The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 22, 1988
Filed:
May. 23, 1986
Ludwig J Kapp, Blairstown, NJ (US);
Dominick Fazio, Whippany, NJ (US);
Mark Crowley, Mine Hill, NJ (US);
Ziyad, Inc., Denville, NJ (US);
Abstract
There is disclosed a paper feeder apparatus attached to a printer or other device. The paper feeder apparatus employs two trays each of which are capable of accommodating papers of different sizes and an envelope tray for accommodating envelopes. The feeder is controlled by a host computer of the type capable of generating feeder and printer control commands. These commands are transmitted to control logic associated with the paper feeder which control logic is under control of a microprocessor. The microprocessor assumes complete control of the entire paper feed mechanism and communication to the printer. Thus, the microprocessor operates two motors associated with the paper feed path. A first motor is operated so that a sheet of paper can be withdrawn from either of the two trays and then transported along a paper path. A sensor in conjunction with the path determines the exact position of the paper which then causes the microprocessor to actuate a second drive motor to assure that the paper is brought into the vicinity of the printer input slot. The microprocessor, as indicated, performs all control functions as driving motors and operating solenoids to assure that a proper feed operation occurs. The microprocessor also has means for monitoring the temperature of the motors to assure that they are operating in a proper temperature range. The microprocessor also receives inputs from each of the trays to determine whether or not paper is being accommodated by the trays and to receive further inputs indicative of the status of the various sensors which are utilized to monitor the path of the paper or the envelope as it is directed towards the operating input slot of the printer. The microprocessor is also programmed to perform threshold tests whereby the sensors associated with each of the different paths as the paper path and the envelope path are tested in regard to ambient light so that a new threshold level is set for the sensor prior to a paper load or envelope load operation. In this manner, the sensors always exhibit a maximum response and therefore enable the paper feeder to accommodate different quality papers of different colors, different tones and different reflecting surfaces.