Lexmark International, Inc.

Gregory Paul Washnock

Mark Joseph Edwards

Donald Norman Spitz

Robert Warren Rumford

William Michael Connors

Brian Keith Owens

Gregory Thomas Webb

Charles Jarratt Simpson

Michael Ray Wedding

Mark Aaron Neal

Robert Alan Pemberton

A modular duplexing housing for an all-in-one device which may be added at a final stage of assembly in order to convert a simplex printing unit into a duplex printing and duplex ADF scanning unit. The modular duplexing unit includes a duplexing feedpath which may be positioned for feeding communication with a simplex printing feedpath in the all-in-one device. The modular duplexing unit may also comprise a secondary input tray in feeding communication with the simplex printing unit and duplexing ADF scanning unit.

Modular printer and scanner ADF duplexer feedpath including second tray

A method for scanning a media sheet with a scanning apparatus includes feeding the media sheet through the first set of rollers into a scanning area, such that a first portion of the media sheet is available for scanning. A first partial media sheet image of the first portion is scanned. The media sheet is fed into the second set of rollers, then out of the first set of rollers, such that a second portion of the media sheet is available for scanning. A second partial media sheet image of the second portion of the media sheet is scanned. At least the first partial media sheet image is combined with the second partial media sheet image to generate a full image of the media sheet. In a further embodiment, the number of partial scans may be increased as necessary to provide a complete image of the scanned object, e.g., the media sheet. For example, one or more intermediate scans may be performed in accordance with the present invention in addition to the scans occurring at the ends of media sheet. In another embodiment, multiple image sheets may be sequentially scanned forming a plurality of first and second partial media sheet images that are stitched together to form a panoramic image.

Scanning method for stitching images

An improved apparatus for duplex scanning using a paper path shorter than the length of paper to be duplexed allows a smaller duplexing ADF footprint, without decreasing scan quality. The apparatus includes a friction drive system which allows rollers to rotate with an exit shaft when exit said shaft rotates in a first direction or with a passing media sheet when said exit shaft rotates in a second direction.

Duplexing ADF using a paperpath shorter than the length of paper to be duplexed

An auto-compensating mechanism lifter comprises an auto-compensating mechanism (ACM) and a lifter for moving a sheet of print media from a media feed tray in a document feeding device for printer, multifunction device or similar device. The auto-compensating mechanism includes a housing having a pick tire and drive train therein. The housing is pivotally mounted for movement in a first direction and a second direction. The pick tire is mounted to the housing and operably engaging the drive train and the print media. The auto-compensating lifter comprises a spring clutch coupling a drive shaft and the housing for rotating the ACM onto or away from the print media in the media feed tray depending upon the direction of rotation of the drive shaft. The pick roller is mounted distal to the pivotal connection of the auto-compensating mechanism to the drive shaft.

Auto-compensating mechanism lifter

A closure mechanism for hinged devices having an upper member and a lower member. The closure mechanism includes a track disposed on the upper member and at least one support arm pivotally attached to the lower member. A biasing element is adapted to urge the support arm to engage the upper member and urge it to pivot to an open configuration. The arm includes a contact element that engages the track such that an upper end of the arm moves along the track as the upper member pivots to an open position. The arm includes a hook that engages a positive stop to prevent over-rotation of the arm. In other embodiments of the closure mechanism, the arm is pivotally attached to the upper member and moves against the lower member, and the biasing element extends between the arm and either the upper member or the lower member.

Closure mechanism for hinged devices

A media block system for the input tray of a media processing device. A barricade is provided in the input tray and is movable between blocking and retracted positions. The barricade is moved by an arm and a lever connected to a feed roll shaft whereby rotation of the feed roll shaft moves the barricade.

Input tray mechanical blocking apparatus

A method for increasing the waste ink storage capacity in an ink jet printer includes the steps of providing a printer frame including a first frame portion and a second frame portion; providing a platen extending between the first frame portion and the second frame portion; providing a maintenance station coupled to the first frame portion; providing a printhead carrier for carrying a first printhead and a second printhead, and adapted for reciprocating movement along a carrier path, the carrier path extending over the first frame portion and the platen; defining a first ink spit area located at the maintenance station; defining a second ink spit area located at the platen; and selectively controlling an operation of the first printhead during spitting operations to eject a first ink in the first ink spit area and selectively controlling an operation of the second printhead during spitting operations to eject a second ink in the second ink spit area.

Method for increasing waste ink collection capacity in an ink jet printer by utilizing multiple ink spit areas along the carrier path

The invention provides a media sensor adjustment device for maintaining a media sensor in a preselected orientation with respect to print media prior to feeding the print media to a printing position within the printer. The adjustment device includes frame members, a media sensor housing attached to the frame members for holding a media sensor adjacent a media web and means for maintaining the sensor housing in a substantially fixed orientation relative to a media surface so as to maintain an optical surface of the media sensor substantially perpendicular to an optical path extending from the surface of the sensor to a plane defined by the media surface. The sensor adjustment device thus provides a highly reliable means for maintaining a media sensor in its critical optical perpendicularity at a predetermined distance so that reliable media identification can be obtained.

Growing community of inventors

Lexington, KY, United States of America

Gregory Paul Washnock