Printer supplies monitoring system
US4737645A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 1986 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J25/308
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A printer of the type used with typewriters and computerized equipment is provided with a system for monitoring the supply of printable media, such as paper. A first thickness measuring caliber is used to measure the thickness of the paper to be printed, and a second such caliber measures the thickness of a supply stack stored in a bin. With such information, the approximate number of sheets remaining in the stack can be determined, and the decision whether a sufficient paper supply is available to complete a printing job can be made. One or both such calibers may utilize an electrical component, such as a potentiometer, for providing an electrically measurable parameter responsive to the thickness being measured. The sheet thickness measurement signal can be used to control a motorized arrangement which controls the throat opening of the printer. In addition, this signal can be used to select one of several available platen surfaces of different hardnesses. Once the printable media has been installed on the printer, an optical sensor system responsive to a predetermined wavelength of light emitted by a light converter layer locates the edge of the printable media.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.