Modular print system

• US 8,317,188 B1
• Filed: 06/22/2004
• Issued: 11/27/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/22/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: NCR Voyix Corporation
• Original Assignee: NCR Corporation (NCR Voyix Corporation)
• Inventors: Lin, Horng Jaan, Lyons, Dale R.
• Primary Examiner(s): MCCULLOUGH, MICHAEL C
• Application Number:
  US10/873,928
• Time in Patent Office: 3,080 Days
• Field of Search: 271/145, 271177-181, 271/162, 221/197, 221/287, 347/104, 399/377, 399/393
• US Class Current: 271/162
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 15/044 Cassettes or cartridges containing continuous copy material, tape, for setting into printing devices
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/4075 Tape printers; Label printers
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 1/06 for separation from bottom of pile
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 2405/313 with integrated handling means, e.g. separating means
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 2701/1912 Banknotes, bills and cheques or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 2701/1936 Tickets or coupons

Abstract

A modular print system which includes media cartridges instead of manually loaded feed trays. The print system includes a print module including a keyed entrance, and sealed cartridge containing media and including a keyed exit corresponding to the keyed entrance. The cartridge is removably attached to the print module.

Claims

1. A print system comprising:

a print module including a keyed entrance; and

a sealed cartridge containing media and including a keyed exit corresponding to the keyed entrance, said print module for printing an image on the media stored in said sealed cartridge;

wherein the cartridge is removably attached to the print module.

2. The print system of claim 1, wherein the print module comprises:

a print head; and

a media feed system.

3. The print system of claim 2, wherein the media feed system transports the media across the print head.

4. The print system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises:

a sealed housing; and

a media feed system.

5. The print system of claim 1, wherein the media comprises 8½

″

by 11″

paper.

6. The print system of claim 1, wherein the media comprises money orders.

7. The print system of claim 1, wherein the media comprises tickets.

8. The print system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is non-refillable.

9. The print system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is disposable.

10. The print system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises an electronic lock, which when in the unlocked position, allows the print module to draw the media from the cartridge.

11. A print system comprising:

a print module including a keyed entrance, a print head, and a first media feed system for transporting the media across the print head; and

a sealed cartridge containing media and including a keyed exit corresponding to the keyed entrance, said print module for printing an image on the media stored in said sealed cartridge, a sealed housing, and a second media feed system for transporting the media from the cartridge; and

wherein the cartridge is removably attached to the print module.

12. The print system of claim 11, wherein the media comprises secure media.

13. The print system of claim 11, wherein the housing is non-refillable.

14. The print system of claim 11, wherein the cartridge is disposable.

15. The print system of claim 11, wherein the cartridge comprises an electronic lock, which when in the unlocked position, allows the print module to draw the media from the cartridge.

16. A print system comprising:

a print module including a keyed entrance; and

a sealed cartridge containing media and including a keyed exit corresponding to the keyed entrance;

wherein the cartridge is removably attached to the print module, said print module for printing an image on the media stored in said sealed cartridge, the media drawn from the cartridge when the cartridge is attached to the print module.

17. The print system of claim 16, wherein the print module comprises a:

a print head; and

a media feed system.

18. The print system of claim 17:

Wherein the keyed entrance of said print module includes a plurality of protrusions and apertures; and

Wherein the keyed exit of said sealed cartridge includes a plurality of protrusions and apertures, the apertures matingly receiving the protrusions.

19. The print system of claim 16, wherein the cartridge comprises:

a sealed housing; and

a media feed system.

20. The print system of claim 16:

Wherein the keyed entrance of said print module includes one of a protrusion and a wall defining a aperture; and

Wherein the keyed exit of said sealed cartridge includes the other of a protrusion and a wall defining an aperture, the aperture matingly receiving the protrusion.