<p>APPARATUS AND METHODS ARE PROVIDED. A SUPPLY (120-126) OF INK WITHIN A FLEXIBLE BAG (128) IS LOCATED APART FROM A PRINTER (102). A FLUID CONDUIT (134) COUPLES THE SUPPLY (120-126) OF INK TO THE PRINTER (102) BY WAY OF A CONNECTING HEAD (136). THE CONNECTING HEAD (136) INCLUDES A PUMP (200) DRIVEN BY A MECHANICAL ACTUATOR (114) OF THE PRINTER (102). OPERATION OF THE PUMP (200) CAUSES A FLOW OF INK FROM THE FLEXIBLE BAG (128) TO A PRINTHEAD (106) OF THE PRINTER (102). PUMP (200) FAILURE IS DETECTED AND INTERPRETED AS AN OUT-OF-INK CONDITION, AND USER NOTIFICATION AND/OR CESSATION OF PRINTING OPERATIONS ARE AUTOMATICALLY PERFORMED.</p>
