Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cartridge chip for use with an imaging cartridge installed in an imaging device, the cartridge chip including a memory element storing imaging cartridge data, and a controller for controlling the operation of the cartridge chip and determining if the imaging device is a first type of imaging device or a second type of imaging device, the controller for operating the cartridge chip in a first mode of operation if the imaging device is the first type of imaging device, the controller for operating the cartridge chip in a second mode of operation if the imaging device is the second type of imaging device.

Abstract: Techniques for modifying a toner cartridge intended to operate with a first type of imaging device to operate in a second type of imaging device. The toner cartridge includes a drum shutter connected to a waste bin, with the drum shutter including first and second shutter arms. A method of modifying the toner cartridge intended for operation in the first type of imaging device to operate in a second type of imaging device includes removing a portion of the first shutter arm. In another aspect, the method includes removing a portion of the waste bin adjacent to the first shutter arm. In another aspect, the method includes removing a second portion of the waste bin to form a hole in the waste bin and attaching a chip mounting patch to the waste bin to fill the hole. A computer chip may be attached to the chip mounting patch.

Abstract: A method of remanufacturing an imaging cartridge comprising toner hopper not including a toner hopper access port comprises forming an access hole in a surface of the toner hopper, inserting toner into the toner hopper through the access hole, and adhering a hopper cap over the access hole to seal the access hole, the hopper cap comprising apparatus for facilitating removal of the hopper cap.

Abstract: A dual-gasket seal for a toner cartridge includes a first gasket, a second gasket, a removable seal disposed between the first gasket and the second gasket, and a lubricating element attached a first end of the second gasket and adapted to aid the sliding of the removable seal when the removable seal is removed.

Abstract: Techniques for remanufacturing a toner cartridge include providing the toner cartridge comprising an end plate secured to an end of the toner cartridge, removing the end plate from the toner cartridge, attaching an anchoring fixture to the end of the toner cartridge, and securing the end plate to the anchoring fixture of the toner cartridge.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for modifying a printer cartridge intended to operate in one type of printer to operate in another type of printer. In one aspect, a method of modifying a toner cartridge intended for operation in a first type of printer to operate in a second type of printer includes removing at least a portion of an old laser shutter fin attached to the toner cartridge at a first location, and attaching a new laser shutter fin to the toner cartridge at a second location, with second location differing from the first location. The old laser shutter fin was positioned to engage a laser shutter of the first type of printer, and the new laser shutter is positioned to engage a laser shutter of the second type of printer. In another aspect, the method may include attaching a chip mounting patch to the toner cartridge, and attaching a computer chip to the chip mounting patch, with the computer chip being compatible with the second type of printer.

Abstract: A method of remanufacturing an imaging cartridge comprising toner hopper not including a toner hopper access port comprises forming an access hole in a surface of the toner hopper, inserting toner into the toner hopper through the access hole, and adhering a hopper cap over the access hole to seal the access hole, the hopper cap comprising apparatus for facilitating removal of the hopper cap.

Abstract: In the toner cartridge recycling and remanufacturing industry, used xerographic toner cartridges are reconditioned and refilled with toner. The present invention is directed to a method of reassembling of toner cartridges that may not have sufficient securing surfaces to allow the cartridge to be physically held together using an external securing device. The present invention provides for an efficient way of reassembling a toner cartridge once it has been disassembled, by allowing removable reassembly of a toner cartridge. The present invention, used in conjunction with mounting screws, will provide a secure fastening method for reassembling of a toner cartridge. By taking advantage of the present invention's ability to be used repeatedly, the toner cartridge may be refurbished multiple times.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cartridge chip for use with an imaging cartridge installed in an imaging device, the cartridge chip comprising a memory element storing imaging cartridge data, and a controller for controlling the operation of the cartridge chip and determining if the imaging device is a first type of imaging device or a second type of imaging device, the controller for operating the cartridge chip in a first mode of operation if the imaging device is the first type of imaging device, the controller for operating the cartridge chip in a second mode of operation if the imaging device is the second type of imaging device.

Abstract: A method for converting a process cartridge includes providing the process cartridge comprising a waste bin having physical characteristics. The process cartridge is suitable for use in a first type of printing device and not suitable for use in a second type of printing device. The method further includes altering the physical characteristics of the waste bin to form an altered process cartridge suitable for use in the second type of printing device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for modifying a process cartridge includes providing the process cartridge comprising a waste bin having physical characteristics. The method further includes altering the physical characteristics of the waste bin to form an altered process cartridge.

Abstract: A remanufactured toner cartridge comprising a toner hopper, a developer roller housing, end caps holding the waste bin and developer roller in a fixed position with respect to each other, and a seal assembly attaching the toner hopper to the developer roller housing comprising a first gasket having a first side, a second side, and a gasket opening, a removable seal layer having a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end, said first side of the first gasket attached to a toner hopper sealing surface, the first side of the removable seal layer being attached to the second side of the first gasket, the removable seal layer covering the gasket opening, a tail of the removable seal layer attached to the second end of the removable seal layer, an electrical trace attached to the second side of the removable seal layer at the second end of the removable seal layer, a second gasket with a first side and a second side and a first end and a second end, the first side of the second gasket being attached t

Abstract: Techniques for remanufacturing an imaging cartridge include providing the imaging cartridge including a memory element storing cartridge usage data, reading from the memory element the cartridge usage data, analyzing the cartridge usage data to produce results, and determining, based on the results, if a component of the imaging cartridge needs to be replaced. A cartridge memory interface device includes processing circuitry adapted for reading cartridge usage data from a memory element of an imaging cartridge. The processing circuitry is further adapted for analyzing the cartridge usage data to produce results for determining if any components of the imaging cartridge need to be replaced. A user interface displays the results to a user.

Abstract: Techniques for remanufacturing an imaging cartridge include providing the imaging cartridge including a memory element storing cartridge usage data, reading from the memory element the cartridge usage data, analyzing the cartridge usage data to produce results, and determining, based on the results, if a component of the imaging cartridge needs to be replaced. A cartridge memory interface device includes processing circuitry adapted for reading cartridge usage data from a memory element of an imaging cartridge. The processing circuitry is further adapted for analyzing the cartridge usage data to produce results for determining if any components of the imaging cartridge need to be replaced. A user interface displays the results to a user.