Patent ID: 7182445
Filing Date: 2007-02-27
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A replaceable printer component comprising: a single printer component configured for removable installation into, and for electronic communication with, a first single printer; and a permanent read-only memory configured for one-time writing of information to the permanent read-only memory, the memory configured for storing, only after an initial removable installation of the single printer component into the first single printer, a first single printer unique identifier that uniquely represents only the first single printer relative to other single printers to lock operation of the single printer component exclusively with the first single printer and to prevent later operation of the single printer component with the other single printers, wherein the memory is configured for storing a plurality of printer unique identifiers via the one-time writing of information, including the first printer unique identifier, in association with a group of authorized single printers, including the first single printer, with each printer unique identifier uniquely representing a different authorized single printer of the group of authorized single printers for which use of the single printer component is exclusively enabled, thereby preventing later operation of the single printer component with other single printers outside the group of authorized single printers.