Paper size detection using ultrasound
US6289730A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2557/33
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A detection system for detecting the size of a print medium. A hollow tube is positioned adjacent the paper or print medium. An ultrasonic transducer apparatus launches pulses of ultrasonic energy into the tube, and is responsive to ultrasonic echoes of the pulses to convert echo pulse energy into electrical detected signals. A flag positioning apparatus selectively positions a blocking flag within the tube at a location spaced from the transducer apparatus which is indicative of a print medium size. A controller responds to the electrical detected signals to determine a print medium size. The flag positioning apparatus can provide a single flag movable along a longitudinal extent of the tube, or a set of flags spaced along the longitudinal extent, one or more of which are selectably deflected by the print medium.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.