Abstract: A method for printing an image, the method includes the steps of defining a media support surface; advancing a print medium onto the support surface; emitting light from a first side of the print medium toward the defined surface; moving a sensor on a second side of the print medium along a scan direction; monitoring the position of the sensor as it moves along the scan direction; sensing the light on the second side of the print medium which is opposite the first side as the light passes through the print medium to a sensor; providing memory for storing patterns representing particular media types; providing a processor for comparing signals from the sensor to patterns stored in the memory in order to identify media type; identifying the print medium type; selecting a print mode based on the identified print medium type; processing an image according to the selected print mode; and printing the image on the print medium.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a media support defining a surface; an inkjet printhead oriented to eject ink toward the defined surface; a carriage that is movable along a carriage scan direction; a light source directed at the defined surface and positioned on a first side of the defined plane to provide an illuminated portion of the plane extending substantially along the carriage scan direction; a light sensing device mounted on the movable platform on a second side of the defined plane that is opposite the first side, which sensing device functions to sense media type by sensing light emitted from the light source and transmitted across the defined plane and to light sensing device; memory for storing patterns representing particular media types; and a processor for comparing signals from the light sensor to patterns stored in the memory in order to identify media type.

Abstract: A printer includes a carriage and a channel for guiding the carriage along a path. The carriage includes a protrusion extending from the carriage. The channel includes a first wall and a second wall. The first and second walls are opposed to each other. The protrusion of the carriage extends between the first wall and the second wall. A first portion of the protrusion is in contact with the first wall and a second portion of the protrusion is in contact with the second wall.

Abstract: A method for printing an image, the method includes the steps of defining a media support surface; advancing a print medium onto the support surface; emitting light from a first side of the print medium toward the defined surface; moving a sensor on a second side of the print medium along a scan direction; monitoring the position of the sensor as it moves along the scan direction; sensing the light on the second side of the print medium which is opposite the first side as the light passes through the print medium to a sensor; providing memory for storing patterns representing particular media types; providing a processor for comparing signals from the sensor to patterns stored in the memory in order to identify media type; identifying the print medium type; selecting a print mode based on the identified print medium type; processing an image according to the selected print mode; and printing the image on the print medium.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a media support defining a surface; an inkjet printhead oriented to eject ink toward the defined surface; a carriage that is movable along a carriage scan direction; a light source directed at the defined surface and positioned on a first side of the defined plane to provide an illuminated portion of the plane extending substantially along the carriage scan direction; a light sensing device mounted on the movable platform on a second side of the defined plane that is opposite the first side, which sensing device functions to sense media type by sensing light emitted from the light source and transmitted across the defined plane and to light sensing device; memory for storing patterns representing particular media types; and a processor for comparing signals from the light sensor to patterns stored in the memory in order to identify media type.

Abstract: A method for detecting media type, the method includes the steps of defining a media support surface; advancing a print medium onto the support surface; emitting light from a first light source positioned on a first side on the print medium toward the print medium; moving a sensor on a second side of the print medium along a scan direction; monitoring the position of the sensor as it moves along the scan direction; sensing the light on the second side of the print medium as the light passes through the print medium to the sensor; providing memory for storing patterns representing particular media types; and providing a processor for comparing signals from the sensor to patterns stored in the memory in order to identify media type of the print medium.

Abstract: A printer includes a carriage and a channel for guiding the carriage along a path. The carriage includes a protrusion extending from the carriage. The channel includes a first wall and a second wall. The first and second walls are opposed to each other. The protrusion of the carriage extends between the first wall and the second wall. A first portion of the protrusion is in contact with the first wall and a second portion of the protrusion is in contact with the second wall.

Abstract: An integrated picture-management and printing apparatus is provided that includes many of the components and functions included in conventional commercial picture kiosks in a single printer housing suitable for home use. Accordingly, hardware redundancies present in conventional commercial kiosks are reduced. Further, the printer housing is provided with a display, such as a touch screen display, that may be large relative to the size of the printer housing. Having a large display relative to the printer housing provides additional functionality and makes the execution of functionality more efficient than in conventional devices that have smaller screens.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a videoconferencing carrel having a one-piece, rotationally molded shell defining an area for containing electronic videoconferencing equipment, having mounting flanges for a transparent screen to protect the electronic components, exit openings to allow wiring for handset attachment and connection to power and networking lines for use as a videoconferencing carrel. A method for manufacturing a one-piece rotationally molded videoconferencing carrel is also provided generally including the steps of providing a mold with a cavity, introducing a polymeric material into the mold cavity, molding the polymeric material into the shape of the videoconferencing carrel, removing the carrel from the mold and placing the molded carrel in a cooling fixture to produce a molded article of manufacture constituting the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a videoconferencing carrel having a one-piece, rotationally molded shell defining an area for containing electronic videoconferencing equipment, having mounting flanges for a transparent screen to protect the electronic components, exit openings to allow wiring for handset attachment and connection to power and networking lines for use as a videoconferencing carrel. A method for manufacturing a one-piece rotationally molded videoconferencing carrel is also provided generally including the steps of providing a mold with a cavity, introducing a polymeric material into the mold cavity, molding the polymeric material into the shape of the videoconferencing carrel, removing the carrel from the mold and placing the molded carrel in a cooling fixture to produce a molded article of manufacture constituting the invention.

Abstract: A method for sublimating graphics onto a three-dimensional object, such as an orthopedic brace, includes pre-treating the device if needed. The device may require a coating that is able to receive sublimated inks and capture those inks. Sublimation papers are cut to the appropriate size, placed on the device with re-positional adhesive, and wrapped around the object. Shrink tubing and clamps may also be used to ensure continuous contact between the sublimation paper and the device during sublimation. After the sublimation paper has been placed against the desired surfaces of the device, the paper and the device are heated to sublimate the inks into the device. After the device and paper are heated and allowed to cool, the sublimation paper is removed with a lubricant or solvent. Orthopedic devices and other three-dimensional objects having a complexity in their geometric profile can therefore be provided with sophisticated graphics.