Abstract: A cartridge drive gear assembly for holding a drum coupling includes a drive gear having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface including inner projections which extend into the interior of the drive gear and includes at least two voids disposed on opposing sides of the inner projections, and at least one slot disposed in the inner surface.

Abstract: A drive gear for a generally cylindrical imaging component. The drive gear includes a body for engaging the generally cylindrical imaging component; a cylindrical shaft attached to the body, the cylindrical shaft having an end surface; and three prongs extending longitudinally outward from the end surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for verifying a chip having a memory. Remanufacturers of imaging devices, such as inkjet printers or electrostatic printers, often have to use a replacement chip in order to reuse an imaging cartridge. It is desirable to have a system and method for determining if the replacement chip is suitable for use with a specific imaging cartridge. Also, it may be desirable to confirm that the chip was manufactured by a specific manufacturer. The disclosed system and method allow the remanufacturer a reliable and efficient way to verify chips.

Abstract: A method of operating a cartridge chip installed in an imaging device includes: causing, by the cartridge chip, the imaging device to enter an error condition; monitoring the timing or sequence of communication signals received from the imaging device during at least a portion of the error condition; and operating, based on the timing or sequence of the communication signals received from the imaging device during at least a portion of the error condition, in a first mode of operation compatible with a first type of imaging device not having a list of banned serial numbers or in a second mode of operation compatible with a second type of imaging device having a list of banned serial numbers.

Abstract: An interior member of a print cartridge gear including one or more slots in the interior member for receiving a pin, the one or more slots including a first portion extending from a distal end of the interior member towards a base end of the interior member, the one or more slots including a second portion that extends horizontally outward.

Abstract: A method of modifying a printer cartridge is disclosed. The modifications increase the versatility of an existing cartridge by enabling the cartridge to be transformed into a universal cartridge. The OEM print cartridges are restricted to use in a few or only one type of printer due to specialized gear side end plates and contact side end plates. End plates contain features or portions, such as bosses, which restrict the number of models of printer that a cartridge may be fit into. The features or portions may be removed by any combination of cutting, modifying, or replacing the gear side end or the contact side end plates. Removing the portions, removes the restrictions imposed by the end plates and allows the print cartridge to been fit into a greater number of printers. The universal cartridge may be used in the printer for which it is originally designed as well as another printer or printer family, thus increasing the versatility of the cartridge.

Abstract: Electronic systems, such as printing systems, often use components that have a memory. The integral memory can be used to store information about the component. In some printing systems this memory includes storing a portion that stores a value indicative of an amount of a consumable that has been used. Discloses is a method and system for updating a memory that is integral to a component within a printing system. The value stored in the memory can be read to determine an amount of a consumable used. Alternatively, when a specific value is stored in the memory the printing system can deactivate the component.

Abstract: Many devices, such as printers, work with one or more removable unit. Often, the removable units have an electronic circuit that used to communicate with the device. It may be desirable to provide a replacement unit in these devices. The replacement unit must include an electronic circuit that is able to communicate with the original device. Disclosed is a method and apparatus where a replacement unit is provided with a new electronic circuit and a used electronic circuit. The new electronic circuit is electrically connected to the used electronic circuit and uses the used electronic circuit to facilitate communication with the host device.

Abstract: A universal OPC drum that allows a remanufacturer to stock a minimum number of OPC drum sleeves of various sizes and then add the appropriate gear for the desired cartridge at the time of cartridge remanufacture. A universal OPC drum may also include a universal hub and an electrical contact on each end to maintain universality without regard to whether the OEM contact is mounted on the drive or non-drive side of the OPC drum.

Abstract: A ROM circuit includes a first N channel transistor having an output and having device geometry and device characteristics adapted to bias the output at a predetermined level when a P channel circuit is connected to the first N channel transistor; a pass transistor connected between the output and a data bus, the pass transistor connected to a word line, the word line adapted to turn ON the pass transistor when the word line is asserted; and the P channel circuit connected to the data bus and adapted to provide leakage current to charge a gate in the first N channel transistor when pass transistor is turned ON.

Abstract: A method of operating a cartridge chip installed in an imaging device includes: causing, by the cartridge chip, the imaging device to enter an error condition; monitoring the timing or sequence of communication signals received from the imaging device during at least a portion of the error condition; and operating, based on the timing or sequence of the communication signals received from the imaging device during at least a portion of the error condition, in a first mode of operation compatible with a first type of imaging device or in a second mode of operation compatible with a second type of imaging device.

Abstract: A drive gear for a generally cylindrical imaging component. The drive gear includes a body for engaging the generally cylindrical imaging component; a cylindrical shaft attached to the body, the cylindrical shaft having an end surface; and three prongs extending longitudinally outward from the end surface.

Abstract: Electronic systems, such as printing systems, often use components that have integral memory. The integral memory can be used to store information about the component. In some printing systems this memory includes a portion that stores a value indicative of a print yield. Disclosed is a method and system for allowing the memory to have data indicative of an increased print yield.

Abstract: A cartridge drive gear assembly for holding a drum coupling includes a drive gear having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface including inner projections which extend into the interior of the drive gear and includes at least two voids disposed on opposing sides of the inner projections, and at least one slot disposed in the inner surface

Abstract: Image recording devices, such as electrophotographic devices, laser printers, copiers, and fax machines, often have a cartridge that utilizes a drive gear to transmit rotational force from the printer to the print cartridge. Also, it is desirable to remanufacture print cartridge both to reduce waste and to save resources. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a drive gear mechanism that is easily replaced or reused when a print cartridge is remanufactured.

Abstract: A drive gear for a generally cylindrical imaging component. The drive gear includes a body for engaging the generally cylindrical imaging component; a cylindrical shaft attached to the body, the cylindrical shaft having an end surface; and three prongs extending longitudinally outward from the end surface.

Abstract: A drive gear for a generally cylindrical imaging component. The drive gear includes a body for engaging the generally cylindrical imaging component; a cylindrical shaft attached to the body, the cylindrical shaft having an end surface; and three prongs extending longitudinally outward from the end surface.

Abstract: Many devices, such as printers, work with one or more removable unit. Often, the removable units have an electronic circuit that used to communicate with the device. It may be desirable to provide a replacement unit in these devices. The replacement unit must include an electronic circuit that is able to communicate with the original device. Disclosed is a method and apparatus where a replacement unit is provided with a new electronic circuit and a used electronic circuit. The new electronic circuit is electrically connected to the used electronic circuit and uses the used electronic circuit to facilitate communication with the host device.

Abstract: Techniques for modifying an imaging cartridge includes providing the imaging cartridge comprising a body including a circuit holding structure sized to hold an electronic circuit and forming a modified circuit holding structure, with the modified circuit holding structure sized to hold a replacement electronic circuit. At least one dimension of the replacement electronic circuit may be greater than a corresponding dimension of the electronic circuit.

Abstract: A drive gear for a generally cylindrical imaging component. The drive gear includes a body for engaging the generally cylindrical imaging component; a cylindrical shaft attached to the body, the cylindrical shaft having an end surface; and three prongs extending longitudinally outward from the end surface.