The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 21, 2003
Filed:
Jan. 18, 2001
Todd A. Fischer, Boise, ID (US);
Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for detecting a low toner condition in a color laser printer are disclosed. The invention generally includes at least one energy detector which can detect relative intensity of electromagnetic energy reflected from at least one toner area. A variation in the intensity of reflected energy, either from a reference value, or within a single toner area, or between two toner areas, can indicate toner fade due to a low toner condition. Apparatus in accordance with the present invention can also include a movable support surface which can support at least one toner area. Apparatus can also include at least one of various configurations of energy sources which can be configured to produce electromagnetic energy and direct the energy toward the toner area. A method in accordance with the present invention can include detecting intensity of electromagnetic energy reflected from at least one toner area.