Methods and apparatus for indicating low toner in a color laser imaging device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to color laser imaging methods and apparatus and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for indicating a low toner condition in color laser imaging devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Color printing by an electrophotographic printer is achieved by first scanning a digitized image onto a photoconductor. Typically, the scanning is performed with diodes which pulse a beam of energy onto the photoconductor. The diodes can be, for example, laser diodes or light emitting diodes (LEDs). The photoconductor typically comprises a movable surface coated with a photoconductive material capable of retaining localized electrical charges. In many cases, the movable surface is in the form of a revolvable cylindrical drum.

The surface of the photoconductor is divided into small units called pixels. The photoconductor is generally configured to continuously revolve such that any given pixel is repeatedly moved past the diodes at a substantially regular cycle and at a substantially constant rate, and along a substantially fixed path relative to the diodes. Each pixel is capable of being charged to a given electrical potential, independent of the electrical charge of each surrounding pixel.

During operation of the printer, substantially all of the pixels are first charged to a base electrical charge as they move past a charging unit during each revolution of the photoconductor. Then, as the pixels move past the diodes, the beam of energy, such as a laser, is either directed at, or not directed at, each of the pixels as dictated by the digital data used to pulse the laser. If the laser is directed at a given pixel, the given pixel can be electrically altered by changing (typically discharging) the base electrical charge to a second electrical charge.

Thus, after passing a laser during operation of the printer, a first portion of the pixels will remain at the base electrical charge because they were not exposed to the laser, while a second portion will have a different charge because of being altered by the laser. The first and second portions of unaltered and altered pixels thus form an image on the photoconductor. One portion of pixels will attract toner, while the other portion will not, depending on various factors such as the electrical potential of the toner. That is, the unaltered pixels will either attract or not attract toner, and vice versa with regard to the altered pixels.

Once the toner has been applied to the photoconductor, the toner is then transferred to a finished product medium, such as a sheet of paper. Although the finished product medium typically comprises paper, it can also comprise other materials such as plastic, as in the case of a transparency. The transfer of toner from the photoconductor to the finished product medium can be direct, or it can be indirect using an intermediate transfer device. That is, in the direct method, the toner is transferred directly from the photoconductor to the finished product medium. In the indirect method, the toner is transferred first to an intermediate transfer device, and then transferred from the intermediate transfer device to the finished product medium. The intermediate transfer device typically comprises a revolvable endless belt. During operation of the printer, the intermediate transfer device typically moves by circulating, or revolving, past the photoconductor.

After the toner is transferred to the finished product medium, it is processed to fix the toner thereto. This last step is normally accomplished by thermally heating the toner to fuse it to the finished product medium, or applying pressure to the toner on the finished product medium. Any residual toner on the photoconductor and/or the intermediate transfer device is then removed by a cleaning station, which can comprise either or both mechanical and electrical means for removing the residual toner.

A variety of methods are known for selectively attracting toner to a photoconductor. Generally, each toner has a known electrical potential affinity. As described above, selected pixels of the photoconductor can be exposed by a laser from a base potential to a given potential associated with the selected toner, and then the toner can be presented to the photoconductor so that the toner is attracted only to the selectively exposed pixels. This latter step is known as developing the photoconductor.

In some processes, after the photoconductor is developed by a first toner, the photoconductor is then recharged to the base potential and subsequently exposed and developed by a second toner. In other processes, the photoconductor is not recharged to the base potential after being exposed and developed by a selected toner. In yet another process, the photoconductor is exposed and developed by a plurality of toners, then recharged, and then exposed and developed by another toner. In certain processes, individual photoconductors are individually developed with a dedicated color, and then the toner is transferred from the various photoconductors to a transfer medium which then transfers the toner to the finished product medium. The selection of the charge-expose-develop process depends on a number of variables, such as the type of toner used and the ultimate quality of the image desired.

Image data for an electrophotographic printer (which will also be known herein as a “printer”), including color laser printers, is digital data which is stored in computer memory. The data is stored in a matrix or “raster” which identifies the location and color of each pixel which comprises an overall image. The raster image data can be obtained by scanning an original analog document and digitizing the image into raster data, or by reading an already digitized image file. The former method is more common to photocopiers, while the latter method is more common to printing computer files using a printer. Accordingly, the invention described below is applicable to either photocopiers or printers.

Recent technology has removed the distinction between photocopiers and printers such that a single printing apparatus can be used either as a copier, a printer for computer files, or a facsimile machine. In any event, the image to be printed onto finished product media is provided to the printer as digital image data. The digital image data is then used to pulse the beam of a laser in the manner described above so that the image can be reproduced by the electrophotographic printing apparatus. Accordingly, the expression “printer” should not be considered as limiting to a device for printing a file from a computer, but should also include any device capable of printing a digitized image in the general manner described herein, regardless of the source of the image.

The image data file is essentially organized into a two dimensional matrix within the raster. The image is digitized into a number of lines. Each line comprises a number of discrete points. Each of the points corresponds to a pixel on the photoconductor. Each point is assigned a value representing data pertaining to its color and potentially other attributes, such as density. The matrix of points makes up the resultant digitally stored image. The digital image is stored in computer readable memory as a raster image. That is, the image is cataloged by line, and each line is cataloged by each point in the line. A computer processor, or digital hardware, reads the raster image data line-by-line, and actuates the laser to selectively expose a given pixel based on the presence or absence of coloration, and the degree of coloration for the pixel.

The method of transferring the digital raster data to the photoconductor via a laser, lasers, or LEDs, is known as the image scanning process, or the scanning process. The scanning process is performed by a scanning portion, or scanning section, of the electrophotographic printer. The process of attracting toner to the photoconductor is known as the developing process. The developing process is accomplished by the developer section of the printer. Image quality is dependent on both of these processes. Image quality is thus dependent on both the scanning section of the printer, which transfers the raster data image to the photoconductor, as well as the developer section of the printer, which manages the transfer of the toner to the photoconductor.

In the case of a typical multi-color laser printer, at least one laser scanner is included and utilized to generate a latent electrostatic image on the photoconductor. Generally, one latent electrostatic image is generated for each color plane to be printed. A “color plane” generally refers to a portion of the output image which comprises only a single color of toner. For example, in a four-color laser printer, the final output image comprises four color planes. This allows for each of four colors to be imaged first onto a photoconductor, then transferred onto an intermediate transfer device, and finally transferred from the intermediate transfer device to the finished product medium.

In general, multi-color printers are configured as four-color printers. The four color planes typically printed, and which are generally considered as necessary to generate a relatively complete palate of colors, are yellow, magenta, cyan and black. That is, the typical color printer is provided with toners in each of these four colors. These colors will be known herein as the “primary colors”. Some printers have the capability of printing one color on top of another on the same pixel, so as to generate a fuller palate of finished colors.

In a typical scanning process, a laser is scanned from one edge of the photoconductor to the opposite edge while being selectively pulsed in accordance with the image data file. That is, the laser scans across the photoconductor, following a row of pixels. As the laser scans along the row of pixels, it is selectively pulsed a pixel-by-pixel basis. That is, for each pixel in a row, the laser is either directed at the pixel, or not directed at it. The scan of the laser in this manner causes a line of point which make up the digital image to be transferred from the raster onto the photoconductor. As the photoconductor moves past the laser, the laser advances to the next row of pixels, and the next line of points from the digital image is scanned by the laser onto the photoconductor. The image data is thus scanned onto the photoconductor in a pixel-by-pixel and line-by-line basis until the complete image is transferred to the photoconductor.

The side-to-side scanning action of each laser is traditionally accomplished using a dedicated multi-faceted rotating polygonal mirror at which a stationary laser is aimed. The rotation or the mirror causes the reflected laser beam to be scanned across the photoconductor at a unique relative lineal position from a first edge to a second edge of the photoconductor. As the mirror rotates to an edge of the polygon between facets, the reflected laser reaches the edge of the photoconductor. When the laser is reflected off of the next facet as it rotates into position, the laser is essentially reset to the first edge of the photoconductor to begin scanning a new line onto the advancing photoconductor.

Generally, there are two types of color laser printers. One type is the multi-pass printer and the other type is the in-line printer. The multi-pass type of laser printer, also known as the four-pass, is generally provided with a single photoconductor and a single laser/mirror scanner system. The four-pass type is also generally provided with a movable intermediate transfer device, commonly in the form of an endless belt which circulates, or revolves, past the photoconductor. In operation, each of the four color planes (typically black, yellow, cyan, and magenta) which make up an output image is consecutively developed on the photoconductor and completely deposited on the intermediate transfer device. That is, as a first color plane is developed on the photoconductor, it is deposited in its entirety, as toner, on the intermediate transfer device as the device makes a complete first revolution, past the photoconductor.

The intermediate transfer device then begins a second revolution past the photoconductor during which the second color plane is developed on the photoconductor and deposited in its entirety on the intermediate transfer device in registered alignment with the first color plane. This process is repeated in like manner for the third and fourth color planes until all four color planes have been deposited on the intermediate transfer device so as to build-up the completed image thereon. It is important that each succeeding color plane is deposited exactly “on top of” the previous color plane. That is, each succeeding color plane is superimposed, or deposited in registration with, the previous color plane. After the image has been completed with all four color planes on the intermediate transfer device, the image is then transferred to a sheet of finished product medium.

The toner is generally in the form of a fine powder. Each color of toner is contained in a dedicated compartment to avoid mixing of the different color toners prior to deposition of the toners on the photoconductor. The toner compartments are usually configured as cartridges which are removable from the printer apparatus. The removable nature of the cartridges facilitates resupply of the toner. That is, when the level of toner in a given toner cartridge becomes low, or when the cartridge becomes empty, the cartridge can be removed from the printer and replaced by another like cartridge which contains a supply of the same color toner.

As mentioned above, the in-line type of printer generally has a photoconductor and a laser/mirror scanner system of each color toner. Thus, a typical in-line printer will include four photoconductors and four laser/mirror scanner systems, wherein each of the laser/mirror scanner systems correspond to one each of the photoconductors. The photoconductors are usually situated “in-line” relative to one another, and proximate to the intermediate transfer device. Each of the photoconductor-laser/scanner combinations is dedicated to producing a given color plane. For example, a particular photoconductor-laser/scanner combination can produce only yellow color planes, while another photoconductor-laser/scanner combination can produce only magenta color planes.

Prior art printer apparatus have been equipped with low toner detection systems which can detect and identify a low toner condition. These low toner detection systems have been configured to identify the specific toner cartridge which is empty, or which has a low level of toner. Various methods of detecting a low level of toner in a toner cartridge are known and need not be discussed herein.

In order to communicate the low toner condition to the user or operator, prior art printer apparatus have relied on a graphics display interface. That is, prior art printer apparatus have been equipped with a display screen on which the low toner condition, and the specific toner cartridge needing replacement, is identified in the form of text or graphics. Unfortunately, this type of graphics display interface can add considerable complexity to the printer apparatus. Additionally, other prior art printer apparatus have been produced without a graphics display interface in an effort to reduce the complexity of the printer. However, in these latter types of prior art printers the toner cartridge which has a low toner condition is not identified. Thus, in these latter types of prior art printers, the user must physically check each toner cartridge for a low toner condition. This can result in an unacceptable amount of time spent by the user in identifying the low toner cartridge, and can also result in an incorrect identification which, in turn, results in the wrong cartridge being replaced. It is therefore desirable to find a less complex, yet reasonably reliable means of communicating a low toner condition to the user of a color laser printer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes methods and apparatus for identifying a toner cartridge having a low toner condition in a multi-toner printer apparatus, and for presenting a toner cartridge having a low toner condition in a printer apparatus to the user of the apparatus.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for identifying a toner cartridge having a low toner condition in a printer is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a movable carriage for supporting a plurality of toner cartridges. The carriage can be in the form of a substantially rotary carousel. The apparatus also comprises a cartridge access way through which one of the plurality of toner cartridges can be accessed. The apparatus causes a cartridge having a low toner condition to be accessible at the access way by moving the carriage so that the low toner cartridge is positioned at the access way for removal and replacement. The apparatus can be configured to position the low toner cartridge at the access way only at times when the printer is idle.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for identifying a toner cartridge having a low toner condition in a printer is disclosed, wherein the apparatus comprises a movable carriage for supporting a plurality of toner cartridges. The carriage can be configured to remove in a substantially linear manner as apposed to a rotational manner as in the above embodiment. The apparatus causes a cartridge having a low toner condition to be accessible at the access way by moving the carriage so that the low toner cartridge is positioned at the access way for removal and replacement. As in the above, embodiment, the apparatus can be configured to position the low toner cartridge at the access way only during times when the printer is idle.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for identifying a toner cartridge having a low toner condition is disclosed, wherein a plurality of toner cartridges are supported in a substantially fixed manner. The apparatus comprises a plurality of cartridge access ways, wherein each one of the cartridge access ways corresponds to one each of the toner cartridges. The apparatus can also comprise a plurality of doors, wherein each one of the doors is configured to cover one each of the cartridge access ways. Alternatively, or in addition, the apparatus can comprise a plurality of visual signal devices, wherein each one of the signal devices corresponds to one each of the cartridge access ways. A low toner cartridge can be identified by causing one of the doors to open, thus presenting the low toner cartridge to the user. Alternatively, one of the visual signal devices can be caused to generate a visual signal, thus identifying to the user a low toner cartridge. The apparatus can be configured to continue printing output images after the low toner cartridge has been identified.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, a method of presenting a low toner cartridge to the user of a printer is disclosed. The method includes providing a cartridge access way, detecting a low toner condition in a toner cartridge, and causing the low toner cartridge to become accessible through the cartridge access way. The method can also include the step of positioning the low toner cartridge to the cartridge access way. The low toner cartridge can be positioned at the cartridge access way only at times when the printer is idle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1

is a side elevation schematic diagram of an apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1A

is a partial schematic control diagram of the apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2

is another side elevation schematic diagram of the apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, showing a different position of the carriage.

FIG. 3

is a side elevation schematic diagram of an apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4

is a side elevation schematic diagram of an apparatus in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5

is another side elevation schematic diagram of the apparatus in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention, showing a different position of the carriage.

FIG. 6

is a side elevation schematic diagram of an apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7

is a side elevation schematic diagram of an alternative configuration of an apparatus in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention which is depicted in FIG.

6

.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes methods and apparatus for identifying a toner cartridge having a low toner condition in a printer apparatus having a plurality of toner cartridges, and for presenting a low toner cartridge to a user of the apparatus.

The apparatus of the present invention is described as a “printer” among other terms. By “printer” I mean an imaging device that comprises at least one photoconductor onto which at least one toner from one of the plurality of toner cartridges is deposited to form an image. The image is ultimately deposited onto a finished product medium, such as a sheet of paper, to produce an output image. One example of an imaging device which is within the scope of the present invention is a color laser printer. Another example is a color photocopier. Further examples are possible. However, the invention should not be considered as limited to any specific example, but is understood in include all apparatus, and related methods, for producing an image using toner from a plurality of toner cartridges.

With reference to

FIG. 1

, an image-producing apparatus, or printer,

100

in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is depicted in a schematic side elevation diagram. As is seen, the apparatus

100

can comprise an intermediate transfer device

24

. The intermediate transfer device

24

can be configured as an endless belt supported by a plurality of substantially parallel rollers

26

as shown. The intermediate transfer device

24

can move, or revolve, in the direction “A.” The apparatus

100

can also comprise a photoconductor

44

which can be configured to rotate in a direction “B.”

The apparatus

100

can also comprise a scanning section

52

which can be configured to scan an image onto the photoconductor

44

as described above. The device

100

comprises a movable carriage

62

. The carriage

62

is configured to support a plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

. As is seen the carriage

62

can be configured as a carousel which can be rotated about an axis of rotation

63

. Although the axis of rotation

63

is depicted as substantially parallel to that of the photoconductor

44

, it is understood that the relative orientation and relative position of the axis of rotation is not limited by the present invention. That is, the purpose of the present invention is not intended to be dependent on the relative orientation or relative position of the axis of rotation

63

of the carriage

62

. For example, in an alternative configuration which is not shown, the relative orientation of the axis of rotation

63

can be substantially transverse to its orientation shown. As a further example, the carriage

62

can be oriented and positioned such that the axis of rotation

63

is substantially coaxial relative to the rotation of the photoconductor

44

.

The apparatus

100

also comprises a cartridge access way

72

. By “cartridge access way,” I mean a passage through which a single toner cartridge T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

can be accessed for removal from, and replacement into, its supported position in a printer device. The cartridge access way

72

can be defined in an enclosure

32

or the like. The cartridge access way

72

can be covered by a door

74

which can block the cartridge access way. The door

74

can comprise a transparent material to allow a user to visually detect the presence of a toner cartridge T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

at the cartridge access way

72

. A door position sensor

75

can also be included in the apparatus

100

to sense the position of the door

74

.

The apparatus

100

can also comprise a lock device

76

which can cause the door

74

to become locked in the closed position as shown so as to prevent the opening thereof. The lock device

76

can incorporate an electric solenoid (not shown) or the like so as to be remotely, and/or automatically, operated. Moreover, the lock device

76

can incorporate a manual override feature (not shown), such as a handle or the like, so that the lock device can be manually operated in the event of a malfunction of the automatic feature. The apparatus

100

can also comprise a signal device

78

which can transmit a signal. The signal device

78

can, for example, comprise a light which can transmit a visual signal. The signal device

78

can, alternatively, comprise a sound-making device which can transmit an audible signal. The apparatus

100

can also comprise a controller

80

, such as a processor or the like, to control the function of various components of the apparatus

100

.

Moving to

FIG. 1A

, a partial schematic diagram is shown of the apparatus

100

. It is understood that the schematic diagram shown in

FIG. 1A

depicts only one of many possible paths of communication between various components of the apparatus

100

.

FIG. 1A

is not meant to imply any particular means of communication between any of the components, and it is understood that such means can include electrical conductors and fiber optic filaments, as well as wireless means such as electromagnetic energy and sound waves. Furthermore, it is understood that

FIG. 1A

is meant to be exemplary of any embodiment of the present invention. That is, it is understood that the attributes of the apparatus

100

which are displayed and depicted in

FIG. 1A

are meant to be applicable to any embodiment of the present invention, including those which are described herein.

As shown in

FIG. 1A

, the apparatus

100

can comprise a movable carriage

62

which is configured to support a plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

. The carriage

62

can be configured to be caused to move by way of an actuator A

2

, or the like, such as a motor, which can be connected to the carriage either directly, or indirectly by way of a drive linkage A

4

such as a drive belt or the like. A plurality of cartridge sensors A

6

can be included in the apparatus

100

, and can be configured to detect the presence of at least one of the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

on the carriage

62

. Each of the cartridge sensors A

6

can be further configured to detect the presence of a specific toner cartridge associated with a specific color of toner so as to ensure the proper position and presence of each of the different toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

. Alternatively, each of the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

can be uniquely shaped so as to fit only into a correspondingly unique position on the carriage

62

.

In the event that a movable carriage is included in the apparatus

100

, the apparatus

100

can also include a carriage position sensor A

8

which can be configured to detect the relative position of the carriage

62

. A low toner sensor A

10

can also be included in the apparatus

100

, and can be configured to detect a low toner condition in at least one of the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

. It is understood that there are a number of different known means for detecting the low toner condition in the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

, and it is further understood that the specific means so employed in conjunction with the present invention is not material thereto and need not be discussed. The apparatus

100

can further include an operator interface A

12

, such as a keypad or a switch or the like, which can be configured to input operator commands to the controller

80

.

As further depicted, the door

74

which is shown in a closed position, can be configured to cover the cartridge access way

72

(shown in FIG.

1

), as described above for FIG.

1

. The door position sensor

75

can also be included, and can be configured to detect whether the door

74

is in an open position or closed position. The apparatus

100

can comprise the lock device

76

which is described above, and which can be employed to lock the door

74

in the closed position as shown. The lock device

76

can be actuated, for example, by a solenoid which is activated by the controller

80

, as more fully described below. The signal device

78

, as described above, can also be included in the apparatus

100

, and can be configured to transmit an audible signal or a visual signal.

As shown in

FIG. 1A

, the apparatus

100

can also comprise a controller

80

, such as a processor or the like, which can ba configured to be in communication with the various components included in the apparatus

100

as shown. For example, the controller

80

can be configured to communicate with the actuator A

2

so as to control the movement of the carriage

62

. Furthermore, the carriage position sensor A

8

can be configured to provide feedback to the controller

80

with regard to the relative position of the carriage

62

. Similarly, each of the plurality of cartridge sensors A

6

can provide feedback to the controller

80

with regard to the presence of a toner cartridge T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

in the carriage

62

. Likewise, the door position sensor

75

can be configured to provide feedback to the controller

80

with regard to the position of the door

74

.

The controller

80

can also be configured to communicate with the lock device

76

so as to cause the lock device to move to the locked position as shown or to an unlocked position so as to allow the door

74

to open. As further shown, the controller

80

can be in communication with the signal device

78

so as to cause the signal device to transmit a signal as described above. The low toner sensor A

10

can be in communication with the controller

80

so as to indicate a low toner condition in one of the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

, and to indicate which toner cartridge has the low toner condition.

The operator interface A

12

can also be in communication with the controller

80

. The operator interface A

12

can be utilized by the operator or user of the apparatus

100

to input operational commands to the controller

80

. For example, in the event of a partial operational failure, the operator can override the normal operational sequence of the apparatus

100

by inputting commands to the controller

80

by way of the operator interface A

12

. The relevance of the discussion for

FIG. 1A

will become more apparent in the following discussion.

Turning back to

FIG. 1

, the controller

80

can be configured to prevent movement of the carriage

62

when the door

74

is not in the closed position. Additionally, the controller

80

can cause a temporary suspension of the printing process whenever the door

74

is not in the closed position. Likewise, the controller

80

can be configured to suspend the printing process unless all toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

are present in their respective supported positions within the carriage

62

.

Moving now to

FIG. 2

, it is seen that the controller

80

can be configured to cause any one of the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

to be accessible through the cartridge access way

72

. This can be accomplished by causing the carriage

62

to rotate by way of the actuator A

2

shown and described in

FIG. 1A

, so as to move any one of the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

to an “access position” at the cartridge access way

72

. By “access position” I mean a position of a given toner cartridge T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

while supported on the carriage, in which position the given toner cartridge can be removed from, and replaced into, its supported position on the carriage

62

through the cartridge access way

72

. As depicted in

FIG. 2

, the first toner cartridge T

1

is located in the access position.

Turning back to

FIG. 1

, during operation of the apparatus

100

, the apparatus can produce an output image (not shown) which originates when the scanning section

52

scans a first color plane of an image onto the revolving photoconductor

44

. A first toner is then applied to the photoconductor

44

from the first toner cartridge T

1

which is located at an “application position.” By “application position” I mean a position of a given toner cartridge T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

while supported on the carriage

62

, in which position the given toner cartridge can apply toner to the photoconductor

44

. The first color plane of the output image (not shown) can be transferred to the intermediate transfer device

24

. When the first color plane has been completed by the scanning section

52

and completely developed by the first toner from the first toner cartridge T

1

, the carriage

62

can then move the second toner cartridge T

2

to the application position.

When the second toner cartridge T

2

has been moved to the application position, the second toner can then be applied to the photoconductor

44

to the develop the second color plane which is scanned onto the photoconductor

44

by the scanning section

52

. It is noted that, in scanning succeeding color planes onto the photoconductor

44

, it is important that each of the color planes that make up an image are in registration with one another as discussed above. Once the second color plane is scanned and developed on the photoconductor

44

, it can then be transferred from the photoconductor

44

to the intermediate transfer device

24

. When the second color plane has been completely developed with the second toner from the second toner cartridge T

2

, the carriage can move the third toner cartridge T

3

to the application position. The processes described above for developing the first and second color planes can then be performed in like manner to develop the third and fourth color planes.

During the production of output images as described above, the door

74

can remain closed and locked. Also, the production of output images can be made to be dependent on the closed position of the door

74

. That is, the production of output images can be made to commence only when the controller

80

has detected that the door

74

is closed and locked. It is also evident that, during production of output images, none of the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

are located at the access position. Thus, if the door

74

comprises a transparent material, such as in the case of a window, none of the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

are visible through the door

74

during production of output images. It is seen that the access position, wherein a toner cartridge is made accessible at the cartridge access way, is “out of phase” with the application position. When I say “out of phase” I mean that, when one of the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

is located at the application position, as depicted in

FIG. 1

, then none of the other toner cartridges are located at the cartridge access way, and vice versa.

Now referring again to

FIG. 2

, when a toner cartridge T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

having low toner is detected by the apparatus

100

using one of a number of known means, the production of output images can be suspended until the toner cartridge having low toner is removed and replaced. When the toner cartridge T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

having low toner is identified by the apparatus

100

, the controller can cause the carriage

62

to move one of the cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

having low toner to the access position at the cartridge access way

72

.

The controller

80

can also cause the door

74

to become unlocked so as to allow it to be opened manually by an operator or user. In this manner, the toner cartridge T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

having low toner can be made accessible through the cartridge access way

72

. Also, once a low toner condition has been detected, and a low toner signal sent to the controller

80

, then the controller can cause the signal device

78

to transmit a signal which is detectable by a user or operator of the apparatus

100

. Upon detecting the signal transmitted by the signal device

78

, a user or operator of the apparatus

100

can then open the door

74

and remove and replace the toner cartridge T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

having low toner.

Alternatively, the door

74

can be made biased in the open position by a resilient member (not shown) such as a spring or the like. In that case, the door

74

can be made to open automatically when it is unlocked by the controller

80

. As a further alternative, the lock device

76

can be omitted and the door can also be made to be biased in the closed position. In any case, once the toner cartridge having low toner has been removed and replaced by a like toner cartridge having a supply of toner, the user or operator of the apparatus

100

can close the door

74

. When the door

74

is closed by the user, the controller

80

can detect that the door has been closed, and can then cause the signal device

78

to stop transmitting the signal. The controller

80

can then also cause the production of output images (not shown) to resume.

Thus, it is evident from the above discussion for

FIGS. 1 and 2

that the apparatus

100

can be used advantageously as a relatively simple means of indicating a low toner condition and also for identifying which toner cartridge needs to be replaced, and for subsequently presenting the low toner cartridge to the user or operator for replacement. This reduces the opportunity for the wrong cartridge T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

to be removed, and can also reduce the elapsed time of replacing a cartridge by eliminating the need to manually search for the low toner cartridge.

As an alternative to the operational scheme discussed above, the apparatus

100

can be configured so that when a toner cartridge T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

having low toner is detected by the apparatus

100

, the normal production of output images continues until the apparatus becomes idle. When the apparatus

100

becomes idle, the carriage

62

moves the low toner cartridge to the access way where the cartridge is available for removal and replacement. By “idle” I mean an operational status of the apparatus

100

or associated printer wherein no output image data is available for printing. That is, “idle” refers to the operational status of the apparatus

100

or associated printer when no images are being printed or awaiting printing.

Thus, if a low toner cartridge is identified and moved to the access way

72

at the beginning of an idle period, but is not removed and replaced before the end of the idle period, the apparatus

100

can simply continue with normal printing of output images if more output image data is received. This can be accomplished by causing the carousel to move the cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

in the manner described above for normal output image production. That is, if the carriage

62

has moved a low toner cartridge to the access way

72

after finishing a first printing job and the low toner cartridge has not been removed when, after a period of idle time, output image data of a second printing job is received into the apparatus

100

, then the apparatus can resume normal output image production in order to print the second print job. This process can then be repeated indefinitely until the low toner cartridge is removed and replaced.

Although the apparatus

100

is depicted in

FIGS. 1 and 2

as having a specific angle of rotation between the application position and the access position, it is understood that the present invention includes an apparatus not shown which has any angle of rotation between the application position and the access position. That is, in accordance with the present invention, the cartridge access way

72

can be located in any position relative to the photoconductor

44

which will allow the apparatus

100

to achieve the purpose for which it is intended.

Referring to

FIG. 3

, an apparatus

200

in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is depicted.

FIG. 3

is a schematic side elevation diagram of the apparatus

200

. As is seen, the apparatus

200

can comprise the same, or similar, components as does the apparatus

100

described above for

FIGS. 1 and 2

. That is, the apparatus

200

shown in

FIG. 3

can comprise a carriage

62

which is configured to support a plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

, and which is also configured to rotate about an axis or rotation

63

. The apparatus

200

can also comprise a processor

80

, as well as any of the other components depicted in

FIGS. 1

,

1

A, and

2

. Likewise, the apparatus

200

can be configured to operate in a manner similar to that described for the apparatus

100

for

FIGS. 1

,

1

A, and

2

above.

However, as shown in

FIG. 3

, the apparatus

200

can comprise a cartridge access way

72

that is located relative to the photoconductor

44

so as to be “in phase” with the application position. When I say “in phase” I mean that, when one of the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

is located at the application position, another of the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

is located at the cartridge access position, and vice versa. For example, as depicted in

FIG. 3

, the first toner cartridge T

1

is located in the application position wherein a first toner can be applied from the first toner cartridge to the photoconductor

44

.

When the first toner cartridge T

1

is located in the application position as shown, a third toner cartridge T

3

is located in the access position where it can be accessed through the cartridge access way

72

. As is evident, the apparatus

200

can comprise a door

74

which can be biased in the closed position by a resilient member (not shown), and can also comprise a door lock

76

. The configuration of the apparatus

200

can be advantageous in at least one respect over the configuration of the apparatus

100

described above in that the application position and the access position are in phase. The in phase configuration of the apparatus

200

can eliminate an extra position of the carriage

62

. This can both lessen the complexity of the operational sequence and can also shorten the time required to move the low toner cartridge to the access way

72

.

Now turning to

FIG. 4

, an apparatus

300

in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is depicted in a schematic side elevation diagram. As is seen, the apparatus

300

can be similar to the apparatus

100

and

200

described above for

FIGS. 1 through 3

. That is, the apparatus

300

can have an intermediate transfer device

24

which can be supported by a plurality of substantially parallel rollers

26

and which can move, or revolve, in the direction “A.” The apparatus

300

can also have a photoconductor

44

which moves, or revolves, in the direction “B” and can also have a laser/scanner system

52

. The laser/scanner system

52

, photoconductor

44

and intermediate transfer device

24

can all function in a manner similar to that described for the apparatus

100

for

FIGS. 1

,

1

A, and

2

above. It is also understood that the apparatus

300

can be configured in the manner described for FIG.

1

A.

The apparatus

300

can also have a carriage

362

which can be configured to support a plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

. The carriage

362

can be configured to move substantially linearly in the directions indicated by the arrows marked “L.” The carriage

362

can be supported on a guide, or track,

363

. The guide

363

can be configured to support the carriage

362

. The carriage

362

can be moved in the direction “L” by an actuator (such as the actuator A

2

depicted in

FIG. 1A

) such as a linear motor, a ball-screw device, a rack and pinion device, or the like.

The apparatus

300

can also include an enclosure

332

, through which is defined a cartridge access way

72

. The cartridge access way

72

can be covered by a movable door

74

which can be biased toward the open position using a resilient member (not shown) such as a spring or the like. The door

74

can be secured in the closed position as shown by a lock device

76

which can be supported on the enclosure

332

. The apparatus

300

can also comprise a signal device

78

as well as a controller

80

. The controller

80

can be configured to control various components and operations of the apparatus

300

, such as the door

74

, lock device

76

, signal device

78

, carriage

362

, and guide

363

as generally described above. For example, the controller

80

can be configured to cause the carriage

362

to move in the directions “L” so as to locate any of the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

in an application position wherein toner can be applied to the photoconductor

44

.

Moving to

FIG. 5

, another schematic side elevation diagram is shown of the apparatus

300

which is depicted in FIG.

4

. As is seen in

FIG. 5

, the carriage

362

can be configured to move in the directions “L” so as to locate one of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

at the access position at the cartridge access way

72

. For example, as shown in

FIG. 5

, a second toner cartridge T

2

is located at the cartridge access way

72

. When one of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

is located at the cartridge access way

72

, it can be removed from the carriage

362

and replaced by a like cartridge having a supply of toner.

As is evident from a study of both

FIGS. 4 and 5

, the access position and the application position can be located relative to one another so as to be “out of phase” in a manner similar to that described for the apparatus

100

for

FIGS. 1 and 2

above. That is, as is seen in

FIGS. 4 and 5

, when one of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

is located at the photoconductor

44

in the application position, none of the plurality of toner cartridges is located in the access position at the cartridge access way

72

. Conversely, when one of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

is located at the cartridge access way

72

in the access position, none of the plurality of toner cartridges is located at the phctoconductor

44

in the application position. However, it is understood that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the apparatus

300

can be configured so that the access position and the application position are substantially in phase as in the case of the apparatus

200

described for

FIG. 3

above.

In operation the controller

80

, by way of an actuator (such as actuator A

2

depicted in FIG.

1

A), can cause the carriage

362

to move in the directions “L” so as to locate any of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

at the photoconductor

44

in the application position. In this manner, each of a plurality of color planes can be successively produced on the photoconductor

44

so as to produce an output image. Each of the color planes can be produced by successively depositing each of a plurality of toners onto the photoconductor

44

from each of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

as described above for

FIGS. 1

,

1

A, and

2

.

If one of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

is determined to have a low level of toner, the controller

80

can first cause the production of output images to be temporarily suspended until the low toner condition is corrected. The toner cartridge having low toner can be isolated by causing the carriage

362

to move the cartridge to the access position at the cartridge access way

72

. The signal device

78

can be caused to transmit a signal which is detectable by a user or operator of the apparatus

300

. The lock device

76

can also be caused to unlock the door

74

. The door

74

can be opened to provide access to one of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

which has been moved to the access position at the cartridge access way

72

. In the case of a door

74

which is biased in the open position by a resilient member (not shown) as described above, the door can be caused to open automatically. Alternatively, the apparatus

300

can be configured to position the low toner cartridge to the access way

72

only when the apparatus

300

is idle as described above for the apparatus

100

.

When one of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

having low toner is caused to be accessible through the cartridge access way

72

, the cartridge can be removed from the carriage through the access way

72

and can be replaced by a toner cartridge having a supply of toner. A cartridge sensor (such as sensors A

6

depicted in

FIG. 1A

) can be configured to detect that all of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

are present in the carriage

362

. Also, the door position sensor

75

can be configured to detect whether the door

74

has been closed. Once the low toner condition has been corrected by the replacement of the toner cartridge T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

having low toner, and the controller

80

has been notified that all cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

are present, or that the door

74

has been returned to the closed position, the controller can cause the apparatus

300

to resume the production of output images (not shown).

Moving to

FIG. 6

, a schematic side elevation diagram is shown of an apparatus

400

in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As is evident, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention need not comprise a movable carriage, as do the embodiments described above for

FIGS. 1 through 5

. The apparatus

400

in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention can, however, comprise an intermediate transfer device

24

which can be supported on a plurality of substantially parallel rollers

26

. The apparatus

400

can also include a controller

80

. It is also understood that the apparatus

400

can be configured, with regard to the controller

80

and related components, in a manner similar to that depicted in

FIG. 1A

, with the exception of the carriage, carriage position sensor, and actuator.

The apparatus

400

can also comprise at least one photoconductor

44

, and at least one laser/scanner section

52

. An enclosure

432

can be included in the apparatus

400

as can at least one signal device

78

, a plurality of lock devices

76

, and a plurality of doors

74

. Each of the doors

74

can be configured to selectively cover one each of a plurality of cartridge access ways

72

which can be defined on the apparatus

400

as shown. The apparatus

400

can also comprise a plurality of door position sensors

75

which can be configured to detect the position of each of the doors

74

. The controller

80

can be configured to activate the signal device(s)

78

and lock devices

76

as well as to receive signals from the door position sensors

75

regarding the detection of the position of the doors

74

.

As is seen in

FIG. 6

, the apparatus

400

can be configured to support a plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

. Each of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

can be removably supported in a substantially stationary position relative to the cartridge access ways

72

. It is evident from

FIG. 4

that each of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

can be supported concurrently in both an application position at the photoconductor

44

, and in an access position at one of the plurality of cartridge access ways

72

. That is, each of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

can be removably supported in a substantially stationary position in which position each of the cartridges can apply a toner to the photoconductor

44

, and from which position each of the cartridges can be removed through one of the cartridge access ways

72

.

In operation, the apparatus

400

can produce output images (not shown) in a manner similar to that of the embodiments described above for

FIGS. 1 through 5

. That is, each of a plurality of color planes which make up each output image can be produced in succession on the photoconductor

44

. Each of the color planes can be produced by first causing the scanner/laser section

52

to scan each of the color planes onto the photoconductor

44

. As each of the color planes is scanned onto the photoconductor

44

, one of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

applies toner to the photoconductor

44

before the color plane is transferred to the intermediate transfer device

24

.

When a low toner condition is detected in one of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

, the controller

80

can be notified of the low toner condition and can cause the signal device

78

to transmit a signal which notifies the user or operator of the low toner condition. This can coincide with a suspension, by the controller

80

, of the normal printing operation until the low toner condition is corrected. Alternatively, the controller

80

can be configured to allow normal printing to continue after the low toner condition has been detected and to identify the low toner cartridge when the apparatus

400

is idle. The controller

80

can then identify one of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

as the low toner cartridge by causing the cartridge having low toner to be accessible through one of the cartridge access ways

72

. This can be accomplished in one of several manners.

For example, the controller

80

can cause the lock device

76

which is associated with the low toner cartridge to become unlocked. In the case of the doors

74

being biased in the open position by a resilient member such as a spring or the like (not shown), the door associated with the low toner cartridge can be caused to open automatically, thus presenting the user or operator with the low toner cartridge. The user can then remove the low toner cartridge through the cartridge access way

72

associated with the cartridge, and reinstall another like cartridge having a supply of toner.

As shown in

FIG. 6

, a lock device

76

associated with the second toner cartridge T

2

has become unlocked. A door

74

associated with the second toner cartridge T

2

is shown to have moved to its open position, presenting the second toner cartridge T

2

to be seen by a user of the apparatus

400

. The user can thus easily identify the low toner cartridge (in this case T

2

), and quickly remove and replace the cartridge through the cartridge access way

72

associated with the low toner cartridge.

In an alternative configuration of the apparatus

400

which is shown in

FIG. 7

, the lock devices

76

can be omitted. A plurality of visual signal devices

78

can be included in the apparatus

400

as shown. That is, each of the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

can correspond to one each of a plurality of visual signal devices

78

. Thus, when one of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

is found to have a low toner condition, the controller

80

can suspend the normal printing operation of the apparatus until the low toner condition is corrected. The controller

80

can also cause the corresponding visual signal device

78

to transmit a visual signal such as a pulsating beam of light or the like which identifies the low toner cartridge.

For example, as shown in

FIG. 7

, the visual signal device

78

which corresponds to the second toner cartridge T

2

has been caused by the controller

80

to transmit a visual signal to indicate a low toner condition in the second toner cartridge. In this manner, the user of the apparatus can easily identify the toner cartridge T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

having a low toner condition. The user can then remove the low toner cartridge T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

and can then remove and replace the cartridge.

Although the apparatus

400

is depicted as comprising only one photoconductor

44

, it is understood that in yet alternative configuration of the apparatus

400

which is not shown, the apparatus

400

can comprise a plurality of photoconductors

44

, and a plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

, wherein one each of the toner cartridges corresponds to one each of the photoconductors

44

, such as in the case of an in-line printer apparatus. In that case, the apparatus

400

can be configured to operate in a manner similar to that of the apparatus

400

as described above for

FIGS. 6 and 7

.

That is, the apparatus

400

as configured as an in-line printer, can comprise a plurality of cartridge access ways

72

, wherein each cartridge access way

72

corresponds to one each of the plurality of toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

. When a low toner condition is detected in one of the toner cartridges, the controller

80

can cause the normal printing operation of tne apparatus to be suspended while the low toner condition is corrected. In the case in which the apparatus

400

comprises a plurality of doors

74

as described above for

FIG. 6

, the controller

80

can cause the door which corresponds to the low toner cartridge to become unlocked as described above for FIG.

6

. The door

74

corresponding to the low toner cartridge can be configured to open automatically by way of a resilient member (not shown) which can bias the door in an open position as described above for FIG.

6

. Alternatively, the door

74

, once unlocked by the controller

80

, can be configured to be opened manually by the user.

Alternatively, the apparatus

400

as configured in the manner of an in-line printer can be configured as described for

FIG. 7

above. That is, the apparatus

400

can include a plurality of visual signal devices

78

, wherein each one of the signal devices corresponds to one each of the toner cartridges T

1

, T

2

, T

3

, T

4

. In that case, when a low toner condition is detected and the controller

80

is notified of such a condition, the controller can cause the normal printing operation of the apparatus

400

to become suspended until the low toner condition is corrected. The controller

80

can also cause the visual signal device

78

which corresponds to the low toner cartridge to transmit a visual signal which is detectable by the operator or user. The user can then identify the low toner cartridge and replace the low toner cartridge with a cartridge having a supply of toner.

In accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a method of indicating a low toner condition in a printer having a plurality of toner cartridges is provided. The method comprises providing a cartridge access way and can also comprise providing a plurality of cartridge access ways. The method can include detecting a toner cartridge which has a low toner condition, and can also include the step of causing the cartridge which has a low toner condition to be accessible through the cartridge access way. Causing the cartridge which has a low toner condition to be accessible through the cartridge access way can be an automatic response to the step of detecting a cartridge which has a low toner condition. That is, when a cartridge is found to have low toner, it can then automatically be made accessible through the cartridge access way. The cartridge having low toner can be made accessible through the cartridge access way only when the printer is idle.

As an alternative to being an automatic response to the detection of a low toner condition, the step of causing the low toner cartridge to be accessible through the cartridge access way can be a response to an operator command. That is, the low toner cartridge can be made accessible through the cartridge access way in response to an input command from an operator or user of the printer. This input command can be, for example, the manual opening of a door which covers the cartridge access way, or the pushing of a button. Thus, a further step of the method can be providing a door over the cartridge access way. Another step can be opening the door, wherein the step of causing the cartridge which has a low toner condition to be accessible through the cartridge access way is a response to opening the door.

The method can also comprise providing a movable carriage on the printer, as well as supporting the plurality of toner cartridges on the carriage. The moving of the carriage can be another step in the method, wherein movement of the carriage causes the cartridge which has a low toner condition to become accessible through the cartridge access way. That is, the carriage which supports the plurality of toner cartridges can be moved so that the low toner cartridge is moved along with the carriage to the cartridge access way so as to be accessible there through.

The step of moving the carriage can comprise moving the carriage in a substantially linear manner. For example, the carriage can be supported on a substantially linear track or guide upon which the carriage can be moved. Alternatively, the step of moving the carriage can comprise moving the carriage in a substantially rotational manner. For example, the carriage can be configured as a carousel which is rotatable about an axis of rotation. In this manner, the carriage can be rotated about the axis of rotation so as to move the low toner cartridge to the cartridge access way so as to be accessible there through.

Another step in the method can be providing a lock device which is configured to lock the door over the cartridge access way in a case in which a door is provided. Unlocking the door by activating the lock device can be yet another step of the method. The step of unlocking the door which covers the cartridge access way can be a way of causing the cartridge which has a low toner condition to be accessible through the cartridge access way. For example, if the door is biased in the open position, the step of unlocking the door can result in the door opening automatically, thereby presenting, in the cartridge access way, the cartridge having low toner.

The step of transmitting a signal can be a further step in the method. The transmission of a signal can comprise transmitting a substantially audible signal, and can also comprise transmitting a substantially visual signal. Transmitting a signal can be a way of notifying the user of a low toner condition. For example, a sound-generating device can be used to transmit an audible signal in order to notify the user of a low toner condition in the printer.

Also, the signal can be a way of identifying the particular toner cartridge which has low toner. For example, another step of the method can be providing a visual signal device for each cartridge access way in the case of a plurality of cartridge access ways defined on the printer. In that case, only the particular visual signal device which corresponds to the location of the low toner cartridge can be made to generate a visual signal. In this manner, identifying the low toner cartridge can be accomplished with relative ease.

The transmission of the signal can also be an automatic response to detecting a cartridge which has a low toner condition. For example, when a cartridge having low toner is detected, an audible signal can be transmitted to notify the user of the printer of the low toner condition. Also, the transmission of the signal can be an automatic response to the step of causing the low toner cartridge to be accessible through the access way. For example, when a low toner cartridge is detected, the carriage can be moved so that the low toner cartridge is moved to the cartridge access way. Furthermore, for example, if a door to the cartridge access way and a corresponding lock device are provided, the lock device can be unlocked so that the door can open. In response to opening the door, a signal can be transmitted which can indicate that the cartridge which has a low toner condition is accessible through the cartridge access way.

While the above invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features, it is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

Number	Name	Date	Kind
5162852	Ikeda	Nov 1992	A
5887217	Mitekura et al.	Mar 1999	A
6151471	Yahata et al.	Nov 2000	A

Methods and apparatus for indicating low toner in a color laser imaging device

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Original Assignees

Examiners

CPC

US Classifications

Field of Search

US

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

US Referenced Citations (3)