Refilled toner cartridge having increased yield.

(54) Title: FILLED TONER CARTRIDGE THAT HAS INCREASED YIELD.

(54) Title: REFILLED TONER CARTRIDGE HAVING INCREASED YIELD.

(57) Summary

Electronic systems, such as printing systems, often use components that have an integral memory; integral memory can be used to store information regarding the component; In some printing systems, this memory includes a part that stores a value indicative of printing performance; a method and system is disclosed to allow memory to have data indicative of increased print performance.

(57) Abstract

Electronic systems, such as printing systems, often use components that have integral memory. The integral memory can be used to store information about the component. In some printing systems this memory includes a portion that stores at a value indicative of a print yield. Disclosed is a method and system for allowing the memory to have data indicative of an increased print yield.

YES

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PATENT TITLE No. 353305

Headlines): STATIC CONTROL COMPONENTS, INC.

D micilio:

3010 Lee Avenue, PO Box 152, Sanford, North Carolina, 27331, USA

D nomination:

INCREASED TONER CARTRIDGE.

FILLED THAT HAS PERFORMANCE

Classification:

CIP: CPC:

<img file="MX353305B_D0002.tif" />

12/11; G03G21 / 18 i &lt;GÍ6 / Q894; H303G15rt) 8MF GM0jh / 12; G03G21 / 181; G03G21 / 1889;

135.15 / 0863; G03G2215 / 00987

LYNTON'ft'BURCHETTE

G03G15 $ 8?

GO ^ Gtó / á ** · G03¡ Inventor (s):

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artieul

Number;.

MX / a / 2014/015159 tional:

Country:

US⁴

Validity: \ é) H ^ years

Date sheet &lt;^ J ^ febr ^ | of 2 ($ S5

Date

The patent of reference ^ Ü ^ tíl ^ a ^ on foundation

Pursuant to article ¿eJa Ley delá-P as of the filing date ¿Bhq ^ fc | ^&gt; l | ptud diritiindamento en jb di

Who subscribes to this title (Official Gazette of the Federation (01/25/2006, 06/05/2009, 06/01/2010), Regulations of the Mexican Institute of articles 1, 3, 4, 5 fraction V subsection a), 16

12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 07/29/2001, Deputy Generals, Coordinator, Divisional Directors- Departmental Titles and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007) .

d Industrial (non-extendable 6s, counted as "* rights.

a Industrial Property Law / 1999, 01/26/2004, 06/16/2005, section a), 4th and 12th sections I and lll of 02, 07/15/2004, 07/28/2004 and 7 / 09/2007); exican Industrial Property (DOF agreed that delegates powers to the Ional Directors. Divisional Deputy Directors, rstrial Coordinators. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004,

This letter is signed with an advanced electronic signature (FIEL), based on articles 7 BIS 2 of the Industrial Property Law; 3rd of its Regulations, and 1 fraction lll. 2 section V. 26 BIS and 26 TER of the Agreement establishing the guidelines for the use of the Electronic Payment and Services Portal (PASE) of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, in the procedures indicated.

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

NAHANNY CANAL REYES

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Original string:

NAHANNY MARISOL CANAL REYES | 00001000000403252793 | Administration Service

Tax | 1695 || MX / 2018/4739 | MX / a / 2014/015159 | PCT patent title | 1027 | RGZ | Page (s) | nKp5fabT8zj41C8DWEYwkPqJmNQ =

Digital stamp:

wr9Y95HvETuAUtZTzFhZeJAXyosL2VyX4CljMrkp4XqodmUT583QDbg5b2wGA8PrHvUcaB36CaW8imVYozWVQDPYN / rKv7ZTa / QJDgMOyCd2M / u61IBz2E2IX9PxZ / aklF7MKexlCFpvF9FF91X2NgxWEI9oS0xPLV1scNz79vUuaeorzsrt 2HtsngU1YqN2NiTFn3mN035h8MPW4Xu7cwOOMpPQ1aONhErbLalQ7w3BRJ1xxsWTMFMDFkONA4jLkFejbATF7YP6rc jEgckzzsB5X64FpstTxJE3igZ4o5EBzu6N5ebWR1CRI1JJSDev6VByt / UXIbZZ0vgubSeAMw ==

Arenal No 550. Floor 1, Pueblo Santa María Tepepan. Xochimilco, 16020. Mexico City.

(55) 53340700 www.gob.mx/irripi

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industrial

INCREASED

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Image recording devices, such as laser printers, use a replaceable cartridge that contains recording material to record an image on a recording medium.

Electrostatic or laser printers form an image on a recording medium by transferring toner particles onto the medium. Typically, a recording drum is loaded and a latent image is formed on the drum by a laser. The latent image is developed on the drum by developer particles or toner and this image is transferred directly or indirectly onto a recording medium. Multiple cartridges are provided in color printers to transfer color images.

A print cartridge often includes a memory device. This memory device can be loaded with information indicative of the cartridge parameters. When the printer detects that a new cartridge has been installed, the printer reads the information from the memory device. This information can be used to calibrate the operation of the printing device with

INSTITUTO MüKtCAHC \ DC LA PROPltDAO · based on cartridge parameters. The memory device often includes information related to the capacity of the cartridge. The printer can read the cartridge capacity and print a user page. Information regarding the cartridge status can include such information.

<td>or what</td><td>indicate</td><td>to the</td>

<td>. The</td><td>page</td><td>of</td>

<td>how</td><td>date</td><td>of</td>

manufacture, cartridge type, and calculated page count for the cartridge.

The information stored in memory can also be used to monitor the print life of the cartridge.

One method of monitoring the use of a print cartridge is to count the amount of print running.

In an electrostatic printer, a counter can count the number of line pages printed by each cartridge. Each of the counted numbers is then processed as a count signal and the printer sends each of the count signals to the appropriate cartridge. The cartridge contains a memory that stores an initial value indicative of the amount of print agent contained in the cartridge. The printer uses the initial value and the number of pages or lines printed to determine a remaining cartridge life. When the cartridge reaches a low level, the printer can warn the cartridge and eventually avoid an operator to replace

<img file="MX353305B_D0007.tif" />

INSTITirrJMEXICANC ¿f. THE INDUSTRIAL HWIEDAC

A used print cartridge contains many parts that have a shelf life after the first use. It is desirable to fill used printing.

remanufacture these cartridges

This provides a less expensive alternative to buying new print cartridges, and reduces waste. When a print cartridge is refilled, it is desirable to provide a cartridge that has an increased print life. In an inkjet printer, print life can be increased by adding more ink than the cartridge originally contained, or by using ink that has superior print efficiency. In a laser printer, print life can be extended by filling the cartridge with additional toner or by using toner that has increased print efficiency.

When you want to provide a higher yield cartridge you need to change the initial value stored in memory. If a cartridge has the capacity to write and the increased number of pages and the initial value does not reflect this increased capacity, the printer can prevent the cartridge from carrying out its full print life. Also, if the information stored in memory does not indicate increased print capacity, the printed status page will not reflect the page count /

appropriate.

IMPI

MF.XICAWy INSTITUTE

OF PROE'EIMÍ »industrial

Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a high yield print cartridge that displays the appropriate information on the status page and prints until the cartridge is empty, or nearly empty, of recording material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present method and system allow a refilled print cartridge to provide a high yield print cartridge. A high yield print cartridge is a print cartridge that has the capacity to print more sheets than the standard yield print cartridge.

In one aspect of the application, the method includes refilling a toner cartridge having a waste container, a hopper and a cartridge chip, the cartridge chip includes a memory that stores information indicative of an initial amount of toner loaded in the toner cartridge, where one size of the waste tank mimics a maximum amount of toner that can be loaded into the hopper. The method includes determining a toner capacity of the waste tank, determining a coverage efficiency of a toner to be loaded into

IMPI

<img file="MX353305B_D0008.tif" />

hopper and determine a maximum amount of toner with which the hopper can be loaded, where the maximum amount of toner is determined based on the toner capacity of the waste tank and the coverage efficiency of the toner. The hopper is loaded with a new amount of toner that is greater than an amount of toner that was originally loaded in the hopper by the original manufacturer.

A replacement cartridge chip is provided, and the replacement cartridge chip includes a memory that contains information indicative of the new amount of toner.

In another aspect, the method includes refilling a toner cartridge having a waste container, a hopper, and a cartridge chip, the cartridge chip includes a memory that stores information indicative of an initial amount of toner loaded in the toner cartridge. , where a waste tank size limits a maximum amount of toner that can be loaded into the hopper. The method includes determining a toner capacity from the waste tank, selecting a toner to be loaded into the hopper, where the selected toner has a predetermined coverage efficiency, and determining a maximum amount of toner that can be charged. the hopper, where the maximum amount of toner is determined based on the toner capacity of the waste tank and the coverage efficiency of the

<img file="MX353305B_D0009.tif" />

IMPI toner.

The hopper is loaded with a new amount of toner that is greater than an amount of toner that was originally loaded in the hopper by the original manufacturer. A replacement cartridge chip that has a memory that contains information indicative of the new amount of toner is provided in the toner cartridge.

In another aspect, the method includes refilling a toner cartridge that has a waste container, a hopper, and a cartridge chip. The method includes providing a toner of

<td>replacement</td><td>than</td><td>has one or</td><td>plus</td><td colspan="2">characteristics</td><td>and</td><td>fill the</td>

<td>hopper with</td><td>a</td><td>amount of</td><td>toner</td><td>of</td><td>replacement.</td><td>I know</td><td>determines</td>

<td>a life</td><td>of the</td><td>cartridge with</td><td>base</td><td>in</td><td>the amount</td><td>of</td><td>toner</td>

<td>replacement</td><td>and</td><td colspan="2">the characteristic</td><td>of the</td><td>toner. The</td><td colspan="2">information</td>

Indicative of an initial amount of loaded toner is updated in the cartridge chip memory based on the determined life of the cartridge.

In one aspect of the present application, a toner cartridge is for use in an imaging apparatus. The toner cartridge includes a waste container that has a toner capacity, a hopper that has a toner capacity, and a cartridge chip, the hopper is initially loaded with a toner that has a coverage efficiency and the cartridge chip has a memory to store information indicative of an amount of toner

IMPI ^ g INSTITUTO MtXXAN &lt;£ ^ 7 DE LA PROMEPAO Qg * loaded in the hopper. The hopper has a higher toner capacity than the waste tank and the hopper is loaded with an amount of toner based on the capacity of the waste tank and the coverage efficiency of the toner.

In another aspect, a refilled toner cartridge is for use in an imaging apparatus. The refilled toner cartridge has a waste container that has a toner capacity, a hopper that has a toner capacity, and a cartridge chip that has a memory to store information indicative of an initial amount loaded in the hopper. The hopper is loaded with an amount of replacement toner that has at least one characteristic that is different from a characteristic of a toner originally loaded in the toner cartridge. Information indicative of a starting quantity toner is changed based on at least one characteristic of the replacement toner.

In another embodiment, the cartridge is not a print cartridge but another item in the device that has a finite quantity usage. For example, printers use rollers to feed a recording medium through the print area. The rollers can work using friction to force the recording medium through the printer. The surface of the rollers is often a

IMPI

<img file="MX353305B_D0010.tif" />

plastic or rubber-like material that wears down the life of the printer.

<img file="MX353305B_D0011.tif" />

These and other features and objects of the invention will be more fully addressed from the following more detailed description of the embodiments, which should be read by virtue of the accompanying drawings.

In this regard, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it will be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention has the capability for other embodiments and can also be practiced and carried out in various ways. It will also be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be viewed as a limitation.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based can easily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods and systems to carry out the various purposes of the present invention. Therefore, it is important that the claims are seen as

IMPI

<img file="MX353305B_D0012.tif" />

including said equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the drive side end of a prior art toner cartridge;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the end view of the non-drive side of a prior art toner cartridge;

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a waste tank assembly;

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a waste tank assembly;

Figure 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of a chip holding structure of a prior art toner cartridge;

Figure 6 illustrates a method of filling a toner cartridge;

<img file="MX353305B_D0013.tif" />

Figure 7 illustrates another method of filling a toner cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In imaging and printing devices, the page counts recorded by nonvolatile memory modules (memory modules) can be increased as the pages are printed. Page counts can include the total number of pages printed by a printer and the total number of pages printed for each of a number of print categories. Recording the number of pages for individual print categories allows recording of page counts for specific types of printing tasks, such as the total number of color pages, monochrome pages, letter-size pages, legal-size pages, transparencies, etc., which can be printed. In addition to recording the page counts, the nonvolatile memory modules can be packed with tanks such as ink or toner cartridges, and the memory modules can contain one or more fields to record the emptying of the tanks. One of skill in the art will appreciate that imaging and printing devices can contain nonvolatile memory modules that have one or more counts, resource bit fields, or a combination thereof.

<img file="MX353305B_D0014.tif" />

Figures 1 and 2 show prior art toner cartridge

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

DF. FI PROPERTY _ -. perspective views of a previous 100; - "The toner cartridge 100 includes, among other components, a toner hopper assembly 102 and a waste tank assembly 104. Figures 3 and 4 show perspective views of the tank assembly of waste 104 after separation of the toner cartridge 100. The waste tank assembly 104 includes a waste tank 106, an organic photoconductor drum (OPC) 108, and a chip holding structure 140, described in greater detail below. The OPC drum 108 comprises a cylindrical tube having first and second hubs 110 and 112, with each hub 110 and 112 extending from one end of the OPC drum 108. The OPC drum 108 is held in place by a drive side end cap 114 and a non drive side end cap 116 that includes OPC retaining elements 118 and 120, respectively. The OPC retaining elements 118 and 120 each include cylindrical openings that engage and hold the ends of the hubs 110 and 112 during the rotation of the OPC drum 108. The cylindrical opening of the OPC 120 retaining element is narrower at the end by a flange 122.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a chip holding structure 500 of a ink cartridge.

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chip toner

OEM side of

IMPI

INDUSTRIAL the prior art holding an OEM 502 chip.

502 it may include electrical contacts 504 on a printed circuit board (PCB) 506 for mating with the printer and circuitry 508 including a memory element on the opposite side. Cable ties

510 and 512 support the OEM chip from the top and sides while support member 514 supports the bottom of chip 502. The

510 and 512 form an insert to join the

The OEM chip 502 cartridge slot element includes a holder for which toner.

Item stores data related data may include manufacturer, printer cartridge toner parameters

514 the date of the cartridge, and any initially communicated cartridge communication is done, and the flanges chip 502 memory toner cartridge.

manufacturer, name is that

Those of the toner type, quantity other information is inserted into electronically use for a cartridge by the desired OEM. When the printer, with the chip.

authenticate that suitable, that is, a cartridge and designed to work with particular printer. The printer can also read the

The one that the memory data that is indicative of the toner parameters, including the toner charge. The printer then calculates an expected page life for the cartridge, it is

<img file="MX353305B_D0016.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANv Di IA TKOITÍDAD INDUSTRIAL say the number of pages that the cartridge should be able to record without running out of toner. The printer can print a status page indicating whether the cartridge is authorized for use and the expected page life of the cartridge.

The printer also uses the data in memory to determine an amount of remaining toner in the cartridge.

The printer includes a counter that counts the number of sheets recorded or the number of pixels recorded.

When the number of recorded sheets approaches the expected page life for the cartridge, the printer indicates that the toner is low. The printer may eventually determine that the cartridge should be out of toner and disable printing. Alternatively, the printer may include a toner sensor, a light tube, or some other mechanism to determine the actual level of remaining toner in the cartridge. This toner detector can be activated when the toner count approaches the expected page life of the cartridge.

While the toner cartridge has been described, the above situation applies to any type of printer. For example, an inkjet printer has an ink cartridge that includes an integral ink tank or an ink cartridge connected to a separate ink tank. The

<img file="MX353305B_D0017.tif" />

IMPI ink cartridge separate ink tank) includes a memory that stores information such as ink type, printer authentication data and ink quantity. This information is used to authenticate the ink cartridge and determine a print capacity for the ink cartridge.

Often, the OEM does not fill the print cartridge with a maximum amount of recording material that the cartridge can hold. This is done for a number of reasons. One reason is that printers often come with an OEM print cartridge that has less recording material than a replacement print cartridge. A second reason is that some other cartridge or printer parameters may limit the amount of recording material. For example, in toner cartridges, the waste tank capacity is often less than the hopper capacity. To ensure that the waste tank is not flooded, the OEM fills the hopper below capacity. A third reason is the color cartridges. Typically color cartridges are used less than black cartridges and the OEM will fill less color cartridges to ensure that replacement cartridges are purchased regularly.

It is desirable to refill or remanufacture cartridges

<img file="MX353305B_D0018.tif" />

IMPI • κτπυτο Mexican • Industrial printing used. Refilled print cartridges offer a replacement cartridge more supports e while maintaining print quality and reducing waste.

It is often possible to increase the capacity of

The print cartridge capacity of the refilled print cartridge.

Pages can be increased by filling the print with more recording material (for example, ink or toner) than the cartridge originally had.

Another way to increase the print capacity of the print cartridge is to use more efficient recording material which allows the same amount of recording material to record additional pages. For example, toner has an efficiency rating that describes how much of the toner is used to record the image. The higher the toner efficiency rating, the more images can be recorded using the toner. Also, the higher the rating the less toner is wasted even as it is captured in the waste container. In one embodiment, the toner cartridge is loaded with a toner that has an efficiency of 75% or more. In another embodiment, the cartridge is loaded with a toner that has an efficiency of 85% or more.

Another way to increase printing performance

<img file="MX353305B_D0019.tif" />

of a print cartridge print cartridge. Due to the size of the tank

IMPI ΐΝίπτυτ »mlxicano P £ LA FHOMFDAD,,. INDUSTRIAL is enlarging the example components, in a toner cartridge, waste can be increased to allow the waste tank to have more toner.

In any type of printer, you can increase the size of the recording media tank (for example, ink tank or hopper).

Another way to increase the print performance of a print cartridge is to improve the efficiency of its components. For example, in a toner cartridge that improves the doctor blade, the doctor blade gap, the

PCR, developer roller, OPC, supply roller, or toner can improve cartridge performance. In an inkjet printer, improving the nozzles, the nozzle mechanism, the ink, or the ink tank can improve the performance of the cartridge.

Typically, the OEM writes information to memory that prevents the cartridge from being reused after the cartridge is used. Therefore, a refilled print cartridge often needs a replacement print chip in order to function. When the print cartridge has increased print capacity, memory should indicate this to ensure that the print cartridge will work at full capacity.

The figure

ΪΜΡΙ

INSTITUTO MEXICANO BE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL illustrates a method of refilling a toner cartridge.

The method includes determining a storage capacity or limit of the waste tank 600. The efficiency of the toner coverage is determined 610. A maximum amount of toner that can be loaded into the toner hopper is determined based on the capacity of the tank. waste, hopper capacity, and 620 toner efficiency. The toner hopper is loaded with an amount of toner that is greater than the amount that the cartridge was initially loaded with but not greater than the determined maximum amount of 630 toner. The cartridge chip memory is loaded with data related to the amount of toner loaded in the cartridge. This method provides a toner cartridge that has increased print performance that will work properly in the OEM printer.

Figure 7 illustrates another method of refilling a toner cartridge. The method includes determining the capacity of the waste tank toner 700. A toner having a predetermined coverage efficiency is selected 710. A maximum amount of toner is determined based on the capacity of the waste tank and the coverage efficiency 720 The cartridge chip is loaded with data corresponding to the determined maximum toner quantity 730. The hopper is loaded with the maximum amount of 740 toner.

<img file="MX353305B_D0020.tif" />

alternatively, the corresponding data that the maximum quantity

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA ntONEDAD,. ,,, INDUSTRIAL _____ cartridge chip can be loaded with an amount of toner than less toner and the hopper is loaded with an amount of toner that corresponds with the data.

Using one of the above methods results in a refilled toner cartridge. The toner cartridge has a waste tank that has a toner capacity, and a hopper that has a toner capacity. The hopper was initially loaded with toner that has coverage efficiency. The cartridge has a cartridge chip including a memory for storing information indicative of an amount of toner loaded in the hopper. The hopper has a higher toner capacity than the waste tank and the hopper is loaded with an amount of toner based on the capacity of the waste tank and the coverage efficiency of the toner.

Now we will describe another method to increase the yield of a print cartridge. There is an expected life (or print performance) for a print cartridge based on the amount of recording media loaded in the cartridge. However, depending on various factors, the print cartridge may run out of recording material before or after the expected performance has been met. If the print cartridge

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE AND PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL runs out of recording material after the expected performance, the cartridge is then removed while still holding the recording material. If the cartridge runs out of recording material before expected performance, the cartridge might stop printing halfway through the print job. Also, in inkjet printers, inkjet printers can damage the recording head when trying to print when ink is not available. Therefore, the OEM typically sets the data in memory so that the toner or ink level will last at the empty cartridge warning.

In order to increase cartridge performance, the data in the cartridge chip memory can be set to correspond more closely to the predicted performance of the print cartridge. Therefore, there will be less recording material remaining in the print cartridge when the printer indicates that the print cartridge is out of recording material.

The methods and devices described above can also be used in a managed printing system (MPS). A managed printing system is a system where all the devices of an entity are monitored and maintained by a single party. Typically, a third-party vendor or person enjoying technology information uses

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE t&gt; E industrial EROPIEDAD

<img file="MX353305B_D0021.tif" />

software to monitor a network of devices, including printers, copiers, scanners, facsimile machines, and scanners. The MPS can route jobs and results across the network to ensure the most efficient use of resources. The MPS also monitors the condition of the equipment and maintains the equipment. For example, the MPS vendor can monitor the remaining life of the print cartridge, paper usage, and other maintenance-related information.

The MPS uses software to manage the network of peripheral devices. The MPS can operate the printers and direct the printer to search for a code stored in the memory of the cartridge chip. This allows the memory of a replacement chip to contain additional information than the OEM chip, without inhibiting the operation of the chip. When the code is detected, the MPS provider determines that the printer is loaded with a high yield cartridge. The MPS system can accurately track the amount of recording material in the cartridge and order a replacement cartridge at the appropriate time. The MPS can even update individual printers with accurate information or allow individual printers to have inaccurate status information.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed description. For the

IMPI

<img file="MX353305B_D0022.tif" />

Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all those features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, because numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to construction and

<td colspan="2">exact operation that</td><td>are illustrated</td><td>and</td><td>describe,</td><td>by</td>

<td>consequent,</td><td>all</td><td colspan="2">the modifications</td><td>appropriate</td><td>and</td>

<td>equivalents</td><td>can be</td><td>include inside</td><td>of the</td><td>scope of</td><td>the</td>

invention.

Although this invention has been illustrated by reference to specific embodiments, changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art for those who can perform various that clearly fall within the scope of the invention. The invention is intended to be broadly protected within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.