Abstract:
A kit comprising a holder for holding a memory device in the form of a chip, elements for inputting data to or altering data in the chip, a printer cartridge for containing ink, and a retaining element to retain the chip on the printer cartridge.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/737,359 filed Dec. 20, 2000. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The invention relates to a printer cartridge kit and method.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    An ink jet printer cartridge is known which includes a memory device in the form of chip or EEPROM. The chip stores data which, amongst other things, relates to the ink level of the cartridge and the date of manufacture of the cartridge. When the cartridge is installed in the appropriate printer, the chip is read by the printer. If the data representing the date of manufacture indicates that the cartridge is beyond a certain age, then the printer will warn the user, or simply will not work. Similarly, if the data presenting the ink level of the cartridge indicates that the cartridge has too low a level of ink to be used then the printer will not work and an explanatory signal may be given to the user. The printer for the cartridge continually writes to an internal memory as it prints to update data held therein representing the ink level. Once the data indicates that the ink level in the cartridge is below a predetermined threshold, then the pointer will not work until the old cartridge has been removed and a new cartridge has been inserted. The spent cartridge cannot be simply removed from then replaced in the printer, as when the spent cartridge is removed from the printer, the data on ink level from the internal memory of the printer is input to the chip on the spent cartridge. Thus, if the spent cartridge is replaced in the printer, or indeed if it is inserted into a different printer, the chip will be read by the printer, the printer will recognize that the cartridge is empty, and will consequently refuse to draw ink from it.  
           [0004]    When a cartridge of this type is empty, it can be refilled in the usual way, but the cartridge still will not be accepted by the printer, because the chip will indicate to the printer that the cartridge is empty.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising a holder or holding a memory device, means for inputting data to or altering data in the memory device, a printer cartridge for containing ink, and means to retain the memory device on the printer cartridge.  
           [0006]    In this way, the user can remove the chip from a spent example of the known cartridge, place it in the holder to avoid handling damage, and then reset the chip using the inputting/altering means, and install the chip in the new, full cartridge which will then be accepted by the printer. The data representing the ink level is thus reset so that the printer recognizes that the cartridge is now full. Also, the data representing date of manufacture is updated to indicate a more recent date. This enables the chip to be used because it is reset. It would be possible to refill the spent cartridge and reset the chip but there is an inherent risk of ink spillage in the refilling process which is avoided by use of the kit of the invention, and the quality of printing from a refilled cartridge will inevitably be reduced.  
           [0007]    The retaining means may take any suitable form and may comprise a glue, an adhesive tape, a mechanical fixing such as an elastic strap or a screw or screws or any other suitable means. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining means comprises means on the printer cartridge which is arranged to carry the holder with the memory device herein.  
           [0008]    According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising a holder for holding a memory device, means for inputting data to or altering data in the memory device, and a printer cartridge containing ink, the printer cartridge including means to carry the holder.  
           [0009]    The holder may take any suitable form and may define at least one slot, the or each slot receiving an edge of the memory device. In a preferred embodiment, the holder is arranged to contact the memory device on three sides and may be U-shaped. The holder may define a recess in which the memory device is received. The recess may define an undercut at one end. In this way, one end of the memory device can be received in the undercut which will retain it. The holder may be arranged to frictionally hold the memory device between the wall of the undercut and the opposite wall of the recess.  
           [0010]    The data inputting/altering means preferably includes a recess which is arranged to receive at least part of the memory device held by the holder. Preferably, the recess of the data inputting/altering means is arranged to receive at least part of the holder. Preferably, the data inputting/altering means is arranged to locate the holder to thereby position the memory device in the data inputting/altering means for data input/alteration thereby.  
           [0011]    In one embodiment, the data inputting/altering means includes contacts to contact contacts on the memory device. The contacts are preferably resiliently mounted so as to be biased against the memory device when the memory device is in position with aspect to the recess of the data inputting/altering means.  
           [0012]    The carrying means of the printer cartridge may take any suitable form and may comprise a glue, adhesive tape, a mechanical fixing such as an elastic strap or a screw or screws or any other suitable means. In one embodiment the carrying means comprises means to receive at least one edge of the holder. Preferably the carrying means comprises means to receive two opposite edges of the holder. The holder may be arranged to be slid into the carrying means or to be received in any other suitable manner. The carrying means may include a stop to prevent sliding movement of the holder and memory device therebeyond.  
           [0013]    Preferably the kit also includes means for removing a memory device from a printer cartridge.  
           [0014]    Indeed, according to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising means for removing a memory device from a printer cartridge, means for putting data to or altering data in the removed memory device, a printer cartridge for containing ink, and means for retaining the memory device on the cartridge.  
           [0015]    The retaining means of the printer cartridge may take any suitable form and may comprise a glue, adhesive tape, a mechanical fixing such as an elastic strap or a screw or screws or any other suitable means. In one embodiment the retaining means comprises means to receive at least one edge of the memory device. Preferably the retaining means comprises means to receive two opposite edges of the memory device. The memory device may be arranged to be slid into the retaining means or to be received in any other suitable manner. The retaining means may include a stop to prevent sliding movement of the memory device therebeyond.  
           [0016]    According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a data inputting or altering device including means for transporting a memory device removed from a cartridge into a data inputting or altering position for data input or alteration by the data inputting or altering device.  
           [0017]    The transporting means facilitates use of the data inputting or altering device.  
           [0018]    In one preferred embodiment, the transporting means comprises a drawer into the data inputting/altering means. In an alternative embodiment, the transporting means comprises a holder, distinct from the data inputting/altering means, to hold the memory device. The data inputting/altering means may be arranged to locate the transporting means to thereby position the memory device in relation to the data inputting/altering means for data input/alteration thereby.  
           [0019]    According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method comprising the steps of:  
           [0020]    placing a memory device in a holder,  
           [0021]    picking up the memory device by the holder and placing the memory device by means of the holder in the appropriate location for input of data to or alteration of data in the memory device by data inputting/altering means,  
           [0022]    inputting data to or altering data in the memory device by means of the data inputting/altering means,  
           [0023]    attaching the memory device to a printer cartridge for containing ink so that the memory device is retained thereon.  
           [0024]    Preferably, the memory device is retained on the printer cartridge by retaining the holder on the printer cartridge with the memory device therein.  
           [0025]    According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method comprising the steps of removing a memory device from a printer cartridge, placing the memory device in a holder, inputting data to or altering data in the memory device and attaching the chip in the holder to a printer cartridge containing ink.  
           [0026]    Preferably, the method further includes the initial step of removing the memory device from a print cartridge.  
           [0027]    According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method comprising the steps of:  
           [0028]    removing a memory device from a printer cartridge,  
           [0029]    inputting data to or altering data in the memory device by means of the data inputting/altering means,  
           [0030]    attaching the memory device to a printer cartridge for containing ink so that the memory device is retained thereon.  
           [0031]    The memory device may be generally planar and may be moved by translation into a recess in the data inputting/altering means.  
           [0032]    The data inputting/altering means may alter or input data of any suitable type at any suitable location in the memory device. In a preferred embodiment, in the step of inputting data to or altering data in the memory device by means of the data inputting/altering means, at least part of the data input or altered concerns the ink level in a printer cartridge. In another preferred embodiment, in the step of inputting data to or altering data in the memory device by means of the data inputting/altering means, at least part of the data input or altered concerns the age of the ink in a printer cartridge. In another embodiment, the memory device includes data representing a word or words consisting of a name or trade mark, and in the step of inputting data to or altering data in the memory device by means of the data inputting/altering means, the data representing a word or words consisting of a name or trade mark is altered to null data or to data representing a different word or different words.  
           [0033]    According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method comprising altering data representing ink level in a memory device on a printer cartridge by means of data inputting/altering means so that the altered data indicates an increased ink level.  
           [0034]    According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method comprising altering data representing the age of ink in a memory device on a printer cartridge by means of data inputting/altering means so that the altered data indicates a lower ink age.  
           [0035]    According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method comprising altering data representing a word or words consisting of a name or trade mark in a memory device on a printer cartridge by means of data inputting/altering means so that the altered data is null data or data representing a different word or different words.  
           [0036]    The method preferably further includes the step of adding ink to the printer cartridge. Preferably the printer cartridge is completely refilled.  
           [0037]    Preferably, the method is carried out using a kit or device according to any of the preceding aspects of the invention.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0038]    Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a chip and the holder and cartridge of the kit of the first embodiment of the invention;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cartridge of the first embodiment;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of the first embodiment for altering the data on the chip;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 4 is a side elevation in cross section of the device of FIG. 3 showing the holder and chip about to be inserted thereinto;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 5 is a plan view in cross section of the device of FIG. 3 with the holder and chip in position therein;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tool of the second embodiment of the invention shown in the position to remove a chip from a spent cartridge;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the holder of the second embodiment;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 8 is a side elevation in cross-section of the holder of FIG. 7 at A-A′ in FIG. 8;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 9 is a side elevation in cross section of the device of the third embodiment;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the holder of the third embodiment;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the data inputting or altering device of the fourth embodiment; and,  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 12 is a front elevation of a refill station of the fourth embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0051]    The kit of the first embodiment of the invention comprises a holder  10  for holding a memory chip  12 , a device  14  for altering the data on the chip  12  and a printer cartridge  6  containing ink.  
         [0052]    The holder  10  is U-shaped having two elongate limbs  18  connected at one end by a cross piece  20 . The holder  10  defines a slot  22 ,  24  in the inwardly facing ides of each the limbs and cross piece  20  to frictionally receive three edges  26 ,  28  of a rectangular chip  12 . The holder  10  is so dimensioned that when the chip  12  is fully received in the slots  22 ,  24 , the free edge of the chip  12  lies flush with the free ends of the limbs  18 .  
         [0053]    The device  14  contains a battery  30  powering circuitry  32  to write to the chip  12  through contacts  34  which are carried on resilient, conductive fingers  36 . The casing of the device  14  includes a slot  40  to receive the majority of the chip  12  in its holder. The casing  38  defines channels  42  to each side to locate and guide the limbs  18  of holder  10  as the holder  10  is pushed into the device  14  through the slot  40  by the user. As the holder  10  is pushed in, the chip  12  will contact the contacts  34  which will be pushed upwards against the resilience of the fingers  36 . When the holder  10  is fully inserted, the contacts  34  will be in contact with contact pads on the chip  12  and the circuitry  32  will automatically reset the data on the chip  12 . The protruding part of the holder  10  consisting of the cross piece  20  can then be grasped and the holder  10  and chip  12  thereby pulled out of the device  14 . The holder  10  and reset chip  12  can then be attached to the printer cartridge  16 . The printer cartridge  16  has a U-shaped raised part  44  on its front surface  48  which is undercut around its inner edge to form a groove  46  to fictionally receive the holder  10  with the chip  12  therein. The holder  10  is slid along the front surface  48  of the cartridge  16  into the groove  46  and once fully inserted the chip  12  is in the right position to be read by the printer when the cartridge  16  is installed in the printer.  
         [0054]    The use of the holder  10  means that the handling of the chip  12  by the user is minimised to minimise the risk of damage to the chip  12  and reduce the chance of dirt depositing on the chip  12 . Also, the, holder  10  increases the size and in particular the thickness of the chip  12  rendering it easier to handle.  
         [0055]    The kit of the second embodiment of the invention is similar to the first and only the differences from the first embodiment will be described. Thus the device  14  for altering the data on the chip  12  and the printer cartridge  16  containing ink are the same. The kit of the second embodiment further comprises a tool  50  for removing a memory chip  12  from a spent printer cartridge  52 , and a different holder  54  for holding the moved memory chip  12 .  
         [0056]    The tool  50  is generally T-shaped and includes two opposed spatula ends  56  by means of which the memory chip  12  can be levered off the spent cartridge  52  as shown FIG. 6. The memory chip  12  is bonded to the ends of two short pillars  58  on the front face  60  of the spent cartridge  52 . One tapered spatula end  56  of the tool  50  is inserted between the chip  12  and the front face  60  of the spent cartridge  52  and then levered to force the chip  12  off. The main body  62  of the tool  50  is shaped so that the main body will fit within the data altering device  14  for storage.  
         [0057]    The holder  54  of the second embodiment is generally in the form of a rectangular block. The leading edge of the holder  54  includes a tapered surface  64  to aid and guide insertion into the data altering device  14 . The rear edge of the main part  65  of the rider  54  is integrally connected to a handle  66  which is wider and taller than the main part  65  of the holder  54  so as to extend beyond the main part  65  of the holder  54  on both sides and to above the upper and lower surfaces of the main part  65 . A rectangular recess  68  is defined in the upper surface  70  of the main part  65 . The front wall  72  of the recess  68  includes an undercut  74 . A rectangular aperture  76  is defined in the floor  78  of the rectangular recess  68 . The aperture  76  is approximately centrally arranged in relation to the recess  78  being considerably smaller in length than the recess  68 .  
         [0058]    In use, the tool  50  is selected and one spatula end  56  is inserted beneath a chip  12  on a spent cartridge  52 . The tool  50  is used to lever the chip  12  off the connecting pillars  58 . Holding the chip  12  carefully by its edges, the chip  12  is then inserted into the recess  68  in the holder  54  so that the upper edge  80  of the chip  12  is received in the undercut  74  of the recess  68 . The chip  12  includes a protective blob of epoxy material  82  which protrudes into the aperture  76  defined in the floor  78  of the recess  68  in the main part. The chip  12  is then held frictionally between the rear wall  84  of the recess  68  and the front wall of the undercut recess  74 . With the chip  12  held in the holder  54 , the holder  54  is inserted into the data altering device  14  and reset. The holder  54  can be manipulated by means of the handle  66  which also acts as a stop when the holder  54  is inserted into the data altering device  14  to ensure that the contact pads  88  on the memory chip  12  are correctly aligned with the conductive fingers  36 . The data altering device  14  alters the data in the chip  12  representing the date of manufacture of the cartridge to data representing a date in the near future. The data altering device  14  alters the data in the chip  12  representing the ink level of the cartridge associated with the chip  12  to replace it with data to indicate to the printer that the cartridge is full of ink. There may be data in the chip  12  to indicate the name or a trade mark of the manufacturer of the cartridge  52 . In that case, the data altering device  14  alters the data in the chip  12  representing the name or trade mark of the manufacturer of the cartridge  52  to replace it with null data or with an alternative trade mark or name. The data altering device  14  may emit a signal to indicate that resetting is taking place and/or to indicate that resetting is completed. The signal may be a visual signal for example from an LED (not shown). Once resetting is completed, the holder  54  is removed from the data altering device  14  using the handle  66  and is inserted into the groove  46  of the U-shaped raised part  44  in the front of the full printer cartridge  16 , which is then ready for use in the printer from which the spent cartridge  52  was removed.  
         [0059]    It can be seen that the fact that the chip  12  is held in the recess  68  in the holder  54  means that it is well protected by the holder  54 . In particular, because the size of the chip  12  is less than the size of an average person&#39;s finger, the fact that the chip  12  lies the recess  68  means even if a person places their finger on top of the holder  54 , their finger will bridge the recess  68  rather than entering it and so their finger will not come to contact with the chip  12 .  
         [0060]    The kit of the third embodiment is similar to that of the second embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for equivalent features.  
         [0061]    The third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 differs from the second embodiment that the data altering device  14  has a drawer  90  into which a removed chip  12  can be placed. The drawer  90  is identical to the holder  54  of the second embodiment except that the recess  68  is slightly larger so that it does not frictionally hold the chip  12  but merely locates it adequately for the alignment of the contact pads  88  of the chip  12  with the conductive fingers  36  of the data altering device  14 . The recess  68  does not include the undercut  74 . Also the drawer  90  has two lateral outwards projections  92  from the side surfaces  93  of the drawer  90  near the leading edge  64  of the drawer  90 . The projections  92  engage with stops provided at the ends of the guide channels  42  to prevent the drawer  90  from being pulled completely out of the data altering device  14 .  
         [0062]    In use then, the chip  12  is removed from the spent cartridge  52  and is placed in the recess  68  of the drawer  90  of the data altering device  14 . The drawer  90  is pushed into the data altering device  14  and the chip  12  is reset thereby. The drawer  90  is then grasped by the handle  66  and pulled outwardly to the extent permitted by engagement of the projections  92  with the stops in the guide channels  42  so that the chip  12  can be removed.  
         [0063]    The cartridge  16  of the third embodiment is generally similar to that of the first and second embodiments except that the groove  46  defined in the U-shaped raised part  44  is dimensioned to receive the chip  12  itself rather than the chip  12  in a holder  10 / 54 , i.e. it is of narrower width, depth and length.  
         [0064]    In the third embodiment then there is not the same protection from handling damage offered by the use of the holders  10  or  54  of the first and second embodiments but there are fewer parts to be lost, as the drawer  90  is attached to the data altering device  14  and cannot be removed.  
         [0065]    In a fourth embodiment the kit comprises a refilling station  94  of known type and a resetting device  96  as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The resetting device  96  consists of a box  98  containing the same elements as the data altering device  14  of the first to third embodiments except that the conductive fingers  36  internal to the data altering device  14  are replaced by sprung conductive pegs  100  extending from the front face  102  of the box  98 . The box  98  has two projections  104  which project forwards from the lower edge  106  of the front face  102  of the box  98 . The projections  104  have horizontal upper edges  108 .  
         [0066]    In use, the spent cartridge  52  is refilled in conventional manner using the refilling station  94  and the resetting device  96  is then placed against the front of the spent cartridge  52  so that the upper edges  108  of the projections  104  contact the lower face of the cartridge  52  and so that the pegs  100  align with and contact the contact pads  88 . The chip  12  is automatically reset by the resetting device  96  and the refilled cartridge  52  can then be reused.