Patent ID: 6168262
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A replaceable ink container for use in an off-axis printing system, the off-axis printing system including a stationary ink container station for receiving the replaceable ink container, a printer portion spaced from and movable, along a scan axis, relative to the ink container station, and a system for fluidicly and electrically coupling the ink container station to the printer portion, wherein the printer portion is responsive to electrical signals from the replaceable ink container for controlling printing system parameters, the replaceable ink container comprising: a memory element; a plurality of electrical contacts with each of the plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected with the memory element, the memory element storing information and producing electrical signals for controlling printing system parameters; and a housing having an outer surface facing outwardly and an inner surface, the inner surface forming a wall defining a cavity within the housing, the plurality of electrical contacts being attached within the cavity to the wall such that the plurality of electrical contacts within the cavity engage a corresponding plurality of electrical contacts associated with the ink container station, wherein the corresponding plurality of electrical contacts are positioned within the cavity of the ink container housing upon insertion of the replaceable ink container into the ink container station, insertion of the replaceable ink container into the ink container station necessitating only substantially linear movement of the ink container from initial contact of the replaceable ink container with the ink container station through complete and full engagement of the replaceable ink container with the ink container station of the off-axis printing system, the engagement of the plurality of electrical contacts with the corresponding plurality of electrical contacts allowing the memory device to provide the printer portion with the electrical signals providing information for controlling printing system parameters.