A
system for automatically filling a reservoir. The
system includes a first mechanism that automatically determines one or more parameters associated with the reservoir. A second mechanism fills the reservoir with an appropriate amount and type of filler based on the one or more parameters. In a specific embodiment, the one or more parameters include filler type and current filler level information. The parameters also include an identification number associated with a user of the reservoir. Upon filling of the reservoir, a
billing system automatically bills or charges a user based on the identification number and filler level information obtained via the first mechanism. The
billing system includes a
database that maintains billing information associated with the identification number. The
billing system further includes a
network connection that facilitates communications with the
database. A control panel and accompanying user-interface
software enables a user to edit the identification number and / or to edit a
charge number associated with the identification number. A reservoir sensor measures the current filler level in the reservoir and provides the filler level information in response thereto. A dispensing container accommodates the reservoir and transfers filler from the dispensing container to the reservoir in response to a
signal from the first mechanism. A container
level sensor senses current filler levels in the container and provides container filler level information to a remote
monitoring system via a network in response thereto. In a more specific embodiment, the reservoir is a printer
cartridge, and the filler is printing consumable, such as toner. The first mechanism includes an electronic storage device attached to the printer
cartridge that communicates with the reservoir sensor and maintains the parameters describing the reservoir.