Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.P.

Hewlett-packard Company

Jamison B Slippy

Steven Robert Folkner

Quintin T Phillips

Robert W Jewell

Paul R Spencer

Laurian Dinca

Neil R Pyke

A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes making a first quantitative measurement, dispensing a number of media sheets from the stack, and making a second quantitative measurement, wherein the quantitative measurement can be, for example, the weight of the stack or the thickness of the stack. A ratio is calculated such that the ratio is equal to the number of sheets dispensed divided by the difference in the first and second quantitative measurements. The ratio can then be multiplied by the second quantitative measurement to establish an estimated number of media sheets remaining in the stack at the time the second quantitative measurement was made.

Methods and apparatus for dispensing media sheets from a media stack

The present invention compensates a printed image for distortions caused by mechanical image stretch. One embodiment comprises a memory configured to store compensation data, the compensation data corresponding to distortion in a printed image caused by mechanical image stretch, and a processor configured to generate a compensated image data by combining data corresponding to the image and the compensation data, and configured to communicate the compensated image data to a printing system.

Compensating mechanical image stretch in a printing device

An implementation of a technology is described herein for automatically determining the heat-conductive properties of print media. More particularly, described herein is a technology for indirectly and automatically determining the heat-conductive properties of print media by determining the stiffness of print media, such as acetate and paper. At least one embodiment, described herein, includes a registration assembly of a laser printer. In this assembly, the print medium is deflected (i.e., bent, bowed, buckled, etc.). A measurement of such deflection is made. That measurement is an indication of the relative stiffness of the print medium. Assuming approximately similar densities, the stiffness of print media is directly related to its thickness. The thicker the medium the stiffer it is and vice versa. The thickness of print media is directly related to its heat conductivity.

Automatically determining heat-conductive properties of print media

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining media level in a cassette. A single, fixed media level sensor is located adjacent to where the media is fed from the cassette. The bottom of the cassette is moved up until the top piece of media triggers the fixed sensor. The number of steps of the stepper motor (or the time an analog motor is on) indicates the distance the bottom of the cassette must be raised before the top of the media stack hits the sensor. The number of steps is used directly to determine the height of the stack of media and, therefore, the level of media in the cassette.

Method and apparatus for detecting media level in a cassette

A sensor assembly for measuring the displacement or position of a movable member. The sensor assembly utilizes two or more smaller, less accurate sensors to perform the function of a single, more accurate larger sensor. The resolution of each of the smaller sensors is increased by configuring the sensor system such that the maximum travel of each sensor in a direction covers half or less of the travel of the moveable member being measured. Each sensor then moves in an opposite direction to return to its original position for the remainder of the travel of the movable member. Utilizing a cam follower system, two sensors generate a set of output signals at each position of the moveable member in a one-to-one correlation over the range of travel of the moveable member.

Multiple sensor continuous media detection

A media holding apparatus includes a tray having a support surface configured to receive media and a media stop carried by the tray. The media stop is movably supported for continuously adjustable positioning relative to the tray to conform dimensionally with media received in the tray. The apparatus also includes a position-detecting sensor associated with the tray and the media stop which is operative to generate a unique electrical pattern corresponding with a detected position of the media stop relative to the tray. The unique electrical pattern is indicative of the size of the media detected in the tray. A method is also provided.

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Caldwell, ID, United States of America

Jamison B Slippy