Patent Application
20220105731
Provided herein are systems for filling inks or other treatment materials for use in digital printing and dyeing applications.
In industrial settings, treatment materials in liquid form, are applied to products of manufacture during various stages of manufacture. A treatment material may be applied to a substrate in the form of a product or a raw material to change its appearance, texture or other physical qualities. A chemical or biological reagent may be used as a treatment material to change the qualities of a substrate. An exemplary treatment material used for changing color is an ink. Inks are used in many applications including, but not limited to digital printing and digital dyeing processes. PCT application PCT/IL2016/050789 discloses a digitally controlled dyeing process. In digital dyeing, an ink is applied to a substrate such as a thread. Optionally, a digital dyeing apparatus comprises a dyeing head. A substrate is conveyed past a dyeing head and the dyeing head is configured to apply an ink or other treatment material to the substrate. The color of the ink or the nature of the treatment material emitted by the dyeing head on to or into the substrate may change, in accordance with a pre-determined pattern as controlled by a digital control. Digital printing may be a type of digital dyeing in which a treatment material is applied to a substrate.
In both home and industrial settings, inks for digital printing and dyeing processes may be packaged in a cartridge. A cartridge is a convenient and common means to transport ink from a manufacturer to an end user. The end user may insert the filled cartridge into the printing or dyeing machine, obviating the need to pour or measure the ink. Cartridges may be configured to be disposed of after the ink is completed, or, cartridges may be refilled.
Machines for digital dyeing (and printing) may use a plurality of liquids such as inks at the same time. For example, the machine may utilize controlled amounts of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks in varied combinations to imprint or embed a color to a substrate. The colored inks are from one or more than one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks in varying amounts. Such machines typically have individual reservoirs for each of the aforementioned colored inks, each reservoir being a cartridge containing one of the colored inks. During operation, a cartridge comprising a colored ink or other treatment material is inserted into a cartridge bay configured to receive the cartridge and transfer the material from the cartridge to the machine. The machine, if used for color printing or dyeing, has a unique cartridge bay dedicated to each one of the colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) or treatment materials used by it.
Cartridges may be used as means to transport liquids from a manufacturer of the liquid to a user.
Described herein are systems for filling machines which use treatment materials contained in cartridges. Optionally, the machine is a dyeing machine, and the treatment material is ink. The systems allow for effective filling of the machine and emptying waste from the machine. The systems are advantageous relative to previously known systems as they allow machines to have a single port configured to receive a single cartridge, wherein the cartridge may comprise one of a plurality of treatment materials. With respect to dyeing machines, the systems are advantageous relative to previously known systems as they allow dyeing machines to have a single port configured to receive a single cartridge, wherein the cartridge may comprise one of a plurality of inks. The single port is configured to accept cartridges having inks of different colors. Optionally, the dyeing machine is a digital dyeing machine.
Some embodiments relate to systems for filling dyeing (or printing) machines that use treatment material to treat a substrate, the systems using cartridges for effective filling and emptying waste from the dyeing machine.
Security measures for maintaining proper function of treatment processes, including dyeing, are also described herein.
Some embodiments relate to a liquid management system for conveying a plurality of unique treatment liquids, comprising: a first receptacle adapted to receive a single cartridge, the receptacle having multiple conduits, each conduit configured to transport a unique liquid, and each conduit corresponding to a different position on a cartridge; a plurality of cartridges configured to contain a liquid, the cartridges each comprising a flow outlet located at a position in the cartridge corresponding to one of the conduits of the receptacle; wherein, when a filled cartridge is introduced into the receptacle, liquid may flow through the flow outlet and into one of the conduits of the receptacle.
Further embodiments relate to a cartridge for use with a liquid management system for conveying a plurality of unique liquids to a receptacle adapted to receive a single cartridge and having multiple conduits, each conduit configured to transport a unique liquid, and each conduit corresponding to a different position on a cartridge; the cartridge comprising multiple openable conduits, each conduit located at a position in the cartridge corresponding to one of the conduits of the receptacle; a plurality of openable conduits of the cartridge are sealed to prevent liquid flow through the cartridge conduits, and one of the openable conduits is fitted with a valve to form a flow outlet in the cartridge; wherein, when a filled cartridge is introduced into the receptacle, liquid may flow through the flow outlet and into one of the conduits of the receptacle.
There are numerous advantages to the liquid management systems described herein. The liquid management systems are environmentally friendly in that cartridges can be reused to store waste after being emptied from their original content. In addition, filling systems described herein occupy less room than standard filling systems, as one dock may be used to house multiple different types of cartridges, each holding a distinct type of treatment liquid. This feature also allows design flexibility in machines using the cartridges. Filling systems described herein also reduce human error associated with introduction of a treatment liquid into an inappropriate liquid reservoir.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
Unless otherwise noted, technical terms are used according to conventional usage.
Unless otherwise explained, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” The abbreviation, “e.g.” is derived from the Latin exempli gratia and is used herein to indicate a non-limiting example. Thus, the abbreviation “e.g.” is synonymous with the term “for example.”
In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, all the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
Ink: a composition comprising a colorant, such as a dye for coloring a substrate and a liquid medium possibly including other additives. An ink may be contacted with a substrate such as a thread or a fabric to color it permanently. An ink may have dye, pigment or other colorant dissolved or suspended in the liquid medium.
Treatment Material: any kind of material that can be used for dyeing, coating or changing properties of a substrate such as but not limited to dye materials, coating materials for coating the threads or portions thereof with protective materials, treatment-materials designed to enhance properties of the substrate such as for strengthening the substrate, pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical and/or nutraceutical materials for adding cosmetic or medical properties to the substrate such as for adding pharmaceutical to a substrate. A treatment liquid is a treatment material in liquid form.
The treatment material may be an ink, coating material, dye effect material, or other liquid medium having a property such as but not limited to conductive material, magnetic material, biological active material, lubricant, or a chemical treatment-material. The treatment materials used by the thread treatment machine can be any liquid, including polymeric or gel type materials. Exemplary treatment materials include: ink, or fast-dry inks. Additional exemplary treatment materials include dye effect materials for producing glittering or glowing effects or a dotted effect. Optionally, treatment material that can be used either alone or in conjunction with an ink may be non-visible materials that affect the thread functional characteristics such as tensile strength or conductivity.
Substrate: The substrate may be a material that is treated with at least one treatment material. Exemplary substrates include: thread, filament, fiber, cord, strand, yarn, and fabric.
Some of the embodiments described below relate to an ink filling system. Alternate embodiments of the invention contain similar components to those described below but are used with reference to treatment liquids other than inks.
Reference is now made to
Filling system 10 was depicted with bay 20 having 3 docks, 1 configured to introduce ink or other treatment materials, and two waste filling. Alternate embodiments relate to systems comprising between 2 and 100 docks for introduction of ink or other treatment material or for waste filling.
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Optionally, cartridge 12 may be formed from a polymer, optionally polypropylene. Cartridge 12 is preferably formed from a polymer which does not react with the treatment material or waste material which the cartridge is configured to contain. Cartridge 12 may be formed using a variety of techniques, optionally through molding techniques such as injection molding or compression molding. Optionally, cartridge 12 may be formed from other materials.
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
According to embodiments, other treatment liquids, not limited to inks are introduced into cartridges 12 and 70. Filling system 10 may be used for alternate liquids or treatment materials in a machine which uses such liquids or treatment materials.
During operation of filling system 10, cartridge 12, when inserted in dock 22, abutment 46 mates with groove 40. As cartridge 12 is completely inserted within dock 22, fluid valve 66 engages conduit housing 50 at conduit 52a.
The fluid valves, waste valves and air valves may each be any valves configured to have an open position, allowing for liquid (fluid) flow, or closed position, preventing fluid flow. The valves may be mechanically or electronically controlled. The valve unit may comprise a septum and a needle configured to puncture the septum, when in contact with the septum. After separation of the cartridge from the dock, the needle disengages from the septum, resealing the septum. A septum may be present on the cartridge and a needle on the dock, or alternatively, a needle may be present on the cartridge and a septum on the dock. Optionally, the valves may be spring-loaded. One type of valve which may be used is a spring-loaded valve. Optionally, the valve remains closed when not in contact with a surface external to the cartridge, and upon contact with an appropriate conduit, the spring of the valve is opened, allowing for transfer of fluid (liquid or air) into or out of the cartridge. When cartridge 12 is fully inserted within dock 22 as in
During operation of filling system 10, cartridge 70 may be introduced into dock 22 of filling system 10. As cartridge 70 is completely inserted within dock 22, fluid valve 72 engages conduit housing 50 at conduit 52d. When cartridge 70 is fully inserted within dock 22, air valve 62 engages air conduit 32 to allow air flow into cartridge 70. Conduit 52d may be flow connected to a second ink reservoir (not shown) which is flow connected to deliver the second ink to a digitally controlled dyeing head (not shown) configured to apply a colored composition to a thread. Alternatively, the conduit may be flow-connected to a dyeing head or a mixing unit, or other receptacle. Insertion of cartridge 70 within dock 22 allows for opening of fluid valve 72 and air valve 62, thereby allowing flow of second ink (ink) from cartridge 70 into conduit 52d.
In a digital dyeing process, a digital dyeing machine may have separate reservoirs for containing 2 or more inks or treatment materials at any time, optionally between 4 and 8 inks or treatment materials. Optionally, the digital dyeing machine may have more than 8 separate reservoirs, and up to 100 reservoirs. In addition, a digital dyeing machine may use other chemical agents or biological agents for treating thread, which may also be loaded into reservoirs via the filling system. In order to dye thread using a digital dyeing process, the digital dyeing machine may have reservoirs, each filled with inks or treatment materials. Mixtures of the inks or treatment materials in the vicinity of the dyeing head may be used to dye thread at the desired color or alternatively treat the thread with the treatment material. During a dyeing process, the introduction of a mistaken ink or treatment materials into a reservoir could cause contamination of the dyeing apparatus, leading to damage of the system and the dyeing process, or the treatment process. As mentioned previously, two cartridges 12 and 70, which are substantially similar but differ only in the positioning of the fluid valve in fluid conduit 42a or fluid conduit 42d, can be used with a single dock of a filling system, without the need for separate docks for every cartridge. The use of a single dock to fill reservoirs of a digital dyeing machine saves room in the system. Instead of requiring a dyeing machine having multiple docks for each different colored ink, one dock is sufficient, allowing the machine to be more compact. In addition, a manufacturer of filled cartridges for use in the disclosed filling system needs to manufacture only one type of cartridge for multiple types of ink. Rather than manufacturing multiple differently sized cartridges for use with a filling system, a manufacturer may make only one type of cartridge for all treatment materials and adapt each cartridge to treatment materials by varying the aperture opened within the cartridge, and the subsequent placement of the valve. Such a filling system may be used for any system using a plurality of liquids, such as treatment materials or inks, which are unique from one another. This filling system allows a user to conveniently keep unique fluids from unintentionally mixing with each other.
Once emptied from its contents, cartridge 12 can be used to collect waste from a process of applying a treatment liquid, optionally a digitally controlled dyeing process. The waste may comprise spent ink or residual ink or treatment material.
An empty cartridge such as cartridge 16 or 18 is inserted into dock 26 and/or 28 for waste collection. In order to dispose of the waste such as residual inks or treatment materials, the collected waste may be conveyed, via a conduit, to waste conduit 34 in port 26 or 28. Cartridges 16 and 18, when inserted in ports 26 and 28 respectively, allow for flow of waste fluid from conduit 34 into waste valve 64 of cartridges 16 and 18. While cartridges 16 and 18 are inserted in ports 26 and 28 respectively, air valve 62 is engaged by air conduit 32 to allow air to escape cartridges while waste fluid enters. Upon completion of filling of cartridges 16 and 18 with waste fluid, new cartridges may be placed into docks 26 and 28 for waste collection.
The use of empty cartridges to fill with waste is advantageous to a user of a dyeing machine equipped with filling system 10. A user of a dyeing or printing machine, optionally a digital dyeing system equipped with filling system 10 purchases inks in cartridges. After the cartridges are emptied, they then serve an additional function to collect waste from the dyeing process. No separate waste containers need to be procured to dispose of waste fluid from the digital dyeing process. Any used cartridge may be placed in a dock for waste collection.
An additional advantage of cartridge 12 is the location of the fluid valve in a position which is protected from impact, by rim 44 which extends distally beyond fluid valve.
Digital tag 58 may include unique digitally encoded data that may prevent a used cartridge or a non-authenticated cartridge to be re-introduced into the dock. Potentially, the cartridge may be filled with harmful materials. For example, digital tag 58 may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Digital dyeing machine may be equipped with an RFID reader (not shown) to identify the uniquely encoded data associated with the RFID tag. The cartridge manufacturer may encode a unique digital number on an RFID tag associated with each cartridge manufactured. The reader may identity the RFID tag and associate the digitally encoded data with data approved by the manufacturer of the machine, indicating that the RFID is associated with an approved cartridge. The unique digital number on the RFID tag may then be recorded and designated as “used” after the cartridge has filled the dyeing machine. If the reader identifies an RFID tag designated as “used” in a subsequent filling of the dyeing machine, the dyeing machine may indicate to the user that the cartridge has been used, potentially indicating that the cartridge has been filled with counterfeit ink or treatment material, not supplied by the manufacturer. A user of the dyeing machine may be alerted and withdrawal of ink or treatment material from the cartridge may be halted by the dyeing machine. The RFID tag may therefore serve as an additional security measure to make sure that the dyeing machine is filled only using authenticated cartridges from the manufacturer. Other digital, electronic or optical encoding means may be used instead of or in addition to RFID.
Filling system 10 also has unique security measures to prevent insertion of a cartridge that has been filled with waste into a cartridge dock 22, configured to receive the cartridge and transfer the ink or treatment material from the cartridge to the machine. If a waste cartridge is accidentally inserted into dock 22, allowing waste to flow into an ink or treatment material reservoir, damage to the machine would be caused.
Embodiments described herein refer to a security element on a cartridge. In one embodiment the security element can be in the form of a movable physical element which assumes a position upon introduction into dock 26 or 28, thereby preventing introduction of the cartridge into dock 22. One form of security measure may be a security flap 68 as shown with reference to cartridge 12. Cartridge 12 with security flap 68 has been depicted in
Reference is now made to
Returning to
During the operation of bay 20, an ink-filled (or treatment material-filled) cartridge is inserted into dock 22. The configuration of security flap 68 is as in
After a cartridge has been filled with waste, in docks 26 or 28, it may be mistaken for an ink-filled cartridge or treatment material filled cartridge by an operator of a dyeing machine and may be mistakenly inserted into dock 22. If such an insertion were possible, the mistake would then lead to flow of waste ink or treatment material from the cartridge into the system. The associated damage caused would be difficult to fix.
Security flap 68 and associated security features of the cartridge prevent such a mistaken insertion of a waste-filled cartridge into dock 22 as follows: Once legs 94 are located within indentations 92, heel 96 protrudes laterally into groove 40. This lateral protrusion does not interfere with insertion of cartridge into docks 26 or 28 or removal of cartridge therefrom. As seen in
Other mechanical security means could be used to prevent mistaken insertion of a waste-filled cartridge into a dock for conveying ink.
Some embodiments relate to a liquid management system for conveying a plurality of unique treatment liquids, comprising:a first receptacle adapted to receive a single cartridge, the receptacle having multiple conduits, each conduit configured to transport a unique treatment liquid, and each conduit corresponding to a different position on a cartridge; a plurality of cartridges configured to contain a liquid, the cartridges each comprising a flow outlet located at a position in the cartridge corresponding to one of the conduits of the receptacle; wherein, when a filled cartridge is introduced into the receptacle, liquid may flow through the flow outlet and into one of the conduits of the receptacle. Optionally, each cartridge comprises multiple openable conduits, each conduit located at a position in the cartridge corresponding to one of the conduits of the first receptacle. Optionally, the flow outlet is formed in a cartridge by introduction of a valve in a conduit in the cartridge. Optionally, a plurality of openable conduits of the cartridge are sealed to prevent liquid flow through the cartridge conduits. Optionally, the plurality of cartridges is filled with a treatment material suitable for treating a substrate. Optionally, the treatment material is an ink. Optionally, a cartridge comprising a first treatment material comprises a flow outlet located at a first position in the cartridge corresponding to a first conduit of a first receptacle and wherein a cartridge comprising a second treatment material comprises a flow outlet located at a second position in the cartridge corresponding to a second conduit of the first receptacle. Optionally, the system comprises 2 or more cartridges, each cartridge containing a unique treatment liquid. Optionally, the valve is a mechanical valve which opens to allow liquid flow upon contact of the valve with a first receptacle. Optionally, the valve is a spring-loaded valve which opens to allow liquid flow upon contact of the valve with a conduit of the first receptacle. Optionally, the valve is an electronically controlled valve which opens to allow liquid flow upon contact of the valve with a conduit of the first receptacle. Optionally, the cartridge further comprises an air flow inlet which can be opened to allow flow of air into the cartridge when liquid is removed through the flow outlet and to allow flow of air out of the cartridge when liquid is introduced into the cartridge. Optionally, the first receptacle further comprises an air-flow conduit corresponding to the cartridge air flow inlet. Optionally, the system further comprising a second receptacle adapted to receive a single cartridge, the second receptacle having a waste outlet. Optionally, the cartridge further comprises a waste-flow conduit corresponding to the waste outlet of the second receptacle. Optionally, the waste-flow conduit comprises a valve which opens to allow liquid flow upon contact of the valve with the waste outlet of the second receptacle. Optionally, the system further comprises a security element which prevents introduction of a cartridge into a receptable. Optionally, the cartridge further comprises a movable security element in a first position which upon engagement of the cartridge with the second receptacle, assumes a second position, the security element in the second position preventing engagement of the cartridge with the first receptacle. Optionally, the security element comprises a flap. Optionally, the security element is pivotable on a hinge Optionally, the cartridge comprises an indentation and wherein the security flap comprises a leg. Optionally, the second receptacle comprises a member which moves the security flap from a first position to a second position. Optionally, the second position of the security flap is assumed upon entry of a leg of the security flap in the indentation upon engagement of the cartridge with the second receptacle. Optionally, the security element prevents introduction of a waste-filled cartridge into a first receptacle. Optionally, the valve is a mechanically controlled valve or an electronically controlled valve. Optionally, the system further comprises a digital tag encoding digital data, and a digital tag reader. Optionally, the digital tag is an RFID tag. Optionally, the RFID tag is attached to the cartridge.
Some embodiments relate to a cartridge for use with a liquid management system for conveying a plurality of unique liquids to a receptacle adapted to receive a single cartridge and having multiple conduits, each conduit configured to transport a unique liquid, and each conduit corresponding to a different position on a cartridge; the cartridge comprising a plurality of openable conduits, each conduit located at a position in the cartridge corresponding to one of the conduits of the receptacle. Optionally, the plurality of openable conduits are sealed to prevent liquid flow through the cartridge conduits, and one of the openable conduits is fitted with a valve to form a flow outlet in the cartridge; wherein, when a filled cartridge is introduced into the receptacle, liquid may flow through the flow outlet and into one of the conduits of the receptacle. Optionally, the cartridge is filled with a treatment material suitable for treating a substrate. Optionally, the treatment material is an ink. Optionally, the cartridge further comprises an air flow inlet which can be opened to allow flow of air into the cartridge when liquid is removed through the flow outlet and to allow flow of air out of the cartridge when liquid is introduced into the cartridge. Optionally, the cartridge further comprises a movable security element in a first position which upon engagement of the cartridge with a receptacle, assumes a second position, the security element in the second position preventing engagement of the cartridge with another receptacle. Optionally, the valve is a mechanically controlled valve or an electronically controlled valve. Optionally, the cartridge further comprises a digital tag encoding digital data, configured to be read by a digital tag reader in the vicinity of the receptacle. Optionally, the digital tag is an RFID tag.
Some embodiments relate to a method for applying a treatment material to a substrate comprising: introducing a substrate into a dyeing machine; filling the dyeing machine or printing machine using a liquid management system according to any one of claims 1 to 28 with a treatment material; and contacting the treatment material with the substrate using the dyeing machine or printing machine.
In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL2020/050080 | 1/20/2020 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62794728 | Jan 2019 | US |
