Ribbon identification
US7390135B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J35/36
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ribbon identification system detects a digitally encoded tract comprised of radially printed bands of dark and light areas positioned on a ribbon spool that fits on a media printing device. Each type and length of ribbon to be used is associated with a specific and unique digitally encoded tract. When the ribbon spool is positioned correctly on the printing device, the digitally encoded tract is detected, and the control program of the printing device sets the parameters associated with that ribbon automatically ensuring proper printing. Through the digitally encoded tract, the ribbon spool is uniquely identified so that once it has been determined by the printing device's control program that the ribbon has been depleted, that ribbon spool, if reinstalled on the same printing device at a later time, will be recognized as a depleted ribbon, and the printing device will not function.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.