Large volume ink supply system

摘要

An ink delivery system (50) and method for continuously replenishing ink to a printhead cartridge is described. A primary ink reservoir (60) is connected to a vented intermediate tank (62) using a hollow needle that pierces a septum in the primary ink reservoir. The intermediate ink tank is connected via tubing to a print ink container in the printhead cartridge. Ink is gravity fed from the primary ink reservoir to the intermediate ink tank. When the primary reservoir (60) is empty, the ink level in the intermediate tank will drop. The level of ink in the intermediate tank is monitored with level sensors that provide a signal indicating when the primary reservoir needs to be replaced. An operator can replace the primary reservoir without suspending printer operations because the intermediate ink tank provides the required volume of ink at the back pressure needed by the printhead cartridges. <IMAGE>