Patents by Inventor Robert Edward Lass, Jr.

Robert Edward Lass, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Methods and apparatus to detect an ink ribbon based on types of light
    Patent number: 9962976
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, methods and various means, including those related to printer systems and, more particularly, relate to methods, apparatuses, systems and other means for monitoring a printer ribbon. Some embodiments use a multi-element detector, which is configured to detect a particular type of light emitted from a light emitter. The multi-state detector can include two sensors, one of which includes a polarizer filter that blocks polarized light. Embodiments can be used to determine, among other things, whether or not a printer ribbon is installed in a printer without the use of a snap plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Edward Lass, Jr., Robert A. Ehrhardt, Jr.
  • Tri-state detector for detecting types of light
    Patent number: 9168774
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, methods and various means, including those related to printer systems and, more particularly, relate to methods, apparatuses, systems and other means for monitoring a printer ribbon. Some embodiments use a multi-element detector, which is configured to detect a particular type of light emitted from a light emitter. The multi-state detector can include two sensors, one of which includes a polarizer filter that blocks polarized light. Embodiments can be used to determine, among other things, whether or not a printer ribbon is installed in a printer without the use of a snap plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Edward Lass, Jr., Robert A. Ehrhardt, Jr.