Abstract:
A modular print system which includes media cartridges instead of manually loaded feed trays. The print system includes a print module including a keyed entrance, and sealed cartridge containing media and including a keyed exit corresponding to the keyed entrance. The cartridge is removably attached to the print module.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to printers and more specifically to a modular print system. 
     Printers include feed trays. Users must load the feed trays with media. Printers may not include feed trays for all types of media. Also, manually loaded feed trays offer no security to high-risk media, such as tickets, money order, and checks. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a modular print system in which provides an alternative to manually-loaded feed trays. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a modular print system is provided. 
     The print system includes a print module including a keyed entrance, and sealed cartridge containing media and including a keyed exit corresponding to the keyed entrance. The cartridge is removably attached to the print module. 
     It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a modular print system. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular print system in which provides an alternative to manually-loaded feed trays. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from the subsequent description of the preferred embodiments and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of the modular printing system; 
         FIG. 2  is a view of a keyed media entrance of a print head module; 
         FIG. 3  is a view of a keyed media exit of a media cartridge; and 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an alternate media cartridge. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , modular printing system  10  includes print head assembly  12  and media cartridge  14 . 
     Print head module  12  includes print head  20  and media feed system  22 . 
     Print head  20  applies ink to media  30 . 
     Media feed system  22  transports media  30  from media cartridge  14 , through media aperture  40 , across print head  20 , and out exit aperture  24 . 
     Print head module  12  additionally includes keyed media entrance  26  which includes first key aperture  32 , second key aperture  34 , first key protrusion  36 , and second key protrusion  38 . 
     Media cartridge  14  includes media  30 , housing  54 , and media feed system  56 . 
     Media  30  may include standard paper, such as 8½″ by 11″ paper. Media  30  may alternatively include high risk media, such as tickets, money order, and checks. 
     Housing  54  is sealed making housing  54  non-refillable. Housing  54  may include a dye pack or electric alarm circuit  41  around the inside periphery, which when activated, indicate a breach of housing  54 . 
     Media feed system  56  directs media  30  from housing  54 , through media aperture  60  to print head module  12 . 
     Media cartridge  14  further includes keyed media exit  44 , which has a shape that facilitates coupling to keyed media entrance  26  of print head module  12 . First keyed protrusion  46  includes surface  50 , which has similar dimensions to first key aperture  32 . Second keyed protrusion  48  includes surface  52 , which has similar dimensions to second key aperture  34 . 
     Dimensions of first key aperture  32 , second key aperture  34 , first key protrusion  36 , and second key protrusion  38  are arbitrary, but only a media cartridge  14  with a corresponding keyed media exit  44  can couple to print head module  12 . 
     Certain media, such as tickets, may require security to control their usage. For this purpose, media cartridge  14  may include an electronic lock  42  that may only be unlocked through unlock circuitry  43  by an authorized user of media  30  and computer  10 . For this purpose, keyed media exit  44  may electrically couple to keyed media entrance  26 . The password to be entered at computer  10  may be encrypted, such as by public key encryption with a public key registered to the user. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , keyed media entrance  26  of print head module  12  is illustrated in detail. The width of media entrance aperture  40  corresponds to the width of media  30 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , keyed media exit  44  of media cartridge  14  is illustrated in detail. 
     When engaged, keyed media entrance  26  of print head module  12  and keyed media exit  44  of media cartridge  14  are held together by friction. 
     First keyed protrusion  46  penetrates first keyed aperture  32  and second keyed protrusion  48  penetrates second keyed aperture  34 . First keyed protrusion  36  abuts first keyed protrusion  46  and surface  55 . Second keyed protrusion  38  abuts second keyed protrusion  48  and surface  53 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , an alternate media cartridge  14  is shown. This media cartridge  14  shares the same keyed media exit  44  as the media cartridge of  FIG. 1  and is suited for delivering a single stream of media  30 , such as tickets. Individual tickets may be separated at cut or perforation lines after exiting through aperture  24  of print head module  12 . 
     Although the invention has been described with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, variations and modifications of the present invention can be effected within the spirit and scope of the following claims.