Abstract: An inkjet printing system includes an ink container adapted to hold a supply of liquid ink therein and a printhead communicating with the supply of liquid ink via a flow path. A pressure sensor measures a pressure of liquid ink disposed in the flow path and a volume detector detects a volume of liquid ink delivered through the flow path. In addition, a leak indicator communicates with the pressure sensor and the volume detector, and indicates an ink container leak based on the pressure of liquid ink disposed in the flow path and the volume of liquid ink delivered through the flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring an approximate volume of ink remaining in a flexible bag ink supply. A signal is generated from the pressure applied to an ink supply to force ink out of the bag and the pressure of ink expelled from that ink supply. A predictable relationship is disclosed that permits an approximate volume of remaining ink to be determined based on the differential pressure signal. The use of drop counting in combination with pressure measuring is also disclosed. The apparatus and method is also applicable to non-pressurized in supplies.

Abstract: A replaceable ink container for providing ink to a printhead of a printing system. The ink container has a fluid outlet configured for connection with the printhead. The ink container includes an ink reservoir having a first capillary member having a first capillary pressure, and a second capillary member having a second capillary pressure that is greater than the first capillary pressure such that the second capillary member has a higher resistance to ink flow than the first capillary member. An ink level sensor senses a low ink condition of the ink reservoir. The ink level sensor includes a C-shaped tube having first and second ports that fluidically communicate with only the second capillary member. The first and second capillary members abut one another at a capillary member interface, and the first port is positioned immediately adjacent to this capillary member interface.

Abstract: An ink container that includes an outer container, a collapsible ink reservoir disposed in the outer container, and a pressure transducer disposed in the pressure vessel for sensing ink level.

Abstract: A replaceable ink container for providing ink to a printhead of a printing system. The ink container has a fluid outlet configured for connection with the printhead. The ink container includes an ink reservoir having a first capillary member having a first capillary pressure, and a second capillary member having a second capillary pressure that is greater than the first capillary pressure such that the second capillary member has a higher resistance to ink flow than the first capillary member. An ink level sensor senses a low ink condition of the ink reservoir. The ink level sensor includes a C-shaped tube having first and second ports that fluidically communicate with only the second capillary member. The first and second capillary members abut one another at a capillary member interface, and the first port is positioned immediately adjacent to this capillary member interface.

Abstract: A packaged, degassed printer ink supply is provided, the ink supply including ink-containment vessel, a substantially degassed volume of ink contained within the ink-containment vessel, and a removable, sealable outer protective container having a low permeability to air and surrounding at least part of the ink-containment vessel to define an atmosphere between the ink-containment vessel and the outer protective container. The atmosphere between the ink-containment vessel and outer protective container is modified relative to ambient atmosphere outside of the outer protective container to decrease a diffusion rate of at least one component gas of air into the ink-containment vessel.

Abstract: Alternative methods for refurbishing a single-use ink delivery container for a printing system are described. The refurbishing methods include electrical and mechanical reconfiguration or replacement of original elements on the ink delivery container. Each method utilizes an existing ink fluid outlet, electrical connector and an information storage device on the ink delivery container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring an approximate volume of ink remaining in a flexible bag ink supply. A signal is generated from the pressure applied to an ink supply to force ink out of the bag and the pressure of ink expelled from that ink supply. A predictable relationship is disclosed that permits an approximate volume of remaining ink to be determined based on the differential pressure signal. The use of drop counting in combination with pressure measuring is also disclosed. The apparatus and method is also applicable to non-pressurized in supplies.

Abstract: Alternative methods for refurbishing a single-use ink delivery container for a printing system are described. The refurbishing methods include electrical and mechanical reconfiguration or replacement of original elements on the ink delivery container. Each method utilizes an existing ink fluid outlet, electrical connector and an information storage device on the ink delivery container.

Abstract: An ink container for a supply of liquid ink includes a pressure vessel defining an interior chamber and a collapsible ink reservoir disposed within the interior chamber. The collapsible ink reservoir is adapted to hold the supply of liquid ink therein such that an ink passage communicates with the collapsible ink reservoir and externally of the pressure vessel, and an air passage communicates with the interior chamber of the pressure vessel and externally of the pressure vessel. A flow restrictor communicates with the air passage and, therefore, the interior chamber to restrict flow through the air passage from the interior chamber and permit flow through the air passage into the interior chamber.

Abstract: Techniques for air management in an inkjet printing systems. A method includes providing an ink supply for holding a supply of liquid ink, the ink supply including high barriers to air diffusion, filling the ink supply with a quantity of liquid unsaturated ink, storing the filled ink supply for a storage time interval or until needed, installing the ink supply in an inkjet printing system including an inkjet printhead, supplying unsaturated ink from the ink supply to the inkjet printhead for printing, and allowing the unsaturated ink to absorb air introduced into the printing system, and ejecting droplets of the liquid ink from the printing system during the printing.

Abstract: An ink jet printer has a body with a paper path and a carriage operable to reciprocate across the paper path. An ink supply receptacle on the body is spaced apart from the carriage, and an ink conduit extends between the ink supply receptacle and a fluid output interconnect on the carriage. A gas release facility connected to the conduit allows air to be released from the conduit when the printer is first to be used. This may occur in response to filling the conduit with ink, and the facility may be near the carriage end of the conduit to allow substantial evacuation of air from the conduit. The facility may prevent further release of gas or fluid when wet, such as provided by a porous polymer material.