Method of providing ink jet cartridge refill services

Abstract

A method for using a designated distribution infrastructure to collect reuseable ink-depleted cartridges, deliver the collected cartridges to a commercial refiller, and provide refilled ink jet cartridges to a consumer includes receiving from a retail establishment, by a designated distribution infrastructure, an ink jet cartridge which has been depleted of ink. The received ink jet cartridge is transported and delivered, by the designated distribution infrastructure, to a commercial refiller. After filling, the processed ink jet cartridge is received, by the designated distribution infrastructure, from the commercial refiner and transported and delivered, by the designated distribution infrastructure, to the retail outlet for sale to consumers.

1 . A method for using a designated distribution infrastructure to collect reuseable ink-depleted cartridges, deliver the collected cartridges to a commercial refiller, and provide refilled ink jet cartridges to a consumer; said method comprising the steps of: 
 receiving from a retail establishment, by a designated distribution infrastructure, at least one ink jet cartridge which has been depleted of ink;    transporting and delivering, by said designated distribution infrastructure, the received at least one ink jet cartridge to a commercial refiller;    receiving, by said designated distribution infrastructure, at least one processed ink jet cartridge from the commercial refiller; and    transporting and delivering, by said designated distribution infrastructure, the at least one processed ink jet cartridge to the retail outlet for sale to consumers.    
   
   
       2 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising the step of transporting imaging supplies to the retail outlet along with the at least one processed ink jet cartridge.  
   
   
       3 . A method as set forth in  claim 2  wherein the imaging supplies includes photographic film.  
   
   
       4 . A method as set forth in  claim 2  wherein the imaging supplies includes ink jet paper.  
   
   
       5 . A method as set forth in  claim 2  wherein the imaging supplies includes photographic cameras.  
   
   
       6 . A method for using a designated distribution infrastructure to collect reuseable ink-depleted cartridges, refill the collected cartridges, and provide refilled ink jet cartridges to a consumer; said method comprising the steps of: 
 receiving from a retail establishment, by a designated distribution infrastructure, at least one ink jet cartridge which has been depleted of ink;    transporting and delivering, by said designated distribution infrastructure, the received at least one ink jet cartridge to a refill station;    preparing the at least one processed ink jet cartridge for reuse, including refilling the at least one processed ink jet cartridge; and    transporting and delivering, by said designated distribution infrastructure, the at least one processed ink jet cartridge to the retail outlet for sale to consumers.