Print media cartridge with an integral print media transport mechanism and ink supply

• US 6,981,765 B2
• Filed: 09/11/2003
• Issued: 01/03/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Google Inc. (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Kia, Silverbrook, King, Tobin Allen
• Primary Examiner(s): Hirshfeld, Andrew H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Crenshaw, Marvin P.
• Application Number:
  US10/659,020
• Publication Number:
  US 20040046853A1
• Time in Patent Office: 845 Days
• Field of Search: 347/103, 347/104, 347/2, 347/171, 347/86, 347/109, 400/185, 400/624, 400/625, 101/348
• US Class Current: 347/103
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/00 Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions gaming systems which provide a financial reward G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/28 responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light controlling the output signals based on the game progress A63F13/50
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/655 by importing photos, e.g. of the player
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/85 Providing additional services to players
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/95 Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1031 using a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth, infrared connections
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/202 the game platform being a DVD player
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/206 Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/302 specially adapted for receiving control signals not targeted to a display device or game input means, e.g. vibrating driver's seat, scent dispenser
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/57 details of game services offered to the player
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/695 Imported photos, e.g. of the player
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 13/00 Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 13/103 for the sheet feeding section
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/01 Ink jet
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17503 Ink cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17513 Inner structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17553 Outer structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 29/026 Stackable
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/36 for portability , i.e. hand-held printers or laptop printers B41J3/4075 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/445 : Printers integrated in other types of apparatus, e.g. printers integrated in cameras
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 : External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/21 : Combinations with auxiliary equipment, e.g. with clocks or memoranda pads
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724 : User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00127 : Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0063 : Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 : Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge for use with a digital printing device. The cartridge includes a casing for housing print media and a supply of ink. The casing also includes a transport assembly which is adapted to cooperate with a powered gear provided on the printing device to thereby eject the print media from the casing.

Claims

1. A cartridge for use with a digital printing device, the cartridge including:

a casing for housing print media and a supply of ink, the casing being configured to operatively engage the supply of ink with the printing device with which the cartridge is to be used; and

,

a transport assembly arranged in the casing to engage with a powered gear provided on the printing device with which the cartridge is to be used, the transport assembly being configured to be driven by the powered gear thereby to drive the print media from the casing.

2. A cartridge according to claim 1, the casing including a first portion for housing the print media and a second portion for housing the supply of ink.

3. A cartridge according to claim 1, the cartridge including a print media exit, the transport assembly being disposed upon operation to pick up and drive a sheet of said print media through said exit.

4. A cartridge according to claim 3 wherein said transport assembly includes:

a drive shaft;

a drive gear coupled to the drive shaft; and

,

pick up rollers rigidly connected with said drive shaft.

5. A cartridge according to claim 4 wherein the drive gear is adapted to engage a powered corresponding gear provided on the printing device with which the cartridge is to be used.

6. A cartridge according to claim 5 wherein the drive gear is able to engage a powered corresponding gear provided on the printing device by means of an aperture provided on said casing.

7. A cartridge according to claim 1 which includes a shielding means arranged adjacent an exit opening in the casing for assisting in the supply of print media to said printing device.

8. A cartridge according to claim 1 the cartridge including a casing portion for housing the supply of ink, the casing including distinct chambers for storing a supply of different colored inks, each ink storage chamber having a corresponding ink outlet closed with a pierceable seal.

9. A cartridge device according to claim 8 wherein each ink outlet is in the form of a nozzle adapted to connect with a corresponding ink connection means provided on the printing device with which the cartridge is to be used.

10. A cartridge according to claim 9 wherein the ink storage portion is defined at least in part by a collapsible membrane.

11. A cartridge according to claim 10 wherein the casing includes a first print media storage molding, a second ink storage molding and an intermediate molding that serves to complete and enclose said print media and ink storage moldings, whilst simultaneously interconnecting the two.