Patent Publication Number: US-2006012643-A1

Title: Sealed fluidic interfaces for an ink source regulator for an inkjet printer

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/465,377, filed on Jun. 18, 2003, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for maintaining sealed fluidic interfaces for ink conduits carrying ink between an ink source and a print head in an inkjet printer; and, more particularly, to methods and apparatuses for maintaining sealed fluidic interfaces for the outlet of an ink flow regulator having an output delivering ink to a print head of an inkjet printer.  
      2. Background of the Invention  
      The flow of fluids through predetermined conduits has been generally accomplished using a valve and/or a pressure source. More specifically, valves come in various shapes and sizes and include as a subset, check valves. These valves prevent the reversal of fluid flow from the direction the fluid passed by the valve. A limitation of check valves is that the volumetric flow of the fluid past the valve is controlled by the inlet side fluid pressure. If the inlet pressure is greater than the outlet pressure, the valve will open and fluid will pass by the valve; if not, the inlet fluid will be relatively stagnant and the valve will not open.  
      Inkjet printers must take ink from an ink source and direct the ink to the print head where the ink is selectively deposited onto a substrate to form dots comprising an image discernable by the human eye. Two general types of systems have been developed for providing the pressure source to facilitate movement of the ink from the ink source to the print head. These generally include gravitational flow system and pumping systems. Pumping systems as the title would imply create an artificial pressure differential between the ink source and the print head to pump the fluid from the ink source to the print head. Generally, these pumping systems have many moving parts and need complex flow control systems operatively coupled thereto. Gravitational flow avoids many of these moving parts and complex systems.  
      Gravitational fluid flow is the most common way of delivering ink from an ink reservoir to a print head for eventual deposition onto a substrate, especially when the print head includes a carrier for the ink source. However, this gravitational flow may cause a problem in that excess ink is allowed to enter the print head and accumulate, being thereafter released or deposited onto an unintended substrate or onto one or more components of the inkjet printer. Thus, the issue of selective control of ink flow from a gravitational source has also relied upon the use of valves. As discussed above, a check valve has not unitarily been able to solve the problems of regulating ink flow, at least in part because the inlet pressure varies with atmospheric pressure, and when the valve is submerged, the pressure is exerted by the fluid itself.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,693, entitled “Ink Interconnect Between Print Cartridge and Carriage”, assigned to Hewlett-Packard Company, describes an internal regulator for a print cartridge that regulates the pressure of the ink chamber within the print cartridge. The regulator design includes a plurality of moving parts having many complex features. Thus, there is a need for a regulator to regulate the flow of ink from an ink source to a print head that includes fewer moving parts, that is relatively easy to manufacture and assemble, and that does not necessitate direct coupling to the atmosphere to properly function.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for maintaining sealed fluidic interfaces for ink conduits carrying ink between an ink source and a print head in an inkjet printer; and, more particularly, to methods and apparatuses for maintaining sealed fluidic interfaces for the outlet of an ink flow regulator having an output delivering ink to a print head of an inkjet printer. The invention makes use of a mechanical device providing control over the flow of a fluid from a fluid source to at least a point of accumulation. More specifically, the invention makes use of an ink flow regulator that selectively allows fluid communication between the ink source and the print head so as to supply the print head with ink, while substantially inhibiting the free flow through the print head. The regulator comprises a pressurized chamber, generally exhibiting negative gauge pressure therewithin, having an ink flow inlet and an ink flow outlet. A seal is biased against the ink inlet to allow selective fluid communication between the interior of the pressurized chamber and an ink source. A flexible wall, acting as a diaphragm, is integrated with a chamber wall to selectively expand outwardly from and contract inwardly towards the interior of the chamber depending upon the relative pressure differential across the flexible wall. The pressure differential depends upon the pressure of the interior of the chamber versus the pressure on the outside of the flexible wall.  
      As the flexible wall contracts inwardly towards the interior of the chamber, it actuates a lever. The lever includes a sealing arm and an opposing flexible arm, and pivots on a fulcrum. The sealing arm includes the seal biased against the ink inlet, while the flexible arm is angled with respect to the sealing arm and includes a spoon-shaped aspect contacting the flexible wall. As the flexible wall continues contracting inward, the flexible arm flexes without pivoting the lever until the force of the wall against the flexible arm is sufficient to overcome the bias biasing the sealing arm against the inlet. When the force against the lever is sufficient to overcome the bias, the lever pivots about the fulcrum to release the seal at the ink inlet, thereby allowing ink to flow into the chamber until the pressure differential is reduced such that the bias again overcomes the reduced push created by the inward contraction of the flexible wall.  
      It is noted that the regulator is not a check valve, as the operation of the regulator is independent from the inlet pressure. In other words, a check valve is dependent upon the inlet pressure, whereas this regulator provides a relatively small inlet cross sectional area in relation to the size and relative forces action upon the regulator system that effectively negates any variance in inlet pressure. Thus, increasing the inlet pressure does not affect the operation of the regulator.  
      The above regulator is of relatively little use if a sealed fluid connection between the inlet of the ink regulator, in fluid communication with an ink source, and the outlet of the ink regulator, in fluid communication with a print head, cannot be achieved. Therefore, the present invention concerns methods and apparatuses for providing sealed fluidic interfaces between the inlet and outlet of the regulator that are relatively inexpensive, relatively compact in size, relatively easy to manufacture, and relatively easy to assemble. More specifically, the present invention maintains these sealed fluidic interfaces while providing an apparatus and/or a method of mounting the regulator to one of the print head base or a component mounted to the print head base. Still further, the invention makes use of polymer films as a way of retaining components alignment and a sealed fluid interface of a print cartridge or an ink cartridge. Exemplary mounting techniques for maintaining the sealed fluidic interfaces include laser welding, impulse sealing, and heat staking, to name a few.  
      It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a method of assembling a print head. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a print head base including a nozzle and at least one ink channel; (b) mounting in fluid communication with the ink channel of the print head base an ink regulator that includes: (i) a pressurized chamber including an ink inlet in fluid communication with an ink source, an ink outlet in fluid communication with the ink channel of the print head base, and an exterior flexible wall having an inner surface facing an interior of the pressurized chamber, (ii) a valve biased to restrict fluid communication between the ink source and the pressurized chamber, where the exterior flexible wall actuates the valve to overcome the bias in response to a predetermined pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall to provide fluid communication between the ink source and the pressurized chamber, where the fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink source decreases the pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall, and where the valve restricts fluid communication between the ink source and the pressurized chamber when the pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall is less than the predetermined pressure differential; and (c) positioning an ink filter in fluid communication with the ink regulator and the ink channel of the print head base.  
      In a more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the ink filter is positioned within a housing coupled to the print head base. In another more detailed embodiment, the ink regulator is laser welded to an adapter operatively coupled to the print head base. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the ink regulator is mounted to the print head base by a snap-fitting. In a further detailed embodiment, the print head base includes two separate ink channels in fluid communication with two separate ink regulators collectively sandwiching the ink filter between the regulators and the print head base to provide two distinct ink filter throughputs. In still a further detailed embodiment, the mounting step includes the steps of mounting the ink regulator to an ink filter cap and mounting the ink filter cap to the print head base. In a more detailed embodiment, the print head base includes two separate ink channels in fluid communication with two separate ink regulators collectively sandwiching the ink filter and ink filter cap between the regulators and the print head base to provide two distinct ink filter throughputs. In another more detailed embodiment, the ink filter cap is laser welded to the print head base. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the ink regulator is mounted to the ink filter cap by utilizing ultrasonic welding, heat staking, impulse sealing, or an adhesive.  
      In an alternate detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the ink filter comprises stainless steel. In another more detailed embodiment, the mounting step includes the step of mounting the ink regulator to the print head base, sandwiching the ink filter between the ink regulator and the print head base. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the ink filter is recessed within at least a portion of the ink regulator. In a further detailed embodiment, the ink filter is recessed within at least a portion of the print head base. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the print head base includes three separate ink channels in fluid communication with three separate ink regulators collectively sandwiching the ink filter between the regulators and the print head base to provide three distinct ink filters. In still a further detailed embodiment, the ink filter is positioned between the ink regulator and the ink filter cap. In a more detailed embodiment, the ink filter cap is mounted to the print head base utilizing welding, an adhesive, impulse sealing, or heat staking. In another more detailed embodiment, the ink filter is mounted to the ink filter cap. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the ink regulator and the print head base sandwich a seal, the ink filter, and the ink filter cap therebetween.  
      In another alternate detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the print head base includes two separate ink channels in fluid communication with two separate ink regulators collectively sandwiching the ink filter, the ink filter cap, and the seal mounted between the regulators and the print head base to provide two distinct ink filter throughputs. In another more detailed embodiment, the mounting step includes the step of mounting the ink regulator to the print head base and, the ink filter is mounted to the ink filter cap utilizing heat staking, welding, impulse sealing, or an adhesive. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the ink filter is simultaneously mounted to the ink filter cap and the print head base. In a further detailed embodiment, the ink filter is mounted to the print head base after the ink filter is mounted to the ink filter cap. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the ink regulator and the print head base also sandwich a seal, where the seal can be an O-ring. In still a further detailed embodiment, a retention clip is operatively coupled to the ink regulator and the ink filter cap to mount the ink filter cap to the ink regulator, while sandwiching the seal between the ink filter cap and the ink regulator. In a more detailed embodiment, the seal includes an ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer. In another more detailed embodiment, the ink filter includes a recess for seating the seal therein and, the seal includes at least one wall partially defining a volume circumscribing the perimeter of a portion of the ink filter to provide, at least in part, a separable ink throughput in fluid communication with the ink channel of the print head. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the print head base includes two separate ink channels in fluid communication with two separate ink regulators collectively sandwiching the ink filter and the seal between the regulators and the print head base to provide two distinct ink filters throughputs.  
      It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide an ink regulator adapted to regulate the throughput of an ink between an ink source and a print head outlet. The regulator comprises: (a) 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 outlet, and at least one exterior flexible wall having an inner surface facing an interior of the pressurized chamber; (b) a lever including a flexible arm extending along a portion of the exterior flexible wall and an opposing arm operatively coupled to a seal, the seal discontinuing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet when the lever is in a first position and reestablishing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet when the lever is pivoted to a second position, the lever being biased to the first position; and (c) an attachment interface for coupling in fluid communication the ink outlet of the regulator to a print head body, an ink filter tower, an ink filter cap, or an outlet of an ink reservoir, where a higher pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall causes the exterior flexible wall to apply force against the flexible arm contacting the exterior flexible wall, overcoming the bias, to thereby pivot the lever to the second position, reestablishing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet, where a lower pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall causes the force applied by the exterior flexible wall against the flexible arm contacting the exterior flexible wall to weaken, succumbing to the bias, which pivots the lever back to the first position, discontinuing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet and, where 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 and flex the flexible arm without overcoming the bias.  
      In a more detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the attachment interface includes at least one boss adapted to be received by the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir to provide a snap fit. In another more detailed embodiment, a seal is adapted to be mounted between the regulator and the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir, where the seal may be a compression seal. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the seal includes an ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer. In a further detailed embodiment, the attachment interface is adapted to receive a boss operatively coupled to the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir to provide a snap fit. In still a further detailed embodiment, a dominant dimension of the regulator (the length, the width, or the height) is mounted to the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir such that the dominant dimension of the regulator is generally vertically or horizontally oriented. In a more detailed embodiment, the attachment interface receives a clamp adapted to be operatively coupled to the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir. In a more detailed embodiment, the clamp provides a snap fit when coupled to the regulator, the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir. In another more detailed embodiment, the clamp includes a throughput for a fluid conduit of the regulator. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the clamp includes a first snap fit end adapted to be operatively coupled to the attachment interface of the regulator, and a second snap fit end adapted to be operatively coupled to the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir. In still another more detailed embodiment, the first snap fit end opposes the second snap fit end.  
      It is a third aspect of the present invention to provide an ink regulator adapted to regulate the throughput of an ink between an ink source and a print head outlet. The regulator comprises: (a) 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 outlet, and at least one exterior flexible wall having an inner surface facing an interior of the pressurized chamber; (b) a lever including a flexible arm extending along a portion of the exterior flexible wall and an opposing arm operatively coupled to a seal, the seal discontinuing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet when the lever is in a first position and reestablishing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet when the lever is pivoted to a second position, the lever being biased to the first position; and (c) a means for coupling in fluid communication the ink outlet of the regulator to at least one of a print head body, an ink filter tower, an ink filter cap, or an outlet of an ink reservoir; where a higher pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall causes the exterior flexible wall to apply force against the flexible arm contacting the exterior flexible wall, overcoming the bias, to thereby pivot the lever to the second position, reestablishing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet, where a lower pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall causes the force applied by the exterior flexible wall against the flexible arm contacting the exterior flexible wall to weaken, succumbing to the bias, which pivots the lever back to the first position, discontinuing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet, and where 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 and flex the flexible arm without overcoming the bias.  
      In a more detailed embodiment of the third aspect, the coupling means includes a snap fitting. In a further detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes an adapter mounted to the outlet of the regulator. In still a further detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes ultrasonic welding. In another more detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes heat staking. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes laser welding. In a further detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes an adhesive. In still a further detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes ultrasonic sealing. In a more detailed embodiment, the coupling means retains the position of the ink filter between the outlet of the of the regulator and at least one of the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, and the outlet of the ink reservoir. In a more detailed embodiment, the coupling means retains the position of the seal between the outlet of the of the regulator and the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir to provide a fluidic seal therebetween. In another more detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes a boss adapted to be received by the print head body, regulator, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir to provide a snap fit. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the coupling means is adapted to receive a boss operatively coupled to the print head body, the regulator, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir to provide a snap fit. In a further detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes a clamp adapted to be operatively coupled to the print head body, the regulator, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the clamp provides a snap fit when coupled to the regulator, the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir. In still a further detailed embodiment, the clamp includes a throughput for the ink outlet of the regulator. In even a further detailed embodiment, the clamp includes a first snap fit end adapted to be operatively coupled to the regulator, and a second snap fit end adapted to be operatively coupled to the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir. In another detailed embodiment, the first snap fit end opposes the second snap fit end.  
      It is a fourth aspect of the present invention to provide a method of mounting a septum approximate an outlet of an ink conduit. The method comprises the steps of: (a) positioning a septum in fluid communication with an ink outlet of an ink conduit; (b) mounting, in a circumferential manner, a flexible film to the septum to create a first seal between the flexible film and the septum that circumscribes an orifice in the septum; and (c) mounting, in a circumferential manner, the flexible film to a wall of the ink conduit to create a second seal between the flexible film and the outlet of the ink conduit that circumscribes the septum to inhibit ink within the ink conduit from passing beyond the ink outlet.  
      In a more detailed embodiment of the fourth aspect, an opening is provided in the flexible film that is aligned with the orifice in the septum. In another more detailed embodiment, the mounting steps occur concurrently. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the septum is at least partially within the ink conduit and flexible film retains the septum within the ink conduit. In a further detailed embodiment, the septum is not a compression fitting. In still a further detailed embodiment, the flexible film is mounted to the septum before the flexible film is mounted to the wall of the ink conduit.  
      It is a fifth aspect of the present invention to provide a fluid supply valve comprising: (a) a fluid conduit bounding the flow of a fluid contained therein; (b) a valve body in series with the fluid conduit, the valve body having an aperture therethrough in fluid communication with a valve seat adapted to receive a plug to selectively inhibit fluid communication between an upstream region of the valve seat and a downstream region of the valve seat; and (c) a film bonded to the fluid conduit and bonded to the valve body to create a seal to inhibit the fluid from passing between the valve body and a wall of the fluid conduit, where the film at least partially retains the valve body in series with the fluid conduit.  
      In a more detailed embodiment of the fifth aspect, the fluid conduit is an outlet conduit from at least one of an ink reservoir and an ink regulator. In another more detailed embodiment, the valve body includes a septum and, the plug includes a ball operatively coupled to a compression spring and, the ball is biased by the compression spring to inhibit fluid communication between the upstream region of the valve seat and a downstream region of the valve seat. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the valve body includes a thermoplastic elastomeric material. In still a further detailed embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomeric material includes a polyolefin. In even a further detailed embodiment, the film includes at least one of a polyolefin, a nylon, a polyester, an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and a metal. In an additional detailed embodiment, the polyolefin includes at least one of polypropylene and polyethylene. In another detailed embodiment, the film includes multiple layers. In yet another detailed embodiment, the film includes a synthetic rubber and the synthetic rubber includes an ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer.  
      In an alternate detailed embodiment of the fifth aspect, the film is bonded to the fluid conduit in a circumscribed manner and the film is bonded to the valve body in a circumscribed manner. In still a further detailed embodiment, the fluid includes ink and, the film includes a hole generally aligned with the aperture of the valve body and, the hole in the film and the aperture of the valve body are adapted to receive a needle from a receiving structure to selectively displace the plug to provide fluid communication between the upstream region of the valve seat and the downstream region of the valve seat and, the downstream region of the valve seat is in fluid communication with one or more nozzles of a print head. In even a further detailed embodiment, the receiving structure may be an on-carrier or off-carrier assembly of an ink jet printer. In an additional detailed embodiment, the fluid includes ink and, the aperture of the valve body is adapted to receive a needle from a receiving structure to selectively displace the plug to provide fluid communications between the upstream region of the valve seat and the downstream region of the valve seat and, the needle of the receiving structure pierces the film to create a hole before contacting the plug and, the downstream region of the valve seat is in fluid communication with one or more nozzles of a print head. In a more detailed exemplary embodiment, the receiving structure may be an on-carrier or off-carrier assembly of an ink jet printer. In even a further detailed exemplary embodiment, the seal is maintained after the needle pierces the film. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional, schematic, first stage representation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional, schematic, second stage representation of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional, schematic, third stage representation of the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
       FIG. 4  is an elevational, cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 5  is perspective, cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 4 ;  
       FIG. 6  is an overhead perspective view of a lever component of the embodiments of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
       FIG. 7  is an underneath perspective view of the lever component of  FIG. 6 ;  
       FIG. 8  is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the embodiment similar to the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-7  mounted within an ink cartridge;  
       FIG. 9  is an elevated perspective, cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 10 ;  
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 11  is an isolated overhead view of the ink outlet of the embodiments of  FIGS. 9 and 10 ;  
       FIG. 12  is an isolated cross-sectional view of the ink outlet of the embodiments of  FIGS. 9 and 10 ;  
       FIG. 13  is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the embodiment similar to the embodiments of  FIGS. 9 and 10  mounted horizontally within an ink cartridge;  
       FIG. 14  is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the embodiment similar to the embodiments of  FIGS. 9 and 10  mounted vertically within an ink cartridge;  
       FIG. 15  is a perspective, exploded view of another embodiment of the present invention representing an ink cartridge with multiple ink reservoirs and respective ink regulators according to the present invention provided therein;  
       FIG. 16  is a perspective overhead view of another embodiment of the present invention representing an ink cartridge with multiple ink reservoirs and respective ink regulators according to the present invention provided therein; and  
       FIG. 17  is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 16 .  
       FIG. 18  is an exploded view of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention representing an exemplary mounting for securing an ink regulator to a print head, represented in part by an ink filter cap;  
       FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a print head;  
       FIG. 20  is an exploded view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of the present invention representing another exemplary mounting for securing an ink regulator to a print head, represented in part by an ink filter cap;  
       FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a print head;  
       FIG. 22  is a perspective, exploded view of some exemplary components that may be utilized in exemplary mounting procedures in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 23  is an exploded, cross sectional view of an exemplary mounting procedure in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 24  is an exploded, cross sectional view of another exemplary mounting procedure in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 25  is an exploded, cross sectional view of yet another exemplary mounting procedure in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 26  is an exploded, cross sectional view of still another exemplary mounting procedure in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 27  is an exploded, cross sectional view of still a further exemplary mounting procedure in accordance with the present invention; and  
       FIG. 28  is a separated, cross sectional view of a second aspect of the present invention for mounting and sealing a septum within a step of an ink cartridge. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated below as ink regulators and/or ink cartridges (reservoirs) utilizing such regulators, for regulating the volumetric flow of ink between an ink source and a point of expulsion, generally encompassing a print head. The various orientational, positional, and reference terms used to describe the elements of the inventions are therefore used according to this frame of reference. Further, the use of letters and symbols in conjunction with reference numerals denote analogous structures and functionality of the base reference numeral. Of course, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the preferred embodiments may also be used in combination with one or more components to produce a functional ink cartridge for an inkjet printer. In such a case, the orientational or positional terms may be different. However, for clarity and precision, only a single orientational or positional reference will be utilized; and, therefore it will be understood that the positional and orientational terms used to describe the elements of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are only used to describe the elements in relation to one another. For example, the regulator of the exemplary embodiments may be submerged within an ink reservoir and positioned such that the lengthwise portion is aligned vertically therein, thus effectively requiring like manipulation with respect to the orientational explanations.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , an ink regulator  10  for regulating the volumetric flow of ink traveling between an ink source  12  and a print head in fluid communication with an ink outlet  14  generally includes: a pressurized chamber  16  including an ink inlet  18  in fluid communication with the ink source  12 , the ink outlet  14  in fluid communication with the print head, and at least one flexible wall  22  or diaphragm; and a lever  24 , pivoting on a fulcrum  20 , including a flexible arm  26  having a spoon-shaped end  28  extending along a portion of the flexible wall  22  (diaphragm) and an opposing arm  30  operatively coupled to an inlet sealing member  32 . The lever  24  is pivotable between a first position as shown in  FIG. 1 , in which the sealing member  32  presses against the ink inlet  18  to close the ink inlet, to a second position as shown in  FIG. 3 , in which the sealing member  32  is moved away from the ink inlet  18  to open the ink inlet and allow fluid communication between the ink inlet and the pressurized chamber  16 . The lever  24  is biased (as shown by arrow A) to be in the first position, closing the ink inlet  18 . The pressure within the pressurized chamber is set to be lower than that of the ambient pressure (shown by arrow B) outside of the flexible wall/diaphragm  22 ; and, as long as the ink inlet  18  remains closed, the pressure differential along the flexible wall will increase as ink flows through the outlet  14  to the print head. Consequently, a lower pressure differential across the flexible wall  22  causes the flexible wall  22  to expand/inflate and, thereby, pull the spoon-shaped end  28  of the flexible arm  26  contacting the flexible wall to pivot the lever  24  to the first position (closing the ink inlet in  FIG. 1 ). Actually, the bias (represented by arrow A) causes the lever  24  to pivot when the flexible wall  22  no longer applies sufficient force against the spoon-shaped end  28  of the flexible arm to overcome the bias. A higher pressure differential across the flexible wall  22  causes the flexible wall to contract/deflate and, thereby, actuate the flexible arm contacting the flexible wall  22  so as to pivot the lever  24  to the second position (opening the ink inlet  18  as shown in  FIG. 3 ), overcoming the bias (represented by arrow A). Also, when the pressure differential increases from the lower pressure differential to the higher pressure differential across the flexible wall  22  (resulting from ink flowing from the chamber  16  to the print head), the flexible wall  22  is caused to begin contracting/deflating and, thereby, actuate and flex the flexible arm  26  without causing the lever  24  to substantially pivot (as shown in  FIG. 2 ).  
      The regulator will typically function in a cyclical process as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . Referencing  FIG. 1 , the regulator is mounted to an ink outlet  14 , such as a print head, and the inlet  18  is in fluid communication with an ink source  12 . Generally, the contents of the chamber  16  will be under a lower pressure than the surrounding atmosphere (represented by Arrow B), thereby creating “back pressure” within the chamber  16 . At this stage, the chamber  16  contains a certain amount of ink therein and the closed seal  32  prohibits ink from entering the chamber from the ink source  12 , as the pressure differential across the flexible wall  22  is relatively low. The flexible wall  22  is in contact with the spoon-shaped end  28  of the lever&#39;s flexible arm  28 . The lever is also biased (by a spring, for example) in this closed orientation.  
      Referencing  FIG. 2 , as ink continues to leave the chamber  16 , the pressure within the chamber  16  begins to decrease, which, in turn, causes the pressure differential across the flexible wall  22  to increase (assuming the pressure on the outside of the flexible wall remains relatively constant). This increasing pressure differential causes the flexible wall  22  to begin to contract/deflate. Because the flexible wall  22  is in contact with the spoon-shaped end portion  28  of the lever&#39;s flexible arm  26 , this contraction/deflation of the flexible wall causes the lever to flex, but not substantially pivot since the force of the flexible wall against the lever&#39;s flexible arm is not yet strong enough to overcome the bias.  
      Referencing  FIG. 3 , as ink continues to leave the chamber  16  and further increase the pressure differential across the flexible wall, the flexible wall  22  will contract/deflate to an extent that the inward pressure of the flexible wall against the flexible arm  26  of the lever overcomes the static force of the bias to pivot the lever  24  to its open position, thereby releasing the seal between the seal  32  and the ink inlet  18 .  
      Thus, the bias and the properties of the lever enable the lever  24  to flex first, and thereafter when the amount of force applied to the lever is greater than the force applied by the spring to bias the lever closed, the lever pivots. This relatively high pressure differential between the contents of the chamber and the environment causes ink from the higher pressure ink source to pour into the chamber. The incoming volume of ink reduces the pressure differential such that the flexible wall expands outward from the chamber (inflating) to arrive again at the position as shown in  FIG. 1 , thus starting the three part cycle over again.  
       FIGS. 4-7  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the regulator  10 ′ for regulating volumetric flow of ink traveling between an ink source (not shown) and a print head in fluid communication with an ink outlet  14 ′. As introduced above, the regulator  10 ′ includes a pressurized chamber  16 ′ having an ink inlet  18 ′ in fluid communication with the ink source and the ink outlet  14 ′, which is in fluid communication with the print head (not shown). In this exemplary embodiment, the pressurized chamber  16 ′ is formed by an injection molded base  34  having a floor  36 , a pair of elongated opposing side walls  38  and a pair of elongated opposing end walls  40  which collectively form a generally rectangular top opening bounded by the four interior walls. The elongated side walls each include a pair of vertical ribs forming a bearing seat for receiving bearing pins  42  of the lever  24 ′, thereby forming the lever&#39;s fulcrum  20 ′.  
      The floor  36  includes a generally cylindrical orifice forming the ink outlet  14 ′ and a generally oval orifice  44  over which the flexible wall/diaphragm  22 ′ is mounted. A pair of perpendicular, diametrical spring supports  46  (forming a cross) are positioned within the cylindrical channel of the outlet  14 ′, where the central hub of the cross formed by the pair of diametrical supports  46  extends upwardly to form an axial projection for seating a spring  50  thereabout. Circumferentially arranges gaps  49  between the supports  46  provide fluid communication between the chamber  16 ′ and the ink outlet  14 ′ (see  FIG. 5 ). The spring  50  provides the bias represented by arrow A in  FIGS. 1-3 .  
      The lever  24 ′ includes a strip of spring metal  52  with a spoon-shaped first end  28 ′ and an encapsulated second end  54 . The spoon-shaped end  28 ′ is angled with respect to the encapsulated end  54 . The encapsulated end  54  is encapsulated by a block  56  of plastic material where the block  56  includes the pair of bearing pins  42  extending axially outward along the pivot axis of the fulcrum  20 ′; and also includes a counter-bored channel  58  extending therethrough for seating an elastomeric sealing plug  60  therein. The strip  52  of spring metal also includes a hole  62  extending therethrough that is concentric with the channel  58  in the encapsulated body  56  for accommodating the sealing plug  60 . The plug  60  includes a disk-shaped head  64  and an axial stem  66  extending downwardly therefrom. As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the plug  60  is axially aligned with the spring  50 , and the encapsulated body  56  is seated within the spring  50  by a dome-shaped, concentric projection  68  extending downwardly from the encapsulated body. The spring metal construction of the strip  52  provides the flexibility of the arm  26 ′ described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 .  
      The base  34  is capped by a plastic lid  70  having a generally rectangular shape matching that of the rectangular opening formed by the elongated side walls  38  and end walls  40  of the base  34 . The lid  70  has a generally planar top surface with the exception of a generally conical channel extending there through to form the inlet  18 ′ of the pressurized chamber  16 ′. The lower side of the lid  70  includes a series of bases or projections  72  for registering the lid on the base  34 . In an alternate embodiment, the lid may include a cylindrical tube (coupled to element  71  of  FIG. 8 , for example), aligned with the inlet  18 ′ forming a hose coupling. The lid  70 , of course, is mounted to the body  34  to seal the chamber  16 ′ there within.  
      The flexible wall  22 ′ is preferably a thin polymer film attached around the outer edges of the oval opening  44  extending through the floor  36  of the base  34 . The area of the film  22 ′ positioned within the opening  44  is larger than the area of the opening  44  so that the flexible film  22 ′ can expand outwardly and contract inwardly with the changes of the pressure differential between the pressurized chamber  16 ′ and the outer surface  74  of the film (where the pressure on the outer surface  74  of the film may be ambient pressure, pressure of ink within and ink reservoir, etc.).  
      Assembly of the regulator includes providing the base  34 ; positioning the spring  50  on the seat  48 ; positioning the pins  42  of the lever  24 ′ within the bearing seats formed in the elongated side walls  38  of the base  34  and seating the dome  68  on the spring  50  such that the spoon-shaped end  28 ′ of the lever contacts the inner surface  76  of the flexible wall  22 ′; and mounting the lid  70  thereover so as to seal the pressurized chamber  16  therein. Operation of the regulator  10 ′ is as described above with respect to the regulator  10  of  FIGS. 1-3 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 8 , the regulator  10 ′ may be mounted within an ink reservoir  78  of an ink cartridge  80 , having a print head  82 . The outlet  14 ′ of the regulator  10 ′ is coupled to an inlet  84  of the ink filter cap  122  (that is operatively coupled to the print head  82 ) by an adapter  85 . The adapter  85  is mounted to the regulator outlet  14 ′ and circumscribes a seal  87  that provides a fluidic seal between the adapter  85  and the ink filter cap  122 . An collar  86  circumscribes the adapter  85  for additional support. A siphon hose (not shown) provides fluid communication between the lowest point  88  of the reservoir  78  and the hose coupling  71 , which is in fluid communication with the regulator&#39;s ink inlet  18 ′. In this embodiment, pressure provided against the outer surface  74  of the flexible wall  22 ′ will be the pressure within the ink reservoir  78 .  
       FIGS. 9-12  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the regulator  10 A for regulating the volumetric flow of ink traveling between an ink source (not shown) and a print head (not shown) in fluid communication with an ink outlet  14 A. The regulator  10 A includes a majority of the same structural features of the regulator  10 ′ (See  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) discussed above, and may utilize the same lever mechanisms as described above (See  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). However, the regulator  10 A of this exemplary embodiment includes a cylindrical opening  73  in the floor  36 A in fluid communication that abuts a smaller diameter cylindrical ink outlet  14 A (smaller with respect to the cylindrical opening  73 ), thereby allowing throughput of ink from the pressurized chamber  16 A by way of the ink outlet  14 A.  
      The cylindrical opening  73  in the floor  36 A includes a spring seat  75  for seating the lower portion of the spring  50 A therein. The spring seat  75  includes a plurality of protrusions extending outward from the walls of the cylindrical opening  73  that provide substantially L-shaped ribs  77  (four in this exemplary embodiment) in elevational cross-section. The vertical portion of the L-shaped ribs  77  tapers and transitions inward toward the interior walls to provide a relatively smooth transition between the rib surfaces potentially contacting the spring  50 A and the interior walls of the cylindrical opening  73 . The horizontal portion of the L-shaped rib  77  provides a plateau upon which the spring  50 A is seated thereon. The tapered portions of the ribs  77  work in conjunction to provide a conical guide for aligning the spring  50   a  within the spring seat  75 .  
      In assembling this exemplary embodiment, the tapered portion of the L-shaped ribs  77  effectively provides a conical guide for aligning the spring  50 A within the spring seat  75 . In other words, the L-shaped ribs  77  within the cylindrical opening  73  provides ease in assembly as the spring  50 A is placed longitudinally approximate the throughput  79  and becomes gravitationally vertically aligned within the opening  73 , thereby reducing the level of precision necessary to assembly this exemplary embodiment.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 13-14 , the regulator  10 A may be mounted within an ink reservoir  78 A of an ink cartridge  80 A operatively coupled to a print head  82 A. The ink outlet  14 A of the regulator  10 A includes an annular groove  89  on the outer circumferential surface of the outlet stem that is adapted to mate with a corresponding annular protrusion  91  of an adapter  93  to provide a snap fit therebetween. The adaptor  93  extends from, or is coupled to the inlet of the print head  82 . The above-described coupling mechanism can thus be used to orient the regulator  10 A in a generally vertical manner as shown in  FIG. 14 , or a generally horizontal manner as shown in  FIG. 13 . To ensure a sealed fluidic interface is provided between the outlet  14 A of the regulator  10 A and the adapter  93 , an O-ring  95  or analogous seal is circumferentially arranged about the ink outlet  14 A radially between the outlet stem and the adaptor  93 . Upon snapping the regulator  10 A into place so that the annular groove  89  receives the protrusion  91  of the adapter  93 , the O-ring  95  is compressed, resulting in a radial compression seal between the adapter  93  and the ink outlet  14 A.  
      A siphon hose (not shown) may be operatively coupled to the ink inlet  18 A to by way of the hose coupling  71 A to provide fluid communication between a lower ink accumulation point  88 A of the reservoir  78 A and the ink inlet  18 A. While the above exemplary embodiments have been described and shown where the coupling adapter  93  is integrated into, and functions concurrently as a filter cap for the print head  82 , it is also within the scope and spirit of the present invention to provide an adapter that is operatively mounted in series between a filter cap of the print head  82  and the regulator  10 A.  
      As shown in  FIG. 15 , another second exemplary embodiment of the present invention representing a multi-color print head assembly  90  with three ink sources (not shown) and three respective ink regulators  10 ″ for controlling the volumetric flow of colored inks from the respective ink sources to the tri-color print head  92 . Generally, a simple three-color print head will include ink sources comprising yellow colored ink, cyan colored ink, and magenta colored ink. However, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide multi-color print head assemblies having two or more ink sources, as well as single color print head assemblies. Thus, this exemplary embodiment provides a compact regulation system accommodating multi-color printing applications. For purposes of brevity, reference is had to the previous exemplary embodiments as to the general functionality of the individual regulators  10 ″.  
      The print head assembly  90  includes a multi-chamber body  34 ″, a top lid  70 ″ having three inlet hose couplings  71 ″ for providing fluid communication with the three ink sources, three levers  24 ″, three springs  50 ″, a seal  92 , three filters  94 , a nose  96 , and the tri-color print head heater chip assembly  101 . Each chamber  16 ″ is generally analogous to the chamber described in the previous exemplary embodiments.  FIG. 15  provides a view of the vertical ribs  98  provided on the elongated side walls  38 ″, and optionally on the underneath side of the top lid  70 ″, providing the bearing seats for the bearing pins  42 ″ of the levers  24 ″ as discussed above with respect to the above exemplary embodiments. Further, each chamber includes internal bearing seats, an opening accommodating inward movement of the flexible wall (not shown), and a spring guide (not shown). Likewise, each lever  24 ″ is analogous to that described in the above exemplary embodiment.  
      Referencing  FIGS. 16 and 17 , three of the regulators  10 ′ are housed within respective ink reservoirs  100 ,  102  and  104  contained within a multi-color printer ink cartridge  106 . The regulators  10 ′ are generally oriented in a vertical fashion with the ink inlets  18 ′ and ink outlets  14 ′ positioned toward the bottom of the respective reservoirs, and the spoon-shaped ends  28 ′ of the levers  24 ′ directed upwards. Each of the regulators  10 ′ includes an adapter  107  that mounts the outlet  14 ′ of the regulator to the filter cap  122 . The ink filter cap  122  is operatively coupled to the print head  108 . Each adapter  107  circumscribes a seal  109  that maintains a sealed fluidic interface between the outlet  14 ′ of the regulator and the inlet  84  of the ink filter cap  122 . In such an arrangement it is possible for each of the three respective regulators to function independently of one another, and thus, the fluid level within one of the respective reservoirs has no bearing upon the functional nature of the regulators in the opposing reservoirs. It should also be noted that each of the regulators may include a siphon/hose providing fluid communication between the fluid inlet  18 ′ and the floor of the respective fluid reservoirs, such that the lower pressure within the fluid regulator is able to draw in almost all of the fluid within a respective chamber. Each of the respective reservoirs provides an individual fluid conduit to the multi-color print head  108  while functioning independent of whether or not the respective regulator is submerged completely within ink, partially submerged within ink or completely surrounded by gas. It should also be understood that this exemplary embodiment could easily be adapted to provide two or more individual fluid reservoirs by simply isolating each respective reservoir having its own individual fluid regulator contained therein and operatively coupled to the regulator such that the ink flow from the reservoir must be in series or must go through the regulator before exiting the respective reservoir.  
      Referencing  FIGS. 18 and 19 , a next exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for securing an ink regulator in one of the above exemplary embodiments onto a print head base. As shown in  FIG. 18 , a retention clip  111  is used to mount an outlet  112  of a regulator  113  to an inlet nipple  120  of a filter cap  122 . The retention clip  111  allows for snap-type fitting between the regulator  113  and the filter cap  122 . The upper portion of the retention clip includes a pair of spring fingers  114  for retaining the outlet  112  of the regulator  113  within an orifice  115  of the clip  111 . As the outlet  112  of the regulator is pressed into the orifice  115 , the curved surfaces  117  of the tongs  119  extending from the opposing spring fingers  114  are contacted by the underneath surface of the regulator, thereby pushing the fingers  114  apart and enabling the outlet  112  of the regulator  113  to pierce the orifice  115  within the clip  111 . When the top surface  123  of the regulator  113  passes beyond the tongs  119  of the retention clip  111 , the spring fingers  114  are biased toward one another thereby locking the ink regulator in place. The lower portion of the retention clip  111  includes two pairs of spring fingers  114 B, each of which include tongs  119 B for retaining the inlet nipple  120  of the filter cap  122  approximate the orifice  115  and in engagement with the outlet  112  of the regulator  113 . As the filter cap  122  is pressed into engagement, the curved surfaces  116  of the tongs  119 B are contacted by the top surface  121  of the filter cap, thereby pushing the fingers  114 B apart and directing the nipple  120  approximate the orifice  115 . When the bottom surface of the filter cap  122  passes beyond the tongs  119 B, the spring fingers  114 B snap back toward one another to secure the filter cap  122  in place. An annular seal  118  carried on the nipple  120  abuts the underneath surface of the ink outlet  112  when the filter cap  122  is snapped into the retention clip  111 , and, in turn, the regulator  113 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 19 , a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment is shown such that the fluid regulator  113  is operatively coupled to a print cartridge  124 , where the print cartridge also includes a print head base  130  seating a print head assembly  126  therein. The upper spring fingers  114  of the retention clip  111  operatively lock the ink regulator  113  in place and allow for the outlet of the fluid regulator  113 ′ to abut the seal  118  providing for a sealed fluidic connection between the outlet  112  of the regulator  113  and the nipple  120  protruding from the filter cap  122 . The sealed fluidic connection ensures a sealed fluid path for ink to flow between the inlet  136  of the regulator  113  and the outlet of the print head assembly  126 . A systematic flow of ink passes out of the regulator  113  and into the opening in the ink filter cap  122 , where it passes through the ink filter  132  and delivered to the print head assembly  126 .  
      It is also within the scope of the invention to provide a siphon hose (not shown) operatively coupled to the inlet  136  of the fluid regulator  113  (see  FIG. 18 ). The open end of the hose not coupled to the inlet  136  may be positioned at the bottom level of the ink reservoir  137  to maximize the consumption of ink within the reservoir. Alternatively, the open end of the hose not coupled to the inlet  136  may be coupled to an alternate ink source, such as an ink conduit in fluid communication with a remote ink reservoir.  
      It is further within the scope and spirit of the present invention to provide a mounting clip (such as a clip similar to the retention clip  111 ) that mounts an inlet of an ink regulator to an outlet of an ink cartridge (such as an ink tank) that is remote from a print head base. Such an exemplary embodiment may be typified as an off-carrier type of embodiment.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , in a next alternate exemplary embodiment, a retention clip  139  is essentially integrated into the filter cap  122 ′. The integrated clip  139  secures the outlet  112 ′ of the fluid regulator  113 ′ to the ink filter cap  122 ′, sandwiching therebetween the seal  118 ′. The integrated retention clip  139  includes a plurality of spring fingers  140  circumferentially arranged around, and coaxial with the nipple  120 ′ of the filter cap  122 ′. Two spring fingers  140 A each include a recess  142  on an axial inner surface for receiving a corresponding tab  144  extending radially out from the circumferential side surface of the regulator outlet  112 ′. Two other spring fingers  140 B each include an axially extending channel  143  on a radially inner surface for receiving a corresponding axially extending rib  145  extending radially out from the circumferential front and back surface of the regulator outlet  112 ′. The top surfaces of the spring fingers  140 A and the lower surfaces of the tabs  144  are angled such that application of pressure by the tabs  144  against the top surfaces of the spring fingers causes the spring fingers to spread apart to allow the tabs to pass thereby and into the recesses  142 . Concurrently, while the spring fingers  140 A are engaged with the side surfaces  141  of the regulator  113 ′, the ribs  145  are being pressed into the channels  143  to supplement angular alignment of the outlet  112 ′ of the regulator  113 ′. As the tabs  144  pass into the recesses  142 , the spring fingers  140 A snap back into place securing the tabs  144  within the recesses  142 , and in turn, securing the outlet  112 ′ to the filter cap  122 ′.  
      Referencing  FIG. 21 , a fluidic seal is developed between the outlet  112 ′ of the regulator  113 ′ and the inlet to the nipple  120 ′ of the ink filter cap  122 ′. The seal  118 ′ is concurrently seated around the periphery of the outlet  112 ′ of the regulator  113 ′ to provide a first seal, and carried circumferentially around the nipple  120 ′ to provide a second seal with respect to the filter cap  122 ′, effectively sandwiching the seal therebetween. In sum, a sealed fluid conduit is provided between the ink within the reservoir  137 ′ that enters the regulator  113 ′ through an ink inlet  136 ′ and the ink that is directly available to the print head assembly  126 ′, passing through the outlet  112  of the regulator and into the conduit within the nipple  120 ′, thereafter being filtered by an ink filter  132 ′. Further, the ink inlet  136 ′ may include a siphon hose (not shown) providing access to ink otherwise not directly available, for instance, a remote ink reservoir such as an ink tank.  
      Referencing  FIG. 22 , an exemplary procedure and assembly has been developed for providing a sealed fluidic channel between an outlet  112 ″ of an ink regulator  113 ″ and a print head base  130 ″ operatively coupled to a print cartridge  124 ″. The components of this exemplary procedure include the print head base  130 ″, a filter  132 ″, an O-ring seal  118 ″, and the regulator  113 ″. The print head base  130 ″ may further comprise features such as, without limitation, a heater chip, nozzles, a TAB circuit, ink channel(s) or stand pipe(s), and additional filter attachment features. In this exemplary procedure, the screen mesh filter  132 ″ is mounted to a semi-annular standpipe  202  that is located within a recessed area  200  of the print head base  130 ″. The standpipe  202  includes a throughput  203  for ink to flow to respective nozzles (not shown). To install the ink filter  132 ″, the standpipe  202  is heated to soften the standpipe material, and the ink filter  132 ″ is pressed downward onto the standpipe such that the periphery of the filter is pressed into the inner circumferential walls of the standpipe and secured thereto as the standpipe material cools and hardens again. A resultant “wetting ring”, discussed in more detail below (see  FIG. 23 , “ 204 ”), is created and provides a relatively smooth interface with which the seal  118 ″ may be mounted thereto to provide a sealed fluidic interface. The ink regulator  113 ″ is pressed into location to align the circumferential area of the outlet  112 ″ with the circumferential area of the seal  118 ″ ensuring a proper fluidic seal therebetween. The regulator is secured in place to sandwich the seal  118 ″ between the outlet  112 ″ of the regulator  113 ″ and the “wetting ring” to facilitate a sealed fluidic interface between the inlet  136 ″ of the regulator  113 ″ and the throughput  203  of the standpipe  202 , with the throughput  203  being in sealed fluid communication with one or more nozzles (not shown) of the print head  130 ″. It is important to note that seal  118 ″ may be flat, stepped, and/or contoured (round, oval, etc.).  
      Referencing  FIG. 23 , a cross sectional view is shown having the filter  132 ″ mounted to a recessed, annular top surface  204  of the vertical walls  205  of the standpipe  202 . The standpipe walls  205  are heated to transition the material of the standpipe walls from a solid to a viscous/gelatinous state into which the filter  132 ″ is impressed, causing a portion of the standpipe wall  205  material passes through the filter  132 ″. The standpipe material that flows through the filter  132 ″ retains the general interior perimeter shape of the standpipe walls  205  and occupies a portion of the voids (not shown) in the filter, thereby circumscribing and sealing at least a portion of the filter  132 ″. The standpipe material flowing through the filter forms a wetting ring on the annular top surface  204  that circumscribes the opening  208  through which ink is able to pass, while a relatively smooth surface  210  is provided on a raised portion of the standpipe walls  205  for mounting the seal  118 ″ thereto to achieve a sealed fluidic interface.  
      The seal  118 ″ is likewise mounted to the outlet  112 ″ of the ink regulator  113 ″. Thereafter, the outlet of the ink regulator  113 ″, the seal  118 ″, and the standpipe  202  are compressed and mounted to one another to provide a fluidic seal therebetween. An adapter  107 , as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , may likewise be mounted to the outlet  112 ″ of the ink regulator  113 ″ and concurrently coupled to the seal  118 ″ to position the ink regulator  113 ″ in a generally horizontal or vertical fashion. Exemplary techniques for mounting the ink regulator  113 ″, the seal  118 ″, the adapter  107 , and the standpipe  202  include, without limitation, heat staking, impulse sealing, laser welding, and adhesive bonding, snap-fitting. An exemplary seal material for use in the above procedure includes ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer rubber.  
      It is also within the scope and spirit of the present invention to provide the recessed surface  204  on the outlet  112 ″ of the ink regulator  113 ″. In such an exemplary embodiment, the filter  132 ″ is recessed within the outlet  112 ″ of the regulator  113 ″ while concurrently maintaining the relatively smooth outer circumferential surface of the outlet  112 ″ with which the seal  118 ″ may be sandwiched between the outlet  112 ′ and the standpipe  202  at a relatively smooth surface  210  to provide a fluidic seal utilizing one or more of the above exemplary procedures.  
      Referencing  FIG. 24 , it is also within the scope and spirit of the present invention to provide an elevated inner annular top surface  212  and a recessed outer top surface  214  on the walls  205 ′ of the standpipe  202 ′. In such an exemplary embodiment, the filter  132 ′″ is coupled to the inner annular top surface  212  and the seal  118 ′″ is contoured (stepped) to mate with the surfaces  212 ,  214  of the standpipe and provide a fluidic seal between the standpipe  202 ′ and the regulator  113 ″. Such a contoured seal  118 ′″ may include a wall structure (not shown) incorporated therein that effectively encapsulates the filter  132 ′″. The use of a contoured type of “extended seal” may remove the need for insert filters and further protect against cross-contamination. Likewise, it should be understood that the seal  118 ′″ need not be stepped, but simply provide a sealed fluidic interface between the regulator  113 ″ and the surface  214 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 25 , a further exemplary procedure for providing a sealed fluidic channel between the ink regulator  113 A and the opening  208 A of the standpipe  202 A includes mounting a filter cap  122 A intermediate the regulator outlet  112 A and the standpipe  202 A. The components of this exemplary procedure include the print head base  130 A (represented in part by the standpipe  202 A), a filter  132 A, a sealing material  118 A, and the regulator  113 A. The print head base  130 A may further comprise features as discussed above, such as, without limitation, nozzles and heater chips. Such an exemplary procedure may utilize one or more of the bonding techniques discussed above. In this exemplary procedure, the filter  132 A may be attached to a recessed inner circumferential area of the standpipe  202 A upon heating the inner circumferential area resulting in a “wetting ring”. A preferred method includes laser welding the filter cap  122 A to the outer circumferential smooth surface  210 A of the standpipe  202 A to create a sealed fluidic interface therebetween. However, an analogous method includes mounting the filter cap  122 A to the recessed area  204 A of the standpipe walls  205 A to create a sealed fluidic interface between the filter cap  122 A and the standpipe walls  205 A.  
      A seal  118 A is positioned between the outlet  112 A of the ink regulator  113 A and an interface  214 A of the ink filter cap  122 A, with the interface  214 A including a flat or contoured surface to mate with the flat or contoured seal  118 A. Thereafter, the outlet  112 A of the ink regulator  113 A, the seal  118 A, and the ink filter cap  122 A are compressed and mounted to one another to provide a fluidic seal therebetween. An adapter  107 , as shown in  FIGS. 16 , and  17 , may likewise be mounted to the outlet  112 A of the ink regulator  113 A and concurrently coupled to the seal  118 A to position the ink regulator  113 A in a generally horizontal or vertical fashion. Exemplary techniques for mounting the ink regulator  113 A, the seal  118 A, the adapter  107 , and the ink filter cap  122 A include, without limitation, heat staking, impulse sealing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, snap fit, press fit, friction welding, vibration welding, hot plate welding, and adhesive bonding A resultant sealed fluidic channel for ink to flow is ensured between the inlet of the regulator  113 A and the opening  208 A of the standpipe  208 A of the print head base  130 A.  
      Referencing  FIG. 26 , yet another exemplary procedure for providing a sealed fluidic channel between the ink regulator  113 B and the opening  208 B of the standpipe  202 B includes mounting a filter cap  122 B intermediate the regulator outlet  112 B and the standpipe  202 B. The components of this exemplary procedure include the print head base  130 B (represented in part by the standpipe  202 B), a filter  132 B, a filter cap  122 B, a seal  118 B, and the regulator  113 B. The print head base  130 B may further comprise features as discussed above, such as, without limitation, nozzles and heater chips. In this procedure, the filter  132 B may be heat staked to a recessed inner surface of the filter cap  122 B, with the filter cap  122 B being laser welded to the recessed inner top surface  204 B or top surface  210 B of the standpipe  202 B to ensure a fluidic seal therebetween. Those of ordinary skill are familiar with the requisite techniques for mounting the above-referenced components and may include, but are not limited to, heat staking, impulse sealing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, and adhesive sealing.  
      A seal  118 B is positioned between the outlet  112 B of the ink regulator  113 B and an interface  214 B of the ink filter cap  122 B. Thereafter, the outlet of the ink regulator  113 B, the seal  118 B, and the ink filter cap  122 B are compressed and mounted to one another to provide a fluidic seal therebetween. Still further, an adapter  107 , as shown in  FIGS. 16 , and  17 , may likewise be mounted to the outlet  112 B of the ink regulator  113 B and concurrently coupled to the seal  118 B to position the ink regulator  113 B in a generally horizontal or vertical fashion. As stated above, exemplary techniques for mounting the ink regulator  113 B, the seal  118 B, the adapter  107 , and the ink filter  122 B include, without limitation, heat staking, impulse sealing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, snap fit, press fit, friction welding, vibration welding, hot plate welding, and adhesive bonding. A resultant sealed fluidic channel is ensured for ink to flow between the inlet of the regulator  113 B and the opening  208 B of the standpipe  208 B of the print head base  130 B. It should also be noted that the filter  132 B may be positioned on the inlet side of the filter cap  122 B without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
      Referencing  FIG. 27 , still another exemplary procedure for providing a sealed fluidic channel between the ink regulator  113 C and the opening  208 C of the standpipe  202 C includes mounting a filter cap  122 C intermediate the regulator outlet  112 C and the standpipe  202 C. The components of this exemplary procedure include the print head base (represented in part by the standpipe  202 C), a filter  132 C, a filter cap  122 C, a seal  118 C, and the regulator  113 C. The print head base  130 C may further comprise features as discussed above, such as, without limitation, nozzles and heater chips. In this procedure, the stainless steel ink filter  132 C is concurrently mounted to the filter cap  122 C and the standpipe  202 C. The filter  132 C and filter cap  122 C may be attached to a recessed inner annular top surface  204 C of the standpipe  202 C to ensure a fluidic seal therebetween. Likewise, as shown, the filter cap  122 C and filter  132 C may be laser welded to the outer annular top smooth surface  210 C of the standpipe  202 C. It is preferred to have a portion of the filter cap  132 C directly bond to the outer annular top smooth surface  210 C of the standpipe  202 C, without sandwiching the filter  132 C therebetween. Those of ordinary skill are familiar with the requisite techniques and may include, but are not limited to heat staking, impulse sealing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, and an adhesive.  
      A seal  118 C is positioned between the outlet  112 C of the ink regulator  113 C and an interface  214 C of the ink filter cap  122 C. Thereafter, the outlet of the ink regulator  113 C, the seal  118 C, and the ink filter cap  122 C are compressed and mounted to one another to provide a fluidic seal therebetween. As stated above, exemplary techniques for mounting the ink regulator  113 C, the seal  118 C, the adapter  107 , and the ink filter cap  122 C include, without limitation, heat staking, impulse sealing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, snap fit, press fit, friction welding, and adhesive bonding. A resultant sealed fluidic channel is ensured for ink to flow between the inlet of the regulator  113 C and the opening  208 C of the standpipe  208 C of the print head base  130 C.  
      It is likewise within the scope and spirit of the present invention to mount the fluid regulator  113  to the print head base  130  such that the ink outlet  112  of the regulator is oriented in a generally horizontal and/or generally vertical direction. As the regulator is fully operative when submerged within an ink source or outside of an ink source, the general orientation of the regulator is arbitrary.  
      As shown in  FIG. 28 , a seal and interface system  150  for the stem  152  of a replaceable ink tank includes a septum  154 , a ball (check)  156  and a check spring  158 . The ink tank stem  152  includes an annular shoulder  160  for seating the annular flange  162  of the septum such that the bottom surfaces of the ink tank stem and septum are flush with one another. The septum includes an axial ink channel  164  extending there through. The ink channel  164  includes a lower cylindrical portion  166  and an upper frustoconical portion  168  that has a diameter that widens with the distance from the lower cylindrical portion  166 . The shape of the upper frustoconical portion  168  allows the ball  156  to be seated therein and the bias applied by the spring  158  against the ball  156  causes the ball  156  to form a seal against the frustoconical portion  168  of the ink channel  164 . The seal and interface system  150  is adapted to mate with a needle  170  of a print head assembly  172 . The needle  170  extends through the cylindrical portion  166  of the channel  164 , thus contacting and displacing the ball  156  from the frustoconical portion  168  of the septum. The needle  170  surface contacting and displacing the ball  156  includes variable height features that allows ink to flow into the needle  170  and into the print head assembly  172  as the ball  156  is displaced. Simultaneously, as the seal between the ball  156  and the septum  154  is broken, the outer circumferential portion of the needle  170  is such that it forms a seal between the outer surface  174  of the needle and the inner surface of the lower cylindrical portion  166  of the septum&#39;s ink channel  166 . When coupled in such a manner, ink is permitted to flow from the ink reservoir  166  within the ink tank stem  152  through the ink channel  164  of the septum and through the inlet channel  178  of the needle  170  into the print head assembly  172 . When the replaceable ink tank is removed again from the print head assembly, the needle  170  is removed again from the ink channel  164  of the septum  154  allowing the check spring  158  to push the ball  156  back into a sealing engagement with the frustoconical portion  168  of the ink channel.  
      According to an embodiment of the present invention, the film  180  is sealed to both the bottom surface of the ink tank stem  152  and the bottom surface of the septum  154 , so as to effectively provide an annular seal between the inner circumferential surface  182  of the ink tank stem and the outer circumferential surface  184  of the septum. In the exemplary embodiment, the film  180  is heat-sealed to both the bottom surface of the ink stem  152  and the bottom surface of the septum  154 . Both heat seals circumscribe the ink channel  164 . To allow for such a heat-seal bond, the septum, ink tank stem and film materials are selected such that the film material is heat sealable to both the septum material and the ink tank stem material. In the exemplary embodiment, the film  180  also includes a hole  186  extending there through that is axially aligned with the ink channel  164  of the septum and having a diameter larger than that of the lower cylindrical portion  166  of the ink channel  164 . In this exemplary embodiment, the ink tank stem  152 , the septum  154 , the ink channel  164 , and the needle  170  may also have a non-circular cross-section.  
      Assembly of the seal and interface system  150  may be accomplished by heat-sealing the film  180  to the lower surface of the septum  154 , stacking the various components within the ink tank stem  152  and then heat-sealing the film  180  extending radially from the septum  154  against the lower surface of the ink tank stem  152 . This construction process is advantageous in a situation in which the lower surfaces of the septum  154  and ink tank stem  152  are not flush, having stepwise offsets. It is also within the scope of the invention to allow for simultaneous heat-welding of the film to both the ink tank stem  152  and septum  154 . The hole  186  may be punched into the film  180  prior to construction, prior to attachment of the septum, or even after all components are assembled. In addition to heat-welding the film  180  to the ink stem  152  and/or the septum  154 , laser welding can be used to provide sufficient seals. Laser welding is also advantageous in the embodiment in which the film  180  is replaced with a thicker cap of material. In such an embodiment, the cap material should have a certain level of laser light transparency to allow the laser light to pass through, and the base materials being bonded thereto need to absorb the laser energy through the laser light transparent cap.  
      In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 28 , many materials for the various components have been used and tested. The materials of the ink stem  152  and/or septum  154  may generally be a polyolefin-like polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or a blend of such materials. The film  180  may have at least one layer of polypropylene or various grades of polyethylene. The films may be single layered or multi-layered, where the multi-layer of films may include layers of nylon and/or polyester to provide additional strength and toughness. In a specific embodiment, the septum  154  material was molded Santoprene, which is a polypropylene-based thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) material. Kraton and other TPE materials, as well as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) synthetic rubbers may also be suitable for sealing to PE and/or PP based materials. EPDM does not remelt like the TPE materials, but a number of molded grades of EPDM have been found to bond to the film well enough to create a fluidic seal for the present application. Additionally, EPDM has a reduced level of compression set that certain TPE materials have. It is also within the scope of the invention to select a single or multi-layer film in a manner to control the permeation properties of the septum area. The transfer of penetrants such as oxygen in water vapor as well as a wide variety of others could be controlled through this selection. Materials chosen for this purpose could include, but are not limited to, nylons, polyesters, polyolefins, metallization, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), or metal foils. The seal created between the film and the septum material would allow the barrier properties of the film to apply to the entire film seal area. This barrier would remain intact even after a needle insertion as opposed to prior art methods where the film is not sealed to the septum.  
      The present seal approach may also be used for other applications. One such application could be to create a multi-piece flexible diaphragm to replace the control valve disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,137, which shows a thin rubber diaphragm attached to a support ring. This could be replaced by attaching the central seal region to the film by one of the above methods described, and then attaching the diaphragm to the tank without needing an extra support ring. U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,436 shows a method of insert molding a TPE material onto a ring to form the backpressure control member. As can be seen, this also has a seal member attached to the film for a seal and a film attached to the body or support member for the second portion of the seal. The embodiment of the seal and inlet system as shown and described above in  FIG. 28 , is advantageous over several known seal and interface systems for use in replaceable ink tanks. One such prior art seal and interface system for use in replaceable ink tanks utilizes a crimp ring to crimp the septum and ink tank stem together, where the crimp ring attaches to an annular collar extending from the ink tank stem. To perform the crimping operation, a number of requirements are placed on the system. The first is that a relatively tall stem with the collar in the mold must be formed. This is more expensive to mold and the stem may break off if the tank is dropped. Although features can be placed on the tank to protect the stem, a great deal of clearance next to the stem is required so that the crimp tool can be used to install the crimp ring. This also means that there may be a substantial distance between multiple stems and a multi-colored tank. The variability and crimp process parameters also may cause a good deal of variation in the final geometry of the septum seal. This variation may affect insertion force, which is maintained as low as possible to improve customer satisfaction. Exemplary applications include on-carrier and off-carrier ink tanks.  
      Another prior art seal system for use in replaceable ink tanks holds and seals the septum in place with film. The prior art film is continuous without any holes in it. Therefore, during tank insertion, the needle of the print head assembly must first puncture the film before creating the seal with the septum in pushing the check system out of sealing engagement with the septum. Both this prior art system and the embodiment of the present invention disclosed in  FIG. 28  allow for placing multiple colors and their connections on the same tank. A single piece of film can then be used to hold all the septums in place. The prior art system, however, utilizes a radial compression seal between the septum and the stem. The film in the prior art assembly provides a redundant seal during shipping until it is later punctured. At that time the only purpose of the film becomes keeping the septum from coming out of the stem. Therefore, with the prior art seal system, the film does not provide an effective seal between the septum and the ink tank stem when the needle punctures through the film. Therefore, the embodiment of the invention disclosed in  FIG. 28  does not require the use of a compression seal between the septum and the stem. Furthermore, because the embodiment shown in  FIG. 28  provides the various seals using the welding of the film to both the septum and the ink tank stem, the seal system is provided with lower connection force and less tolerance variations as compared to the prior art seal systems. Conventional compression seal geometry is no longer necessitated. Additionally, certain multi-part applications can be performed more efficiently and less costly.  
      Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the methods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the inventions contained herein are not limited to these precise embodiments and that changes may be made to them without departing from the scope of the inventions as defined by the claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the meanings of the claims unless such limitations or elements are explicitly listed in the claims. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.