Ink-supply system to printing mechanism - has capillary pipe in contact with accumulator of lesser capillarity

摘要

The ink is accommodated freely in a vessel connected by a capillary pipe (14) to the printing mechanism, while a capillary accumulator (16) is connected to the pipe.The pipe fills the opening (12) in the vessel (11), and is in direct contact with the accumulator. The capillarity of the latter in the ink is less than that of the pipe, at least in the vessel opening. The pipe and the accumulator can be in one piece, and can taper to fit in the opening. Alternatively, the portion of the pipe fitting in the opening can be a separate component. The pipe and accumulator can have a capillary structure, and can be formed by porous and/or fibrous material. USE/ADVANTAGE - Simple, low cost ink-supply system to printing mechanism prevents uncontrolled escape of ink irrespective of degree of filling of vessel.