Method for providing information for a customer replaceable unit

Abstract

A method and information system for informing a user about consumable components such as a CRU using printed documents in an electrostatographic system.

1 . A method for providing information to a user comprising: 
 providing a printing machine;    installing a replaceable component in the printing machine, the replaceable component including a memory storage device, the memory storage device containing data including at least one identification code of the replaceable component;    electronically communicating the at least one identification code; and    sending an electronic message including information on at least one of recycling and installing the replaceable component.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the memory storage device further comprises a contact for ordering a replacement replaceable component and printing a document including at least the identification code of the replaceable component and a contact for ordering a replacement replaceable component upon a condition in the replaceable component.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising sending an electronic mail message including the at least one identification code of the replaceable component and a contact for ordering a replacement replaceable component.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising providing a document including information for at least one of returning, using, and installing the replaceable component.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising providing a document including information for use in a geographic market in which the replaceable component is destined.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising providing a document including information identifying a configuration of the replaceable component.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising providing a document including information for the replaceable component identifying at least one of: (a) manufacturer; (b) vendor; (c) third party; (d) equivalent apparatus and respective identification code; (e) phone number; and (f) facsimile number.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the replaceable component is at least one of a toner cartridge, developer cartridge, print cartridge, ink cartridge, printhead, and photoreceptor drum.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the replaceable component is a toner cartridge and wherein the memory storage device further comprises a contact for ordering a replacement toner cartridge and printing a document including at least an identification code of the toner cartridge and a contact for ordering a replacement toner cartridge.  
   
   
       10 . A method for ordering a component comprising: 
 providing a printing machine;    installing a replaceable unit in the printing machine, the replaceable unit comprising: (a) a container for containing a marking substance used in a printing process in the printing machine, the container having a first volume of substance prior to use in the printing machine and a second volume of substance less than the first volume after use; and (b) a memory storage device functionally associated with the container, the memory storage device including data about the customer replaceable unit; and    upon reaching a threshold volume of substance in the container, sending a human readable document, the human readable document indicating: information on at least one of recycling and installing the replaceable unit.    
   
   
       11 . A method for ordering a component comprising: 
 providing a printing machine, the printing machine including a customer replaceable unit comprising a memory storage device, the memory storage device including data about the customer replaceable unit;    communicating the data in the customer replaceable unit with the printing machine; and    providing a human readable document including information on at least one of recycling and installing the replaceable unit after a condition occurs in the customer replaceable unit.    
   
   
       12 . The method for ordering of  claim 11  wherein the data comprises information for at least one of ordering, returning, using, and installing the customer replaceable unit and wherein the document comprises information for at least one of ordering, returning, using, and installing the customer replaceable unit.  
   
   
       13 . A method for ordering a component for a printing apparatus comprising: 
 providing a replaceable unit including a memory containing data about the replaceable unit;    providing a printing apparatus; and    provides an electronic document including at least a portion of the data, the document relating to at least one of recycling and installing a replacement replaceable unit.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the replaceable unit includes a first volume of a substance prior to use and a second volume of the substance less than the first volume after an increase in use.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising providing a document containing information about a future disablement of the printing apparatus.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising providing a log of previously provided documents about the replaceable unit.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising providing at least one of: (a) an identification code for the replaceable unit; and (b) a phone number for ordering a replacement replaceable unit.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising providing at least one of: (a) a URL address for electronic ordering of a replaceable unit; and (b) a URL address for obtaining instructions on obtaining a replacement replaceable unit.  
   
   
       19 . The method for ordering a component of  claim 13  further comprising providing at least one of: (a) a return address for recycling of the replaceable unit; and (b) a return label for recycling of the replaceable unit.  
   
   
       20 . The method for ordering a component of  claim 13  further comprising providing at least one of: (a) warranty information for the replaceable unit; (b) notification of the replaceable unit being used beyond its warranted life; (c) date of manufacture of the replaceable unit; (d) place of manufacture of the replaceable unit; and (e) a replacement instruction for the replaceable unit.