Abstract: A policing key for regulating the type of toner in a copying machine or other toner consuming machine includes a base mounted to the toner-consuming machine and a boss projecting from the base to a position between a port on the machine and a toner bottle cap prior to engagement. The boss protrudes above the periphery of the toner port that contacts an annular brim of the toner bottle cap, precluding the toner bottle from engaging the toner port while the key is in place. Only the annular brim of an approved toner bottle cap, which includes a notch associated with the boss for bypassing the policing key, can be used on in connection with the toner consuming machine. By varying the size and shape of the policing key, the restrictions on the type of toner used in a particular machine can be effectively controlled. In a preferred embodiment, a hardening gel is placed over the base of the policing key such that removal of the base will disturb the hardened gel and indicate a tampering of the key.

Abstract: A tensioner and tensioning system for maintaining tension in a printer liner while providing manual advancement of the printer liner without accessing the inner compartment of the printer. A tension comprises first and second end brought in proximity to form a channel, and a middle portion formed into a circular configuration to hold the roll of printer liner. A stopper is included within the channel between the two ends which resists movement of the liner and promotes tension. The liner is preferably advances against the resistance of the tensioner by a take-up roller cooperating with a one-directional clutch which advances the liner without relaxation to maintain tension. The one-directional clutch is operated from an external area on the printer to enable the manual advancement of the liner without accessing the printer's inner compartment.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed for use with a paper feeding machine such as a printer, copier, or the like wherein a removable module comprises a paper source, the sensor determining when the paper in said module reaches a predetermined level corresponding to a low paper condition indicating the need to refill the cartridge. The sensor is mountable in the paper feeding machine adjacent the insertion point of the module, where a lever extending into the path of the module detects the presence and absence of the module. An arm is biased away from the insertion point of the module when the lever is in the position indicating no module, which allows the module to be inserted into the machine without interference with the arm, and is biased to contact the uppermost sheet of paper in the module when the lever indicates the presence of the module.

Abstract: A modular paper mover is disclosed which is adapted for use with existing printers and other paper processing devices. The invention included a wedge shaped opening which is located at the exit port of the paper processing device such that paper dispelled from the device will automatically enter the paper mover. A sensor, such as an optical sensor, detects the presence of the paper and is coupled with a motor which drives a platen. The platen acts like a pinch roller to grasp and pull the paper through a track and direct the paper to an outlet location typically opposite the wedge-shaped opening. The motor is designed to operate for a predetermined time interval to insure that the paper is completely clear of the platen even after the sensor is no longer activated. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is sized to sit inside a designated paper well of a paper processing device, providing a modular, removable paper mover which can be used with a variety of paper processing devices.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically printing a unique serial number on MICR documents wherein the serial number may be used to identify the source of the document. If problems occur during subsequent processing of the document, the serial number may be decoded to identify the source of the document for repair, etc., or to identify the source of printing fraudulent checks or if the document was printed on stolen equipment. The unique codes are preferably embedded within character fonts used to print the MICR documents. In this manner, no further modification to MICR printing systems is required. Rather, by modifying MICR fonts to each include a unique serial number, the serial number is automatically printed on all documents printed using the font.