Patent · US Active

Tri-state detector for detecting types of light

US9168774B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
3References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 7, 2013
Grant dateOct 27, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 11, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01N21/21
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Provided herein are devices, systems, methods and various means, including those related to printer systems and, more particularly, relate to methods, apparatuses, systems and other means for monitoring a printer ribbon. Some embodiments use a multi-element detector, which is configured to detect a particular type of light emitted from a light emitter. The multi-state detector can include two sensors, one of which includes a polarizer filter that blocks polarized light. Embodiments can be used to determine, among other things, whether or not a printer ribbon is installed in a printer without the use of a snap plate.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.