Systems and methods for monitoring replaceable units

• US 7,231,153 B2
• Filed: 01/13/2005
• Issued: 06/12/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/13/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: May, Jerome E
• Primary Examiner(s): DEB, ANJAN K
• Application Number:
  US11/034,058
• Publication Number:
  US 20060153578A1
• Time in Patent Office: 880 Days
• Field of Search: 399/12, 399/8, 399/29, 399/37
• US Class Current: 399/25
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/0863 provided with identifying means or means for storing process- or use parameters, e.g. an electronic memory
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 21/1882 details of the communication with memory, e.g. wireless communication, protocols
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 2215/0695 using identification means or means for storing process or use parameters
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 2215/0697 being an electronically readable memory
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 2221/1823 Cartridges having electronically readable memory

Abstract

Systems and methods for monitoring a replaceable component of a device may include a monitor located on the replacement component. The monitor may include a controller, a memory, and a first communicator that communicates with a second communicator in the device. The monitor may further include a sensor on the monitor that is capable of sensing at least one property of the replaceable component and/or the contents of the replaceable component. The monitor may include a parasitic power generator.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring a replaceable component of a device, comprising:

a wireless monitor located on the replaceable component, comprising;

a controller;

a memory; and

a sensor that senses at least one property of the replaceable component;

wherein the replaceable component of the device comprises a non-rotating portion and a rotating portion.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a marking device.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a first communicator that communicates with a second communicator in the device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first communicator communicates with the second communicator via a structural connection.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one property of the replaceable component is related to a property of marking material within the component.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the replaceable component of the device comprises:

a non-rotating portion; and

a rotating portion, the non-rotating portion being fixed to the rotating portion, and the monitor being located on the non-rotating portion.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the non-rotating portion comprises a first locating feature that corresponds to a second locating feature within the device.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first locating feature inhibits rotation of the non-rotating portion.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein a shape of the locating feature is based on a contents of the replaceable component.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the monitor further comprises a parasitic power generator.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sensing, with a sensor of the monitor, at least one property of the replaceable component; and

determining, based on the at least one sensed property, whether the replaceable component is compatible with the device.

11. A system for monitoring a replaceable component of a device, comprising:

a wireless monitor located on the replaceable component, comprising;

a controller;

a memory; and

a first communicator that communicates with a second communicator in the devices;

wherein the controller determines, based on a communication between the first communicator and the second communicator, whether the replaceable component is compatible with the device; and

wherein the replaceable component of the device comprises a non-rotating portion and a rotating portion.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the replaceable component of the device comprises:

a non-rotating portion; and

a rotating portion, the non-rotating portion being fixed to the rotating portion, and the monitor being located on the non-rotating portion.

13. A method of monitoring a replaceable component of a device, comprising:

locating a wireless monitor on the replaceable component, the monitor comprising;

a controller;

a memory; and

a first communicator that communicates with a second communicator in the device;

and

determining, based on the communication, whether the replaceable component is compatible with the device; and

wherein the replaceable component of the device comprises a non-rotating portion and a rotating portion.

14. The method of claim 13, w herein communicating with the first communicator comprises communicating with the first communicator after the replaceable component is installed and before the replaceable component is rotated.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

sensing, with a sensor of the monitor, at least one property of contents of the replaceable component; and

determining, based on the at least one sensed property, whether the replaceable component is compatible with the device.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein:

sensing, with a sensor of the monitor, at least one property of contents of the replaceable component; and

determining, based on the at least one sensed property, an amount of the material within the replaceable component.

18. A method of monitoring a replaceable component of a device, comprising:

locating a wireless monitor on the replaceable component, the monitor comprising;

a controller;

a memory; and

a sensor; and

sensing, with the sensor, at least one property of contents of the replaceable component;

wherein the replaceable component of the device comprises a non-rotating portion and a rotating portion.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

generating power with a parasitic power generator.