Pistol grip style handles are not well adapted for prolonged periods of use. Such handles may cause fatigue. Moreover, such handles do not generally accommodate different users and uses.
Printer 20 includes head 22, handle 24 and pivot support 26. Head 22 comprise that portion of printer 20 configured to perform printing. Head 20 has a nose portion 28 configured to be positioned opposite to the surface being printed upon during printing. Nose 28 extends from handle 24 in a forward direction as indicated by arrow 30.
As schematically shown by
In the example illustrated, print device 34 further includes a positioning and tracking member 42. Member 42 is configured to physically contact the surface being printed upon so as to closely nose 28 and the rest of print device 34 in close proximity to the surface being printed upon. Member 42 further serves as a bearing facilitating movement of nose 28 across the surface being printed upon. In addition, member 42 tracks movement of print device 34 and nose 28 across the surface being printed upon. Member 42 transmits electronic signals to controller 40 indicating the rate at which print device 34 is moved across the surface such that controller 40 may control the rate at which the print material is applied or deposited by print device 34.
According one embodiment, member 42 comprises an encoder wheel comprising a disk rotationally supported at nose 28 and having an outer circumferential surface configured to contact and roll along the surface being printed upon. Signals based upon the rotation of the disk indicate relative movement of print device 34 and nose 28 across the surface being printed upon. The signals are transmitted to controller 40. In other embodiments, member 42 may have other configurations.
Scanning device 36 comprises a device configured to sense and capture data from a surface. In one embodiment, scanning device 36 comprises an image, one or more illumination sources, such as targeted light emitting diode, facilitating omni-directional scanning in low light conditions. In one embodiment, scanning device 36 additionally is configured to emit a lit target image upon the surface to be sensed or scanned. In other embodiments, scanning device 36 may be comprised of a sensor to capture data from a visible image such as a two-dimensional (2-D) charge coupled device (CCD) or other forms of a camera and the like. In still other embodiments, scanning device 36 may utilize ultraviolet or infrared light to capture an image or data from an image upon a surface. For example, scanning device 36 may include a laser scanner or a radio frequency identification device (RFID) reader. Scanning device 36 may be configured to read a code such as a Maxi code, barcode, Universal product code (UPC) and the like. In yet other embodiments, scanning device 36 may be omitted.
Sensor 38 comprises a sensor configured to sense the distance between the surface to be printed upon by print device 34 or the distance between the surface having the image to be sensed or scanned by scanning device 36 and scanning device 36. In one embodiment, sensor 38 detects such a distance without contacting the surface to be scanner the surface to be printed upon. In one embodiment, sensor 38 comprises an ultrasonic circuit or sensor. One example of such an ultrasonic sensor is a 400ET080 Piezoelectric Sensor, commercially available from Pro-Wave Electronics Corp. located at 3rd Floor, No. 4, Lane 348, Section 2, Chung Shan Road, Chung Ho City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan 235. In other embodiments, sensor 38 may comprise other ultrasonic sensors or may comprise other non-contact sensors such as infrared sensors. In still other embodiments, sensor 68 may comprise a sensor which contacts the surface when determining the separation distance. In other embodiments, sensor 38 may be omitted.
Controller 40 comprises one or more processing units configured to generate control signals correcting the operation of print device 34, scanning device 36 and sensor 38 based upon instructions contained in a memory and/or based upon instructions or input received from a person using printer 20. For purposes of this application, the term “processing unit” shall mean a presently developed or future developed processing unit that executes sequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform steps such as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistent storage. In other embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the functions described. For example, controller 40 may be embodied as part of one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Unless otherwise specifically noted, the controller is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit. Although controller 40 is illustrated as being incorporated into head 22, in other embodiments, controller 40 may alternatively be incorporated into handle 24.
Handle 24 comprises a pistol-type grip coupled to head 22 and configured to facilitate positioning of nose 28 and head 22 into close proximity (either in contact with or less than 3 mm) to the surface being printed upon by print device 34 during printing. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. The term “operably coupled” shall mean that two members are directly or indirectly joined such that motion may be transmitted from one member to the other member directly or via intermediate members. Handle 24 facilitates printing upon different surfaces at different heights while reducing discomfort and fatigue to a person positioning printer 20. This is especially true for printing applications on horizontal surfaces of varying heights. Handle 24 includes base 50, neck 52, and triggers 54, 56.
Base 50 comprises that portion of handle 24 at a terminal end of handle 24 opposite had 22. Base 50 has dimensions such that a person's hand may wrap around base 50 to support printer 20. In particular, base 50 is configured such that the person's palm may abut against bottom 57 or back 58 of base 50 with his or her fingers wrapped about opposite portions of base 50. For purposes of this disclosure, when references are made to a person's hand and the dimensioning of portions of handle 24, such dimensions are chosen to accommodate a range of hand sizes extending from a 5% Asian female to a 95% Caucasian man as provided by Humanscale 4/5/6 Manual by Diffrient, Tilley & Harman, published by; The MIT Press, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass. 02142, hereby incorporated by reference. In one embodiment, base 50 has a longitudinal length L of less than or equal to about 110 mm and nominally about 80 mm. Base 50 has a transverse width of less than or equal to about 110 mm and nominally about 60 mm. Base 50 has a height H of less than or equal to about 100 mm and nominally about 70 mm. To further facilitate gripping of handle 24 about base 50, the corners 59 of base 50 are rounded or smooth to provide a more comfortable grip.
As further shown by
Shoulder 62 extends from forward side of handle 24 adjacent to neck 52. Shoulder 62 provides a surface against which a lower edge of a person's hand may rest when gripping a lower portion of neck 52. In other embodiments, shoulder 62 may be omitted.
In one embodiment, base 50 is further configured to receive and contained a power source, such as a battery 64 (schematically shown), for supplying power to printer 20. In one embodiment, battery 64 may comprise a Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer battery. In other embodiments, battery 64 may comprise a different type of battery. In other embodiments, base 50 may not house or contain a battery.
Neck 52 extends between-based 50 and head 22. As shown by
In
In
Lastly, in
According to one example embodiment, concave side 66 has a curvature radius of between about 50 mm and about 100 mm, and nominally about 74 mm. The curved portion of convex side 68 has a curvature radius of between about 60 mm and about 160 mm, and nominally about 110 mm. Neck 52 has a length L1 of at least about 75 mm, less than about 156 mm and nominally about 128 mm. The curved portion of convex side 68 comprises a majority of convex side 68 and has a length L2 of at least about 50 mm, less than about 156 mm and nominally about 100 mm. Such dimensions accommodate differently sized hands and provide a sufficient number of differently angled grips to accommodate a sufficient number of different printing surface elevations. In other embodiments, neck 52 may have other dimensions.
Triggers 54 and 56 comprise user interfaces by which a person may import instructions or commands to printer 20. Trigger 54 enables a person using printer 20 to control the time at which printer 20 initiates an operation, such as the time at which printer 20 initiates printing with print device 34 and/or initiates scanning with scanning device 36. As shown by
Because trigger button 90 pivots about pivot point 100 proximate an upper end of surface 94, trigger button 90 may pivot into engagement with trigger switch 92 when either surface 94 or surface 96 is pressed upon. As a result, trigger button 90 further facilitates multiple gripping positions along handle 24. In particular, when printing upon surface 70 of article 72 (shown in
Trigger 56 comprises a user interface configured to actuate printer 22 in automatic mode of operation in which printing and/or scanning is automatically initiated without depressment of trigger button 90. Trigger 56 facilitates use of gripping positions along handle 24 where a person may not be able to reach and depress trigger button 90. For example, when gripping handle 24. Lower end of neck 52 or about base 50, such as when printing is being performed upon services 70 of articles 76 and 78 (shown in
In the example illustrated, trigger 56 includes a trigger button 102 and a trigger switch 104. Trigger button 102 is located along convex side 68 of handle 24 proximate to head 22. In this location, trigger button 102 may be quickly and easily depressed, slid, moved or otherwise actuated by a person's thumb while gripping handle 24 when the person anticipates or sees that a lower gripping position such as shown in
Pivot support 26 comprises a mechanism configured to facilitate rotation or pivotal movement of head 22 relative to handle 24. As shown by
As further shown by
According one embodiment, pivot support 26 may comprise a universal joint, such as a ball and socket joint with an associated squeeze or clamp that is actuatable between a clamping position and a releasing position via actuator 110. In another embodiment, pivot support 26 may comprise a 3-axis ratchet assembly. Although actuator 110 is illustrated as being located along a side of handle 24, facilitating actuation with a person's thumb while gripping handle 24, in other embodiments, trigger 110 may be provided at other locations. In some embodiments, actuator 110 may be omitted, wherein head 22 automatically retains a selected orientation with respect to handle 24 unless a sufficient force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied to head 22 to reposition or reorient head 22. In yet other embodiments, pivot support 26 and actuator 110 may both be omitted, where head 22 has a fixed or stationary orientation with respect to handle 24.
As further shown by broken lines in
Socket portions 306 comprise two or more members which collectively engaged ball 304 on multiple sides of ball 304. In the example illustrated, pivot support 226 includes a pair of opposite socket portions 306A and 306B which engaged opposite sides of ball 304. Socket portions 306 actuate or move between a clamping position (shown in
In the clamping position, socket portions 306 contact and frictionally engage ball 304 so as to inhibit or prevent relative movement between all 304 and socket portions 306. As a result, the orientation of ball 304 and head 22 are maintained. In the releasing position, socket portions 306 are sufficiently spaced from one another so as to either be out of contact with ball 304 or so as to apply a lower frictional force against ball 304 such that ball 304 remains captured within socket portions 306 but is movable or rotatable. As a result, ball 304 and head 22 may be rotated and reoriented with respect to handle 24.
Bias 308 comprises one or members configured to resiliently bias or urge socket portions 306 to the clamping position. In the example illustrated, bias 308 comprises a compression spring captured between socket portions 306 on an opposite side of hinge 312 as ball 304. As a result, bias 308 urges socket portions 306A and 306B towards one another and against ball 304 to the clamping position. In other embodiments, bias 308 may comprise other springs at other locations. For example, and another about, bias 2308 may comprise a tension spring connected to socket portions 306 on the same side of hinge 312 as ball 304.
As further shown by
Once a desired orientation has been established, actuator 314 may be released. As a result, as shown by
Head 322 includes body 336, scanning device 338, communication interface 340, indicator 344, user interface 345, print sensor 346, sensor 348, manual trigger 350 and controller 354. Body 336 comprises a structure or case configured to support the remaining components of head 320. Body 336 at least partially encloses or houses such components. In one embodiment, body 336 is configured such that capture and print unit 330 is a hand held unit. As shown in
Scanning device 338, also known as an imager, is configured to sense, scan or capture an image upon a surface. In one embodiment, scanning device 338 comprises a scanner module comprising a two dimensional (2D) Imaging Scanner and one or more illumination sources such as targeted light emitting diodes, facilitating omni-directional scanning a in low light conditions. In other embodiments, scanning device 338 may comprise other devices configured to sense or capture the visible image such as other forms of a camera or other two dimensional (2D) charge coupled devices (CCD) and the like. In yet other embodiments, scanning device 338 may utilize ultraviolet or infrared light to scan or sense an image on surface. In one embodiment, scanning device 338 may be configured to read a code such as a Maxi code, barcode, Universal Product Code (UPC) and the like.
Communication interface 340 is configured to communicate with external electronic devices such as external data sources (not shown). Communication interface 340 is configured to transmit data as well as to receive data. In one embodiment, communication interface 340 is configured to communicate wirelessly with external electronic devices. For example, in the particular embodiment illustrated, communication interface 340 is configured to communicate with radio waves and comprises wireless IEEE 802.11g module. In such an embodiment, the metallic housing of body 336 enhances cooling and dissipation of the heat generated by communication interface 340. In other embodiments, communication interface 340 may communicate with ultraviolet or infrared light. In still other embodiments, communication interface 340 may be a wired connection where communication occurs through electrical or optical cables. In other embodiments where a data source is incorporated into head 322 as part of controller 354 and its memory, communication interface 340 may be omitted.
Indicator 344 comprises one or more devices configured to provide an indication of when print device 342 is ready for printing. Indicator 344 further provides an indication of when image capture has been initiated and when capture and print unit 330 is in sufficiently close proximity to a surface for printing upon the surface. In the embodiment illustrated, indicator 344 comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes configured to emit different colors of light or configured to emit light which is filtered by different colored light filters, wherein the different colors of light indicate or communicate different information to a person using printer 320. In other embodiments, indicator 344 may have other configurations. For example, indicator 344 may additionally or alternatively be configured to provide distinct audible signals or sounds based on the state of printer 320. In yet other embodiments, indicator 344 may be omitted.
User interface 345 comprises an interface by which a person may enter commands instructing capture and print unit 330 to initiate printing with print device 342. For example, upon receiving an indication that print device 342 is at an appropriate temperature for printing from indicator 344, a person may actuate or otherwise enter a command via interface 345 to begin printing. In the example embodiment illustrated, user interface 345 comprises a pair of buttons. When depressed manually actuates switches to create electoral signals which are transmitted to controller 354. In other embodiments, interface 345 may comprise a touch pad, lever, switch, slide or other device by which a person may use his or her hands or fingers to enter a command. In another embodiment, user interface 345 may comprise a microphone with associated voice or speech recognition software. In yet other embodiments, user interface 345 may be omitted where other mechanisms are employed for initiating printing. For example, in one embodiment, printing may be initiated in response to signals received from print sensor 346.
Print sensor 346 comprises a sensing device configured to detect relative movement of printer 320, and in particular, print device 342, relative to a surface being printed upon. Signals from print sensor 346 indicate the relative speed at which print device 342 is moving relative to the surface being printed upon or vice versa. Signals from print sensor 346 are used by controller 354 to control the rate at which printing material is discharged from print device 342 and which particular nozzles are being discharged to form an image. In the particular embodiment illustrated, print sensor 346 is further configured to indicate contact or sufficiently close proximity of print device 342 to the surface and the initiation of printing. In other embodiments, the initiation a printing may alternatively begin in response to actuation of a separate trigger such as to the use of interface 345.
In the example embodiment illustrated, print sensor 346 comprises an encoder wheel 361 and associated encoder 363 wherein the encoder wheel 361 is rotated a long the surface being printed upon. In other embodiments, print sensor 346 may comprise a navigational sensor or other sensing device.
Sensor 348 comprises a device configured to sense an image separation distance between the surface having an image and sensor 348 or scanning device 338. Sensor 348 generates and transmits signals to controller 354, wherein controller 354 determines an image separation distance using such signals and generates a warming signal initiating the capture of an image by scanning device 338 and readying of print device 342.
According to one embodiment, sensor 348 detects the image separation distance without contacting the surface being printed upon. In one embodiment, sensor 348 comprises an ultrasonic circuit or sensor. As shown by
Manual trigger 350 comprises a user or human interface configured to permit a user or person to initiate the generation of a trigger signal. In one embodiment, manual trigger 350 may be configured to generate a trigger signal in response to contact with or force exerted by a person's hand or one or more fingers. For example, manual trigger 350 may comprise a button, slide, trigger structure or other structure.
Controller 354 comprises one or more processing units physically associated with printer 320 and configured to generate control signals directing operation of scanning device 338 and print device 342. In the particular example illustrated, controller 354 receives signals via encoder wheel 361 during manual movement of unit 330 across the surface being printed upon. Based upon the relative movement, controller 354 generates control signals controlling what particular nozzles of print device 342 are fired and the rate at which they are fired to eject ink or other printing material through opening 352 and onto the surface opposite to print device 342.
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/983,145, filed on Oct. 26, 2007, entitled “PRINTING DEVICE HANDLE”. The present application is related to copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/755,527 filed on May 30, 2007 by Gregory J. May, Anthony D. Studer, Gary G. Lutnesky and Kevin E. Swier and entitled MODULAR MARKING APPARATUS AND METHOD, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The present application is related to copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/833,825 filed on Aug. 3, 2007 by Anthony D. Studer, Mark T. Hardin and Karen A. St. Martin and entitled FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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