Abstract:
A cartridge includes a first member that prevents a first signal, having first intensity, from passing entirely therethrough, wherein one portion of the first signal has a second intensity. A second member either prevents a second signal having a third intensity from entirely passing therethrough, or allows one first portion of the second signal to pass therethrough. The first portion of the second signal has a fourth intensity. The third intensity is greater than the fourth intensity. The first intensity is greater than the second intensity. A third member either prevents the second signal from passing entirely therethrough, or allows either the first portion of the second signal or one second portion of the second signal to pass therethrough. The second portion of the second signal has a fifth intensity. The third intensity is greater than the fifth intensity. An intermediate portion is formed between the second and third member.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to and is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/055,202, which was filed on Mar. 25, 2008, and claims priority to and is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/863,147, which was filed on Sep. 27, 2007, and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. JP-2007-083778, which was filed on Mar. 28, 2007, and Japanese Patent Application No. JP-2007-094759, which was filed on Mar. 30, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to ink cartridges. In particular, the present invention is related to ink cartridges which are configured to dispense ink when used in combination with a printer. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     A known recording apparatus, such as an ink-jet recording apparatus, includes an ink-jet recording head and a mounting portion to which a known ink cartridge is mounted. When the known ink cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion, the known recording apparatus is configured to dispense ink from a plurality of nozzles to record an image on a sheet of paper. 
     Another known recording apparatus includes a carriage configured to receive another known ink cartridge. This known recording apparatus is configured to determine a type of the ink cartridge by sensing an intensity of light reflected by the ink cartridge. When the carriage and the ink cartridge move, the intensity of the reflected light is measured by a sensor of the recording apparatus, and based on the intensity, the type of the ink cartridge is determined. 
     Yet another known recording apparatus includes a mounting portion which is separate from a carriage, and this known recording apparatus is configured to determine the type of another known ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion. Specifically, when the ink cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion, the recording apparatus detects the presence or absence of a signal blocking portion of the ink cartridge, and the type of the ink cartridge is determined based on the presence or absence of the signal blocking portion. Nevertheless, in this known recording apparatus, the speed with which various users mount the ink cartridge to the mounting portion may vary from user to user, such that the recording apparatus may reach different determinations from user to user. For example, if the speed with which the user mounts the ink cartridge to the mounting portion is greater than a predetermined speed, or if the user begins to insert the ink cartridge into the mounting portion and then partially removes the ink cartridge before finally fully inserting the ink cartridge into the mounting portion, the sensor may detect inaccurate information. 
     A known ink cartridge is detachably mounted to a known recording apparatus. This known ink cartridge includes an ink chamber for storing ink, a wall, and an ink supply portion positioned at the wall. In operation, the ink supply portion supplies ink from an interior of the ink chamber to the known recording apparatus. This known ink cartridge also includes an air intake portion which is positioned at the wall and is configured to draw air into the ink chamber from the atmosphere. 
     Another known ink cartridge is configured to be mounted to an accommodating chamber of the known recording apparatus, and the accommodating chamber includes a door which is configured to be opened and closed. After this known ink cartridge is mounted to the accommodating chamber and the door is closed, the door is configured to latch on to the ink cartridge to remove the ink cartridge from the accommodating chamber when the door is opened by a user, which increases the ease with which the ink cartridge may be removed from the accommodating chamber. 
     Yet another known ink cartridge includes a cover which encloses a wall at which an ink supply portion and an air intake portion are positioned, which protects the ink supply portion and the air intake portion. In this known ink cartridge, before the ink cartridge is mounted to the recording apparatus, the cover first needs to be removed. Moreover, when the ink cartridge is removed from the recording apparatus with ink remaining therein, and the user intends to use the ink cartridge again in the future, the user generally will re-cover the ink cartridge using the cover. Nevertheless, if the user is not able to locate the cover, e.g., if the user misplaced the cover or discarded the cover after the user mounted the ink cartridge to the recording apparatus, the user will not be able to re-cover the ink cartridge. Consequently, the ink cartridge may become damaged if the ink supply portion or the air intake portion contact a surface, or the ink cartridge may drip ink onto a surface or the user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, a need has arisen for ink cartridges which overcome these and other shortcomings of the related art. A technical advantage of the present invention is that the configuration of the ink cartridge allows a printer to accurately determine information associated with the ink cartridge independent of the speed with which the user mount the ink cartridge to the printer and regardless of whether the user begins to insert the ink cartridge into the printer and then partially removes the ink cartridge before finally fully inserting the ink cartridge into the printer. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, an ink cartridge comprises a first member configured to either prevent a first signal having a first intensity from passing therethrough in its entirety, or to allow at least one portion of the first signal to pass therethrough, wherein the at least one portion of the first signal has a second intensity, and the first intensity is greater than the second intensity, a second member configured to either prevent a second signal having a third intensity from passing therethrough in its entirety, or to allow at least one first portion of the second signal to pass therethrough, wherein the at least one first portion of the second signal has a fourth intensity, and the third intensity is greater than the fourth intensity; and a third member configured to either prevent the second signal from passing therethrough in its entirety, or to allow either the at least one first portion of the second signal or at least one second portion of the second signal to pass therethrough, wherein the at least one second portion of the second signal has a fifth intensity, and the third intensity is greater than the fifth intensity, wherein an intermediate portion is formed between the second member and the third member in a predetermined direction, and the intermediate portion is configured to allow at least one third portion of the second signal to pass therethrough, wherein the at least one third portion of the second signal has a sixth intensity, and the third intensity is greater than or equal to the sixth intensity, wherein the sixth intensity is greater than zero intensity and is not less than or equal to either the fourth intensity or the fifth intensity. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, an ink cartridge comprises an ink chamber configured to store ink therein, a front wall, a top wall connected to the front wall, an ink supply portion configured to dispense ink from an interior of the ink chamber to an exterior of the ink chamber, a first member configured to impede a first signal transmitted along a first line, wherein the first member extends away from at least one of the top wall and the front wall, and the first member comprises a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, a second member configured to impede a second signal transmitted along a second line, wherein the second member comprises a third wall and a fourth wall opposite the third wall, and the second member is positioned between the first member and the ink supply portion, and a third member configured to impede the second signal, wherein the second member and the third member are aligned in a first direction and are unaligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a width of each of the first member and the second member in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and to the second direction is less than a width of the ink chamber, wherein the first wall and the second wall are aligned in the third direction, and the third wall and the fourth wall are aligned in the third direction, wherein a width of the third member in the third direction is less than the width of the ink chamber, and an intermediate portion is formed between the second member and the third member in the first direction, wherein the second member is configured to prevent at least a particular portion of the second signal from exiting the second member along a third line which is substantially aligned with and substantially parallel to the second line, and an intensity of the particular portion of the second signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined intensity value, wherein the third member is configured to prevent at least a further portion of the second signal from exiting the third member along a fourth line which is substantially aligned with and substantially parallel to the second line, and an intensity of the further portion of the second signal is greater than the predetermined intensity value, wherein the intermediate portion is configured to allow at least a predetermined portion of the second signal to exit the intermediate portion along a fifth line which is substantially aligned with and substantially parallel to the second line, and an intensity of the predetermined portion of the second signal is greater than or equal to the predetermined intensity value, wherein a first plane intersects each of the ink supply portion, the first member, and the second member, and the first plane extends in the first direction and in the second direction, wherein a second plane intersects each of the second member and the third member, and the second plane is perpendicular to the first plane, wherein the ink supply portion is offset from the second plane. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention, an ink cartridge comprises a first member configured to impede a first signal, a second member configured to impede a second signal, and a third member configured to impede the second signal, wherein the second member and the third member are aligned in a first direction, and the second member and the third member cannot simultaneously impede the second signal in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein a position of the first member relative to a position of the second member in combination with a thickness of the second member in the first direction corresponds to a characteristic associated with the ink cartridge. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the needs satisfied thereby, and the objects, features, and advantages thereof, reference now is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional, pattern diagram of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2(   a ) and  2 ( b ) are perspective views of an ink cartridge in which a movable member is in a second position and a first position, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2(   c ) and  2 ( d ) are perspective views of an ink cartridge in which a movable member is in a second position and a first position, respectively, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3(   a ) and  3 ( b ) are side views of the ink cartridge of  FIGS. 2(   a ) and  2 ( b ), respectively. 
         FIGS. 3(   c ) and  3 ( d ) are side views of the ink cartridge of  FIGS. 2(   c ) and  2 ( d ), respectively. 
         FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ) are a front-face perspective view and a rear-face perspective view of a main body of the ink cartridge of  FIGS. 2(   a ) and  2 ( b ). 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the main body of  FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ). 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of  FIG. 4(   a ). 
         FIG. 7  is a partial, enlarged front-face cross-sectional view of the body of  FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ). 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in  FIG. 2(   a ). 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in  FIG. 2(   b ). 
         FIGS. 10(   a ) and  10 ( b ) are enlarged, cross-sectional views of an upper portion and a lower portion, respectively, of the main body of  FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ). 
         FIGS. 11(   a ) and  11 ( b ) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a movable member, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a vertical, cross-sectional view of a cartridge mounting portion of a recording apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge being mounted to the cartridge mounting portion of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge mounted to the cartridge mounting portion of  FIG. 12 , in which a lock lever of the recording apparatus is in an open position. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge mounted to the cartridge mounting portion of  FIG. 12 , in which the lock lever of the recording apparatus is in a closed position. 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagram of a main controller of the recording apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 17(   a ) and  17 ( b ) are exemplary timing diagrams of a sensor signal outputted from a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor, respectively, of the recording apparatus when a first ink cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion. 
         FIGS. 17(   c ) and  17 ( d ) are exemplary timing diagrams of a sensor signal outputted from the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor, respectively, of the recording apparatus when a second ink cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion. 
         FIG. 18  is a flowchart of a procedure performed by the main controller of the recording apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a packaging arrangement comprising the ink cartridge of  FIGS. 2(   a ) and  2 ( b ) enclosed in a packaging member, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge mounted to the cartridge mounting portion, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge being ejected from the cartridge mounting portion of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIGS. 22(   a ) and  22 ( b ) are side views of the ink cartridge of  FIGS. 2(   a ) and  2 ( b ), respectively. 
         FIGS. 23(   a ) and  23 ( b ) are perspective views of an ink cartridge according to still another embodiment of the present invention, in which a opaque sticker is attached to the ink cartridge in  FIG. 23(   a ), and the opaque sticker is removed from the ink cartridge in  FIG. 23(   b ), respectively. 
         FIGS. 24(   a ) and  24 ( b ) are perspective views of an ink cartridge according to still yet another embodiment of the present invention, in which a opaque sticker is attached to the ink cartridge in  FIG. 24(   a ), and the opaque sticker is removed from the ink cartridge in  FIG. 24(   b ), respectively. 
         FIGS. 25(   a ) and  25 ( b ) are exemplary timing diagrams of a sensor signal outputted from a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor, respectively, of the recording apparatus when the ink cartridge of  FIGS. 23(   a ) and  23 ( b ) is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion. 
         FIGS. 25(   c ) and  25 ( d ) are exemplary timing diagrams of a sensor signal outputted from the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor, respectively, of the recording apparatus when the ink cartridge of  FIGS. 24(   a ) and  24 ( b ) is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to a further embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 28(   a ) and  28 ( b ) are exemplary timing diagrams of a sensor signal outputted from a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor, respectively, of the recording apparatus when the ink cartridge of  FIG. 26  is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion. 
         FIGS. 28(   c ) and  28 ( d ) are exemplary timing diagrams of a sensor signal outputted from the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor, respectively, of the recording apparatus when the ink cartridge of  FIG. 27  is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the present invention and their features and technical advantages may be understood by referring to  FIGS. 1(   a )- 28 ( d ), like numerals being used for like corresponding portions in the various drawings. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a recording apparatus  250  according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The recording apparatus  250  may comprise a paper feeding apparatus  252 , a transferring apparatus  253 , a recording unit  254 , and a cartridge mounting portion  276 . A paper feed tray  257  may be provided at the bottom of the recording apparatus  250 , and sheets of paper positioned on the paper feed tray  257  may be fed, one by one, to a path  259  by the paper feeding apparatus  252 . 
     The transferring apparatus  253  may be disposed in the path  259 , and may comprise a first pair of transferring rollers  261  and a second pair of transferring rollers  262 . The pair of transferring rollers  261  may be positioned on the upstream side of the recording unit  254  in a paper-transferring direction, and the pair of transferring rollers  262  may be positioned on the downstream side in the paper-transferring direction. 
     A sheet of paper fed to the path  259  may be transferred toward a platen  264  by the pair of transferring rollers  261 , and the recording unit  254  may be positioned above the platen  264 . An image may be recorded on the sheet of paper passing over the platen  264  by the recording unit  254 , and the sheet of paper then may be discharged to a paper discharge tray  258  positioned on the downstream end of the path  259  by the pair of transferring rollers  262 . 
     The recording unit  254  may comprise a carriage  266  and a recording head  272  mounted to the carriage  266 . The recording head  272  may comprise a sub-tank  268  and a head control board  270 , and may have a plurality of nozzles  274  formed therein. The carriage  266  may be slidably supported by a supporting rail, and may be configured to slide in the direction vertical to the paper plane of  FIG. 1 . The sub-tank  268  may be configured to store ink to be supplied to the nozzles  274 . When image signals are supplied to the head control board  270 , ink is discharged from the nozzles  274  toward the sheet of paper based on the image signals. The recording apparatus  250  may comprise a main controller  200  (shown in  FIG. 16 ) for controlling the recording apparatus  250 , and the image signals may be outputted from the main controller  200  and supplied to the head control board  270 . 
     An ink cartridge  10  may be configured to be mounted to the cartridge mounting portion  276 . The cartridge mounting portion  276  may comprise a plurality of cases  280 , each of which is configured to receive a corresponding ink cartridge  10  therein. For example, the cartridge mounting portion  276  may comprise four cases  280 , and each case  280  may correspond to an ink cartridge containing a different color of ink. The ink cartridge  10  may be configured to be mounted to and removed from the cartridge mounting portion  276 . The ink cartridge  10  may comprise a main body  20 , and the main body  20  may comprise an ink chamber  100  configured to store ink therein, and ink may be supplied from the ink chamber  100  to the recording head  272  via an ink tube  278 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, two different ink cartridges may have different ink capacities or may store different amounts of ink, and may store the same color ink, e.g., black ink. For example, a first ink cartridge  10  and second ink cartridge  10 ′ may have different ink capacities or may store different amounts of ink, and may store the same color ink. Moreover, the recording apparatus  250  may be configured, such that the ink cartridges  10  and  10 ′ may be mounted to the same case  280  of the cartridge mounting portion  276 . The recording apparatus  250  may be configured to determine which type of ink cartridge is mounted to the case  280 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2(   a ),  2 ( b ),  3 ( a ),  3 ( b ), and  4 - 10 ( b ), the ink cartridge  10  may have a substantially flat, hexahedron shape. A width of the ink cartridge, as indicated by an arrow  31 , may be relatively short, and each of a height of the ink cartridge  10 , as indicated by an arrow  32 , and a depth of the ink cartridge  10 , as indicated by an arrow  33 , may be greater than the width of the ink cartridge  10 . 
     The ink cartridge  10  may comprise a case, e.g., a main body  20 , a movable member  21 , a cover member  22 , and at least one coil spring, e.g., a pair of coil springs  23  and  24 . The main body  20  may comprise an ink chamber  100  for storing ink. The movable member  21  and the cover member  22  may enclose the main body  20  therein. Each of the main body  20 , the movable member  21 , and the cover member  22  may comprise a resin material, e.g. nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like, and combinations thereof. 
     The ink cartridge  10  is inserted into the recording apparatus in a direction indicated by an arrow  30  in an upright state. A front portion  20   a  of the main body may be enclosed by the movable member  21 , and a rear portion  20   b  of the main body  20  may be enclosed by the cover member  22 . Accordingly, in this embodiment of the present invention, the front portion  20   a  is protected by the movable member  21 , and the rear portion  20   b  is protected by the cover member  22 . 
     The movable member  21  is configured to slide in the depth direction, as indicated by the arrow  33 , with respect to the main body  20 . The movable member  21  is configured to move with respect to main body  20 . Specifically, movable member  21  is configured to move between a first position, as shown in  FIGS. 2(   b ) and  9 , in which movable member  21  is at its furthest position from a front face  41  of the main body, and a second position, as shown in  FIGS. 2(   a ) and  8 , in which movable member  21  is at its closest position to the front face  41 . When the movable member  21  is at the first position, at least a portion of the movable member  21  may be positioned further from the front face  41  than the ink supply portion  90  is positioned from the front face  41 . In an embodiment, when a predetermined amount of force greater than the biasing force of the coil springs  23  and  24  is applied to the movable member  21 , and thereby the movable member  21  moves from the first position to the second position, a rod  84  of an air intake portion  80  contacts the movable member  21  and is pressed by the movable member  21 , and an ink supply portion  90  emerges from an inside of the movable member  21  to extend outside the movable member  21 . When the predetermined amount of force is released from the movable member  21 , and thereby the movable member  21  subsequently moves from the second position to the first position, the rod  84  separates from the movable member  21 , and the ink supply portion  90  returns to the inside of the movable member  21 . The entire moveable member  21  may be configured to substantially simultaneously move in a first direction relative to the main body  20  when the coil springs  23  and  24  expand, and the entire moveable member  21  may be configured to substantially simultaneously move in a second direction opposite the first direction when the coil springs  23  and  24  contract. Each of the first direction and the second direction may be substantially parallel to each of the expansion direction and the contraction direction of the coil springs  23  and  24 . In another embodiment, discussed in detail below and shown in  FIGS. 2(   c ),  2 ( d ),  3 ( c ), and  3 ( d ), an opening  180 ′ may be formed through a front wall  161  of the movable member  21  adjacent to and in alignment with the air intake portion  80 , such that a component of the printer may apply the force to the rod  84  instead of the movable member  21  applying the force to the rod  84 . 
     The main body  20  may have a substantially flat, hexahedron shape. When the ink cartridge  10  is mounted to the mounting portion of the recording apparatus, the main body  20  is in an upright state. The main body  20  may comprise the front face  41 , a rear face  42 , a top face  43 , and a bottom face  44 . The main body  20  also may comprise a pair of side faces  45  and  46  which oppose each other, and each of the side faces  45  and  46  may be connected to the front face  41 , the rear face  42 , the top face  43 , and the bottom face  44 . Each of side faces  45  and  46  may have a surface area which is greater than each of a surface area of the front face  41 , the rear face  42 , the top face  43 , and the bottom face  44 . 
     The main body  20  may comprise a frame  50 , an arm  70 , the air intake portion  80 , and the ink supply portion  90 . Moreover, the side face  45  or the side face  46 , or both, may comprise a film, e.g., a translucent film. Specifically, the film may be welded to the frame  50 , such that the frame  50  is sealed by the film to define an ink chamber  100  therein. The frame  50  may comprise a translucent or semi-transparent resin material e.g. polyacetal, nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene, and combinations thereof, to allow light to pass therethrough, and the frame  50  may be formed by injection-molding. The frame  50  may be sufficiently rigid, such that the shape of the frame  50  may not be altered in the expansion and contraction directions of the coil springs  23  and  24  when the coil sprints  23  and  24  expand and contract. 
     The frame  50  may comprise an outer peripheral wall  51  and a plurality of inner walls  52 . The inner walls  52  may be positioned within the outer peripheral wall  51 . The outer peripheral wall  51  and the inner walls  52  may be integral and may define the frame  50 . The outer peripheral wall  51  and the inner walls  52  may extend from the left side face  45  to the right side face  46  of the main body  20 . The outer peripheral wall  51  may have an annular shape extending along the front face  41 , the top face  43 , the rear face  42 , and the bottom face  44 , and may form a space inside. Accordingly, an opening  57   a  may be formed on the left side face  45  of the frame  50 , and an opening  57   b  may be formed on the right side face  46 . 
     The films may be welded to the side faces  45  and  46  of the frame  50 , respectively, via ultrasonic welding, and the opening  57   a  and the opening  57   b  may be covered by the respective films, such that a space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall  51  and the films may comprise the ink chamber  100 . Alternatively, the films may be omitted, and the frame  50  may have a parallelepiped, container shape, such that the frame  50  defines the ink chamber  100  therein. 
     The inner walls  52  may be positioned within a space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall  51 , and the films may be welded to the outer edge portions of the inner walls  52  on the sides of the side faces  45  and  46 . Accordingly, the film may be prevented from sagging. Moreover, when the movable member  21  and the cover member  22  are deformed toward the main body  20 , the deformation of the movable member  21  and the cover member  22  may be restricted by the inner walls  52 . Accordingly, damage to the main body  20  and the films may be prevented. 
     An ink introduction port  150  may be formed in the rear face  42  of the frame  50 . The ink introduction port  150  may have a substantially cylindrical hole formed therein, which extends from the rear face  42  toward the ink chamber  100 , and the ink introduction port  150  may be in fluid communication with an interior of the ink chamber  100 . The ink introduction port  150  may be configured to introduce ink into the interior of the ink chamber  100  therethrough when the ink cartridge  10  is manufactured. After the ink chamber  100  is filled with ink, the ink introduction port  150  may be closed by positioning a plug in the ink introduction port  150 . 
     A translucent portion  140  may be positioned at the front face  41  of the frame  50  and may extend from the ink chamber  100 . An amount of ink stored in the ink chamber may be optically or visually detected through the translucent portion  140 . The translucent portion  140  may be integral with the frame  50 , and may comprise the same material as the frame  50 , e.g., the translucent portion  140  may comprise a translucent resin material to allow light to pass therethrough. 
     The translucent portion  140  may project outward from a center portion of the front face  41  of the main body  20  in a direction opposite from the ink chamber  100 . The translucent portion  140  may be partitioned by five rectangular walls and may have a substantially a hollow box shape. For example, the translucent portion  140  may be partitioned by a front wall  140   a , a pair of side walls  140   b , top wall  140   c , and bottom wall  140   d . The front wall  140   a  may extend parallel to the front face  41  and may be separated from the front face  41  by a predetermined distance. The pair of side walls  140   b  may be connected to the front face  41  and the front wall  140   a , the top wall  140   c  may be connected to top ends of the front wall  140   a  and the side walls  140   b , and the bottom wall  140   d  may be connected to bottom ends of the front wall  140   a  and the side walls  140   b . Moreover, the width of the front wall  140   a  may be less than the width of the front face  41 . 
     The translucent portion  140  may be configured to be sandwiched between a light-emitting element (not shown) and a light-receiving element (not shown) of an optical sensor (not shown), e.g. photo interrupter, mounted to the recording apparatus. Light emitted by the light-emitting element may pass through the side walls  140   b  and may be received by the light-receiving element. 
     The translucent portion  140  may have an inner space  142  formed therein, which is defined by the front wall  140   a , the side walls  140   b , the top wall  140   c  and the bottom wall  140   d . There is no wall positioned between the inner space  142  and the ink chamber  100 , and the inner space  142  may be configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of the ink chamber  100 . A signal blocking portion  72  of the arm  70  may be configured to selectively enter into and be removed from the inner space  142  based on an amount of ink within the ink chamber  100 . 
     The arm  70  may be used in detecting the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber  100 . The arm  70  may comprise the signal blocking portion  72  at one end thereof, and a float portion  73  at the other end thereof. The arm  70  may be pivotably supported at a rib  74  extending upright from the widthwise center of the outer peripheral wall  51 . The specific gravity of the float portion  73  may be less than the specific gravity of ink stored in the ink chamber  100 . The float portion  73  may have a hollow formed therein, and may float on any liquid, such that the float portion  73  moves upward and downward based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber  100 , and the arm  70  pivots based on the movement of the float portion  73 . The rib  74  may be positioned at the outer peripheral wall  51  adjacent to a corner of the front face  41  and the bottom face  44 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , the rib  74  may comprise a supporting portion  77  configured to pivotably support the arm  70 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4(   a )- 6 , the arm  70  may be positioned, such that the signal blocking portion  72  is positioned in the inner space  142  when a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the ink chamber  100 . For example, the signal blocking portion  72  may contact the bottom wall  140   d  of the translucent portion  140  to maintain the signal blocking portion  72  within the inner space  142  of the translucent portion. Moreover, when the amount of ink in the ink chamber  100  is less than a predetermined amount of ink, the float portion  73  moves downward, and the signal blocking portion  72  moves out of the inner space  142 . Consequently, whether a sufficient amount of ink remains in the ink chamber  100  may be detected by monitoring whether the signal blocking portion  72  is positioned within the inner space  142 . For example, an optical sensor, such as a photo interrupter, may be used to monitor whether the signal blocking portion  72  is positioned within the inner space. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the air intake portion  80  may comprise a cylindrical valve storage chamber  55  formed in the front face  41  above the translucent portion  140 . The valve storage chamber  55  may be open to the outside of main body  20  at an end  82  thereof. The valve storage chamber  55  extends in the depth direction of the main body  20 , and is in fluid communication with the interior of the ink chamber  100  at the other end thereof. 
     The air intake portion  80  also may comprise a valve mechanism for selectively opening and closing a path extending from the end  82  of the valve storage chamber  55  to the interior of the ink chamber  100 . For example, the air intake portion  80  may comprise a valve element  87 , a spring  86 , a sealing member  83 , and a cap  85 . The valve element  87  may be configured to slide in the depth direction of the main body  20  in the valve storage chamber  55 . The valve element  87  may comprise a lid  88  and the rod  84 . The cap  85  may be attached to the outer edge of the end  82  of the valve storage chamber  55 , sandwiching the sealing member  83  therebetween. The cap  85  and the sealing member  83  may have through holes formed therethrough. When the cap  85  and the sealing member  83  are attached to the outer edge of the end  82 , an air communicating port  81  may be formed by the through holes, and an inside and an outside of the valve storage chamber  55  may be in fluid communication via air communicating port  81 . The rod  84  may be inserted into the air communicating port  81 , and the diameter of the rod  84  may be less than the diameter of the air communicating port  81 , such that a gap for allowing air flow is formed between the rod  84  and the interior walls of the air communicating port  81 . The rod  84  may project outward from the center of the lid  88  through the air communicating port  81 . 
     When the valve element  87  slides in the valve storage chamber  55 , the lid  88  may slide between a position in which the lid  88  contacts the sealing member  83  and a position in which the lid  88  is separated from the sealing member  83 . When the lid  88  contacts the sealing member  83 , the air communicating port  81  is closed, and when the lid  88  separates from the sealing member  83 , the air communicating port  81  is opened. 
     In the valve storage chamber  55 , the spring  86  urges or biases the valve element  87  in the direction to close the path extending from the inside of the valve storage chamber  55  to the outside of the valve storage chamber  55 , thereby causing the lid member  88  to contact the sealing member  83 . When the rod  84  is pressed toward the valve storage chamber  55 , the lid  88  of the valve element  87  separates from the sealing member  83  against urging force of the spring  86 . Accordingly, the path extending from the inside of the valve storage chamber  55  to the outside of the valve storage chamber  55  is opened, and the communication between the interior of the ink chamber  100  and the outside of the main body  20  via the air intake portion  80  is established. With air flowing in and out of the ink chamber  100  via the air intake portion  80 , the pressure of the interior of the ink chamber  100  is equalized as the ambient pressure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the ink supply portion  90  may comprise a cylindrical valve storage chamber  54  formed in the front face  41  below the translucent portion  140 , and the valve storage chamber  54  may be open to the outside of the main body at an end  92  thereof. The valve storage chamber  54  may extend in the depth direction of the main body  20 , and may be in fluid communication with the interior of the ink chamber  100  at the other end thereof. 
     The ink supply portion  90  also may comprise a valve mechanism for selectively opening and closing an ink path extending from the end  92  of the valve storage chamber  54  to the interior of the ink chamber  100 . The ink supply portion  90  comprises a valve element  97 , a spring  96 , a sealing member  93 , and a cap  95 . 
     The cap  95  may be attached to the outer edge of the end  92  of the valve storage chamber  54 , sandwiching the sealing member  93  therebetween. The cap  95  and the sealing member  93  may have through holes formed therethrough. When the cap  95  and the sealing member  93  are attached to the outer edge of the end  92  of the valve storage chamber  54 , an ink supply port  91  may be formed by the through holes, and the ink supply port  91  may communicate an inside and an outside of the valve storage chamber  54 . A tube may be inserted into the ink supply port  91  when the ink cartridge  10  is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion  276  shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     In the valve storage chamber  54 , the spring  96  urges or biases the valve element  97  in the direction to close the ink path, such that the valve element  97  contacts the sealing member  93  and communication between the interior of the ink chamber  100  and the outside of the main body  20  is prevented. When the tube is inserted into the ink supply port  91 , the tube pushes the valve element  97 , and the valve element  97  separates from the sealing member  93  against the urging force of the spring  96 , and the ink supply port  91  is opened. Accordingly, the communication between the interior of the ink chamber  100  and the outside of the main body  20  via the ink supply portion  90  is established, and the ink in the ink chamber  100  may be supplied through the tube to the recording apparatus  250 . 
     A recessed portion  59  may be formed in the top face  43  of the frame  50 , and a recessed portion  60  may be formed in the bottom face  44  of the frame  50 . The recessed portions  59  and  60  may engage with projecting strips  210  and  211  (shown in  FIG. 8 ), respectively, formed on the inner surface of the cover member  22  when the rear portion  20   b  of the main body  20  is covered by the cover member  22 . The projecting strip  210  may be fitted to the recessed portion  59 , and the projecting strip  211  may be fitted to the recessed portion  60 , to provide secure engagement between the rear portion  20   b  and the cover member  22 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a spring storage chamber  110  may be formed in the front face  41  above the valve storage chamber  55 , and a spring storage chamber  111  may be formed in the front face  41  below the valve storage chamber  54 . The spring storage chambers  110  and  111  may be substantially cylindrical chambers extending from the front face  41  toward an ink chamber  100 , such that at least a rear portion of spring storage chambers  110  and  111 , respectively, define a portion of front face  41 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , the coil springs  23  and  24  may be positioned within the valve storage chambers  110  and  111 , respectively. For example, the coil springs  23  and  24  may be coupled to the front face  41  at one end and may be coupled to the movable member  21  at the other end. Specifically, the coil springs  23  and  24  may be coupled to the front face  41  and the movable member  21  by direct contact between the coil springs  23  and  24  and the front face  41  and the movable member  21 , or by indirect contact between the coil springs  23  and  24  and the front face  41  and the movable member  21 , i.e., with at least one other element positioned between the coil springs  23  and  24  and the front face  41  and the movable member  21 . The coil springs  23  and  24  may be configured to resiliently urge the movable member  21  away from the front face  41  by applying a biasing force to the movable member  21 . Moreover, in order to stably and evenly urge the movable member  21 , the spring storage chamber  110  and the spring storage chamber  111  may be sufficiently separated from each other in the height direction of the main body  20 , e.g., may be positioned adjacent to opposite ends of the face  42  in the height direction. 
     A supporting member  115  may formed at an front end of the top face  43  of the frame  50 . The supporting member  115  supports the movable member  21 , such that the movable member  21  may slide with respect to the main body  20 , and the supporting member  115  limits the sliding range of the movable member  21 . The movable member  21  may be slidably supported at two points by the supporting member  115  and a supporting member  116 . The supporting member  115  may be integral with the frame  50 . The supporting member  115  may comprise a first portion  118  extending vertically upward from the top face  43 , a second portion  119  extending from an top end of the first portion  118  in the direction of insertion  30  in parallel to the top face  43 , and a hook portion  120  formed at a front end of the second portion  119  and extending upward. A gap  122  may be formed between the second portion  119  and the top face  43 , which may allow the second portion  119  to bend in the height direction of the main body  20 . 
     The supporting member  116  may have substantially the same shape as the supporting member  115 , and may be positioned at a front end of the bottom face  44  of the frame  50 . The supporting member  116  may be integral with the frame  50 , and may comprise a first portion  124  extending vertically downward from the bottom face  44 , a second portion  125  extending from an end of the first portion  124  in the direction of insertion  30  in parallel to the bottom face  44 , and a hook portion  126  formed at an front end of the second portion  125  and extending downward. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2(   a )- 3 ( b ) and  FIGS. 8-10(   b ), the movable member  21  and the cover member  22 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, are depicted. The cover member  22  may have a container shape, and may be configured to accommodate the rear portion  20   b  of the main body  20  therein. The cover member  22  may have a flat shape corresponding to the outer shape of the rear portion  20   b . The cover member  22  may comprise a rear wall  212  facing and covering the rear face  42  of the main body  20 , a top wall  213  facing and covering the top face  43  of the main body  20 , a bottom wall  214  facing and covering the bottom face  44  of the main body  20 , a left wall  215  facing and covering the left side face  45  of the main body  20 , and a right wall  216  facing and covering the right side face  46  of the main body  20 . The walls  212 - 216  may define a space therein which is configured to accommodate the rear portion  20   b . In an embodiment, a portion of the top wall  213  of the cover member  22  and a portion of the top face  43  of the main body  20  may define a latching recess  1000  therebetween. In another embodiment, a latching recess may be formed in the top face  43  of the main body  20 , or may be formed in the top wall  213  of the cover member  22 . 
     The projecting strips  210  and  211  may be positioned on the inner surface of the cover member  22  adjacent to the opening of the cover member  22 . The projecting strips  210  and  211  may be at positions corresponding to the recessed portions  59  and  60 . The projecting strip  210  may be fitted to the recessed portion  59  formed in the top face  43  of the main body  20 , and the projecting strip  211  may be fitted to the recessed portion  60  formed in the bottom face  44  of the main body  20 . Accordingly, the main body  20  and the cover member  22  may be securely engaged. 
     The movable member  21  may have a container shape, and may be configured to accommodate the front portion  20   a  of the main body  20  therein. The movable member  21  may have a flat shape corresponding to the outer shape of the front portion  20   a . The movable member  21  may comprise a front wall  161  facing the front face  41  of the main body  20 , a top wall  163  covering the top face  43  of the main body  20 , a bottom wall  164  covering the bottom face  44  of the main body  20 , a left wall  165  covering the left side face  45  of the main body  20 , and a right wall  166  covering the right side face  46  of the main body  20 . The walls  163 - 166  may define a space therein which is configured to accommodate the front portion  20   a.    
     The left wall  165  and the right wall  166  may extend from the front wall  161  in the depth direction of the main body  20  and may cover the left side face  45  and the right side face  46  of the main body  20 . Therefore, when the movable member  21  slides, the left wall  165  and the right wall  166  may act as guide surfaces for the left side face  45  and the right side face  46 , such that the movable member  21  slides smoothly. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the movable member  21  may have substantially the same color as the color of ink stored in the ink chamber  100 , such that the movable member  21  readily may indicate the ink color to a user. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the movable member  21  may comprise a signal blocking arrangement  185 , a signal blocking arrangement  186 , a cutout  187  formed therethrough, supporting bars  168  and  169 , slide grooves  171  and  172 , a pressing portion  174 , and an opening  180  formed therethrough. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2(   a )- 3 ( b ), the cutout  187  may be formed at a center of the front wall  161 , and the cutout  187  may be configured to expose the translucent portion  140  to the outside when the movable member  21  is in the second position, such that at least a portion of the translucent portion  140  extends through the cutout  187  when the movable member  21  is in the second position. For example, the cutout  187  may be formed by removing rectangular portions from the front wall  161  and the side walls  165  and  166 , facing the front wall  140   a  and the side walls  140   b  of the translucent portion  140 . The cutout  187  may extend from the front wall  161  rearwardly in the direction of insertion  30 . When the ink cartridge  10  is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion  276  (shown in  FIG. 12) , a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element of an optical sensor  230  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) may sandwich the cutout  187 . Therefore, light emitted from the light-emitting element may pass through the cutout  187 , and the side wall  140   b  of the translucent portion  140  may be irradiated with the light. 
     The signal blocking arrangement  185  may comprise a signal blocking portion  189  projecting from the front wall  161  in the direction of insertion  30 . The signal blocking portion  189  may be bridged over the cutout  187  in the vertical direction on the front wall  161 . The signal blocking portion  189  may have a plate shape, and a space  190  may be formed behind the signal blocking portion  189 . The ends on of the signal blocking portion  189  in the width direction and the cutout  187  may form rectangular openings in the side walls  165  and  166 , respectively. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the signal blocking portion  189  may be configured to enter into an optical path  231  of the optical sensor  230  provided on the cartridge mounting portion  276  during the mounting of the ink cartridge  10  into the cartridge mounting portion  276 . The signal blocking portion  189  may comprise a resin material which does not allow light to pass therethrough or alters the path of light traveling therethrough. The signal blocking arrangement  186  may be configured to enter into an optical path  236  of an optical sensor  235  provided on the cartridge mounting portion  276  during the mounting of the ink cartridge  10  to the cartridge mounting portion  276 . The signal blocking arrangement  186  may comprise resin material which does not allow light to pass therethrough or alters a path of light passing therethrough. Referring to  FIGS. 2(   a )- 3 ( b ), the signal blocking arrangement  186  may be positioned at or adjacent to a distal end of the top wall  163 , and the signal blocking arrangement  186  may project from the front wall  161  away from the front wall  161 . The signal blocking arrangement  186  may comprise a signal blocking portion  191 , e.g., a rib portion, and a pair of grooves  192  may be formed on opposite sides of the signal blocking portion  191 . The signal blocking portion  191  may be inserted into the optical path  236  of the optical sensor  235 . The signal blocking portion  191 , the signal blocking portion  189 , and the ink supply portion  90  may intersect a first plane, e.g. a plane which is parallel with the arrow  32  and the arrow  33  of  FIGS. 2(   a )- 2 ( d ), and the signal blocking portion  189  and the signal blocking portion  72  may intersect a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane, e.g., a plane which is parallel with the arrow  31  and the arrow  33  of  FIGS. 2(   a )- 2 ( d ), when a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the ink chamber  100  and the signal blocking portion  72  is positioned in the inner space  142 . With this configuration, a later-described procedure for determining the type of the ink cartridge readily may be performed. 
     The projecting portion  181  may be positioned at or adjacent to a lower end of the front wall  161 , and may project away from the front wall  161 . Distal ends of the projecting portion  181  and the signal blocking arrangement  186  may contact the innermost wall surface of the cartridge mounting portion  176  when the ink cartridge  10  is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion  276 . 
     The supporting bar  168  may be configured to support the coil spring  23 , and the supporting bar  169  may be configured to support the coil spring  24 . The supporting bars  168  and  169  may be positioned on a surface of the front wall  161  facing the front face  41  of the main body  20 . The supporting bar  168  may be at a position corresponding to the spring storage chamber  110 , and the supporting bar  169  may be at a position corresponding to the spring storage chamber  111 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10(   a ) and  10 ( b ), the supporting bars  168  and  169  may extend from the surface of the front wall  161  in the depth direction of the main body  20 . When the front portion  20   a  of the main body  20  is inserted into the movable member  21  in a state in which the coil spring  23  is stored in the spring storage chamber  110  and the coil spring  24  is stored in the spring storage chamber  111 , the supporting bar  168  is inserted into the coil spring  23  and the supporting bar  169  is inserted into the coil spring  24 . Accordingly, the coil springs  23  and  24  may be supported by the supporting bars  168  and  169 , respectively. The direction of expansion and contraction of the coil springs  23  and  24  may be limited to the depth direction of the main body  20 . 
     The coil springs  23  and  24  may comprise compression coil springs, i.e., the coil springs  23  and  24  may be compressed and stored in the spring storage chambers  110  and  111  when the front portion  20   a  is inserted into the movable member  21 . Therefore, the coil springs  23  and  24  may urge or bias the movable member  21  in the direction away from the front face  41  of the main body  20  independent of the position of the movable member  21 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2(   a ) and  2 ( b ), the slide groove  171  may be formed in the top wall  163 , and a cross-sectional shape of the slide groove  171  may substantially be an inverted U-shape. Referring to  FIG. 10(   a ), the supporting member  115  may be inserted into the slide groove  171 , and a projecting strip  182  may extend from a bottom surface of the top wall  163  toward an interior of the slide groove  171 . Therefore, the slide groove  171  may be narrowed in part by the projecting strip  182 . The slide groove  172  may be formed in the bottom wall  164 , and a cross-sectional shape of the slide groove  172  may be substantially a U-shape. As shown in  FIG. 10(   b ), the supporting member  116  may be inserted into the slide groove  172 , and a projecting strip  183  may extend from a top surface of the bottom wall  164  toward an interior of the slide groove  172 . Therefore, the slide groove  172  may be narrowed in part by the projecting strip  183 . 
     During insertion of the front portion  20   a  of the main body  20  into the movable member  21 , the supporting member  115  may be inserted into the slide groove  171 , and the supporting member  116  may be inserted into the slide groove  172 . When the supporting member  115  is inserted into the slide groove  171 , the projecting strip  182  and the hook portion  120  may contact each other. Then, when the supporting member  115  is further inserted, the supporting member  115  may bend toward the gap  122 , and the hook portion  120  may climb over the projecting strip  182  while a bevel  182   a  of the projecting strip  182  and a bevel  120   a  of the hook portion  120  slide over each other. When the hook portion  120  has climbed over the projecting strip  182  once, the movable member  21  and the main body  20  may not be disassembled because the hook portion  120  is received by the projecting strip  182  when the disassembly is attempted. The supporting member  116  also may be inserted into the slide groove  172  in the same manner. 
     When the front portion  20   a  is inserted into the movable member  21 , the movable member  21  is urged away from the front face  41  by the coil springs  23  and  24 . Therefore, unless an external force is applied to the movable member  21 , the movable member  21  remains in the first position (shown in  FIGS. 2(   b ) and  9 ) corresponding to the movable member&#39;s  21  furthest distance from front face  41  of the main body  20 . The movable member  21  remains in the first position by the contact between the projecting strip  182  and the hook portion  120  and the contact between the projecting strip  183  and the hook portion  126 . On the other hand, when an external force is applied to the front face of the movable member  21 , the movable member  21  slides from the first position to the second position (shown in  FIGS. 2(   a ) and  8 ) corresponding to the movable member&#39;s  21  closest distance to front face  41  of the main body  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the pressing portion  174  may be positioned on the surface of the front wall  161  facing the front face  41  of the main body  20 . The pressing portion  174  may be at a position corresponding to the rod  84  of the air intake portion  80 . The pressing portion  174  may be separated from a distal end of the rod  84  when the movable member  21  is in the first position, and the pressing portion  174  comes into contact with the distal end of the rod  84  while the movable member  21  slides from the first position toward the second position. Then, when the movable member  21  further slides toward the second position, the rod  84  is pushed toward the ink chamber  100  to open the air communicating port  81 . 
     The opening  180  may be formed through the front wall  161  at a position adjacent to a lower end of the front wall  161 , and may be formed at a position corresponding to the ink supply portion  90 . The diameter of the opening  180  may be greater than the diameter of the cap  95  of the ink supply portion  90 , such that the cap  95  may be inserted into and through the opening  180 . When the movable member  21  is in the first position, the entire ink supply portion  90  may be positioned within the movable member  21 , such that the entire ink supply portion  90  is recessed from the opening  180 . As the movable member  21  moves from the first position to the second position, at least a portion of the ink supply portion  90  may move into and then may pass through the opening  180  to protrude from the front wall  161 . Referring to  FIGS. 2(   a ),  2 ( b ),  3 ( a ), and  3 ( b ), in an embodiment of the present invention, the air intake portion  80  may be covered by the front wall  161 , such that the air intake portion  80  is not exposed to the outside of the ink cartridge  10 . In this embodiment, relatively small air holes (not numbered but shown in  FIGS. 2(   a ) and  2 ( b )) may be formed in front wall  161  to allow air to be drawn into the air intake portion  80 . Nevertheless, referring to  FIGS. 2(   c ),  2 ( d ),  3 ( c ), and  3 ( d ), an opening  180 ′ may be formed through the front wall  161  adjacent to and aligned with the intake portion  80 . In this embodiment, when the movable member  21  is in the first position, the entire air intake portion  80  may positioned within the movable member  21 , such that the entire air intake portion  80  is recessed from the opening  180 . As the movable member  21  moves from the first position to the second position, the air intake portion may remain entirely within the movable member  21 , however, the air intake portion may move closer to the opening  180 ′. In this embodiment, air may be drawn into the ink chamber  100  when a component of the printer contacts and applies a force to the rod  84  of the air intake portion  80  via opening  180 ′. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11(   a ) and  11 ( b ), in an embodiment of the present invention, ink cartridge  10  may be replaced by ink cartridge  10 ′. Specifically, in ink cartridge  10 ′, the signal blocking arrangement  185  may be replaced by a signal blocking arrangement  195  which has a different shape than the signal blocking arrangement  185 . The signal blocking arrangement  195  may comprise a signal blocking portion  199  projecting from the front wall  161 . The signal blocking portion  199  may be bridged over the cutout  187  in the vertical direction on the front wall  161 . The signal blocking portion  199  may comprise a front wall and a pair of side walls  198  at both ends in the width direction. The side walls  198  may extend from the front wall of the signal blocking portion  199  to the front wall  161  of the movable member  21 . The side walls  198  and the cutouts  187  may form rectangular openings in the side walls  165  and  166 . The signal blocking portion  199  may be configured to enter into the optical path  231  of the optical sensor  230  provided on the cartridge mounting portion  276  during the mounting of the ink cartridge  10  to the cartridge mounting portion  276 . The signal blocking portion  199  may comprise resin material which does not allow light to pass therethrough or alters the path of light passing therethrough. The signal blocking portion  191 , the signal blocking  199 , and the ink supply portion  90  may intersect a first plane, e.g. a plane which is parallel with the arrow  32  and the arrow  33  of  FIGS. 2(   a )- 2 ( d ), and the signal blocking portion  199  and the signal blocking portion  72  may intersect a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane e.g., a plane which is parallel with the arrow  31  and the arrow  33  of  FIGS. 2(   a )- 2 ( d ), when a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the ink chamber  100  and the signal blocking portion  72  is positioned in the inner space  142 . With this configuration, a later-described procedure for determining the type of the ink cartridge readily may be performed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge mounting portion  276  may comprise a plurality, e.g., four, cases  280  corresponding to different colors, e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, arranged in parallel in the widthwise direction. Each case  280  may comprise a case body  281  and a lock lever  283 . The case body  281  may comprise a storage chamber  282  configured to store the ink cartridge  10  therein, and an opening  284  may be formed through the front side of the case body  281 . The case  280  may be configured to allow the ink cartridge  10  and  10 ′ to be mounted to and removed from the case body  281  via the opening  284 . 
     The optical sensor  230  and the optical sensor  235  may be positioned on the closed end side of the storage chamber  282 . The optical sensor  230  may be positioned at a wall surface  286  which comprises the closed end of the storage chamber  282 . The optical sensor  230  may be configured (a) to detect the type of the ink cartridge  10  and  10 ′ mounted to the case  280 ; and (b) to detect whether the amount of ink in the ink cartridge  10  and  10 ′ is less than or equal to a predetermined amount of ink, e.g., an amount of ink sufficient to render an image onto a recording medium. For example, the optical sensor  230  may comprise a photo interrupter including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The optical sensor  230  may be coupled to the main controller  200 , and electric signals outputted from the light-receiving element may be supplied to the main controller  200 . The optical path  231  may be formed between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the optical sensor  230 . The type of the ink cartridge may be determined on the output signal, which corresponds to the intensity of received light, of the optical sensor  230  when the signal blocking arrangement  185  or the signal blocking arrangement  195  is inserted into the optical path  231 . 
     The optical sensor  235  may be positioned at the inner side of a wall surface  287  which comprises the top of the case body  281 . The optical sensor  235  may be configured to detect whether the signal blocking portion  191  of the signal blocking arrangement  186  is present at a predetermined position, such that whether or not the ink cartridge  10  is mounted may be determined. For example, the optical sensor  235  may comprise a photo interrupter comprising a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The optical sensor  235  may be coupled to the main controller  200 , and electric signals outputted from the light-receiving element may be supplied to the main controller  200 . When light is blocked by the signal blocking portion  191  in the optical path  236  of the optical sensor  235 , the intensity of light received by the light-receiving element may be substantially instantaneously reduced. 
     A connecting portion  285  may be positioned at the lower portion of the wall surface  286  and may be configured to be connected to the ink supply port  91 . The connecting portion  285  may project from the wall surface  286  toward the interior of the storage chamber  282 . A through hole  288  may be formed through the connecting portion  285 , and an ink tube may be inserted into the through hole  288 . The through hole  288  may be formed at a position corresponding to the ink supply port  91 . A tube may be provided on the inner side of the connecting portion  285 , and when the ink cartridge  10  is mounted in the case  280 , the tube may be inserted into the ink supply port  91 , such that the ink supply port  91  and the connecting portion  285  are connected to each other. 
     A contact portion  240  may be positioned at the upper portion of the wall surface  286 , and a contact portion  241  may be positioned at the lower portion of the wall surface  286 . When the ink cartridge  10  is inserted into the case  280 , the contact portion  240  may contact the distal end of the signal blocking arrangement  186 , and the contact portion  241  may contact the distal end of the projecting portion  181 . 
     The lock lever  283  may be configured to selectively open and close the opening  284 , and to reliably secure the ink cartridge  10  in the storage chamber  282 . The lock lever  283  may be supported at one end, so as to be rotatable about an axis  290  at the upper edge of the opening  284 . The lock lever  283  may comprise an operating portion  293  and a claw  294 . The operating portion  293  may be positioned at an outer surface  297  of the lock lever  283  adjacent the other end of the lock lever, and the claw  294  may be positioned at the other end of the lock lever  283 . A groove  299  may be formed at the lower edge of the opening  284 , and may be configured to engage the claw  294 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2(   a ),  2 ( b ),  8 , and  13 - 15 , a process for mounting or inserting the ink cartridge  10  into the case  280  is depicted. When the ink cartridge  10  is inserted into the storage chamber  282  of the case  280 , the signal blocking portion  189  of the signal blocking arrangement  185  may first enter into the optical path  231  of the optical sensor  230 . Then, when the ink cartridge  10  is further inserted into the storage chamber  282 , the signal blocking portion  191  of the signal blocking arrangement  186  enters into the optical path  236  of the optical sensor  235 . At a time when the signal blocking portion  191  enters into the optical path  236 , the signal blocking portion  189  has passed through the optical path  231  of the optical sensor  230 , and light emitted from the light-emitting element passes through the space  190  behind the signal blocking portion  189 . 
     When the ink cartridge  10  is inserted to the closed end of the storage chamber  282 , the distal end of the signal blocking arrangement  186  contacts the contact portion  240 , and the distal end of the projecting portion  181  contacts the contact portion  241 . At this time, the cutout  187  has entered into the optical path  231 . 
     When the lock lever  283  is rotated in the direction to close the opening  284 , an inner surface  296  of the lock lever  283  contacts the rear wall of the cover member  22  and presses the ink cartridge  10  in the direction of insertion. At this time, the coil springs  23  and  24  are compressed. Accordingly, the main body  20  moves in the direction of insertion in a state in which the movable member  21  is stationary and the main body  20  moves toward the movable member  21 . 
     When the main body  20  is further moved in the direction of insertion, the ink supply port  91  is connected to the connecting portion  285 , and the translucent portion  140  enters into the cutout  187  and into the optical path  231  of the optical sensor  230 . 
     When the lock lever  283  is completely closed, and the claw  294  engages with the groove  299 , the lock lever  283  is locked with respect to the opening  284 , and the opening  284  is closed by the lock lever  283 . At this time, the main body  20  of the ink cartridge  10  receives an urging force of the coil springs  23  and  24 , and the rear wall of the cover member  22  is pressed against the inner surface  296  of the lock lever  283 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , the main controller  200  may control the operation of the recording apparatus  250 . The main controller  200  may be a micro computer comprising a central processing unit (CPU)  201 , a read only memory (ROM)  202 , a random access memory (RAM)  203 , an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM)  204 , and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)  205 . 
     The ROM  202  may store a program used by the CPU  201  for controlling the respective operations of the recording apparatus  250 , and a program for discriminating the type of the ink cartridge  10  and  10 ′. The RAM  203  may be a storage area or a work area for temporarily storing the respective data used by the CPU  201  for executing the programs. The EEPROM  204  may store settings, flags, or the like to be retained, even after the power is turned off. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 16 , the head control board  270 , the optical sensor  230 , and the optical sensor  235  may be coupled to the ASIC  205 . A drive circuit (not shown) for driving the respective rollers of the paper feeding apparatus  252  and the transferring apparatus  253 , an input unit for entering printing instruction or the like to the recording apparatus  250 , and a display device for displaying information relating the recording apparatus  250 , also may be connected to the ASIC  205 . 
     The head control board  270  may control the recording head  272  based on the signals, e.g., control signal and image signal, supplied from the ASIC  205 . Accordingly, the ink may be selectively discharged at a predetermined timing from the nozzle  274  of the recording head  272 . 
     The optical sensor  230  may output sensor signals based on the intensity of light received by the light-receiving element. For example, analog electric signals, such as voltage signals or current signals, may be outputted from the optical sensor  230  based on the intensity of light received by the light-receiving element. The sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  may be supplied to the main controller  200 , and the main controller  200  may determine that the sensor signal is a HIGH level signal when the electrical level, e.g., voltage value or current value, of the sensor signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, and may determine that the sensor signal is a LOW level signal when the electrical level is less than the threshold value. For example, it may be determined that the sensor signal is a LOW level signal when the optical path  231  of the optical sensor  230  is blocked, and that the sensor signal may be a HIGH level signal when the optical path  231  is not blocked. 
     The optical sensor  235  may function in substantially the same way as the optical sensor  230 , and may output sensor signals based on the intensity of light received by the light-receiving element. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17(   a ) and  17 ( b ), exemplary time profiles of signal levels of the sensor signals outputted from the optical sensor  230  and the optical sensor  235  during the mounting of the ink cartridge  10  are depicted, and referring to  FIGS. 17(   c ) and  17 ( c ), exemplary time profiles of signal levels of the sensor signals outputted from the optical sensor  230  and the optical sensor  235  during the mounting of the ink cartridge  10 ′ are depicted. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17(   a ) and  17 ( c ), the time profile of the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  235  when the ink cartridge  10  is mounted to the case  280  may be the same as the time profile of the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  235  when the ink cartridge  10 ′ is mounted to the case  280 . Specifically, when the signal blocking portion  191  enters into the optical path  236  of the optical sensor  235  and blocks or alters the path of the light, the signal level changes from HIGH to LOW at the time T 1 . In the main controller  200 , this change of the signal level from HIGH to LOW may be used as a trigger signal in a process for determining the type of the ink cartridge. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17(   b ), when the ink cartridge  10  is mounted to the case  280 , the signal blocking portion  189  enters into the optical path  231  and blocks or alters the path of the light at a time T 0 . At this time, the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  changes from HIGH to LOW Because the signal blocking portion  189  may be a flat plate, the duration in which the light is blocked or its path is altered may be relatively short. The signal blocking portion  189  passes through the optical path  231  and the space  190  enters the optical path after the time T 0  and before the time T 1 . Therefore, at the time T 1 , the signal level of the optical sensor  230  has been restored from LOW to HIGH. 
     Subsequently, when the ink cartridge  10  is further inserted, the cutout  187  enters the optical path  231 , and when the ink cartridge  10  is completely mounted to the case  280 , the translucent portion  140  enters the optical path  231  via the cutout  187  between a time T 2  and a time T 3 . In this state, the position of the signal blocking portion  72  may be detected. In  FIG. 17(   b ), the signal level when the signal blocking portion  72  is in the optical path  231  is represented by a solid line (LOW level), and the signal level when the signal blocking portion  72  is out of the optical path  231  is represented by a broken line (HIGH level). 
     Referring to  FIG. 17(   d ), when the ink cartridge  10 ′ is mounted to the case  280 , the signal blocking portion  199  also enters the optical path  231  to block the light or alter the path of the light at the time T 0 . At this time, the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  changes from HIGH to LOW. Because the signal blocking portion  199  has the side walls  198 , the duration during which the light is blocked or altered by the signal blocking portion  199  may be greater than the duration during which the light is blocked or altered by the signal blocking portion  189 . Specifically, at the time T 1 , the side walls  198  still may be in the optical path  231 . Therefore, at the time T 1 , the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  is maintained in the LOW state. 
     Subsequently, when the ink cartridge  10 ′ is further inserted, at the time T 2 , the side walls  198  pass through the optical path  231 , and the cutout  187  enters the optical path  231 . At this time, the signal level of the optical sensor  230  is restored from LOW to HIGH. Then, when the ink cartridge  10 ′ is completely mounted to the case  280 , the translucent portion  140  enters the optical path  231  via the cutout  187  at a time between time T 2  and Time T 3 . In this state, the position of the signal blocking portion  72  may be detected. In  FIG. 17(   d ), the signal level when the signal blocking portion  72  is in the optical path  231  is represented by a solid line (LOW level), and the signal level when the signal blocking portion  72  is out of the optical path  231  is represented by a broken line (HIGH level). 
     The type of the ink cartridge may be determined by the main controller  200  based on the time profiles of the optical sensor  230  and the optical sensor  235 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , a procedure for determining whether the mounted ink cartridge is the ink cartridge  10  or the ink cartridge  10 ′ is depicted. In Step S 1 , the main controller  200  determines whether the signal blocking portion  189  or  199  has entered the optical path  231  of the optical sensor  230 , e.g., it is determined whether or not the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  has changed from HIGH to LOW When the main controller  200  determines that the signal blocking portion  189  or  199  has entered the optical path  231 , Step S 2  is performed. Step S 2  is not performed until the main controller  200  determines that the signal blocking portion  189  or  199  has entered the optical path  231 . 
     In the Step S 2 , the main controller  200  determines whether the signal blocking portion  191  has entered the optical path  236 , e.g., it is determined whether the signal level of the optical sensor  235  has changed from HIGH to LOW, which corresponds to a detection of a trigger signal. When the trigger signal is detected in Step S 2 , in Step S 3 , the main controller  200  determines whether the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  at the time T 1  when the trigger signal is detected is HIGH or LOW For example, when the signal level at the time T 1  is HIGH, the main controller  200  may determine that the ink cartridge  10  is inserted in the case  280 , and when the signal level at the time T 1  is LOW, the main controller may determine that the ink cartridge  10 ′ is inserted in the case  280 . 
     When it is determined that the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  is HIGH in Step S 3 , a bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to the ink cartridge  10  is set to a register, e.g., a register of the CPU  201 . If a bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to the ink cartridge  10 ′ has been set previously, the bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to the ink cartridge  10 ′ is cleared, and the bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to the ink cartridge  10  is set. On the other hand, when it is determined that the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  is LOW, the bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to the ink cartridge  10 ′ is set to the register. If the bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to the ink cartridge  10  has been set previously, the bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to the ink cartridge  10  is cleared, and the bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to the ink cartridge  10 ′ is set. If the bit flag is set, the recording apparatus  250  or an information processing apparatus e.g. a personal computer connected to the recording apparatus  250 , may display which of the ink cartridges  10  and  10 ′ is inserted, based on the flag. 
     If signal level of the optical sensor  235  changes from Low to High, the determination process may start again. Moreover, the determination process may be executed when the lock lever  283  is opened, and the determination process may conclude when the lock lever  283  is closed. 
     The type of the ink cartridge  10  and  10 ′ may be determined based on the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  at the time T 1  when the trigger signal is detected. Therefore, the configuration of the ink cartridge  10  and  10 ′ allows the recording apparatus  250  to accurately determine the type of the ink cartridge  10  or  10 ′ independent of the speed with which the user mounts the ink cartridge  10  or  10 ′ to the printer and regardless of whether the user begins to insert the ink cartridge into the printer and then partially removes the ink cartridge before finally fully inserting the ink cartridge into the printer. 
     The above described process is configured to discriminate between the two types of the ink cartridges  10  and  10 ′, however, three or more types of ink cartridges may be discriminated. Moreover, an ink cartridge containing black ink and an ink cartridge containing color ink other than the black ink may be discriminated, and an ink cartridge containing pigment ink and an ink cartridge containing dye ink also may be discriminated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , a packaging arrangement  230 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, is depicted. The packaging arrangement  230  may comprise an ink cartridge, e.g., the ink cartridge  10  (or  10 ′), and a packaging member  231 . The ink cartridge  10  may be accommodated in an interior of the packaging member  231 . The ink cartridge  10  may be shipped and sold in the packaging arrangement  230 . 
     The interior of the ink chamber  100  may be depressurized to a pressure less than the atmospheric pressure by, for example, a vacuum pump to reduce an amount of air dissolved in the ink in the ink chamber  100 . The interior of the packaging member  231  also may be depressurized to a pressure less than the atmospheric pressure by, for example, a vacuum pump to prevent air from entering into the ink chamber  100  through the films covering the side faces  45  and  46 . 
     The packaging member  231  may be liquid-proof but may have some gas permeability. Therefore, air may enter the interior of the packaging member  231  when the packaging arrangement  230  is left unused for an extended period of time. Nevertheless, if a depressurized space exists in the interior of the packaging member  231 , the interior of the packaging member  231  may be maintained at a stable depressurized state for an extended period of time. 
     The packaging arrangement  230  may be manufactured as follows. The ink cartridge  10  may be accommodated in the interior of the packaging member  231  in a state in which the movable member  21  is held at the first (extended) position shown in  FIG. 2(   b ). While maintaining this state, the pressure in the interior of the packaging member  231  may be reduced to a pressure which is less than the atmospheric pressure, and the packaging member  231  may be sealed. Because the ink cartridge  10  may be accommodated in the packaging member  231  in this manner, the depressurized space of a predetermined capacity may be formed between the front face  41  of the main body  20  and the front wall  161  of the movable member  21  in the interior of the packaging member  231 . Therefore, the interior of the packaging member  231  may be maintained as the depressurized state for an extended period of time. 
     Nevertheless, if the interior of the packaging member  231  is depressurized too much, a pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure and the pressure in the interior of the packaging member  231  may become so great that a relatively large force acts on the ink cartridge  10 . In this case, if the depressurized space is formed between the front face  41  of the main body  20  and the front wall  161  of the movable member  21 , the movable member  21  may deform inward and may not be restored to an original shape. Therefore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the ink cartridge  10 ′ may be accommodated in the packaging member  231  in a state in which the movable member  21  is held at the second (retracted) position shown in  FIG. 2(   c ). When the movable member  21  is at the second position, the depressurized space between the front face  41  of the main body  20  and the front wall  161  of the movable member  21  is relatively small, and therefore, the deformation of the movable member  21  may be prevented. The size of the packaging arrangement  230  may also be reduced. Because the depressurizes space still exits even though it is relatively small, the interior of the packaging member  231  may be maintained at a stable depressurized state for a reasonable period of time. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20 and 21  a cartridge mounting portion  1276 , according to another embodiment of the present invention, is depicted. The cartridge mounting portion  1276  may comprise a lock lever  1283  instead of the lock lever  283  of the cartridge mounting portion  276 . The lock lever  283  may comprise a first portion  1291 , a second portion  1292 , and a pivot portion  1290  between the first portion  1291  and the second portion  1292 . The pivot portion  1290  is supported at the upper portion of the case  280  adjacent to the opening  284  such that the lock lever  1283  may pivot about the pivot portion  1290 . The first portion  1291  extends from the pivot portion to the outside of the case  280 , and the second portion  1292  extends from the pivot portion  1290  to the storage chamber  282 . The first portion  1291  may be positioned above the second portion  1292  because the weight of the first portion  1291  is less than the weight of the second portion  1292 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , when the ink cartridge  10  is installed in the cartridge mounting portion  1276 , a portion of the second portion  1292  contacts a portion of the latching recess  1000 . The main body  20  of the ink cartridge  10  receives the urging force of the coil springs  23  and  24  toward the opening  284 . Nevertheless, because the portion of the second portion  1292  contacts the portion of the latching recess  1000  to retain the main body  20  in the case  280  against the urging force of the coil springs  23  and  24 , the ink cartridge  10  remains in the case  280 . 
     When a user intends to remove the ink cartridge  10  from the cartridge mounting portion  1276 , the user applies a downward force to an end portion of the first portion  1291 . The lock lever  1283  then pivots about the pivot portion  1290 , as shown in  FIG. 21 , and the second portion  1292  moves up and separates from the latching recess  1000 . Consequently, the coil springs  23  and  24  expand, and the ink cartridge  10  is partially ejected from the cartridge mounting portion  1276 . The user then grasps the rear portion of the ink cartridge  10  and removes the ink cartridge  10  from the cartridge mounting portion  1276 . Thus, the ink cartridge readily may be removed from the cartridge mounting portion  1276 . Moreover, because the ink cartridge  10  is not configured to retain the movable member  21  in the second position by itself, the movable member  21  moves freely from the second position to the first position when the second portion  1292  separates from the latching recess  1000 , and thereby the ink cartridge  10  is partially ejected from the cartridge mounting portion  1276 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 22(   a ) and  22 ( b ), a distance D 1  between the signal blocking portion  191  and the signal blocking portion  189  of the ink cartridge  10 , or alternatively between the signal blocking portion  191  and the signal blocking portion  199  of the ink cartridge  10 ′, in the height direction, as indicated by the arrow  32 , may be between about 32 millimeters and about 35 millimeters. A distance D 2  between a front end of the signal blocking portion  191  and a front end the signal blocking portion  189  of the ink cartridge  10 , or alternatively between a front end of the signal blocking portion  191  and a front end of the signal blocking portion  199  of the ink cartridge  10 ′, in the depth direction, as indicated by the arrow  33 , may be between about 4.7 millimeters and about 7.6 millimeters. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 23(   a ) and  23 ( b ), an ink cartridge  2010  according to still another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a case  2020  having a substantially flat, hexahedron shape. A width of the ink cartridge  2010  in a width direction, as indicated by the arrow  31 , may be relatively short, and each of a height of the ink cartridge  2010  in a height direction, as indicated by the arrow  32 , and a depth of the ink cartridge  2010  in a depth direction, as indicated by the arrow  33 , may be greater than the width of the ink cartridge  2010 . 
     The case  2020  may comprise an ink chamber formed therein for storing ink. The case  2020  may comprise a translucent resin material, such as a transparent or semi-transparent resin material, e.g., a resin comprising polyacetal, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like, or any combination thereof, to allow light to pass therethrough. The case  2020  may comprise a front face  2041 , a rear face  2042 , a top face  2043 , and a bottom face  2044 . The case  2020  also may comprise a left side face  2045  and a right side face  2046  which oppose each other, and each of the side faces  2045  and  2046  is connected to the front face  2041 , the rear face  2042 , the top face  2043 , and the bottom face  2044 . Each of the side faces  2045  and  2046  has a surface area which is greater than each of a surface area of the front face  2041 , a surface area of the rear face  2042 , a surface area of the top face  2043 , and a surface area of the bottom face  2044 . 
     The ink cartridge  2010  may comprise an ink supply portion  2090  positioned at the front face  2041  at a position adjacent to the bottom face  2044 . The ink supply portion  2090  may have the same or substantially the same structure as the ink supply portion  90  of the ink cartridge  10 . 
     An air intake hole  2080  may be formed through the top face  2043 . Before the ink cartridge  2010  is used, a sticker (not shown) may be placed on the top face  2043  to cover the air intake hole  2080 , such that fluid communication between the interior of the ink chamber and the exterior of the ink cartridge  2010  via the air intake hole  2080  is prevented. When a user intends to use the ink cartridge  2010 , the user removes the sticker from the top face  2043 , such that the ink chamber is brought into fluid communication with the exterior of the ink cartridge  2010  via the air intake hole  2080 . 
     The ink cartridge  2010  may comprise a translucent plate  2002  extending from the front face  2041  of the case  2020  in a direction away from the case  2020  and perpendicular to the front face  2041 . The translucent plate  2002  may comprise the same translucent resin material as the case  2020  to allow light to pass therethrough. The translucent plate  2002  may have a substantially flat, hexahedron shape. A width of the translucent plate  2002  in the width direction, as indicated by the arrow  31 , may be relatively short, and each of a height of the translucent plate  2002  in the height direction, as indicated by the arrow  32 , and a depth of the translucent plate  2002  in the depth direction, as indicated by the arrow  33 , may be greater than the width of the translucent plate  2002 . The translucent plate  2002  may have a cut-out, e.g., a rectangular cut-out  2005 , formed therethrough, and the cut-out  2005  extends from a front side of the translucent plate  2002  toward a rear side of the translucent plate  2002 . 
     The ink cartridge  2010  may comprise an opaque sticker  2001  attached to the translucent plate  2002 . The opaque sticker  2001  may be configured to block light, e.g., may be a black sticker which prevents light from passing therethrough, or may be a sticker which alters a path of the light, e.g., an aluminum sticker. The opaque sticker  2001  may have a rectangular shape having an opening, e.g., a rectangular opening  2003 , formed though substantially a center of the opaque sticker  2001 , and a cut-out, e.g., a rectangular cut-out  2004  formed through the opaque sticker  2001 . The opening  2003  and the cut-out  2004  may be aligned in the depth direction, as indicated by the arrow  33 . The cut-out  2004  of the opaque sticker  2001  may match the cut-out  2005  of the translucent plate  2002  when the opaque sticker  2001  is attached to the translucent plate  2002 . The opaque sticker  2001  may comprise a first signal blocking portion  2191 , a second signal blocking portion  2189 , and a third signal blocking portion  2072 . The second signal blocking portion  2189  is positioned below the first signal blocking portion  2191  when the ink cartridge  2010  is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion  276 , and the first signal blocking portion  2191  may be aligned with the second signal blocking portion  2189  in the height direction, as indicated by the arrow  32 . The second signal blocking portion  2189  is positioned at the rear of the cutout  2004 , such that the second signal blocking portion  2189  is positioned between the cut-out  2004  and the opening  2003  in the depth direction, as indicated by the arrow  33 . The third signal blocking portion  2072  is aligned with the second signal blocking portion  2189  in the depth direction, as indicated by the arrow  33 , and is positioned at the rear of the opening  2003 , such that the opening  2003  is positioned between the second signal blocking portion  2189  and the third signal blocking portion  2072  in the depth direction, as indicated by the arrow  33 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 24(   a ) and  24 ( b ), the ink cartridge  2010  may be replaced by an ink cartridge  2010 ′ according to still yet another embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, in the ink cartridge  2010 ′, the opaque sticker  2001  may have an opening  2003 ′, the length of which is less than the length of the opening  2003  in the depth direction, as indicated by the arrow  33 . Consequently, the opaque sticker  2001  of the ink cartridge  2010 ′ may comprise a second signal blocking portion  2199 , the length of which is greater than the length of the second signal blocking portion  2189  in the depth direction. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 25(   a ) and  25 ( b ), exemplary time profiles of signal levels of the sensor signals outputted from the optical sensor  230  and the optical sensor  235  during the mounting of the ink cartridge  2010  to the cartridge mounting portion  276  are depicted. Similarly, and referring to  FIGS. 25(   c ) and  25 ( c ), exemplary time profiles of signal levels of the sensor signals outputted from the optical sensor  230  and the optical sensor  235  during the mounting of the ink cartridge  2010 ′ to the cartridge mounting portion  276  are depicted. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 25(   a ) and  25 ( c ), the time profile of the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  235  when the ink cartridge  2010  is mounted to the case  280  may be the same as the time profile of the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  235  when the ink cartridge  2010 ′ is mounted to the case  280 . Specifically, when the first signal blocking portion  2191  enters into the optical path  236  of the optical sensor  235  and blocks or alters the path of the light, the signal level changes from HIGH to LOW at the time T 1 . In the main controller  200 , this change of the signal level from HIGH to LOW may be used as a trigger signal in a process for determining at least one characteristic, e.g., the type, of the ink cartridge. 
     Referring to  FIG. 25(   b ), when the ink cartridge  2010  is mounted to the case  280 , the second signal blocking portion  2189  enters into the optical path  231  and blocks or alters the path of the light at a time T 0 . At this time, the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  changes from HIGH to LOW. The duration in which the light is blocked or its path is altered by the second signal blocking portion  2189  may be relatively short. The second signal blocking portion  2189  passes through the optical path  231  and the opening  2003  enters the optical path after the time T 0  and before the time T 1 . Therefore, at the time T 1 , the signal level of the optical sensor  230  has been restored from LOW to HIGH. 
     Subsequently, when the ink cartridge  2010  is further inserted and when the ink cartridge  10  is completely mounted to the case  280 , the third signal blocking portion  2072  enters the optical path  231  between a time T 2  and a time T 3 . Therefore, at the time T 3 , the signal level of the optical sensor  230  has changed from High to Low. 
     Referring to  FIG. 25(   d ), when the ink cartridge  2010 ′ is mounted to the case  280 , the second signal blocking portion  2199  enters the optical path  231  to block the light or alter the path of the light at the time T 0 . At this time, the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  changes from HIGH to LOW. Because the length of the second signal blocking portion  2199  in the depth direction is relatively long, the duration during which the light is blocked or altered by the second signal blocking portion  2199  may be greater than the duration during which the light is blocked or altered by the second signal blocking portion  2189 . Specifically, at the time T 1 , the second signal blocking portion  2199  still may be in the optical path  231 . Therefore, at the time T 1 , the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  is maintained in the LOW state. 
     Subsequently, when the ink cartridge  2010 ′ is further inserted, at the time T 2 , the second signal blocking portion  2199  passes through the optical path  231 , and the opening  2003 ′ enters the optical path  231 . At this time, the signal level of the optical sensor  230  is restored from LOW to HIGH. Then, when the ink cartridge  2010 ′ is completely mounted to the case  280 , the third signal blocking portion  2072  enters the optical path  231  at a time between time T 2  and Time T 3 . Therefore, at the time T 3 , the signal level of the optical sensor  230  has changed from High to Low. 
     The type of the ink cartridge  2010  and  2010 ′ may be determined by the main controller  200  based on the time profiles of the optical sensor  230  and the optical sensor  235  following the same procedure depicted in  FIG. 18 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 26 , an ink cartridge  3010  according to a further embodiment of the present invention may comprise a case  3020  having a substantially flat, hexahedron shape. A width of the ink cartridge  3010  in a width direction, as indicated by the arrow  31 , may be relatively short, and each of a height of the ink cartridge  3010  in a height direction, as indicated by the arrow  32 , and a depth of the ink cartridge  3010  in a depth direction, as indicated by the arrow  33 , may be greater than the width of the ink cartridge  3010 . 
     The case  3020  may comprise an ink chamber formed therein for storing ink. The case  3020  may comprise a translucent resin material, such as a transparent or semi-transparent resin material, e.g., a resin comprising polyacetal, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like, or any combination thereof, to allow light to pass therethrough. The case  3020  may comprise a front face  3041 , a rear face  3042 , a top face  3043 , and a bottom face  3044 . The case  3020  also may comprise a left side face  3045  and a right side face  3046  which oppose each other, and each of the side faces  3045  and  3046  is connected to the front face  3041 , the rear face  3042 , the top face  3043 , and the bottom face  3044 . Each of the side faces  3045  and  3046  has a surface area which is greater than each of a surface area of the front face  3041 , a surface area of the rear face  3042 , a surface area of the top face  3043 , and a surface area of the bottom face  3044 . 
     The ink cartridge  3010  may comprise an ink supply portion  3090  positioned at the front face  3041  at a position adjacent to the bottom face  3044 . The ink supply portion  3090  may have the same or substantially the same structure as the ink supply portion  90  of the ink cartridge  10 . 
     An air intake hole  3080  may be formed through the top face  3043 . Before the ink cartridge  3010  is used, a sticker (not shown) may be placed on the top face  3043  to cover the air intake hole  3080 , such that fluid communication between the interior of the ink chamber and the exterior of the ink cartridge  3010  via the air intake hole  3080  is prevented. When a user intends to use the ink cartridge  3010 , the user removes the sticker from the top face  3043 , such that the ink chamber is brought into fluid communication with the exterior of the ink cartridge  3010  via the air intake hole  3080 . 
     A translucent portion  3140  may be positioned at the front face  3041  of the case  3020 , and the translucent portion  3140  may extend in a direction away from the front face  3041  along the depth direction, as indicated by the arrow  33 . The translucent portion  3140  may be integral with the case  3020 , and may comprise the same material as the case  3020 , e.g., the translucent portion  3140  may comprise a translucent resin material to allow light to pass therethrough. The translucent portion  3140  may have an inner space formed therein, and the inner space may be in fluid communication with the ink chamber. 
     The ink cartridge  3010  may comprise an arm having the same or substantially the same structure as the arm  70 . The arm of the ink cartridge  3010  may comprise a signal blocking portion as the arm  70  comprises, and the signal blocking portion moves within the inner space of the translucent portion  3140  based on an amount of ink within the ink chamber. 
     The ink cartridge  3010  may comprise a first signal blocking portion  3191  extending from the front face  3041  of the case  3020  at a position adjacent to the top face  3043 . The first signal blocking portion  3191  may extend in a direction away from the case  3020  and perpendicular to the front face  3041 . The ink cartridge  3010  further may comprise a second signal blocking portion  3189  and a connecting portion  3001 . The connecting portion  3001  may comprise a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. A first end of the first portion of the connecting portion  3001  is connected to an front end of the first signal blocking portion  3191 , and the first portion of connecting portion  3001  extends from the first end of the first portion of the connecting portion  3001  to the left to reach a second end of the first portion of the connecting portion  3001 , in the width direction, as indicated by the arrow  31 . A first end of the second portion of the connecting portion  3001  is connected to the second end of the first portion of the connecting portion  3001 , and the second portion of the connecting portion  3001  extends from the first end of the second portion of the connecting portion  3001  toward the ink supply portion  3090  to reach a second end of the second portion of the connecting portion  3001 , in the height direction, as indicated by the arrow  32 . A first end of the third portion of the connecting portion  3001  is connected to the second end of the second portion of the connecting portion  3001 , and the third portion of the connecting portion  3001  extends from the first end of the third portion of the connecting portion  3001  to the right to reach a second end of the third portion of connecting portion  3001 , in the width direction. The second signal blocking portion  3189  extends from the third portion of the connecting portion  3001  toward the ink supply portion  3090  in the height direction. The second signal blocking portion  3189  is positioned in front of the translucent portion  3140  such that the second signal blocking portion  3189  may be aligned with the signal blocking portion of the arm positioned within the translucent portion  3140  in the depth direction, as indicated by the arrow  33 . 
     The first signal blocking portion  3191  and the second signal blocking portion  3189  may comprise a resin material which does not allow light to pass therethrough or alters the path of light passing therethrough. The first signal blocking portion  3191  may be aligned with the second signal blocking portion  3189  in the height direction, as indicated by the arrow  32 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 27 , the ink cartridge  3010  may be replaced by an ink cartridge  3010 ′ according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the ink cartridge  3010 ′ may comprise a second signal blocking portion  3199 , the length of which is greater than the length of the second signal blocking portion  3189  in the depth direction, as indicated by the arrow  33 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 28(   a ) and  28 ( b ), exemplary time profiles of signal levels of the sensor signals outputted from the optical sensor  230  and the optical sensor  235  during the mounting of the ink cartridge  3010  to the cartridge mounting portion  276  are depicted, and referring to  FIGS. 28(   c ) and  28 ( d ), exemplary time profiles of signal levels of the sensor signals outputted from the optical sensor  230  and the optical sensor  235  during the mounting of the ink cartridge  3010 ′ to the cartridge mounting portion  276  are depicted. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 28(   a ) and  28 ( c ), the time profile of the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  235  when the ink cartridge  3010  is mounted to the case  280  may be the same as the time profile of the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  235  when the ink cartridge  3010 ′ is mounted to the case  280 . Specifically, when the first signal blocking portion  3191  enters into the optical path  236  of the optical sensor  235  and blocks or alters the path of the light, the signal level changes from HIGH to LOW at the time T 1 . In the main controller  200 , this change of the signal level from HIGH to LOW may be used as a trigger signal in a process for determining at least one characteristic, e.g., the type, of the ink cartridge. 
     Referring to  FIG. 28(   b ), when the ink cartridge  3010  is mounted to the case  280 , the second signal blocking portion  3189  enters into the optical path  231  and blocks or alters the path of the light at a time T 0 . At this time, the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  changes from HIGH to LOW. Because the length of the second signal blocking portion  3189  is relatively short, the duration in which the light is blocked or its path is altered may be relatively short. The second signal blocking portion  3189  passes through the optical path  231  and the space between the second signal blocking portion  3189  and the translucent portion  3140  enters the optical path after the time T 0  and before the time T 1 . Therefore, at the time T 1 , the signal level of the optical sensor  230  has been restored from LOW to HIGH. 
     Subsequently, when the ink cartridge  3010  is further inserted and when the ink cartridge  3010  is completely mounted to the case  280 , the translucent portion  3140  enters the optical path  231  between a time T 2  and a time T 3 . In this state, the position of the signal blocking portion of the arm may be detected. In  FIG. 28(   b ), the signal level when the signal blocking portion of the arm is in the optical path  231  is represented by a solid line (LOW level), and the signal level when the signal blocking portion of the arm is out of the optical path  231  is represented by a broken line (HIGH level). 
     Referring to  FIG. 28(   d ), when the ink cartridge  3010 ′ is mounted to the case  280 , the second signal blocking portion  3199  enters the optical path  231  to block the light or alter the path of the light at the time T 0 . At this time, the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  changes from HIGH to LOW. Because the length of the second signal blocking portion  3199  is relatively long, the duration during which the light is blocked or altered by the second signal blocking portion  3199  may be greater than the duration during which the light is blocked or altered by the second signal blocking portion  3189 . Specifically, at the time T 1 , the second signal blocking portion  3199  still may be in the optical path  231 . Therefore, at the time T 1 , the signal level of the sensor signal outputted from the optical sensor  230  is maintained in the LOW state. 
     Subsequently, when the ink cartridge  3010 ′ is further inserted, at the time T 2 , the second signal blocking portion  3199  passes through the optical path  231 , and the space between the second signal blocking portion  3199  and the translucent portion  3140  enters the optical path  231 . At this time, the signal level of the optical sensor  230  is restored from LOW to HIGH. Then, when the ink cartridge  3010 ′ is completely mounted to the case  280 , the translucent portion  3140  enters the optical path  231  at a time between time T 2  and Time T 3 . In this state, the position of the signal blocking portion of the arm may be detected. In  FIG. 28(   d ), the signal level when the signal blocking portion of the arm is in the optical path  231  is represented by a solid line (LOW level), and the signal level when the signal blocking portion of the arm is out of the optical path  231  is represented by a broken line (HIGH level). 
     The type of the ink cartridge  3010  and  3010 ′ may be determined by the main controller  200  based on the time profiles of the optical sensor  230  and the optical sensor  235  following the same procedure depicted in  FIG. 18 . 
     Although the present invention has been described in connection with its natural environment with respect to its intended use with a printer, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the claims in the present application are directed towards ink cartridges. Moreover, any description of printer components in the claims merely are describing the intended environment of the claimed ink cartridge, and do not constitute components of the claimed invention. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other variations and modifications of the exemplary embodiments described above may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and the described examples are considered merely as exemplary of the invention, with the true scope of the invention being indicated by the flowing claims.