Graphic Utilities, Inc.

Raymond Geffre

Richard G Crystal

Sven E Karlsson

A method for refilling an ink cartridge which contains an elastic bladder within the ink reservoir cavity that is connected to outside pressure. The methodology of the invention teaches how to seal and unseal the bladder and ink regions in sequential steps and how to inject ink into the ink reservoir cavity so it may be re-used and not discarded.

Method for refilling ink jet cartridges

A method of refilling an ink jet cartridge with ink. The cartridge has a housing which encloses an internal ink reservoir extending between top and bottom ends thereof, an ink fill aperture extending through the housing near its top end, and a means for sealing the ink fill aperture. The cartridge further includes a bladder in the reservoir, an air port affixed to the top of the housing, and a spring means which biases the bladder toward a minimum volume state. According to the method, the cartridge is positioned with its top end above its bottom end, the ink fill aperture is unsealed, and the air port is sealed. The bladder is inflated to establish an internal volume in a predetermined range. Ink is then injected into the reservoir through the ink fill aperture. The ink fill aperture is then sealed, and the air port unsealed.

The present invention provides improved dye based ink solutions for use in ink jet printing. In one embodiment of the invention, an aqueous ink with improved water solubility and waterfastness is provided that includes a dye component and a hydroxyethylated polyethylene imine polymer, wherein the hydroxyethylated polyethylene imine polymer has incorporated therein approximately 10 to 55 percent hydroxyethyl groups by weight. Alternative embodiments of the invention include the use of hydroxypropylated polyethylene imine polymers or epichlorohydrin-modified polyethylene imine polymers. In addition, aprotic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and tetramethylene sulfone may be added to improve the solubility and stability of the dye solution, and humectants such as 2-pyrrolidone may be added. According to the methods of the invention, an ink with improved stability, jetting characteristics, solubility and waterfastness may be provided.

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Fort Fairfield, ME, United States of America

Raymond Geffre