Liquid detection method, liquid detection apparatus and printing apparatus using the liquid detection
US6988783B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L2924/0002
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An inkjet printing apparatus is adapted to use a non-contact method for detecting the presence and the amount of liquid, in the form of ink droplets discharged from a printhead or ink tank, using electromagnetic waves in the form of infrared rays. The apparatus and method employ an infrared sensor to detect infrared radiation emitted by the ink in proportion to the amount of ink present. The apparatus and method further employ one of various shielding members to prevent the intrusion of infrared radiation noise into the infrared sensor field of detection, and, in some aspects, a fan to control air flow within the field of detection. The result is less noise in the detection signals of the infrared sensor, and therefore a more sensitive and more reliable liquid detection method and liquid detection apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.