Patent ID: 7156491
Filing Date: 2007-01-02
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A mechanism for establishing printer component compatibility with a printer, the printer component having a defined key code thereon, said mechanism comprising: a printer component mounting portion operably secured to the printer; a separable key element secured to the printer component mounting portion, adjacent to said printer component; said key element operably engaging the key code of the printer component to allow a printer component with the defined key code to be detachably secured to the printer component mounting portion; and, said key element remaining secured to said printer component when said printer component is detached from said printer component mounting portion; a second printer component having a second defined key code thereon; a second printer component mounting portion operably secured to the printer; a second separable key element secured to the second component mounting portion, adjacent to said second printer component; said second key element operably engaging the second key code of the second printer component to allow a second printer component with the second defined key code to be detachably secured to the second printer component mounting portion; and, said second key element remaining secured to said second printer component when said second printer component is detached from said second printer component mounting portion.