Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.p.

Hewlett-Packard Company

Srinivas Guddanti

Chet M Butikofer

Robert Matthew Sesek

A system and method for improved accessibility of media output from a media processing device. Media receivers are coupled to an actuator such that the media receivers can be moved under manual command by a user, or automatically by a controller. Movement selectors are provided for activation thereof by a user. The user selects a media receiver for movement, and then the desired direction of movement. The media receiver is moved to a position most convenient for the user so that the media in the media receiver is most accessible to that user. In an illustrative embodiment, a laser printer with a plurality of paper trays is adapted to the present invention.

Media accessibility in a media processing device

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for saving power in a printing system, by prioritizing printer jobs. Using a graphical user interface an end-user assigns a print time to a first job. The print time designation is attached to the first job and the first job is transmitted from the end-user station to a printer. Based on whether the printer is in ready state or in power save mode the first job is printed immediately or stored in memory. When the first job is stored in memory, computations are made to determine a printing time to initiate printing of the first job. The first job is then printed at the printing time or at an earlier printing time if a second job with an earlier printing time is stored in the memory.

System and method for saving power using priority printing

A method and apparatus for saving power in a printing system, by prioritizing printer jobs. Using a graphical user interface an end-user assigns a print time to a first job. The print time designation is attached to the first job and the first job is transmitted from the end-user station to a printer. Based on whether the printer is in ready state or in power save mode the first job is printed immediately or stored in memory. When the first job is stored in memory, computations are made to determine a printing time to initiate printing of the first job. The first job is then printed at the printing time or at an earlier printing time if a second job with an earlier printing time is stored in the memory.

Imaging apparatus and methods include providing an input support surface to support input imaging media and an output support surface to support output imaging media. The input support surface is configured to move relative to the output support surface, wherein such movement is in response to the drawing, or picking, of input imaging media from the input support surface, and wherein such movement is also proportional to the quantity of input imaging media picked from the input support surface.

Imaging methods and apparatus

Image forming devices, methods of operating an image forming device, and methods of monitoring an environment proximate to an image forming device are described. One aspect provides an image forming device including an image engine configured to form hard images; an environmental sensor configured to monitor at least one environmental condition proximate to the image forming device and to provide data indicative of the at least one environmental condition; and an interface configured to communicate the at least one environmental condition externally of the image forming device.

Image forming devices, methods of operating an image forming device and methods of monitoring an environment proximate to an image forming device

A high capacity media apparatus and method includes, in a high capacity media device holding large quantities of media, according to one embodiment, a unitary deformable media holder with a bottom, a top, and sides, constructed to separate at preselected locations. A movable support base is provided in the media holder. A lifting device is provided in the high capacity media device and conformed to apply lifting force to the movable support base.

High capacity media apparatus and method

A roller for use in an imaging system includes a variable hardness, fluid-pressurizable roller core, and a roller cover surrounding the roller core. A source of pressurized fluid can be used to pressurize the roller core to a fixed, predetermined pressure prior to installation of the roller core in an imaging system. Alternatively, a variable-pressure source of pressurized air can be used to variably pressurize the roller core during operation of the imaging system.

Pressurized roller

A sheet feeding system has a pick roller, a first roller, and a second roller. The ends of the first and second rollers are coupled together. The pick roller acquires, or picks, a sheet from a stack of sheets and passes the sheet to the first and second rollers. One of the first and second rollers discourages unintended sheets passed with the sheet picked from the stack. The other of the first and second rollers advances the sheet. A logic processor evaluates interchange conditions and activates a drive mechanism when the evaluated interchange conditions reaches a threshold value. The drive mechanism interchanges the first and second rollers so that the second roller becomes the first roller and the first roller becomes the second roller.

Swapping feed and separation rollers

This invention relates to the method and apparatus for indicating roller wear in a media handling device. Such structures of this type, generally, employ the use of a laser beam that is located adjacent to the media handling device roller. Initially, the roller material obstructs the laser beam. However, when the roller becomes worn out, the roller material no longer obstructs the laser beam and the beam shines on a piece of reflective material that is illuminated when the laser beam contacts it. This illumination will then be seen from the front of the media handling device, such as through the use of an LED. The laser beam can also activate an optical sensor that relays information to the user.

Using a laser beam to indicate roller wear

A paper tray automatically adjusts to accommodate a variety of media sizes. An array of photodetectors on the support surface of the tray are masked from light by placing media in the tray. A controller determines the size of the media by monitoring which photodetectors have been masked. The controller can then direct tray guides to move to predetermined positions corresponding to the size of the media.

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Boise, ID, United States of America

Srinivas Guddanti