Pen-like device incorporating a multi-colored printer

• US 7,445,394 B2
• Filed: 01/08/2008
• Issued: 11/04/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/25/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Silverbrook, Kia, Lapstun, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Walczak; David J
• Application Number:
  US11/970,951
• Publication Number:
  US 20080101847A1
• Time in Patent Office: 301 Days
• Field of Search: 401 44- 47, 401258-260, 401/205, 401/206, 401/195, 347 84- 86, 347/109, 345/179
• US Class Current: 401/46
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/36 for portability , i.e. hand-held printers or laptop printers B41J3/4075 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 23/008 Holders comprising finger grips B43K23/004, B43K23/012 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/00 Combinations of writing implements with other articles
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/003 with optical equipment, e.g. magnifier, viewer
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/08 with measuring, computing or indicating devices
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/10 with illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 8/003 Pen barrels
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 8/006 using a spraying system, e.g. airbrushes
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 8/22 with electrically or magnetically activated writing-points
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03545 Pens or stylus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/047 Detection, control or error compensation of scanning velocity or position H04N1/0402 and H04N1/17 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/107 with manual scanning
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0096 Portable devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/04713 Details of the detector arrangement, e.g. non-standard position, optical details H04N2201/04712 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/04717 on the scanned sheet, e.g. a reference sheet

Abstract

A pen-like device includes a tubular body and a replaceable cartridge configured to be received within the body. The cartridge includes an ink supply, in turn, including a tube defining a plurality of internal chambers containing respective types of ink. A stylus nib is configured to retract into the body when pressed upon print media. A printhead is mounted in fluid communication with the ink supply and is configured to print ink upon the print media responsive to retraction of the stylus nib.

Claims

1. A pen-like device comprising a tubular body and a replaceable cartridge configured to be received within the tubular body, the replaceable cartridge comprising:

an ink supply comprising a tube defining a plurality of internal chambers containing respective types of ink;

a stylus nib configured to retract into the body when pressed upon print media; and

a printhead coupled in fluid communication with the ink supply, the printhead comprising ink ejection nozzles and configured to print ink upon the print media responsive to retraction of the stylus nib.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ink supply further includes a plurality of intersecting ribs defining the internal chambers and which longitudinally extend along the tube.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ink supply further includes a pair of endcaps arranged to seal the internal chambers at respective ends of the tube.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein one of the endcaps defines a plurality of air inlets to allow the ingress of air into the internal chambers as ink is printed, and the other endcap defines galleries which place the internal chambers in fluid communication with the printhead.

5. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein during printing, the stylus nib is located above the printhead.