Abstract: A method and apparatus for refurbishing used ink jet cartridges. The apparatus utilizes an interchangeable cradle attachment arrangement that can hold virtually any type of ink jet cartridge. After the ink jet cartridge is placed in an ink jet cartridge cradle, a vacuum is applied to the print head of the cartridge to drain any excess ink. After draining excess ink, the ink jet cartridge can be replenished using the fill gun that is included in the ink jet cartridge refurbishing system.

Abstract: A method for operating an ink jet cartridge refurbishment facility includes an utilizing an apparatus to refurbish ink jet cartridges. The apparatus includes a number of stations and accessories that perform the recovery and filling aspects of the ink jet cartridge refurbishment process. The method for operating the ink jet cartridge refurbishment facility may include receiving one or more used ink jet cartridges directly from each of a number of ink jet device users, refurbishing at least a portion of the used ink jet cartridges at the ink jet cartridge refurbishment facility, and distributing one or more replacement ink jet cartridges to each respective ink jet device user.