System and method for filling a reservoir
First Claim
1. A system for automatically filling a reservoir comprising:
- first means for automatically determining one or more parameters associated with said reservoir and second means for filling said reservoir with a filler based on said one or more parameters.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
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.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A system for automatically filling a reservoir comprising:
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first means for automatically determining one or more parameters associated with said reservoir and second means for filling said reservoir with a filler based on said one or more parameters. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A system for replenishing a reservoir comprising:
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first means for storing parameters associated with said reservoir;
second means for periodically updating one or more of said parameters;
third means for automatically filling said reservoir with a predetermined amount of filler based on said parameters; and
fourth means for automatically billing a user for said predetermined amount of filler based on said parameters. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A system for replenishing a printer cartridge comprising:
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an electronic label mounted on said cartridge, said electronic label maintaining information pertaining to said printer cartridge including consumable or ink/toner level and an identification number;
a dispensing system controller and reader capable of reading said information from said electronic label and generating control signals in response thereto;
a dispensing container containing consumable or ink/toner, said container having an output connected to an input of said printer cartridge, said output responsive to said control signals; and
a billing system in communication with said dispensing system controller, said billing system capable of billing a user in response to one or more of said control signals.
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23. A system for filling a reservoir comprising:
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first means for determining one or more parameters associated with said reservoir, said parameters including an identification number and second means for automatically filling said reservoir with an appropriate amount and type of filler based on said one or more parameters and automatically billing or charging a user of said reservoir based on said identification number.
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24. A method for automatically filling a reservoir comprising the steps of:
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first means for automatically determining one or more parameters associated with said reservoir and second means for filling said reservoir with an appropriate amount and type of filler based on said one or more parameters.
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Specification