Replaceable part with integral memory for usage, calibration and other data
First Claim
1. A replaceable cartridge for providing marking material to a printer, the printer of the type having a printhead for depositing marking material on media and a controller for controlling the printer, the printer having a receptacle that includes a first electrical connector coupled to the controller, the replaceable cartridge including:
- a second electrical connector configured for connection to the first electrical connector upon the insertion of the replaceable cartridge into the receptacle; and
a serial access memory connected to the second electrical connector, the serial access memory having a single conductor for transferring data between the serial access memory and the controller relative to a common reference.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A printer/copier apparatus is adapted to receive a replacement ink cartridge that is employed during the printing/copying operation. The apparatus includes a receptacle with a first connector that is coupled to a processor which controls operation of the apparatus. The cartridge includes a second connector which mates with the first connector and a serial access memory that is connected to the second connector. Data transfers are enabled both from and to the memory to enable access and modification of data stored therein that is indicative of cartridge usage, calibration, and to parameters for controlling operation of the apparatus. The invention is applicable to replaceable apparatus used with laser and ink jet printers, copiers, etc.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A replaceable cartridge for providing marking material to a printer, the printer of the type having a printhead for depositing marking material on media and a controller for controlling the printer, the printer having a receptacle that includes a first electrical connector coupled to the controller, the replaceable cartridge including:
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a second electrical connector configured for connection to the first electrical connector upon the insertion of the replaceable cartridge into the receptacle; and a serial access memory connected to the second electrical connector, the serial access memory having a single conductor for transferring data between the serial access memory and the controller relative to a common reference. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A replaceable marking material cartridge for a printing system, the printing system of the type that deposits marking material on media, the replaceable marking material cartridge including:
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a container for holding a supply of marking material; a serial access memory device for storing information related to the replaceable marking material cartridge; and a serial link connected to the serial access memory upon insertion of the replaceable marking cartridge into the printing system for linking the serial access memory device with the printing system, the serial link characterized by transferring information between the serial access memory and the printer in both directions along the serial link. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. A printing system of the type having a replaceable marking material container, the marking material container providing marking material to a printer portion for selectively depositing marking material on media, the printing system comprising:
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a marking material container for providing marking material to the printer portion, the marking material container including a serial access memory device for exchanging information between the marking material container and the printer portion; and a receptacle associated with the printer, the receptacle configured for receiving the marking material container, with the marking material container properly inserted into the receptacle a first connector associated with the marking material container engages a second connector associated with the printer portion to establish a serial link for transferring information in both directions between the printer portion and the serial access memory device. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for providing information to a printer of the type having a replaceable container for providing marking material to the printer, the printer depositing marking material on media, the method comprising:
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providing a replaceable container having a serial access memory associated therewith, the replaceable container configured for insertion into a receptacle associated with the printer, the replaceable container having a first electrical connector electrically connected to the serial access memory that forms a serial connection with a second electrical connector associated with the receptacle if the replaceable container is properly inserted into the receptacle; and storing information relating to the replaceable container on the serial access memory so that upon insertion of the replaceable container into the receptacle a serial communication link is established between the printer and the replaceable container for transferring information in both directions using the same serial communication link. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification