Patent ID: 6170938
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A plug element for refilling a used ink cartridge with ink, the ink cartridge having a funnel having situated therein a resiliently deformable washer having an annular void space therein which entraps air, said plug element being attached to a refiller bottle containing ink, and said plug element having:a longitudinal extent and a passageway throughout the extent; anda tip portion and a wide portion for engaging the resilient washer when the plug element is inserted into the cartridge, said wide portion delimited from the tip portion by a ramp portion,wherein ink passes into said cartridge when the plug is inserted into the cartridge, and the ramp portion and the wide portion, upon insertion thereof into the resilient washer, deform the washer so as to expel said entrapped air from said void space.