Replaceable part with integral memory for usage, calibration and other data

An ink jet printer comprising:

• processor means for controlling said ink jet printer;
• an ink jet printhead;
• a receptacle for receiving a disposable ink cartridge, said receptacle fluidically coupled to said ink jet printhead and including first connector means coupled to said processor means;
• and
• a disposable ink cartridge shaped to mate with said receptacle, comprising:
• a reservoir for holding a supply of ink, second connector means for mating with said first connector means upon insertion of said ink cartridge into said receptacle, fluid coupling means for connecting the reservoir to a fluid coupling in said receptacle, and a serial access memory connected to said second connector means and having only a single data input/output wire, said memory thereby made accessible to said processor means, said serial access memory storing data at least indicative of usage of ink in said ink
• reservoir.

A method for operating an ink jet printer, said printer including processor means, an ink jet printhead, a receptacle coupled to said ink jet printhead for receiving a disposable ink cartridge, said receptacle further including first connector means coupled to said processor means, said method comprising the steps of:

• a inserting a disposable ink cartridge into said receptacle, said cartridge including a reservoir for holding a supply of ink, a second connector means for mating with said first connector means, a fluid coupling means for connecting the ink reservoir to a fluid coupling in said receptacle, and a serial access memory connected to said second connector means, said memory made accessible to said processor means upon insertion of said cartridge into said receptacle;
• b operating said processor means, upon initiation of a print job, to determine from data stored in said memory (i) if a cartridge is operatively present in said receptacle, (ii) an identifier of said cartridge and (iii) parameter values for control of said printer, and to employ said parameter values to update corresponding parameter values already present in said printer;
• and
• c operating said processor means, upon completion of said print job, to update data stored in said memory by writing a revised value therein from which can be determined a remaining amount of ink in said reservoir.

A replaceable ink cartridge for an ink jet print head in an ink jet printer including processor means for controlling said ink jet printer, said ink jet printer including a receptacle for receiving said ink cartridge, said receptacle fluidically coupled to an ink jet printhead, said receptacle further including first connector means coupled to said processor means;

• said ink cartridge comprising:
• an ink reservoir for holding a supply of ink;
• second connector means for mating with said first connector means upon insertion of said ink cartridge into said receptacle;
• fluid coupling means for connecting the ink reservoir to said ink jet printhead upon insertion of said ink cartridge into said receptacle;
• and
• serial access memory chip means connected to said second connector means, said memory chip means thereby made accessible to said processor means, said memory chip means storing data indicative of usage of ink in said ink reservoir and further data indicative of parameters for control of operation of said ink jet printhead.

An ink jet printer comprising:

• processor means for controlling said ink jet printer;
• an ink jet printhead;
• a receptacle for receiving a disposable ink cartridge, said receptacle fluidically coupled to said ink jet printhead and including first connector means coupled to said processor means;
• and
• a disposable ink cartridge shaped to mate with said receptacle, comprising:
• a reservoir for holding a supply of ink, second connector means for mating with said first connector means upon insertion of said ink cartridge into said receptacle, fluid coupling means for connecting the reservoir to a fluid coupling in said receptacle, and a serial access memory connected to said second connector means, said memory thereby made accessible to said processor means, said memory storing data indicative of usage of ink in said reservoir and further data indicative of parameters for control of operation of said ink jet printhead.