Sonoco Development Incorporated

Rebecca Lawson

James W Lowry

Keith R Rea

Wylie H Hodge

Keith Rea

Wylie Hodge

A self-venting cartridge () for dispensing an extrudable fluid such as ink. The cartridge () comprises a cylindrical body () for holding the fluid and a plunger () for forcing the fluid through a nozzle. The cylindrical body () is formed of a wound material and lined internally with a liner material that overlaps itself to form a raised area () that is slightly thicker than the surrounding area. The plunger () comprises a slightly convex surface () and a sidewall () that forms a snug fit with the cylindrical body (). The plunger sidewall () and raised area () define a channel (A) through which air is automatically vented when the plunger () is inserted into the fluid-filled cartridge ().

Self-venting ink cartridge

A pressure-activated flexible valve for use with a container for dispensing fluid material such as ink. The valve has a single sealing surface and comprises a base portion having a valve seat and a cap having an annular rim that seats against the valve seat when the valve is closed. The cap has an annular flexible portion that changes shape in response to pressure from the container material, thereby opening and closing the valve. The valve may be locked closed, and the space between the valve rim and valve seat can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of fluids, including inks having different viscosities.

Twist lock valve for fluid dispensing cartridges

An improved plunger for fluid dispensing cartridges used in automated dispensing systems. The plunger helps control the reflection of ultrasonic signals used to sense the position of the plunger as it moves within the cartridge tube. The plunger has a convex bottom, ink-facing surface and a top surface comprising one or more flat, horizontal surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the horizontal surfaces are concentric steps.

Stepped plunger for use with an ultrasonic sensor

An improved plunger for a lithographic printing ink cartridge prevents air entrapment between the plunger and the ink when the plunger is pressed into the ink during cartridge assembly. The plunger bottom portion has a positive radius and a textured surface that facilitates the flow of air away from the center of the plunger toward the cartridge sidewall as the plunger is pressed into the ink.

Growing community of inventors

Florence, SC, United States of America

Rebecca Lawson