Top of form sensor
AssigneeSource Technologies, LLC
InventorsWILLIAM M. BOUVERIE, MARK ALLEN HITZ
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sensing apparatus operable for sensing top of form indicators on media within a print station is provided. The sensing apparatus generally including a base and a cover hingedly attached to each other and being operable for manipulation between an open and closed position, a flexible circuit affixed to the interior surfaces of the base and cover, the flexible circuit comprising an array of optical sensing devices, and an interface connector integral the base for connection to a control unit of a print station. The optical sensing devices generally include any one of light emitting diodes and photo sensors and are operable for the detection of holes, notches, black marks and gaps located on a media passing through the sensing apparatus.
Claims18
A sensing apparatus operable for sensing top of form indicators on media within a print station, the sensing apparatus comprising:
- a base and a cover hingedly attached to each other and configured for manipulation between an open and closed position and for removable installation within a print station;
- at least one flexible circuit affixed to interior surfaces of the base and the cover, the flexible circuit comprising a plurality of optical sensing devices;
- and
- an interface connector integral a distal end of the base for connection to a control unit of a print station,
- wherein the optical sensing devices are configured for the detection of media indicia located on a media passing through the sensing apparatus.
A sensing device operable for sensing top of form indicators on media within a print system, the sensing device comprising:
- an elongated base hingedly attached to a corresponding elongated cover, said base and cover being configured for manipulation between an open and closed position and for removable installation within a print station of a printing system;
- a single, flexible circuit affixed to interior surfaces of the base and the cover, the flexible circuit comprising an array of optical sensing devices;
- and
- an interface connector integral a distal end of the base for connection to a control unit of the print station,
- wherein the optical sensing devices are configured for the detection of holes, notches, slots, gaps in label stock, or black marks located on a media passing through the sensing apparatus.
A sensing assembly operable for sensing top of form indicators on media, the sensing assembly comprising:
- a base hingedly attached to a corresponding cover, said base and cover being configured for manipulation between an open and closed position and for removable installation within a print station of a printing system;
- a flexible circuit affixed to interior surfaces of the base and the cover, the flexible circuit comprising an array of optical sensing devices and circuitry for multiplexing the output signals;
- an interface connector integral a distal end of the base for connection to a control unit of the print station;
- and
- a fastener integral a distal end of the base opposite the interface connector for securing the sensor assembly within the print station,
- wherein the optical sensing devices are configured for the detection of holes, notches, slots, gaps in label stock, or black marks located on a media passing through the sensing apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.