Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for modifying an inkjet cartridge for the use of separable ink reservoirs including a base plate designed to be snap fitted into a hollowed out cartridge shell and lever mechanism that cooperates with the base plate to enable the separable reservoir to fit different sizes of cartridges and to be easily removed from the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a refill insert that is couplable to an ink jet printhead. The refill insert comprises a housing that has an enclosed, defined volume therein for receiving a predetermined quantity of ink. Included substantially within the structure of the housing is a subhousing having an interior volume in fluid communication with the defined volume of the housing. The housing further includes an ink egress port and an air ingress port that is separated a distance from the ink egress port and are in fluid communication with the subhousing. The ink egress port, which is in fluid communication with the printhead, and the air ingress port may be located on a single wall of the subhousing or they may be located on separate walls of the subhousing. Additionally, the subhousing and the housing may share a common wall. The subhousing completely spans the distance separating the ink egress port and the air ingress port with the interior volume of the subhousing encompassing the ink egress port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an ink cartridge refilling structure having a housing structure with a base structure and a housing lid structure. The housing lid structure has first and second outwardly opening chambers formed therein with a spring biased ink injection device received in the first chamber and an air plunger member with an associated air bellow member received in the second chamber. The base structure has positioned within its interior a moveable carrier member that is secured to a lever that extends outwardly through a slot extending horizontally and longitudinally along the side wall of the base structure. An empty ink cartridge is placed in the carrier member within interior of the base structure and refilled with ink. The carrier member and ink cartridge are then shifted over to the air injection position where air is injected into the air bags of the ink cartridge.

Abstract: A composition for use as an ink in thermal ink-jet printers comprising water, a compatible colorant, and certain 2-substituted 1,3-propanediols as humectants, the compositions providing a substantially kogation-free ink.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing syringe having a plunger unit that is non-retractable after liquid is dispensed. The syringe is only refillable by persons having special filling equipment.