Abstract: An assembly for refilling a printer cartridge includes a base that receives the printer cartridge to be refilled. A lid is located on the base and includes separate stations that sequentially open a refill opening, provide a predetermined amount of air to an equalize opening of the cartridge, dispense ink through the refill opening into the cartridge, and seal the refill opening. In a preferred embodiment, the four stations are mounted on the lid that is rotatable about an axis. The lid forms a seal with the printer cartridge so that air flow to an internal chamber of the cartridge is controlled during the refill process. The base contains any spills, mess, or the like, overcoming the types of problems associated with other ink refill processes and provides an accurate, dependable refill of ink to the printer cartridge.

Abstract: A new method of refilling ink into an empty ink-jet printer cartridge is intended to minimize leakage and waste during the refilling process. A fill hole of the printer cartridge is opened and a predetermined quantity of ink is introduced therethrough with, for example, a first syringe. Air is then introduced into inflatable bladders provided in the printer cartridge with a second tool, preferably a second syringe. The amount of air is carefully measured to correspond with the predetermined ink quantity so that no overflow occurs. The fill hole remains open to atmosphere during the air introduction step. While the syringe is still in place, the fill opening is then closed with a new plug and thereafter the second syringe removed from the equalize opening. This exerts a slight negative pressure which acts to provide a suction force and urge any ink in open ports inwardly into the housing, thus minimizing overall leakage and waste during the refill process.