Method and apparatus for a printer cartridge tester
First Claim
1. A device for testing printer cartridges comprising:
- a base board having a host processor in communication with a computer interface; and
an adaptor board, in communication with the base board, having a socket configured to receive a printer cartridge and test circuitry in communication with the socket and the host processor.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A handheld device for testing printer cartridges that interfaces with a computer for processing of test results is provided. Multiple testing devices may be coupled to the computer. In one embodiment, each testing device includes a base board and an adaptor board. The base board includes a host processor and a computer interface. The adaptor board comprises a cartridge-specific socket for retaining a printer cartridge to be tested and test circuitry. The adaptor boards may be interchanged. In another embodiment, the device obtains power from the computer interface. A computer program communicates with the test device and displays the results of the tests through execution of a suitable application or program. In a presently preferred embodiment, the application presents a pass/fail indication to a user and tallies the number of passed/failed cartridges.
35 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A device for testing printer cartridges comprising:
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a base board having a host processor in communication with a computer interface; and
an adaptor board, in communication with the base board, having a socket configured to receive a printer cartridge and test circuitry in communication with the socket and the host processor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. In a device for testing printer cartridges, a method comprising:
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establishing communication with a computer coupled to the device;
detecting a printer cartridge coupled to the device;
testing the printer cartridge to provide test results; and
providing the test results to the computer. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. In a computer, a method for testing printer cartridges, the method comprising:
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establishing communication with a device, coupled to the computer, for testing printer cartridges;
receiving, from the device, test results corresponding to a printer cartridge tested by the device; and
displaying the test results. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. A device for testing printer cartridges comprising:
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a housing;
a socket, associated with the housing, configured to receive a printer cartridge;
a plurality of electrical contacts disposed in the socket and positioned to establish electrical communication with corresponding pads of the printer cartridge;
printer cartridge testing logic, disposed in the housing, in communication with the plurality of electrical contacts; and
a computer interface, disposed in the housing, in communication with the printer cartridge testing circuitry and capable of providing communications between the device and a computer. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. An inkjet cartridge testing system for testing printer cartridges, comprising:
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a computing device including computer readable media for testing the printer cartridges and displaying test results;
a testing device comprising a housing and a socket associated with the housing, the socket sized and shaped to receive a printer cartridge;
a plurality of electrical contacts disposed in the socket and positioned to establish electrical communication with corresponding pads of the printer cartridge;
printer cartridge testing logic, disposed in the housing, in communication with the plurality of electrical contacts; and
a computer interface, disposed in the housing, in communication with the printer cartridge testing circuitry and capable of providing communications between the device and a computer. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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Specification