Battery powered printer system with self-contained high power solid state battery voltage switching
US5848848A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J3/39
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self-contained, high power, solid state, battery voltage switching system applies battery voltage to a thermal printhead when the printer is turned on and disconnects voltage from the battery to the thermal printhead when the printer is turned off, thereby conserving battery power and increasing battery life. FET switches connect the battery to the printhead and to a circuit for applying operating voltage to a drive and control circuit for the printhead. Gate voltage is applied to the FET, or FETs when a plurality thereof are connected in parallel, to enable the FETs to provide the connection between the battery and the printhead. The gate voltage is supplied from a flip-flop and a FET driver which are self-contained with the FETs and the other circuitry in the printer. Command signals from keys on a keypad or from a computer control unit in the printer or from a communication channel (radio or a communications link) set and reset the flip-flop so that the gate voltage is supplied and the printer is turned on when an on command signal is provided and maintained on until an off command signal occurs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.