System and method for filling a reservoir

• US 20040012645A1
• Filed: 07/16/2002
• Published: 01/22/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Kinalski, Michael, Ditzel, Markus
• Granted Patent: US 7,702,419 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 347/7
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17509 Whilst mounted in the printer
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17546 electronically
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17553 Outer structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17566 Ink level or ink residue control

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.

Claims

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.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said one or more parameters include filler type and filler level information specifying the type of filler required by said reservoir and the current level of filler in said reservoir, respectively.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said one or more parameters further include an identification number associated with a user of said reservoir.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said system further includes means for billing or charging a user based on said identification number and filler level information obtained via said first means after filling of said reservoir by said second means.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein said means for billing includes a database for maintaining user billing information associated with said identification number.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein said means for billing includes a network connection that facilitates communications with said database.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein said database is a remote database connected to said system via a network.

8. The system of claim 5 wherein said system further includes a user-interface and accompanying software for enabling a user of said system to edit said identification number or to edit a charge number associated with said identification number.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein said identification number is a credit card number or a debit card number.

10. The system of claim 4 wherein said first means includes a reservoir sensor for measuring a current filler level in said reservoir and providing said filler level information in response thereto.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein said second means includes a dispensing container having a receptacle for receiving said reservoir and transferring filler from said dispensing container to said reservoir in response to a signal from said first means.

12. The system of claim 11 further including a container level sensor for sensing current filler levels in said container and providing container filler level information to a remote monitoring system via a network in response thereto.

13. The system of claim 11 wherein said reservoir is a printer cartridge, and said filler is printing consumable or ink/toner.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein said first means includes an electronic storage medium attached to said printer cartridge, said electronic storage medium in communication with said reservoir sensor, said electronic storage medium maintaining said one or more parameters of said reservoir.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein said reservoir sensor is positioned on or within said printer cartridge for measuring consumable or ink/toner level remaining in said cartridge and storing said filler level information via said electronic storage medium.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein said printer cartridge is a toner cartridge, and said printing consumable or ink/toner is toner.

17. A system for replenishing a reservoir comprising:

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.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein said first means includes means for electronically storing said parameters, said parameters including a parameter indicating remaining filler capacity of said reservoir and a billing identification number.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein said second means includes one or more level sensors for periodically updating said parameter indicating remaining filler capacity of said reservoir.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein said parameters includes a cartridge life parameter, and wherein said system further includes means for informing a user when said reservoir should be replaced based on said cartridge life parameter.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein said reservoir is a toner cartridge.

22. A system for replenishing a printer cartridge comprising:

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.

23. A system for filling a reservoir comprising:

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.

24. A method for automatically filling a reservoir comprising the steps of:

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.