Zebra Technologies Corporation

Zhong Wang

Huanhua Liao

Yunbo Yuan

Yong Liu

Roy Patrick Lyman

David F Beck

Anthony R Helberg

Bo Liu

Zi Yang

QiMing Feng

A media processing device includes a spindle, a sensor, and a logic circuit. The spindle is configured to support a spool of installed consumable media selected from a plurality of different possible types of consumable media. The spindle includes an encoder wheel having a plurality of encoder patterns. The spindle is configured to translate in an axial direction to accommodate the plurality of different possible types of consumable media. The sensor is configured to sense one of the plurality of encoder patterns based on rotation of the encoder wheel and an axial position of the spindle. The logic circuit is configured to receive a signal from the sensor corresponding to the sensed encoder pattern, determine whether the type of consumable media that is installed based on the signal received from the sensor, and track a usage of the installed consumable media based on the signal received from the sensor.

Media processing device and associated components for spool type detection and/or status

An embodiment of a cradle has a cradle body configured to support a printing device. The cradle has first and second printer capture flanges extending from the cradle body proximate a capture end of the cradle body. The cradle has first and second biased latches extending from the cradle body between the capture end and a release end of the cradle body. The cradle has a biased release member movable between a first position and a release position. The cradle has a release linkage supported by the cradle body, the release linkage coupling the biased release member and the first and second biased latches, wherein the release linkage is structured to drive the first and second biased latches from respective locked positions to respective unlocked positions in response to movement of the biased release member from a first position to a release position.

Cradle apparatus and printing device interface

An example disclosure printer includes a base assembly, a lid pivotably attached to the base assembly, and a ribbon frame pivotably connected to the base. The ribbon frame is configured to receive at least one ribbon spool; a ribbon locker configured to interact with the ribbon spool via a spool gear assembly, the ribbon locker comprising: a biasing element to maintain a biasing force on the ribbon locker in a first direction, a first pawl, a second pawl, and a central pivot, wherein: when the ribbon locker is rotated by the actuator in the first direction, the first pawl is brought into contact with the spool gear assembly, and when the ribbon locking assembly is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, the second pawl is brought into contact with the spool gear assembly.

Ribbon spool locking apparatus

Dispenser container

A media processing apparatus includes: a base defining (i) a chamber configured to receive a media supply, and (ii) a lower portion of a media outlet; a ribbon positioning assembly coupled to the base, the ribbon positioning assembly configured to support a print head at an upper portion of the media outlet; an input assembly affixed to the ribbon positioning assembly, the input assembly including an input device activatable to generate a signal to a controller of the media processing apparatus; a lid coupled to the base, and movable relative to the base between (i) a closed position to enclose the chamber and the ribbon positioning assembly, and (ii) an open position to expose the chamber for access from an exterior of the media processing apparatus; the lid including an opening configured to align with the input device when the lid is in the closed position.

Input assemblies for media processing apparatus

A media processing device includes: a housing; a cover rotatable between open and closed positions; a main logic board (MLB) supporting a controller, and having a slot extending into the MLB from an open end at a perimeter of the MLB, the slot traversing the MLB from an upper surface to a lower surface; a receiver affixed to the MLB on a first side of the slot, and an emitter affixed to the MLB on a second side of the slot, to emit radiation detectable by the receiver; and a tab movably coupled to the housing, to obstruct the slot and prevent detection of the radiation by the receiver when the cover is in a first one of the open and closed positions, and to clear the slot and permit detection of the radiation by the receiver when the cover is in the other of the open and closed positions.

Growing community of inventors

Songzi, China

Zhong Wang