Method and Apparatus for a Printer Cartridge Tester
First Claim
1. A device for testing printer cartridges, each cartridge having a circuit with cartridge identification information connected to a plurality of print nozzles and to a plurality of contact pads for interfacing between the testing device and the cartridge, said device comprising:
- a base board having a host processor in communication with a computer interface;
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;
a plurality of electrical contacts, in communication with the test circuitry, disposed in the socket and positioned to establish electrical communication with corresponding pads of the printer cartridge;
a cartridge detection switch, in communication with the test circuitry, disposed in the socket and positioned to be actuated by the printer cartridge;
a sensor for detecting the cartridge identification information and the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge; and
a computer program for selectively altering the cartridge identification information so as to override an empty reading by said sensor when recycled cartridges are placed in said device.
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. In yet another embodiment, the device for testing printer cartridges includes a sensor for detecting cartridge information and a computer program for altering the cartridge identification.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A device for testing printer cartridges, each cartridge having a circuit with cartridge identification information connected to a plurality of print nozzles and to a plurality of contact pads for interfacing between the testing device and the cartridge, said device comprising:
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a base board having a host processor in communication with a computer interface;
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;
a plurality of electrical contacts, in communication with the test circuitry, disposed in the socket and positioned to establish electrical communication with corresponding pads of the printer cartridge;
a cartridge detection switch, in communication with the test circuitry, disposed in the socket and positioned to be actuated by the printer cartridge;
a sensor for detecting the cartridge identification information and the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge; and
a computer program for selectively altering the cartridge identification information so as to override an empty reading by said sensor when recycled cartridges are placed in said device. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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4. 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 a sensor for detecting the cartridge identification information and the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge; and
a computer for selectively altering the cartridge identification information so as to override an empty reading by said sensor when recycled cartridges are placed in said device. - View Dependent Claims (3, 5, 6, 7)
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8. 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, including tests from the group consisting of fill level, test patterns, and circuit/nozzle heater integrity; and
providing the test results to the computer. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. 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 said test results including tests from the group consisting of fill level, test patterns and circuit/nozzle heater integrity; and
displaying the test results. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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16. 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;
a printer cartridge testing logic, disposed in the housing, in communication with the plurality of electrical contacts;
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;
a sensor for detecting a cartridge identification information and the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge; and
a computer program for selectively altering the cartridge identification information so as to override an empty reading by said sensor when recycled cartridges are placed in said device. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification