Detecting quantity of residual product in a movable reservoir
US6244680A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/17583
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Detecting a quantity of a product remaining in a reservoir subjected, during use of the product, to a driving movement. The reservoir is driven in accordance with reference signals representing target movements. The reference signals including at least one test reference signal. The position of the reservoir in response to the test reference signal is detected. The quantity of product remaining in the reservoir is determinable from the detected position. Alternatively, a change in temperature caused by moving the reservoir in response to the test reference signal is detected, and the quantity of product remaining in the reservoir is determinable from the change in temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.