Abstract: A security method for smart cards used for accessing appliances or the like. The smart card is provided with a memory source having a plurality of addressed floating memory locations. Periodically, one of the floating memory locations is randomly selected as a security location and a security code is written in the security location. The security code and the address of the security location in the card's memory device is stored in the appliance's memory or in a central controllers memory. Periodically, the code in the floating memory location at the address stored in the appliance memory device is compared with the security code in the appliance memory device. If the two codes are not the same, then an alert code is written into each of the memory locations and/or the smart card is disabled. If the two codes are the same, then the appliance is placed in a stand by mode ready to provide service.

Abstract: A method for using a security system for replaceable components of a electrostatographic reproducing machine which includes the steps of (1) providing the replaceable component with a memory source having a plurality of addressed floating memory locations; (2) randomly selecting one of the floating memory locations as a security location; and (3) writing a security code in the security location. The security code and the address of the security location in the machine memory device is stored in the machine's memory. Periodically, the code in the floating memory location at the address stored in the machine memory device is compared with the security code in the machine memory device. If the two codes are not the same, then an alert code is written into each of the addressed memory locations. If the two codes are the same, then the machine is placed in a stand by mode ready to make prints.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for removing accumulated waste ink from a service or maintenance station of an ink jet printer includes a housing that defines a fluid storage chamber, and at least one output aperture that is formed in a wall of the housing, and communicates with the storage chamber. The cleaning apparatus further includes a cleaning liquid that is stored in the fluid storage chamber for ejecting through the at least one output aperture. The cleaning liquid advantageously includes ink dissolving compositions for dissolving thickened or dried ink waste and other contaminants that have undesirably accumulated in portions of the service or maintenance station.

Abstract: A vacuum priming diagnostic cartridge that can be inserted in place of an ordinary ink jet cartridge to diagnose and indicate vacuum condition in an ink jet maintenance station of a printer. The diagnostic cartridge includes a manifold that communicates vacuum from the maintenance station to a vacuum detector. The detector is responsive to the amount of vacuum generated by the maintenance station during a priming operation. A detector signal from the detector is directed to an interpolating driver circuit that acts on the detector signal and provides an indication of the vacuum level sensed by outputting an output signal to activate one or more indicators.