Patents by Inventor John G. Ackerman

John G. Ackerman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5309179
    Abstract: An enhanced duct apparatus provides enhanced re-establishment of ink fluid flow between an ink reservoir and printheads when, for example, ink supply tubing located therebetween is filled with slugs of ink which prevent the flow from being established. The apparatus requires minimal head pressure, thus reducing reservoir depth, by including a high surface energy material within the tubing. Preferably, the material is in the form of a spring which may be of stainless steel. This inclusion of a high surface energy material is more readily wetted by the ink and allows substantially instantaneous overcoming of impedance, including adhesive, surface tension, and wetting forces, upon initiating opening of fluid flow from the reservoir through the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Agbezuge, Thomas N. Taylor, John G. Ackerman