Method and apparatus for refilling ink containers in a manner that preserves printhead life
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Company
InventorWinthrop D. Childers
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a method for refilling an ink container for an ink jet printing system. The ink container includes a ink reservoir having a negative gauge pressure therein. The method includes preventing air from entering the ink reservoir. The method also includes filling the ink reservoir with refill ink while preventing air from entering the ink reservoir.
Claims8
A method for refilling a previously used ink container having an ink reservoir exhibiting an at least partially depleted ink condition the ink container being releasably insertable into an ink jet printing system, the ink reservoir having a negative gauge pressure therein, the method comprising:
- compressing the ink reservoir to reduce the negative gauge pressure within the ink reservoir;
- creating an opening into the ink reservoir while preventing air from entering the ink reservoir through the opening;
- filling the ink reservoir by way of the opening with refill ink while preventing air from entering the ink reservoir through the opening;
- resealing the opening in the ink reservoir while preventing air from entering the ink reservoir through the opening;
- and
- decompressing the ink reservoir.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.