TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates in general to ink-jet printing systems, and in particular
to refurbishing ink containers for ink-jet printing systems.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] One type of prior art ink-jet printer has a printhead mounted to a carriage which
is moved back and forth over print media, such as paper. As the printhead passes over
appropriate locations on the printer media, a control system activates the printhead
to eject ink drops onto the print media and form desired images and characters. To
work properly, such printers should have a reliable supply of ink for the printhead.
[0003] One category of ink-jet printer uses an ink supply that is mounted to and moves with
the carriage. In some types, the ink supply is replaceable separately from the printhead.
In others, the printhead and ink supply together form an integral unit that is replaced
as a unit once the ink in the ink supply is depleted. One type of ink supply is disclosed
in European Patent Application 0 778 144 which is directed to a refill kit and method
for refilling an ink supply for an ink jet printer. The ink supply has a chassis which
carries an ink reservoir and a fluid outlet. The ink reservoir contains ink. The chassis
is enclosed within a hard protective shell having a cap affixed to its lower end.
The chassis has a main body and a frame which helps define and support the ink reservoir.
Each side of frame is provided with a face to which a sheet of plastic is attached
to enclose the sides of the reservoir. The body of the chassis is provided with a
fill pert to allow ink to be introduced into the reservoir. Three separate methods
of refilling the ink supply are described in the European Patent Application 0 778
144. Another type of ink supply is disclosed in European Patent Application 0 498
117 which is directed to an ink container cartridge and manufacturing method. The
ink container cartridge includes an ink containing portion, a plug for being pierced
by a hollow needle, and a device for preventing reverse flow of the ink to the containing
portion. The preventing device comprises a valve, a first liquid passage in which
the valve is movable and a second passage disposed closer to the ink container portion
than the first passage. The valve is capable of closing the second passage.
[0004] Another category of printer, referred to as an "off-axis" printing system, uses ink
supplies which are not located on the carriage. One type replenishes the printhead
intermittently. The printhead will travel to a stationary reservoir periodically for
replenishment. U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 09/034,719 describes another
printing system wherein the printhead is fluidically coupled to a replaceable ink
supply or container via a conduit such as a flexible tube. This allows the printhead
to be continuously replenished during a printing operation.
[0005] In the parent application to this application, a replaceable off-axis ink container
is described which has a memory device mounted to the housing. When inserted into
the printer station, an electrical connection between the printer and the memory device
is established. This electrical connection allows for the exchange of information
between the printer and the memory. The memory device stores information which is
utilized by the printer to ensure high print quality. This information is provided
to the printer automatically when the cartridge is mounted to the printer. The exchange
of information assures compatibility of the cartridge with the printer.
[0006] The stored information further prevents the use of the container after it is depleted
of ink. Operating a printer when the reservoir has been depleted of ink may damage
or destroy the printhead. The memory devices concerned with this application are updated
with data from the printhead concerning the amount of ink left in the reservoir as
it is being used. When a new cartridge is installed, the printer will read information
from the memory device that is indicative of the reservoir volume. During usage, the
printing system estimates ink usage and updates the memory device to indicate remaining
ink in the cartridge. Once the ink in the ink container is substantially depleted,
the memory device is updated to reflect an out-of-ink condition. The depleted of ink
cartridges and memory devices are then discarded.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention comprises a method and an ink container as defined in the appended
claims. The refurbishing method includes electrical and mechanical reconfiguration
or replacement of original elements on the ink delivery container. Each method utilizes
an existing ink fluid outlet, electrical connector and an information storage device
on the ink delivery container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008]
Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a printing system having an original equipment
ink delivery system.
Figure 2 is an isometric view of a printer incorporating the printing system as described
with respect to Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an end isometric view of an ink container of the printing system of Figure
1.
Figure 4 is a side view of the ink container of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a partial enlarged proximal end view of the ink container of Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a sectional side view of the ink container of Figure 3 taken along the
line 6-6 of Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a partial enlarged isometric view of a portion of the printer of Figure
2. showing the ink container receptacles.
Figure 8 is an enlarged partial isometric and sectional view of the printer of Figure
2 taken along the line 8-8 of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is an enlarged isometric view of an interface portion of the printer of Figure
2.
Figure 10A is a partial sectional view of the interface portion of the printer which
is shown in Figure 9 taken along the line 10A-10A of Figure 9 and showing also a partial
sectional view of the ink container installed.
Figure 10B is an enlarged view of the printer of Figure 10A, taken along the line
10B-10B of Figure 10A.
Figure 11A is a partially exploded isometric view of the ink container of Figures
10A, 10B, as shown from the distal end.
Figure 11B is a partially exploded isometric view of the ink container of Figures
10A, 10B, as shown from the proximal end.
Figure 12 is a further exploded isometric view of the ink container of Figures 10A,
10B.
Figure 13 is an enlarged side view showing the inductive fluid level sensors for the
ink container of Figures 10A, 10B, shown detached from the ink container.
Figure 14 is a flow chart depicting the process for refurbishing ink container 12.
Figure 15 is a sectional view of the ink container of Figs. 10A and 10B, with the
leading cap removed.
Figure 16 is a sectional view of the ink container of Figures 10A, 10B, with the leading
cap removed and showing the ink container being refilled with ink.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0009] Although the present invention comprises methods for refurbishing ink containers,
the invention may he more clearly understood with a thorough discussion of the printer
and original equipment ink container.
[0010] Referring to Figure 1, a printing system 10 having an ink container 12, a printhead
14 and a source of pressurized gas, such as a compressor 16. is shown. Compressor
16 is connected to ink container 12 with a conduit 18. A marking fluid 19 such as
ink is provided by ink container 12 to printhead 14 by a conduit 20. Ink container
12 includes a fluid reservoir 22 for containing ink 19, an outer shell 24, and a chassis
26. In the preferred embodiment, chassis 26 includes air inlet 28 configured for connection
to conduit 18 for pressurizing the outer shell 24 with air. A fluid outlet 30 is also
included in the chassis 26. The fluid outlet 30 is configured for connection to the
conduit 20 for providing a connection between the fluid reservoir 22 and fluid conduit
20.
[0011] In the preferred embodiment, the fluid reservoir 22 is formed from a flexible material
such that pressurization of outer shell 24 produces a pressurized flow of ink from
the fluid reservoir 22 through the conduit 20 to the printhead 14. The use of a pressurized
source of ink in the fluid reservoir 22 allows for a relatively high fluid flow rate
from the fluid reservoir 22 to the printhead 14. The use of high flow rates or high
rates of ink delivery to the printhead make it possible for high throughput printing
by the printing system 10.
[0012] The ink container 12 also includes a plurality of electrical contacts, as will be
discussed in more detail subsequently. The electrical contacts provide electrical
connection between circuitry on ink container 12 and printer control electronics 32.
The printhead control electronics 32 control various printing system 10 functions
such as. but not limited to, printhead 14 activation to dispense ink and activate
pump 16 to pressurize the ink container 12. Ink container 12 includes an information
storage device 34 and ink volume sensing circuitry 36. The information storage device
34 provides information to the printer control electronics 32 such as ink container
12 volume as well as ink characteristics. The ink volume sensing circuitry 36 provides
signals relating to current ink volume in ink container 12 to the printer control
electronics 32.
[0013] Figure 2 depicts one embodiment of printing system 10 shown in perspective. Printing
system 10 includes a priming frame 38 constructed for containing several ink containers
12 simultaneously. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 has four similar ink containers
12. In this embodiment, each ink container contains a different ink color so that
four color printing can he accomplished using cyan, yellow, magenta and black inks.
Printer frame 38 has a control panel 40 for controlling operation of printer 10 and
a media slot 42 from which paper is ejected.
[0014] Referring also, to Figure 1, as ink 19 in each ink container 12 is exhausted, container
12 is replaced with a new ink container 12 containing a new supply of ink. In addition,
ink containers 12 may be removed from the printer frame 38 for reasons other than
an out of ink condition such as changing inks for an application requiring different
ink properties or for use on different media. It is important that the replacement
ink container 12 form reliable electrical connection with corresponding electrical
contacts associated with the printer frame 38 as well as properly form necessary interconnects
so that printing system 10 performs reliably.
[0015] Figures 3 and 4 depict an original equipment ink container 12 having an outer shell
24 which contains the fluid reservoir 22 (Fig. 1) for containing ink 19. Outer shell
24 has a leading cap 50 secured on a leading end and a trailing cap 52 secured on
a trailing end, relative to a direction of insertion for the ink container 12 into
the printer frame 38. Leading cap 50 has an aperture 44 on its leading end through
which air inlet 28 and fluid outlet 30 from reservior 22 (Fig. 1) protrudes. Reservoir
chassis 26 has an end or base which abuts leading cap 50 so that air inlet 28 and
ink outlet 30 protrude through aperture 44. Aperture 44 is surrounded by a wall 45,
placing aperture 44 within a recess. Air inlet 28 and fluid outlet 30 are configured
for connection to compressor 16 and printhead 14, respectively, (Fig. 1) once ink
container 12 is properly inserted into the printer frame 38. Air inlet 28 and fluid
outlet 30 will be discussed in more detail subsequently.
[0016] Leading cap 50 also has another aperture 46 which is located within the recess surrounded
by wall 45. The base or end of chassis 26 is also exposed to aperture 46. A plurality
of flat electrical contact pads 54 are disposed on reservoir chassis 26 and positioned
within aperture 46 for providing electrical connection between circuitry associated
with the ink container 12 and printer control electronics 32. Contact pads 54 are
rectangular and arranged in a straight row. Four of the contact pads 54 are electrically
connected to information storage device 34 and four are electrically interconnected
to ink volume sensing circuitry 36 described with respect to Figure 1. In a preferred
embodiment, information storage device 34 is a semiconductor memory and the ink volume
sensing circuitry 36 comprises an inductive sensing device. Wall 45 helps protect
information storage device 34 and contact pads 54 from mechanical damage. In addition,
wall 45 helps minimize inadvertent finger contact with contact pads 54. Contact pads
54 will he discussed in more detail with respect to Figure 5.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment, ink container 12 includes one or more keying and guiding
features 58 and 60 disposed on opposite sides of leading cap 50 of container 12. Keying
and guiding features 58 and 60 protrude outward from sides of container 12 to work
in conjunction with corresponding keying and guiding features or slots on the printer
frame 38 (Fig. 2) to assist in aligning and guiding the ink container 12 during insertion
of the ink container 12 into the printer frame 38. Keying and guiding features 58
and 60 also provide a keying function to insure that ink containers 12 having proper
ink parameters, such as proper color and ink type, when inserted into a given slot
in printer frame 38.
[0018] A latch shoulder 62 is provided on one side of trailing cap 52. Latch shoulder 62
works in conjunction with corresponding latching features on the printer portion to
secure the ink container 12 within the printer frame 38 so the interconnects such
as pressurized air, fluidic and electrical are accomplished in a reliable manner.
Latch shoulder 62 is a molded tang which extends downwardly relative to a gravitational
frame of reference. Ink container 12 as shown in Figure 4 is positioned for insertion
into a printer frame 38 (Fig. 2) along the Z-axis of coordinate system 64. In this
orientation gravitational forces on the ink container 12 are along the Y-axis.
[0019] Figure 5 depicts an enlarged view of electrical contact pads 54. An upstanding guide
member 72 is mounted to chassis 26 adjacent contact pads 54. Electrical contact pads
54 include two pairs of contact pads 78, each pair being electrically connected to
one of the volume sensing circuits 36, shown in Figure 1. The four contact pads 80
spaced between each pair of pads 78 and contact pads 80 are electrically connected
to the information storage device 34. Each pair of volume sensing contact pads 78
is located on an outer side of the row of contact pads 54. Contact pads 78 are part
of a flexible circuit 82 (Fig. 13) which is mounted to the chassis 26 by fasteners
84. The four intermediate contacts 80 located between the pairs of volume sensing
contacts 78 are metal conductive layers disposed on a nonconductive substrate 86 such
as epoxy and fiberglass. Memory device 34 is also mounted on substrate 86 and is connected
by conductive traces (not shown) formed in substrate 86. Memory device 34 is shown
encapsulated by a protective coating such as epoxy. A backside of substrate 86, opposite
contacts 80, is bonded by adhesive or attached to the chassis 26 by fasteners 84.
[0020] It can be seen from Figure 6 that the guide member 72 extends along a Z-axis in coordinate
system 64. Guide member 72 has a pointed, tapered distal end. Guide member 72 provides
an important guiding function to insure proper electrical connection is accomplished
during the insertion of ink container 12 into the printer frame 38. Figure 7 depicts
one ink container 12 shown secured within an ink container receptacle or receiving
slot 88 of receiving station 89 within the printer frame 38. Ink container indicia
90 may be positioned proximate each ink container receptacle 88. The ink container
indicia 90 may be a color swatch or text indicating ink color to assist the user in
color matching for inserting the ink container 12 in the proper slot 88 within the
ink container receiving station 89. As discussed previously, the keying and guiding
features 58 and 60 shown in Figures 3 and 4 prevent ink containers 12 from being installed
in the wrong slot 88. Installation of an ink container 12 in the wrong receptacle
88 can result in improper color mixing or the mixing of inks of different ink types
each of which can result in poor print quality.
Each receiving slot 88 within the ink container receiving station 89 includes keying
and guiding features or slots 92 and a latching portion 94. Keying and guiding slots
92 cooperate with the keying and guiding feature 60 (Fig. 3) to guide ink container
12 into the ink container receiving station 89. The keying and guiding slot 92 corresponding
to the keying and guiding feature 58 (Fig. 3) on ink container 12 is not shown. Latch
portion 94 is configured for engaging the corresponding latch feature 62 on the ink
container 12. The geometries of keying and guiding slots 92 vary from one receptacle
88 to the other to assure compatibility between ink containers and receptacles.
[0021] Figure 8 shows a single ink container receiving slot 88 within the ink container
receiving station 89. Slot 88 includes interconnect portions for interconnecting with
the ink container 12. In the preferred embodiment these interconnect portions include
a fluid inlet 98. and air outlet 96 and an electrical interconnect portion 100. Each
of the interconnects 96, 98, and 100 are positioned on a floating platform 102 which
is biased by coil springs 101 (Fig. 10A) along the Z-axis toward the installed ink
container 12. Fluid inlet 98 and air outlet 96 are configured for connection with
the corresponding fluid outlet 30 and air inlet 28 (Fig. 3), respectively on the ink
container 12. The electrical interconnect 100 is configured for engaging electrical
contacts 54 on the ink container 12.
[0022] It is the interaction between the keying and guiding features 58 and 60 associated
with the ink container 12 and the corresponding keying and guiding feature 92 associated
with the ink container receiving station 89 which guide the ink container 12 during
the insertion such that proper interconnection is accomplished between the ink container
12 and the printer trame 38. In addition, sidewalls associated with each slot 88 in
the ink container receiving station 89 engage corresponding sidewalls of the ink container
12 to assist in guiding and aligning ink container 12 during insertion into slot 88.
[0023] Figures 9 and 10A illustrate further details of the floating platform 102. Platform
102 is spring biased by coil springs 101 in a direction opposite the direction of
insertion of the ink container 12 into the ink container receiving slot 88 (Fig. 10A).
Platform 102 is biased towards mechanical restraints (not shown) which limit the motion
of platform 102 in each of the X, Y, and Z axes. Therefore, platform 102 has a limited
degree of motion in each of the X, Y, and Z axes of coordinate system 64.
[0024] Electrical connector 100 is supported by and protrudes from platform 102. Electrical
connector 100 is generally rectangular, having two lateral sides 107, upper and lower
sides, and a distal end 105. A plurality of resilient, spring-biased electrical contacts
104 protrude from end 105. Electrical contacts 104 are thin wire-like members which
engage corresponding electrical contacts 54 (Fig. 3) associated with ink container
12 to electrically connect ink container 12 with the printer controller 32 (Fig. 1).
Electrical connector 100 has a guide slot 106 on its upper side. Guide slot 106 has
opposed converging walls which cooperate to engage guide member 72 (Figs. 5 and 10B).
Guide member 72 engages guide slot 106 to properly align contacts 104 with contact
pads 54. Figure 10B shows contact pads 54 properly aligned with electrical contacts
104.
[0025] Referring to Figures 9 and 10A, fluid inlet 98 and air outlet 96 protrude from floating
platform 102. Fluid inlet 98 includes an ink supply sleeve 110 surrounding a conduit
108. Needle 108 has a port near its distal end. A collar 111 sealingly and slidingly
engages needle 108. A spring 113 urges collar 111 toward the distal end, blocking
the port.
[0026] Referring still to Figure 10A, ink outlet 30 is a cylindrical member having a septum
122 on its distal end. Septum 122 has a slit for receiving needle 108. In a preferred
embodiment, a check valve comprising a ball 124 and spring 126 are located in ink
outlet 30 to prevent outflow of ink until needle 108 is inserted. Ball 124 seats against
septum 122 and is pushed away from septum 122 by needle 108. Air inlet 28 is also
a cylindrical member having a septum 128 with a slit.
[0027] As shown in Figures 11A, 11B and 14, shell 24 is a generally rectangular member with
a cylindrical neck 130 on its leading end. Chassis 26 is a circular disk or plug which
inserts and seals in neck 130 with the leading side of chassis 26 flush with the rim
of neck 130. Reservoir 22 is a collapsible reservoir such as a collapsible bag which
fits within shell 24. An opening in reservoir 22 is sealingly joined to chassis 26.
Chassis 26 along with shell 24 and caps 50, 52 define a housing for reservoir 22.
Shell 24 is airtight, creating a pressure chamber 132 in the space surrounding reservoir
22. Air inlet 30 communicates with pressure chamber 132. Referring to Figure 12. rigid
stiffener plates 134 are attached to opposite outer sides of reservoir 22. Outer shell
24 of ink container 12 is scaled to flexible reservoir 22 and, thus. acts as a pressure
vessel. During usage, the pressurization of outer shell 24 allows pressurization of
collapsible reservoir 22.
[0028] The two inductive ink volume sensor coils 36 are formed on opposite legs of flexible
circuit 82. Each of the coils 36 has two leads 138 (Fig. 13) connected to one of the
pairs of sensor contacts 78 (Fig. 3). One of the coils 36 locates on one side of reservoir
22 while the other is on the opposite side. When connected to printing system 10.
controller 32 (Fig. 1) provides a time varying electrical current signal to one of
the coils 36. This time varying electrical current induces a voltage in the other
coil 36 whose magnitude varies as the separation distance between coils 36 varies.
As ink is used, the opposing side wall portions of reservoir 22 collapse together,
changing the electromagnetic coupling or mutual inductance of the coil pair. This
change in coupling is sensed by controller 32, which infers an ink level as a result.
Additionally, controller 32 also makes a continuity check when ink container 12 is
installed by determining if electrical continuity exists between the two contact pads
54 leading to one of the coils 36.
[0029] Each ink container 12 has unique ink container-related aspects that are represented
in the form of data provided by information storage device 34. This data is provided
from ink container 12 to printing system 10 via memory device 34 automatically without
requiring the user to reconfigure printer 10 for the particular ink container 12 installed.
Memory device 34 has a protected section, a wire-once section. and a multiple write/erase
section. When the cartridge 12 is first installed in printer 10, controller 32 reads
ink container information such as the manufacturer identity, part identification,
system coefficients, service mode and ink supply size. Printing system 10 energizes
one of coils 36 and reads an initial receiving coil voltage from the other (receiving)
coil 36. This initial receiving coil voltage from receiving coil 36 is indicative
of the full state of ink container 12. The printing system control electronics then
records a parameter onto the protected portion of memory device 34 that is indicative
of the initial receiving coil voltage. The printing system control electronics then
initiates a write protect feature to assure that the information in the protected
portion of memory is not altered.
[0030] The write once section is a portion of memory which can be written to by controller
32 only one time. The multiple write/erase section allows data to be written to this
section more than once. Writing over data in this section is used to erase previously
stored data.
[0031] Upon insertion of ink container 12 into printing system 10, controller 32 reads parameter
information from memory device 34 for controlling various printing functions. For
example, controller 32 uses parameter information to compute an estimate of remaining
ink. If the ink remaining is less than a low ink threshold volume, a message is provided
to the user indicating such. Further, when within the ink container 12 is below a
threshold volume, controller 32 can disable printing system 10 to prevent operation
of printhead 14 without a supply of ink. Operating printhead 14 without ink can result
in reduction of printhead reliability or catastrophic failure of printhead 14.
[0032] In operation, controller 32 reads initial volume information from memory device 34
associated with ink container 12. As ink is used during printing, the ink level is
monitored by controller 32, and memory device 34 is updated to contain information
relating to remaining ink in ink container 12. Controller 32 thereafter monitors the
level of deliverable ink in ink container 12 via memory device 34. In a preferred
embodiment, data is transferred between printer 10 and memory device 34 in serial
fashion using a single data line relative to ground.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the volume information includes the following: (1) initial
supply size data in a write protected portion of memory, (2) coarse ink level data
stored in write once portion of memory and (3) fine ink level data stored in a write/erase
portion of memory. The initial supply size data is indicative of the amount of deliverable
ink initially present in ink container 12.
[0034] The coarse ink level data includes a number of write once bits that each correspond
to some fraction of the deliverable ink initially present in ink container 12. In
a first preferred embodiment, eight coarse ink level hits each correspond to one-eighth
of the deliverable ink initially in ink container 12. In a second preferred embodiment,
to be used in the discussion that follows, seven coarse ink level hits each correspond
to one-eighth of the deliverable ink initially present in ink container 12 and one
coarse ink level bit corresponds to an out-of-ink condition. However, more or less
coarse bits can be used, depending on the accuracy desired for a coarse ink level
counter.
[0035] The fine ink level data is indicative of a fine bit binary number that is proportional
to a fraction of one-eighth of the volume of the deliverable ink initially present
in ink container 12. Thus, the entire range of the fine bit binary number is equivalent
to one coarse ink level bit. This will be further explained below.
[0036] Printing system 10 reads the initial supply size data and calculates the amount or
volume of deliverable ink initially present in ink container 12. The drop volume ejected
by the printhead 14 is determined by printing system 10 based on parameters. Using
the initial volume of deliverable ink in ink container 12 and the estimated drop volume
of printhead 14, the printing system 10 calculates the fraction of the initial deliverable
ink volume that each drop represents. This enables the printing system 10 to monitor
the fraction of the initial volume of deliverable ink remaining in ink container 12.
[0037] While printing, printing system 10 maintains a drop count equal to the number of
ink drops that have been ejected by printhead 14. After printing system 10 has printed
a small amount, typically one page, it converts the drop count to a fine bit binary
number value. This conversion utilizes the fact that the entire range of the fine
bit binary number corresponds to one eighth of the initial volume of deliverable ink
in ink container 12. Each time the fine bit binary number value is fully decremented
or incremented, the printing system 10 writes to set one of the coarse ink level bits
because each of the coarse ink level bits are in the write once section of memory
device 34 these bits and corresponding ink level value cannot be altered.
[0038] Printing system 10 periodically queries the coarse and fine ink level bits to determine
the fraction of the initial deliverable ink that is remaining in ink container 12.
Printing system 10 can then provide a "gas gauge" or other indication to a user of
printing system 10 that is indicative of the ink level in ink container 12. In a preferred
embodiment, the printing system provides a "low ink warning" when the sixth coarse
ink level bit is set. Also in a preferred embodiment, the printing system sets the
eight (last) coarse ink level bit when the ink container 12 is substantially depleted
of ink. This last coarse ink level bit is referred to as an "ink out" bit. Upon querying
the coarse ink level bits, the printing system interprets the setting of the ink out
bit as an "ink out" condition for ink container 12.
[0039] The volume is sensed by the inductive sensor coils 36 (Fig. 12) only during a second
phase of ink usage. During the first phase, both fine and coarse counters are used.
Ink drops are counted and recorded in the fine counter portion of memory device 34.
Each time the fine counter fully increments or decrements, another coarse counter
bit will be set. During the second phase, only the ink level sensor coils 36 are used.
The voltage output form the receiving coil 36 and is compared with the voltage level
indicated by the parameter recorded on memory device 34. A parameter indicative voltage
output is recorded on the write/erase portion of memory. Each successive reading is
compared with the previous reading as an error checking technique to allow detection
of coil malfunction.
[0040] In printing system 10, the transfer of data between printer 10 and memory device
34 is in serial fashion on the single data line relative to ground. As explained above,
while the ink in ink container 12 is being depleted, memory device 34 stores data
which is indicative of its initial and current states. Printer 10 updates memory device
34 to indicate the volume of ink remaining. When most or substantially all of the
deliverable ink has been depleted, printer 10 alters memory device 34 to allow ink
container 12 to provide an "ink out" signal. Printer 10 may respond by stopping printing
with ink container 12. At that point, the user will insert a new ink container 12
or an ink container which has been refurbished in accordance with this invention.
[0041] After being depleted of ink, the container 12 is potentially capable of further use
if replenished with a fresh supply of ink. However, these ink containers 12 are designed
for single use because of the information stored in the memory device which indicated
the amount of ink that was in the reservoir prior to being refilled. If refilled and
installed again on a printer, the data in the memory device 34 would still indicate
the volume of ink which it contained prior to refilling. The low ink warning which
the memory device 34 would signal would not be meaningful to the user because it would
he inaccurate. The user would he deprived of various advantages and safeguards of
the memory device. As a result, the reservoir is not designed for refilling. The present
invention as will be described with respect to Figs. 14-16 is a method and apparatus
for reusing these ink containers 12.
[0042] Referring to Fig. 14, a method of the present invention is illustrated for refurbishing
ink container 12. The method begins by providing an ink container 12 that is at least
partially depleted of an initial ink as indicated by step 170. The ink container 12
is depleted by supplying ink to one or more ink-jet printhead 14. As ink is provided
to the printhead 14 the memory device 34 associated with the ink container 12 is updated
with information for determining remaining ink in the ink container 12.
[0043] A source of new ink, different from the initial ink, is provided to fluid outlet
30 to refill fluid reservoir 22 as represented by step 172. Fluid reservoir 22 expands
as ink is provided, displacing air in pressure chamber 132. To relieve pressure in
pressure chamber 132, air is released through air inlet 28 as represented by step
174. The memory device 34 is disabled so that the memory device 34 does not provide
signals to printing system 10 indicative of the depleted state as represented in step
176. A new source of signals is provided that is indicative of an increased ink volume
in fluid reservoir 22 as represented in step 178. In a preferred embodiment, the new
source of signals is indicative of the increased volume of ink available for printing
after refill step 172. Finally, in step 180, the ink container 12 is reinstalled,
establishing fluidic, air, and electrical connections between ink container 12 and
printing system 10. The new ink in refilled reservoir 22 is then made available to
printhead 14 via conduit 20. In addition. the new source of signals is made available
to the printing system control electronics 32, and can provide information to printing
system control electronics 32 that enables printing with the new ink provided by step
172.
[0044] Referring now to Figs. 15 and 16, a method and apparatus for filling ink container
12 is depicted (steps 172 and 174 of Fig. 14). To refurbish ink container 12, replacement
ink is provided to collapsed reservoir 22. As replacement ink is provided, reservoir
22 expands, displacing air in pressure chamber 132 between pressure vessel 24 and
reservoir 22. To avoid pressurizing pressure chamber 132 and to maximize the rate
of ink flow, an air flow path is established through air inlet 28 from chamber 132
to a location outside of pressure vessel 24.
[0045] When ink is introduced into ink container 12, sealing member 124 is moved from a
sealing position wherein it is in contact with septum 122 to an unsealed position
wherein it is displaced linearly into hollow boss 123 in a direction away from a distal
end of fluid outlet 30. At the same time, an opening or pathway is established in
septum 122 by radially displacing septum 122. One way to do this is to insert a hollow
conduit such as a hollow needle through septum 122 such that the hollow conduit displaces
sealing member 124 linearly and displaces septum 122 radially. Next, a flow of ink
is established between a source of ink and reservoir 22. Ink then flows from the source
of ink, through the pathway in septum 122, past sealing member 124, through boss 123,
and to reservoir 22. To enhance the flow of ink the source of ink can he pressurized.
[0046] To allow rapid air removal from pressure chamber 132 during a refill operation. an
opening or pathway can he established in septum 128 by radially displacing septum
128. One way to do this is to insert a hollow conduit such as a hollow needle through
septum 128. Next, a flow of air is established, such that air flows from pressure
chamber 132, through hollow boss 129, through the opening in septum 128 and to an
air collection region. Among various alternatives, the air collection region can be
outside atmosphere or a source of vacuum. A source of vacuum applied to pressure chamber
132 will further enhance a flow of ink when refilling reservoir 22.
[0047] Referring now to Fig. 16, an exemplary embodiment of a refill apparatus for ink container
12 is depicted. A refill adapter 140 is employed which preferably has an ink sleeve
142 and a vent sleeve 144. Ink sleeve 142 and vent sleeve 144 are tubular members
with open lower ends for sliding over the ink outlet 30 and air inlet 28. Ink sleeve
142 has a hollow needle 146 located therein which has a port 147 near its distal end.
A seal collar 148 sealingly engages needle 146 and moves slidingly between a closed
position, blocking port 147 and an open position which is shown in Figure 16. In the
open position, ink is allowed to flow through needle 146 and out port 147. A coil
spring 150 urges seal collar 148 to the closed position. A conduit 152 connects needle
146 to an ink reservoir or tank 156. A pump 154 is preferably connected into conduit
152 to pump ink from tank 156 under pressure. A hollow needle 158 or tubular member
is mounted in vent sleeve 144.
[0048] To refill, adapter 140 is placed on ink outlet 30 and air inlet 28. Needle 147 pierces
the slit in septum 122 and pushes ball 124 downward to open the check valve. Needle
158 pierces the slit in septum 128 and vents pressure chamber 132 to atmosphere. Pump
154 is turned on to pump ink from tank 156 into reservoir 22 as indicated by the arrows.
Air in pressure chamber 132 being displaced by the expansion in volume of reservoir
22 vents to atmosphere through needle 158. Once reservoir 22 is refilled, adapter
140 is removed.
[0049] In addition to refilling with ink, refurbishment (steps 176 and 178 of Fig. 14) also
should be performed in regard to memory device 34 (Fig. 5) so that the benefits previously
provided by memory device 34 still exist. Refurbishment of memory device 34 is discussed
in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 09/034,875 incorporated herein
by reference. The original memory device 34, which is located on chassis 26, provides
a first source of data signals indicative of an at least partially depleted ink level
state of ink container 12. More specifically and as explained above, the memory device
34 includes coarse ink level data stored in a write once portion of memory that has
been altered by the printing system to reflect a reduced ink level or out of ink condition.
Consequently, refilling the ink container 12 results in alteration of the amount of
ink remaining but does not change the indicated coarse ink level. Therefore, the memory
device 34 does not provide accurate ink remaining information resulting in improper
low ink condition signals. In addition, because the refilled ink does not necessarily
have the same ink parameters (i.e., composition factors such as density, colorants,
solvents, additives, etc. as those indicated by the memory device 34, then the printing
system 10 may not properly compensate for this refilled ink to ensure high print quality.
[0050] To refurbish memory device 34, the pre-existing data in memory device 34 is prevented
from further communication with printer 10 when cartridge 12 is installed again (step
176 of Fig. 14). In one technique, all of the data in memory device 34 is erased.
This can be accomplished by exposing the memory device 34 to an energy source such
as an x-ray or electric field. The energy source, if sufficient, resets the data in
memory device 34. The reservoir of ink container 12 is then refilled. Then memory
device 34 can be reprogrammed to reflect parameters of the refilled ink container
12. When installed in the printing system 10 the printing system operates with the
ink container 12 in a manner similar to the original ink container.
[0051] In another refurbishment method, memory device 34 is disabled and replaced with a
nearly identical one or with an emulator. The new memory device 34 may be an emulator
or a substantial replica of the original memory device 34. An emulator is an electronic
circuit that is functionally equivalent to memory device 34 for exchanging information
with the printer 10. Although the emulator is functionally equivalent, structurally
this device may he very different. An emulator would likely have a portion that functions
as a memory and would likely provide information indicative of the volume of the reservoir
22, the type of ink, color, etc. Optionally, unlike original memory device 34, the
emulator may he reset in a different manner such as whenever a new ink supply is provided.
Further, the emulator may be configured to provide information to printer 10 that
allows it to operate regardless of the actual condition of ink in the in reservoir
22.
[0052] The new source of signals, such as an emulator or new memory device, should he provided
with the data required for proper operation of printer 10, The new source of signals
should be able to communicate with printer 10 over a single wire input/output in serial
fashion. This data provided by the new source of signals will be used by printer 10
to provide an indication of the volume of ink available.
[0053] In one technique for refurbishing ink container 12, the first memory device 34 will
be removed from chassis 26 (Fig. 5). The substrate 86, along with memory device 34
and contact pads 80, may he pried off or otherwise removed as a unit from chassis
26. A new substrate 86. having a new memory device 34 or emulator and contact pads
80, may be secured to chassis 26 in the same place that held the original substrate
86. memory device 34 and contact pads 80. The new substrate 86 could be secured by
fasteners or by adhesive. There is no need to remove volume sensing contact pads 78.
which are located on flexible circuit 82 and connected to inductor coils 36.
[0054] Alternately, a substrate 86 containing only a new set of contact pads 80 may be mounted
on chassis 26. The new memory device 34 or emulator may be mounted at another place
on ink container 12 or remotely and connected to the new set of contact pads 80 by
leads.
[0055] Another refurbishment method allows the original substrate 86, memory device 34 and
contact pads 80 to remain in place. A new substrate 86, along with a new memory device
34 and contact pads 80, will he bonded on top of the original memory device 34 and
contact pads 80. The material of substrate 86 is an electrical insulator. Consequently,
it will insulate the new contact pads 80 from the original contact pads 80 and the
electrical traces in original substrate 86 which connected the original contact pads
80 to original memory device 34. The original contact pads 80 will not be able to
electrically engage printer contacts 104 (Fig. 9) because they will be covered and
insulated from engagement by the new substrate 86.
[0056] In another refurbishment process, a usable portion of the original contact pads 80
remains in place and is electrically separated from the original memory device 34.
In this method, preferably a cut is made through the substrate 86 transversely across
contact pads 80 with a sharp object such as knife. The cut divides the substrate 86
into retained and disposable portions, the retained portion of which contains a significant
portion of contact pads 80. The substrate 86 disposable portion contains memory device
34, and a small adjacent part of contact pads 80. This cut severs electrical continuity
between the four terminals of memory device 34 with the part of contact pads 80 contained
on the substrate 86 retained portion. Although, the size of contact pads 80 on the
retained portion of substrate 86 would he smaller than the original contact pads 80,
they are of adequate size to mate with printer contacts 104 (Fig. 9).
[0057] Normally, one would then remove from chassis 26 the disposable portion of substrate
86, along with the first memory device 34, and the part of contact pads 80 contained
thereon. A new memory device 34 may then he mounted adjacent to or on the original
contact pads 80 contained on the retained substrate portion, with its terminals connected
to them. Optionally, the new memory device 34 could be mounted elsewhere on housing
72 other than cavity 80 (Fig. 7) or even remotely from printer 10 and connected to
original contact pads 80 by leads. Alternately, the contact pads 80 on the retained
portion of substrate 86 may be connected to leads that are attached to a remotely
located emulator or memory 34.
[0058] The invention has several advantages. These alternate method of fluidically refurbishing
single-use ink containers allow them to be refilled so that it may be used several
times before being discarded. By electrically refurbishing ink container 12, the volume
of ink contained in reservoir 22 after refilling can be provided to printing system
10 to allow printing system 10 to monitor usage of the refill ink. In the likely event
that the replacement ink used for refilling is different that the original ink (such
as different colorant, solvent, additive, etc., or different concentrations of constituents)
this change can be reflected by the new source of signals 34. When the ink container
with the new source of signals 34 is installed in printing system 10, the printing
system 10 can also alert the user regarding the change in ink. This can be in the
form of a message displayed by the printing system 10 or a computer screen that is
indicative of the type or origin of ink installed. Such a message may indicate whether
or not the ink contained in reservoir 22 is of known origin or composition.
1. A method for refilling a printer ink container which has a sealed housing, a flexible
ink reservoir located within the housing, an ink outlet in fluid communication with
the ink reservoir, and an air inlet in fluid communication with a space between the
housing and the ink reservoir, the method comprising:
(a) fluidically coupling an ink fitting to the ink outlet, the ink fitting being in
fluid communication with a source of ink;
(b) fluidically coupling an air fitting to the air inlet so that the air fitting is
in fluid communication with the space in the housing;
(c) refilling the ink reservoir with ink from the source of ink through the ink fitting
and ink outlet; and
(d) establishing a release of air from the space between the housing and the ink reservoir
and through the air inlet and air fitting.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein step (c) comprises refilling the ink reservoir with
a pressurized source of ink, and step (d) comprises releasing the air to atmosphere
as the ink reservoir is refilled with ink.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein step (d) comprises applying a vacuum to establish a
flow of ink from the source of ink to the ink reservoir,
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the ink outlet has a protruding stem with a septum,
and wherein step (a) comprises connecting a hollow conduit to the source of ink and
pushing the hollow conduit through the septum.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the protruding stem contains a sealing member that is
biased against the septum, and wherein step (a) further comprises displacing the sealing
member with the hollow conduit as the hollow conduit is pushed through the septum.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the air inlet has a protruding stem with a septum, and
wherein step (b) further comprises inserting a tubular member through the septum.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the ink outlet contains a check valve with a ball which
is spring-biased, and wherein step (a) comprises providing a needle with the ink fitting
and opening the check valve with the needle of the ink fitting.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the ink outlet and the air inlet having a protruding
stem with a septum, the ink outlet further having a check valve, and the ink container
having a memory device connected to electrical contact pads mounted on the housing
for communicating information concerning characteristics of the ink in the ink container
to the printer, wherein step (a) comprises connecting an ink conduit to a source of
ink and pushing the ink conduit through the septum of the ink outlet, thereby opening
the check valve and placing the ink conduit in fluid communication with the source
of ink, and step (c) comprises refilling the ink reservoir with ink from the source
of ink through the ink conduit and ink outlet, and wherein the method further includes:
(e) refurbishing the memory device for providing enabling information to the printer
to enable the printer to operate.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein step (e) comprises:
disabling the memory device such that it may no longer provided information to he
printing system; and
electrically connecting an electrical device to the ink container for providing enabling
information to the printer.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein step (e) comprises:
removing the memory device from the ink container by prying the memory device from
the ink container; and
securing a second memory device to the ink container for providing enabling information
to the printer.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein step (e) comprises severing the memory device from communication
with the contact pads and connecting an electrical device to the contact pads of the
memory device for providing enabling information to the printer.
12. The method of claim 8 wherein step (e) comprises providing a second memory device
and a second set of contact pads on an insulating substrate and securing the substrate
on top of the first-mentioned memory device and contact pads.
13. The method of claim 8 wherein step (e) comprises erasing all of the information in
the memory device and reprogramming the memory device.
14. The method of claim 8 wherein the memory device and the printer exchange data is serial
fashion over a single data line relative to a reference line, and wherein step (e)
comprises:
disabling the memory device such that the memory device may no longer exchange data
with the printer; and
electrically connecting an electrical device to the ink container which, when connected
to the printer, provides data in a serial fashion on the single data line of the printer
relative to the reference line.
15. A refurbished ink container adapted for installation into an inkjet printing system,
the ink container comprising:
a pressure vessel surrounding a supply of ink, the supply of ink including refill
ink; and
a source of signals that enables printing when the refurbished ink container is releasably
installed into the printing system.
16. The refurbished ink container of claim 15, wherein the supply of ink comprises a collapsible
reservoir containing the refill ink, the pressure vessel defines a pressure chamber
surrounding at least a portion of the collapsible reservoir, and the pressure chamber
has been allowed to expel air displaced during a refill operation of the collapsible
reservoir.
17. The refurbished ink container of claim of claim 16, and further including:
a fluid outlet including a septum having an inside surface and a sealing member biased
against the inside surface, wherein the reservoir has been refilled by displacing
the sealing member away from the inside surface while connecting a source of refill
ink to the fluid outlet that flows from the source of refill ink, past the sealing
member, and to the reservoir.
1. Ein Verfahren zum Auffüllen eines Druckertintenbehälters, der eine abgedichtete Häusung
aufweist, wobei ein flexibles Tintenreservoir innerhalb der Häusung positioniert ist,
wobei ein Tintenauslaß in Fluidkommunikation mit dem Tintenreservoir ist und ein Lufteinlaß
in Fluidkommunikation mit einem Raum zwischen der Häusung und dem Tintenreservoir
ist, wobei das Verfahren folgende Schritte ausweist:
(a) fluidisches Koppeln eines Tintenanschlußstückes mit dem Tintenauslaß, wobei das
Tintenanschlußstück in Fluidkommunikation mit einer Tintenquelle ist;
(b) fluidisches Koppeln eines Luftanschlußstückes mit dem Lufteinlaß, so daß das Luftanschlußstück
in Fluidkommunikation mit dem Raum in der Häusung ist;
(c) Auffüllen des Tintenreservoirs mit Tinte aus der Tintenquelle durch das Tintenanschlußstück
und den Tintenauslaß; und
(d) Einrichten eines Luftauslasses von dem Raum zwischen der Häusung und dem Tintenreservoir
und durch den Lufteinlaß und das Luftanschlußstück.
2. Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem Schritt (c) das Auffüllen des Tintenreservoirs
mit einer unter Druck stehenden Tintenquelle aufweist, und Schritt (d) das Entlassen
der Luft in die Atmosphäre aufweist, während das Tintenreservoir mit Tinte gefüllt
wird.
3. Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem Schritt (d) das Anlegen eines Vakuums aufweist,
um einen Tintenfluß von der Tintenquelle zu dem Tintenreservoir einzurichten.
4. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem der Tintenauslaß einen hervorstehenden Stutzen
mit einem Septum aufweist, und bei dem Schritt (a) eine hohle Leitung mit der Tintenquelle
verbindet und die hohle Leitung durch das Septum drückt.
5. Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 4, bei dem der hervorstehende Stutzen ein Dichtungsbauglied
enthält, das gegen das Septum vorgespannt ist, und bei dem Schritt (a) ferner das
Verschieben des Dichtbaugliedes mit der hohlen Leitung umfaßt, während die hohle Leitung
durch das Septum gedrückt wird.
6. Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem der Lufteinlaß einen hervorstehenden Stutzen
mit einem Septum aufweist, und bei dem Schritt (b) ferner das Einfügen eines röhrenförmigen
Bauglieds durch das Septum aufweist.
7. Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem der Tintenauslaß ein Absperrventil mit einer
Kugel enthält, die vorgespannt ist, und bei dem Schritt (a) das Bereitstellen einer
Nadel mit dem Tintenanschlußstück und das Öffnen des Absperrventils mit der Nadel
des Tintenanschlußstückes aufweist.
8. Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem sowohl der Tintenauslaß als auch der Lufteinlaß
einen hervorstehenden Stutzen mit einem Septum aufweisen, wobei der Tintenauslaß ferner
ein Absperrventil aufweist, und der Tintenbehälter eine Speichervorrichtung aufweist,
die mit elektrischen Kontaktanschlußflächen verbunden sind, die an der Häusung zum
Kommunizieren von Informationen betreffend Charakteristika der Tinte in dem Tintenbehälter
an den Drucker befestigt sind, bei dem Schritt (a) das Verbinden einer Tintenleitung
mit einer Tintenquelle und das Drücken der Tintenleitung durch das Septum des Tintenauslasses
aufweist, wodurch das Absperrventil geöffnet und die Tintenleitung in Fluidkommunikation
mit der Tintenquelle gesetzt wird, und bei dem Schritt (c) das Auffüllen des Tintenreservoirs
mit Tinte von der Tintenquelle durch die Tintenleitung und den Tintenauslaß aufweist,
und wobei das Verfahren ferner folgenden Schritt ausweist:
(e) Erneuern der Speichervorrichtung zum Liefern von Aktivierungsinformationen an
den Drucker, um den Drucker zum Arbeiten zu aktivieren.
9. Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 8, bei dem Schritt (e) folgende Schritte aufweist:
Deaktivieren der Speichervorrichtung, derart, daß sie nicht länger Informationen an
das Drucksystem liefern kann; und
elektrisches Verbinden einer elektrischen Vorrichtung mit dem Tintenbehälter zum Liefern
von Aktivierungsinformationen an den Drucker.
10. Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 8, bei dem Schritt (e) folgende Schritte aufweist:
Entfernen der Speichervorrichtung von dem Tintenbehälter durch Entnehmen der Speichervorrichtung
von dem Tintenbehälter; und
Anbringen einer zweiten Speichervorrichtung an dem Tintenbehälter zum Liefern von
Aktivierungsinformationen an den Drucker.
11. Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 8, bei dem Schritt (e) das Abtrennen der Speichervorrichtung
von der Kommunikation mit den Kontaktanschlußflächen und das Verbinden einer elektrischen
Vorrichtung mit den Kontaktanschlußflächen der Speichervorrichtung zum Liefern von
Aktivierungsinformationen an den Drucker aufweist.
12. Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 8, bei dem Schritt (e) das Bereitstellen einer zweiten
Speichervorrichtung und eines zweiten Satzes von Kontaktanschlußflächen auf einem
Isoliersubstrat und das sichern des Substrats an der Oberseite der zuerst erwähnten
Speichervorrichtung und der Kontaktanschlußflächen aufweist.
13. Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 8, bei dem Schritt (e) das Löschen aller Informationen
in der Speichervorrichtung und das Neuprogrammieren der Speichervorrichtung aufweist.
14. Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 8, bei dem die Speichervorrichtung und der Drucker Daten
auf serielle Weise über eine einzelne Datenleitung relativ zu einer Referenzleitung
austauschen, und bei dem Schritt (e) folgende Schritte aufweist:
Deaktivieren der Speichervorrichtung, derart, daß die Speichervorrichtung keine Daten
mit dem Drucker mehr austauschen kann; und
elektrisches Verbinden einer elektrischen Vorrichtung mit dem Tintenbehälter, der
Daten auf serielle Weise auf der einzelnen Datenleitung des Druckers relativ zu der
Referenzleitung liefert, wenn er mit dem Drucker verbunden ist.
15. Ein erneuerter Tintenbehälter, der für eine Installation in ein Tintenstrahldrucksystem
angepaßt ist, wobei der Tintenbehälter folgende Merkmale aufweist:
einen Druckbehälter, der einen Tintenvorrat umgibt, wobei der Tintenvorrat Nachfülltinte
umfaßt; und
eine Signalquelle, die das Drucken ermöglicht, wenn der erneuerte Tintenbehälter lösbar
in das Drucksystem installiert ist.
16. Der erneuerte Tintenbehälter gemäß Anspruch 15, bei dem der Tintenvorrat ein kollabierbares
Reservoir aufweist, das die Nachfülltinte enthält, wobei der Druckbehälter eine Druckkammer
definiert, die mindestens einen Abschnitt des kollabierbaren Reservoirs definiert,
und wobei der Druckkammer ermöglicht wurde, Luft auszustoßen, die während einer Nachfülloperation
des kollabierbaren Reservoirs verlagert wurde.
17. Der erneuerte Tintenbehälter gemäß Anspruch 16, der ferner folgende Merkmale aufweist:
einen Fluidauslaß, der ein Septum umfaßt, das eine Innenoberfläche und ein Dichtungsbauglied
aufweist, das gegen die Innenoberfläche vorgespannt ist, wobei das Reservoir durch
Verlagern des Dichtungsbauglieds weg von der Innenoberfläche aufgefüllt wurde, während
es eine Quelle von Nachfülltinte mit dem Fluidauslaß verbindet, die von der Nachfülltintenquelle
an dem Dichtungsbauglied vorbei und zu dem Reservoir fließt.
1. Procédé pour le remplissage d'un récipient d'encre d'imprimante possédant un boîtier
étanche, un réservoir d'encre flexible situé dans le boîtier, une sortie d'encre en
communication par fluide avec le réservoir d'encre et une entrée d'air en communication
par fluide avec un espace séparant le boîtier et le réservoir d'encre, procédé comprenant
:
a) le couplage par fluide d'un raccord d'encre avec la sortie d'encre, le raccord
d'encre étant en communication par fluide avec une source d'encre ;
b) le couplage par fluide d'un raccord d'air avec l'entrée d'air de telle façon que
le raccord d'air soit en communication par fluide avec l'espace dans le boîtier ;
c) le remplissage du réservoir d'encre avec de l'encre à partir de la source d'encre
par l'intermédiaire du raccord d'encre et la sortie d'encre ; et
d) l'établissement d'une vidange d'air à partir de l'espace séparant le boîtier et
le réservoir d'encre et par l'intermédiaire de l'entrée d'air et le raccord d'air.
2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, selon lequel l'étape c) comprend le remplissage
du réservoir d'encre avec une source d'encre sous pression, et l'étape d) comprend
la libération de l'air dans l'atmosphère pendant le remplissage par de l'encre du
réservoir d'encre.
3. Procédé selon la revendication 1, selon lequel l'étape d) comprend l'application d'un
vide pour établir un écoulement de l'encre de la source d'encre vers le réservoir
d'encre.
4. Procédé selon la revendication 1, selon lequel la sortie d'encre possède une tige
en protubérance munie d'un diaphragme et selon lequel l'étape a) comprend la connexion
d'une conduite creuse avec la source d'encre et une poussée de la conduite creuse
à travers le diaphragme.
5. Procédé selon la revendication 4, selon lequel la tige en protubérance contient une
pièce d'étanchéité qui est poussée contre le diaphragme, et selon lequel l'étape a)
comprend de plus un déplacement de la pièce d'étanchéité avec la conduite creuse tandis
que la conduite creuse est poussée à travers le diaphragme.
6. Procédé selon la revendication 1, selon lequel l'entrée d'air possède une tige en
protubérance avec un diaphragme, et selon lequel l'étape b) comprend de plus l'insertion
d'une pièce tubulaire à travers le diaphragme.
7. Procédé selon la revendication 1, selon lequel la sortie d'encre contient un clapet
de non-retour avec une bille poussée par ressort, et selon lequel l'étape a) comprend
la prévision d'une aiguille avec le raccord d'encre et l'ouverture du clapet de non-retour
à l'aide de l'aiguille du raccord d'encre.
8. Procédé selon la revendication 1, selon lequel chaque élément parmi la sortie d'encre
et l'entrée d'air possède une tige en protubérance avec un diaphragme, la sortie d'encre
possédant de plus un clapet de non-retour, et le récipient d'encre possédant un dispositif
de mémoire connecté à des plots de contact électrique montés sur le boîtier pour la
communication d'une information concernant des caractéristiques de l'encre dans le
récipient d'encre vers l'imprimante, selon lequel l'étape a) comprend la connexion
d'un conduit d'encre avec une source d'encre et une poussée du conduit d'encre à travers
le diaphragme de la sortie d'encre, ouvrant ainsi le clapet de non-retour et plaçant
la conduite d'encre en communication par fluide avec la source d'encre, et l'étape
c) comprend le remplissage du réservoir d'encre avec de l'encre à partir de la source
d'encre par l'intermédiaire du conduit d'encre et la sortie d'encre, et selon lequel
le procédé comprend, de plus :
e) le renouvellement du dispositif de mémoire pour fournir une information de validation
à l'imprimante afin de permettre le fonctionnement de l'imprimante.
9. Procédé selon la revendication 8, selon lequel l'étape e) comprend :
- l'invalidation du dispositif de mémoire de telle façon qu'il ne puisse plus fournir
d'information au système d'impression ; et
- la connexion électrique d'un dispositif électrique avec le récipient d'encre pour
fournir une information de validation à l'imprimante.
10. Procédé selon la revendication 8, selon lequel l'étape e) comprend :
- l'enlèvement du dispositif de mémoire du récipient d'encre par décrochage du dispositif
de mémoire à partir du récipient d'encre ; et
- la fixation d'un second dispositif de mémoire sur le récipient d'encre afin de fournir
une information de validation à l'imprimante.
11. Procédé selon la revendication 8, selon lequel l'étape e) comprend le sectionnement
du dispositif de mémoire d'une communication avec les plots de contact et la connexion
d'un dispositif électrique avec les plots de contact du dispositif de mémoire afin
de fournir une information de validation à l'imprimante.
12. Procédé selon la revendication 8, selon lequel l'étape e) comprend la prévision d'un
second dispositif de mémoire et d'un second ensemble de plots de contact sur un substrat
isolant et la fixation du substrat au sommet du dispositif de mémoire et des plots
de contact mentionnés en premier.
13. Procédé selon la revendication 8, selon lequel l'étape e) comprend l'effacement de
toute l'information dans le dispositif de mémoire et la reprogrammation du dispositif
de mémoire.
14. Procédé selon la revendication 8, selon lequel le dispositif de mémoire et l'imprimante
échangent des données en série sur une seule ligne de données par rapport à une ligne
de référence, et selon lequel l'étape e) comprend :
- l'invalidation du dispositif de mémoire de telle façon que le dispositif de mémoire
ne puisse plus échanger de données avec l'imprimante ; et
- la connexion électrique d'un dispositif électrique avec le récipient d'encre qui,
lorsqu'il est connecté à l'imprimante, fournit des données en série sur la seule ligne
de données de l'imprimante par rapport à la ligne de référence.
15. Récipient d'encre reconditionné prévu pour une installation dans un système d'impression
à jet d'encre, le récipient d'encre comprenant :
- un récipient sous pression entourant une alimentation en encre, l'alimentation en
encre comprenant de l'encre de remplissage ; et
- une source de signaux autorisant l'impression lorsque le récipient d'encre reconditionné
est installé de façon amovible dans le système d'impression.
16. Récipient d'encre reconditionné selon la revendication 15, selon lequel l'alimentation
en encre comprend un réservoir déformable contenant l'encre de remplissage, le récipient
sous pression définit une chambre sous pression entourant au moins une partie du réservoir
déformable, et la chambre sous pression peut expulser l'air déplacé lors d'une opération
de remplissage du réservoir déformable.
17. Récipient d'encre reconditionné selon la revendication 16, comprenant, de plus, une
sortie de fluide comprenant un diaphragme possédant une surface intérieure et une
pièce d'étanchéité poussée contre la surface intérieure, selon lequel le réservoir
est rempli par déplacement de la pièce d'étanchéité à l'écart de la surface intérieure
tout en raccordant une source d'encre de remplissage à la sortie du fluide qui s'écoule
de la source d'encre de remplissage par l'intermédiaire de la pièce d'étanchéité vers
le réservoir.