Abstract: A printer or other color output device is configured to manage consumable wear. A wear level and a consumable use level of a color cartridge are evaluated. A color cartridge failure mechanism is projected to be either color cartridge wear-out or consumable exhaustion. Where color cartridge wear-out is projected, selection is made between faster printing and a reduced risk of color cartridge wear-out.

Abstract: A scale is provided, the scale including a cavity having a resonant frequency which is alterable with variations in mass of a load applied to the cavity. The scale also typically includes a comparator operatively coupled with the cavity to detect actual resonant frequency under the load, to compare such actual resonant frequency with a reference resonant frequency, and to produce a difference signal indicative of mass of the load.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is provided which includes a print mechanism configured to print in a plurality of color modes, and a controller configured to select an active color mode switching option from among a plurality of color mode switching options, and instruct the print mechanism to switch between the color modes according to the active color mode switching option. Each of the color mode switching options defines a manner in which the printing apparatus and method will switch between the plurality of color modes when printing a document.

Abstract: A scale is provided, the scale including a cavity having a resonant frequency which is alterable with variations in mass of a load applied to the cavity. The scale also typically includes a comparator operatively coupled with the cavity to detect actual resonant frequency under the load, to compare such actual resonant frequency with a reference resonant frequency, and to produce a difference signal indicative of mass of the load.

Abstract: A printer or other color output device is configured to manage consumable wear. A wear level and a consumable use level of a color cartridge are evaluated. A color cartridge failure mechanism is projected to be either color cartridge wear-out or consumable exhaustion. Where color cartridge wear-out is projected, selection is made between faster printing and a reduced risk of color cartridge wear-out.

Abstract: A method of varying gloss in hard copy output from a hard copy output engine includes providing a user with a user-adjustable control for varying hard copy output gloss and varying at least one processing parameter in producing the hard copy output in response to user adjustment of the user-adjustable control to provide a first user-selected gloss level over a first portion of a page of hard copy output.

Abstract: An improved sheet feeder mechanism includes a D-shaped roller that is mounted on a shaft and is positioned transversely to a direction of sheet feed. A D-roller gear is mounted on the shaft and has both a non-recessed geared region and a recessed non-geared region that extends partially about a circumference of the D-roller gear. A shaft extension extends from and is attached to the shaft, and a spring engages the shaft extension to cause the shaft and the D-roller gear to rotate to a position that enables a gear drive to engage the non-recessed geared region of the D-roller gear. A spiral cam assembly is mounted for rotation with the gear drive and includes a spiral cam that is positioned between and resiliently bears upon inner and outer annuli of the cam assembly.

Abstract: A resonant frequency reciprocating print bar drive mechanism having print bar assembly mass 12 and counterweight 13 held in spaced relationship to each other by first and second leaf springs 16 and 17, which are of equal flexural stiffness. Drive solenoid 14 is mounted between the first and second springs 16 and 17, for inducing reciprocal oscillation between print bar 12 and counterweight 13. The print bar assembly, counterweight and spring assembly is itself suspended as a single unit from perimeter frame 11 by suspension springs 15. Suspension springs 15 have a much lower spring rate than that of leaf springs 16 and 17, and, as a result, the print bar assembly 12 and counterweight 13 will reciprocally oscillate, relative to each other, at a single resonant frequency.

Abstract: A ribbon shield for a dot matrix printer which is comprised of a step contoured recessed cavity such that the ribbon sequentially wipes against an upper edge, a lower edge, towards the paper, the other lower edge and the other upper edge and the ink removed accumulates in the cavity whereby it is restrained from flowing onto the paper.