EP1390204B1 - Controle d'utilisation de liquide - Google Patents

Controle d'utilisation de liquide Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1390204B1
EP1390204B1 EP02739405A EP02739405A EP1390204B1 EP 1390204 B1 EP1390204 B1 EP 1390204B1 EP 02739405 A EP02739405 A EP 02739405A EP 02739405 A EP02739405 A EP 02739405A EP 1390204 B1 EP1390204 B1 EP 1390204B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
liquid
usage
parameters
pump
priming
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP02739405A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1390204A1 (fr
Inventor
Alan L. Hudd
Philip G. Bentley
Andrew D. Dubner
Thomas Junck
Mario Otte
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Xennia Technology Ltd
Original Assignee
3M Innovative Properties Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 3M Innovative Properties Co filed Critical 3M Innovative Properties Co
Publication of EP1390204A1 publication Critical patent/EP1390204A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1390204B1 publication Critical patent/EP1390204B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01Ink jet
    • B41J2/17Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01Ink jet
    • B41J2/135Nozzles
    • B41J2/165Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01Ink jet
    • B41J2/17Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17566Ink level or ink residue control

Definitions

  • This invention relates to monitoring liquid usage. It is particularly concerned with monitoring to a high level of precision the usage of liquids of high value or potentially sensitive nature.
  • flow meters for example including a rotor or turbine in a liquid conduit, which can be linked directly or indirectly to signalling and control elements. The number of rotations are counted and used to generate a signal indicating the volume flow.
  • rotary meters have been well developed in the field of fuel pumps, especially for vehicle filling stations, and provide a sufficiently precise measurement for supply of relatively high liquid volumes.
  • electrical control circuits of such pumps For example U.S. Patent No. 3,990,607 relates to a relay-controlled circuit of a gasoline pump in which momentary closure of a key-operated switch is required before normal operation of the pump can be reinstated after a dispensing operation.
  • liquids For certain liquids a higher level of monitoring precision is required than for such commodities as gasoline.
  • These liquids include pharmaceuticals, certain chemical treatment agents, radioactive or toxic materials, and special purpose materials, for example special purpose printing inks as may be used in inkjet printers.
  • special purpose materials for example special purpose printing inks as may be used in inkjet printers.
  • such materials are applied in dosed quantities, i.e. a small controlled volume is applied repeatedly from a source container which is refilled or replaced as the liquid is consumed.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,045,206 discloses a method of operating an inkjet printer comprising the steps of using a maintenance algorithm to control timing of a maintenance action, keeping a historical log of an operating characteristic of the printer over a period of time, and changing the maintenance algorithm for subsequent use by the printer based upon the historical log.
  • EP-A-0 825 567 discloses a method of and an apparatus for monitoring the usage of a liquid applied in repeated small controlled volumes from an application apparatus which includes at least one liquid pump for supply or circulation of liquid, and in which method one or more parameters of usage are monitored and recorded in transmittable form.
  • the invention further provides apparatus as defined in claim 9.
  • the objective is to ensure that the monitored parameters represent a substantially complete record of the liquid usage.
  • recordal of the number of applications shows the volumes directly used in the application.
  • the volumes used indirectly, and which may be regarded as waste, are shown by the total of any volumes used in purging, priming and cleaning the apparatus. These waste volumes can either be measured directly, for example by measuring an increase in weight of an absorbent material used in cleaning the apparatus, or indirectly by counting the number of purging, priming and cleaning steps and multiplying these by the volumes routinely consumed in these steps.
  • a particular advantage of the invention is that recordal of the usage of liquid pumps, whose liquid handling capacity can also be determined, provides an indication of total volumes employed, which can be cross-checked with the volumes indicated by the other parameters. Any disagreement between the respective indications of total liquid volumes employed alerts the user to possible operating problems, for example errors or malfunctioning of the apparatus, and permits prompt remedial action to be taken.
  • the volumes and/or associated actions of the respective elements are preferably monitored and controlled by one or more microprocessors, for example a programmable logic controller.
  • the microprocessors can be housed within or alongside the application apparatus, but can be located remote from it. In one convenient arrangement one microprocessor forms part of the apparatus as such and another microprocessor is located remotely. A remote location is beneficial in permitting a reduction in on-site inspection time by local personnel and in permitting several application stations to be monitored and controlled from a single point.
  • the microprocessors can be configured to receive data electronically by such transmission routes as a direct wiring connection, dedicated telephone line, radio link or intemet link.
  • the liquid is supplied from a replaceable container holding a defined initial liquid volume. Because the starting volume in the container and the precise consumption are both known, an operator can determine when the container contents are about to run out and can arrange for a replacement. The precision also allows for substantially complete use to be made of an individual container contents, thereby maximizing the period between container replacements and removing the possibility of significant volumes being returned with the spent container.
  • the invention is applicable to all types of process liquids that demand special attention. They may be used alone or in some instances may contain constituents in solution or in suspension. Indeed it may be the dissolved or suspended content that gives the liquid the unusual characteristics that demand its carefully monitored usage. For example, the liquids or their constituents may be expensive and therefore used sparingly for reasons of economy. It is therefore desirable to use only as much of such materials as is strictly necessary for a given duty and to dispose effectively of any material not directly employed in the process.
  • the container is preferably sealed after approved refilling so that tampering with the contents is prevented. Sealing is especially appropriate for handling sensitive or hazardous material in that it protects the user from coming into contact with the material.
  • the liquid container may form an integral part of the apparatus employing the liquid.
  • both the container and the portion of the apparatus of which it forms a part must be returned to the approved supplier for replenishment of the liquid.
  • the returnable unit may desirably be sealed to protect the user from coming into contact with the liquid contents.
  • the key parameters to be monitored are the number of images applied and a record of the movements of the system, notably when it was returned to a supplier for refilling. These provide the operator with useful data on the number of articles produced and marked and the frequency with which the system must be returned for refilling.
  • the microprocessor can be configured to transmit warning signals, for example when a container is about to run out of liquid.
  • serial numbers or codes can be marked with one or more serial numbers or codes. This is helpful in identifying the specific container and its contents.
  • the serial number is recorded on the container in such a way that it can also be transmitted to the microprocessor. This allows the microprocessor to show which container is in place in the application apparatus and further facilitates remote control of when a replacement container will need to be provided.
  • the microprocessor can be programmed so as to permit operation of the apparatus only if it recognizes the container as having an approved serial number, thereby preventing installation in the apparatus of an unapproved container and thus of use of unapproved operating liquid.
  • the recognition may be, for example, by bar-code or radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • microprocessor may additionally be desirable for the microprocessor to demand a password from the operator before opening up the apparatus to the replacement container. This helps to ensure that only appropriately qualified personnel can install the replacements. This option is especially relevant for use of highly sensitive liquids, for example potentially hazardous (such as radioactive) materials.
  • a homing device which transmits a signal to indicate its whereabouts.
  • the homing device can be programmed to emit or transmit a warning signal, which again can be an RFID signal, if the container is moved away from known acceptable locations.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic side view, partly in section, of the print head of an inkjet printer fitted with one version of monitoring system according to the invention.
  • the invention is relevant to this application because of the unusual and sensitive nature of certain inks used in the printing process. It is emphasized that the invention is not limited to this application or to the specific version of system described and that not all of the components illustrated in this version represent essential features of the invention.
  • the ink used in the inkjet printer may contain a special marker selected from one or more dyes or solid particulate materials.
  • the marker may be of a type that imparts to the deposited image a coloration which is visible in daylight or conventional artificial lighting, or may have no marked colour in daylight or conventional artificial lighting but reveal their colour under special lighting, for example from an ultra-violet or LED source.
  • the marker may be a pigment or additive which reveals its presence under the application of magnetic, electronic or spectroscopic means.
  • pigments used in inkjet printer inks are metallic flakes, inorganic materials comprising ferrites and other metal oxides, including oxides of transition and rare earth metals; organo-metallic complexes; and organic materials, including high molecular weight aromatic compounds such as anthraquinones, aryl amides and quinacridones.
  • Specific examples of commonly used pigments include magnetite, barium ferrite, strontium ferrite, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, copper phthalocyanine and carbon black.
  • a wide variety of images can be applied by an inkjet printer, including lettering, numerals, figures, photographs, pictures, logos, identifying marks, "sell-by” or “use by” dates as mentioned above, batch numbers, address details and general text.
  • the required degree of precision of the image depends on the duty and the sophistication of the print head.
  • the system illustrated in the figure is intended for industrial application of coding details, for example batch numbers, to articles on a production line. It includes a print head 10, of a type marketed as a Trident Ultrajet ", attached to the front of a housing 20.
  • the print head 10 has multiple internal capillary channels with ink ejection nozzles 11. Within the print head 10 each capillary has an associated piezoelectric element controlled by energy pulses to eject ink droplets which collectively form the desired image.
  • a primary reservoir 14 which serves as the main container for ink has an inlet tube 16 and outlet tube 18 and a level sensor 15.
  • the inlet tube 16 includes a flow meter 12, to monitor the rate of ink transfer, and an on-off valve 13.
  • An ink feed pump 17 in the outlet tube 18 conveys ink through an in-line static mixer 19 to ensure complete dispersion of any ink solids. From the mixer 19 the tube 18 continues to a secondary reservoir 22 located at a higher level than the primary reservoir 14.
  • the secondary reservoir 22 has an ink level sensor 23, which with the pump 17 maintains the volume of ink in the secondary reservoir 22 at a constant level.
  • An outlet line 25 from the reservoir 22 passes to a priming pump 30 and a flow meter 31.
  • the print head 10 carries a shaped capping arm 36 rotatably disposed on a shaft 38 and a spring-loaded padded capping plate 40 to close and cap the nozzles 11.
  • a wiper blade 39 is located at indicated position 39 and extends across the width of the body portion of the print head 10.
  • the wiper blade 39 is mounted on a lever frame 41 comprising interconnected levers moved by an electrically driven wheel 42.
  • One set of levers on the frame 41 is visible at the near side of the print head body portion 10 as viewed in the figure: equivalent levers are located at the far side.
  • An absorbent pad 45 is located beneath the nozzles 11 to receive ink flicked away from the nozzles 11 by the action of the wiper blade 39 and to contact the wiper blade 39 as it returns to the parked position so as to remove any residual ink from it.
  • the pump 30 is activated to prime the print head 10 with ink.
  • the relative disposition of the reservoirs 14 and 22 is such that because of the height difference ink is siphoned through the print head 10, ensuring that the print head 10 receives a constant flow of ink at a uniform and low ink feed pressure.
  • the pump 30 can be switched off, ink circulation being then achieved by the siphon effect and the action of the ink feed pump 17 alone.
  • a programmable logic controller 50 is located inside the housing 20 near the top and is connected by circuit wiring (indicated by dotted lines 52) to the respective elements of the system.
  • the controller 50 has an external port 51 to receive a connector from an associated remote controller (not shown).
  • the print head 10 Prior to a print run the print head 10 is at rest as shown in the figure, with the capping arm 36 holding the capping plate 40 firmly against the nozzles 11. The capping arm 36 is moved away and the drive wheel 42 is then activated to operate the lever frame 41 so as to move the wiping blade 39 from its parked position to an upper position, slightly above the nozzles 11. The print head 10 is then primed and the nozzles 11 purged by the action of the priming pump 30.
  • the wiper blade 39 is then brought into operation by continued rotation of the drive wheel 42, causing the frame 41 to draw the wiper blade 39 vertically downwards and over the nozzles 11 to remove any ink from them. Most of any ink on the head face is flicked away by the wiping action of the wiper blade 39 and is deposited on the absorbent pad 45. Residual ink is removed from the wiper blade 39 as it contacts the absorbent pad 45 on its return to the parked position. The volumes of ink removed by the wiper blade 39 are readily taken up by the absorbent pad 45 and are thus effectively removed from the system, being held within the pad 45 such that they cannot result in misuse, for example by an unauthorized party. The pad 45 is replaced by a new pad after a series of print runs.
  • the printer With the wiper blade 39 and the blade lever frame 41 back in the parked position, the printer is now ready for a print run.
  • the capping arm 36 At the end of the run the capping arm 36 is returned to the capping position of the figure.
  • the controller 50 prevents the wiping action from being initiated if the capping plate 40 is in position and, vice versa, prevents the capping arm 36 from being operated if the wiping action is in progress.
  • the remote controller dictates the image pattern by activating the piezoelectric elements in the print head 10, for example by sending a controlled voltage to the print head 10.
  • the controller 50 can monitor these and all other actions associated with the printing: the initial opening of the on-off valve 13, the capping and uncapping actions of the capping arm 36, purge and priming steps, the wiping action of the wiper blade 39, the number of activations of the liquid pumps and the length of time for which they are operated, the flow rates through meters 12 and 31, and the levels indicated by the level sensors 15 and 23.
  • the controllers can further be programmed to monitor the occasions on which data is extracted from them.
  • the count of the number of marks applied is of particular benefit for a production run of articles which each receive marks such as batch numbers or sell by dates, since the count provides a ready check on the number of articles produced in a given run.
  • Recordal of the monitored data is effected by the controller 50, which can be interrogated by the remote controller or any other chosen control unit.
  • the level sensor 15 gives a warning of the ink level in the reservoir 14 falling to a point at which the need for refilling is approaching. It also permits any adjustment of any drift in the residual volumes calculated by the controller 50 from its awareness of the direct and indirect usage of the ink. From its awareness of the rate of usage it also permits a precise estimate of when the ink will run out, and thus of the urgency for refilling.
  • Refilling can either be effected directly by decanting fresh ink into the main reservoir 14 or by removing the reservoir 14 or even the entire unit to a filling station. Removal of the reservoir 14 or unit may be the preferred options for inks of a sensitive or potentially hazardous nature in that the refilling can be conducted by suitably skilled staff under controlled conditions.

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
  • Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)
  • Cyclones (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)

Claims (11)

  1. Procédé de contrôle de l'utilisation d'un liquide appliqué en petits volumes déterminés répétés à partir d'un appareil d'application qui assure des étapes de purge, d'amorçage et de nettoyage, lequel appareil comporte au moins une pompe à liquide (17) pour l'apport ou la mise en circulation de liquide, ledit procédé comprenant les étapes de :
    contrôle d'un ou de plusieurs paramètres d'utilisation de liquide ;
    enregistrement desdits un ou plusieurs paramètres d'utilisation de liquide sous une forme transmissible ; lesdits un ou plusieurs paramètres d'utilisation de liquide comprenant les périodes d'utilisation de chaque pompe à liquide (17).
  2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdits un ou plusieurs paramètres d'utilisation de liquide comprennent en outre le nombre d'opérations marche et arrêt de commutateurs et de valves de régulation (13) dans l'appareil.
  3. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdits un ou plusieurs paramètres d'utilisation de liquide comprennent en outre (i) le nombre d'applications et (ii) le nombre d'étapes de purge, d'amorçage et de nettoyage.
  4. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdits un ou plusieurs paramètres d'utilisation de liquide comprennent en outre la vitesse de transfert de liquide à travers au moins un débitmètre (12, 31).
  5. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre l'étape de :
    vérification d'un volume total de liquide employé, lequel est déterminé à partir des périodes d'utilisation de chaque pompe à liquide (17) et d'une capacité de refoulement de liquide de chaque pompe (17), par recoupement avec une utilisation estimée de liquide déterminée en ajoutant (i) le résultat de la multiplication du nombre d'applications par un volume de liquide typique utilisé dans chaque application individuelle et (ii) le résultat de la multiplication du nombre d'étapes de purge, d'amorçage et de nettoyage par un volume habituellement consommé au cours de ces étapes.
  6. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les volumes et/ou les actions associées des éléments respectifs sont contrôlés et commandés par au moins un microprocesseur.
  7. Procédé selon la revendication 6, dans lequel un numéro de série est enregistré sur un ou plusieurs réservoirs de liquide de l'appareil d'application de telle sorte que le(s) numéro(s) de série puisse(nt) également être transmis au microprocesseur.
  8. Procédé selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le microprocesseur est programmé de façon à permettre le fonctionnement de l'appareil uniquement s'il reconnaît un ou plusieurs réservoirs de liquide comme possédant un numéro de série approuvé.
  9. Appareil de contrôle de l'utilisation d'un liquide appliqué en petits volumes déterminés répétés, ledit appareil comportant :
    une ou plusieurs pompes à liquide (17) pour l'apport ou la mise en circulation de liquide ; et
    au moins un microprocesseur (50) pour contrôler et enregistrer sous une forme transmissible un ou plusieurs paramètres d'utilisation de liquide, lesdits un ou plusieurs paramètres d'utilisation de liquide comprenant les périodes d'utilisation de chaque pompe à liquide (17).
  10. Appareil selon la revendication 9, dans lequel lesdits un ou plusieurs paramètres d'utilisation de liquide comprennent en outre (i) le nombre d'opérations marche et arrêt de commutateurs et de valves de régulation (13) dans l'appareil, (ii) le nombre d'applications, (iii) le nombre d'étapes de purge, d'amorçage et de nettoyage, (iv) la vitesse de transfert de liquide à travers au moins un débitmètre (12, 31).
  11. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 et 10, l'appareil étant capable de vérifier un volume total de liquide employé, lequel est déterminé à partir des périodes d'utilisation de chaque pompe à liquide (17) et d'une capacité de refoulement de liquide de chaque pompe (17), par recoupement avec une utilisation estimée de liquide déterminée en ajoutant (i) le résultat de la multiplication du nombre d'applications par un volume de liquide typique utilisé dans chaque application individuelle et (ii) le résultat de la multiplication du nombre d'étapes de purge, d'amorçage et de nettoyage par un volume habituellement consommé au cours de ces étapes.
EP02739405A 2001-05-30 2002-05-23 Controle d'utilisation de liquide Expired - Lifetime EP1390204B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0113095.4A GB0113095D0 (en) 2001-05-30 2001-05-30 Liquid usage monitoring
GB0113095 2001-05-30
PCT/US2002/016548 WO2002096653A1 (fr) 2001-05-30 2002-05-23 Controle d'utilisation de liquide

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1390204A1 EP1390204A1 (fr) 2004-02-25
EP1390204B1 true EP1390204B1 (fr) 2004-12-29

Family

ID=9915532

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02739405A Expired - Lifetime EP1390204B1 (fr) 2001-05-30 2002-05-23 Controle d'utilisation de liquide

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1390204B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2004529795A (fr)
CN (1) CN1551833A (fr)
AT (1) ATE285899T1 (fr)
DE (1) DE60202463T2 (fr)
ES (1) ES2235051T3 (fr)
GB (1) GB0113095D0 (fr)
TW (1) TW572833B (fr)
WO (1) WO2002096653A1 (fr)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8395515B2 (en) 2009-06-12 2013-03-12 Ecolab Usa Inc. Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
US8639527B2 (en) 2008-04-30 2014-01-28 Ecolab Usa Inc. Validated healthcare cleaning and sanitizing practices
US8944119B2 (en) 2009-12-25 2015-02-03 Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies Ltd. Method and system of gas refilling management for gas storage canister utilizing identification accessing control
US8990098B2 (en) 2008-04-30 2015-03-24 Ecolab Inc. Validated healthcare cleaning and sanitizing practices
US9824569B2 (en) 2011-01-28 2017-11-21 Ecolab Usa Inc. Wireless communication for dispenser beacons
US10529219B2 (en) 2017-11-10 2020-01-07 Ecolab Usa Inc. Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
USRE48951E1 (en) 2015-08-05 2022-03-01 Ecolab Usa Inc. Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
US11272815B2 (en) 2017-03-07 2022-03-15 Ecolab Usa Inc. Monitoring modules for hand hygiene dispensers
US11284333B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2022-03-22 Ecolab Usa Inc. Adaptive route, bi-directional network communication

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7602284B2 (en) * 2004-03-04 2009-10-13 Ethicon, Inc. Sterilizer cassette handling system with data link
US20070109912A1 (en) * 2005-04-15 2007-05-17 Urquhart Karl J Liquid ring pumping and reclamation systems in a processing environment
PL3552828T3 (pl) 2014-01-31 2021-03-08 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Zasobniki atramentu i sposoby przygotowywania zasobników atramentu
US10352319B2 (en) 2015-01-29 2019-07-16 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Calibration of a pump

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3990607A (en) 1976-01-21 1976-11-09 Kocolene Oil Corporation Gasoline dispensing control apparatus
US5068806A (en) * 1988-12-02 1991-11-26 Spectra-Physics, Inc. Method of determining useful life of cartridge for an ink jet printer
US5172140A (en) * 1990-06-13 1992-12-15 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Ink jet recording apparatus including a device for indicating need to change waste ink pack
JP3121002B2 (ja) * 1990-07-06 2000-12-25 株式会社リコー プリンタシステム、プリンタおよび外部装置
US5305199A (en) * 1992-10-28 1994-04-19 Xerox Corporation Consumable supplies monitoring/ordering system for reprographic equipment
JP2941136B2 (ja) * 1993-01-19 1999-08-25 キヤノン株式会社 情報処理装置、情報処理方法、電子機器および電子機器制御方法
US6203759B1 (en) * 1996-05-31 2001-03-20 Packard Instrument Company Microvolume liquid handling system
JPH0911490A (ja) * 1995-06-27 1997-01-14 Canon Inc インクジェット記録装置
US6116715A (en) * 1996-08-23 2000-09-12 Pitney Bowes Inc. Device and method for sensing low ink level in an ink cartridge of a postage meter
US6158837A (en) * 1997-09-19 2000-12-12 Xerox Corporation Printer having print mode for non-qualified marking material
US6045206A (en) 1998-02-09 2000-04-04 Pitney Bowes Inc. Ink-jet printer having variable maintenance algorithm
JPH11342623A (ja) * 1998-05-29 1999-12-14 Canon Inc 液体タンクおよび画像形成装置
JP2000326523A (ja) * 1999-05-24 2000-11-28 Canon Aptex Inc インクジェット記録装置
JP3661525B2 (ja) * 1999-10-14 2005-06-15 セイコーエプソン株式会社 インクカートリッジ監視システム,インクカートリッジ監視方法,インクカートリッジ監視装置,及び、インクカートリッジ監視プログラムを格納したコンピュータ可読媒体
DE19958948B4 (de) * 1999-11-26 2005-06-02 Francotyp-Postalia Ag & Co. Kg Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Anzahl von mit einer Tintenrestmenge ausführbaren Drucken und Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8639527B2 (en) 2008-04-30 2014-01-28 Ecolab Usa Inc. Validated healthcare cleaning and sanitizing practices
US8990098B2 (en) 2008-04-30 2015-03-24 Ecolab Inc. Validated healthcare cleaning and sanitizing practices
US8395515B2 (en) 2009-06-12 2013-03-12 Ecolab Usa Inc. Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
US8502680B2 (en) 2009-06-12 2013-08-06 Ecolab Usa Inc. Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
US8944119B2 (en) 2009-12-25 2015-02-03 Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies Ltd. Method and system of gas refilling management for gas storage canister utilizing identification accessing control
US9824569B2 (en) 2011-01-28 2017-11-21 Ecolab Usa Inc. Wireless communication for dispenser beacons
USRE48951E1 (en) 2015-08-05 2022-03-01 Ecolab Usa Inc. Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
US11272815B2 (en) 2017-03-07 2022-03-15 Ecolab Usa Inc. Monitoring modules for hand hygiene dispensers
US11903537B2 (en) 2017-03-07 2024-02-20 Ecolab Usa Inc. Monitoring modules for hand hygiene dispensers
US10529219B2 (en) 2017-11-10 2020-01-07 Ecolab Usa Inc. Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
US11284333B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2022-03-22 Ecolab Usa Inc. Adaptive route, bi-directional network communication
US11711745B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2023-07-25 Ecolab Usa Inc. Adaptive route, bi-directional network communication

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW572833B (en) 2004-01-21
DE60202463T2 (de) 2006-06-22
WO2002096653A1 (fr) 2002-12-05
CN1551833A (zh) 2004-12-01
JP2004529795A (ja) 2004-09-30
GB0113095D0 (en) 2001-07-18
DE60202463D1 (de) 2005-02-03
ES2235051T3 (es) 2005-07-01
EP1390204A1 (fr) 2004-02-25
ATE285899T1 (de) 2005-01-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1390204B1 (fr) Controle d'utilisation de liquide
CA2369445C (fr) Systeme intelligent d'alimentation en fluide pour systeme d'impression a jet de fluide
US7845750B2 (en) Ink jet type recording apparatus, ink type information setting method in the apparatus and ink cartridge used in the apparatus
CN204249557U (zh) 打印机
US7434900B2 (en) Inkjet printer for printing on goods
WO2017091406A1 (fr) Capteur de qualité d'encre et système de surveillance d'état pour imprimante à jet d'encre
JP6102320B2 (ja) 画像形成装置
US6978255B1 (en) Method for protecting a device against operation with unallowed consumables and arrangement for the implementation of the method
US6428132B1 (en) Method for determining the number of normal imprints implementable with a remaining ink quantity and arrangement for the implementation of the method
US20050024412A1 (en) Liquid usage monitoring
EP1761390A1 (fr) Systeme d'assurance de compatibilite d'encre
US7254563B1 (en) Method and arrangement for automatically ordering supplies which are consumed during usage of a device
US7047221B1 (en) Method for piracy protection of an apparatus and arrangement for the implementation of the method
US7401052B2 (en) Method for validating warranty compliance and ink compatibility assurance
CN210940963U (zh) 容器直接印刷机及可连接至其墨盒的容器盖
EP1745932A1 (fr) Méthode pour validation de conformité de la garantie et compatibilité de encre
CN212604065U (zh) 用于利用多色直接印刷印刷容器的直接印刷机
CN215551944U (zh) 一种墨水补充系统
CN113276564B (zh) 一种墨水补充系统和补充方法以及墨水管理系统
JP2002104598A (ja) 給油装置
JP2000085147A (ja) インクジェット記録装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20031111

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: OTTE, MARIO

Inventor name: JUNCK, THOMAS

Inventor name: DUBNER, ANDREW, D.

Inventor name: BENTLEY, PHILIP, G.

Inventor name: HUDD, ALAN, L.

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041229

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041229

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041229

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041229

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041229

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041229

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041229

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60202463

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20050203

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050329

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050329

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050329

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20050517

Year of fee payment: 4

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050523

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050523

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050523

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050531

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20050609

Year of fee payment: 4

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20050630

Year of fee payment: 4

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2235051

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: XENNIA TECHNOLOGY LIMITED

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20050930

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: PC2A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060523

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060524

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20060531

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061201

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20060523

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20070131

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20060524

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050529

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070523