Method and apparatus for adapting an ink jet printing system for receiving an alternate supply of ink

摘要

One aspect of the present invention is a method for adapting an ink jet printing system for receiving an alternate supply of ink. The ink jet printing system has an ink jet printhead responsive to control signals for selectively depositing ink on media. Also included in the printing system is a docking station configured for receiving a replaceable ink container. The replaceable ink container includes a fluid outlet that is arranged to establish fluid communication with a fluid inlet associated with the docking station upon insertion of the replaceable ink container into the docking station. The replaceable ink container provides a supply of ink from the replaceable ink container to the ink jet printhead. The method includes disconnecting a fluid conduit extending between the fluid inlet and the ink jet printhead thereby interrupting the supply of ink from the replaceable ink container to the ink jet printhead. The method further includes connecting an alternate fluid conduit between the fluid inlet and the ink jet printhead. The alternate fluid conduit is in fluid communication with an alternate ink reservoir, wherein alternate ink is delivered from the alternate ink reservoir to the ink jet printhead.