DE69812950T2 - INK SUPPLY ADAPTER - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

This invention relates generally to inkjet printing systems and, more particularly, to inkjet printing systems that utilize an ink supply cartridge that includes a memory device for exchanging information with the inkjet printing system.

Background of the revelation

One type of known inkjet printing system or printing system includes a print head attached to a carriage that is moved back and forth across a print medium, such as paper. As the print head moves across appropriate positions on the print medium, a control system activates the print head to eject drops of ink onto the print medium and produce desired images and characters. To operate properly, such printing systems must have a reliable supply of ink for the print head.

One category of ink jet printing systems uses an ink supply which is attached to and moves with the carriage. In certain types, the ink supply is replaceable separately from the print head. In others, the print head and the ink supply together form an integral unit which is replaced as a unit when the ink in the ink supply is exhausted. Such an ink supply which is replaceable separately from the print head is disclosed in European Patent Application 0440261A2. European Patent Application 0440261A2, which is considered to be closest to the prior art, discloses an ink jet recording apparatus which has a replaceable ink cartridge The replaceable ink cartridge includes an ink cartridge insertable into an adapter. The ink cartridge defined by the adapter and the ink cartridge is insertable into a cartridge guide of the recording device. Side walls of the ink cartridge adapter include rails that engage guides of the cartridge guide to accurately position the ink cartridge within the cartridge guide. The ink cartridge includes a shutter member and information medium contacts for engaging a hollow needle or corresponding connector pins of the corresponding device. The claimed adaptive ink supply differs from the above disclosure in that it includes at least one guide member on the front edge of the base of the adapter connector.

Another category of printing system, referred to as an "off-axis" printing system, uses ink supplies that are not located on the carriage. One type refills the printhead intermittently. The printhead periodically moves to a stationary reservoir for refilling. The parent application to this application, Serial Number 09/034,874, entitled "Ink Delivery System Adapter," describes another printing system in which the printhead is fluidly coupled to a replaceable ink supply or reservoir via a channel, such as a flexible tube. This allows the printhead to be continuously refilled during a printing operation.

In a parent application to this application, a removable off-axis supply is described that includes a memory device attached to the housing. When installed in the printing system, an electrical connection is established between the printing system and the memory device. This electrical connection enables the exchange of information between the printing system electronics and the memory. The Storage device stores information used by the printing system electronics to ensure high print quality. This information is automatically delivered to the printing system electronics when the cartridge is attached to the printing system. The exchange of information ensures compatibility of the cartridge with the printing system.

The stored information further prevents use of the ink supply after the ink is exhausted from it. Operating a printing system when the reservoir is exhausted of ink can destroy the printhead. The storage devices covered by this application are updated with data concerning the amount of ink remaining in the reservoir as it is being used. When a new cartridge is installed, the printing system reads information from the storage device indicating the reservoir volume. During use, the printing system estimates ink usage and updates the storage device to indicate how much ink is left in the cartridge. When the ink is substantially exhausted, this type of storage device can store data indicating an ink-out condition. When the ink is substantially exhausted, these cartridges are typically discarded and new cartridges are installed along with a new storage device.

Previously used ink containers have fixed volumes of deliverable ink provided to printing systems based essentially on ink usage rate requirements of a particular user. However, printing system users have a wide variety of ink usage rates, which may change over time. For inkjet printing system users requiring a relatively high ink usage rate, ink containers having these volumes require a relatively high ink container replacement rate. This may be particularly true for print jobs be disruptive to printers left running overnight. Extended continuous use of printing systems will cause ink tanks to run out of ink during a print job. If the printing system does not abort during an "ink out" condition, permanent damage to the print head or the printing system itself may occur.

For printing system users requiring lower ink volumes, a different set of problems are encountered if the ink volume is too large. The ink may exceed its shelf life before it is used up. Larger ink containers are more expensive and bulky than small cartridges and may be prohibitively expensive for small volume users. Thus, there is a need to provide adaptive ink supplies for the ink cartridge described in the patent application so that ink containers having a variety of ink volumes can be used. The adaptive ink supplies should still be able to provide the printing system with the benefits of the original equipment ink cartridge's memory device.

Summary of the invention

According to a broad aspect of the invention, there is provided an adaptive ink supply for a printing system for use in place of a first ink cartridge, the printing system having a receiving device for receiving the first ink cartridge, the receiving device comprising: a connection platform, a printing system electrical connector protruding from the platform, having at least two sides and having an end containing a plurality of resilient electrical contacts protruding from the end, a controller that exchanges information with a first storage device attached to the first ink cartridge that stores information regarding the ink in the first ink cartridge, an ink supply sleeve protruding from the platform and surrounding a hollow needle fluidly connected to a printhead, the adaptive ink supply having the following features:

an ink reservoir containing a replacement ink;

a fluidic outlet in fluid communication with the ink reservoir, dimensioned to be received by the ink supply sleeve and to receive the hollow needle to allow ink to flow from the ink reservoir to the printhead;

an adapter connector comprising: a base having a front end relative to a direction of engagement of the adapter connector with the printing system connector, a plurality of electrical contact pads secured to the front end of the base and spaced side-by-side for engaging the electrical contacts of the electrical printing system connector, the adapter connector having at least one guide member at the front end of the base engaging at least one of the sides of the electrical printing system connector for moving the connection platform from which the electrical printing system connector projects to align the contact pads into engagement with the electrical contacts; and

a signal source that is electrically connected to the contact pads of the adapter connector for exchanging information with the controller.

According to another broad aspect of the invention, a method is provided for adapting an ink supply to a printing system configured to use a first ink cartridge having a first storage device containing data identifying ink in the first ink cartridge, the printing system having a connection platform including: a fluid inlet with a hollow needle surrounded by a slidingly biased sealing collar, an electrical printing system connector protruding from the platform, having at least two sides and having an end including a plurality of protruding resilient contacts protruding from the end, the electrical contacts comprising two pairs of volume sensing contacts, a controller exchanging information with the first storage device regarding ink in the first ink cartridge, the first ink cartridge having a pair of inductive coils for sensing the amount of ink therein, each of the inductive coils being adapted to be electrically connected to one of the pairs of volume sensing contacts when the first ink cartridge is installed in the receiving device, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an adaptive ink supply comprising: an ink reservoir having a fluid outlet, an adapter connector comprising a base having a front end relative to a direction of engagement of the adapter connector with the electrical printing system connector, a plurality of contact pads for engaging the electrical contacts secured to the front end of the base and spaced side-by-side for engaging the electrical contacts of the electrical printing system connector, the adapter connector having at least one guide member on the front end of the base for engaging at least one of the sides of the electrical printing system connector, and a signal source containing electronic information readable by the controller to enable the printing system to operate;

(b) coupling the fluid outlet of the ink reservoir to the fluid inlet, compressing the sliding sleeve with one end of the fluid outlet and inserting the hollow needle of the fluid inlet into the fluid outlet to deliver ink from the reservoir;

(c) engaging the adapter connector with the printing system electrical connector by moving the connection platform from which the printing system electrical connector projects so that the contact pads engage the electrical contacts of the printing system electrical connector;

(d) electrically connecting the volume sensing contacts of at least one of the pairs together;

(e) performing an electrical continuity test by supplying voltage from the controller to the at least one of the pairs; and

(f) Exchanging information between the controller and the signal source to enable the printing system to operate.

Several embodiments of an adaptive ink delivery system for an existing inkjet printing system are provided. The adaptive ink delivery systems include ink reservoirs of varying configuration and size capable of accommodating a variety of ink usage rates. Each adaptive ink delivery system further includes an electrical connector and an information storage device suitable for the various ink usage rates. The information storage device may be an emulation circuit that provides activation information to the printing system independent of the actual state of the ink reservoir.

The adaptive ink delivery systems allow the ink reservoir and/or the information storage device to be located remotely from the printing system.

Short description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of a printing system having an original equipment ink delivery system.

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a printing system utilizing the printing system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an isometric end view of an ink container of the printing system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the ink tank of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged partial proximal end view of the ink container of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the ink container of Fig. 3 taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged partial isometric view of a portion of the printing system of Fig. 2 showing the ink container receptacles.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged partial isometric view of the printing system of Fig. 2 taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged isometric view of an interface portion of the printing system of Fig. 2.

Fig. 10A is a partial cross-sectional view of the interface portion of the printing system shown in Fig. 9 taken along line 10A-10A of Fig. 9, further showing a partial cross-sectional view of the installed ink container.

Fig. 10B is an enlarged view of the printing system of Fig. 10A, taken along line 10B-10B of Fig. 10A.

Fig. 11A is an exploded partial isometric view of the ink container of Figs. 10A, 10B, shown from the distal end.

Fig. 11B is an exploded partial isometric view of the ink container of Figs. 10A, 10B, shown from the proximal end.

Fig. 12 is another exploded isometric view of the ink container of Fig. 10A, 10B.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged side view showing the inductive liquid level sensors of the ink containers of Figs. 10A, 10B, shown removed from the ink container.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the ink container of Figs. 10A, 10B with the proximal cover removed.

Fig. 15 is a side view of a first embodiment of an adaptive ink delivery system, which does not fall within the scope of claim 1.

Fig. 16 is a side view of another embodiment of an adaptive ink delivery system, which does not fall within the scope of claim 1.

Fig. 17 is a side view of another embodiment of an adaptive ink delivery system, not falling within the scope of claim 1.

Fig. 18 is a side view of another embodiment of an adaptive ink delivery system, not falling within the scope of claim 1.

Fig. 19 is a side view of another embodiment of an adaptive ink delivery system, not falling within the scope of claim 1.

Fig. 20 is a side view of another embodiment of an adaptive ink delivery system, not falling within the scope of claim 1.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged view of the proximal end of an ink container not falling within the scope of claim 1, showing another embodiment of the electrical contacts.

Fig. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the ink container of Fig. 21 shown in alignment with the electrical connection portion.

Best mode for carrying out the invention

Although the present invention provides adapters and methods for changing the ink volume and the corresponding requirements of information provided to a printing system, the invention is better understood through a thorough discussion of the printing system and an original equipment ink container.

Referring to Fig. 1, a printing system 10 is shown having an ink container 12, a printhead 14, and a source of pressurized gas, such as a compressor 16. The compressor 16 is connected to the ink container 12 with a channel 18. A marking fluid 19, such as ink, is supplied by an ink container 12 to the printhead 14 through a channel 20. The ink container 12 includes a fluid reservoir 22 for containing ink 19, an outer shell 24, and a chassis 26. In the preferred embodiment, the chassis 26 includes an air inlet 28 configured for connection to the channel for pressurizing the outer shell 24 with air. A fluid outlet 30 is further included in the chassis 26. The fluid outlet 30 is configured for connection to the channel to provide a connection between the fluid reservoir 22 and the fluid channel 20.

In the preferred embodiment, the fluid reservoir 22 is formed of a flexible material such that pressurizing the outer shell 24 creates a pressurized flow of ink from the fluid reservoir 22 through the channel 20 to the printhead 14. The use of a pressurized ink source in the fluid reservoir 22 enables a relatively high flow rate of fluid from the fluid reservoir 22 to the printhead 14. The use of high flow rates or high ink delivery rates to the printhead makes high throughput printing possible by the printing system 10.

The ink container 12 further includes a plurality of electrical contacts, as discussed in more detail below. The electrical contacts provide an electrical connection between the ink container 12 and the printing system control electronics or controller 32. The printing system control electronics 32 controls various functions of the printing system 10, such as, but not limited to, activating the printhead 14 to dispense ink and activating the pump 16 to pressurize the ink container 12. The ink container 12 includes an information storage device 34 and an ink volume sensing circuitry 36. In a preferred embodiment, the ink volume sensing circuitry 36 includes two circuits 36, as will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. The information storage device 34 provides information to the printing system control electronics 32, such as volume and ink characteristics of the ink container 12. The ink volume sensing circuitry 36 provides signals related to the current volume of ink in the ink container 12 to the printing system control electronics 32.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the printing system 10, shown in perspective. The printing system 10 includes a printing frame 38 constructed to contain multiple ink containers 12 simultaneously. The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 has four similar ink containers 12. In this embodiment, each ink container contains a different color of ink so that four-color printing is available, including: cyan, yellow, magenta, and black ink. The printing system frame 38 includes a control panel 40 for controlling the operation of the printing system 10 and a media slot 42 from which paper is ejected.

Referring further to FIG. 1, when ink 19 in each ink container 12 is exhausted, the container 12 is replaced with a new ink container 12 containing a new supply of ink. In addition, ink containers 12 may be removed from the printing system frame 38 for reasons other than an ink-out condition, such as changing inks for an application requiring different ink characteristics or for use on a different medium. It is important that the replacement ink container 12 forms a reliable fluidic and electronic connection with the printing system frame 38 so that a printing system 10 will operate reliably.

3 and 4 show an original equipment ink container 12 having an outer shell 24 containing the fluid reservoir 22 (Fig. 1) for containing ink 19. The outer shell 24 has a front cover 50 secured at a front end and a rear cover 52 secured at a rear end relative to a direction of insertion of the ink container 12 into the printing system frame 38. The front cover 50 has an aperture 44 at its front end through which an air inlet 28 and a fluid outlet 30 protrude from the reservoir 22 (Fig. 1). The reservoir chassis 26 has an end or base adjacent a front cover 50 such that the air inlet 28 and the fluid outlet 30 protrude through the aperture 44. The aperture 44 is surrounded by a wall 45 which places the aperture 44 within a recess. The air inlet 28 and the fluid outlet 30 are configured for connection to the compressor 16 and the printhead 14, respectively (FIG. 1) once the ink container 12 is properly inserted into the printing system frame 38. The air inlet 28 and the fluid outlet 30 are discussed in more detail below.

The front cover 50 further includes another aperture 46 disposed within the recess defined by a wall 45. The base or end of the chassis 26 is further exposed at an aperture 46. A plurality of flat electrical contact pads 54 are disposed on the reservoir chassis 26 and positioned within the aperture 46 for providing an electrical connection between the circuitry associated with the ink container 12 and the printing system control electronics 32. The contact pads 54 are rectangular and arranged in a straight row. Four of the contact pads 54 are electrically connected to the information storage device 34 and four are electrically connected to the ink volume sensing circuitry 36 as discussed with reference to FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, the information storage device 34 is a semiconductor memory device and the ink volume sensing circuitry 36 comprises an inductive sensing device. The wall 45 helps protect the information storage device 34 and the contact pads 54 from mechanical damage. In addition, the wall 45 helps minimize inadvertent finger contact with the contact pads 54. The contact pads 54 are discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 5.

In a preferred embodiment, the ink container 12 includes one or more locking and guiding features 58 and 60 located on opposite sides of the front cover 50 of the container 12. The locking and guiding features 58 and 60 protrude outwardly from the sides of the container 12 to cooperate in conjunction with the corresponding locking and guiding features on the printing system frame 38 (FIG. 2) to assist in aligning and guiding the ink container 12 during insertion of the ink container 12 into the printing system frame 38. The locking and guiding features 58 and 60 also provide a locking function to ensure that the ink containers 12 having proper ink parameters, such as proper color and ink type, are inserted into a given slot of the printing system frame 58.

A locking feature 62 is provided on one side of the front cover 52. The locking feature 62 works in conjunction with the corresponding locking portions on the printing system portion to secure the ink container 12 within the printing system frame 38 so that connections such as pressurized air, fluidic and electrical are reliably achieved. The locking feature 62 is a molded pin that extends downward relative to a reference gravity frame. The ink container 12, as shown in Figure 4, is positioned for insertion into the printing system frame 38 (Figure 2) along the Z axis of the coordinate system 64. In this orientation, gravitational forces on the ink container 12 are along the Y axis.

Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of electrical contact pads 54. An upstanding guide member 72 is mounted to the chassis 26 adjacent the contact pads 54. The electrical contact pads 54 include two pairs of contact pads 78, each pair being electrically connected to one of the volume sensing circuits 36 discussed with reference to Fig. 1. The four contact pads 80 spaced between each pair of pads 78 are electrically connected to the information storage device 34. Each pair of volume sensing contact pads 78 is located on an outer side of the row of contact pads 54. The contact pads 78 are part of a flexible circuit 82 (Fig. 13) which is attached to the chassis 26 by fasteners 84. The four intermediate contacts 80 disposed between the pairs of volume sensing contacts 78 are conductive metal layers disposed on a non-conductive substrate 86, such as epoxy and fiberglass. The memory device 34 is further attached to the substrate 86 and is connected by conductive traces (not shown) in the Substrate 86 is formed. The memory device 34 is shown encapsulated by a protective coating, such as epoxy. A back side of the substrate 86, opposite the contacts 80, is bonded to the chassis 26 by an adhesive or attached to the chassis 26 by fasteners 84.

From Fig. 6, it can be seen that the guide member 72 extends along a Z-axis in the coordinate system 64. The guide member 72 has a pointed, tapered distal end. The guide member 72 provides an important guiding function to ensure that a proper electrical connection is achieved during the insertion of the ink container 12 into the printing system frame 38.

Fig. 7 illustrates an ink container 12 shown secured within an ink container receptacle or slot 88 of the receptacle station 89 within the printing system frame 38. Ink container indicia 90 may be located near each ink container receptacle 88. The ink container indicia 90 may be a color pattern or text indicating the ink color to assist the user in matching the color to insert the ink container 12 into the correct slot 88 within the ink container receptacle station 89. As previously discussed, the locking and guiding features 58 and 60 shown in Figs. 3 and 4 prevent ink containers 12 from being installed in the wrong slot 88. Installation of an ink container 12 in the wrong receptacle 88 may result in improper color mixing or the mixing of inks of different types, either of which may result in poor print quality.

Each receiving slot 88 within the ink container receiving station 89 includes locking and guide slots 92 and locking portions 94. The locking and guiding slots 92 cooperate with the locking and guiding features 60 (Fig. 3) to guide the ink container 12 into the ink container receiving station 88. The locking and guiding slot associated with the locking and guiding feature 58 (Fig. 3) on the ink container 12 is not shown. Each locking portion 94 is configured to engage the corresponding locking feature 62 on the ink container 12. The geometries of the locking and guiding slots 92 vary from one receiving station 88 to another to ensure that ink containers containing proper color and ink compositions are installed only in the proper receiving stations.

Fig. 8 shows a single ink container receiving slot 88 within the ink container receiving station 89. The slot 88 includes connection portions for connection to the ink container 12. In the preferred embodiment, these connection portions include a fluid inlet 98, a fluid outlet 96, and an electrical connection portion 100. Each of the connections 96, 98, and 100 is positioned on a floating platform 102 that is biased along the Z axis toward the installed ink container 12 by coil spring 101 (Fig. 10A). The fluid inlet 98 and air outlet 96 are configured for connection to the corresponding fluid outlet 30 and air inlet 28 (Fig. 3), respectively, on the ink container 12. The electrical connection 100 is configured for engagement with the electrical contacts 54 on the ink container 12.

The interaction between the locking and guiding features 58 and 60 associated with the ink container 12 and the corresponding locking and guiding slots 92 associated with the ink container receiving station 89 guide the ink container 12 during insertion such that a proper connection between the ink container 12 and the printing system frame 38. In addition, the side walls associated with each slot 88 in the ink container receiving station 89 engage the outer surfaces of the ink container 12 to assist in guiding and aligning the ink container 12 during insertion into the slot 88.

9 and 10A illustrate further details of the floating platform 102. The platform 102 is spring-loaded by coil springs 101 in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion of the ink container 12 into the ink container receiving slot 88 (Fig. 10A). The platform 102 is biased toward the mechanical restraints (not shown) that limit the movement of the platform 102 in each of the X, Y, and Z axes. Therefore, the platform 102 has a limited degree of movement in each of the X, Y, and Z axes of the coordinate system 64.

The electrical connector 100 is supported by and projects from the platform 102. The electrical connector 100 is generally rectangular, has two lateral sides 107, an upper and lower side, and a distal end 105. A plurality of resilient, spring-loaded electrical contacts 104 project from the end 105. The electrical contacts 104 are thin wire-like members that engage corresponding electrical contacts 54 (FIG. 3) associated with the ink container 12 to electrically connect an electrical portion of the ink container 12 to the printing system control electronics 32 (FIG. 1). The electrical connector 100 has a guide slot 106 on the top thereof. The guide slot 106 has opposing converging walls that cooperate to engage the guide member 72 (FIGS. 5 and 10B). The guide member 72 engages the guide slot 106 to properly align the contacts 104 with the contact pads 54. Fig. 10B shows the Contact pads 54 properly aligned with the electrical contacts 104.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10A, the fluid inlet 98 and the air outlet 96 protrude from the floating platform 102. The fluid inlet 98 includes an ink supply sleeve 110 surrounding a hollow needle 108. The needle 108 has a gate near its distal end. A collar 111 sealingly and slidably engages the needle 108. A spring 113 urges the collar 111 toward the distal end, thereby blocking the gate. The air outlet 96 includes an air supply sleeve 114 surrounding a hollow needle 112.

Still referring to Fig. 10A, the fluid outlet 30 is an outwardly extending cylindrical member having a septum 122 at its distal end. The septum 122 has a gap for receiving the needle 108. In a preferred embodiment, a check valve having a ball 124 and a spring 126 are disposed in the fluid outlet 30 to prevent outflow of ink when the needle 108 is inserted. The ball 124 seats against the septum 122 and is urged away from the septum 122 by the needle 108. The air inlet 28 is also a cylindrical member having a septum 128 with a gap.

When the ink container 12 is releasably inserted into the receiving slot 88, the locking and guiding features 58 and 60 provide rough alignment between the ink container and the receiving slot 88 such that the distal end of the fluid outlet 30 can properly engage the distal end of the ink supply sleeve 110 and such that the distal end of the air inlet 28 can properly engage the distal end of the air supply sleeve 114. Engagement forces between the distal end of the fluid outlet 30 and the ink supply sleeve 110 and between the distal end of the air inlet 28 and the Air supply sleeve 114 generates a force that causes the floating platform 102 to move into alignment with the respective ink container 12 such that the needle 108 can be received through the fluid outlet 130 and thus form a fluid connection therewith. This alignment of the floating platform 102 further allows the needle 112 to be received through the air inlet 28 and thus form an air connection therewith.

When the fluid outlet 30 properly engages the fluid inlet 98, the distal end of the fluid outlet 30 pushes the collar 111 from a position where it seals the gate on the hollow needle 108 to a position where the gate on the hollow needle 108 is open. Simultaneously, the distal end of the fluid outlet 30 receives the hollow needle 108, thereby providing fluid communication between the hollow needle 108 and the fluid outlet 30. It is important that the fluid outlet 30 be properly sized with the distal end having an appropriate diameter such that it can be received within the ink supply sleeve 110 and that the fluid outlet be of sufficient length such that it properly compresses the sleeve 111 and receives the port on the hollow needle to allow fluid flow from the fluid outlet 30 to the hollow needle 108.

The fluid and air connections described above provide an intermediate alignment accuracy between the connector 100 and the plurality of contacts 54 associated with the ink container 12. This intermediate accuracy is adequate for electrical connection along the Y axis shown by axes 64 in Figure 9. However, this coarse alignment is not accurate enough along the X axis. The electrical connector 100 is attached to the floating platform 102 such that it has a degree of movement along the X direction. Fine alignment along the X direction is then provided by at least one guide member associated with the ink container 12 which engages the connector 100. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one guide member is an upright member 72 which engages opposing converging walls of the electrical connector 100.

As shown in Figures 11A, 11B and 14, the shell 24 is a generally rectangular member having a cylindrical neck 130 at the front end thereof. The chassis 26 is a circular plate or plug that is inserted into and seals the neck 130, with the front of the chassis 26 flush with the edge of the neck 130. The reservoir 22 is a collapsible reservoir, such as a collapsible bag, that fits into the shell 24. An opening in the reservoir 22 is sealingly connected to the chassis 26. The shell 24 is airtight and creates a pressure chamber 132 in the space surrounding the reservoir 22. The air inlet 30 leads to the pressure chamber 132.

Referring to Fig. 12, rigid stiffener plates 134 are mounted on opposite outer sides of the reservoir 22. The two inductive ink volume sensor coils 36 are formed on opposite legs of the flexible circuit 82. Each of the coils 36 has two lead wires 138 (Fig. 13) connected to one of the pairs of sensor contacts 78 (Fig. 3). One of the coils 36 is located on one side of the reservoir 22 while the other is located on the opposite side. When connected to the printing system 10, the printing system electronics provides a time varying signal to one of the coils 36. This induces a voltage in the other coil 36, the magnitude of which varies as the separation distance between the coils 36 varies. When ink is used, the opposing sidewall portions of the reservoir 22 collapse together, thereby reducing the electromagnetic coupling or mutual inductance of the coil pair is changed. This change in coupling is sensed by the controller 32, which derives an ink level as a result. In addition, the controller 32 further performs a continuity check when the ink container 12 is installed by determining whether electrical continuity exists between the two contact pads 78 leading to one of the coils 36.

Each ink cartridge 12 has unique ink cartridge-related aspects represented in the form of data provided by an information storage device 34. This data is delivered from the ink cartridge 12 to the printing system 10 via the storage device 34 automatically without requiring the user to reconfigure the printing system 10 for the particular ink cartridge 12 installed. The storage device 34 has a protected section, a write-once section, and a write-many/erasable section. When the cartridge 12 is first installed in the printing system 10, the controller 32 reads ink cartridge information such as manufacturer identity, part identification, ink supply data code, system coefficients, service mode, and ink supply size. The printing system 10 energizes one of the coils 36 and reads an initial receive coil voltage from another (receive) coil 36. This initial receive coil voltage of the receive coil 36 indicates the full condition of the ink container 12. The printing system control electronics then records a parameter on the protected portion of the memory device 34 that indicates the initial receive coil voltage. The printing system control electronics then initiates a write protect feature to ensure that the information in the protected portion of the memory remains the same.

The write-once section is a memory section that can only be written once by the controller 32. The writable/erasable section can be written and erased repeatedly. Both of these sections store information concerning the current amount of ink. As explained below, the coarse bit information is stored in the writable/erasable section and the fine bit data is stored in the writable/erasable section.

After inserting the ink container 12 into the printing system 10, the controller 32 reads information from the storage device 34 to control various printing functions. For example, the controller 32 uses information from the storage device 34 to calculate an estimate of the remaining ink. If the remaining ink is less than a low ink threshold volume, a message is provided to the user indicating this. Further, if a substantial portion of the ink below the threshold volume is consumed, the controller 32 may disable the printing system 10 to prevent operation of the printhead 14 without a supply of ink. Operating the printhead 14 without ink may result in a reduction in printhead reliability or catastrophic failure of the printhead 14.

In operation, the controller 32 reads initial volume information from the storage device 34 associated with the ink container 12. As ink is used during printing, the ink level is monitored by the controller 32 and the storage device 34 is updated to contain information relating to the remaining ink in the ink container 12. The controller 32 subsequently monitors the level of deliverable ink in the ink container 12 via the storage device 34. In a preferred embodiment, data is transferred between the printing system 10 and the storage device 34 in a serial manner using a single data line relative to ground.

In a preferred embodiment, the volume information includes: (1) initial supply size data in a read-only portion of the memory, (2) coarse ink level data stored in the write-once portion of the memory, and (3) fine ink level data stored in a writeable/erasable portion of the memory. The initial supply size data indicates the amount of deliverable ink initially present in the ink container 12.

The coarse ink level data comprises a number of write-once bits, each corresponding to a particular fraction of the deliverable ink initially present in the ink container 12. In a first preferred embodiment, eight coarse ink level bits each correspond to one-eighth of the deliverable ink initially present in the ink container 12. In a second preferred embodiment, to be used in the discussion below, seven coarse ink level bits each correspond to one-eighth of the deliverable ink initially present in the ink container 12, and one coarse ink level bit corresponds to an ink empty condition. However, more or fewer coarse bits may be used, depending on the accuracy desired for a coarse ink level counter.

The fine ink level data indicates a fine bit binary number that is proportional to a fraction of one-eighth of the volume of deliverable ink initially present in the ink container 12. Thus, the entire range of the fine bit binary number corresponds to one coarse ink level bit, as explained in more detail below.

The printing system 10 reads the initial supply size data and calculates the amount or volume of deliverable ink initially present in the ink container 12. The drop volume ejected by the printhead 14 is determined by the printing system 10 by reading parameters and/or performing calculations. Using the initial volume of deliverable ink in the ink container 12 and the estimated drop volume of the printhead 14, the printing system 10 calculates the fraction of the initial deliverable ink volume that each drop represents. This allows the printing system 10 to monitor the fraction of the initial volume of deliverable ink that remains in the ink container 12.

During printing, the printing system 10 maintains a drop count equal to the number of ink drops ejected by the printhead 14. After the printing system 10 has printed a small amount, typically a page, it converts the drop count into a number of increments or decrements of the fine bit binary number. This conversion uses the fact that the entire range of the fine bit binary number corresponds to one eighth of the initial volume of deliverable ink in the ink container 12. Each time the fine bit binary number is fully decremented or incremented, the printing system 10 writes to one of the coarse ink level bits to "store" the bit.

The printing system 10 periodically polls the coarse and fine ink level bits to determine the fraction of the initially deliverable ink remaining in the ink container 12. The printing system 10 may then provide a "gas gauge" or other indication to a user of the printing system 10 indicating the ink level in the ink container 12. In a preferred embodiment, the printing system provides an "ink low warning" when the sixth coarse ink level bit is set. In a preferred embodiment, the printing system sets the eighth (last) coarse ink level bit when the ink container 12 is substantially depleted of ink. This last coarse ink level bit is referred to as an "ink empty" bit. Upon polling the coarse ink level bits, the printing system interprets a "stored" ink empty bit as an "ink empty" state for the ink container 12.

The volume is sensed by the inductive sensor coils 36 (Fig. 12) only during a second phase of ink usage. During the first phase, both fine and coarse counters are used. Ink drops are counted and recorded in the fine counter portion of the memory device 34. Each time the fine counter fully increments or decrements, another coarse counter bit is set. During the second phase, only the ink level sensor coils 36 are used. The voltage is output from the receive coil 36 and compared to the voltage level indicated by the parameter recorded on the memory device 34. A parameter indicative of the voltage output is recorded on the writable/erasable portion of the memory. Each subsequent reading is compared to the previous reading as an error checking technique to enable detection of a coil malfunction.

At the start of the third phase, the fine counter is reset and used in the same manner as during the first phase. When the final coarse counter bit is set, an "ink empty" warning is indicated to the printing system. The three-phase arrangement is provided because inductive sensor coils 36 are only sufficiently accurate in the second phase.

In the printing system 10, the transfer of data between the printing system 10 and the storage device 34 occurs in a serial manner on the single data line relative to ground. As explained above, as the ink in the ink container 12 is emptied, the storage device 34 stores data indicative of its initial and current state. The printing system 10 updates the storage device 34 to indicate the volume of ink remaining. When most or substantially all of the ink has been emptied, the all deliverable ink has been depleted, the printing system 10 modifies the memory device 34 to allow the ink container 12 to provide an "ink empty" signal. The printing system 10 may respond by stopping printing with the ink container 12. At this point, the user inserts a new ink container 12.

Referring to Fig. 15, a first embodiment of an adaptive high volume ink supply 141, not falling within the scope of claim 1, is shown for changing the ink container 12. The ink supply 141 includes a fluid channel 143, such as a flexible tube, that fluidly connects a fluid outlet 145 at one end of the channel 143 to an ink reservoir 146 at the other end of the channel 143. The channel 143 allows a reservoir 146 to be located remotely from the receiving device 88 while the fluid outlet 145 is connected to the printing system 10. Locating reservoir 146 remote from receptacle 88 allows reservoir 146 to be sized larger than the space limitations of receptacle 88 would allow. Fluid outlet 145 functions similarly to fluid outlet 30 discussed with reference to Figure 12. In a preferred embodiment, fluid outlet 145 includes septum 144 and is sized to connect to fluid inlet 98 (Figure 10B). Hollow needle 108 pierces septum 144. The opposite end of channel 143 is secured to ink reservoir 146. In the embodiment shown, air pressure from air outlet 96 is not used to force ink from reservoir 146.

The ink supply 141 further includes an ink supply electrical channel 147. The ink supply channel 147 includes a flexible electrical cable 149 having an adapter connector 151 at one end. The adapter connector 151 is provided for electrically connecting a signal source 155 to an electrical connector 100 of the printing system 10. The adapter connector 151 is configured to closely receive at least two opposing sides of the electrical connection 100 (see further FIG. 9) to retain the adapter connector 151. The adapter connector 151 may include a guide member similar to the guide member 72 (FIGS. 5 and 6) that engages the guide slot 106 (FIG. 9).

The adapter connector 151 has a plurality of flat contact pads 153 arranged in a row for engaging the electrical contacts 104 of the connector 100. In a preferred embodiment, the number and spacing of the contact pads 153 is substantially as described with reference to Fig. 5. Even if inductive volume sensing is not used, preferably at least one pair of contacts similar to the contacts 78 in Fig. 5 would be positioned and electrically connected together to enable the controller 32 (Fig. 1) to perform a continuity check.

The ink supply channel 147 is connected to the source of electrical signals 155 for providing activation information to the printing system 10. A cable 149 activates an electrical signal source 155 to be remote from the cradle 88 while the adapter connector 151 is engaged with the contacts 104 of the printing system 10. Alternatively, the signal source 155 may be connected to the cable 149 with a pluggable connector (not shown).

The electrical signal source 155 may be a memory circuit that is substantially the same as the memory circuit 34 (Fig. 3) of the first embodiment. Alternatively, the signal source 155 may be an emulation device, which is an electronic circuit that functions similarly to the memory device 34 but has a substantially different structure. As an emulation device, signal source 155 may communicate substantially the same type of information with printing system 10 (FIG. 1) as memory device 34. As an emulation device, signal source 155 may, for example, provide information to controller 32 (FIG. 1) concerning ink volume, ink type, and color when controller 151 is connected to electrical connector 100. These signals may be interpreted by controller 32 to indicate initial ink supply size, coarse ink level, and fine ink level. Each time the signal indicative of fine ink level reaches an extreme, the coarse ink level signal may be incremented in signal source 155 in response. Thus, an emulation device as signal source 155 may function as a duplicate or approximately a duplicate of memory device 34. Alternatively, the signal source 155 may be a signal delivery circuit that only enables the printing system 10 to operate whenever a new supply of ink is delivered, but does not provide any information regarding the volume of ink in the reservoir 146 during use.

In operation, the ink supply 141 supplies ink similar to the ink container 12. The high volume ink reservoir 146 is connected to the fluid inlet 98 through the channel 143 and the fluid outlet 145. The seal of the fluid outlet 145 is pierced by the needle 108 of the fluid inlet 98. The signal source 155 is connected to the system connector 100 through the ink supply connector 151 and the cable 149. Ink is supplied from the ink reservoir while the remaining volume or other ink parameters are communicated to the printing system 10 through the ink supply circuit 147. The channel 143 and the cable 149 allow the reservoir 146 and the signal source 155, respectively, to be located remotely from the printing system 110.

Referring to Fig. 16, a second embodiment of an adaptive ink supply 161 for changing an ink container 12 is shown, which does not fall under the scope of claim 1. The ink supply 161 includes a housing 163 having a front end and a rear end relative to a direction of installation of the ink supply 161 into the receptacle 88 (Fig. 8). The housing 163 is dimensioned to be at least partially inserted into the receptacle 88 (Fig. 7). The housing 163 includes an opening 165 at the front end to enable establishment of fluid and air connections between the ink supply 161 and the printing system 10. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 163 includes locking and alignment features 184 that function similarly to the locking and alignment features 58 and 60 discussed with respect to the ink container 12.

A flexible ink reservoir 167 disposed within a rigid shell 169 is disposed within the housing 163. A fluid outlet 171 extending from the reservoir 167 engages the fluid inlet 98 and receives a hollow needle 108 therein, in a manner similar to that of the fluid outlet 30 discussed with respect to the ink container 12. In a preferred embodiment, a shut-off valve 172 is disposed between the reservoir 167 and the fluid outlet 171 and is opened by the needle 108 when the needle pierces a seal or septum 172 in the fluid outlet 171. The shell 169 has an air inlet 173 with a septum 174 connected to an air outlet 96 and pierced by the hollow needle 112 therein for supplying pressurized air from the air outlet 96 to the pressure chamber in the shell 169 for pressurizing the reservoir 167. The fluid outlet 171 and the air inlet 173 protrude through the opening 165 in the housing 163. Preferably, a volume sensing circuit, having inductive coils is also used, similar to that shown in Fig. 13.

In a preferred embodiment, an ink supply 161 includes a locking feature 182 that allows an ink supply 161 to be secured in a receptacle 88 to ensure reliable fluidic, air and electrical communication between the ink supply 161 and the printing system 10. In a preferred embodiment, the locking feature is an ink container locking feature 182 mounted near the rear end of the shell 169 (as shown with reference to Figure 16) or housing 163. The locking feature 182 is positioned on a lower side of the ink supply 161 relative to a reference gravity frame. The locking feature 182 is positioned to engage the locking portion 94 (discussed with reference to Figures 7 and 8) associated with the receiver 88. The locking feature 182 forms an opening for receiving the locking portion 94.

The ink supply 161 further includes an ink supply electrical circuit 175. In an exemplary embodiment, the ink supply circuit 175 includes a flexible electrical cable 177 extending from the electrical contact pads 179 attached to a front end of the housing 163. Although not shown, an alignment feature similar to the guide member 72 (Figs. 5 and 6) may protrude from the front end of the housing 163 to ensure proper alignment between the contact pads 179 and the contacts 104 protruding from the connector 100. The alignment feature creates movement of the connector 100 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the ink supply 161 into the printing system 10, in a manner similar to the alignment feature 72 described with respect to the ink container 12. The rear end of the housing 163 is open to allow a sleeve 169 to slide in and out of the housing 163. The ink supply circuit 175 is provided for electrically coupling a signal source 181 to the electrical connector 100 of the printing system 10.

The ink supply circuitry 175 further includes the signal source 181, which may be an electrical storage device or an emulator for providing activation information to the printing system 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal source 181 is attached to one side of the housing 163. The housing 163 preferably includes locking and guiding features 184 to function in a similar manner to items 58 and 60 (Fig. 3).

An alternative embodiment of the system described with reference to Figure 16 would include a storage device 34 attached to the housing 163 in a similar manner to that described with reference to Figure 5.

In operation, the ink supply 161 operates similarly to the ink container 12. The ink reservoir 167 is connected to the fluid inlet 98 through the fluid outlet 171. The pressure vessel 169 is connected to the air outlet 96 through the air inlet 173. The signal source 181 is coupled to the system connector 100 through the ink supply connector contacts 179 and the cable 177. A continuity check is performed by the controller 32 once the housing 169 is installed. Preferably, this is performed by a pair of volume sensing contacts similar to the contacts 78 (Fig. 5) and at least one inductive coil similar to the coil 36 shown in Fig. 13. Ink is supplied to the printing system 10 when pressurized air flows to the enclosure 169 to apply pressure to the reservoir 167. The operating parameters of the ink supply 61 can be communicated to the printing system 10 as described above for the ink supply 141.

When the ink supply 161 is removably installed into the receptacle 88 such that fluid, air and electrical connections are established between the ink supply 161 and the printing system 10, the springs 101 are compressed. The springs 101 exert a force on the ink supply 161 directed opposite to the direction of installation. If necessary, the ink supply 161 includes at least one locking feature 184 to which an opposite force is exerted directed along the direction of installation.

When the reservoir 167 is depleted of ink, several options exist. The reservoir 167 and sleeve 169 can be removed from the housing 163 and replaced with another reservoir and sleeve. Alternatively, the reservoir 167 can be refilled. In both cases, if the signal source 181 provides volume information, it must be updated in a way so as not to provide erroneous information to the print system controller 32 (Fig. 1).

A third embodiment of a disclosed adaptive ink supply is shown in Figure 17. The ink supply 191 includes a housing 193 having a front and a rear end relative to a direction of installation of the housing 193 into the receptacle 88. The housing 193 includes a fluid outlet 195 secured to and protruding from the front end. The housing 193 includes an ink channel 197 extending from the outlet 195 into an ink reservoir (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the reservoir (not shown) is remote from the housing 193, similar to the reservoir 146 in Figure 15. This remote configuration allows the use of ink supplies that would not fit into the receptacle 88.

The fluid outlet 195 extends laterally from the housing 193 and engages the fluid inlet 98 in a similar manner to the function of the fluid outlet 30 discussed with reference to the ink container 12. The ink supply 191 includes an electrical ink supply circuit 199, which may be similar to the circuit 175 discussed with reference to Figure 16, having a plurality of contacts, such as flat contact pads 200 at a front end of the housing 193 and connected to a signal source 202 by a plurality of conductive leads.

In a preferred embodiment, the ink supply 191 includes a locking feature 196 that allows the ink supply 191 to be secured in the receptacle 88 to ensure reliable fluidic and electrical communication between the ink supply 191 and the printing system 10. The locking feature 196 is positioned to engage the locking portion 94 associated with the receptacle 88. The locking feature extends downwardly from a rear end of the housing 193 relative to a reference gravity frame. Other means for providing a locking feature are possible, including surfaces on the housing 193 that provide friction between the housing 193 and the sides of the receptacle 88.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing 193 further includes locking and alignment features 198, which are preferably similar to the locking and alignment features 58 and 60 discussed with reference to FIG. 3. When the housing 193 is releasably inserted into the receptacle 88, the locking and alignment features 198 provide rough alignment between the housing 193 and the receptacle 88. This allows the fluid outlet 195 to properly engage the sleeve 110 associated with the fluid inlet 98. to enable needle 108 to be properly aligned with and received by fluid outlet 195. The fluidic connection between needle 108 and fluid outlet 195 provides an intermediate level of alignment accuracy between connector 100 and pads 200. An alignment member, such as upright member 72, is then used to provide fine alignment between pads 200 and contacts 104. This coarse, intermediate and fine alignment scheme is similar to that described for ink container 12 with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B.

In operation, when the housing 193 is inserted into a receptacle 88 (Fig. 7), the fluid outlet 195 is connected to the fluid inlet 198. The signal source 202 in the ink supply connector 199 is coupled to the system connector 100 through the contact pads 200. In a preferred embodiment, an electrical continuity test is performed as described with reference to Fig. 15, ink is supplied to the printing system 10 through the fluid outlet 195. The signal source 202 exchanges information with the controller 32 (Fig. 1) as described above.

When the ink supply 191 is removably installed in the receptacle 88 such that fluid and electrical connections are established between the ink supply 191 and the printing system 10, springs 101 are compressed. The springs 101 exert a force on the ink supply 191 that is directed opposite to the direction of installation. If necessary, the ink supply 191 includes at least one locking feature 198 to overcome this force, as previously discussed.

Fig. 18 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a disclosed ink delivery system. The ink supply 201 comprises an ink reservoir 203 with a fluid outlet 205, the protruding from one end. Volume sensing circuitry, such as coils 36 (Fig. 13), may also be used on reservoir 203. An electrical ink supply circuit 207 is used which may be similar to the ink supply circuit 147 of ink supply 141 as described with reference to Fig. 15. Ink supply circuit 207 includes an electrical connector 209 connected to a signal source 211. In operation, ink from reservoir 203 is sensed as signal source 211 which electronically exchanges information with controller 32 of printing system 10 (Fig. 1). Electrical continuity may be checked as described in connection with Fig. 15. Electrical signal source 211 may be similar to storage device 34 or it may be an emulator functionally equivalent to storage device 34.

A fifth embodiment of a disclosed adaptive ink delivery system is shown in Figure 19. The ink supply 211 includes an external housing 213 containing an ink reservoir 215 having a fluid outlet 216. The housing 213 has an open rear end for slidably receiving the reservoir 215. An electrical ink supply circuit 217 is attached to the housing 213 and may be the same as the ink supply circuit 199 described above in connection with Figure 17. The ink supply circuit 217 includes contact pads 218 attached to a front end of the housing 213 and a signal source 219 attached to the side of the housing 213. The ink supply 211 operates similarly to the ink supply 201 as described with reference to Fig. 18.

An alternative embodiment of the system described with reference to Figure 19 would include a storage device 34 attached to the housing 213 in a similar manner to that described with reference to Figure 5.

When the ink supply 211 is removably installed on the receptacle 88 such that fluid and electrical connections are established between the ink supply 211 and the printing system 10, the springs 101 are compressed. Springs 101 exert a force on the ink supply 191 that is directed opposite to the direction of installation. If necessary, the ink supply 211 includes at least one locking feature 220 to overcome this force, such as a locking feature located at the rear end of the housing 213. In a preferred embodiment, the ink supply 211 includes locking and alignment features 222 that function similarly to the locking and alignment features 58 and 60 discussed with respect to the ink container 12.

Fig. 20 illustrates an ink supply 224 employing a rigid ink reservoir 226. The reservoir 226 has a fluid outlet 228 configured similarly to the fluid outlets previously described for fluidic connection with the fluid outlet 98 (Fig. 19). An ink channel 230 extends into the ink reservoir 226 and terminates at the bottom with a filter 232. The filter 232 is preferably of a type that allows the passage of ink into an ink tube 230 but blocks air flow into the tube 230. An air inlet 234 is disposed adjacent the fluid outlet 228 for receipt by the air outlet 96 (Fig. 19). The air inlet 234 is connected to an air tube 238 that extends into a top of the reservoir 226. A memory or emulator unit and electrical contact pads 242 are located at a front edge of the reservoir 226. The contact pads 242 are positioned to engage the printer electrical connector 100 (Fig. 19). A guide member (not shown), such as the guide member 72 (Fig. 5), is used.

In a preferred embodiment, the ink supply 224 includes the locking feature 244 for engaging the locking portion 94 associated with the printing system 10. This locking feature would be similar to and function similarly to the locking feature 62 described with reference to Figures 3-10.

In a preferred embodiment, the ink supply 224 includes locking and alignment features 246 that would be similar to and function similarly to the locking and alignment features 58 and 60 discussed with reference to Figures 3-10.

In use, the reservoir 226 is inserted into the receiving slot 88 (Fig. 8) with the fluid outlet 228 engaging the fluid inlet 98, the air inlet 234 engaging the air outlet 96, and the contact pads 242 engaging the electrical connector 100. Air pressure is supplied from the printer compressor 16 (Fig. 1). The air pressure is applied to the interior of the reservoir 226 above the ink 240. This pressurizes the ink 240, which then flows through the filter 232 and the channel 230 to the printhead 14 (Fig. 1).

Each of the foregoing electrical circuits 147, 161, 199, 207 and 217 is preferably provided with an alignment or upright guide member similar to the guide member 72 (Figs. 5 and 6). The guide member 72 is disposed adjacent the contact pads of the respective electrical connectors for engaging one of the sides of the support member 100 to align the contact pads with those of the printing system 10.

An alternative embodiment for the guide member 72 of the ink supply connectors 147, 161, 199, 207, 217 is shown in Figs. 21 and 22. A connector 221, the having a series of contact pads 223 for engaging the contacts 104 of the connector 100, is provided with a pair of spaced-apart alignment members 225. An alignment member 225 is disposed adjacent each of the outermost contact pads 232. The alignment members 225 have inclined surfaces 227 for engaging opposite lateral sides 107 of the support member 100 to facilitate interconnection of the connectors 100 and 221 and proper alignment of the contacts 223 and 104.

Certain of the described ink delivery systems, such as those described with reference to Figures 15 and 17, allow for large ink reservoirs that cannot be accommodated in the receiving slot 88. This allows users requiring high usage to replace the ink containers less frequently. On the other hand, systems such as those described with reference to Figures 15, 16, 18 and 19 allow for the ink reservoir portion of the ink supply to be replaced separately from the electronic portion. If lower usage rates are desired, a plurality of relatively small reservoir portions can be used for each electronic portion.

While the invention has been shown or described in only some of its forms, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the same is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (24)

1. An adaptive ink supply for a printing system (10) for use in place of a first ink cartridge (12), the printing system (10) comprising a receiving device (88) for receiving the first ink cartridge (12), the receiving device (88) including a connection platform (102), an electrical printing system connector (100) protruding from the platform (102), having at least two sides (107) and having an end (105) having a plurality of resilient electrical contacts (104) protruding from the end (105), a controller (32) that exchanges information with a first storage device (34) attached to the first ink cartridge and containing information relating to the ink in the first ink cartridge (12), and an ink supply sleeve (110) protruding from the platform (102) and having a hollow needle (108) which is fluidly connected to a print head (14), wherein the adaptive ink supply has the following features: an ink reservoir (22, 146, 167, 203, 215, 226) containing a replacement ink (19); a fluid outlet (30, 145, 171, 195, 205, 216, 228) in fluid communication with the ink reservoir, dimensioned to be received by the ink supply sleeve and to receive the hollow needle, to allow ink to flow from the ink reservoir to the printhead; an adapter connector (147, 151, 161, 199, 207, 217) comprising a base having a front end (50) relative to a direction of engagement of the adapter connector with the printing system connector and a plurality of electrical contact pads (54, 153, 179, 200, 218, 242, 223) secured to the front end of the base and spaced side by side for engaging the electrical contacts of the electrical printing system connector, the adapter connector having at least one guide member (72) at the front end of the base engaging at least one of the sides of the electrical printing system connector for moving the connection platform from which the electrical printing system connector projects to align the contact pads into engagement with the electrical contacts (104); and a signal source (155, 181, 202, 219) electrically connected to the contact pads (54) of the adapter connector for exchanging information with the controller (32). 2. The ink supply of claim 1, wherein the adapter connector comprises a housing (163, 193, 213) dimensioned to be at least partially inserted into the receptacle and wherein the contact pads are secured to the housing. 3. The ink supply according to claim 2, wherein the housing has an opening (44) adjacent to the contact pads; and wherein the ink reservoir together with the fluid outlet is slidably insertable into the housing, the fluid outlet protruding through the opening. 4. The ink supply of claim 2, wherein the fluid outlet is attached to the housing; and in which the ink reservoir is positioned outside the housing and is connected to the fluid outlet by a line (20). 5. The ink supply of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the printing system includes an air supply sleeve (96) protruding from the platform and a hollow needle (112) surrounded by the air supply sleeve (96) and leading to an air pressure source (16), and wherein the ink supply further includes the following feature: an air inlet (28, 173, 234) dimensioned to be connected to the air supply sleeve, the air inlet having a distal end adapted to be received by the air supply sleeve and to receive the hollow needle. 6. The ink supply of claim 1, wherein the pressure system comprises an air supply sleeve (96) protruding from the platform and a hollow needle (112) surrounded by the air supply sleeve and leading to an air pressure source (16), and wherein the adapter connector further comprises: a housing (163, 193, 213) dimensioned to be at least partially inserted into the receptacle, the contact pads being secured to the housing, the housing having an opening adjacent the contact pads; a shell (24, 169) surrounding at least a portion of the reservoir, defining an air pressure chamber (132) between the shell and the reservoir; an air inlet (28, 173, 234) extending from the sleeve and dimensioned to pass through the air supply sleeve and adapted to receive the hollow needle which supplies pressurized air from the hollow needle to the pressure chamber for pressurizing the ink reservoir; and wherein the shell, the reservoir, the fluid outlet and the air inlet are removably inserted into the housing, the fluid outlet and the air inlet protruding through the opening. 7. The ink supply of any preceding claim, further comprising a flexible conduit (143) connected between the ink reservoir and the fluid outlet to enable the ink reservoir to be positioned remotely from the receiving device while the fluid outlet is connected to the ink supply sleeve. 8. The ink supply according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the sides of the electrical printing system connector has a guide slot (106); the contact pads are arranged along a line to define an x-axis direction; the guide member of the adapter connector is positioned to engage the guide slot to provide alignment between the contact pads and the resilient electrical contacts along the x-axis. 9. The ink supply according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrical printer connector has opposite lateral sides; wherein the contact pads are positioned in a row that defines two outer contacts at opposite ends of the row; wherein the at least one guide member comprises at least one alignment member (225) for engaging one of the opposing lateral sides. 10. The ink supply according to any preceding claim, wherein the signal source comprises information regarding a replacement ink volume in the reservoir. 11. The ink supply of any preceding claim, wherein the signal source includes a memory device having a write portion adapted to be updated by the controller to provide an estimate of the amount of replacement ink in the ink reservoir during use. 12. The ink supply of any preceding claim, wherein the signal source is connected to the contact pads on the adapter connector by a flexible cable (149, 177) to enable the signal source to be positioned remotely from the receiving device while the adapter connector is engaged with the electrical contacts of the printing system. 13. The ink supply as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a flexible conduit (143) connected between the ink reservoir and the fluid outlet to enable the ink reservoir to be positioned remotely from the receiver while the fluid outlet is connected to the ink supply sleeve; and a flexible cable (149, 177) between the contact pads on the adapter connector and the signal source to enable the signal source to be positioned remotely from the receiving device while the adapter connector is engaged with the electrical printing system connector. 14. The ink supply according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the adapter connector has the following features: a housing (163, 192, 213) dimensioned to be at least partially inserted into the receptacle, the contact pads being secured to the housing; the fluid outlet being carried by the housing adjacent the contact pads; and a flexible cable (149, 177) connects the signal source to the contact pads to enable the signal source to be remote from the receiving device while the adapter connector is engaged with the electrical connector of the printing system. 15. The ink supply of any preceding claim, wherein the electrical contacts comprise two pairs of volume sensing contacts (36). 16. The ink supply of claim 15, wherein the first ink cartridge includes a pair of inductive coils (36) for sensing an amount of ink therein, each of the inductive coils being adapted to be electrically connected to one of the pairs of volume sensing contacts when the first ink cartridge is installed in the receptacle. 17. The ink supply of claim 16, wherein a circuit interconnects at least one of the pairs of volume sensing contacts (36) to enable a continuity check by the controller when the adapter connector is connected to the electrical printing system contacts. 18. The ink supply of claim 17 when dependent on any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pressure system comprises an air supply sleeve (96) protruding from the platform and a hollow needle (112) surrounded by the air supply sleeve and leading to an air pressure source (16), and wherein the adapter connector further comprises: a housing (163, 193, 213) dimensioned to be at least partially inserted into the receptacle, the contact pads being secured to the housing, the housing having an opening adjacent the contact pads; a shell (24, 169) surrounding at least a portion of the reservoir, defining an air pressure chamber (132) between the shell and the reservoir; an air inlet (28, 173, 234) extending from the shell dimensioned to be connected to the air supply sleeve, the air inlet having an end adapted to be pierced by the needle in the air supply sleeve, for supplying pressurized air from the air supply sleeve to the pressure chamber for pressurizing the ink reservoir; and wherein the shell, the reservoir, the fluid outlet and the air inlet are removably inserted into the housing with the fluid outlet and the air inlet protruding through the opening. 19. The ink supply claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving device comprises a fluid inlet (98) comprising the hollow needle surrounded by a sliding seal sleeve (111), the ink supply sleeve surrounding the sliding sleeve and the hollow needle, the printing system comprising printing system control electronics for controlling printing operations, the ink supply further comprising: a housing (163, 193, 213) adapted to be at least partially inserted into the receiving device in a first direction, the housing having a front end; and wherein the fluid outlet comprises a distal end member sized to be received by the ink supply sleeve, the distal member being adapted to depress the sliding collar and receive the hollow needle of the fluid inlet for supplying the replacement ink to the printing system; and wherein the ink supply further comprises the following features: an information storage device (34) coupled to the contact pads for exchanging information with the printing system control electronics; and a flexible cable (149) connecting the information storage device to the contact pads to enable the information storage device to be positioned remotely from the receiving device, the contact pads engage with the electrical connector of the printing system. 20. A method of adapting an ink supply to a printing system configured to use a first ink cartridge (12) having a first storage device (34) containing data relating to the ink in the first ink cartridge, the printing system comprising a connector platform (102) containing a fluid inlet (110) with a hollow needle (108) surrounded by a pre-stressed sliding sealing collar (111), a printing system electrical connector (100) protruding from the platform, having at least two sides (107) and having an end containing a plurality of protruding, resilient electrical contacts protruding from the end, the electrical contacts comprising two pairs of volume sensing contacts, and a controller (32) exchanging information with the first storage device containing the ink in the first ink cartridge, the first ink cartridge having a pair of inductive coils (36) for sensing the amount of ink therein, each of the inductive coils being adapted to be electrically connected to one of the pairs of volume sensing contacts when the first ink cartridge is installed in the receptacle, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an adaptive ink supply comprising an ink reservoir (22, 146, 167, 203, 215, 226) having a fluid outlet (30, 145, 171, 195, 205, 216, 228), an adapter connector (147, 151, 161, 199, 207, 217) comprising a base having a front end relative to a direction of engagement of the adapter connector with the electrical printing system connector, a plurality of contact pads (54, 153, 179, 200, 218, 242, 223) for engaging the electrical contacts attached to the front end of the base and spaced side by side for engaging the electrical contacts of the electrical printing system connector, the adapter connector having at least one guide member (58, 60) at the front end of the base for engaging at least one of the sides of the electrical printing system connector, and a signal source (36, 155, 181, 202, 219) containing electrical information readable by the controller to enable the printing system to operate; (b) coupling the fluid outlet of the ink reservoir to the fluid inlet, depressing the sliding collar with one end of the fluid outlet, and inserting the hollow needle of the fluid inlet into the fluid outlet to deliver ink from the reservoir; (c) engaging the adapter connector with the printing system electrical connector by moving the connection platform from which the printing system electrical connector projects so that the contact pads engage the electrical contacts of the printing system electrical connector; (d) electrically connecting the volume sensing contacts of at least one of the pairs together; (e) performing an electrical continuity test by supplying a voltage from the controller to at least one of the pairs; and (f) Exchanging information between the controller and the signal source to enable the printing system to operate. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein: step (a) comprises providing the signal source with a memory that contains information regarding the volume of the ink reservoir and can be written to; and step (b) comprises reading the volume information and writing it to the memory using the controller, with a new volume estimate during use. 22. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of locating the signal source remote from the printing system. 23. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of locating the ink reservoir remotely from the printing system. 24. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of locating the signal source and the ink reservoir remote from the printing system.