초록

Example embodiments of pressure sensors are illustrated and described.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. A device, comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs; a pressurized gas source configured to pressurize one or more of the ink reservoirs; a plurality of printheads coupled to the ink reservoirs via conduits; a module including a plurality of pressure sensors disposed on a single substr

We claim: 1. A device, comprising: a plurality of ink reservoirs; a pressurized gas source configured to pressurize one or more of the ink reservoirs; a plurality of printheads coupled to the ink reservoirs via conduits; a module including a plurality of pressure sensors disposed on a single substrate, individual ones of the pressure sensors in fluid communication with individual ones of the conduits for sensing pressure within the conduits; and a pressurized gas line for providing pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source directly to the module, wherein the module measures a pressure differential between pressure within the pressurized gas line and pressure within the conduits. 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a memory at the substrate, the memory configured to store calibration information for multiple ones of the pressure sensors. 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a flex circuit at the substrate, the pressure sensors wire bonded to the flex circuit. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes apertures, the pressure sensors positioned at the apertures. 5. A print engine, comprising: hoses for delivering marking fluid from reservoirs to the print engine; sensors in fluid communication with the hoses for sensing pressure within the hoses, the sensors mounted on a common substrate; a source of pressurized gas in fluid communication with the reservoirs and in fluid communication with the sensors; a multiplexer for multiplexing output of the sensors; and a controller configured to receive data from the multiplexer, wherein a pressure differential is measured between a pressure at the sensors and the pressure within the hoses. 6. The subject matter of claim 5, further comprising a memory disposed on the substrate, the memory including calibration data for the sensors. 7. The subject matter of claim 5, wherein the sensors comprise differential pressure sensors disposed at apertures formed in the substrate. 8. The subject matter of claim 5, further comprising an amplification circuit coupled to the sensors. 9. The subject matter of claim 5, further comprising an A/D converter coupled to the multiplexer. 10. The subject matter of claim 5, further comprising conduits for communicating the source of pressurized gas with the reservoirs, and a conduit for communicating the source of pressurized gas directly with the sensors. 11. An apparatus, comprising: a print engine configured to receive ink from reservoirs via conduits; means for pressurizing the ink in the reservoirs; means for sensing pressure within the conduits, the means for sensing pressure within the conduits being disposed on a single substrate; and means for measuring a pressure differential between the means for pressurizing the ink in the reservoirs and the pressure within the conduits. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising the means for measuring a pressure differential being disposed on the single substrate.