Appeal No. 96-3746 Application 08/236,007 (Fed. Cir. 1983). We find that Barney discloses an ink level control system which utilizes an ultrasonic transducer to measure the distance between the transducer and the ink in an ink fountain thereby sensing the ink level in the fountain (Col. 2, lines 17- 19). A microprocessor controller is in communication with the transducer and functions to evaluate the long term behavior of the ink level in the ink fountain using a mean value formation based on periodic sampling by the ultrasonic transducer on ink level measurements (Col. 2, lines 42-45). The long term ink level is adjusted by a surface variability index VI to correct for ink surface variations (Col. 4, 15-20). This new adjusted long term ink level is applied to a comparator with a predetermined set-point level SP (Col. 4, lines 21-32). This set-point is imputted by an operator and is based on the operator’s experience in judging the correct level to maintain acceptable ink coverage consistency (Col. 4, lines 28-31). If the adjusted long term ink level is greater than the set point, an ink feed cycle is started (Col. 4, lines 23-26). The ink level is then repeatedly measured until the adjusted long term ink level is less than the set point at which time, ink feed cycle is terminated (Col. 4, lines 33-38). 4Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 NextLast modified: November 3, 2007