MULTIPURPOSE BOTTLE APPARATUS AND BOTTLE LOADING MECHANISM AND METHOD

摘要

A spill proof, user-friendly dispensing system that protects users from exposure to toxic fluids (e.g., Ethylene Glycol used in MICR ink) includes a bottle loading mechanism for feeding ink or other fluids to a respective supply tank of an image forming device, and a quick connect gravity feed multipurpose bottle apparatus. Ink replenishing bottles can be inserted upright into holder of the bottle loading mechanism, connected to a supply tank, and folded back out-of-the-way in a dispensing position. The bottle may be rotated from a gravity feed position to a rotated position for removal and installation while the bottle remains in the holder. The bottle when empty may be used to collect waste from the image forming device.

主权项

1. A method supplying a liquid useful in printing, the method comprising:
selecting a closure having a first port and a second port separate from the first port, the closure configured to sealingly cover an opening of a printer liquid replenishing bottle configured to supply liquid to a liquid supply tank of an image forming device to maintain a predetermined level of the liquid contained in the liquid supply tank, the printer liquid replenishing bottle having a reservoir configured to house the liquid and sealable by the closure when the closure is coupled to the reservoir, the reservoir having a bottom wall opposite the closure; attaching a first quick connect fitting to the first port of the closure to form a sealing connection there between with the first quick connect fitting extending through the closure and being secured to the exterior side and interior side of the closure, the first quick connect fitting configured for liquid communication with the liquid supply tank of the image forming device to allow egress of the liquid from the printer liquid replenishing bottle to the liquid supply tank; attaching a second quick connect fitting to the second port of the closure to form a sealing connection there between with the second quick connect fitting extending through the closure and being secured to the exterior side and interior side of the closure, the second quick connect fitting configured to allow fluid ingress only into the printer liquid replenishing bottle without fluid flow through liquid housed in the printer liquid replenishing bottle; moving the printer liquid replenishing bottle to a position with the closure at the bottom of the printer liquid replenishing bottle, the liquid stored in the printer liquid replenishing bottle having a body and a top layer in direct contact with the air in the printer liquid replenishing bottle; transferring liquid from the printer liquid replenishing bottle via the closure and the first quick connect fitting to the liquid supply tank; and replacing the liquid transferred from the printer liquid replenishing bottle by introducing ambient air to the air in the printer liquid replenishing bottle via the second quick connect fitting without direct contact of the ambient air into the body of liquid in the printer liquid replenishing bottle.