Patent ID: 6264322
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A modular hard copy apparatus comprising:a first unitary module including essential hard copy engine components, said first unitary module having a first equipment life expectancy;a second unitary module including essential ink-jet writing engine ink-jetting and ink-jet servicing components, said second unitary module having a second equipment life expectancy substantially shorter than said first equipment life expectancy; andlocated on said first unitary module and said second unitary module, complementary mechanisms for selectively interfacing said second unitary module into said first unitary module such that inserting said second unitary module into said first unitary module automatically forms an operationally ready ink-jet hard copy apparatus wherein said second unitary module is replaceable wherein said second unitary module is replaceable a plurality of times wherein a number of replacement times is approximately equal to a ratio of said first equipment life expectancy to said second equipment life expectancy.