The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 26, 1998
Filed:
Sep. 23, 1996
Andrew J Binder, Boise, IA (US);
K Trent Christensen, Boise, IA (US);
Quintin T Phillips, Boise, IA (US);
Hewlett-Packard Company, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Abstract
A consumable product such as a toner cartridge for a laser printer includes a messaging device connected thereto. The messaging device is adapted to receive a control signal from the printer or other host, the control signal being indicative of a use status for the consumable product, such as 'toner low'. The control signal produces a visual effect upon the messaging device such that a message or a change in message concerning the consumable product is indicated thereby. The message or change in message is, alternatively, indicative of an identifier for the consumable product. The messaging device is a resistive heater substrate having at least one layer of thermochromatic ink disposed thereon. In an alternate embodiment, the message or change in message is effected by a change in temperature upon the messaging device, rather than by a direct control signal. In another alternate embodiment, a fuse is connected to the messaging device for providing further information to the printer system.