A printer cartridge kit and method

The invention relates to a printer cartridge apparatus and method.

An ink jet printer cartridge is known which includes a memory device in the form of a chip or EEPROM. The chip stores data which, amongst other things, relates to the ink level of the cartridge and the date of manufacture of the cartridge. When the cartridge is installed in the appropriate printer, the chip is read by the printer. If the data representing the date of manufacture indicates that the cartridge is beyond a certain age, then the printer will warn the user, or simply will not work. Similarly, if the data representing the ink level of the cartridge indicates that the cartridge has too low a level of ink to be used then the printer will not work and an explanatory signal may be given to the user. The printer for the cartridge continually writes to an internal memory as it prints to update data held therein representing the ink level. Once the data indicates that the ink level in the cartridge is below a predetermined threshold, then the printer will not work until the old cartridge has been removed and a new cartridge has been inserted. The spent cartridge cannot be simply removed from then replaced in the printer, as when the spent cartridge is removed from the printer, the data on ink level from the internal memory of the printer is input to the chip on the spent cartridge. Thus, if the spent cartridge is replaced in the printer, or indeed if it is inserted into a different printer, the chip will be read by the printer, the printer will recognise that the cartridge is empty, and will consequently refuse to draw ink from it.

When a cartridge of this type is empty, it can be refilled in the usual way, but the cartridge still will not be accepted by the printer, because the chip will indicate to the printer that the cartridge is empty.

EP-A-940259 discloses a method of refurbishment of an ink cartridge with a memory chip. The cartridge is refilled and the data on the memory chip is erased by exposing the memory device to X-rays or an electric field.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus to enable further use of a used cartridge, the apparatus comprising a printer cartridge for containing ink, a memory device, means to retain the memory device on the printer cartridge, and means for inputting data to the memory device, the inputted data indicating an increased ink level.

The data representing the ink level is thus reset so that the printer recognises that the cartridge is now full. Also, the data representing date of manufacture can be updated to indicate a more recent date. This enables the chip to be reused because it is reset. It would be possible to refill the spent cartridge.

The retaining means may take any suitable form and may comprise a glue, an adhesive tape, a mechanical fixing such as an elastic strap or a screw or screws or any other suitable means.

In one embodiment, the data inputting/altering means includes contacts to contact contacts on the memory device. The contacts are preferably resiliently mounted so as to be biased against the memory device when the memory device is in position.

In another preferred embodiment, at least part of the data input concerns the age of the ink in the printer cartridge. In another embodiment, the memory device includes data representing a word or words consisting of a name or trade mark, and the data representing a word or words consisting of a name or trade mark is altered to null data or to data representing a different word or different words.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method comprising altering data representing ink level in a memory device on a used printer cartridge by means of data inputting means so that the altered data indicates an increased ink level.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method comprising altering data representing the age of ink in a memory device on a printer cartridge so that the altered data indicates a lower ink age.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method comprising altering data representing a word or words consisting of a name or trade mark in a memory device on a printer cartridge so that the altered data is null data or data representing a different word or different words.

The method preferably further includes the step of adding ink to the printer cartridge. Preferably the printer cartridge is completely refilled.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>Fig 1 is an exploded view of a chip and the holder and cartridge of the kit of the first embodiment of the invention;</li><li>Fig 2 is a perspective view of the cartridge of the first embodiment;</li><li>Fig 3 is a perspective view of the device of the first embodiment for altering the data on the chip;</li><li>Fig 4 is a side elevation in cross section of the device of Fig 3 showing the holder and chip about to be inserted thereinto;</li><li>Fig 5 is a plan view in cross section of the device of Fig 3 with the holder and chip in position therein;</li><li>Fig 6 is a perspective view of the tool of the second embodiment of the invention shown in the position to remove a chip from a spent cartridge;</li><li>Fig 7 is a perspective view of the holder of the second embodiment;</li><li>Fig 8 is a side elevation in cross-section of the holder of Fig 7 at A-A' in Fig 8;</li><li>Fig 9 is side elevation in cross section of the device of the third embodiment;</li><li>Fig 10 is a perspective view of the holder of the third embodiment;</li><li>Fig 11 is a perspective view of the data inputting or altering device of the fourth embodiment; and,</li><li>Fig 12 is a front elevation of a refill station of the fourth embodiment.</li></ul>

The kit of the first embodiment of the invention comprises a holder 10 for holding a memory chip 12, a device 14 for altering the data on the chip 12 and a printer cartridge 16 containing ink.

The holder 10 is U-shaped having two elongate limbs 18 connected at one end by a cross piece 20. The holder 10 defines a slot 22, 24 in the inwardly facing sides of each of the limbs and cross piece 20 to frictionally receive three edges 26, 28 of a rectangular chip 12. The holder 10 is so dimensioned that when the chip 12 is fully received in the slots 22, 24, the free edge of the chip 12 lies flush with the free ends of the limbs 18.

The device 14 contains a battery 30 powering circuitry 32 to write to the chip 12 through contacts 34 which are carried on resilient, conductive fingers 36. The casing 38 of the device 14 includes a slot 40 to receive the majority of the chip 12 in its holder 10.

The casing 38 defines channels 42 to each side to locate and guide the limbs 18 of the holder 10 as the holder 10 is pushed into the device 14 through the slot 40 by the user. As the holder 10 is pushed in, the chip 12 will contact the contacts 34 which will be pushed upwards against the resilience of the fingers 36. When the holder 10 is fully inserted, the contacts 34 will be in contact with contact pads on the chip 12 and the circuitry 32 will automatically reset the data on the chip 12. The protruding part of the holder 10 consisting of the cross piece 20 can then be grasped and the holder 10 and chip 12 thereby pulled out of the device 14.

The holder 10 and reset chip 12 can then be attached to the printer cartridge 16. The printer cartridge 16 has a U-shaped raised part 44 on its front surface 48 which is undercut around its inner edge to form a groove 46 to frictionally receive the holder 10 with the chip 12 therein. The holder 10 is slid along the front surface 48 of the cartridge 16 into the groove 46 and once fully inserted the chip 12 is in the right position to be read by the printer when the cartridge 16 is installed in the printer.

The use of the holder 10 means that the handling of the chip 12 by the user is minimised to minimise the risk of damage to the chip 12 and reduce the chance of dirt depositing on the chip 12. Also, the holder 10 increases the size and in particular the thickness of the chip 12 rendering it easier to handle.

The kit of the second embodiment of the invention is similar to the first and only the differences from the first embodiment will be described. Thus the device 14 for altering the data on the chip 12 and the printer cartridge 16 containing ink are the same. The kit of the second embodiment further comprises a tool 50 for removing a memory chip 12 from a spent printer cartridge 52, and a different holder 54 for holding the removed memory chip 12.

The tool 50 is generally T-shaped and includes two opposed spatula ends 56 by means of which the memory chip 12 can be levered off the spent cartridge 52 as shown in Fig 6. The memory chip 12 is bonded to the ends of two short pillars 58 on the front face 60 of the spent cartridge 52. One tapered spatula end 56 of the tool 50 is inserted between the chip 12 and the front face 60 of the spent cartridge 52 and then levered to force the chip 12 off. The main body 62 of the tool 50 is shaped so that the main body 62 will fit within the data altering device 14 for storage.

The holder 54 of the second embodiment is generally in the form of a rectangular block. The leading edge of the holder 54 includes a tapered surface 64 to aid and guide insertion into the data altering device 14. The rear edge of the main part 65 of the holder 54 is integrally connected to a handle 66 which is wider and taller than the main part 65 of the holder 54 so as to extend beyond the main part 65 of the holder 54 on both sides and to above the upper and lower surfaces of the main part 65. A rectangular recess 68 is defined in the upper surface 70 of the main part 65. The front wall 72 of the recess 68 includes an undercut 74. A rectangular aperture 76 is defined in the floor 78 of the rectangular recess 68. The aperture 76 is approximately centrally arranged in relation to the recess 78 being considerably smaller in length than the recess 68.

In use, the tool 50 is selected and one spatula end 56 is inserted beneath a chip 12 on a spent cartridge 52. The tool 50 is used to lever the chip 12 off the connecting pillars 58. Holding the chip 12 carefully by its edges, the chip 12 is then inserted into the recess 68 in the holder 54 so that the upper edge 80 of the chip 12 is received in the undercut 74 of the recess 68. The chip 12 includes a protective blob of epoxy material 82 which protrudes into the aperture 76 defined in the floor 78 of the recess 68 in the main part. The chip 12 is then held frictionally between the rear wall 84 of the recess 68 and the front wall of the undercut recess 74. With the chip 12 held in the holder 54, the holder 54 is inserted into the data altering device 14 and reset. The holder 54 can be manipulated by means of the handle 66 which also acts as a stop when the holder 54 is inserted into the data altering device 14 to ensure that the contact pads 88 on the memory chip 12 are correctly aligned with the conductive fingers 36. The data altering device 14 alters the data in the chip 12 representing the date of manufacture of the cartridge to data representing a date in the near future. The data altering device 14 alters the data in the chip 12 representing the ink level of the cartridge associated with the chip 12 to replace it with data to indicate to the printer that the cartridge is full of ink. There may be data in the chip 12 to indicate the name or a trade mark of the manufacturer of the cartridge 52. In that case, the data altering device 14 alters the data in the chip 12 representing the name or trade mark of the manufacturer of the cartridge 52 to replace it with null data or with an alternative trade mark or name. The data altering device 14 may emit a signal to indicate that resetting is taking place and/or to indicate that resetting is completed. The signal may be a visual signal for example from an LED (not shown). Once resetting is completed, the holder 54 is removed from the data altering device 14 using the handle 66 and is inserted into the groove 46 of the U-shaped raised part 44 in the front of the full printer cartridge 16, which is then ready for use in the printer from which the spent cartridge 52 was removed.

It can be seen that the fact that the chip 12 is held in the recess 68 in the holder 54 means that it is well protected by the holder 54. In particular, because the size of the chip 12 is less than the size of an average person's finger, the fact that the chip 12 lies in the recess 68 means even if a person places their finger on top of the holder 54, their finger will bridge the recess 68 rather than entering it and so their finger will not come into contact with the chip 12.

The kit of the third embodiment is similar to that of the second embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for equivalent features.

The third embodiment, as shown in Figs 9 and 10, differs from the second embodiment in that the data altering device 14 has a drawer 90 into which a removed chip 12 can be placed. The drawer 90 is identical to the holder 54 of the second embodiment except that the recess 68 is slightly larger so that it does not frictionally hold the chip 12 but merely locates it adequately for the alignment of the contact pads 88 of the chip 12 with the conductive fingers 36 of the data altering device 14. The recess 68 does not include the undercut 74. Also the drawer 90 has two lateral outwards projections 92 from the side surfaces 93 of the drawer 90 near the leading edge 64 of the drawer 90. The projections 92 engage with stops provided at the ends of the guide channels 42 to prevent the drawer 90 from being pulled completely out of the data altering device 14.

In use then, the chip 12 is removed from the spent cartridge 52 and is placed in the recess 68 of the drawer 90 of the data altering device 14. The drawer 90 is pushed into the data altering device 14 and the chip 12 is reset thereby. The drawer 90 is then grasped by the handle 66 and pulled outwardly to the extent permitted by engagement of the projections 92 with the stops in the guide channels 42 so that the chip 12 can be removed.

The cartridge 16 of the third embodiment is generally similar to that of the first and second embodiments except that the groove 46 defined in the U-shaped raised part 44 is dimensioned to receive the chip 12 itself rather than the chip 12 in a holder 10/54, i.e. it is of narrower width, depth and length.

In the third embodiment then there is not the same protection from handling damage offered by the use of the holders 10 or 54 of the first and second embodiments but there are fewer parts to be lost, as the drawer 90 is attached to the data altering device 14 and cannot be removed.

In a fourth embodiment the kit comprises a refilling station 94 of known type and a resetting device 96 as shown in Figs 11 and 12. The resetting device 96 consists of a box 98 containing the same elements as the data altering device 14 of the first to third embodiments except that the conductive fingers 36 internal to the data altering device 14 are replaced by sprung conductive pegs 100 extending from the front face 102 of the box 98. The box 98 has two projections 104 which project forwards from the lower edge 106 of the front face 102 of the box 98. The projections 104 have horizontal upper edges 108.

In use, the spent cartridge 52 is refilled in conventional manner using the refilling station 94 and the resetting device 96 is then placed against the front of the spent cartridge 52 so that the upper edges 108 of the projections 104 contact the lower face of the cartridge 52 and so that the pegs 100 align with and contact the contact pads 88. The chip 12 is automatically reset by the resetting device 96 and the refilled cartridge 52 can then be reused.