Multi function sensing device for printing apparatus

A printing apparatus having various operating components, and means for sensing certain operational characteristics of the operating components to monitor the operational status thereof, said printing apparatus comprising:

• A. a housing for containing various operating components of said printing apparatus, said housing including a cover and means mounting said cover for movement between a closed position and an open position in which said operating components are accessible,
• B. a print head disposed within said housing,
• C. means in said housing mounting said print head for reciprocating movement from a storage position to a standby position, from said standby position across a printing path, back across said printing path to said standby position, and back to said storage position,
• D. an ink cartridge mounted on said print head for movement therewith,
• E. a single sensing means operatively associated with said cover and said ink cartridge for monitoring changes in the status of certain operational characteristics of said cover, said print head and said ink cartridge, and
• F. means responsive to operation of said sensing means for generating an operator perceptible indication of a change in said status of said operational characteristics of said cover, said print head, and said ink cartridge, for altering the operation of said printing apparatus, in accordance with changes in the status of said operational characteristics of said cover, said print head and said ink cartridge,
• whereby an operator of said printing apparatus can be apprised of, and the operation of said printing apparatus can be controlled in response to, changes in said operational characteristics of said cover, said print head and said ink cartridge of said printing apparatus during operation thereof.