Patent ID: 6130695
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An adaptive ink supply for use with a printer in substitution of a first ink cartridge, the first ink cartridge having a pump and a first memory device containing data concerning ink in the first ink cartridge, the printer having a fluid inlet, an actuator which is movable between first and second positions and is urged toward the second position to apply pressure to the pump, a controller which exchanges information with the first memory device, and an electrical connector electrically connected to the controller and having a protruding post, the post having a plurality of electrical contacts which protrude laterally from a first side of the post for connection to contacts associated with the first memory device, the adaptive ink supply comprising:an ink reservoir for containing a replacement ink;a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the ink reservoir for releasably coupling to the fluid inlet for supplying the replacement ink to the printer;an adapter connector having a plurality of electrical contacts for engaging the electrical contacts on the first side of the post;a retainer for contact with the actuator for preventing the actuator from moving to the second position, the retainer forming part of the adaptive ink supply useable in substitution of the first ink cartridge; anda signal source for providing electronic enabling information signals, wherein the signal source is connected to the contacts of the adapter connector for providing electronic enabling information signals to the controller.