Patent ID: 8496309

Claim:
A recording apparatus comprising: a cartridge accommodating section in which an ink cartridge of a predetermined type is mountable, the ink cartridge including: an ink chamber configured to store ink therein; a first heat conductor configured to conduct heat to the ink; a pyroelectric portion configured to output an electrical signal; and a first electrical interface connected to the pyroelectric portion, the cartridge accommodating section including: a second electrical interface connectable to the first electrical interface when the ink cartridge is mounted in the cartridge accommodating section; a heater configured to apply heat; and a second heat conductor configured to conduct heat to the first heat conductor when the ink cartridge is mounted in the cartridge accommodating section; and a controller configured to determine at least one of the type of the ink cartridge mounted in the cartridge accommodating section and whether an amount of ink in the ink chamber is less than a predetermined amount based on the electrical signal inputted from the pyroelectric portion via the second electrical interface.