  48   c . The free-fluid valve  48   b  may be configured to selectively transport air from the vent valve  48   c  into the free-fluid chamber  13 . The vent valve  48   c  may be configured to selectively transport air from ambient atmosphere to the free-fluid valve  48   b . In examples, one or more of the regulator valve  48   a , the first pressure-actuated valve and the second pressure-actuated valve may be check valves. In the present example, each of the regulator valve  48   a , the first pressure-actuated valve and the second pressure-actuated valve are check valves. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 10A-10C , in an example, the integrated multifunctional valve device  88  may include a capillary relief valve  49 . In an example, the flexible disk member  94 , the first seat member  95 , the first housing member  98   a , the second seat member  96  and the second port  93  form a capillary relief valve  49  corresponding to the open position of the regulator valve  48   a . In examples, the second housing member  98   b , the actuator ball  97   a , the flexible disk member  94 , the first seat member  95 , the first housing member  98   a , the second seat member  96 , and the second port  93  form a capillary relief valve  49  corresponding to the open position of the regulator valve  48   a . The capillary path  99  may be configured to selectively transport air from the second port  93  to the regulated chamber  12 . In an example, the capillary path  99  selectively transports air from the second port  93  to the regulated chamber  12  based on a respective state  15  of the regulated chamber  12  such as the backpressure regulation state  55   b  ( FIG. 5B ). 
         [0044]    The present disclosure has been described using non-limiting detailed descriptions of examples thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that features and/or operations described with respect to one example may be used with other examples and that not all examples of the present disclosure have all of the features and/or operations illustrated in a particular figure or described with respect to one of the examples. Variations of examples described will occur to persons of the art. Furthermore, the terms “comprise,” “include,” “have” and their conjugates, shall mean, when used in the disclosure and/or claims, “including but not necessarily limited to.” 
         [0045]    An example fluid container usable with an image forming apparatus, the fluid container includes a housing unit; a free-fluid chamber disposed in the housing unit, the free-fluid chamber configured to store fluid; a regulated chamber disposed in the housing unit, the regulated chamber including a regulator unit, an outlet and a plurality of states; the regulator unit configured to regulate respective fluid therein; the outlet configured to transport the respective fluid from the regulated chamber; and a plurality of valves disposed in the housing unit, at least one of the plurality of valves configured to selectively stop fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the free-fluid chamber based on the respective state of the regulated chamber. 
         [0046]    In some examples, the plurality of states include a backpressure regulation state, a hyperinflation priming and/or purging state, and a normal and/or altitude robust state. In some examples, the respective state of the regulated chamber includes the hyperinflation priming and/or purging state. 
         [0047]    In some examples, the regulator unit includes a plurality of expansion states. In some examples, the plurality of valves include at least two of a wet flow valve configured to selectively establish fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the free-fluid chamber, a regulator valve configured to selectively establish fluid communication between the regulated chamber and ambient atmosphere, a free-fluid valve configured to selectively establish fluid communication between the free-fluid chamber and the ambient atmosphere, and a vent valve configured to selectively establish fluid communication between the ambient air and the free-fluid chamber. 
         [0048]    In some examples, the fluid container includes a capillary relief valve formed by the flexible disk member, the first seat member, the first housing member, the second seat member and the second port corresponding to the open state of the regulator valve, the capillary path may be configured to selectively transport air from the second port to the regulated chamber based on a respective state of the regulated chamber. In some examples, the plurality of valves include each of the wet flow valve, the regulator valve, the free-fluid valve, the vent valve and the capillary relief valve such that at least one of the valves is a check valve. In some examples, the regulator valve includes a lever member configured to move to selectively open and close a port corresponding to the respective expansion state of the regulator unit. In some examples, in the hyperinflation priming and/or purging state, the regulator unit is configured to pressurize the regulated chamber to a positive pressure to perform at least one of a priming function and a purging function, such that the wet flow valve is closed, the regulator valve is closed, the free-fluid valve is closed, the vent valve is closed, and the capillary relief valve is closed. 
         [0049]    In some examples, in the backpressure regulation state, the regulator unit is configured to form a negative pressure in the regulated chamber to perform a controlled fluid delivery function, such that the wet flow valve is open, the regulator valve is open, the free-fluid valve is open, the vent valve is open, and the capillary relief valve is open. in some examples, in the normal and/or altitude robust state, the regulator unit is in a partially expanded state configured to form a negative pressure in the regulated chamber to perform at least a leak prevention function, such that the wet flow valve is open, the regulator valve is closed, the free-fluid valve is closed, the vent valve is closed, and the capillary relief valve is closed. In some examples, the wet flow valve includes a normally open pressure-actuated valve, the regulator valve includes a pilot-operated regulator valve, the free-fluid valve includes a normally open pressure-actuated valve, the vent valve includes a normally open pressure-actuated valve, and the capillary relief valve includes a normally closed relief valve. 
         [0050]    An example fluid container usable with an image forming apparatus having a fluid container receiver, a fluid detection chamber and a fluid applicator assembly, the fluid container includes a housing unit including a free-fluid chamber and a regulated chamber configured to store fluid, the regulated chamber including a regulator unit configured to regulate respective fluid therein, an outlet configured to transport the respective fluid from the regulated chamber and a plurality of states including a backpressure regulation state, a hyperinflation priming and/or purging state, and a normal and/or altitude robust state; a plurality of valves disposed in the housing unit, at least one of the plurality of valves configured to selectively stop fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the free-fluid chamber in response to the regulated chamber entering the hyperinflation priming and/or purging state; and wherein the regulator unit is configured to pressurize the regulated chamber to a positive pressure to perform at least one of a priming function and a purging function of one or more of the fluid detection chamber, the regulated chamber and the fluid applicator assembly in response to the regulated chamber entering the hyperinflation priming and/or purging state. 
         [0051]    In some examples, the fluid container includes a capillary relief valve formed by the flexible disk member, the first seat member, the first housing member, the second seat member and the second port corresponding to the open state of the regulator valve, the capillary path may be configured to selectively transport air from the second port to the regulated chamber based on a respective state of the regulated chamber. 
         [0052]    In some examples, in the backpressure regulation state, the regulator unit is configured to form a negative pressure in the regulated chamber to perform a controlled fluid delivery function; and, in the normal and/or altitude robust state, the regulator unit is in a partially expanded state configured to form a negative pressure in the regulated chamber to perform at least a leak prevention function. 
         [0053]    An example fluid container includes a housing unit, a free-fluid chamber disposed in the housing unit and configured to store fluid, and a regulated chamber disposed in the housing unit. The regulated chamber includes a regulator unit, an outlet and a plurality of states. The regulator unit is configured to regulate respective fluid therein. The outlet is configured to transport the respective fluid from the regulated chamber. The fluid container also includes a plurality of valves disposed in the housing unit. At least one of the valves is configured to selectively stop fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the free-fluid chamber based on the respective state of the regulated chamber. 
         [0054]    An example fluid container usable with an image forming apparatus, the fluid container includes a housing unit; a free-fluid chamber disposed in the housing unit, the free-fluid chamber configured to store fluid; a regulated chamber disposed in the housing unit, the regulated chamber including a regulator unit and an outlet, wherein the regulator unit is to be in a plurality of expansion states, the regulator unit is configured to regulate respective fluid therein, and the outlet is configured to transport the respective fluid from the regulated chamber; and a plurality of valves disposed in the housing unit, wherein at least one of the plurality of valves is configured to selectively stop fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the free-fluid chamber based on a respective state of the regulated chamber and wherein at least one of the plurality of valves is configured to selectively open and close a port corresponding to the respective expansion state of the regulator unit; wherein the respective state includes a backpressure regulation state, a hyperinflation priming and/or purging state, and a normal and/or altitude robust state. 
         [0055]    In some examples, the plurality of valves coat least two of a wet flow valve configured to selectively establish fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the free-fluid chamber, a regulator valve configured to selectively establish fluid communication between the regulated chamber and ambient atmosphere, a free-fluid valve configured to selectively establish fluid communication between the free-fluid chamber and the ambient atmosphere, and a vent valve configured to selectively establish fluid communication between the ambient air and the free-fluid chamber. In some examples, the fluid container includes a capillary relief valve formed by a flexible disk member, a first seat member, a first housing member, a second seat member, and a second port, wherein a capillary path is configured to selectively transport air from the second port to the regulated chamber based on the respective state of the regulated chamber. 
         [0056]    In some examples, the plurality of valves include each of the wet flow valve, the regulator valve, the free-fluid valve, the vent valve and the capillary relief valve such that at least one of the valves is a check valve. In some examples, in the hyperinflation priming and/or purging state, the regulator unit is configured to pressurize the regulated chamber to a positive pressure to perform at least one of a priming function and a purging function, such that the wet flow valve is closed, the regulator valve is closed, the free-fluid valve is closed, the vent valve is closed, and the capillary relief valve is closed. In some examples, in the backpressure regulation state, the regulator unit is configured to form a negative pressure in the regulated chamber to perform a controlled fluid delivery function, such that the wet flow valve is open, the regulator valve is open, the free-fluid valve is open, the vent valve is open, and the capillary relief valve is open. 
         [0057]    In some examples, in the normal and/or altitude robust state, the regulator unit is in a partially expanded state configured to form a negative pressure in the regulated chamber to perform at least a leak prevention function, such that the wet flow valve is open, the regulator valve is closed, the free-fluid valve is closed, the vent valve is closed, and the capillary relief valve is closed. In some examples, the wet flow valve includes a normally open pressure-actuated valve, the regulator valve includes a pilot-operated regulator valve, the free-fluid valve includes a normally open pressure-actuated valve, the vent valve includes a normally open pressure-actuated valve, and the capillary relief valve includes a normally closed relief valve. 
         [0058]    In some examples, the fluid container is usable with an image forming apparatus having a fluid container receiver, a fluid detection chamber and a fluid applicator assembly, the fluid container includes a housing unit including a free-fluid chamber and a regulated chamber configured to store fluid, the regulated chamber including a regulator unit configured to regulate respective fluid therein and an outlet configured to transport the respective fluid from the regulated chamber, wherein the regulated chamber is to be in a plurality of states including a backpressure regulation state, a hyperinflation priming and/or purging state, and a normal and/or altitude robust state; a plurality of valves disposed in the housing unit, at least one of the plurality of valves configured to selectively stop fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the free-fluid chamber in response to the regulated chamber entering the hyperinflation priming and/or purging state; and the regulator unit is configured to pressurize the regulated chamber to a positive pressure to perform at least one of a priming function and a purging function of one or more of the fluid detection chamber, the regulated chamber and the fluid applicator assembly in response to the regulated chamber entering the hyperinflation priming and/or purging state. 
         [0059]    In some examples, the fluid container includes a capillary relief valve formed by a flexible disk member, a first seat member, a first housing member, a second seat member, and a second port, wherein a capillary path is configured to selectively transport air from the second port to the regulated chamber based on a respective state of the regulated chamber. In some examples, in the backpressure regulation state, the regulator unit is configured to form a negative pressure in the regulated chamber to perform a controlled fluid delivery function; and, in the normal and/or altitude robust state, the regulator unit is in a partially expanded state configured to form a negative pressure in the regulated chamber to perform at least a leak prevention function. 
         [0060]    An example fluid container usable with an image forming apparatus, the fluid container includes a housing unit; a free-fluid chamber disposed in the housing unit, the free-fluid chamber configured to store fluid; a regulated chamber disposed in the housing unit, the regulated chamber including a regulator unit and an outlet, wherein the regulated chamber is to be in a plurality of states, the regulator unit is to regulate respective fluid therein, and the outlet is to transport the respective fluid from the regulated chamber; and a plurality of valves disposed in the housing unit, wherein the plurality of valves include a capillary relief valve formed by a flexible disk member, a first seat member, a first housing member, a second seat member, and a second port, wherein a capillary path is to selectively transport air from the second port to the regulated chamber based on a respective state of the regulated chamber, the plurality of valves include a wet flow valve to selectively establish fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the free-fluid chamber, and the plurality of valves include at least one of a regulator valve to selectively establish fluid communication between the regulated chamber and ambient atmosphere, a free-fluid valve to selectively establish fluid communication between the free-fluid chamber and the ambient atmosphere, and a vent valve to selectively establish fluid communication between the ambient air and the free-fluid chamber. 
         [0061]    In some examples, the plurality of valves include each of the wet flow valve, the regulator valve, the free-fluid valve, the vent valve, and the capillary relief valve such that at least one of the valves is a check valve. In some examples, the plurality of states include a backpressure regulation state, a hyperinflation priming and/or purging state, and a normal and/or altitude robust state. In some examples, in the hyperinflation priming and/or purging state, the regulator unit is to pressurize the regulated chamber to a positive pressure to perform at least one of a priming function and a purging function; in the backpressure regulation state, the regulator unit is to form a negative pressure in the regulated chamber to perform a controlled fluid delivery function; and in the normal and/or altitude robust state, the regulator unit is in a partially expanded state to form a negative pressure in the regulated chamber to perform at least a leak prevention function. 
         [0062]    In some examples, the regulator unit is to be in a plurality of expansion states. In some examples, the regulator valve includes a lever member to move to selectively open and close a port corresponding to the respective expansion state of the regulator unit. In some examples, the wet flow valve includes a normally open pressure-actuated valve, the regulator valve includes a pilot-operated regulator valve, the free-fluid valve includes a normally open pressure-actuated valve, the vent valve includes a normally open pressure-actuated valve, and the capillary relief valve includes a normally closed relief valve. 
         [0063]    It is noted that the above described examples are illustrative and therefore may include structure, acts or details of structures and acts that may not be necessary to the practice of the present disclosure. Structure and/or acts described herein are replaceable by equivalents, which perform the same function, even if the structure or acts are different. The scope of this patent is limited only by the claims; not the examples provided in the specification.