WO1998055318A1 - Ink delivery system adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

A large variety of ink delivery systems for an existing ink-jet printing system are provided. The ink delivery systems include ink reservoirs of varying configuration and size which are capable of accommodating a variety of ink use rates. Each ink delivery system also has an electrical connector and an information storage device which are suitable for the various ink use rates. The information storage device may be a memory device circuit that provides enabling information to the printing system.

Description

INK DELIVERY SYSTEM ADAPTER

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial

Number 09/034,874, attorney docket number 10971933-1, entitled " Ink Delivery System

Adapter" filed March 4, 1998 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application

Serial Number 08/785,580, attorney docket number 10960726-1 entitled "Apparatus

Controlled by Data From Consumable Parts With Incorporated Memory Devices ",

filed January 21, 1997. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent

Application Serial Number 08/871,566, attorney docket number 10970426-1, entitled

"Replaceable Ink Container Adapted to Form Reliable Fluid, Air, and Electrical

Connection to a Printing System ", filed June 4, 1997. Also, this application is related to

commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application 09/034,875, attorney docket number

10971934- 1 , entitled "Electrical Refurbishment for Ink Delivery System ", filed March

4, 1998 and to U.S. Patent Application Serial Number , attorney docket

number 10971936-1, entitled "Ink Container Refurbishment System " filed herewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates in general to ink-jet printing systems and, more

particularly, to ink-jet printing systems which makes use of an ink supply cartridge that

includes a memory device for exchanging information with the ink-jet printing system. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

One type of prior art ink-jet printing system or printing system has a printhead

mounted to a carriage which is moved back and forth over print media, such as paper.

As the printhead passes over appropriate locations on the print media, a control system

activates the printhead to eject ink drops onto the print media and form desired images

and characters. To work properly, such printing systems must have a reliable supply of

ink for the printhead.

One category of ink-jet printing system uses an ink supply that is mounted to

and moves with the carriage. In some types, the ink supply is replaceable separately

from the printhead. In others, the printhead and ink supply together form an integral unit

that is replaced as a unit once the ink in the ink supply is depleted.

Another category of printing system, referred to as an "off-axis" printing system,

uses ink supplies which are not located on the carriage. One type replenishes the

printhead intermittently. The printhead will travel to a stationary reservoir periodically

for replenishment. Parent application serial number 09/034,874 to this application,

entitled " Ink Delivery System Adapter " , attorney docket number 10971933-1, describes

another printing system wherein the printhead is fluidically coupled to a replaceable ink

supply or container via a conduit such as a flexible tube. This allows the printhead to be

continuously replenished during a printing operation.

In a parent application to this application, a replaceable off-axis ink supply is

described which has a memory device mounted to the housing. When installed into the

printing system, an electrical connection between the printing system and the memory

device is established. This electrical connection allows for the exchange of information between the printing system electronics and the memory. The memory device stores

information which is utilized by the printing system electronics to ensure high print

quality. This information is provided to the printing system electronics automatically

when the cartridge is mounted to the printing system. The exchange of information

assures compatibility of the cartridge with the printing system.

The stored information further prevents the use of the ink supply after it is

depleted of ink. Operating a printing system when the reservoir has been depleted of ink

can destroy the printhead. The memory devices concerned with this application are

updated with data concerning the amount of ink left in the reservoir as it is being used.

When a new cartridge is installed, the printing system will read information from the

memory device indicative of the reservoir volume. During usage, the printing system

estimates ink usage and updates the memory device to indicate how much ink is left in

the cartridge. When the ink is substantially depleted, this type of memory device can

store data indicative of an out-of-ink condition. When substantially depleted of ink,

these cartridges are typically discarded and a new cartridge along with a new memory

device is installed.

Previously used ink containers have fixed volumes of deliverable ink that have

been provided for printing systems based generally on ink usage rate requirements of a

particular user. However, printing systems users have a wide variety of ink usage rates

which may change over time. For ink-jet printing system users who require relatively

high ink usage rates, ink containers having these volumes require a relatively high ink

container replacement rate. This can be especially disruptive for print jobs which are

left to run overnight. Extended continuous use of printing systems causes ink containers to run out of ink during a print job. If the printing system does not shut down during an

"ink out" condition, the printhead or the printing system itself may be permanently

damaged.

For printing system users who require lower volumes of ink, a different set of

problems is encountered if the ink volume is too large. The ink may surpass its shelf life

prior to being utilized. Larger ink containers are more expensive and bulkier than

smaller cartridges and may be cost prohibitive to small volume users. Thus, a need

exists for providing adaptive ink supplies for the ink cartridge described in the parent

application, so that ink containers having a variety of ink volumes may be utilized. The

adaptive ink supplies should be still able to provide to the printing system the benefits of

the memory device of the original equipment ink cartridge.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Multiple embodiments of an adaptive ink delivery system for an existing ink-jet

printing system are provided. The adaptive ink delivery systems include ink reservoirs

of varying configuration and size that are capable of accommodating a variety of ink use

rates. Each adaptive ink delivery system also has an electrical connector and an

information storage device which are suitable for the various ink use rates. The

information storage device may be an emulation circuit that provides enabling

information to the printing system regardless of the actual condition of the ink reservoir.

The adaptive ink delivery systems allow one to locate the ink reservoir and/or the

information storage device remotely from the printing system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a printing system having an original

equipment ink delivery system.

Figure 2 is an isometric view of a printing system utilizing the printing system of

Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an end isometric view of an ink container of the printing system of

Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a side view of the ink container of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a partial enlarged proximal end view of the ink container of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a sectional side view of the ink container of Figure 3 taken along the

line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a partial enlarged isometric view of a portion of the printing system

of Figure 2, showing the ink container receptacles.

Figure 8 is an enlarged partial isometric and cut away view of the printing

system of Figure 2 taken along the line 8-8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is an enlarged isometric view of an interface portion of the printing

system of Figure 2.

Figure 10A is a partial sectional view of the interface portion of the printing

system which is shown in Figure 9 taken along the line 10A-10A of Figure 9 and

showing also a partial sectional view of the ink container installed.

Figure 1 OB is an enlarged view of the printing system of Figure 10 A, taken

along the line 10B-10B of Figure 10A. Figure 11 A is a partially exploded isometric view of the ink container of Figures

10 A, 10B, as shown from the distal end.

Figure 1 IB is a partially exploded isometric view of the ink container of Figures

10A, 10B, as shown from the proximal end.

Figure 12 is a further exploded isometric view of the ink container of Figures

10A, 10B.

Figure 13 is an enlarged side view showing the inductive fluid level sensors for

the ink container of Figures 10 A, 10B, shown detached from the ink container.

Figure 14 is a sectional view of the ink container of Figures 10 A, 10B, with the

proximal cap removed.

Figure 15 is a side view of a first embodiment of an adaptive ink delivery system

constructed in accordance with this invention.

Figure 16 is a side view of another embodiment of an adaptive ink delivery

system constructed in accordance with this invention

Figure 17 is a side view of another embodiment of an adaptive ink delivery

system constructed in accordance with this invention.

Figure 18 is a side view of another embodiment of an adaptive ink delivery

system constructed in accordance with this invention.

Figure 19 is a side view of another embodiment of an adaptive ink delivery

system constructed in accordance with this invention.

Figure 20 is a side view of another embodiment of an adaptive ink delivery

system constructed in accordance with this invention. Figure 21 is an enlarged proximal end view of an ink container showing another

embodiment of the electrical contacts.

Figure 22 is an enlarged sectional view of the ink container of Figure 21 shown

in alignment with the electrical interconnect portion.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Although the present invention comprises adapters and methods for altering the

volume of ink and the corresponding informational requirements supplied to a printing

system, the invention may be more clearly understood with a thorough discussion of the

printing system and original equipment ink container.

Referring to Figure 1, a printing system 10 having an ink container 12, a

printhead 14 and a source of pressurized gas, such as a compressor 16, is shown.

Compressor 16 is connected to ink container 12 with a conduit 18. A marking fluid 19

such as ink is provided by ink container 12 to printhead 14 by a conduit 20. Ink

container 12 includes a fluid reservoir 22 for containing ink 19, an outer shell 24, and a

chassis 26. In the preferred embodiment, chassis 26 includes air inlet 28 configured for

connection to conduit 18 for pressurizing the outer shell 24 with air. A fluid outlet 30 is

also included in the chassis 26. The fluid outlet 30 is configured for connection to the

conduit 20 for providing a connection between the fluid reservoir 22 and fluid conduit

20.

In the preferred embodiment, the fluid reservoir 22 is formed from a flexible

material such that pressurization of outer shell 24 produces a pressurized flow of ink

from the fluid reservoir 22 through the conduit 20 to the printhead 14. The use of a pressurized source of ink in the fluid reservoir 22 allows for a relatively high fluid flow

rate from the fluid reservoir 22 to the printhead 14. The use of high flow rates or high

rates of ink delivery to the printhead make it possible for high throughput printing by the

printing system 10.

The ink container 12 also includes a plurality of electrical contacts, as will be

discussed in more detail subsequently. The electrical contacts provide electrical

connection between the ink container 12 and printing system control electronics or

controller 32. The printing system control electronics 32 control various printing system

10 functions such as, but not limited to, printhead 14 activation to dispense ink and

activate pump 16 to pressurize the ink container 12. Ink container 12 includes an

information storage device 34 and ink volume sensing circuitry 36. In a preferred

embodiment, ink volume sensing circuitry 36 includes two circuits 36 as will be

described in more detail with respect to Figs. 12 and 13. The information storage device

34 provides information to the printing system control electronics 32 such as ink

container 12 volume and ink characteristics. The ink volume sensing circuitry 36

provides signals relating to current ink volume in ink container 12 to the printing system

control electronics 32.

Figure 2 depicts one embodiment of printing system 10 shown in perspective.

Printing system 10 includes a printing frame 38 constructed for containing several ink

containers 12 simultaneously. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 has four similar ink

containers 12. In this embodiment, each ink container contains a different ink color so

that four color printing is available including: cyan, yellow, magenta and black ink. Printing system frame 38 has a control panel 40 for controlling operation of printing

system 10 and a media slot 42 from which paper is ejected.

Referring also to Figure 1, as ink 19 in each ink container 12 is exhausted,

container 12 is replaced with a new ink container 12 containing a new supply of ink. In

addition, ink containers 12 may be removed from the printing system frame 38 for

reasons other than an out of ink condition such as changing inks for an application

requiring different ink properties or for use on different media. It is important that the

replacement ink container 12 form reliable fluidic and electronic connections with the

printing system frame 38 so that printing system 10 performs reliably.

Figures 3 and 4 depict an original equipment ink container 12 having an outer

shell 24 which contains the fluid reservoir 22 (Fig. 1) for containing ink 19. Outer shell

24 has a leading cap 50 secured on a leading end and a trailing cap 52 on secured on a

trailing end, relative to a direction of insertion for the ink container 12 into the printing

system frame 38. Leading cap 50 has an aperture 44 on its leading end through which

air inlet 28 and fluid outlet 30 from reservoir 22 (Fig. 1) protrude. Reservoir chassis 26

has an end or base which abuts leading cap 50 so that air inlet 28 and fluid outlet 30

protrude through aperture 44. Aperture 44 is surrounded by a wall 45, placing aperture

44 within a recess. Air inlet 28 and fluid outlet 30 are configured for connection to

compressor 16 and printhead 14, respectively, (Fig. 1) once ink container 12 is properly

inserted into the printing system frame 38. Air inlet 28 and fluid outlet 30 will be

discussed in more detail subsequently.

Leading cap 50 also has another aperture 46 which is located within the recess

defined by a wall 45. The base or end of chassis 26 is also exposed to aperture 46. A plurality of flat electrical contact pads 54 are disposed on reservoir chassis 26 and

positioned within aperture 46 for providing electrical connection between circuitry

associated with the ink container 12 and printing system control electronics 32. Contact

pads 54 are rectangular and located in a straight row. Four of the contact pads 54 are

electrically connected to information storage device 34 and four are electrically

interconnected to ink volume sensing circuitry 36 as discussed with respect to Figure 1.

In a preferred embodiment, information storage device 34 is a semiconductor memory

device and the ink volume sensing circuitry 36 comprises an inductive sensing device.

Wall 45 helps protect information storage device 34 and contact pads 54 from

mechanical damage. In addition, wall 45 helps minimize inadvertent finger contact with

contact pads 54. Contact pads 54 will be discussed in more detail with respect to Figure

5.

In a preferred embodiment, ink container 12 includes one or more keying and

guiding features 58 and 60 disposed on opposite sides of leading cap 50 of container 12.

Keying and guiding features 58 and 60 protrude outward from sides of container 12 to

work in conjunction with corresponding keying and guiding features on the printing

system frame 38 (Fig. 2) to assist in aligning and guiding the ink container 12 during

insertion of the ink container 12 into the printing system frame 38. Keying and guiding

features 58 and 60 also provide a keying function to insure that ink containers 12 having

proper ink parameters, such as proper color and ink type, are inserted into a given slot

printing system frame 38.

A latch feature 62 is provided on one side of trailing cap 52. Latch feature 62

works in conjunction with corresponding latching portions on the printing system portion to secure the ink container 12 within the printing system frame 38 so that

interconnects such as pressurized air, fluidic and electrical are accomplished in a reliable

manner. Latch feature 62 is a molded tang which extends downwardly relative to a

gravitational frame of reference. Ink container 12 as shown in Figure 4 is positioned for

insertion into a printing system frame 38 (Fig. 2) along the Z-axis of coordinate system

64. In this orientation gravitational forces on the ink container 12 are along the Y-axis.

Figure 5 depicts an enlarged view of electrical contact pads 54. An upstanding

guide member 72 is mounted to chassis 26 adjacent contact pads 54. Electrical contact

pads 54 include two pairs of contact pads 78, each pair being electrically connected to

one of the volume sensing circuits 36, discussed with respect to Figure 1. The four

contact pads 80 spaced between each pair of pads 78 are electrically connected to the

information storage device 34. Each pair of volume sensing contact pads 78 is located

on an outer side of the row of contact pads 54. Contact pads 78 are part of a flexible

circuit 82 (Fig. 13) which is mounted to the base 56 by fasteners 84. The four

intermediate contacts 80 located between the pairs of volume sensing contacts 78 are

metal conductive layers disposed on a nonconductive substrate 86 such as epoxy and

fiberglass. Memory device 34 is also mounted on substrate 86 and is connected by

conductive traces (not shown) formed in substrate 86. Memory device 34 is shown

encapsulated by a protective coating such as epoxy. A backside of substrate 86, opposite

contacts 80, is bonded by adhesive or attached to the chassis 26 by fasteners 84.

It can be seen from Figure 6 that the guide member 72 extends along a Z-axis in

coordinate system 64. Guide member 72 has a pointed, tapered distal end. Guide

member 72 provides an important guiding function to insure proper electrical connection is accomplished during the insertion of ink container 12 into the printing

system frame 38.

Figure 7 depicts one ink container 12 shown secured within an ink container

receptacle or receiving slot 88 of receiving station 89 within the printing system frame

38. Ink container indicia 90 may be positioned proximate each ink container receptacle

88. The ink container indicia 90 may be a color swatch or text indicating ink color to

assist the user in color matching for inserting the ink container 12 in the proper slot 88

within the ink container receiving station 89. As discussed previously, the keying and

guiding features 58 and 60 shown in Figures 3 and 4 prevent ink containers 12 from

being installed in the wrong slot 88. Installation of an ink container 12 in the wrong

receptacle 88 can result in improper color mixing or the mixing of inks of different ink

types each of which can result in poor print quality.

Each receiving slot 88 within the ink container receiving station 89 includes

keying and guiding slots 92 and latching portions 94. Keying and guiding slots 92

cooperate with the keying and guiding feature 60 (Fig. 3) to guide ink container 12 into

the ink container receiving station 88. The keying and guiding slot associated with the

keying and guiding feature 58 (Fig. 3) on ink container 12 is not shown. Each latching

portion 94 is configured for engaging the corresponding latch feature 62 on the ink

container 12. The geometries of keying and guiding slots 92 vary from one receptacle

88 to the other to assure that ink containers containing proper colors and ink

compositions are only installed in the proper receiving receptacles.

Figure 8 shows a single ink container receiving slot 88 within the ink container

receiving station 89. Slot 88 includes interconnect portions for interconnecting with the ink container 12. In the preferred embodiment these interconnect portions include a fluid

inlet 98, and air outlet 96 and an electrical interconnect portion 100. Each of the

interconnects 96, 98, and 100 are positioned on a floating platform 102 which is biased

by coil springs 101 (Fig. 10A) along the Z-axis toward the installed ink container 12.

Fluid inlet 98 and air outlet 96 are configured for connection with the corresponding

fluid outlet 30 and air inlet 28 (Fig. 3), respectively on the ink container 12. The

electrical interconnect 100 is configured for engaging electrical contacts 54 on the ink

container 12.

It is the interaction between the keying and guiding features 58 and 60

associated with the ink container 12 and the corresponding keying and guiding slots 92

associated with the ink container receiving station 89 which guide the ink container 12

during the insertion such that proper interconnection is accomplished between the ink

container 12 and the printing system frame 38. In addition, sidewalls associated with

each slot 88 in the ink container receiving station 89 engage outer surfaces of ink

container 12 to assist in guiding and aligning ink container 12 during insertion into slot

88.

Figures 9 and 10A illustrates further details of the floating platform 102.

Platform 102 is spring biased by coil springs 101 in a direction opposite the direction of

insertion of the ink container 12 into the ink container receiving slot 88 (Fig. 10 A).

Platform 102 is biased towards mechanical restraints (not shown) which limit the

motion of platform 102 in each of the X, Y, and Z-axes. Therefore, platform 102 has a

limited degree of motion in each of the X, Y, and Z-axes of coordinate system 64. Electrical connector 100 is supported by and protrudes from platform 102.

Electrical connector 100 is generally rectangular, having two lateral sides 107, upper

and lower sides, and a distal end 105. A plurality of resilient, spring-biased electrical

contacts 104 protrude from end 105. Electrical contacts 104 are thin wire-like members

which engage corresponding electrical contacts 54 (Fig. 3) associated with ink container

12 to electrically connect an electronic portion of ink container 12 with the printing

system control electronics 32 (Fig. 1). Electrical connector 100 has a guide slot 106 on

its upper side. Guide slot 106 has opposed converging walls which cooperate to engage

guide member 72 (Figs. 5 and 10B). Guide member 72 engages guide slot 106 to

properly align contacts 104 with contact pads 54. Figure 10B shows contact pads 54

properly aligned with electrical contacts 104.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10 A, fluid inlet 98 and air outlet 96 protrude from

floating platform 102. Fluid inlet 98 includes an ink supply sleeve 110 surrounding a

hollow needle 108. Needle 108 has a port near its distal end. A collar 111 sealingly and

slidingly engages needle 108. A spring 113 urges collar 111 toward the distal end,

blocking the port. Air outlet 96 includes an air supply sleeve that surrounds 114 that

surrounds a hollow needle 112.

Referring still to Figure 10 A, fluid outlet 30 is an outwardly extending

cylindrical member having a septum 122 on its distal end. Septum 122 has a slit for

receiving needle 108. In a preferred embodiment, a check valve comprising a ball 124

and spring 126 are located in fluid outlet 30 to prevent outflow of ink until needle 108 is

inserted. Ball 124 seats against septum 122 and is pushed away from septum 122 by

needle 108. Air inlet 28 is also a cylindrical member having a septum 128 with a slit. When ink container 12 is releasably inserted into receiving slot 88, keying and

guiding features 58 and 60 provide coarse alignment between the ink container and the

receiving slot 88, such that the distal end of fluid outlet 30 can properly engage the distal

end of ink supply sleeve 110 and such that the distal end of air inlet 28 can properly

engage the distal end of air supply sleeve 114. Engagement forces between the distal

end of fluid outlet 30 and the ink supply sleeve 110 and between the distal end of air

inlet 28 and the air supply sleeve 114 generate a force that causes the floating platform

102 to move into alignment with respect to ink container 12 such that needle 108 can be

received by and hence form a fluid connection with fluid outlet 30. This alignment of

floating platform 102 also allows needle 112 to be received by and form an air

connection with air inlet 28.

When fluid outlet 30 properly engages fluid inlet 98, the distal end of fluid outlet

30 slides collar 111 from a position wherein it seals the port on hollow needle 108 to a

position wherein the port on hollow needle 108 is opened. At the same time, the distal

end of fluid outlet 30 receives the hollow needle 108 providing fluid communication

between the hollow needle 108 and fluid outlet 30. It is important that fluid outlet 30 is

sized properly with the distal end having a proper diameter such that it can be received

in ink supply sleeve 110 and the fluid outlet having sufficient length such that it will

properly depress collar 111 and receive the port on the hollow needle to allow fluid flow

from fluid outlet 30 to hollow needle 108.

The fluidic and air connections described above provide an intermediate

accuracy of alignment between connector 100 and the plurality of contacts 54 associated

with ink container 12. This intermediate accuracy is adequate for electrical connection along the y-axis depicted by axes 64 in Fig. 9. However, this coarse alignment is not

accurate enough along the x-axis. Electrical connector 100 is mounted to floating

platform 102 such that it has a degree of movement along the x-direction. A fine

alignment along the x-direction is then provided by at least one guiding member

associated with ink container 12 that engages the connector 100. In a preferred

embodiment, the at least one guiding member is upstanding member 72 that engages

opposed converging walls of electrical connector 100.

As shown in Figures 11 A, 1 IB and 14, shell 24 is a generally rectangular

member with a cylindrical neck 130 on its leading end. Chassis 26 is a circular disk or

plug that inserts and seals in neck 130 with the leading side of chassis 26 flush with the

rim of neck 130. Reservoir 22 is a collapsible reservoir such as a collapsible bag that

fits within shell 24. An opening in reservoir 22 is sealingly joined to chassis 26. Shell

24 is airtight, creating a pressure chamber 132 in the space surrounding reservoir 22.

Air inlet 30 leads to pressure chamber 132.

Referring to Figure 12, rigid stiffener plates 134 are attached to opposite outer

sides of reservoir 22. The two inductive ink volume sensor coils 36 are formed on

opposite legs of flexible circuit 82. Each of the coils 36 has two leads 138 (Fig. 13)

connected to one of the pairs of sensor contacts 78 (Fig. 3). One of the coils 36 is

located on one side of reservoir 22 while the other is on the opposite side. When

connected to printing system 10, printing system electronics provide a time varying

signal to one of the coils 36. This induces a voltage in the other coil 36 whose

magnitude varies as the separation distance between coils 36 varies. As ink is used, the

opposing side wall portions of reservoir 22 collapse together, changing the electromagnetic coupling or mutual inductance of the coil pair. This change in coupling

is sensed by controller 32, which infers an ink level as a result. Additionally, controller

32 also makes a continuity check when ink container 12 is installed by determining if

electrical continuity exists between the two contact pads 78 leading to one of the coils

36.

Each ink container 12 has unique ink container-related aspects that are

represented in the form of data provided by information storage device 34. This data is

provided from ink container 12 to printing system 10 via memory device 34

automatically without requiring the user to reconfigure printing system 10 for the

particular ink container 12 installed. Memory device 34 has a protected section, a write-

once section, and a multiple write/erase section. When the cartridge 12 is first installed

in printing system 10, controller 32 reads ink container information such as the

manufacturer identity, part identification, date code of ink supply, system coefficients,

service mode and ink supply size. Printing system 10 energizes one of coils 36 and

reads an initial receiving coil voltage from the other (receiving) coil 36. This initial

receiving coil voltage from receiving coil 36 is indicative of the full state of ink

container 12. The printing system control electronics then record a parameter onto the

protected portion of memory device 34 that is indicative of the initial receiving coil

voltage. The printing system control electronics then initiate a write protect feature to

assure that the information in the protected portion of memory stays the same.

The write once section is a portion of memory which can be written to by

controller 32 only one time. The multiple write/erase section can be written to and

erased repeatedly. Both of these sections store information concerning current ink quantity. As will be explained below, the coarse bit information is stored in the write

once section and the fine bit data is stored in the multiple write/erase section.

Upon insertion of ink container 12 into printing system 10, controller 32 reads

information from memory device 34 for controlling various printing functions. For

example, controller 32 utilizes information from memory device 34 to compute an

estimate of remaining ink. If the ink remaining is less than a low ink threshold volume,

a message is provided to the user indicating such. Further, when a substantial portion

of the ink below the threshold volume is consumed, controller 32 can disable printing

system 10 to prevent operation of printhead 14 without a supply of ink. Operating

printhead 14 without ink can result in reduction of printhead reliability or catastrophic

failure of printhead 14

In operation, controller 32 reads initial volume information from memory device

34 associated with ink container 12. As ink is used during printing, the ink level is

monitored by controller 32, and memory device 34 is updated to contain information

relating to remaining ink in ink container 12. Controller 32 thereafter monitors the level

of deliverable ink in ink container 12 via memory device 34. In a preferred

embodiment, data is transferred between printing system 10 and memory device 34 in

serial fashion using a single data line relative to ground.

In a preferred embodiment, the volume information includes the following: (1)

initial supply size data in a write protected portion of memory, (2) coarse ink level data

stored in write once portion of memory and (3) fine ink level data stored in a write/erase

portion of memory. The initial supply size data is indicative of the amount of

deliverable ink initially present in ink container 12. The coarse ink level data includes a number of write once bits that each

correspond to some fraction of the deliverable ink initially present in ink container 12.

In a first preferred embodiment, eight coarse ink level bits each correspond to one-

eighth of the deliverable ink initially in ink container 12. In a second preferred

embodiment, to be used in the discussion that follows, seven coarse ink level bits each

correspond to one-eighth of the deliverable ink initially present in ink container 12 and

one coarse ink level bit corresponds to an out-of-ink condition. However, more or less

coarse bits can be used, depending on the accuracy desired for a coarse ink level

counter.

The fine ink level data is indicative of a fine bit binary number that is

proportional to a fraction of one-eighth of the volume of the deliverable ink initially

present in ink container 12. Thus, the entire range of the fine bit binary number is

equivalent to one coarse ink level bit as will be explained in more detail below.

Printing system 10 reads the initial supply size data and calculates the amount or

volume of deliverable ink initially present in ink container 12. The drop volume ejected

by the printhead 14 is determined by printing system 10 by reading parameters and/or

performing calculations. Using the initial volume of deliverable ink in ink container 12

and the estimated drop volume of printhead 14, the printing system 10 calculates the

fraction of the initial deliverable ink volume that each drop represents. This enables the

printing system 10 to monitor the fraction of the initial volume of deliverable ink

remaining in ink container 12.

While printing, printing system 10 maintains a drop count equal to the number

of ink drops that have been ejected by printhead 14. After printing system 10 has printed a small amount, typically one page, it converts the drop count to a number of

increments or decrements of the fine bit binary number. This conversion utilizes the fact

that the entire range of the fine bit binary number corresponds to one eighth of the initial

volume of deliverable ink in ink container 12. Each time the fine bit binary number is

fully decremented or incremented, the printing system 10 writes to one of the coarse ink

level bits to "latch down" the bit.

Printing system 10 periodically queries the coarse and fine ink level bits to

determine the fraction of the initial deliverable ink that is remaining in ink container 12.

Printing system 10 can then provide a "gas gauge" or other indication to a user of

printing system 10 that is indicative of the ink level in ink container 12. In a preferred

embodiment, the printing system provides a "low ink warning" when the sixth coarse

ink level bit is set. Also in a preferred embodiment, the printing system sets the eight

(last) coarse ink level bit when the ink container 12 is substantially depleted of ink. This

last coarse ink level bit is referred to as an "ink out" bit. Upon querying the coarse ink

level bits, the printing system interprets a "latched down" ink out bit as an "ink out"

condition for ink container 12.

The volume is sensed by the inductive sensor coils 36 (Fig. 12) only during a

second phase of ink usage. During the first phase, both fine and coarse counters of are

used. Ink drops are counted and recorded in the fine counter portion of memory device

34. Each time the fine counter fully increments or decrements, another coarse counter

bit will be set. During the second phase, only the ink level sensor coils 36 are used. The

voltage output from the receiving coil 36 and is compared with the voltage level

indicated by the parameter recorded on memory device 34. A parameter indicative voltage output is recorded on the write/erase portion of memory. Each successive

reading is compared with the previous reading as an error checking technique to allow

detection of coil malfunction.

At the start of the third phase, the fine counter is reset and used in the same

manner as during the first phase. When the final coarse counter bit is set, an "ink out"

warning will be indicated to the printing system. The three-phase arrangement is

provided because inductive sensor coils 36 are sufficiently accurate only in the second

phase.

In printing system 10, the transfer of data between printing system 10 and

memory device 34 is in serial fashion on the single data line relative to ground. As

explained above, while the ink in ink container 12 is being depleted, memory device 34

stores data that is indicative of its initial and current states. Printing system 10 updates

memory device 34 to indicate the volume of ink remaining. When most or substantially

all of the deliverable ink has been depleted, printing system 10 alters memory device 34

to allow ink container 12 to provide an "ink out" signal. Printing system 10 may

respond by stopping printing with ink container 12. At that point, the user will insert a

new ink container 12.

Referring to Figure 15, a first embodiment of an adaptive large volume ink

supply 141 for replacing ink container 12 is shown. Ink supply 141 comprises a fluid

conduit 143 such as a flexible tube that fluidically connects a fluid outlet 145 on one end

of conduit 143 to an ink reservoir 146 on the other end of conduit 143. Conduit 143

allows reservoir 146 to be remotely located from receptacle 88 while fluid outlet 145 is

connected to printing system 10. Locating reservoir 146 remotely from receptacle 88 allows reservoir 146 to be sized larger than the space constraints of receptacle 88 would

allow. Fluid outlet 145 functions similarly to fluid outlet 30 discussed with respect to

Fig. 12. In a preferred embodiment, fluid outlet 145 contains a septum 144 and is sized

to connect to fluid inlet 98 (Fig. 10B). Hollow needle 108 pierces septum 144. The

opposite end of conduit 143 is secured to ink reservoir 146. In the embodiment shown,

air pressure from air outlet 96 is not utilized to force ink from reservoir 146.

Ink supply 141 also comprises an electrical ink supply circuit 147. Ink supply

circuit 147 comprises a flexible electrical cable 149 with an adapter connector 151 on

one end. Adapter connector 151 is provided for electrically connecting a signal source

155 to electrical connector 100 of printing system 10. Adapter connector 151 is

configured to closely receive at least two opposite sides of electrical interconnect 100

(see also Fig. 9) to retain adapter connector 151. Adapter connector 151 may have a

guide member similar to guide member 72 (Figs. 5 and 6) which engages guide slot 106

(Fig. 9).

Adapter connector 151 has a plurality of flat contact pads 153 arrayed in a row

for engaging electrical contacts 104 of connector 100. In a preferred embodiment,

number and spacing of contact pads 153 are substantially the same as those described

with respect to Figure 5. Even if inductive volume sensing is not employed, preferably

at least one pair of contacts would be positioned similar to contacts 78 in Figure 5 and

electrically connected together to enable controller 32 (Fig. 1) to perform a continuity

check.

Ink supply circuit 147 is connected to the source of electrical signals 155 for

supplying enabling information to printing system 10. A cable 149 enables electrical signal source 155 to be remote from receptacle 88 while adapter connector 151 is in

engagement with contacts 104 of printing system 10. Alternatively, signal source 155

may be connected to cable 149 with a pluggable connector (not shown).

Electrical signal source 155 may be a memory circuit substantially the same as

memory circuit 34 (Fig. 3) of the first embodiment. Alternately, signal source 155 may

be an emulation device, which is an electronic circuit that functions similar to memory

device 34 but may have a substantially different structure. As an emulation device,

signal source 155 may exchange substantially the same type of information with

printing system 10 (Fig. 1) as memory device 34. For example, as an emulation device,

signal source 155 may provide information to controller 32 (Fig. 1) regarding the

volume of ink, the type of ink and color when connector 151 is connected to electrical

connector 100. These signals may be interpreted by controller 32 to be indicative of the

initial ink supply size, the coarse ink level and the fine ink level. Each time the signal

indicative of the fine ink level reaches an extreme, the coarse ink level signal may be

incremented in signal source 155 in response. Thus an emulation device as signal

source 155 may function as a duplicate or near duplicate of memory device 34.

Alternatively, signal source 155 may be a signal-providing circuit that merely enables

printing system 10 to operate whenever a new ink supply is provided but does not

provide information concerning the volume of ink in reservoir 146 during usage.

In operation, ink supply 141 delivers ink similarly to ink container 12. The large

volume ink reservoir 146 is connected to fluid inlet 98 through conduit 143 and fluid

outlet 145. The seal of fluid outlet 145 is pierced by needle 108 of fluid inlet 98. Signal

source 155 is connected to system connector 100 through ink supply connector 151 and cable 149. Ink is delivered from the ink reservoir while the remaining volume or other

ink parameters are communicated to printing system 10 through ink supply circuit 147.

Conduit 143 and cable 149 allow reservoir 146 and signal source 155, respectively, to be

located remotely from printing system 10.

Referring to Fig. 16, a second embodiment of an adaptive ink supply 161 for

replacing ink container 12 is depicted. Ink supply 161 comprises a housing 163 with a

leading end and a trailing end relative to a direction of installation of ink supply 161 into

receptacle 88 (Fig 8). In this figure, only features that pertain to the invention are

shown. Housing 163 is sized to be inserted at least partially into receptacle 88 (Fig. 7).

Housing 163 includes an opening 165 at the leading end for allowing the establishment

of fluidic and air connections between ink supply 161 and the printing system 10. In a

preferred embodiment, housing 163 includes keying and aligning features 184 that

function similarly to keying and aligning features 58 and 60 discussed with respect to

ink container 12.

A flexible ink reservoir 167 located within a rigid shell 169 is located inside

housing 163. An fluid outlet 171 extending from reservoir 167 engages fluid inlet 98

and receives hollow needle 108 therein in a manner similar to that of fluid outlet 30

discussed with respect to ink container 12. In a preferred embodiment, a check valve

172 is located between reservoir 167 and fluid outlet 171 and is opened by needle 108

when the needle pierces a seal or septum 172 in fluid outlet 171. Shell 169 has an air

inlet 173 with a septum 174 which connects to air outlet 96 and is pierced by the hollow

needle 112 therein for delivering pressurized air from air outlet 96 to the pressure

chamber in shell 169 for pressurizing reservoir 167. Fluid outlet 171 and air inlet 173 protrude through opening 165 in housing 163. Preferably, a volume sensing circuit

comprising inductive coils is also used similar to that shown in Figure 13.

In a preferred embodiment, ink supply 161 includes a latching feature 182 that

allows ink supply 161 to be secured in receptacle 88 to assure a reliable fluidic, air, and

electrical connections between ink supply 161 and printing system 10. In a preferred

embodiment, the latching feature is an ink container latch feature 182 that is attached

near the trailing end of shell 169 (as illustrated with respect to Fig. 16) or housing 163.

Latch feature 182 is positioned on a lower side of ink supply 161 relative to a

gravitational frame of reference. Latch feature 182 is positioned to engage latching

portion 94 (discussed with respect to Figs. 7 and 8) associated with receptacle 88. Latch

feature 182 forms an opening for receiving latching portion 94.

Ink supply 161 also comprises an electrical ink supply circuit 175. In an

exemplary embodiment, ink supply circuit 175 comprises a flexible electrical cable 177

extending from electrical contact pads 179 mounted to a leading end of housing 163.

Although not shown, an alignment device similar to guide member 72 (Figs. 5 and 6)

may protrude from the leading end of housing 163 to assure proper alignment between

contacts pads 179 and contacts 104 that protrude from connector 100. The alignment

device generates movement of connector 100 in a direction perpendicular to the

direction of insertion of ink supply 161 into printing system 10 in a manner similar to

alignment feature 72 discussed with respect to ink container 12. The trailing end of

housing 163 is open for allowing shell 169 to slide in and out of housing 163. Ink

supply circuit 175 is provided for electrically coupling a source of signals 181 to

electrical connector 100 of printing system 10. Ink supply circuitry 175 also has the signal source 181 which may be an

electrical memory device or an emulator for supplying enabling information to printing

system 10. In an exemplary embodiment, signal source 181 is mounted to one side of

housing 163. Housing 163 preferably has keying and guiding features 182 for

functioning in a similar manner to items 58 and 60 (Fig. 3).

An alternative embodiment of the system described with respect to Fig. 16

would include a memory device 34 mounted to housing 163 in a manner similar to that

discussed with respect to Fig. 5.

In operation, ink supply 161 operates similarly to ink container 12. The ink

reservoir 167 is connected to fluid inlet 98 through fluid outlet 171. Pressure vessel 169

is connected to air outlet 96 through air inlet 173. Signal source 181 is coupled to

system connector 100 through ink supply connector contacts 179 and cable 177. A

continuity check will be made by controller 32 once housing 169 is installed. Preferably

this is made through one pair of volume sensing contacts similar to contacts 78 (Fig. 5)

and at least one inductive coil similar to coil 36 shown in Figure 13. Ink is delivered to

printing system 10 as pressurized air flows to shell 169 to apply pressure to reservoir

167. The operating parameters of ink supply 161 may be communicated to printing

system 10 as described above for ink supply 141.

When ink supply 161 is releasably installed into receptacle 88 such that fluid,

air, and electrical connections are established between ink supply 161 and printing

system 10, springs 101 are compressed. Springs 101 exert a force on ink supply 161

that is directed opposite to the direction of installation. If necessary, ink supply 161 includes at least one latching feature 184 to that exerts an opposing force directed along

the direction of installation.

When ink is depleted from reservoir 167, there are several options. Reservoir

167 and shell 169 may be removed from housing 163 and replaced by another reservoir

and shell. Alternately, reservoir 167 may be refilled. In both cases, if signal source 181

provides volume information, it will need to be updated in some manner so as to not

supply erroneous information to printing system controller 32 (Fig. 1).

A third embodiment of an adaptive ink supply is depicted in Figure 17. Ink

supply 191 comprises a housing 193 having leading and trailing ends relative to a

direction of installation of housing 193 into receptacle 88. Housing 193 includes a fluid

outlet 195 secured to and protruding from the leading end. Housing 193 contains an ink

conduit 197 that extends from outlet 195 to an ink reservoir (not shown). In an

exemplary embodiment, the reservoir (not shown) is remote from housing 193 similar to

reservoir 146 in Figure 15. This remote configuration allows the use of ink supplies that

would not fit in receptacle 88. Fluid outlet 195 extends laterally from housing 193 and

engages fluid inlet 98 in a manner similar to the function of fluid outlet 30 discussed

with respect to ink container 12. Ink supply 191 has an electrical ink supply circuit 199

which may be similar to circuit 175 discussed with respect to Fig. 16, having a plurality

of contacts such as flat contact pads 200 on a leading end of housing 193 and connected

to a signal source 202 by a plurality of conductive leads.

In a preferred embodiment, ink supply 191 includes a latching feature 196 that

allows ink supply 191 to be secured in receptacle 88 to assure a reliable fluidic and

electrical connections between ink supply 191 and printing system 10. Latch feature 196 is positioned to engage latching portion 94 associated with receptacle 88. Latch

feature extends downwardly from a trailing end of housing 193 relative to a

gravitational frame of reference. Other means of providing a latch feature are possible,

including surfaces on housing 193 that provide a friction fit between housing 193 and

the sides of receptacle 88.

In a preferred embodiment, housing 193 also includes keying and aligning

features 198 that are preferably similar to the keying and aligning features 58 and 60

discussed with respect to Fig. 3. When housing 193 is releasably inserted into

receptacle 88, the keying and aligning features 198 provide coarse alignment between

housing 193 and receptacle 88. This allows fluid outlet 195 to properly engage sleeve

110 associated with fluid inlet 98 to allow needle 108 to properly align to and be

received by fluid outlet 195. The fluidic connection between needle 108 and inlet 195

provides an intermediate level of alignment accuracy between connector 100 and pads

200. An alignment member such as upstanding member 72 is then used to provide fine

alignment between pads 200 and contacts 104. This coarse, intermediate, and fine

alignment scheme is similar to that discussed for ink container 12 with respect to Figs.

lOA and lOB.

In operation, when housing 193 is inserted into a receptacle 88 (Fig. 7), fluid

outlet 195 connects to fluid inlet 98. Signal source 202 in ink supply connector 199 is

coupled to system connector 100 through contact pads 200. In a preferred embodiment,

an electrical continuity check is performed as described with respect to Fig. 15. Ink is

delivered to printing system 10 through fluid outlet 195. Signal source 202 exchanges

information with controller 32 (Fig. 1) as described above. When ink supply 191 is releasably installed into receptacle 88 such that fluid and

electrical connections are established between ink supply 191 and printing system 10,

springs 101 are compressed. Springs 101 exert a force on ink supply 191 that is directed

opposite to the direction of installation. If necessary, ink supply 191 includes at least

one latching feature 198 to overcome this force, as discussed earlier.

Figure 18 depicts a fourth embodiment of the invention. Ink supply 201 has an

ink reservoir 203 with a fluid outlet 205 protruding from one end. Volume sensing

circuitry such as coils 36 (Fig. 13) can also be employed on reservoir 203. An electrical

ink supply circuit 207 is employed which may be the similar to ink supply circuit 147 of

ink supply 141 as described with respect to Figure 15. Ink supply circuit 207 has an

electrical connector 209 which connects to a signal source 211. In operation, ink is

metered from reservoir 203 as signal source 211 electronically exchanges information

with controller 32 of printing system 10 (Fig. 1). Electrical continuity may be checked

as described in connection with Figure 15. Electrical signal source 211 may be similar

to memory device 34 or it may be an emulator that is functionally equivalent to the

memory device 34.

A fifth embodiment of an adaptive ink delivery system is shown in Figure 19.

Ink supply 211 has an external housing 213 that contains an ink reservoir 215 that has an

fluid outlet 216. Housing 213 has an open trailing end for slidingly receiving reservoir

215. An electrical ink supply circuit 217 is mounted to housing 213 and may be the

same as ink supply circuit 199, described above in connection with Figure 17. Ink

supply circuit 217 has contact pads 218 mounted to a leading end of housing 213 and a signal source 219 mounted to the side of housing 213. Ink supply 211 operates similarly

to ink supply 201 as described with respect to Fig. 18.

An alternative embodiment of the system described with respect to Fig. 19

would include a memory device 34 mounted to housing 213 in a manner similar to that

discussed with respect to Fig. 5.

When ink supply 211 is releasably installed into receptacle 88 such that fluid and

electrical connections are established between ink supply 211 and printing system 10,

springs 101 are compressed. Springs 101 exert a force on ink supply 191 that is directed

opposite to the direction of installation. If necessary, ink supply 211 includes at least

one latching feature 220 to overcome this force, such as a latch feature located on the

trailing end of housing 213. In a preferred embodiment, ink supply 211 includes keying

and aligning features 222 that function similarly to the keying and aligning features 58

and 60 discussed with respect to ink container 12.

Figure 20 depicts an ink supply 224 that uses a rigid ink reservoir 226.

Reservoir 226 has a fluid outlet 228 that is configured similar to the fluid outlets

previously described for fluidic connection to fluid inlet 98 (Fig. 19). An ink conduit

230 extends into reservoir 226 and terminates at the bottom with a filter 232. Filter 232

is preferably of a type that will allow the passage of ink into ink tube 230, but block air

flow into tube 230. An air inlet 234 is located next to fluid outlet 228 for reception into

air outlet 96 (Fig. 19). Air inlet 234 is connected to an air tube that extends into an upper

side of reservoir 226. A memory or emulator unit and electrical contact pads 242 are

located on a leading edge of reservoir 226. Contact pads 242 are positioned to engage printer electrical connector 100 (Fig. 19). A guide member (not shown) such as guide

member 72 (Fig. 5) will be employed.

In a preferred embodiment, ink supply 224 includes latch feature 246 for

engaging latch portion 94 associated with printing system 10. This latch feature would

be similar to and function similarly to the latch features 62 described with respect to

Figs 3-10.

In a preferred embodiment, ink supply 224 includes keying and aligning features

244 that would be similar to and function similarly to the keying and aligning features

58 and 60 discussed with respect to Figs. 3-10.

In use, reservoir 226 inserts into receiving slot 88 (Fig. 8), with fluid outlet 228

engaging fluid inlet 98, air inlet 234 engaging air outlet 96, and contact pads 242

engaging electrical connector 100. Air pressure is delivered from the printer compressor

16 (Fig. 1). The air pressure is applied to the interior of reservoir 226 above ink 240.

This pressurizes ink 240 that then flows through filter 232 and conduit 230 to the

printhead 14 (Fig. 1).

Each of the foregoing electrical circuits 147, 161, 199, 207 and 217 are

preferably provided with an alignment or upstanding guide member similar to guide

member 72 (Figures 5 and 6). Guide member 72 is located adjacent to the contact pads

of the respective electrical connectors for engaging one of the sides of support member

100 to align the contact pads with those of printing system 10.

An alternate embodiment for guide member 72 of ink supply connectors 147,

161, 199, 207 and 217 is shown in Figures 21 and 22. A connector 221 having a row of

contact pads 223 for engaging contacts 104 of connector 100 is provided with a pair of spaced-apart alignment members 225. One alignment member 225 is located adjacent

each of the outermost contact pads 223. Alignment members 225 have inclined surfaces

227 for engaging opposite lateral sides 107 of support member 100 for facilitating the

joining of connectors 100 and 221, and the proper alignment of contacts 223 and 104.

The invention has several advantages. Some ink delivery systems described,

such as those described with respect to Figs. 15 and 17 allow for large ink reservoirs that

cannot be accommodated in receiving slot 88. This allows users who require high usage

to replace the ink containers less frequently. On the other hand, systems such as those

described with respect to Figs. 15, 16, 18, and 19, allow the ink reservoir portion of the

ink supply to be replaced separately from the electronic portion. If desired for lower use

rates, a plurality of relatively small reservoir portions can be utilized for each electronic

portion.

While the invention has been shown or described in only some of its forms, it

should be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible to

various changes without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adaptive ink supply for a printing system for use in lieu of a first ink

cartridge, the printing system having a receptacle for receiving the first ink cartridge, the

receptacle containing an interconnect platform, a printing system electrical connector

which protrudes from the platform, has at least two sides, and has an end containing a

plurality of resilient electrical contacts protruding from the end, a controller which

exchanges information with a first memory device mounted to the first ink cartridge

containing information concerning ink in the first ink cartridge, an ink supply sleeve

protruding from the platform and surrounding a hollow needle fluidically connected to a

printhead, the adaptive ink supply comprising:

an ink reservoir containing a replacement ink;

a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the ink reservoir which is sized to be

received by the ink supply sleeve and to receive the hollow needle to allow ink to flow

from the ink reservoir to the printhead;

an adapter connector having a base, a plurality of electrical contact pads

mounted to the base and spaced side-by-side for engaging the electrical contacts of the

printing system electrical connector, the adapter connector having at least one guide

member which engages at least one of the sides of the printing system electrical

connector for aligning the contact pads into engagement with the electrical contacts; and

a source of signals electrically connected to the contact pads of the adapter

connector for exchanging information with the controller.

2. The ink supply of claim 1 , wherein the adapter connector comprises a housing

which is sized to be inserted at least partially into the receptacle, and wherein the contact

pads are mounted to the housing.

3. The ink supply of claim 1 , wherein the adapter connector comprises a housing

which is sized to be inserted at least partially into the receptacle, the contact pads being

mounted to the housing, the housing having an opening adjacent to the contact pads; and

wherein

the ink reservoir along with the fluid outlet are slidably inserted into the housing,

with the fluid outlet protruding through the opening.

4. The ink supply of claim 1 , wherein the adapter connector comprises a housing

which is sized to be inserted at least partially into the receptacle, the contact pads being

mounted to the housing; wherein

the fluid outlet is secured to the housing; and wherein

the ink reservoir is located exterior of the housing and connected to the fluid

outlet by a conduit.

5. The ink supply of claim 1 wherein the printing system has an air supply sleeve

protruding from the platform and a hollow needle surrounded by the air supply sleeve

and leading to an air pressure source, and wherein the ink supply further comprises: an air inlet which is sized to connect to the air supply sleeve, the air inlet having

a distal end which is adapted to be received by the air supply sleeve and to receive the

hollow needle.

6. The ink supply of claim 1 wherein the printing system has an air supply sleeve

protruding from the platform and a hollow needle surrounded by the air supply sleeve

and leading to an air pressure source, and wherein the adapter connector further

comprises:

a housing which is sized to be inserted at least partially into the receptacle, the

contact pads being mounted to the housing, the housing having an opening adjacent to

the contact pads;

a shell surrounding at least a portion of the reservoir, defining an air pressure

chamber between the shell and the reservoir;

an air inlet extending from the shell which is sized to be received by the air

supply sleeve and is adapted to receive the hollow needle delivering pressurized air from

the hollow needle the pressure chamber for pressurizing the ink reservoir; and wherein

the shell, the reservoir, the fluid outlet and the air inlet are removably inserted

into the housing, with the fluid outlet and air inlet protruding through the opening.

7. The ink supply of claim 1 , further comprising a flexible conduit connected

between the ink reservoir and the fluid outlet to allow the ink reservoir to be remotely

located from the receptacle while the fluid outlet is connected to the ink supply sleeve.

8. The ink supply of claim 1 wherein one of the sides of the printing system

electrical connector has a guide slot; wherein

the contact pads arranged along a line to define an x-axis direction;

the guide member of the adapter connector is positioned to engage the guide slot

to provide alignment between the contact pads and the resilient electrical contacts along

the x-axis.

9. The ink supply of claim 1 wherein the printer electrical connector has opposite

lateral sides; wherein

the contact pads are located in a row defining two outer contacts on opposite

ends of the row;

said at least one guide member includes at least one alignment member for

engaging one of the opposite lateral sides.

10. The ink supply of claim 1 , wherein the source of signals includes information

regarding a volume of replacement ink in the ink reservoir.

11. The ink supply of claim 1 , wherein the source of signals contains a memory

device which has a write portion which is adapted to be updated by the controller to

provide an estimate during usage of the quantity of replacement ink in the ink reservoir.

12. The ink supply of claim 1 wherein the source of signals is connected to the

contact pads on the adapter connector by a flexible cable to enable the source of signals to be remotely located from the receptacle while the adapter connector is in engagement

with the electrical contacts of the printing system.

13. The ink supply of claim 1 , further comprising:

a flexible conduit connected between the ink reservoir and the fluid outlet to

enable the ink reservoir to be remotely located from the receptacle while the fluid outlet

is connected to the ink supply sleeve; and

a flexible cable between the contact pads on the adapter connector and the source

of signals to enable the source of signals to be remotely located from the receptacle

while the adapter connector is in engagement with the printing system electrical

connector.

14. The ink supply of claim 1 , wherein the adapter connector comprises:

a housing which is sized to be inserted at least partially into the receptacle, the

contact pads being mounted to the housing; wherein

the fluid outlet is carried by the housing adjacent to the contact pads; and

a flexible cable connects the source of signals to the contact pads to enable the

source of signals to be remote from the receptacle while the adapter connector is in

engagement with the electrical connector of the printing system.

15. An adaptive ink supply for a printing system for use in lieu of a first ink

cartridge, the printing system having a receptacle for receiving the first ink cartridge, the

receptacle containing an interconnect platform, a printing system electrical connector which protrudes from the platform, has at least two sides, and has an end containing a

plurality of protruding resilient electrical contacts protruding from the end, the electrical

contacts including two pairs of volume sensing contacts, a controller which exchanges

information with a first memory device mounted to the first ink cartridge concerning ink

in the first ink cartridge, an ink supply sleeve protruding from the platform and

surrounding a hollow needle fluidically connected to a printhead, the first ink cartridge

having a pair of inductive coils for sensing ink quantity therein, each of the inductive

coils adapted to be electrically connected to one of the pairs of the volume sensing

contacts when the first ink cartridge is installed in the receptacle, the adaptive ink supply

comprising:

an ink reservoir containing a replacement ink;

an fluid outlet in fluid communication with the ink reservoir which is sized to be

received by the ink supply sleeve and to receive the hollow needle;

an adapter connector having a base and a plurality of electrical contact pads

mounted to the base for engaging the electrical contacts of the printing system electrical

connector;

a source of signals electrically connected to the contact pads of the adapter

connector for exchanging information with the controller; and

a circuit connecting at least one of the pairs of the volume sensing contacts to

each other for enabling a continuity check to be made by the controller once the adapter

connector is connected to printing system electrical contacts.

16. The ink supply of claim 15, wherein the adapter connector comprises a housing

which is sized to be inserted at least partially into the receptacle, the contact pads being

mounted to the housing, the housing having an opening adjacent to the contact pads; and

wherein

the ink reservoir along with the fluid outlet are slidably inserted into the housing,

with the fluid outlet protruding through the opening.

17. The ink supply of claim 15, wherein the adapter connector comprises a housing

which is sized to be inserted at least partially into the receptacle, the contact pads being

mounted to the housing; wherein

the fluid outlet is secured to the housing; and wherein

the ink reservoir is located exterior of the housing and connected to the fluid

outlet by a conduit.

18. The ink supply of claim 15 wherein the printing system has an air supply sleeve

protruding from the platform and a hollow needle surrounded by the air supply sleeve

and leading to an air pressure source, and wherein the adapter connector further

comprises:

a housing which is sized to be inserted at least partially into the receptacle, the

contact pads being mounted to the housing, the housing having an opening adjacent to

the contact pads;

a shell surrounding at least a portion of the reservoir, defining an air pressure

chamber between the shell and the reservoir; an air inlet extending from the shell which is sized to connect to the air supply

sleeve, the air inlet having an end which is adapted to be pierced by the needle in the air

supply sleeve for delivering pressurized air from the air supply sleeve to the pressure

chamber for pressurizing the ink reservoir; and wherein

the shell, the reservoir, the fluid outlet and the air inlet are removably inserted

into the housing, with the fluid outlet and air inlet protruding through the opening.

19. The ink supply of claim 15, further comprising a flexible conduit connected

between the ink reservoir and the fluid outlet to allow the ink reservoir to be remotely

located from the receptacle while the fluid outlet is connected to the ink supply sleeve.

20. The ink supply of claim 15 further comprising at least one guide member which

engages at least one of the sides of the printer electrical connector for aligning the

contact pads into engagement with the electrical contacts.

21. The ink supply of claim 20 wherein the contact pads arranged along a line to

define an x-axis direction;

the guide member of the adapter connector is positioned to engage at least one of

the sides of the printer electrical connector to provide alignment between the contact

pads and the resilient electrical contacts along the x-axis.

22. The ink supply of claim 15 wherein the source of signals contains a memory

device which has a write portion which is adapted to be updated by the controller to

provide an estimate during usage of the quantity of replacement ink in the ink reservoir.

23. The ink supply of claim 15 wherein the source of signals is connected to the

contact pads on the adapter connector by a flexible cable to enable the source of signals

to be remotely located from the receptacle while the adapter connector is in engagement

with the electrical contacts of the printing system.

24. A method for adapting an ink supply to a printing system which is configured to

utilize a first ink cartridge which has a first memory device containing data concerning

ink in the first ink cartridge, the printing system having an interconnect platform

containing a fluid inlet with a hollow needle surrounded by a sliding biased sealing

collar, a printing system electrical connector which protrudes from the platform, has at

least two sides, and has an end containing a plurality of protruding resilient electrical

contacts protruding from the end, the electrical contacts including two pairs of volume

sensing contacts, a controller which exchanges information with the first memory device

concerning ink in the first ink cartridge, the first ink cartridge having a pair of inductive

coils for sensing ink quantity therein, each of the inductive coils adapted to be

electrically connected to one of the pairs of the volume sensing contacts when the first

ink cartridge is installed in the receptacle, the method comprising:

(a) providing an adaptive ink supply having an ink reservoir with a fluid outlet,

an adapter connector having a plurality of contact pads for engaging the electrical contacts on the electrical connector, and a source of signals which contains electronic

information which is readable by the controller to enable the printing system to operate;

(b) coupling the fluid outlet of the ink reservoir to the fluid inlet, depressing the

sliding collar with an end of the fluid outlet and inserting the hollow needle of the fluid

inlet into the fluid outlet to supply ink from the reservoir;

(c) engaging the adapter connector to the electrical connector of the printing

system so that the contact pads engage the electrical contacts of the printing system

electrical connector; and

(d) exchanging information between the controller and the source of signals to

enable the printing system operate.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein step (a) also comprises:

electrically connecting the volume sensing contact pads of at least one of the

pairs to each other; and step (d) comprises:

performing an electrical continuity check by supplying voltage from the

controller to said at least one of the pairs.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein:

step (a) includes providing the source of signals with a memory which contains

information concerning the volume of the ink reservoir and which may be written to;

and

step (b) includes by using the controller, reading the volume information and

writing to the memory with a new estimate of volume during usage.

27. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of locating the source of

signals remotely from the printing system.

28. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of locating the ink reservoir

remotely from the printing system.

29. The method of claim 24, further comprising the steps of locating the source of

signals and the ink reservoir remotely from the printing system.

30. An adaptive ink supply for a printing system having a receptacle containing a

platform, the receptacle including an electrical connector which protrudes from the

platform and has an end containing a plurality of resilient electrical contacts protruding

from the end, the receptacle including a fluid inlet that includes a hollow needle

surrounded by a sliding sealing collar, the fluid inlet includes an ink supply sleeve that

surrounds the sliding collar and the hollow needle, the printing system includes printing

system control electronics for controlling printing operations, the ink supply comprising:

a housing which is adapted to be at least partially inserted into the receptacle, the

housing having a leading end;

a fluid reservoir for containing replacement ink;

a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, the fluid outlet

including a distal end member which is sized to be received by the ink supply sleeve, the distal member is adapted to depress the sliding collar and receive the hollow needle of

the fluid inlet for supplying the replacement ink to the printing system;

a plurality of electrical contacts mounted to the housing for engaging the

electrical contacts of the electrical connector; and

an information storage device coupled to the contact pads exchanging

information with the printing system control electronics.

31. The ink supply of claim 30 wherein the printing system includes an air outlet,

the air outlet includes a hollow needle protruding from the platform and in

communication with a pressure source, the air outlet includes an air supply sleeve

protruding from the platform and surrounding the hollow, wherein the ink supply further

comprises:

a shell surrounding at least a portion of the fluid reservoir, defining an air

pressure chamber between the shell and the reservoir;

an air inlet in communication with the pressure chamber, the air inlet including a

distal end member that is sized to be received by air supply sleeve, the distal end

member adapted to receive the hollow needle for connecting the pressure source to the

pressure chamber; and wherein

the shell, the reservoir, the fluid outlet and the air inlet are adapted to be

removably inserted into the housing to provide a fluidic connection between the fluid

outlet and the fluid outlet and to provide a connection between the air inlet and the air

outlet.

32. The ink supply of claim 30, further comprising:

a flexible cable which connects the information storage device to the contact

pads to enable the information storage device to be located remotely from the receptacle

while the contact pads are in engagement with the electrical connector of the printing

system.

33. The ink supply of claim 30, wherein:

the fluid outlet is secured to the housing; and the ink reservoir is located exterior

of the housing and connected to the fluid outlet by a conduit.

34. An adaptive ink supply for a printing system having a controller for controlling

printing operations and a receptacle including a spring loaded platform and a latch

portion, the spring loaded platform having a fluid outlet and an electrical connector, the

connector having a plurality of receptacle contacts, the adaptive ink supply comprising:

a housing adapted to be at least partially inserted into the receptacle in a first

direction, the housing including a latch feature adapted for engaging the latch portion,

the latch feature adapted to receive the latch portion in the first direction;

a fluid outlet adapted to engage the fluid inlet;

a plurality of container contacts adapted to engage the receptacle contacts;

an ink supply circuit connected to the plurality of container contacts, the ink

supply circuit provides signals to the controller indicative of a state of the adaptive ink

supply.

35. The adaptive ink supply of claim 34, wherein the housing is adapted to depress

the spring loaded platform such that the spring loaded platform exerts a force on the

housing opposite to the first direction and wherein the latch feature provides a force in

the first direction to balance the force of the spring loaded platform.

36. The adaptive ink supply of claim 35, wherein the housing has a trailing end

relative to a direction of insertion of the housing into the receptacle, the latch portion is

positioned near the trailing end of the housing, the latch portion extends downwardly

relative to a gravitational frame of reference.

37. An adaptive ink supply for a printing system, the printing system including an

ink supply receptacle, the adaptive ink supply comprising:

a housing adapted to be at least partially inserted into the receptacle in direction

of insertion, the housing including alignment surfaces adapted to engage the receptacle

to provide an alignment of the housing relative to the receptacle; and

a plurality of contacts mounted to the housing that are electrically coupled to a

source of signals, the plurality of contacts arranged along a line for engagement with a

corresponding linear array of contacts associated with the printing system, the line

defining an x-axis, the x-axis substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion, the

alignment surfaces sufficient to provide alignment of between the plurality of contacts

mounted to the housing and the corresponding linear array of contacts associated with

the printing system.

38. The adaptive ink supply of claim 37, wherein the housing has a leading end

relative to a direction of insertion, the housing includes first and second keying and

guiding features located near the leading end, the keying and guiding form the alignment surfaces that provide alignment of the housing relative to the receptacle.