US5065180A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image recording apparatus having means for preventing sheet cartridge from its free disassembly
Assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
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Filing: 1990-11-09
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Granted: 1991-11-12
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Expires: 2010-11-09
Abstract
Abstract An image recording apparatus having a sheet cartridge which stores therein an elongated photosensitive recording medium. A locking mechanism is provided selectively engageable with the sheet cartridge or a light shielding member which is positioned to prevent the cartridge from being exposed to light. A control means is provided to provide locking state of sheet cartridge or the light shielding member by controlling the locking mechanism to its locking position. This control is made in response to a signal indicative of the installation of the sheet cartridge at its predetermined position. The control means is also adapted to provide unlocking state of the sheet cartridge or the light shielding member by controlling the locking mechanism to its unlocking position. This control is made in response to a signal indicative of the complete discharge of the elongated photosensitive recording medium out of the sheet cartridge. The locking state is also provided in response to the signal indicative of the installation of the sheet cartridge plus a signal indicative of a complete closure of the light shielding member. The locking state is also provided upon complete sheet loading along a sheet path in the image recording apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 Tatsuya Shindo
- 👤 Hideo Yoshihara
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 01:02
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B27/00; G03B27/32; G03B27/52; G03B27/58; G03B27/587; G03B27/588; G03B2227/00; G03B2227/32; G03B2227/325
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 37
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
An image recording apparatus which uses an elongated photosensitive recording medium, the apparatus including a frame and a sheet cartridge detachably provided at a predetermined position of the frame, the sheet cartridge storing therein the elongated photosensitive recording medium, and the improvement comprising; locking means for preventing the sheet cartridge from being disassembled from the predetermined position; means for generating a first signal indicative of providing the locking means at its locking position; means for generating a second signal indicative of providing the locking means at its unlocking position; and control means connected to the locking means for driving the locking means to one of its locking and unlocking positions in response to one of the first and second signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
An image recording apparatus which uses an elongated photosensitive recording medium, the apparatus including a frame and a sheet cartridge detachably provided at a predetermined position of the frame, the sheet cartridge storing therein the elongated photosensitive recording medium, and the improvement comprising; locking means for preventing the sheet cartridge from being disassembled from the predetermined position; means for generating a first signal indicative of providing the locking means at its locking position; means for generating a second signal indicative of providing the locking means at its unlocking position; and control means connected to the locking means for driving the locking means to one of its locking and unlocking positions in response to one of the first and second signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
100 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for generating the first signal comprises a first detecting means for detecting assembly of the sheet cartridge onto the predetermined position of the frame, the first detecting means generating the first signal indicative of the assembly of the sheet cartridge; and wherein the means for generating the second signal comprises a second detecting means for detecting existence of the photosensitive recording medium within the sheet cartridge, the second detecting means generating the second signal indicative of a complete discharge of the photosensitive recording medium from the sheet cartridge.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sheet cartridge is provided with a cartridge shaft around which the photosensitive recording medium is wound, and wherein the locking means is selectively engageable with the cartridge shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
71 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the frame comprises a pair of chassis confronting with each other to define an internal space therebetween, and a cartridge seat fixedly connected to the chassis and on which the sheet cartridge is mounted, and wherein the first detection means is connected to the cartridge seat so as to detect a mounting state of the sheet cartridge on the cartridge seat.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a pull out roller positioned at immediately downstream of the sheet cartridge, and a tension roller positioned downstream of the pull out roller, the second detection means being positioned between the pull out roller and the tension roller.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second detection means comprises means for detecting a tension of the photosensitive recording medium positioned between the pull out roller and the tension roller.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the frame provides an internal cartridge installation space defining an open end, and the image recording apparatus further comprising a light shielding means positioned for closing the opened end, and wherein the locking means is selectively engageable with the light shielding means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the installation space defines a deep end portion, and wherein the first detection means is positioned at the deep end portion for detecting complete insertion of the sheet cartridge into the installation space.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
64 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a third detection means for detecting a closing state of the light shielding means, the third detection means generating a third detection signal indicative of the closure of the light shielding means, the control means permitting the locking means to have its locked state in response to the first and the third signals.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the sheet cartridge is provided with a discharge portion which allows the photosensitive recording medium to pass therethrough, and wherein the second detection means is positioned at the discharge portion, the second detection means comprising means for detecting a tension of the photosensitive image recording medium.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
64 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 10 further comprising a third detection means for detecting a closing state of the light shielding means, the third detection means generating a third detection signal indicative of the closure of the light shielding means, the control means permitting the locking means to have its locked state in response to the first and the third signals.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
41 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a key board for various operation of the image recording apparatus, and wherein the means for generating the second signal comprises the key board on which a code is manipulated.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
43 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the control means comprises a judging means for judging whether the manipulated code on the key board is identical with a stored code indicative of providing the unlocking state of the locking means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
53 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the means for generating the first signal comprises the key board on which another code is manipulated, the judging means judging whether the manipulated another code is identical with a stored another code indicative of providing the locking state of the locking mechanism.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
147 words
An image recording apparatus which uses an elongated photosensitive recording medium, the apparatus including a frame and a sheet cartridge detachably provided at a predetermined position of the frame, the sheet cartridge storing therein the elongated photosensitive recording medium, and the improvement comprising; the frame being provided with a sheet cartridge installing portion defining an open end; a light shielding means for selectively closing the open end in order to avoid inadvertent light irradiation onto the photosensitive recording medium; locking means for locking the light shielding means at its close position; detecting means for detecting the photosensitive recording medium within the sheet cartridge, the detecting means generating a signal indicative of a complete discharge of the photosensitive recording medium out of the sheet cartridge; and control means connected to the locking means for releasing the locking state of the light shielding means in response to the signal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
147 words
An image recording apparatus which uses an elongated photosensitive recording medium, the apparatus including a frame and a sheet cartridge detachably provided at a predetermined position of the frame, the sheet cartridge storing therein the elongated photosensitive recording medium, and the improvement comprising; the frame being provided with a sheet cartridge installing portion defining an open end; a light shielding means for selectively closing the open end in order to avoid inadvertent light irradiation onto the photosensitive recording medium; locking means for locking the light shielding means at its close position; detecting means for detecting the photosensitive recording medium within the sheet cartridge, the detecting means generating a signal indicative of a complete discharge of the photosensitive recording medium out of the sheet cartridge; and control means connected to the locking means for releasing the locking state of the light shielding means in response to the signal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the detection means comprises means for detecting a tension of the photosensitive image recording medium.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
39 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein the sheet cartridge is provided with a discharge portion which allows the photosensitive recording medium to pass therethrough, and wherein the detecting means is positioned at the discharge portion.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
190 words
An image recording apparatus which uses an elongated photosensitive recording medium, the apparatus including a frame, a takeup means, and a sheet cartridge detachably provided at a predetermined position of the frame, the sheet cartridge having a cartridge shaft and storing therein the elongated photosensitive recording medium, the medium being pulled out of the sheet cartridge and taken up by the takeup means through a sheet path; and the improvement comprising; first detecting means for detecting assembly of the sheet cartridge onto the predetermined position of the frame, the first detecting means generating a first signal indicative of the assembly of the sheet cartridge; second detecting means for detecting existence of the photosensitive recording medium within the sheet cartridge, the second detecting means generating a second signal indicative of a complete discharge of the photosensitive recording medium from the sheet cartridge; means for preventing the sheet cartridge from being disassembled from the predetermined position; and control means for executing the prevention of the disassembly in response to at least the first signal and for cancelling the prevention of the disassemby of the sheet cartridge in response to the second signal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
190 words
An image recording apparatus which uses an elongated photosensitive recording medium, the apparatus including a frame, a takeup means, and a sheet cartridge detachably provided at a predetermined position of the frame, the sheet cartridge having a cartridge shaft and storing therein the elongated photosensitive recording medium, the medium being pulled out of the sheet cartridge and taken up by the takeup means through a sheet path; and the improvement comprising; first detecting means for detecting assembly of the sheet cartridge onto the predetermined position of the frame, the first detecting means generating a first signal indicative of the assembly of the sheet cartridge; second detecting means for detecting existence of the photosensitive recording medium within the sheet cartridge, the second detecting means generating a second signal indicative of a complete discharge of the photosensitive recording medium from the sheet cartridge; means for preventing the sheet cartridge from being disassembled from the predetermined position; and control means for executing the prevention of the disassembly in response to at least the first signal and for cancelling the prevention of the disassemby of the sheet cartridge in response to the second signal.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
37 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the means for preventing comprises a locking mechanism for locking the cartridge shaft with respect to the frame, the locking mechanism being connected to the control means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
71 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the frame comprises a pair of chassis confronting with each other to define an internal space therebetween, and a cartridge seat fixedly connected to the chassis and on which the sheet cartridge is mounted, and wherein the first detection means is connected to the cartridge seat so as to detect a mounting state of the sheet cartridge on the cartridge seat.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
41 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein the second detection means comprises means for detecting a tension of the photosensitive image recording medium fed along the sheet path, the tesion detecting means being positioned adjacent the sheet path.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
55 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 21, further comprising a pull out roller positioned at immediately downstream of the sheet cartridge with respect to the sheet path, and a tension roller positioned downstream of the pull out roller, the tension detecting means being positioned between the pull out roller and the tension roller.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
69 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the frame provides an internal cartridge installation space defining an open end, and the image recording apparatus further comprising a light shielding means positioned for closing the opened end, and wherein the means for preventing comprises a locking mechanism for locking the light shielding means with respect to the frame, the locking mechanism being connected to the control means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
43 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the installation space defines a deep end portion, and wherein the first detection means is positioned at the deep end portion for detecting complete insertion of the sheet cartridge into the installation space.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
64 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 24, further comprising a third detection means for detecting a closing state of the light shielding means, the third detection means generating a third detection signal indicative of the closure of the light shielding means, the control means permitting the locking mechanism to have its locked state in response to the first and the third signals.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the second detection means comprises means for detecting a tension of the photosensitive image recording medium.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
44 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the sheet cartridge is provided with a discharge portion which allows the photosensitive recording medium to pass therethrough toward the takeup means, and wherein the tension detecting means is positioned at the discharge portion.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
64 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 27, further comprising a third detection means for detecting a closing state of the light shielding means, the third detection means generating a third detection signal indicative of the closure of the light shielding means, the control means permitting the locking mechanism to have its locked state in response to the first and the third signals.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
48 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the sheet cartridge has an upper cartridge wall, and wherein the means for preventing comprises a locking mechanism for locking the upper cartridge wall with respect to the frame, the locking mechanism being connected to the control means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
71 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein the frame comprises a pair of chassis confronting with each other to define an internal space therebetween, and a cartridge seat fixedly connected to the chassis and on which the sheet cartridge is mounted, and wherein the first detection means is connected to the cartridge seat so as to detect a mounting state of the sheet cartridge on the cartridge seat.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
143 words
An image recording apparatus which uses an elongated photosensitive recording medium, the apparatus including a frame and a sheet cartridge detachably provided at a predetermined position of the frame and a takeup means, the sheet cartridge storing therein the elongated photosensitive recording medium, the medium being fed along its sheet path between the sheet cartridge and the takeup means, and the improvement comprising; an automatic sheet loading means for directing a leading end portion of the elongated photosensitive recording medium toward the takeup means along the sheet path; locking means for preventing the sheet cartridge from being disassembled from the predetermined position; means for detecting completion of the automatic sheet loading and for generating a signal indicative of the completion of the sheet loading; control means for driving the locking means to its locking position in response to the sheet loading completion signal.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
143 words
An image recording apparatus which uses an elongated photosensitive recording medium, the apparatus including a frame and a sheet cartridge detachably provided at a predetermined position of the frame and a takeup means, the sheet cartridge storing therein the elongated photosensitive recording medium, the medium being fed along its sheet path between the sheet cartridge and the takeup means, and the improvement comprising; an automatic sheet loading means for directing a leading end portion of the elongated photosensitive recording medium toward the takeup means along the sheet path; locking means for preventing the sheet cartridge from being disassembled from the predetermined position; means for detecting completion of the automatic sheet loading and for generating a signal indicative of the completion of the sheet loading; control means for driving the locking means to its locking position in response to the sheet loading completion signal.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
56 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the automatic sheet loading means comprises an automatic sheet loading start key, and wherein the detecting means comprises a counter actuatable upon manipulation of the automatic sheet loading start key, the counter counting a predetermined period during which the automatic sheet loading operation can be completed.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
52 words
The image recording apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein the frame provides an internal cartridge installation space defining an open end, and the image recording apparatus further comprising a light shielding means positioned for closing the opened end, and wherein the locking means is selectively engageable with the light shielding means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-11-11 | 1995-05-13 | 1995-11-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-11-11 | 1999-05-13 | 1999-11-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-11-11 | 2003-05-13 | 2003-11-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |