Typewriting machines – Means auxiliary to typewriting function – Indicator means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-21
2001-01-23
Hilten, John S. (Department: 2854)
Typewriting machines
Means auxiliary to typewriting function
Indicator means
C400S708000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176630
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention pertains to printing devices and, more particularly, to a printer having a universally adjustable sensor index apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Most barcode or receipt printers have an index sensor feature for allowing the printer to register the print on each printed label or receipt. The index sensor utilizes a periodic, pre-printed, black band disposed on the back side of a roll of supply media, which is dispensed as a moving web continuum. Periodic holes cut into the media, or the gaps between the labels, can also be used as a registration means.
A typical index sensing apparatus consists of a light emitting diode (LED) and a light detector. The index sensing apparatus is disposed opposite the back side surface the moving media web. The LED directs light at the back side of the media, which reflects the light back to the light detector. As a black band moves past the LED, the emitted light from the LED fails to be reflected from the black band. It is this absence of light that is sensed by the detector. Every time a black band is sensed, the index sensing apparatus provides a registration signal. Holes in the media web have the same effect as black bands, since light passes through the holes and fails to be reflected.
Most printers have fixed index sensing positions, from side to side, within the media cavity. One of the problems associated with these index sensing apparatuses are their lack of uniformity of mounting. The precise position of the LED and the light detector, in a given relationship with respect to the media, often has to change. Changing the media size or the media brand necessitates a repositioning of the index sensing apparatus. This is not possible with printers that have a fixed index sensing position.
The present invention seeks to provide a universal index sensing apparatus that can easily be adjusted for different brands of media and changes in the media size. The universal index sensing apparatus can be molded to fit mounting configuration within the media cavities of different printers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a universal index sensing apparatus. The index sensing apparatus can mount within the media cavities of different printers, and can easily adjust for different brands and sizes of media. The universal index sensing apparatus comprises a molded sleeve having a multiplicity of mounting posts for an LED and light sensing module. The module is placed over an appropriate post. The sleeve is then snapped into the frame of the printer. The sleeve can be molded to be snap-fitted into different media cavities of various models of printers. Graphics are printed on the sleeve or molded into the sleeve, detailing the standard sensor module position. Should the media brand or media size change, the sleeve can be removed from the printer, the index sensing module readjusted to a new post position, and the sleeve snap-fitted back into the media cavity.
It is an object of this invention to provide an improved index media sensing apparatus for printers.
It is another object of the invention to provide a universal index media sensing apparatus that can be used to change the sensing position of the apparatus easily to fit changes in the brand and size of media.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4339208 (1982-07-01), Biedermann
patent: 4590859 (1986-05-01), Pou et al.
patent: 4748454 (1988-05-01), Ikeda et al.
patent: 5713678 (1998-02-01), Smith et al.
patent: 5915865 (1999-06-01), Wade
patent: 404039045 (1992-02-01), None
Miller Dean O.
Romero Mathew D.
Woodbury Matthew D.
Axiohm Transaction Solutions, Inc.
Hilten John S.
Nguyen Anthony H.
Salzman & Levy
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