Abstract: Thermal image recording apparatus which can be set for recording on any of a plurality of different types of recording sheets, e.g. opaque or transparent, and wherein a sheet is fed by a suitable sheet feeder, preferably a rotatably drive sheet feeding rollers, from a supply a cassette or other supply source to a printing head for recording thereon, has a sensor for detecting the type of recording sheet used for the recording and for generating a control signal which is effective in the event a given sheet sensed by said sensor is of a type different from the type for which the apparatus is set, to disable the sheet feeding rollers from further feeding of the sheet to the printing head. Preferably, in the event of a mis-match between the type of sheet being fed and the machine setting, the direction of the sheet feeder is reversed and the mis-matched sheet is returned to its supply cassette.

Abstract: An ink container detachably connectable with an ink inlet of an ink jet head for ejecting ink includes an ink supply port for supplying the ink to the ink jet head; a connecting portion for connection with the ink jet head; wherein the connecting portion is directed in a plurality of directions to permit connection with the ink jet head in a plurality of directions.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus usable with an ink cartridge includes an ink cartridge mounting passage a plate for blocking the ink cartridge mounting passage and; a limiting member for preventing opening of the plate. The limiting member is disposed at each lateral end portion so that they are arranged in a chevron shape with an upward inclination, and when the ink cartridge is inserted in the ink cartridge passage, the limiting members contact to a front surface of the ink cartridge and are simultaneously rotated externally to release the blocking plate.