Pitney Bowes Inc.

James R Ralph

David W Hubbard

Sungwon R Moh

Christopher DeBarber

Neil F Baldino

William F Bailey

Edward J Twarog

A system for electrically connecting first and second electronic devices wherein the devices are movable relative to each other. The system includes an electric cable having end segments and a medial segment therebetween wherein each of the end segments connects to one of the first and second electronic devices. A tensioning mechanism maintains a tensile load on the medial segment of the electric cable while a guide mechanism directs movement of the electric cable in response to relative motion between the first and second electronic devices. Moreover, a strain relief mechanism is operative to mitigate the transmission of tensile loads from the medial segment to either of the end segments such that the end segments are substantially unloaded in response to movement of the devices.

Low-cost cable connecting system for movable/separable electronic devices

A printing apparatus is disclosed which has various operating components, and which includes a single sensing means for sensing certain operational characteristics of the operating components to monitor the operational status thereof for the purpose of either providing an operator perceptible indication that a certain operational characteristic of one of the operating components is not in a condition for normal operation of the printing apparatus. The single sensing means includes a photo detecting means mounted on the inside surface of the cover of a housing for the operating characteristics of the printing apparatus, and an actuating means mounted on an ink cartridge which is mounted on and movable with a moving print head, such that the sensing means can provided an ink dication of whether the cover is open or closed, whether the ink cartridge is present or absent, whether the print head is in a proper position for commencing a normal cycle of operation, and in one variation of an alternate embodiment of the invention, whether there is sufficient ink in the ink cartridge for normal operation of the printing apparatus, and in another variation thereof, how much ink is in the ink cartridge at all times between full and insufficient for normal operation of the printing apparatus.

Multi function sensing device for printing apparatus

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Wilton, CT, United States of America

James R Ralph