Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying and selecting a desired wireless device from multiple available wireless devices is provided. In one embodiment, the desired wireless device receives a signal from a searching wireless device. An indicator on the desired wireless device is activated in a unique identification pattern that may be recognized by the user of the searching wireless device. In this manner the user may verify that the desired wireless device is receiving the signal from the searching wireless device.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the positioning of a media sheet in an imaging device is provided. Data is collected related to the positioning of a media sheet in a plurality of ejection/positioning sequences. The position of a subsequent sheet is adjusted based on the data.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a housing, a first door rotatably coupled to the housing and a second transparent door overlying the first door. A decorative sheet between the first door and the second transparent door allows the imaging device to be customized in appearance.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a panel having a first set of interface features located on a first surface of the panel and a second set of interface features located on a second surface of the panel. The first surface of the panel is accessible and the second surface of the panel is concealed from view when the panel is in a novice position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conveying printer status information to a user are provided. One or more moving light sources are selectively illuminated to convey printer status information to the user and to attract the user's attention. Different illumination states correspond to different printer status and configuration information. The light source may be part of an optical sensor. In this manner, the light source may have dual functions: (1) to illuminate the print media during a calibration operation performed by the optical sensor; and (2) to selectively illuminate during a printing operation to convey printer status information to the user.

Abstract: An ink jet print head includes one or more vibration disruption chambers for reducing mechanical vibrations within the print head. The chambers are vertically spaced from ink manifolds to dissipate energy within the print head and alter the bending modes of the print head jet stack. The chambers may contain a discontinuous material that enhances their damping effects.

Abstract: A print head drive mechanism and cooperating positioning assembly are provided. In one embodiment, the print head drive mechanism comprises a lead screw that is coupled to the print head and extends through the threaded hub of a gear. The gear is driven by a stepper motor through a pinion. The thread pitch of the lead screw matches the jet spacing in the print head to minimize positional offsets due to component irregularities and misalignments. A support cylinder extends from one face of the gear and includes a tapered nose that seats within a recess in a brace. The brace cooperates with two spaced apart legs to form a positioning assembly that is essentially non-extensible in an X-axis direction but freely pivotable in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis.

Abstract: A print head drive mechanism utilizing a lead screw is provided. In one embodiment, the print head drive mechanism comprises a lead screw that is coupled to the print head and extends through the threaded hub of a gear. The gear is driven by a stepper motor through a pinion. A support cylinder extends from one face of the gear and includes a tapered nose that seats within a recess in a brace. The thread pitch of the lead screw matches the jet spacing in the print head to minimize positional offsets due to component irregularities and misalignments. In another embodiment, the print head is coupled to at least one nut that is translated by a rotating lead screw, with the lead screw having a thread pitch that matches the jet spacing in the print head.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a compound having the formula: wherein R1, Z and the carbonyl can be comprised by a common ring, wherein R1 comprises a chromophore that absorbs light from the visible wavelength range, and wherein n is an integer that is at least 12. The invention also encompasses a solid phase change ink composition. Such composition includes a phase change ink carrier and a colorant. The colorant comprises a chromophore that absorbs light from the visible wavelength range, and has the formula: wherein R1, Z and the carbonyl can be comprised by a common ring, wherein n is an integer that is at least 12. Additionally, the invention encompasses a method of forming a colorant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically compensating for thermal conditioning of an ink jet print head are provided. The method and apparatus monitor the time during which the print head experiences various temperatures. The driving voltage supplied to the ink jet transducer is adjusted over time to compensate for thermal conditioning of the print head.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for high speed offset ink jet printing are provided. Multiple print head modules form a full width ink image by ejecting ink drops onto an intermediate transfer surface on a rotating drum. One or more complete images are formed on the intermediate transfer surface in less than one revolution of the drum. The images are then transferred to a final receiving medium while additional images are simultaneously formed on the intermediate transfer surface as the drum continues to rotate. Two or more color component images may be overlayed to form a complete color image in less than one revolution of the drum. Additionally, the simultaneous imaging and image transfer allow the apparatus and method to print images having a length greater than the circumference of the drum.

Abstract: A color capable electrophotographic printer remains operable for monochrome printing when one or more developing unit are unavailable for use. Instead of reverting to an error state when a developing unit is missing or unavailable, the laser printer remains operable to print monochrome images or single "spot color" images using a single color and monochrome developing unit.

Abstract: An improved replaceable liquid application system for applying a liquid intermediate transfer surface to a support surface in a printer is provided. The liquid application system is contained in a removable cassette and utilizes a liquid impregnated arcuate surface that engages the support surface by rolling contact. The liquid impregnated arcuate surface and a reclamation assembly are contained in a removable cartridge in the cassette. A cartridge life status assembly determines when the useful life of the cartridge has been exhausted. Push tabs on the cartridge and finger wells on the cassette allow for easy and convenient removal of a used cartridge and insertion of a replacement cartridge.

Abstract: A method for depositing an image on a receiving surface utilizing two scans of a print head is provided. Each scan deposits a portion of the image, and the two scans are separated by a non-deposition skip move. The two image portions are joined at a seam to create a composite image. By utilizing identical print head motions along the x-axis direction for all images, this method allows for accurate and repeatable image-half alignment regardless of image width, length or position on the receiving surface.

Abstract: A solid ink stick feed system for use in a color printer is disclosed that utilizes a plurality of ink stick feed receptacles in an ink stick feed bin of predetermined shapes corresponding to the plurality of shapes of the ink sticks such that an incorrectly matched ink stick shape or incorrectly oriented ink stick is retained in a raised position to indicate to the printer operator that the ink stick should be removed and to facilitate grasping and removing such ink stick.

Abstract: A method for increasing resolution in a image printed by an ink jet printer is provided. The method selectively removes painted pixels from a bit map to ensure that no two adjacent pixels are painted by the same ink jet. The method removes painted pixels in a manner that preserves the edges of characters and other features. The resulting processed bit map ensures that an individual print head jet always addresses at least one non-painted/blank pixel after each painted pixel it fills. This allows the speed of the receiving surface relative to the print head to be increased to thereby allow for greater resolution in the printed image for a given print time.