Patent ID: 6097405
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A detection apparatus for use in a printing device, comprising:a container for storing a printing composition, the container connecting to the printing device in a printing orientation;a source that generates a light signal;a detector that detects the light signal from the source when coupled to the source, the detector enabling printing by the printing device when the light signal from the source is detected;a light waveguide configured to couple the source and detector when the container is connected to the printing device in the printing orientation to enable printing by the printing device, and configured to fail to couple the source and detector when the container is in other than the printing orientation; andfurther comprising a plurality of containers each of which connects to the printing device in a respective printing orientation, and wherein the light waveguide couples the source and detector only when the containers are connected to the printing device in their respective printing orientations to enable printing by the printing device, and further wherein the light waveguide is configured to fail to couple the source and detector when any of the containers are in other than their respective printing orientations.