Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6786660
-
Patent Number
6,786,660
-
Date Filed
Tuesday, February 19, 200222 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, September 7, 200419 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Hirshfeld; Andrew H.
- Ghatt; Dave A.
Agents
- Agarwal; Brij K.
- Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 400 2193
- 400 2194
- 400 244
- 400 249
- 400 242
- 400 243
- 242 338
- 242 357
- 242 363
- 242 3623
- 242 912
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
An improved detectable spool for use with a ribbon includes an improved hub which includes a core and an indication member. The indication member is a generally planar metallic member that is substantially embedded in the core, with the indication member including a support and a plurality of tabs. In at least one embodiment the indication member is a monolithically formed single-piece member, while in another embodiment the indication member is a multi-component member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to printer ribbons and, more particularly, to a detectable spool including indicia that indicate properties of a length of ribbon wound on the detectable spool.
2. Description of the Related Art
Thermal transfer printing equipment is generally known in the relevant art. One type of known thermal transfer process involves the application with a thermal print head of an elevated temperature to regions of a thermal transfer ribbon, with resultant melting of an ink compound of the ribbon at the aforementioned regions. The molten ink compound becomes transferred onto a substrate, which thereby imprints the ink compound onto the substrate. Each ribbon typically is divided into a plurality of consecutively positioned panels, with each panel being usable only for a single printing operation.
Depending upon the type of printing being performed, it may be desirable to have different types of panels provided on the same ribbon. For instance, when it is desired to perform color printing, a given ribbon may consecutively include separate panels containing ink compounds that are colored yellow, magenta, and cyan. A color image that is desired to be printed onto a substrate may be broken up into component images of yellow, magenta, and cyan light. A single color printing operation thus may include three consecutive printing operations, one involving yellow ink, one involving magenta ink, and one involving cyan ink. An appropriately configured color thermal transfer ribbon thus might include consecutive yellow, magenta, and cyan panels repetitively from the beginning of the ribbon to the end of the ribbon. Such a ribbon might bear a designation such as YMC to designate the yellow/magenta/cyan repetitive pattern.
It may additionally be desirable for each series of color panels on the ribbon to be followed by a black panel if it is desired that black printing be provided along with color printing. Such a black panel may be designated by the letter K in the ribbon designation. It may further be desirable to provide an overlay panel on the ribbon which can be used to apply a scratch-resistant overlay surface to the substrate after color and/or black imprintation has occurred. Such an overlay panel may be designated by the letter O in the ribbon designation. It can be seen, therefore, that a thermal transfer ribbon having repetitive series of yellow, magenta, cyan, black, and overlay panels would bear the designation YMCKO. It similarly can be seen that a thermal transfer ribbon having repetitive panels solely of black ink would bear the designation K.
It thus can be seen that numerous different ribbon configurations are possible. It can further be seen that the large number of different ribbon configurations can potentially cause a ribbon having a given panel configuration to be confused by a technician or operator with another ribbon having a different panel configuration. It has thus been deemed desirable to provide some type of indicia on a ribbon spool that will identify to a printer the specific panel configuration of the ribbon wound on the spool. Such a system is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,519 to Klinefelter and U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,625 to Oliverio. It is desired, however, to provide an improved detectable spool with identifier indicia that are more reliable, both structurally and operationally, and that can be manufactured less expensively than previously known detectable spools. It is also desired to provide such an improved detectable spool that additionally includes identifier indicia that can visually indicate to an observer the specific panel arrangement of a ribbon.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an improved detectable spool for use with a ribbon includes an improved hub which includes a core and an indication member. The indication member is a generally planar metallic member that is substantially embedded in the core, with the indication member including a support and a plurality of tabs. In at least one embodiment the indication member is a monolithically formed single-piece member, while in another embodiment the indication member is a multi-component member.
An aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved hub that includes identifier indicia that indicate to a printer the properties of a ribbon wound on a spool.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved hub that includes identifier indicia and that is relatively less expensive to manufacture than previously known hubs.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved hub including identifier indicia that are relatively more reliable in function than previously known hubs.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved hub including identifier indicia that are relatively easy to manufacture.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved hub including identifier indicia that not only can be detected by a printer but that can also be visually identified by an observer.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved detectable spool incorporating an improved hub of the type indicated above.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved indication member that can serve as identifier indicia for a hub of a detectable spool that identifies characteristics of a length of ribbon wound on the detectable spool.
These and other aspects of the present invention are achieved by a hub for use in conjunction with a spool, in which the general nature of the hub can be stated as including a core including a central axis, the core being structured to be disposed on the spool, and an indication member, the indication member including a support and at least a first tab, the support being mounted on the core, the at least first tab being disposed on the support, and the at least first tab including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis of the core.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a hub for use in conjunction with a spool, in which the general nature of the hub can be stated as including a core structured to be disposed on the spool, and an indication member, the indication member including a support and at least a first tab, the support being mounted on the core, the at least first tab being disposed on the support, and the support and the at least first tab each being of a generally planar configuration.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a detectable spool for use in a printer, in which the general nature of the detectable spool can be stated as including a spool including a central axis, and indication means disposed on the spool, the indication means including an indication member, the indication member including a support and at least a first tab, and the at least first tab including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a detectable spool for use in a printer, in which the general nature of the detectable spool can be stated as including a spool, and indication means disposed on the spool, the indication means including an indication member, the indication member including a support and at least a first tab, and the support and the at least first tab each being of a generally planar configuration.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a hub for use in conjunction with a spool, in which the general nature of the hub can be stated as including a core including a central axis, the core being structured to be disposed on the spool, and an indication member, the indication member including a support and a plurality of tabs, the support being mounted on the core, the tabs being disposed on the support, and the support extending between the tabs.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a indication member for incorporation into a detectable spool for use in a printer, the printer including a sensing apparatus, in which the general nature of the indication member can be stated as including a support and a plurality of tabs, the support extending between the tabs, the tabs protruding from the support, and the tabs being structured to be detectable by the sensing apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A further understanding of the invention can be gained from the following Description of the Preferred Embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1
is an elevational view of a detectable spool in accordance with the present invention disposed within a schematically depicted printer;
FIG. 2
is a plan view of an improved hub in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3
is an elevational view of the first embodiment;
FIG. 4
is a sectional view as taken along line
4
—
4
of
FIG. 2
;
FIG. 5
is a plan view of an indication member of the first embodiment;
FIG. 6
is a plan view of an improved hub in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7
is a plan view of an indication member of the second embodiment;
FIG. 8
is a plan view of an improved hub in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9
is a plan view of an indication member of the third embodiment;
FIG. 10
is a top plan view of an improved hub in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11
is a top plan view of an indication member in accordance with the fourth embodiment;
FIG. 12
is a top plan view of an improved hub in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 13
is a top plan view of an indication member in accordance with the fifth embodiment.
Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the specification.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A detectable spool
4
in accordance with the present invention is indicated as being disposed within a schematically depicted printer
8
in FIG.
1
. The detectable spool
4
is specifically configured to include indicia that indicate to the printer
8
various characteristics of the detectable spool
4
. The printer
8
includes a schematically-depicted sensor
12
, which is part of a sensing apparatus that is configured to detect the indicia included in the detectable spool
4
.
As can be understood from
FIG. 1
, the detectable spool
4
includes a hub
16
in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention and a ribbon spool
20
. The ribbon spool
20
can be generally stated as including a generally hollow cylindrical spool
24
with a length of ribbon
28
being wound on an outer surface
32
of the spool
24
. As will be set forth more fully below, the ribbon
28
can be of numerous configurations and may be a dye diffusion thermal transfer ribbon or other type of ribbon. As will be described in greater detail below, the indicia of the detectable spool
4
advantageously can communicate to either or both an observer and the sensor
12
of the printer
8
various characteristics of the ribbon
28
.
The spool
24
is formed with a substantially cylindrical thru-bore
36
extending coaxially throughout the longitudinal extent of the spool
24
. The spool
24
terminates at a pair of annular ends
40
, with each end
40
being formed with a pair of diametrically opposed notches
44
. As will be explained in greater detail below, the notches
44
assist in resisting relative rotation between the hub
16
and the spool
24
.
The hub
16
is depicted in
FIG. 1
, and is more particularly depicted in
FIGS. 2-4
. It can be seen that the hub
16
includes a core
48
and an indication member
52
(FIG.
5
), with the indication member
52
being substantially embedded in the core
48
. As used herein, the expression “embedded in” and variations thereof shall mean enclosed within or closely surrounded by.
The core
48
may be made of a plastic material that is injection molded, with the indication member
52
being disposed internally within the mold during the molding process. In such a situation, the hub
16
would be manufactured by molding the material of the core
48
about the indication member
52
, such that the indication member
52
would be substantially embedded within the core
48
.
As is best shown in
FIG. 3
, the core
48
includes a base
56
and a head
60
connected with one another. As is best shown in
FIG. 4
, the core
48
is formed with a substantially cylindrical central cavity
64
extending coaxially therethrough. The core
48
also includes a central axis
68
about which the central cavity
64
, the base
56
, and the head
60
are axially arranged. The indication member
52
is similarly axially disposed with respect to the central axis
68
.
As is shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4
, the head
60
includes a cylindrical portion
70
and a pair of diametrically opposed ears
72
. The cylindrical portion
70
is disposed adjacent the base
56
and is of a greater diameter than the base
56
as measured from the perspective of the central axis
68
. The ears
72
are shaped to be complementarily received in the notches
44
when the detectable spool
44
is assembled, as will be discussed in greater detail below.
As can further be seen from
FIG. 4
, the core
48
is formed with a generally annular void
74
extending substantially through the base
56
and terminating generally at the cylindrical portion
70
of the head
60
. The void
74
is provided to reduce the weight of the core
48
as well as to reduce the quantity of materials required to manufacture the core
48
.
It can be seen that the part of the cylindrical portion
70
which protrudes outwardly beyond the base
56
defines an annular flange
76
that is disposed against one of the ends
40
of the spool
24
when the detectable spool
4
is assembled. It can be seen that the head
60
additionally includes a plurality of arcuate lugs
78
that each extend along a portion of the flange
76
. The lugs
78
can be employed in conjunction with a known ultrasonic welding process or other process for fastening the flange
76
, and thus the hub
16
, to the spool
24
.
As is best shown in
FIG. 5
, the indication member
52
includes a ring-shaped support
80
and a plurality of tabs
84
. The indication member
52
provides indication means and indicia that can be detected by the sensor
12
. The support
80
extends between the tabs
84
.
The support
80
and the tabs
84
may be formed out of a sheet of metal or may be formed out of a material that is at least partially metallic or ferromagnetic in character. The support
80
and the tabs
84
are all substantially flat and planar in configuration and may be coplanar with one another.
The indication member
52
may be formed as a single-piece monolithically-formed member that is made from a single piece of material such as a sheet of metal. In such a situation, the indication member
52
may be generally planar in configuration, with the support
80
and the tabs
84
being coplanar with one another, although it is understood that other configurations of the indication member
52
are possible.
As can be understood from
FIG. 5
, the tabs
84
protrude outwardly from the support
80
. More specifically, the tabs
84
protrude perpendicularly away from the support
80
, meaning that each tab
84
is oriented substantially perpendicular to a tangent to the support
80
in the vicinity of the respective tab
84
.
The tabs
84
include a first home tab
88
, a second home tab
90
, and a characteristic tab
92
. It is understood, however, that reference to “tabs
84
” will refer collectively to the first and second home tabs
88
and
90
and the characteristic tab
92
. The tabs
84
protrude radially outwardly from the support
80
in a direction generally away from the central axis
68
which, in
FIG. 5
, protrudes perpendicularly out of the plane of the page of FIG.
5
and is thus indicated by a dot therein. It can be seen that each of the tabs
84
include an elongated dimension indicated by the lines
94
,
95
, and
97
that extends in a generally radial direction with regard to the central axis
68
. In one embodiment of the indication member
52
, the inner diameter of the support
80
may be about twelve millimeters in diameter, and the elongated dimensions
94
,
95
, and
97
of the tabs
84
may have a length of about twelve millimeters. It is understood, however, that the indication member
52
, as well as the components thereof, may have dimensions and relative physical proportions different than that depicted herein without departing from the concept of the present invention.
The first and second home tabs
88
and
90
are oriented about 20° apart from one another and together define a “home” position on the indication member
52
. The characteristic tab
92
is oriented approximately 140° away from the first home tab
88
. The position of the characteristic tab
92
with respect to the “home” position defined by the first and second home tab
88
and
90
corresponds with the characteristics of the ribbon
28
wound on the spool
24
. The specific position of the characteristic tab
92
depicted generally in FIG.
5
and described above corresponds with a ribbon
28
that is purely black, meaning that the color designation of the ribbon
28
would be “K”. As will be set forth more fully below, a different positioning of the characteristic tab
92
with respect to the first and second home tabs
88
and
90
would correspond with and identify a different ribbon having different characteristics than the ribbon
28
.
As can be understood from
FIG. 4
, the indication member
52
is generally embedded within the cylindrical portion
70
of the head
60
of the core
48
. The indication member
52
may be embedded about 0.3 millimeters from a generally planar outer surface
96
of the cylindrical portion
70
, although other positions for the indication member
52
may be appropriate depending upon the specific configuration thereof.
As can be understood from
FIGS. 2 and 4
, a plurality of windows
98
are formed in the cylindrical portion
70
between the indication member
52
and the outer surface
96
, with the windows
98
being shaped and oriented to correspond with the tabs
84
. The windows
98
thus extend between the tabs
84
and the exterior of the hub
16
. The windows
98
are generally provided in order to minimize the quantity of material of the core
48
that is interposed between the tabs
84
and the sensor
12
in order to facilitate detection of the tabs
84
by the sensor
12
. The windows
98
may be formed in the core
48
in any of a wide variety of fashions including formation of the windows
98
during initial molding of the core
48
. It is understood, however, that depending upon the specific configuration of the indication member
52
, the material out of which the core
48
is formed, and the depth below the outer surface
96
to which the indication member
52
is embedded, as well as other factors, the hub
16
may be formed without any windows
98
without detection of the tabs
84
by the sensor
12
being meaningfully impaired.
When the hub
16
is mounted on the ribbon spool
20
to form the detectable spool
4
, and when the detectable spool
4
is installed into the printer
8
, an appropriate mechanism of the printer
8
rotates the detectable spool
4
about the central axis
68
in order for the relative positions of the tabs
84
to be detected by the sensor
12
. Once the printer
8
ascertains the position of the characteristic tab
92
with respect to the “home” position defined by the first and second home tabs
88
and
90
, the printer
8
then can determine the specific configuration of the ribbon
28
on the detectable spool
4
. In this regard, the printer
8
may then commence operations if the characteristics of the ribbon
28
are appropriate to the printing tasks to be undertaken by the printer
8
, or an alarm or other indication message may be transmitted to a technician if the ribbon
28
is incorrect.
The core
48
is advantageously manufactured out of a material having a first color that can be readily identified by an observer such as a technician or other operator. The color of the material out of which the core
48
is manufactured is represented by the hatched region of
FIG. 2
designated by the numeral
100
. The distinctive color of the material of the core
48
thus permits the detectable spool
4
to be identified by the observer and to enable the detectable spool
4
to be distinguished from other detectable spools that may otherwise be similar in appearance to the detectable spool
4
. The color of the material out of which the core
48
is formed thus provides indicia and serves as indication means on the detectable spool
4
as to the specific characteristics of the ribbon
28
. It is further understood that in other embodiments (not specifically shown) that the core
48
can bear other types of color identification means such as colored adhesive labels, imprintation or coating of the core
48
with pigments or coatings having a color, colored inserts mounted on or partially in the core
48
, and myriad other configurations.
The indication member
52
can be relatively inexpensively manufactured, such as by stamping, and can be readily embedded in the core
48
. The relative positions of the tabs
84
with respect to one another is advantageously maintained by the support
80
such that the tabs
84
generally cannot be incorrectly positioned on the core
48
. This substantially eliminates the need for quality assurance testing as to the relative positions of the tabs
84
as well as the potential for lost production due to manufacturing error in the regard. Moreover, the potential for one or more of the tabs
84
becoming detached from the hub
16
is substantially eliminated since the tabs
84
are connected together with the support
80
. Additionally, by configuring the indication member
52
as a monolithically-formed single-piece member, the indication member
52
can be handled as a single unit, as compared with simultaneously handling a plurality of separate metallic members, which facilitates manufacture of the hub
16
. Furthermore, the tabs
84
each provide a relatively large member that can be readily detected by the sensor
12
, which facilitates rapid operation of the printer
8
after installation of the detectable spool
4
.
The configuration of the indication member
52
and thus the hub
16
permits the detectable spool
4
to be manufactured relatively less expensively and more reliably than previously known devices. The indicia provided by the indication member
52
and by the color of the material out of which the core
48
is formed permit the printer
8
and an observer, respectively, to readily ascertain the specific characteristics of the ribbon
28
.
A hub
116
in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally in FIG.
6
. The hub
116
includes a core
148
and an indication member
152
, with the indication member
152
being substantially embedded in the core
148
. The indication member
152
is generally similar to the indication member
52
except is configured for a ribbon having different characteristics than the ribbon
28
.
It can be seen from
FIG. 7
that the indication member
152
includes a generally ring-shaped support
180
, along with a first home tab
188
, a second home tab
190
, and a characteristic tab
192
. While the first and second home tabs
188
and
190
are oriented about 20° apart from one another and together define a “home” position for the indication member
152
, the characteristic tab
192
is oriented about 160° apart from the second home tab
190
. It can be seen that the windows
198
formed in the core
148
correspond with the specific positions of the first and second home tabs
188
and
190
and the characteristic tab
192
, and thus are positioned differently than the windows
98
of the core
48
. Since the characteristic tab
192
is disposed at a different position with respect to the “home” position than was the characteristic tab
92
, the sensor
12
of the printer
8
will detect that the ribbon used in association with the hub
116
is different than the ribbon
28
which is used in association with the hub
16
.
The core
148
is formed of a material having a color that is different than the color of the material out of which the core
48
is manufactured. The color of the material out of which the core
148
is manufactured is represented by the hatched region of
FIG. 6
designated by the numeral
200
. By observing the specific color of the material out of which the core
148
is formed, an observer such as a technician can readily ascertain the characteristics of the ribbon used in association with the hub
116
. Moreover, by noting the color of the material out of which the core
148
is made, the observer can readily ascertain that the ribbon used in association with the hub
116
is different than the ribbon
28
used in association with the hub
16
. The indication member
152
and the color of the material out of which the core
148
is manufactured thus each serve as indicia and as indication means which permit the printer
8
and an observer, respectively, to readily ascertain the characteristics of the ribbon with which the hub
116
is employed.
A hub
216
in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally in FIG.
8
. The hub
216
includes a core
248
and an indication member
252
(FIG.
9
), with the indication member
252
being substantially embedded in the core
248
. As can be seen in
FIG. 9
, the indication member
252
includes a ring-shaped support
280
, a composite home tab
286
, and a characteristic tab
292
. The indication member
252
is similar to the indication member
52
, except that the composite home tab
286
takes the place of the first and second home tabs
90
and
92
. The composite home tab
286
potentially can be less expensive to manufacture than the separate first and second home tabs
88
and
90
, and additionally may be more reliably detected by the sensor
12
of the printer
8
.
It can be seen from
FIG. 8
that the hub
216
is formed with a relatively large window
298
A disposed over the composite home tab
286
and a relatively smaller window
298
B disposed over the characteristic tab
292
. The windows
298
A and
298
B permit the sensor
12
to detect the presence and relative orientations of the composite home tab
286
and the characteristic tab
292
in the manner set forth above.
A hub
316
in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally in FIG.
10
. The hub
316
includes a core
348
and an indication member
352
, with the indication member
352
being substantially embedded in the core
348
.
It can be seen from
FIG. 11
that the indication member
352
includes a ring-shaped support
380
, along with a first home tab
388
, a second home tab
390
, and a characteristic tab
392
. The first and second home tabs
388
and
390
and the characteristic tab
392
are disposed in the same relative positions as the tabs
84
of the hub
16
. It can be seen, however, that the support
380
is larger than the support
80
, and that the first and second home tabs
388
and
390
and the characteristic tab
392
each include an elongated dimension indicated by the lines
394
,
395
,
397
that extends in a generally radial direction from the support
380
toward the central axis
368
, which is indicated by a dot in FIG.
11
. Other than the different configuration of the indication member
352
, the hub
316
is substantially similar to the hub
16
.
A hub
416
in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally in FIG.
12
. The hub
416
includes a core
448
and an indication member
452
(FIG.
13
), with the indication member
452
being substantially embedded in the core
448
.
The indication member
452
is substantially similar to the indication member
352
in that it includes a support
480
, a first home tab
488
, a second home tab
490
, and a characteristic tab
492
, with the first and second home tabs
488
and
490
and the characteristic tab
492
extending from the support
480
toward the central axis
468
. The support
480
is, however, made up of a plurality of arcuate support portions
482
that are separated from one another. The first home tab
488
is disposed on one of the support portions
482
, the second home tab
490
is disposed on another support portion
482
, and the characteristic tab
492
is disposed on yet another support portion
482
.
The first and second home tabs
488
and
490
and the characteristic tab
492
are disposed in substantially the same positions as the first and second home tabs
388
and
390
and the characteristic tab
392
. By separating the support
480
into the plurality of support portions
482
, the support
480
causes relatively less interference when the sensor
12
is seeking to detect the presence of the first and second home tabs
488
and
490
and the characteristic tab
492
. As such, the specific configuration of the indication member
452
can be detected by the sensor
12
relatively more readily than the indication member
352
can be detected. The hub
416
is otherwise substantially similar to the hub
16
.
As can be seen from the foregoing, any of the hubs
16
,
116
,
216
,
316
, and
416
can be employed in the detectable spool
4
for use in the printer
8
. The relatively different configurations of the indication members
52
and
152
, along with the difference in coloration of the material out of which the cores
48
and
148
are manufactured, each provide indicia that serve as indication means that indicate to the printer
8
and to an observer, respectively, the specific, characteristics of the ribbon
28
mounted on the spool
24
. The additionally different configurations of the indication members
252
,
352
, and
452
, and the correspondingly different configurations of the cores
248
,
348
, and
448
, have different characteristics which can be detected by the sensor
12
and that may be desirable depending upon the specific application.
It is understood that the material out of which the cores
248
,
348
, and
448
are manufactured would be of the same color as the material out of which the core
48
is manufactured since all four of the indication members
52
,
252
,
352
, and
452
have a substantially similar tab configuration. In this regard, it is understood that any of the indication members
252
,
352
, and
452
can be configured to have a tab configuration similar to the indication member
152
. In such a circumstance, the material out of which the cores
248
,
348
, and
448
are made would be of the same color as the material out of which the core
148
is manufactured. It is further understood that any of the indication members
52
,
152
,
252
,
352
, and
452
can have a different tab configuration than those set forth herein, and it will be similarly understood that the corresponding cores
48
,
148
,
248
,
348
, and
448
will be manufactured out of a material that is correspondingly differently colored to provide visual indicia to an observer of the characteristics of the corresponding ribbon
28
.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.
Claims
- 1. A method of employing a hub of a type being structured for use in conjunction with a spool having a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics, for determining at least a first known characteristic of the number of known characteristics of the material, the method comprising:employing a core including a central axis, the core being structured to be disposed on the spool; employing an indication member, the indication member including a support, at least a first tab, and a second tab; employing the at least first tab as an at least first home tab defining a home position of the indication member; employing the second tab as a characteristic tab, the support being mounted on the core, the at least first and second tabs being disposed on the support, the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis of the core, the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; detecting the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab; and employing the detected orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab to determine said at least a first known characteristic of the number of known characteristics of the material.
- 2. A hub for use in conjunction with a spool having a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics, the hub comprising:a core including a central axis; the core being structured to be disposed on the spool; an indication member; the indication member including a support, at least a first tab, and a second tab; the at least first tab being an at least first home tab and defining a home position of the indication member; the second tab being a characteristic tab; the support being mounted on the core; the at least first and second tabs being disposed on the support; the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis of the core; the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; and the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab corresponding with the characteristics of the material; and wherein the support is substantially embedded in the core.
- 3. The hub of claim 2,wherein the indication member is generally flat; and the support and the at least first tab being generally coplanar.
- 4. The hub of claim 2,wherein the indication member is a monolithically-formed single-piece member.
- 5. The hub of claim 4,wherein the support extends between the at least first and second tabs; the support being at least partially arcuate.
- 6. The hub of claim 2,wherein the support is an elongated arcuate member; and the at least first tab extending generally perpendicularly away from the support.
- 7. The hub of claim 2,wherein the at least first tab extends from the support in a direction generally away from the central axis.
- 8. The hub of claim 2,wherein the at least first tab extends from the support in a direction generally toward the central axis.
- 9. The hub of claim 2,wherein the support is generally ring-shaped.
- 10. The hub of claim 2,wherein the indication member is at least partially metallic.
- 11. A hub for use in conjunction with a spool having a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics, the hub comprising:a core including a central axis; the core being structured to be disposed on the spool; an indication member; the indication member including a support, at least a first tab, and a second tab; the at least first tab being an at least first home tab and defining a home position of the indication member; the second tab being a characteristic tab; the support being mounted on the core; the at least first and second tabs being disposed on the support; the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis of the core; the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; and the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab corresponding with the characteristics of the material; wherein the support includes a first support portion and a second support portion that are separated from one another; the at least first tab being disposed on and extending from the first support portion; and the second tab being disposed on and extending from the second support portion.
- 12. A hub for use in conjunction with a spool, the hub comprising:a core including a central axis; the core being structured to be disposed on the spool; an indication member; the indication member including a support and at least a first tab; the support being mounted on the core; the at least first tab being disposed on the support; and the at least first tab including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis of the core the support being substantially embedded in the core; wherein the at least first tab is substantially embedded in the core; a window is formed in the core; and the window extending between the at least first tab and the exterior of the core.
- 13. A method of employing a hub of a type being structured for use in conjunction with a spool having a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics, for determining at least a first known characteristic of the number of known characteristics of the material, the method comprising:employing a core having a central axis and being structured to be disposed on the spool; and employing an indication member, the indication member including a support, at least a first tab, and a second tab; employing the at least first tab as an at least first home tab defining a home position of the indication member; employing the second tab as a characteristic tab, the support being mounted on the core, the at least first and second tabs being disposed on the support, the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis or the core, the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; and detecting the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab; and employing the detected orientation of the second tab with resect to the at least first home tab to determine said at least a first known characteristic of the number of known characteristics of the material, the support, the at least first tab, and the second tab each being of a generally planar configuration.
- 14. A hub for use in conjunction with a spool having a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics, the hub comprising:a core having a central axis being structured to be disposed on the spool; and an indication member; the indication member including a support, at least a first tab, and a second tab; the at least first tab being an at least first home tab and defining a home position of the indication member; the second tab being a characteristic tab; the support being mounted on the core; the at least first and second tabs being disposed on the support; the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis of the core; the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; and the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab corresponding with the characteristics of the material; and the support, the at least first tab, and the second tab each being of a generally planar configuration; and wherein the support is substantially embedded in the core.
- 15. The hub of claim 14,wherein the support, the at least first tab, and the second tab are generally coplanar.
- 16. The hub of claim 14,wherein the core is structured to be rotated about the central axis, the rotational distance between the home position and the second tab corresponding with the characteristics of the material.
- 17. The hub of claim 16,wherein the indication member is a monolithically-formed single-piece member.
- 18. The hub of claim 17,wherein the support extends between the at least first and second tabs; the support being at least partially arcuate.
- 19. The hub of claim 16,wherein the at least first tab extends from the support in a direction generally away from the central axis.
- 20. The hub of claim 16,wherein the at least first tab extends from the support in a direction generally toward the central axis.
- 21. The hub of claim 14,wherein the support is an elongated arcuate member; and wherein the at least first tab extends generally perpendicularly away from the support.
- 22. The hub of claim 14,wherein the support is generally ring-shaped.
- 23. The hub of claim 14,wherein the indication member is at least partially metallic.
- 24. A hub for use in conjunction with a spool having a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics, the hub comprising:a core having a central axis and being structured to be disposed on the spool; and an indication member; the indication member including a support at least a first tab, and a second tab; the at least first tab being an at least first home tab and defining a home position of the indication member; the second tab being a characteristic tab: the support being mounted on the core; the at least first and second tabs being disposed on the support; the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis of the core; the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; and the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab corresponding with the characteristics of the material; and the support, the at least first tab, and the second tab each being of a generally planar configuration; wherein the support includes a first support portion and a second support portion that are separated from one another; the at least first tab being disposed on and extending from the first support portion; and the second tab being disposed on and extending from the second support portion.
- 25. A hub for use in conjunction with a spool, the hub comprising:a core structured to be disposed on the spool; and an indication member; the indication member including a support and at least a first tab; the support being mounted on the core; the at least first tab being disposed on the support; the support and the at least first tab each being of a generally planar configuration; wherein the at least first tab is substantially embedded in the core; a window being formed in the core; and the window extending between the at least first tab and the exterior of the core.
- 26. A method for employing a detectable spool in a printer, the method comprising:employing a spool including a central axis and being structured to have a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics; employing indication means disposed on the spool, the indication means including an indication member, the indication member including a support, at least a first tab, and a second tab; and the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis; employing the at least first tab as an at least first home tab defining a home position of the indication member; employing the second tab as a characteristic tab, the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; and detecting the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab; and employing the detected orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab to determine at least a first known characteristic of the number of known characteristics of the material.
- 27. A detectable spool for use in a printer, the detectable spool comprising:a spool including a central axis and being structured to have a quality of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics; indication means disposed on the spool; the indication means including an indication member; the indication member including a support, at least a first tab, and a second tab; and the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis; the at least first tab being an at least first home tab and defining a home position of the indication member; the second tab being a characteristic tab; the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; and the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab corresponding with the characteristics of the material; wherein the indication means further includes a core; the support being substantially embedded in the core; and the core being disposed on the spool.
- 28. The detectable spool of claim 27,wherein the indication member is generally flat; and the support and the at least first tab being generally coplanar.
- 29. The detectable spool of claim 27,wherein the indication member is a monolithically-formed single-piece member.
- 30. The detectable spool of claim 29,wherein the support extends between the at least first and second tabs; the support being at least partially arcuate.
- 31. The detectable spool of claim 27,wherein the support is an elongated arcuate member; and the at least first tab extending generally perpendicularly away from the support.
- 32. The detectable spool of claim 27,wherein the at least first tab extends from the support in a direction generally away from the central axis.
- 33. The detectable spool of claim 27,wherein the at least first tab extends from the support in a direction generally toward the central axis.
- 34. The detectable spool of claim 27,wherein the support is generally ring-shaped.
- 35. The detectable spool of claim 27,wherein the indication member is at least partially metallic.
- 36. A detectable spool for use in a printer, the detectable spool comprising:a spool including a central axis and being structured to have a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of blown characteristics; indication means disposed on the spool; the indication means including an indication member; the indication member including a support, at least a first tab, and a second tab; and the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis; the at least first tab being an at least first home tab an defining a home position of the indication member; the second tab being a characteristic tab; the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; and the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab corresponding with the characteristics of the material; wherein the support includes a first support portion and a second support portion that are separated from one another; the at least first tab being disposed on and extending from the first support portion; and the second tab being disposed on and extending from the second support portion.
- 37. A detectable spool for use in a printer, the detectable spool comprising:a spool including a central axis; indication means disposed on the spool; the indication means including an indication member; the indication member including a support and at least a first tab; the at least first tab including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis the indication means further including a core; the support being substantially embedded in the core; the core being disposed on the spool; wherein the at least first tab is substantially embedded in the core; a window being formed in the core; and the window extending between the at least first tab and the exterior of the core.
- 38. A method for employing a detectable spool in a printer, the method comprising:employing a spool having a central axis and being structured to have a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics; and employing indication means disposed on the spool, the indication means including an indication member, the indication member including a support, at least a first tab, and a second tab; employing the at least first tab as an at least first home tab defining a home position of the indication member; employing the second tab as a characteristic tab, the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends, in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis of the core, the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; and detecting the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab; and employing the detected orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab to determine at least a first known characteristic of the number of known characteristics of the material, the support, the at least first tab, and the second tab each being of a generally planar configuration.
- 39. A detectable spool for use in a printer, the detectable spool comprising:a spool having a central axis and being structured to have a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics; and indication means disposed on the spool; the indication naps including an indication member: the indication member including a support, at least a first tab, and a second tab; the at least first tab being an at least first home tab and defining a home position of the indication member; the second tab being a characteristic tab; the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis of the core; the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; and the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab corresponding with the characteristics of the material; and the support, the at least first tab, and the second tab each being of a generally planar configuration; wherein the indication means further includes a core; the support being substantially embedded in the core; and the core being disposed on the spool.
- 40. The detectable spool of claim 39,wherein the support, the at least first tab, and the second tab are generally coplanar.
- 41. The detectable spool of claim 39,wherein the indication member is a thin sheet of an at least partially metallic material.
- 42. The detectable spool of claim 41,wherein the indication member is a monolithically-formed single-piece member.
- 43. The detectable spool of claim 42,wherein the support extends between the at least first and second tabs; the support being at least partially arcuate.
- 44. The detectable spool of claim 39,wherein the at least first tab extends from the support in a direction generally away from the central axis.
- 45. The detectable spool of claim 39,wherein the at least first tab extends from the support in a direction generally toward the central axis.
- 46. The detectable spool of claim 39,wherein the support is an elongated arcuate member; and the at least first tab extending generally perpendicularly away from the support.
- 47. The detectable spool of claim 39,wherein the support is generally ring-shaped.
- 48. The detectable spool of claim 39,wherein the indication member is at least partially metallic.
- 49. A detectable spool for use in a printer, the detectable spool comprising:a spool having a central axis and being structured to have a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics; and indication means disposed on the spool; the indication means including an indication member; the indication member including a support, at least a first tab, and a second tab; the at least first tab being an at least first home tab and defining a home position of the indication member; the second tab being a characteristic tab; the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis of the core; the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; and the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab corresponding with the characteristics of the material; and the support, the at least first tab, and the second tab each being of a generally planar configuration; wherein the support includes a first support portion and a second support portion that are separated from one another; the at least first tab being disposed on and extending from the first support portion; and the second tab being disposed on and extending from the second support portion.
- 50. A detectable spool for use in a printer, the detectable spool comprising:a spool; and indication means disposed on the spool; the indication means including an indication member; the indication member including a support and at least a first tab; the support and the at least first tab each being of a generally planar configuration; the indication means further including a core; the support being substantially embedded in the core; the core being disposed on the spool; wherein the at least first tab is substantially embedded in the core; a window being formed in the core; and the window extending between the at least first tab and the exterior of the core.
- 51. A method of employing a hub of a type being structured for use in conjunction with a spool having a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics, for determining at least a first known characteristic of the number of known characteristics of the material, the method comprising:employing a core including a central axis, the core being structured to be disposed on the spool; and employing an indication member, the indication member including a support and a plurality of tabs; employing a first tab of the plurality of tabs as an at least first home tab and defining a home position of the indication member; employing a second tab of the plurality of tabs as a characteristic tab, the support being mounted on the core, the tabs being disposed on the support the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis of the core, the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; and detecting the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab; and employing the detected orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab to determine said at least a first known characteristic of the number of known characteristics of the material, the support extending between the tabs.
- 52. A hub for use in conjunction with a spool having a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics, the hub comprising:a core including a central axis; the core being structured to be disposed on the spool; and an indication member; the indication member including a support and a plurality of tabs; a first tab of the plurality of tabs being an at least first home tab and defining a home position of the indication member; a second tab of the plurality of tabs being a characteristic tab; the support being mounted on the core; the tabs being disposed on the support; the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis of the core; the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; and the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab corresponding with the characteristics of the material; the support extending between the tabs; and wherein the support is substantially embedded in the core.
- 53. The hub of claim 52,wherein the indication member is generally flat; and the support and the tabs being generally coplanar.
- 54. The hub of claim 52,wherein the indication member is a monolithically-formed single-piece member.
- 55. The hub of claim 52,wherein the support is at least partially arcuate.
- 56. The hub of claim 55,wherein the tabs each extend generally perpendicularly away from the support.
- 57. The hub of claim 55,wherein the support is generally ring-shaped.
- 58. The hub of claim 52,wherein the support includes a central axis; and the tabs extend from the support in a direction generally away from the central axis.
- 59. The hub of claim 52,wherein the support includes a central axis; and wherein the tabs extend from the support in a direction generally toward the central axis.
- 60. The hub of claim 52,wherein the core is colored, the color of the core corresponding with the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab.
- 61. The hub of claim 60,wherein the core is formed of a material having a color corresponding with the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab.
- 62. The hub of claim 52,wherein the indication member is at least partially metallic.
- 63. A hub for use in conjunction with a spool having a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics the hub comprising:a core including a central axis; the core being structured to be disposed on the spool; and an indication member; the indication member including a support and a plurality of tabs; a first tab of the plurality of tabs being an at least first home tab and defining a home position of the indication member; a second tab of the plurality of tabs being a characteristic tab; the support being mounted on the core; the tabs being disposed on the support; the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the central axis of the core; the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; and the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab corresponding with the characteristics of the material; and the support extending between the tabs; wherein the support includes a first support portion and a second support portion that are separated from one another; one of the tabs being disposed on and extending from the first support portion; and another of the tabs being disposed on and extending from the second support portion.
- 64. A hub for use in conjunction with a spool, the hub comprising:a core including a central axis; the core being structured to be disposed on the spool; and an indication member; the indication member including a support and a plurality of tabs; the support being mounted on the core; the tabs being disposed on the support; and the support extending between the tabs; the support being substantially embedded in the core; wherein the tabs are substantially embedded in the core; a plurality of windows being formed in the core; and the windows each extending between one of the tabs and the exterior of the core.
- 65. A method of employing an indication member of a type being structured for incorporation into a detectable spool for use in a printer, the spool having a quantity of material wrapped thereon, the material having a number of known characteristics, the printer including a sensing apparatus, the method comprising:employing a support; employing a plurality of tabs; employing a first tab of the plurality of tabs as an at least first home tab defining a home position of the indication member; employing a second tab of the plurality of tabs as a characteristic tab, the support extending between the at least first and second tabs, the at least first and second tabs each including an elongated dimension that extends in a generally radial direction with respect to the support, the second tab being oriented at one of a plurality of known angles with respect to the at least first home tab; detecting the orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab; and employing the detected orientation of the second tab with respect to the at least first home tab to determine at least a first known characteristic of the number of known characteristics of the material, the at least first and second tabs protruding from the support, the tabs being structured to be detectable by the sensing apparatus.
- 66. The method of claim 65,wherein the indication member is generally flat; and the support and the tabs being generally coplanar.
- 67. The method of claim 65,wherein the indication member is a monolithically-formed single-piece member.
- 68. The method of claim 65,wherein the support is at least partially arcuate.
- 69. The method of claim 68,wherein the support is generally ring-shaped.
- 70. The method of claim 68,wherein the tabs each extend generally perpendicularly away from the support.
- 71. The method of claim 70,wherein the support includes a central axis; and the tabs extend from the support in a direction generally away from the central axis.
- 72. The method of claim 70,wherein the support includes a central axis; and the tabs extend from the support in a direction generally toward the central axis.
- 73. The method of claim 65,wherein the member is at least partially metallic.
US Referenced Citations (13)