Patent ID: 8764173
Filing Date: 2014-07-01
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. An ink supply coupling assembly comprising: an ink container including a coupler, the coupler including: a receiver station configured to removably, securably receive the coupler of the ink container to establish selective fluid communication between the ink container and the receiver station, the receiver station including a key projecting outward and configured to reciprocally engage, and extend through, the key hole of the coupler of the ink container; and a first conductive element including a first end, a second end, and defining at least a portion of the key to provide an electrical communication pathway from an interior portion of the coupler of the ink container into the receiver station, wherein the first end is positioned to be in selective removable contact with the conductive component of the ink container to indicate one of a presence or an absence of ink within the ink container; and wherein the key hole comprises a plurality of key holes arranged in a spaced apart relationship on the end portion of the coupler, wherein the key comprises a plurality of keys arranged in a spaced apart relationship on the interior portion of the receiver station, wherein the respective key holes are arranged with a size, shape, and position to reciprocally mate with the respective keys.