Media Cartridge Assembly

BACKGROUND

Media processing devices, namely printers or other systems, can process media from a media cartridge. The media contained within the media cartridge can include wristbands, labels, receipt media, cards, and the like. After processing the media within the cartridge, the cartridge needs to be disposed of. It is desirable for consumers to recycle refuse, however when a cartridge includes non-recyclable parts, then those parts need to be removed prior to recycling or the entire cartridge must be discarded as non-recyclable. Thus, it is desirable to have a cartridge where non-recyclable parts that need to be disposed of differently than the rest of the cartridge are designed to be easily removable.

Another challenge when using media cartridges is that when the cartridge contains a roll of media being fed through an output, if the media retracts into the cartridge, the leading end of the media can become stuck within the cartridge and can only be repaired or rethreaded by the disassembly of the media cartridge. It is therefore desirable to have a media cartridge containing a roll of media wherein the roll of media is manipulatable by a user without needed to fully open the cartridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a media processing device containing a media cartridge according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the media cartridge illustrated in FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a view of a first side and a second side, respectively, of the media cartridge of FIG. 2 for clarity according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate enhanced views of regions of FIG. 3B according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an assembly as seen within the media cartridge as illustrated in FIG. 2 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an enhanced, cross-sectional view of the media cartridge as illustrated in FIG. 3A according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates another view of the media cartridge of FIG. 2 showing a circuit chip according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates an enhanced view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a view of the inside of the media cartridge in FIG. 2 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 10A-10H illustrate views of the housing of the media cartridge embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, the embodiments of the present disclosure can have many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Media processing devices require media to process in order to operate. The media may be provided by a variety of sources. One such media source may be provided to the media processing device as a media roll supported within a media cartridge (or cartridge). In some embodiments, a media cartridge is loaded into the media processing device such that the media contained within the media cartridge can be drawn out by the media processing device during operation. The use of media cartridges is advantageous as the cartridge is easily loaded into and removed within a media processing device by a user who does not have to be an expert in the field of media processing. Many different types of media may come in cartridges, including media labels of different lengths and widths or wristbands. Cartridges may be designed such that when the cartridge is installed it automatically feeds media from the cartridge to the media processing device for processing.

Given the replaceable nature of the cartridge, once all the media within cartridge is used, the cartridge is then to be disposed and it is therefore desirable to have a cartridge constructed out of recyclable material. However, while most of the cartridge can be molded from a variety of different recyclable materials, there are some elements or parts within the cartridge that are made from a non-recyclable material or a material that needs to be separated and sorted from the cartridge housing before recycling and therefore need to be removed prior to recycling the housing of the cartridge. By making the parts easily removeable, the user will be able to remove the part themselves prior to disposing of the cartridge, e.g., without having to disassembly the housing of the cartridge.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a media cartridge is disclosed. The media cartridge includes a housing, a cartridge output, a spring, and a media stop assembly. The housing is configured to rotatably support a media roll. The cartridge output is configured to guide a media web from the media roll out of the housing. The media stop assembly translates between a release position and a hold position, such that when the media stop assembly is in the hold position, the media web of the media roll is pinched between the media stop assembly and a surface and when the media stop assembly is in the release position, the media stop assembly is separated from the surface and the media web is free to move. The spring biases the media stop assembly towards the hold position; and the spring is removable without opening the housing of the media cartridge. The media cartridge can further include a first aperture in a first side wall of the housing, disposed adjacent to the spring. The media cartridge can also include a second aperture in a second side wall of the housing where the second aperture is disposed adjacent to the spring. When a force is applied by a user, e.g., using a tool or object, to a side of the spring through the first aperture, the spring is configured to uncouple from the media stop assembly for removal from the media cartridge via the first or second aperture. The first aperture can have a width of 9.5 mm and a height of 10.25 mm.

In a further embodiment, the media cartridge includes a circuit chip secured on an outside surface of the housing, and a channel inset within the housing such that a user can remove the circuit chip via inserting a tool or object in the channel and loosening the circuit chip.

In another embodiment, the housing has a first side wall and a second side wall. The at least one media guide surface extends from an inner surface of the first side wall. The at least one media guide wall is configured to direct media from the media roll to the cartridge output. The media cartridge further includes at least one opening in the first side wall of the media cartridge. When the media web requires to be rethreaded through the cartridge output, a user may access the media web via the at least one cutout and feed the media through the at least one media guide surface and then through the cartridge output. The media cartridge further includes a channel in the first side wall of the media cartridge that allows the media web to be fed along the side of the media cartridge. The media stop assembly includes a tab and may be manually moved from the hold position to the release position by a user.

In yet another embodiment, a media cartridge includes a housing, a cartridge output, and a media stop assembly. The housing configured to rotatably support a media roll. The cartridge output within the housing configured to guide media from the media roll out of the housing. The media stop assembly configured to translate between a release position and a hold position, such that when the media stop assembly is in the hold position, media web of the media roll is pinched between the media stop assembly and a surface and when the media stop assembly is in the release position, the media stop assembly is separated from the surface and the media is free to move. A spring biases the media stop assembly towards the hold position, and the spring is accessible via a first aperture in a first side wall of the housing. When a force is applied by a user to a side of the spring through the first aperture, the spring is configured to uncouple from the housing for removal from the media cartridge via a second aperture in a second side wall of the housing. The housing includes a recyclable material and the spring includes a different material than the housing.

In another embodiment, the housing includes a first side wall and a second side wall, wherein the first side wall includes at least one opening. Via the at least one opening and without opening the media cartridge, the media web can be threaded along a media feed path that passes adjacent a media guide surface projecting from the second side wall.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a media cartridge includes a housing and a spring. The housing is configured to rotatably support a media roll, and includes a first side wall and a second side wall. The spring is positioned within the housing and the spring is accessible via an aperture in the first side wall of the housing. When a force is applied by a user to a side of the spring through the aperture, the spring is configured to uncouple from the housing for removal from the media cartridge. A circuit chip secured to the housing and is positioned partially over both the first side wall and the second side wall.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a media cartridge including a housing, at least one wall guide, at least one opening, and a cartridge output. The housing is configured to rotatably contain a media roll and has a first side wall and a second side wall. The at least one wall guide extends from the first side wall, and the at least one wall guide is configured to direct media from the media roll. When the media requires to be fed through the output opening, a user may access the media via the at least one cutout and feed the media through the at least one wall guide and then through the output opening. The embodiment may further include where a media holder is adjacent to the output opening, the media holder biased against the media such that the media and the media roll cannot retract. The media cartridge further includes a channel in the first side wall of the housing, wherein the channel traverses from the at least one opening to a media stop assembly.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provides for a method of manufacturing a media cartridge, the method including forming a first side wall of the media cartridge, where the first side wall including a first spindle element. The method further includes forming a second side wall of the media cartridge, the second side wall including a second spindle element. The method further includes wherein the first and second side wall define a cartridge outlet for a media web from a media roll. The method further includes inserting a spring and a media stop assembly between the first side wall and the second side wall. The method further includes positioning a media roll on the first spindle element of the first wall, enclosing the second side wall over the media roll. The method further includes fastening the first wall to the second wall, securing the media roll within the media cartridge. The method further includes securing a circuit chip to an outside surface of the media cartridge. In the embodiment used within the method, the spring is removable via a first aperture formed in the first wall and a second aperture formed in the second wall. In another embodiment, the first spindle element extends from the first side wall to the second side wall. Conversely, in another embodiment, the first spindle element and the second spindle element meet in a middle space of the media cartridge.

FIG. 1 depicts a media processing device 100 (otherwise referred to herein as “printer”). While the illustrated embodiments and description provided herein are directed primarily to a printing device, other media processing devices such as media encoders, label applicators, or laminators, may benefit from the mechanisms described. The depicted embodiment is of a direct thermal printer, however one skilled in the art would appreciate that other types of thermal printers may be used.

The printer 100 is configured to receive a cartridge 102 within a slot 116. The slot 116 may be located on a top side 108 of the printer 100, where the cartridge 102 may be entered, and pushed down into place by a user. The printer 100 configuration as depicted in FIG. 1 is occasionally referred to as a “toaster” type printer. In some embodiments, the cartridge 102 may contains a roll of labels to process, and in other embodiments the cartridge 102 may include wristbands, RFID tags, or any other type of media that can be printed and coded or in which indicia can be applied. The printer 100 further includes an output 104, the output 104 being disposed on a front side of the printer 112. The front side 112 of the printer is opposite a rear side 114 of the printer 100 and the printer 100 further includes a bottom side 110 of the printer 100. The top side 108 and the bottom side 110 of the printer 100 are relative to a possible surface that the printer 100 might rest on during operation.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the output 104 of the printer 100 is configured to allow media to exit the printer 100 after processing. As will be discussed further below, the output 104 is configured to align with a media output of the cartridge 102 such that media exiting the cartridge 102 for processing can be processed and immediately expelled from the printer 100. The printer 100 may also feature inputs 106, depicted in FIG. 1 as buttons. The inputs 106 allow the user to control elements of the print operation to dispel additional media, pause processing, skip a current processing operation, or other processing operations known in the art.

FIGS. 2 and 3A-B depict a cartridge 102 configured to be inserted into the media processing device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cartridge 102 and FIGS. 3A-B are orthogonal side views of the fifth side 210 and the sixth side 212, respectively. The cartridge 102 includes a housing 200 that is configured to contain a roll of media 230. In the depicted embodiment, the roll of media 230 is a roll of wristbands attached end-to-end, each wristband configured to receive indicia via a thermal printhead. Alternatively, the roll of media 230 may also include a web of labels, a stack of fan-fold labels, or other configuration of media that allows for modular packing of the media within the cartridge 102. The housing 200 of the cartridge 102 has a first side 202 and a second side 204 disposed opposite the first side 202. The first side 202 is a “top” of the housing 200 (in the orientation shown in FIG. 2) and is configured to receive a force from a user when pressing the cartridge 102 into the printer 100 and the second side 204 is a “bottom” of the housing 200 of the cartridge 102 (in the orientation shown in FIG. 2). The housing of the cartridge 102 further includes a third side 206, a fourth side 208, a fifth side 210, and a sixth side 212 (visible in FIG. 3B), where the third side 206 and the fourth side 208 are opposite from each other and the fifth side 210 and the sixth side 212 are opposite from each other.

The third side 206 (also referred to herein as the “output side”), features a cartridge output 214 from which the media 230 is arranged to exit the housing 200 of the cartridge 102. When the cartridge 102 is inserted into the printer 100, the cartridge output 214 is aligned with the output 104 of the printer 100. In the depicted embodiment, this allows the media 230 to exit the cartridge 102 at the cartridge output 214, pass by the print head of the printer 100 and out the output 104 where the user can retrieve the processed media.

FIG. 2 further depicts a spindle 216 that passes through from the fifth side 210 to the sixth side 212. The spindle 216 is configured such that media roll 230, having an internal cylindrical core (not seen) in which the media is wrapped around, is rotatably supported by the spindle 216. The spindle 216 is assembled via the combination of a first component 218 of the housing 200 and a second component 220 of the housing 200. As will be discussed further below, the housing 200 of the cartridge 102 is assembled by joining the first component 218 and the second component 220. Each of the first component 218 and the second component 220 can form a portion of the first through sixth sides of the housing 200. Alternatively, the second component 220 can form the first through fifth sides of the housing 200 and the first component 218 can form the sixth side of the housing 200 or the first component 218 can form the first through fourth and sixth sides of the housing 200 and the second component 220 can form the fifth side of the housing 200. When the two components 218 and 220 are joined together, the spindle 216 is aligned within a roll of media 230 (e.g., in the cylindrical core) which allows the media 230 to be rotatably supported within the housing 200 of the cartridge 102.

In the depicted embodiment, the first side 210 further includes a first aperture 222. The first aperture 222 and second aperture 224 are discussed in further detail below as they relate to accessing and removing internal components via the first aperture 222 and/or second aperture 224. The first aperture 222 is depicted as positioned opposite a second aperture 224 which is located on the sixth side 212 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B). The first and second apertures 222 and 224 can be disposed proximate to the cartridge output 214, above a media path of the media 230 within the housing 200 (relative to the orientation of the housing illustrated in FIG. 2), and aligned with at least a portion of media stop assembly within the housing 200.

FIG. 2 further depicts openings 226 in the walls of the fifth side 210 and the sixth side 212 (shown in FIG. 3B). In some embodiments, the cartridge 102 may only have openings 226 in one side of the housing 200 of the cartridge 102. The openings 226 allow the media roll 230 to be seen without requiring opening the cartridge 102. This aids the user in quickly and easily knowing how much media is left within the cartridge 102. As will be discussed further below, the openings 226 also allows the media web around the media roll to be accessed should the media web need to be rethreaded out of the cartridge output 214.

As depicted in FIG. 3B, the first component 218 and the second component 220 of the cartridge 102 may be guided together via alignment elements 300.

When assembling the housing, tabs 240 are secured around the perimeter of the first component 218 and the second component 220. Other embodiments for securing the housing 200 may include assembled or joined secured with tabs along the perimeter, or by using fasteners, snaps, adhesives, solvent bonding, ultrasonic welding, or using adhesive backed tape or a label. The cartridge 102 typically needs to be sealed such that the cartridge 102 does not come apart at due to minimum forces being applied. The media roll 230 is positioned within the housing 200 of the cartridge 102 such that if the housing of the cartridge 102 is opened, the media roll 230 can be damaged, become unaligned, or unusable.

FIG. 4A depicts an enhanced view of a region 302 noted in FIG. 3Bshowing the second aperture 224 and components thereof in more detail.

Within the second aperture 224, a bias member 400 (also referred to herein as spring 400) can be observed within the housing 200. The spring 400 is fully visible and accessible through the first aperture 222 and the second aperture 224. As depicted in FIG. 4A, the spring 400 is mounted on a post 402, which is part of a media stop assembly 404 described herein. The spring 400 is configured to bias the media stop assembly 404 in a direction 414, which in FIG. 4A is a downward direction per the orientation depicted. In the depicted embodiment, the media stop assembly 404 is biased downward to apply a pressure against a media web extending from the media roll 230 (e.g., shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A-B) along a media path 410 to the cartridge output 214. The media stop assembly 404 holds the media web in place and prevents the media roll 230 from unspooling, e.g., when the cartridge 102 is not installed in a printer 100.

FIG. 4B depicts a portion of the sixth side 212 showing the media path 410 and the opening 226a described herein.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the media stop assembly 404. The media stop assembly 404 includes a first guide wall 500 and a second guide wall 502 extending from a base 504 having a media stop surface 506 that is configured to press against the media as described herein. The first and second guide walls 502 and 504 are positioned on opposite sides of the post 402.

FIG. 6 depicts the media stop assembly 404 within the housing of the cartridge 102. The first guide wall 500 is aligned within a first channel 600 and the second guide wall 502 is aligned with in a second channel 602. The respective guide wall/channel configuration ensures that the media stop assembly 404 translates only in the y-direction as designated by the y-axis of FIG. 6.

Returning to FIGS. 4A-B and 6, as depicted the post 402 is configured concentrically aligned with the spring 400 which may allow an even force distribution from the spring 400 to the media stop assembly 404. The configuration of the post 402 within the spring 400 also may provide stability for the spring 400 which aids in maintaining alignment while the spring 400 is under compression. The spring 400 includes a first spring end 406 and a second spring end 408 wherein the first spring end 406 is pressed against an inner surface of the first side 202 of the housing 200 and the second spring end 408 is wrapped around the post 402 and applies a downward force to the media stop assembly 404. As depicted in FIG. 4, the spring 400 maintains a constant compression which allows a constant force against the media stop assembly 404 which allows a constant force from the media stop assembly 404 against the media path 410.

In the depicted embodiment, while the second spring end 408 is mated with the post 402, the first spring end 406 does not include an internal alignment element. Rather, the first spring end 406 is retained by a retaining wall 412. In some embodiments the retaining wall 412 is located on both the fifth side and the sixth side of the cartridge 102, adjacent to both the first and the second apertures 222,224.

When a force is applied through either the first or the second aperture 222/224 to a side of the spring 400, the first spring end 406 may become dislodged from the cartridge 102. When the force is sufficient to move the first spring end 406 past the retaining wall 412, the spring 400 is dislodged. The built up compression force within the spring 400 is released and causes the spring 400 to extend towards the aperture (e.g., aperture 222) opposite from the aperture (e.g., aperture 224) through which the force is applied. When the spring 400 is no longer compressed between the inner surface of the first side 202 of the housing and the media stop assembly 404, the spring can be readily removed from the housing 200. The force a user applies to the spring 400 may be applied by any type of object or tool shaped such that it will fit through the first and/or second aperture. Example items may include pencil, pen, stylus, screwdriver, or other implementation available to a user.

FIG. 7 depicts the fourth side 208 of cartridge 102. A circuit chip 700 is secured to the fourth side 208. The circuit chip 700 can be surrounded by fourth side 208 such that the circuit chip is generally flush or recessed relative to the surrounding portion of the fourth side 208. The circuit chip 700 includes a memory and is configured to save to the memory usage data as it pertains to the cartridge 102. Such usage data may include a print odometer, amount of media remaining within the cartridge 102, media type, or other types of data that is useful for the printer 100 to optimize the media processing process. However, the circuit chip 700 may be constructed of materials that are non-recyclable and need to be removed from the housing 200 of the cartridge 102 prior to recycling. An indent 702 can be formed in a portion of the fourth side 208. The indent 702 is located adjacent to the circuit chip 700 and is configured such that the surface within the indent 702 is depressed or further away from the circuit chip 700 than the surrounding surface, which means that, while the circuit chip 700 is tightly secured to the fourth side 208 of the housing 200, a user can insert a flat tool or object behind the circuit chip 700 via the indent 702 so that the tool or object can be positioned under the circuit chip 700 between the fourth side 208 of housing and the circuit chip 700. The user can manipulate the tool or object to remove the circuit chip 700 from the cartridge 102, e.g., by exerting a force on the circuit chip 700 from behind the circuit chip 700 which causes the circuit chip to unseated. In some embodiments, the user may use a flathead screwdriver, inserted behind the circuit chip 700 via the indent 702, to leverage the circuit chip 700 from the cartridge 102 for disposal.

FIG. 8 depicts an enhanced, offset view of the region 704 from FIG. 7. The cartridge 102 as depicted in FIG. 8 has been slightly rotated such that the indent 702 is better seen for clarity.

Rethreading Media Within the Cartridge

FIG. 9 depicts an internal view of the second component 220 of the cartridge 102. The openings 226 allow a user to view and access the media within the cartridge 102. FIG. 9 depicts the openings 226 in the wall of the second side 220 of the cartridge 102. FIG. 9 further depicts a first media guide surface 900 and a second media guide surface 902 (together known as media guide surfaces). The first and second media guide surfaces 900/902 are configured to guide media towards the cartridge output 214. In the depicted embodiment the media web coming from the media roll 230 (FIG. 2) follows the media feed path 410 as it passes between the first media guide surface 900 and the second media guide surface 902.

As the media guide surfaces prevent the media web from deviating away from the media feed path 410, the media guide surfaces also restricts backwards or reverse movement of the media web away from the cartridge output 204 back towards the media roll. In some embodiments, when the cartridge 102 is in a printer 100 and the media web is not driven or pulled from the cartridge 102 by drive elements of the printer 100, the media web can be reversed back into the cartridge 102, or driven in the direction indicated by arrow 904 in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, reversal of a media web within a cartridge may cause the media web to buckle or bunch along the media feed path 410 which may damage the media or cause jams or other issues when normal printer operations resume. The media guide surfaces 900 and 902 contact the media web such that when the media web is reversed back into the cartridge 102 in the direction 904, the media web follows backwards against the media guide surfaces 900 and 902 which prevents or mitigates the media web from buckling upon itself.

Similarly, when reversing the media web back into the cartridge 102, the media may reverse more than intended and cause the media web to completely back into the cartridge 102, such that the media web is no longer within the cartridge output 204 and/or no longer within the media guide surfaces 900 and 902. In past cartridges, this typically would cause the media web to be inaccessible until a user was able to force open the cartridge and rethread the media web back through the media guide surfaces. However, in this case, a cartridge may be reassembled which may lead to broken parts or a skewed cartridge that would no longer fit back into a printer. Thus, a solution is needed where a user could rethread a media web from a media roll if the media web were to back out of the media guide surface and end up loose within the cartridge itself, without opening the housing of the cartridge.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the sixth side 212 of the cartridge 102 is depicted having three openings 226. In other embodiments, there may be more or less openings 226. The upper opening 226a is configured to be positioned such that via the opening 226a, a portion of the media roll can be observed and accessible and the first media guide surface 900 can be observed and may be accessible. FIG. 4B depicts an enhanced view of opening 226a.

When the media web is reversed past an end point 900a of the first media guide surface 900, the media web becomes loose within the cartridge 102 and is no accessible to be processed by the printer 100 as the media web is no longer at the cartridge output 214. The user, via openings 226 in the sixth side of the housing 200, may rotate the media roll 230 until a loose end of the media web presents itself to the user. The user, via opening 226a, may thread the loose end of the media web over the end point 900a of the first media guide surface 900. Then, the user may continue to feed the media web along a media threading path 440 via a side channel 420 located in the side wall of the cartridge 102. In the depicted embodiment, the side channel 420 provides an opening to the media threading path 440 and extends from the opening 226a to a window 450 where the media stop assembly 404 is located. When threading the media web back through the media guide surfaces 900 and 902, the media stop assembly 404 can be lifted in a direction 416 via a tab 430 located on a side of the media stop assembly 404. When the media stop assembly 404 is lifted, the media web can be fed back through (via the side channel 420) to the cartridge output 214 past the media stop assembly 404 for processing by the printer 100.

FIGS. 10A-10H depict the media cartridge 102 from different perspectives as described above. FIG. 10A depicts a first perspective view of the media cartridge 102. FIG. 10B depicts a second perspective view of the media cartridge 102. FIG. 10C depicts a first side view of the media cartridge 102. FIG. 10D depicts a second side view of the media cartridge 102. FIG. 10E depicts a top view of the media cartridge 102. FIG. 10F depicts a bottom view of the media cartridge 102. FIG. 10G depicts a front view of the media cartridge 102. FIG. 10G depicts a rear view o the media cartridge 102.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.

The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

Certain expressions may be employed herein to list combinations of elements. Examples of such expressions include: “at least one of A, B, and C”; “one or more of A, B, and C”; “at least one of A, B, or C”; “one or more of A, B, or C”. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, the above expressions encompass any combination of A and/or B and/or C.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and/or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used.

Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Media Cartridge Assembly

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