Control of use of ink cartridge
AssigneeNeopost Limited
InventorJames Neil Elliott
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Postage metering apparatus is provided with a removably mounted print head module such as an inkjet cartridge with an integral ink supply. The module includes means responsive to the number of printing operations performed by the print head and to terminate operation of the print head when a predetermined number of operations have been performed. Upon termination of operation of the print head, a signal is sent to a microprocessor of the postage meter which then transmits information relating to use of the print head, and if desired postal register information, to a remote data center. The remote data center may then send an authorization signal permitting further operation of the print head.
Claims13
A method of controlling use of a print head of a print head module removably mounted in printing apparatus, including the steps of:
- determining, by a processor, a number of printing operations performed by the print head of the print head module;
- terminating operation of the print head when the print head has performed a predetermined number of printing operations;
- transmitting information relating to the number of printing operations performed by the print head to a remote data center;
- and
- transmitting information from the data center to the printing apparatus to control further operation of the print head.
A postage meter apparatus including comprising:
- a print head module removably mounted therein, wherein the print head module includes a print head and first means for determining a number of printing operations performed by the print head and inhibiting operation of the print head when a predetermined number of printing operations have been performed by the print head, and the postage meter includes second means responsive to operation of the print head and to transmit data relating to the number of printing operations performed by the print head to a remote center, and operative in response to an authorization signal from the remote center to enable further operation of the print head.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.