Patent ID: 6145969
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A method for refilling an ink cartridge, said ink cartridge being provided with an ink filling aperture closed by a closing means, an interior access opening covered by a covering seal, an ink reservoir installed inside said ink cartridge, and a spring means installed in said ink reservoir for generating a negative pressure inside said ink reservoir, said method comprising the steps of:removing said covering seal so as to reveal said interior access opening of said ink cartridge;inserting a means for exerting a compression force into an interior of said cartridge through said interior access opening;removing said closing means from said ink filling aperture of said ink cartridge so as to open said ink filling aperture into said ink reservoir to equalize a pressure in said ink reservoir, thus allowing said spring means to expand until said spring means receives a compression force from said means for exerting a compression force;refilling said ink reservoir of said ink cartridge through said ink filling aperture;closing said ink filling aperture of said ink cartridge; andremoving said means for exerting a compression force out of said interior of said ink cartridge, thus releasing said compression force on said spring means so that said spring means further expands and generates a negative pressure in said ink reservoir.