Patent ID: 7300140
Filing Date: 2007-11-27
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A refill unit for refilling an ink storage compartment supplying a printhead assembly with an array of nozzles, wherein the ink storage compartment has a normally closed inlet valve and, during use, the ink storage compartment is maintained at a negative pressure to avoid inadvertent ink leakage from the nozzles, the refill unit comprising: a body containing a quantity of ink; an ink outlet; an inlet valve actuator for opening the inlet valve of the ink storage compartment so that the quantity of ink is in fluid communication with the ink storage compartment via the ink outlet; and a repressurizing arrangement; wherein, upon engagement of the refill unit with the ink storage compartment, the repressurizing arrangement causes part of the ink storage compartment to be inwardly depressed as the ink from the body is drawn into the ink storage compartment through the ink outlet by the negative pressure until pressure equalization; and, upon subsequent disengagement of the refill unit from the ink storage compartment, the repressurizing arrangement releases the inwardly depressed part of the ink storage compartment to re-establish the negative pressure.