Abstract: A multi-axis moveable sheet separator for separating media sheets on a media dam having a mount having a plurality of pairs of opposed openings and a spring mount. The sheet separator comprises a spring mounted on the spring mount and a base including a sheet receiving surface having a plurality of lateral detents. Depending from the base are a first plurality of pairs of opposed legs and a second plurality of pairs of opposed legs that are shorter than the first plurality of pairs of opposed leg. When mounted in the media dam, the base compresses the spring. The moveable sheet separator may move with respect to a media receiving surface of the media dam in one of a translational direction, a rotational direction or a combination of both.

Abstract: A drive conversion mechanism includes a rotatably mounted output shaft, a pair of output gears mounted on the output shaft so as to rotate independent of one another and relative to the output shaft and being displaced from each other axially along the output shaft, and a pair of one-way clutches arranged about the output shaft. Each clutch is connected to one of the output gears and extends about the output shaft in respective orientations that are the reverse of each other such that the one-way clutches can only drivingly engage the output shaft at alternate times, and thus not at the same time, so as to cause the output shaft to rotate in a same single direction as the output gears are driven in opposite directions relative to each other by an input train of constantly meshed input drive and idler gears.

Abstract: A drive conversion mechanism includes a rotatably mounted output shaft, a pair of output gears mounted on the output shaft so as to rotate independent of one another and relative to the output shaft and being displaced from each other axially along the output shaft, and a pair of one-way clutches arranged about the output shaft. Each clutch is connected to one of the output gears and extends about the output shaft in respective orientations that are the reverse of each other such that the one-way clutches can only drivingly engage the output shaft at alternate times, and thus not at the same time, so as to cause the output shaft to rotate in a same single direction as the output gears are driven in opposite directions relative to each other by an input train of constantly meshed input drive and idler gears.

Abstract: A media buckler comprises a media engagement surface, a support structure having at least one dimension drafted from a first thickness to a second thickness, the engagement surface having varying stiffness.

Abstract: Printer (1) has a pivotally mounted autocompensating system (19) mounted at an intermediate position in paper guide (17). That system (19) is driven by a motor (40)through a slip drive (70, 72, 74). The motor also drives paper feed system (15). When the motor turns in a direction to feed by system (15), the intermediate system is moved away from the paper guide. When a sheet reaches a position to be fed by the intermediate system, the motor is reversed, and the intermediate system pivots against the paper for moving it further through the paper guide.

Abstract: A media buckler comprises a media engagement surface, a support structure having at least one dimension drafted from a first thickness to a second thickness, the engagement surface having varying stiffness.

Abstract: A media feeding apparatus includes a side wall, the side wall having a first side surface and an opposite side surface. A sheet picking mechanism has a pick arm and a pick roller. The pick arm is configured to mount the pick roller. The pick arm has a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the side wall. A restraint is mounted to the pick arm, wherein at least the first side surface of the side wall is in close proximity to the restraint.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a printing mechanism having a media path. A print media source is provided for supplying a sheet of print media to the printing mechanism. A drive unit is provided, with a drive shaft coupled to the drive unit. A media sensor device is mounted to the drive shaft, wherein as the drive shaft is rotated in a first direction the media sensor device is moved from a first position that is out of the media path to a second position that is in the media path for sensing the sheet of print media. As the drive shaft is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction the media sensor device is moved from the second position that is in the media path for sensing the sheet of print media to the first position that is out of the media path.

Abstract: A self-adjusting portable tree stand including a rigid annular base; a rigid canister positioned above and in axial alignment with the base; a plurality of rigid elongated holding members with each holding member having a lower end pivotally coupled to the base and tip end with a plurality of teeth formed thereon to create a jaw and with the jaws positioned above the opening of the canister; a coupling mechanism for coupling the canister to the holding members; and a spring mechanism for urging the jaws open prior to insertion and subsequent to removal of a trunk of the tree that is positioned within the canister in an upright orientation.