Lexmark International, Inc.

International Business Machines Corporation

Raymond Michael Marowski

Mark Stephen Underwood

Evan James Powers

Albert Tyler Barnett

David John Mickan

Forrest Steely

Edward E Pollard

Vencil D Engle

Edward R Lloyd

Danny R Sevy

Tim Rowland

Forrest Lane Steeley

Steven Eugene Ritter

Rick Kallop

John L Pullen

Carl Nieland

Douglas H Eskew

A device, method, system and article for controlling an image forming device including removable RFID functionality. A print job may be received and a determination may be made as to whether the print job includes RFID data. The RFID data may be sent to a removable RFID module when RFID data is included in the print job. Media may then be provided to a first paper path defined in the removable RFID module when RFID data is included in the print job and provided to a second paper path defined in the image forming device. An image may then be formed on the media.

Modular RFID imaging device option

Techniques that enable printing of multi-frequency RFID label schemes are provided. This may include a device for enabling printing of multi-frequency RFID label schemes, a method for printing multi-frequency RFID label schemes, as well as an article having one or more storage mediums having instructions that when executed by one or more processors result in a process for printing a multi-frequency RFID label scheme.

Multi-frequency RFID image forming techniques

Print media () having a plurality of radio frequency data storage devices () passes through a print media pathway () of a printer assembly (). The devices () can be programmed using groups () of antennas which are arranged about the print media pathway () such the simultaneous programming of multiple devices () can be achieved. A data programming device () consisting of multiple reader/programmers () can be utilized in combination with one or more RF multiplexers () to reduce the time necessary to program the devices () separately.

Systems and apparatus for writing data to multiple RF tags contained on print media

A printing device () such as a laser printer includes a radio frequency controller () which permits the detection and redirection of media having one or more defective radio frequency device tags, such as an RFID tag, to a specific one of two or more output options (). The radio frequency controller () may include radio frequency control logic () that communicates with the base printer () and the output options () over a down port () and up port () to intercept commands from the printer () to the options () and to also respond to such commands. A defective tag can be detected by attempting to program a tag using an RF reader/programmer ().

Systems and methods for handling defective RFID media according to available printer output options

A carriage return device utilizing a spring clutch and shock unloader spring is disclosed in conjunction with a cord tension sensing mechanism for detecting the cord tension increases when the paper carriage of a typewriter ceases to move and the carriage return drive mechanism continues to operate. It is desirable to disengage the drive mechanism at that point rather than to cause frictional wear or overloading of the motor pending a predetermined amount of driving time prior to disengagement. Upon the cord tension reaching a preset value, the clutch pawl will disengage the drive clutch and prevent further wear of the clutching arrangement. To prevent premature disengagement of the clutch, a shock unloading pretensioned spring is incorporated in the drive unit to absorb the initial shocks of clutch engagement and the forces experienced during acceleration of the paper carriage.

Torque-limiting carriage return knock-off mechanism

A mechanism which will function to allow the escapement of the carriage of a typewriter in one of two predetermined escapement pitches and be capable of backspace operation from a single backspace input for both pitches regardless of which escapement pitch is selected. Escapement ratchets for the two selected pitches are combined, together with a backspace ratchet. Each of the escapement ratchets are engageable by an escapement pawl and the engagement of a pawl with a particular ratchet will determine the pitch within which the escapement system will function. A backspace ratchet is combined with the escapement ratchets and fixedly attached thereto to provide the backspace drive. The backspace ratchet is selectably engageable by the backspace pawl for causing rotation in the opposite direction of that normally utilized for escapement. All motion of the escapement ratchets or backspace ratchet is transmitted through a pinion mounted to the ratchet assembly and, in turn, is transmitted to the paper carriage rack.

Escapement mechanism and backspace mechanism for a moving paper carriage

A paper feed roll assembly is disclosed which is pivotally mounted on a central point with three degrees of freedom of movement. The feed rolls are engageable with the periphery of the platen. Additionally, the support for the paper feed rolls is deflectable about the central point by a feed roll release member to effect the withdrawal of the feed rolls from the periphery of the platen to enhance paper insertion and removal. The pivot point support provides for freedom of movement in the three necessary degrees of freedom to allow equilization of feed roll force against the platen and for alignment of the feed rolls with the periphery of the platen to insure proper paper feed. The feed roll truck frame, by virtue of its pivotal mounting, may be deflected downward to permit release or insertion of the paper. A deflection means or eccentric bar is disclosed for deflecting the truck member away from the periphery of the platen against the force of the pivot support acting toward the platen.

Growing community of inventors

Lexington, KY, United States of America

Raymond Michael Marowski