Ink jet printer with sensing system for identifying various types of printhead cartridges
US6460962B1 · kind B1 · utility
14Cited by
3References
17Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/17573
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A printhead cartridge identification system is disclosed which ensures that an ink jet printer operates only with ink jet cartridges compatible with the specific printer function. An ink container which supplies ink to an associated printhead has a light reflector incorporated into a transparent wall of the ink container housing. The cartridge, comprising the ink container and associated printhead, is mounted on a scan carriage. Periodically, the carriage is conveyed to an optical station comprising a light source and a photosensor. The light source is energized and a beam of light is directed towards the reflector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.