Caboodle Patent News for Lexmark Cartridges

A patent application to protect a new method of cleaning some
inkjet cartridges has been filed by California-based Caboodle Cartridge.

It says the system would allow people with Lexmark printers and
other printers that use own-label Lexmark cartridges to benefit from
high quality printing with remanufactured cartridges – cutting ink
costs in half.

The new patent-pending procedure will help overcome difficulties
that have prevented aftermarket suppliers from delivering high-quality
Lexmark refills. The system is already in use on cartridges sold
through Caboodle Cartridge’s own stores.

Around one-in-five cartridges on the market, including those for
Lexmark, Dell, Sharp and Xerox printers are produced by Lexmark.

Caboodle says that until now a Lexmark cartridge has required the
removal of an internal mesh filter to access the ink residue for
cleaning. The filter is welded in place and is broken when removed,
requiring another part to be used which does not give the same level of
ink control.

Caboodle’s new technique leaves the original filter in place with
cleaning undertaken through a very small incision. Caboodle says
refilled cartridges perform at a level equivalent to that of a new
cartridge from the original printer manufacturer.

Daniel Wencel, founder and chief executive of Caboodle Cartridge,
said: “A replacement printer cartridge is an acceptable option for the
customer only if there is no perceptible difference between the
performance of the original-equipment cartridge and the refilled one.

“With this procedure, we are making
that possible for recycled Lexmark cartridges and those from any other
vendor that may adopt a design that requires disassembly of the
cartridge for refilling. This promises to significantly expand the
market for remanufactured cartridges.”