The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 24, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 22, 1999
Masahiko Chino, Shiojiri, JP;
Seiko Epson Corporation, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
There are provided a print head device, an ink jet printer incorporating the print head device, and an ink cartridge for use in the ink jet printer. The ink cartridge has an ink delivery spout, a delivery spout-sealing film for sealing the ink delivery spout, an air inlet passage, and an air inlet passage-sealing film for sealing the air inlet passage. The print head device has a cartridge holder for removably receiving the ink cartridge therein, a print head, and a hollow head needle in communication with the print head. A pusher member pushes inward the ink cartridge in a state provisionally received in the cartridge holder until the head needle pierces the delivery spout-sealing film such that the head needle is inserted into the ink delivery spout, thereby causing the ink cartridge to be completely received in the cartridge holder. A piercing member pierces the air inlet passage-sealing film to make the air inlet passage open to the atmosphere prior to the piercing of the delivery spout-sealing film by the head needle, when the ink cartridge is pushed inward by the pusher member.