Patent Abstract:
A universal cartridge chip for use with an imaging process cartridge installed in an imaging device is disclosed. The universal cartridge chip includes a memory storing imaging process cartridge data. The universal cartridge chip may be installed on the imaging process cartridge in a first orientation or a second orientation. If the cartridge chip is installed in a first orientation, the cartridge chip operates in a first mode. If the cartridge chip is installed in a second orientation the cartridge chip operates in a second mode.

Full Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to remanufacturing and modifying imaging process cartridges, such as printer toner cartridges, and more particularly to a system and techniques for providing a universal cartridge chip for an imaging process cartridge including a memory element adapted for use in multiple types of imaging process cartridges. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Imaging process cartridges such as toner cartridges are typically designed to fit into one type of laser printer or family of laser printers. For example, the same toner cartridge may be used in an HP4200 or HP4300 monochrome laser printer. As different printer models are introduced, the printer manufacturer may decide not to alter the physical characteristics of the toner cartridge but instead change some of the electronic components such as an electronic chip or cartridge chip on the imaging process cartridge instead. In one instance, the printer manufacturer may use a completely different chip on the same toner cartridge to differentiate between printer types. Alternatively, the printer manufacturer may employ the same cartridge chip but change the data stored within the cartridge chip. Even though a toner cartridge for use in one imaging device may use the same toner and all of the same operating components as an imaging process cartridge for another printer the cartridge chip may render it incompatible. 
         [0003]    Typically, the printer communicates with the cartridge chip to access information stored within a memory component on the cartridge chip. The information stored on the cartridge chip may provide the printer with information relating to the yield of the imaging process cartridge, the printer type, type of toner (in the case of a color imaging process cartridge) and the like. The amount of information stored on the cartridge chip may be dependent upon the size of the memory resident on the cartridge chip. 
         [0004]    Imaging process cartridges are typically designed to provide the consumer a certain number of print copies before the toner or ink is exhausted. The total number of prints varies depending on the type, quality and density of the print provided by the printer. The cartridge chip may be a “one time use” device. Thus, when the imaging process cartridge depletes its toner or ink to a predetermined level, the cartridge chip may cease to function. By limiting the cartridge chip to a single use, the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM&#39;s) may prevent the imaging process cartridge from simply being refilled with toner or ink and placed back into service. After all of the toner or ink is spent, the imaging process cartridges are either thrown away or recycled. 
         [0005]    An emerging industry has developed that deals with the recycling of imaging process cartridges. Typically, the imaging process cartridge is recycled by an imaging process cartridge remanufacturer, who receives spent imaging process cartridges and refurbishes them. During the refurbishing of the imaging process cartridge, the imaging process cartridge is disassembled, cleaned, repaired and reassembled. Worn or broken components such as OPC drums, wiper blades, cartridge chips and the like are generally repaired or replaced. The last steps of the refurbishment process typically include refilling and repackaging the refurbished imaging process cartridge, and distributing the refurbished imaging process cartridges into the marketplace. 
         [0006]    In order to simplify the manufacturing or remanufacturing process, cartridge chips may be designed to be compatible with a variety of imaging process cartridge types. Accordingly, there exists a need in the industry to take advantage of the similar designs of a cartridge chips installed on various imaging process cartridges. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present disclosure recognizes this need and discloses an imaging process cartridge which uses a universal cartridge chip that may be installed and positioned in two or more orientations. The universal cartridge chip is able to detect its orientation and based on the orientation the imaging process cartridge may operate in different modes. 
         [0008]    A method of operating an imaging process cartridge installed in an imaging device, the imaging process cartridge having a universal cartridge chip is disclosed. The method determines a physical orientation of the universal cartridge chip when the universal cartridge chip is mounted on the imaging process cartridge in a first position or a second position. The method configures the universal cartridge chip to operate in a first mode of operation if the universal cartridge chip is mounted in the first position. The method further configures the universal cartridge chip to operate in a second mode of operation if the universal cartridge chip is mounted in a second position. 
         [0009]    A universal cartridge chip is disclosed. The universal chip has an input/output (I/O) circuit and a controller coupled to the I/O circuit. The controller also has an orientation determination circuit wherein the orientation determination circuit receives communication information from the I/O circuit. The universal cartridge chip determines if it is installed in a first orientation or a second orientation based on the communication information. 
         [0010]    An imaging process cartridge for use in an imaging device is disclosed. The imaging process cartridge has a universal cartridge chip affixed on the imaging process cartridge. The universal cartridge chip has an orientation logic circuit, which causes the imaging process cartridge to operate in a first mode when the orientation logic circuit determines that the universal cartridge chip is mounted in a first orientation. The imaging process cartridge operates in a second mode when said when the orientation logic circuit determines the universal cartridge chip is mounted in a second orientation. 
         [0011]    A more complete understanding of the present invention, as well as further features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  shows a side perspective view of a fully assembled imaging process cartridge for use in the HP2600 color laser printer. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2A  displays a universal cartridge chip for use on the toner cartridge of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2B  displays a universal cartridge chip for use on the toner cartridge of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  shows a close up view of the universal cartridge chip of  FIG. 2A  installed in a first orientation in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  shows a close up view of the universal cartridge chip of  FIG. 2A  installed in an alternate orientation in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3C  shows a close up view of the universal cartridge chip of  FIG. 2B  installed in a first orientation in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3D  shows a close up view of the universal cartridge chip of  FIG. 2B  installed in yet another orientation in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  displays a logic block diagram of a universal cartridge chip in accordance with the present invention in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  displays a timing diagram of electronic signals processed by the universal cartridge chip of  FIG. 3  in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6A  displays an orientation logic circuit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6B  displays a second orientation logic circuit in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6C  displays a third orientation logic circuit in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  displays an alternative universal cartridge chip used on the HP4200 or HP4300 toner cartridge in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    The following detailed description of preferred embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention. In the discussion that follows, specific systems and techniques for repairing, manufacturing or remanufacturing an imaging process cartridge, such as a toner cartridge are used as examples. Other embodiments having different structures and operations for the repair, remanufacture and operation of other types of replaceable imaging components and for various types of imaging devices, such as laser printers, inkjet printers, copiers, facsimile machines and the like, do not depart from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0026]    Within the printer industry, printer manufacturers have employed various techniques to differentiate between toner cartridges for use in the same or different printers. These techniques range from altering the physical dimensions and shape of the imaging process cartridge to changing the cartridge chip mounted on the imaging process cartridge. As new printer models are developed, “new” toner cartridges may also be introduced. In some cases, the new toner cartridge may contain exactly the same components and have the same general physical design as those of the previous printer model. However, the new toner cartridge may have a different cartridge chip installed. Changing the cartridge chip allows the printer manufacturer to differentiate between a previously introduced toner cartridge and those of newer printer models. This may allow the printer manufacturer to increase profit margins by charging the consumer a premium for the new toner cartridge. 
         [0027]    In some color laser printers, the various toner cartridges may be identical with the exception of the color of toner and the cartridge chip. For example, within the HP2600 color laser printer there are no physical restrictions preventing the installation of a black toner cartridge in any of the other three toner cartridge locations (cyan, magenta or yellow). Even though the various toner cartridges fit interchangeably within a color laser printer, an error message may be displayed by the printer if a cyan toner cartridge is installed in the black toner location of the color laser printer. For example, in the HP2600 color laser printer, the error message “INCORRECT CARTRIDGE TYPE” is displayed by the printer when a black toner cartridge is inserted in the cyan toner cartridge location. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  displays a front perspective view of an exemplary toner cartridge  100  used in the HP2600 color laser printer. The toner cartridge  100  has a waste bin assembly  110  and a toner hopper assembly  120 . On the sides of the toner cartridge  100  are handles  130  which may be used to facilitate the insertion and extraction of the toner cartridge  100  from the printer. Located within the toner hopper assembly  120  are various other components such as the magnetic roller, transfer roller, OPC drum (not shown) and the like. Mounted on an upper portion  160  of the toner cartridge  100  is a universal cartridge chip  150 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 2A  displays a side perspective view of the exemplary universal cartridge chip  150  which may be installed on the toner cartridge  100 . The universal cartridge chip  150  may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB)  210  upon which electrical components may be mounted. As displayed in  FIG. 2A , the universal cartridge chip  150  has an integrated circuit  260  which is electrically coupled to contacts  250  positioned on the PCB  210 . The integrated circuit  260  may be an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), programmable gate array, microprocessor, microcontroller or the like. In an alternative embodiment, the integrated circuit  260  may be replaced with multiple discrete components which may provide the same functionality as the integrated circuit  260 . The functionality of the integrated circuit  260  is further described in the discussions of  FIG. 4 . The universal chip  150  of  FIG. 2A  only has contacts on one side of the PCB  210 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 2B  displays a universal cartridge chip  150 ′ in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The universal cartridge chip  150 ′ is similar to the universal cartridge chip  150  with the difference being the universal cartridge chip  150 ′ has contacts  250  on both sides of the PCB  210 . The contacts  250  on the back side of the universal cartridge chip  150 ′ are electrically coupled to the integrated circuit  260 . 
         [0031]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  display more detailed views of the upper portion  160  of the toner cartridge  100  with the universal cartridge chip  150  or  150 ′ installed in different orientations.  FIGS. 3C and 3D  display the universal cartridge chip  150 ′ mounted on the upper portion  160  in two alternative orientations. The universal cartridge chip  150  is discussed in reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B  for illustrative purposes. Either the universal cartridge chip  150  or  150 ′ may be installed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 3A , the universal cartridge chip  150  may be mounted over a mounting surface  330  and secured in place by two securing arms  310 . The universal cartridge chip  150  may be installed by inserting the chip between securing arms  310  and sliding it in a downward direction  360  until the universal cartridge chip  150  rests against a securing edge  320 . Removal of the universal cartridge chip  150  may be accomplished by sliding it in an upwards direction  370  away from the securing edge  320  until the universal cartridge chip  150  is clear of the securing arms  310 . The universal cartridge chip  150  is installed on the toner cartridge  100  so the contacts  250  make an electrical connection with two electrical conductors (not shown) located within the toner cartridge compartment in the printer when the toner cartridge  100  is installed. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the universal cartridge chip  150  or  150  may be symmetrically designed, allowing it to be mounted on the upper portion  160  in several different orientations. In the embodiment displayed in  FIG. 3A , the universal cartridge chip  150  may be installed on the toner cartridge  100  with the integrated circuit  260  positioned away from the mounting surface  205  and next to the securing edge  220 . In the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 3B , the universal cartridge chip  150  may be rotated 180 degrees and installed on the toner cartridge  100  with the integrated circuit  260  positioned away from the securing edge  220 . Depending on the design of the universal cartridge chip  150 , the functionality of the universal cartridge chip  150  may be determined by the location of an on chip jumper or other the placement of other component on the PCB  210 . 
         [0034]    As mentioned previously, the universal cartridge chip  150 ′ may have contacts  250  on both sides of the PCB  210  electrically coupled to the integrated circuit  260 . The universal cartridge chip  150 ′ may be installed on the toner cartridge  100  in two additional orientations, mirroring the orientations displayed in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . In  FIG. 3A  the universal cartridge chip  150  is mounted with the integrated circuit  260  facing away from the mounting surface  330 , while in  FIG. 3C , the universal cartridge chip  150 ′ is flipped over and installed with the integrated circuit  260  facing the mounting surface  330  and next to the securing edge  320 . In order to fit in the orientation as displayed in  FIG. 3C , there needs to be enough clearance between the mounting surface  330  and the height of the integrated circuit  260  as it protrudes away from the PCB  210 . 
         [0035]    In an alternative embodiment, the universal cartridge chip  150 ′ may be rotated 180 degrees from the orientation shown in  FIG. 3C  and installed on the toner cartridge  100  as displayed in  FIG. 3D . In the orientation as displayed in  FIG. 3D , the universal cartridge chip  150 ′ may be installed with the integrated circuit  260  positioned towards the mounting surface  330  and away from the securing edge  320 . 
         [0036]    For ease of illustration, the functionality of the universal cartridge chips  150  and  150 ′ are discussed using universal cartridge chip  150  as an illustrative example. The functionality of universal chip  150 ′ mirrors that of universal chip  150  with the added task of monitoring all four contacts  250 . This is discussed in greater detail in subsequent paragraphs. 
         [0037]    A functional block diagram  400  of the universal cartridge chip  150  is displayed in  FIG. 4 . As shown in the functional block diagram  400 , the universal cartridge chip  150  has a controller  410  coupled to I/O circuitry  420 . Within the controller  420  are a memory  430  and an orientation determination circuit  450 . The controller  410  controls the operation of the universal cartridge chip  150  and provides a functional interface to the memory  430 . The memory  430  may store information received from the printer or information to be sent to the printer. Some examples of data stored in the memory  430  may include printer type, color of toner installed in the imaging process cartridge, imaging process cartridge serial number, the number of revolutions performed by the organic photo conductor (OPC) drum, the manufacturing date, the number of pages printed (page count), percentage of toner remaining, yield (expected number of pages), toner-out indicator, toner low indicator, and the like. The orientation determination circuit  450  is used by the controller to determine the orientation of the universal cartridge chip  150  when it is installed on the imaging process cartridge. 
         [0038]    Different printers may utilize various communications techniques to communicate with the cartridge chips on the toner cartridges. The I/O circuitry  420  contains the various components necessary to provide the communication interface between the controller  410  and the printer. In some toner cartridges, communication information may be sent to and from the printer using electrical signals. In the present invention, the communication information may also be referred to as data. In the universal cartridge chip  150  of  FIG. 2 , the I/O circuitry  420  comprises the contacts  250  and associated circuitry necessary to receive and transmit the electronic signals sent to and from the printer 
         [0039]    When data is sent by the printer to the universal cartridge chip  150 , the controller  410  receives the data signals from the I/O circuitry  420 . The data is then decoded and interpreted by the controller  410 . After interpreting the data, the controller  410  has deciphered the information sent by the printer and the controller  410  performs the requested function. 
         [0040]    One exemplary function performed by the controller  410  may be to receive a read instruction from the printer, access a location in memory  430 , read the data stored at the location in the memory  430  and send the data back to the printer. Additionally, the printer may instruct the controller  410  to write a different value to the location in the memory  430  which may have been previously read. Alternatively, the controller  410  may be required to monitor certain conditions on the toner cartridge  150  and report these conditions to the printer when requested. 
         [0041]    The HP2600 color laser printer communicates with the universal cartridge chip  150  by sending a data and clock signal through the contacts  250 . The data comprises a pulse width modulated (PWM) data stream. The clock and data signals are extracted and formatted by the I/O circuitry  420  and are presented to the orientation circuitry  450  to determine the orientation of the universal cartridge chip  150 . The output of the orientation circuitry  450  is then sent to the controller  410  to make the final determination of the universal cartridge chip orientation. When the data is sent from the universal cartridge chip  150  to the printer, the I/O circuitry  420  is used by the controller  410  to reverse the process and embed the data in the modulated PWM data stream. 
         [0042]    Exemplary data and clock waveforms  500  and  550  respectively, sent by the HP2600 color laser printer to the universal cartridge chip  150 , are displayed in  FIG. 5 . The data waveform  500  and clock waveform  550  display the voltage waveform as it appears at each of the contacts  250 . The two waveforms  500  and  550  are shown with the X-axis defined as the time period (t) and the Y-axis defined as the voltage levels (V). For the HP2600 color laser printer, the voltage levels are about 3.9 Volts and the period for the clock signal is around 100 KHz. 
         [0043]    In order for the universal cartridge chip  150  or  150 ′ to function in the various orientations (as previously described regarding  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B ), the controller  410  must be able to determine in which position the universal cartridge chip  150  or  150 ′ has been installed. Since the printer&#39;s electrical contacts remain constant, the controller  410  determines which of the contacts  250  on the universal cartridge chip  150  is receiving the data signal and which contact  250  is receiving the clock signal. This determination is typically performed by the orientation logic circuit  450  when the toner cartridge  100  is first installed into the printer. The printer may send a query message to the toner cartridge  100  and wait for a response. The controller must be able to receive and decode the message. If the controller does not respond within a predetermined amount of time, the printer may determine that an error has occurred and disable the toner cartridge  100 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 6A  displays exemplary orientation logic circuitry  450  for a universal cartridge chip  150 . The controller  410  uses the orientation logic circuitry  450  to determine which contact  250  is receiving the data signal and which contact  250  is receiving the clock signal. 
         [0045]    In a preferred embodiment, the orientation logic circuit  450  has two D flip-flops  605  and  610 . The electrical signal from each of the contacts  250  is distributed to the D and clk inputs of the flip-flops  605 ,  610 . In this example, flip-flop  605  receives the electrical signal from the data pulses at the D input and the clock pulses are coupled to the CLK input. Flip-flop  610  receives the electrical signal from clock pulses at the D input and the data pulses at the CLK input. The output  625  of flip-flop  605  and the output  630  of flip-flop  610  are sent to the controller  410 . The controller monitors the outputs ( 625  and  630 ) to determine which flip-flop ( 605  or  610 ) has the data pulses connected to the D input and the clock pulses connected to the clk input. 
         [0046]    In the HP2600 color laser printer the period of the data pulses are typically shorter than the period of the clock pulses. Because the data pulses have a shorter width than the clock pulses, the rising edge of the data pulses will lead the rising edge of the clock pulses. The rising edges of the data pulses are displayed at  520  in the timing diagram  500  of  FIG. 5 . Conversely, the rising edge of the clock pulses will lag the data pulses and are shown at  510 . Due to this characteristic, the flip-flop which receives the data pulses at the clk input will always have an output of a “1.” In the orientation logic circuit  450 , flip-flop  610  is connected in this fashion and will always have an output  630  of “1.” 
         [0047]    Flip-flop  605  is connected to the proper signals (i.e. data signals are transmitted to the D input and the clock signals are transmitted to the clk input). Thus, the output  625  will eventually transition to a “0” at some point in the data transmission sequence. Referring to the voltage waveforms  500  and  550 , this may occur after the first rising clock pulse  520 . 
         [0048]    After the controller  410  has determined which output ( 625  or  630 ) of the flip-flops ( 605  or  610 ) has transitioned to a “0”, the controller  410  may initialize the toner cartridge to perform in one or more operational modes. The modes of operation may relate to the orientation of the installed universal cartridge chip  150 . For example, if output  625  transitions to a “0,” the controller  410  may determine that the contact  250  coupled to the input of flip-flop  605  is transmitting the data signals and the contact  250  coupled to the clk input of flip-flop  605  is transmitting the clock signals. In this example, the universal cartridge chip  150  may be installed in the orientation as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         [0049]    When the controller  410  has made this determination, the controller  410  may then configure the toner cartridge  100  to operate in a particular mode of operation. In one embodiment, the mode of operation may correspond to the color of toner in the toner cartridge  100 . For example, in one mode of operation the controller  410  may cause the toner cartridge  100  to function as a black toner cartridge. In this embodiment, the controller  410  may access a location in memory  430  where a value corresponding to a black toner cartridge is stored. The controller  410  sends this value to the printer in order to allow the toner cartridge to function in the black toner cartridge location in the printer. If the controller  410  does not relay the black toner data to the printer (when the toner cartridge  100  is installed in the black toner cartridge location in the printer) the printer may not recognizing the toner cartridge  100  as being a black toner cartridge and may disable the toner cartridge  100 . Alternatively, the controller  410  may cause the toner cartridge to function as a cyan, yellow or magenta toner cartridge. The controller  410  may access a location in memory  430  corresponding to the particular color (cyan, magenta or yellow) and send the particular value to the printer. 
         [0050]    Referring back to  FIG. 6A ; if output  630  from flip-flop  610  transitions to a “0,” the controller  410  may determine that the universal cartridge chip  150  may be installed in a second orientation, i.e. the orientation as displayed in  FIG. 3B . If the controller  410  determines that the universal cartridge chip  150  is installed in a second orientation, the controller  410  may configure the toner cartridge  100  to operate in a second mode of operation, different than the first mode of operation (corresponding to the first orientation as shown in  FIG. 3A ). In the second mode of operation, the controller  410  may configure the toner cartridge  100  to operate as a black, cyan, yellow or magenta cartridge. For example, if the controller  410  configures the toner cartridge  100  to operate as a black toner cartridge when the universal cartridge chip  150  is installed in a first orientation, the controller  410  may configure the toner cartridge  100  to operate as a cyan, magenta or yellow toner cartridge when the universal cartridge chip  150  is installed in the second orientation. Using this technique, the toner cartridge manufacturer or remanufacturer may be able to introduce one universal cartridge chip  150  that based on its orientation, will cause the toner cartridge  100  to operate in one of several modes. 
         [0051]    If the universal cartridge chip  150 ′ were installed on the toner cartridge  100  as shown in  FIGS. 3C and 3D , an alternative orientation logic circuit  450 ′ or  450 ″ as displayed in  FIG. 6B  or  6 C respectively may be used.  FIG. 6B  displays an orientation logic circuit  450 ′ used by the universal cartridge chip  150 ′ for determining its orientation. The orientation logic circuit  450 ′ has four muxes  640  for selecting the active pair of contacts  250 . The controller  410  may initially monitor the contacts to detect any activity. After determining that one of the two pair of contacts is transmitting data, the controller  410  may enable the corresponding inputs of the muxes  640 . The orientation of the universal cartridge chip  150 ′ is then determined as previously described. By determining which contacts  250  are active as well as the orientation of the active contacts, the controller  410  may configure the toner cartridge  100  to operate in one of four possible modes. As previously described, the modes of operation may relate to the specific color of toner present in the toner cartridge  100 . 
         [0052]    In yet another alternative embodiment as displayed in  FIG. 6C , the universal cartridge chip  150 ′ may have orientation logic circuit  450 ″ using two sets of flip-flops ( 605  &amp;  610 ,  605 ′ &amp;  610 ′). One set of flip-flops  605 ,  610  are connected to a one pair of contacts  250  receiving V data1  and V clk1 . The other pair of flip-flops  605 ′ and  610 ′ are connected to the other pair of contacts  250  receiving the other signals V data2  and V clk2 . In this embodiment, the controller  410  would monitor the outputs of all four flip-flops ( 625 ,  630 ,  625 ′ and  630 ′) to determine which pair is active. The controller  410  makes this determination by detecting which output of the flip-flops ( 625 ,  630 ,  625 ′ and  630 ′) transitions to “0.” Once the controller determines which contact  250  is receiving the data signals (as previously described), the controller  410  determines the orientation of the universal cartridge chip  150 ′ and configures the toner cartridge  100  to operate in one of four possible modes. 
         [0053]    Utilizing one universal cartridge chip  150  or  150 ′, the manufacturer or remanufacturer may simplify the manufacturing or remanufacturing process by reducing the number of chips required to support multiple imaging process cartridges. Instead of stocking individual cartridge chips for each color toner cartridge, the manufacturer or remanufacturer may need only one universal cartridge chip  150 ′ to support all four color toner cartridges for the same printer. 
         [0054]      FIG. 7  displays a universal cartridge chip  700  used in the HP4200 or HP4300 monochrome laser printers. The universal cartridge chip  700  has contacts  750  mounted on a PCB  710 . Also mounted on the PCB  710  is an integrated circuit  760 . The integrated circuit  760  may contain logic circuitry similar to that described in the logic block diagram of  FIG. 4 . As displayed in  FIG. 7 , the universal cartridge chip  700  may be symmetrical allowing the universal cartridge chip  700  to be mounted in several orientations. Additionally, the universal cartridge chip  700  may have contacts  750  on both sides of the PCB  710 . 
         [0055]    If the universal cartridge chip  700  has contacts on both sides of the PCB  710 , the controller  410  may be able to configure the toner cartridge to operate in a third or fourth mode of operation based on the third or forth orientation. By having a single universal cartridge chip  700  used on both the HP4200 and HP4300 printer, the manufacturer may be able to stock one chip to allow the universal cartridge chip  700  to operate in a high yield or low yield mode of operation for the HP4200 or a high yield or low yield mode of operation for the HP4300 toner cartridges. 
         [0056]    On the HP4200 or HP4300 toner cartridge, the universal cartridge chip  700  is mounted flush against a mounting surface (not shown). Because the integrated circuit  760  may extend away from the PCB  710 , the mounting surface may need to be hollowed out should the universal cartridge chip  700  be installed with the integrated circuit  760  pressed against the mounting surface. The universal cartridge chip  700  may be installed with the integrated circuit  760  mounted against the HP4200 or HP4300 toner cartridge when contacts are positioned on the opposite side of the integrated circuit  760 . Alternatively, the integrated circuit  760  may be designed such that it is relatively flush with the PCB  710 . 
         [0057]    In the HP4200 or HP4300 printer application, a slightly different modulation technique is used by the printer to communicate with the controller  410 . In this instance, the I/O circuitry  420  decodes the modulated signals and feeds the signals into the orientation logic circuitry  430 . The orientation logic circuitry  430  then determines which contacts  750  are conducting which signals. Based on which contacts  750  are conducting the particular signals, the controller  410  determines the orientation of the universal cartridge chip  700 . 
         [0058]    After the orientation is determined, the controller  410  may operate in one of a number of modes. The modes may be based on the print yield of the toner cartridge. For example, if the universal cartridge chip  700  is installed in a first orientation, the controller  410  may configure the toner cartridge  100  to operate in a first mode of operation corresponding to a low yield toner cartridge configuration. When the controller  410  configures the toner cartridge to operate as a low yield cartridge, the controller accesses a location in memory  430  corresponding to the low yield value. The controller  410  reads this value and sends the low yield value to the printer. The printer then allows the toner cartridge to operate as a low yield cartridge. 
         [0059]    Alternatively if the controller  410  determines that the universal cartridge chip  700  is installed in a second orientation, the controller may configure the toner cartridge to operate in a second mode of operation corresponding to a high yield toner cartridge configuration. Similar to the process described for the low yield cartridge, the controller  410  may access a high yield location in memory  430 . After reading the data in the high yield memory location, the controller  410  transmits this value to the printer. The printer reads the value and allows the toner cartridge to operate as a high yield cartridge. 
         [0060]    In addition to the aforementioned imaging process cartridge types, the present invention may be applied to other printer models such as the HP3000, HP3600, HP3800 color printers or the HP1300, HP1320, HP2300 monochrome printers and the like. 
         [0061]    Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and that the invention has other applications in other environments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described herein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6