公开(公告)号：US20160280486A1

公开(公告)日：2016-09-29

申请号：US14670961

申请日：2015-03-27

Applicant: ZIH CORP.

Inventor： Robert A. Ehrhardt

IPC: B65H7/14 ,  B65H7/20 ,  G01N21/55 ,  B65H7/04

CPC classification number: B65H7/14 ,  B41J11/0095 ,  B65H7/04 ,  B65H7/20 ,  G01N2021/558

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for sensing clear or transparent media in printers. In one embodiment, a media conveyance apparatus is provided comprising a light sensor positioned on a first side of a media conveyance path; a light source positioned on a second side of the media conveyance path; and presence determination circuitry. The media conveyance apparatus is configured such that the light sensor and the light source are positioned such that media may pass between the light sensor and the light source along the media conveyance path. The media conveyance apparatus is further configured such that the light sensor provides signals to the presence determination circuitry indicating an amount of light received from the light source and the presence determination circuitry determines a reflection loss based on the signals received from the light sensor and further determines whether the reflection loss satisfies a loss threshold. The media conveyance apparatus is further configured so that if the presence determination circuitry determines the reflection loss satisfies the loss threshold, the presence determination circuitry outputs a media present indication.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于在打印机中检测清晰或透明介质的系统，方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，提供了一种介质传送装置，其包括位于介质传送路径的第一侧上的光传感器; 位于介质输送路径的第二侧上的光源; 和存在确定电路。 介质传送装置被配置为使得光传感器和光源被定位成使得介质可以沿着介质传送路径在光传感器和光源之间通过。 介质传送装置还被配置为使得光传感器向存在确定电路提供指示从光源接收的光量的信号，并且存在确定电路基于从光传感器接收的信号来确定反射损耗，并进一步确定 反射损耗是否满足损耗阈值。 介质输送装置还被配置为使得如果存在确定电路确定反射损耗满足损失阈值，则存在确定电路输出介质存在指示。

公开(公告)号：US20190039843A1

公开(公告)日：2019-02-07

申请号：US16156321

申请日：2018-10-10

Applicant: ZIH CORP.

Inventor： Robert A. Ehrhardt

IPC: B65H7/14 ,  B65H7/20 ,  B41J11/00 ,  B65H7/04 ,  G01N21/55

Abstract: An example method includes comparing, via circuitry, a first signal indicative of a first amount of light received by a first light sensor to a second signal indicative of a second amount of light received by a second light sensor, wherein the second light sensor is to compensate for an environmental change by detecting the second amount of light transmitted by a light source regardless of a presence or absence of an object in the conveyance path; determine, via the circuitry, whether a reflection loss is present based on the comparing of the first and second signals; and if the circuitry detects the reflection loss based on the comparing of the first and second signals, generating a presence indication.

公开(公告)号：US09189184B2

公开(公告)日：2015-11-17

申请号：US14082098

申请日：2013-11-15

Applicant: ZIH Corp.

Inventor： David L. Poole ,  Douglas A. Fox ,  Robert A. Ehrhardt ,  Eugene K. Brown ,  Rod Demay ,  John Ham ,  Gary F. Lynch ,  Donald V. Thielen

IPC: G06F3/12 ,  B41J29/393

CPC classification number: G06F3/1221 ,  B41J29/393 ,  G06F3/1215 ,  G06F3/1229 ,  G06F3/1286 ,  G06K15/4055

Abstract: Communication port powered printers and methods of powering of printers that support high speed printing and/or data intensive printing are discussed herein. Some embodiments may provide for a power storage unit within the printer device that is able be charged during non-priming periods and provide for necessary energy bursts to support such higher powered processes. Some embodiments may provide for devices and methods that allow for printers to operate with main power provided by conventional power mains and for back-up or secondary power to be supplied by the communication port. Some embodiments may further provide for configuration settings in printer control electronics based on the available power from the communication port.

Abstract translation: 本文讨论了通信端口供电的打印机和支持高速打印和/或数据密集打印的打印机供电方法。 一些实施例可以为打印机设备内的功率存储单元提供能够在非启动期间被充电并提供必要的能量突发以支持这种更高功率的过程。 一些实施例可以提供允许打印机使用由常规电源提供的主电源以及由通信端口提供的备用或次要电力来操作的设备和方法。 一些实施例可以基于来自通信端口的可用功率进一步提供打印机控制电子设备中的配置设置。

公开(公告)号：US10138085B2

公开(公告)日：2018-11-27

申请号：US14670961

申请日：2015-03-27

Applicant: ZIH CORP.

Inventor： Robert A. Ehrhardt

IPC: B65H7/02 ,  B65H7/14 ,  B65H7/04 ,  B65H7/20 ,  B41J11/00 ,  G01N21/55

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for sensing clear or transparent media in printers. In one embodiment, a media conveyance apparatus is provided comprising a light sensor positioned on a first side of a media conveyance path; a light source positioned on a second side of the media conveyance path; and presence determination circuitry. The media conveyance apparatus is configured such that the light sensor and the light source are positioned such that media may pass between the light sensor and the light source along the media conveyance path. The media conveyance apparatus is further configured such that the light sensor provides signals to the presence determination circuitry indicating an amount of light received from the light source and the presence determination circuitry determines a reflection loss based on the signals received from the light sensor and further determines whether the reflection loss satisfies a loss threshold. The media conveyance apparatus is further configured so that if the presence determination circuitry determines the reflection loss satisfies the loss threshold, the presence determination circuitry outputs a media present indication.

公开(公告)号：US09513856B2

公开(公告)日：2016-12-06

申请号：US14565381

申请日：2014-12-09

Applicant: ZIH Corp.

Inventor： Robert A. Ehrhardt ,  Robert S. Gawelczyk ,  Derek J. Hampson ,  Dan E. Monnier ,  James M. Rehberger ,  Mark B. Urban

IPC: G06K15/02 ,  G06F3/12 ,  H04W4/00 ,  G06K15/00

CPC classification number: G06F3/1236 ,  G06F3/1211 ,  G06F3/1292 ,  G06K15/40 ,  G06K15/4025 ,  H04W4/80 ,  Y02D10/1592

Abstract: Systems, devices, and related methods for shaping near field interrogation signals are discussed herein. Some embodiments may provide for a printer that includes a housing and a beam shaping near field communication (NFC) device secured with the interior surface. The beam shaping NFC device may include a ferromagnetic component including a core portion and a bottom flange portion. The beam shaping NFC device may further include a wire coil disposed around the core portion. The ferromagnetic component may concentrate near field interrogation signals generated by the wire coil toward a near field interrogation region and away from nearby conductive components, such as the interior surface of the printer.

Abstract translation: 本文讨论了用于整形近场询问信号的系统，装置和相关方法。 一些实施例可以提供一种打印机，其包括壳体和固定有内表面的近场通信（NFC）设备的光束成形。 束形成NFC装置可以包括包括芯部分和底部凸缘部分的铁磁部件。 光束整形NFC设备还可以包括围绕芯部分设置的线圈线圈。 铁磁部件可以将由线圈产生的近场询问信号集中到近场询问区域并远离附近的导电部件，例如打印机的内表面。

公开(公告)号：US20160082758A1

公开(公告)日：2016-03-24

申请号：US14862683

申请日：2015-09-23

Applicant: ZIH Corp.

Inventor： Robert Edward Lass ,  Robert A. Ehrhardt

IPC: B41J29/393 ,  G01N21/21

CPC classification number: B41J29/393 ,  B41J17/36 ,  B41J31/14 ,  B41J35/18 ,  G01N21/21

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.

Abstract translation: 本文提供的装置，系统，方法和各种手段，包括与打印机系统有关的装置，系统，系统和其它装置用于监视打印机色带。 一些实施例使用多元件检测器，其被配置为检测从光发射器发射的特定类型的光。 多状态检测器可以包括两个传感器，其中之一包括阻挡偏振光的偏振器滤光器。 除了别的以外，实施例可以用于确定打印机色带是否安装在打印机中而不使用卡盘。

公开(公告)号：US20170315761A1

公开(公告)日：2017-11-02

申请号：US15655442

申请日：2017-07-20

Applicant: ZIH CORP.

Inventor： David L. Poole ,  Douglas A. Fox ,  Robert A. Ehrhardt ,  Eugene K. Brown ,  Rod DeMay ,  John Ham ,  Gary F. Lynch ,  Donald V. Thielen

IPC: G06F3/12 ,  B41J29/393 ,  G06K15/00

CPC classification number: G06F3/1221 ,  B41J29/393 ,  G06F3/1215 ,  G06F3/1229 ,  G06F3/1286 ,  G06K15/4055

Abstract: An example disclosed method includes providing power transmissions from a power storage unit to a power converter of a printing device, the power converter to supply an available amount of power to a print mechanism, the print mechanism having separately controllable print elements; determining a required amount of power for an upcoming print operation that involves energizing the print elements, the print elements including a first group of the print elements and a second group of the print elements; when the required amount of power is less than or equal to the available amount of power, performing the print operation by simultaneously energizing the print elements; and when the required amount of power is greater than the available amount of power, performing the print operation by alternately energizing the first group of the print elements at first times and the second group of the print elements at second times.

公开(公告)号：US09747062B2

公开(公告)日：2017-08-29

申请号：US14880026

申请日：2015-10-09

Applicant: ZIH Corp.

Inventor： David L. Poole ,  Douglas A. Fox ,  Robert A. Ehrhardt ,  Eugene K. Brown ,  Rod Demay ,  John Ham ,  Gary F. Lynch ,  Donald V. Thielen

IPC: G06F3/12 ,  B41J29/393 ,  G06K15/00

CPC classification number: G06F3/1221 ,  B41J29/393 ,  G06F3/1215 ,  G06F3/1229 ,  G06F3/1286 ,  G06K15/4055

Abstract: Ethernet and Universal Serial Bus (USB) powered printing devices are provided. In particular, Ethernet and USB powered printers and methods of Ethernet powering of printers that support high speed printing and/or data intensive printing. Such high-speed and/or data intensive printing operations are able to be Ethernet or USB powered by providing for a power storage unit within the printer device that is able be charged during non-printing periods and provide for necessary energy bursts to support such higher powered processes. In addition, the present invention provides for devices and methods that allow for printers to operate with main power provided by conventional power mains and for back-up or secondary power to be supplied by Ethernet or USB power. Additionally, the invention provides for Ethernet or USB powering, both primary and back-up, of the data and configuration settings in the printer control and image generating electronics. In the back-up power mode, the Ethernet or USB power insures that data and configurations are not lost during periods of main power outage. The invention also provides a printer and method that can optimize a printing operation, e.g., by adjusting the speed of the printing operation according to the power required for the operation and/or the power available.

公开(公告)号：US20160110141A1

公开(公告)日：2016-04-21

申请号：US14880026

申请日：2015-10-09

Applicant: ZIH Corp.

Inventor： David L. Poole ,  Douglas A. Fox ,  Robert A. Ehrhardt ,  Eugene K. Brown ,  Rod Demay ,  John Ham ,  Gary F. Lynch ,  Donald V. Thielen

IPC: G06F3/12 ,  G06K15/00

CPC classification number: G06F3/1221 ,  B41J29/393 ,  G06F3/1215 ,  G06F3/1229 ,  G06F3/1286 ,  G06K15/4055

Abstract: Ethernet and Universal Serial Bus (USB) powered printing devices are provided. In particular, Ethernet and USB powered printers and methods of Ethernet powering of printers that support high speed printing and/or data intensive printing. Such high-speed and/or data intensive printing operations are able to be Ethernet or USB powered by providing for a power storage unit within the printer device that is able be charged during non-printing periods and provide for necessary energy bursts to support such higher powered processes. In addition, the present invention provides for devices and methods that allow for printers to operate with main power provided by conventional power mains and for back-up or secondary power to be supplied by Ethernet or USB power. Additionally, the invention provides for Ethernet or USB powering, both primary and back-up, of the data and configuration settings in the printer control and image generating electronics. In the back-up power mode, the Ethernet or USB power insures that data and configurations are not lost during periods of main power outage. The invention also provides a printer and method that can optimize a printing operation, e.g., by adjusting the speed of the printing operation according to the power required for the operation and/or the power available.

Abstract translation: 提供以太网和通用串行总线（USB）电源打印设备。 特别是以太网和USB供电的打印机以及支持高速打印和/或数据密集打印的打印机以太网供电方法。 这样的高速和/或数据密集型打印操作能够通过提供能够在非打印期间被充电的打印机设备内的电力存储单元来提供以太网或USB供电，并提供必要的能量突发以支持这样更高的 动力过程。 此外，本发明提供了允许打印机以由常规电源提供的主电源进行操作以及由以太网或USB电源提供的备用或次要电源的设备和方法。 此外，本发明提供了打印机控制和图像生成电子设备中的数据和配置设置的主要和备份的以太网或USB供电。 在备用电源模式下，以太网或USB电源确保数据和配置在主停电期间不会丢失。 本发明还提供一种可以优化打印操作的打印机和方法，例如通过根据操作所需的功率和/或可用的功率来调节打印操作的速度。

公开(公告)号：US20140153026A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-05

申请号：US14082098

申请日：2013-11-15

Applicant: ZIH Corp.

Inventor： David L. Poole ,  Douglas A. Fox ,  Robert A. Ehrhardt ,  Eugene K. Brown ,  Rod Demay ,  John Ham ,  Gary F. Lynch ,  Donald V. Thielen

IPC: G06F3/12

CPC classification number: G06F3/1221 ,  B41J29/393 ,  G06F3/1215 ,  G06F3/1229 ,  G06F3/1286 ,  G06K15/4055

Abstract: Communication port powered printers and methods of powering of printers that support high speed printing and/or data intensive printing are discussed herein. Some embodiments may provide for a power storage unit within the printer device that is able be charged during non-printing periods and provide for necessary energy bursts to support such higher powered processes. Some embodiments may provide for devices and methods that allow for printers to operate with main power provided by conventional power mains and for back-up or secondary power to be supplied by the communication port. Some embodiments may further provide for configuration settings in printer control electronics based on available power from the communication port.

Abstract translation: 本文讨论了通信端口供电的打印机和支持高速打印和/或数据密集打印的打印机供电方法。 一些实施例可以为打印机设备内的能够在非打印期间充电的电力存储单元提供必要的能量突发以支持这种更高功率的过程。 一些实施例可以提供允许打印机使用由常规电源提供的主电源以及由通信端口提供的备用或次要电力来操作的设备和方法。 一些实施例可以基于来自通信端口的可用功率进一步提供打印机控制电子设备中的配置设置。