Ink cartridge vending machine
US7761331B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F7/06
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A vending machine capable of refilling used ink cartridges as well as dispensing filled ink cartridges is closed. The vending machine includes at least one cartridge receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge, a user interface, a display unit, a nozzle health check module, a printhead servicing module, an ink reservoir, an ink refilling unit, a compartment containing new ink cartridges, a compartment containing filled, second-hand ink cartridges, and a recycle compartment for receiving discarded ink cartridges. The user is presented by the display unit with the option of (a) refilling a used cartridge, (b) purchasing a filled cartridge, or (c) returning a used cartridge in exchange for a purchase rebate or a discount voucher. When the user selects the option of refilling, the vending machine executes a refilling subroutine which includes checking the nozzle health.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.