Patent ID: 7758175
Filing Date: 2010-07-20
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. An ink cartridge that is filled with ink and is loaded into a printer, the ink cartridge comprising: a reservoir reserving the ink; an outlet through which the ink is supplied to the printer with the ink cartridge loaded; at least one ink supply system including a channel, the channel leading the ink from the reservoir to the outlet; and a sensor detecting whether the channel is filled with the ink or gas; an ink cartridge terminal electrically coupled to the sensor, the ink cartridge terminal making contact with a printer terminal upon loading of the ink cartridge, the printer terminal being disposed on the printer, wherein a detection region of the channel, where detection is carried out by the sensor, is previously filled with gas with the ink cartridge yet to be used; and whether or not the use of the ink cartridge is proper is determined based on information from the sensor.