Patent ID: 7834776
Filing Date: 2010-11-16
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A switchable sensor for an imaging device configured to use consumable items, including a print cartridge, the print cartridge for mating with a mounting structure in the imaging device during use, comprising: a RFID linking device configured on one of the print cartridge or mounting structure and having electrical circuitry with two portions being electrically and physically separated from one another; and a switchable device configured on a same said one of the print cartridge or mounting structure and integrated with said two portions of said electrical circuitry of said RFID linking device so as to normally assume a first condition disabling said RFID linking device to a communicatively unavailable state, said switchable device being electrically and physically accessible externally and capable of being electrically and physically switched from said first condition to a second condition enabling said RFID linking device to a communicatively available state by an actuator configured on the other said one of the print cartridge or mounting structure, said actuator electrically completing the electrical circuitry upon the proper mating of the print cartridge to the mounting structure, otherwise the electrical circuitry remaining said electrically and physically separated if the print cartridge and mounting structure are improperly mated.