Abstract: A refillable color ink jet cartridge and method for making same is described. The protective cap on the non-refillable Hewlett-Packard cartridge #51625A (used in printing devices such as the Hewlett-Packard Desk Writer C) and similar cartridges is removed to access the color ink reservoirs to extend the service life of the cartridge. Once pried loose or otherwise removed, the protective cap is modified for convenient reconnection to the cartridge.

Abstract: A non-refillable ink jet cartridge is rendered user refillable in a convenient manner. Hewlett-Packard ink jet cartridge #51626A is modified by sealing the vent hole at the base of the cartridge with a pressure sensitive adhesive tape, and removing the air tight ink fill plug at the top of the cartridge. After refilling with ink, a bellows type inflator bottle is used to inflate bladders within the cartridge making use of an opening in the cartridge. The ink fill opening is re-sealed either immediately before or just after the bladders are inflated, and bile inflator bobble is then removed which releases the air pressure in the bladders causing the bladders to deflate. The deflated bladders cause an area of reduced air pressure to develop over the ink fill level, which prevents the ink from leaking out of the cartridge when the pressure sensitive adhesive tape covering the vent hole at the base of the cartridge is removed.

Abstract: A refillable cartridge for a copier, laser printer or similar xerographic printing process device, is provided. A method of manufacture of the refillable cartridge is also provided. The cartridge of the invention includes an upper portion with an upper chamber for clean toner and includes a lower portion with a lower chamber for toner waste. The upper portion has a refill hole, opening into the upper chamber. The lower portion has a discharge hole opening into the lower chamber. The refill hole and the discharge hole have respective seal members. The method of manufacture of the cartridge includes the steps of mounting on a support a plastic cartridge having an upper portion with an upper chamber, forming a refill hole in the upper portion by using, for example a hot iron rod for heating the respective adjoining plastic portion until the refill hole is formed; and forming a discharge hole in the lower portion.