Methods and apparatus to detect an ink ribbon based on types of light
US9962976B2 · kind B2 · utility
1Cited by
5References
17Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2035 |
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.