Static Control Components, Inc.

Mark D Reeves

Lynton Russell Burchette

Antonios L Karagiannis

A cartridge chip for use with a first type of imaging cartridge and a second type of imaging cartridge comprises a controller and a resistive element connected between the controller and a reference potential, the cartridge chip adapted for operation in a first mode of operation compatible with the first type of imaging cartridge when the controller detects the reference potential through the resistive element, the cartridge chip adapted for operation in a second mode of operation compatible with the second type of imaging cartridge when the controller cannot detect the reference potential through the resistive element.

Systems and methods for imaging components

A method of remanufacturing a replaceable consumable unit includes providing the replaceable consumable unit including a first electronic circuit, with the first electronic circuit being at least partially inoperable; providing a second electronic circuit; communicatively connecting the second electronic circuit to the first electronic circuit; and intercepting, by the second electronic circuit, signals sent by an imaging system to the first electronic circuit.

System and method for remanufacturing imaging components

A toner cartridge comprises toner and electrical development components which consume a portion of the toner by printing a plurality of images. An electronic circuit stores an indication of the amount of toner remaining, and a value controlling a voltage applied to at least one of the electrical development components. The electronic circuit determines when a predetermined amount of the toner remains in the toner cartridge. When the predetermined amount of toner remains in the toner cartridge, the electronic circuit alters the amount of toner consumed to form images by changing a voltage level applied to at least one of the electrical development components. The electronic circuit alters the amount of toner consumed by replacing the stored value controlling the voltage applied to at least one of the electrical development components with a new value controlling the voltage applied to at least one of the electrical development components.

System and method for adjusting toner consumption

Systems and methods for remanufacturing imaging components

An electronic module for use in a printer consumable unit includes a first input and output (I/O) port adapted connected to an external contact, and a second I/O port connected to the external contact. Circuitry controls the electronic module and responds to read memory commands and write memory commands received through the external contact on the I/O ports. A memory stores data. A third port is connected to the external contact and adapted to source current. The circuitry is initially configured to send and receive data through the first I/O port. The circuitry tests the functionality of the first I/O port by directing the third port to source current and drive the external contact to a predetermined voltage, and read a voltage received by the first I/O port in response to sourced current. If the circuitry determines the first I/O port is not functioning correctly based on the read voltage, the circuitry will send and receive data through the second I/O port.

System and method for port testing and configuration

In the toner cartridge recycling and remanufacturing industry, used xerographic products are reconditioned, repaired, and some are refilled with toner. Part of the refurbishment process is the replacing of used and worn components, including an electronic circuit, which has been spent. The electronic circuit is a critical component of the replaceable consumable unit and is used by the printer to store information used in the operation of the printer. Information stored in this electronic circuit relates to how much toner is remaining, the cartridge type, operating characteristics, and so forth. Some of these circuits have been designed for a one-time use application. For example, once the printer has determined that all of the usable toner has been consumed, the printer will essentially turn off the circuit in a replaceable consumable unit and the replaceable consumable unit will no longer function. In the remanufacturing process, a secondary electronic circuit can be attached to this non-functioning circuit in order to allow the replaceable consumable unit to operate once more. The nature of the present invention is directed at the process of repairing this non-functioning circuit and the resulting repaired unit.

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Cary, NC, United States of America

Mark D Reeves