Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a media support surface. A light source and a light detector are positioned in relation to a reflective surface such that when a sheet of print media covers the reflective surface, a reflected specular light component of a light beam is received by the light detector, and when the reflective surface is not covered, the reflective surface directs the reflected specular light component of the light beam away from the detector. The signal strength of the output from the light detector when receiving a diffuse light component reflected from the reflective surface is less than the signal strength of the output from the light detector when receiving the reflected specular light component that is reflected from a low reflectance print media.

Abstract: A printer exit tray assembly attachable to a printer housing and a computer printer including a printed paper exit tray assembly. The exit tray assembly has an exit tray and a pair of sheet supports attached to the exit tray. The exit tray is movable between a use position and a collapsed position. The exit tray is positioned generally horizontally in the use position. The exit tray projects horizontally further from the printer housing in the use position than in the collapsed position. When the exit tray is in the use position the supports are pivotable, with respect to the exit tray, between a support position for supporting a printed sheet above the exit tray and a release position for releasing the printed sheet to the exit tray.

Abstract: A media eject system for a printer having an output tray includes an edge wing for supporting an edge of media exiting the printer, the edge wing movable between support and non-support positions. A kicker engages a trailing edge of media and moves the media into the tray. The kicker is movable between a retracted position and an extended position and operable to move the media into the tray by movement of the kicker from the retracted position to the extended position. A controller determines a print condition including at least one of a media type and a print format, and adjusts a position of the wing dependent upon the print condition.

Abstract: A media sensing apparatus includes a media sensor including a light source for generating a light beam, and a diffuse detector positioned in relation to the light source for detecting diffuse light components reflected from a sheet of print media. A media support is provided having a detection portion. The detection portion is located such that the media sensor faces the detection portion. The detection portion is configured to direct specular light components reflected from the detection portion to the diffuse detector in an absence of the sheet of print media being interposed between the media sensor and the detection portion.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance cap includes a base and a wall portion. The wall portion is defined by a plurality of adjoining walls, and has a proximal end and a distal end, the plurality of adjoining walls defining an interior region. The proximal end is coupled to the base. A first lip extends from the distal end of the wall portion by a first extent in a direction non-orthogonal to the base, the first lip defining a first perimetrical sealing surface. A second lip extends from the distal end of the wall portion by a second extent, the second lip being spaced apart from the first lip, the second lip defining a second perimetrical sealing surface.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance cap includes a base and a wall portion. The wall portion is defined by a plurality of adjoining walls, and has a proximal end and a distal end, the plurality of adjoining walls defining an interior region. The proximal end is coupled to the base. A first lip extends from the distal end of the wall portion by a first extent in a direction non-orthogonal to the base, the first lip defining a first perimetrical sealing surface. A second lip extends from the distal end of the wall portion by a second extent, the second lip being spaced apart from the first lip, the second lip defining a second perimetrical sealing surface.

Abstract: A printer exit tray assembly attachable to a printer housing and a computer printer including a printed paper exit tray assembly. The exit tray assembly has an exit tray and a pair of sheet supports attached to the exit tray. The exit tray is movable between a use position and a collapsed position. The exit tray is positioned generally horizontally in the use position. The exit tray projects horizontally further from the printer housing in the use position than in the collapsed position. When the exit tray is in the use position the supports are pivotable, with respect to the exit tray, between a support position for supporting a printed sheet above the exit tray and a release position for releasing the printed sheet to the exit tray.

Abstract: A media sensing apparatus includes a media sensor including a light source for generating a light beam, and a diffuse detector positioned in relation to the light source for detecting diffuse light components reflected from a sheet of print media. A media support is provided having a detection portion. The detection portion is located such that the media sensor faces the detection portion. The detection portion is configured to direct specular light components reflected from the detection portion to the diffuse detector in an absence of the sheet of print media being interposed between the media sensor and the detection portion.

Abstract: A printer exit tray assembly attachable to a printer housing and a computer printer including a printed paper exit tray assembly. The exit tray assembly has an exit tray and a pair of sheet supports attached to the exit tray. The exit tray is movable between a use position and a collapsed position. The exit tray is positioned generally horizontally in the use position. The exit tray projects horizontally further from the printer housing in the use position than in the collapsed position. When the exit tray is in the use position the supports are pivotable, with respect to the exit tray, between a support position for supporting a printed sheet above the exit tray and a release position for releasing the printed sheet to the exit tray.

Abstract: A waste ink accumulation system in an ink jet printer includes a rotatable body having an ink-collecting surface and a plurality of projections extending from the ink-collecting surface. An actuating mechanism rotates the body.

Abstract: A multi-function media eject system and method for operation particularly useful for ink jet printers. At the start of a print job, the media type and print format are determined. If the media is either banner paper or envelope, or if the print format is draft quality printing, wings and kickers of the eject system are disabled, so the media exits the printer without support from the wings or influence from the kickers.

Abstract: A multi-function media eject system and method for operation particularly useful for ink jet printers. At the start of a print job, the media type and print format are determined. If the media is either banner paper or envelope, or if the print format is draft quality printing, wings and kickers of the eject system are disabled, so the media exits the printer without support from the wings or influence from the kickers.

Abstract: A multi-function media eject system and method for operation particularly useful for ink jet printers. At the start of a print job, the media type and print format are determined. If the media is either banner paper or envelope, or if the print format is draft quality printing, wings and kickers of the eject system are disabled, so the media exits the printer without support from the wings or influence from the kickers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting media type by aligning a media type detector onto a media, with sufficient force, in a media manipulation or sensing apparatus, such that the media type detector will accurately detect a type of media of a media when the media is tilted. A media manipulation or sensing apparatus, where the media type detector is arranged before a picking mechanism, with the media type detector including a force applying mechanism to apply force to a housing sled that is aligned onto the media, and with the housing sled being able to rotate with the media as the media tilts.

Abstract: A waste ink accumulation system in an ink jet printer includes a rotatable body having an ink-collecting surface and a plurality of projections extending from the ink-collecting surface. An actuating mechanism rotates the body.

Abstract: A manually actuated spring loaded latch mechanism for releasably securing a printhead cartridge in a carrier of an ink jet printer. A latch cover engages the printhead cartridge and is secured by an actuator. Depressing the actuator releases the latch cover, which is spring biased to an open position. Further movement of the actuator lifts the printhead cartridge.