Patent ID: 6899418
Filing Date: 2005-05-31
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. An ink cartridge capable of being used in a recording device that includes an ink cartridge mounting portion; a connection portion that supplies ink to a recording head; and a sensor portion including a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion in confrontation with each other, the sensor portion protruding into the ink cartridge mounting portion, the ink cartridge comprising: an outer shape portion that substantially matches the inside of the ink cartridge mounting portion when the ink cartridge is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion, the outer shape portion including a contour that receives the sensor portion; and a light blocking member disposed within the contour of the outer shape portion, the light blocking member moving corresponding to amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge to one of enter between and move out from between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion when the ink cartridge is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion.