Dual-use sensor assembly for a thermal printer
US8035671B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/36
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sensor apparatus for providing two sensing operations within a thermal printer includes a densitometer with at least one light source that discriminates color and that is positioned in a first position for sensing donor patches within the thermal printer; the densitometer while in a second position provides signals from printed receiver media for internal color calibration of the thermal printer. At least one reflector directs light from the light source to the densitometer through a donor web when the densitometer is in the first position; and a switchable device repositions the densitometer from either the first position or the second position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.