Patent ID: 7370930

Claim:
A device for receiving a plurality of cartridges each for containing a consumable component, the device comprising: a movable cartridge holder that mounts the cartridges, respectively containing the consumable components; and a transmitter/receiver for non-contact communication with the cartridge while proximate to the cartridge, wherein the cartridge holder is movable relative to the transmitter/receiver during operation of the device to bring each of the cartridges proximate to the transmitter/receiver, wherein each of the cartridges has a memory circuit including an antenna for non-contact communication with the transmitter/receiver while proximate to the transmitter/receiver, a memory for storing an ID of the cartridge and data relating to the consumable component, and a controller for controlling communication with the transmitter/receiver and for controlling access to the memory, the memory circuit having an anti-collision mode in which the transmitter/receiver checks the ID of the cartridge, and an active mode permitting memory access upon reception of a memory access command from the transmitter/receiver, the memory circuit shifting from a specific state which is not in anti-collision mode to the active mode without passing through the anti-collision mode, and wherein the memory circuit receives power from the transmitter/receiver only when brought proximate to the transmitter/receiver within an entire movable range of the memory circuit along with the cartridge movement, while the memory circuit does not receive power from the transmitter/receiver when brought far from the proximity of the transmitter/receiver within the entire movable range of the memory circuit.