Abstract: An ink status conveyance system comprises a maximum monitored ink level sensor operable with respect to an ink source for holding a supply of ink and delivering the ink to a printhead. The ink level sensor is configured to detect when an available amount of ink in the ink source corresponds to an ample ink level. A notification controller is configured to track the available amount of ink in the ink source between an ample ink level and an ink out level. The notification controller is configured to compare the user designated low ink notification set point to the available ink volume value to generate a low ink notification when the available ink volume value corresponds to the user designated low ink notification set point.

Abstract: An ink status conveyance system comprises a maximum monitored ink level sensor operable with respect to an ink source for holding a supply of ink and delivering the ink to a printhead. The ink level sensor is configured to detect when an available amount of ink in the ink source corresponds to an ample ink level. A notification controller is configured to track the available amount of ink in the ink source between an ample ink level and an ink out level. The notification controller is configured to compare the user designated low ink notification set point to the available ink volume value to generate a low ink notification when the available ink volume value corresponds to the user designated low ink notification set point.

Abstract: An ink status conveyance system comprises a maximum monitored ink level sensor operable with respect to an ink source for holding a supply of ink and delivering the ink to a printhead. The ink level sensor is configured to detect when an available amount of ink in the ink source corresponds to an ample ink level. A notification controller is configured to track the available amount of ink in the ink source between an ample ink level and an ink out level. A user interface is configured to enable a user to designate a low ink notification set point for the ink source at any ink level between the ample ink level and the ink out level. The notification controller is configured to compare the user designated low ink notification set point to the available ink volume value to generate a low ink notification when the available ink volume value corresponds to the user designated low ink notification set point.

Abstract: An ink status conveyance system comprises a maximum monitored ink level sensor operable with respect to an ink source for holding a supply of ink and delivering the ink to a printhead. The ink level sensor is configured to detect when an available amount of ink in the ink source corresponds to an ample ink level. A notification controller is configured to track the available amount of ink in the ink source between an ample ink level and an ink out level. A user interface is configured to enable a user to designate a low ink notification set point for the ink source at any ink level between the ample ink level and the ink out level. The notification controller is configured to compare the user designated low ink notification set point to the available ink volume value to generate a low ink notification when the available ink volume value corresponds to the user designated low ink notification set point.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for dispensing elongated material, such as tape, from a spool of such material are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dispenser includes a rotatable spindle for supporting a first spool of material and a feedback mechanism for providing a controlled braking force to the spindle in response to changes in tension in the material being dispensed. The dispenser also can include another spindle for supporting a second spool of material. The trailing end portion of material from the first spool can be spliced to the leading end portion of material from the second spool to provide a continuous feed of material between the spools.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying a web material to substrates are disclosed. In one example, there is provided a single first drive that may be coupled to a feed mechanism, a vacuum roll, and a rotary knife such that the respective peripheral speed of the feed mechanism, the vacuum roll, and the rotary knife is adjustable to provide a cut web material length that is in registry with a predetermined location on the substrate. In another example, there is disclosed a method that involves detecting a substrate to which a length of web material can be applied, and initiating introduction of a web material into a feed mechanism only if the substrate is detected. Another example includes introducing a web material traveling at a predetermined speed onto a vacuum roll that is positioned near a rotary knife, and rotating the rotary knife at a peripheral speed that is substantially the same as the predetermined speed of the web material traveling on the vacuum roll.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for dispensing elongated material, such as tape, from a spool or roll of such material are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dispenser includes a rotatable spindle for supporting the roll of material and a brake assembly operable to provide a braking force to the spindle. The brake assembly desirably includes a rotor coupled to the spindle and a caliper configured to apply a braking force to the rotor, thereby slowing or preventing rotation of the spindle. The spindle can include at least one roll retainer projecting radially outwardly from the spindle. The roll retainer is configured to frictionally engage an inner surface of a core of the roll to prevent movement of the roll relative to the spindle when material is being dispensed from the roll, yet allow an operator to remove the core from the spindle.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for dispensing elongated material, such as tape, from a spool of such material are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dispenser includes a rotatable spindle for supporting a first spool of material and a feedback mechanism for providing a controlled braking force to the spindle in response to changes in tension in the material being dispensed. The dispenser also can include another spindle for supporting a second spool of material. The trailing end portion of material from the first spool can be spliced to the leading end portion of material from the second spool to provide a continuous feed of material between the spools.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for dispensing elongated material, such as tape, from a spool of such material are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dispenser includes a rotatable spindle for supporting a first spool of material and a feedback mechanism for providing a controlled braking force to the spindle in response to changes in tension in the material being dispensed. The dispenser also can include another spindle for supporting a second spool of material. The trailing end portion of material from the first spool can be spliced to the leading end portion of material from the second spool to provide a continuous feed of material between the spools.

Abstract: An inkjet printer service station has a movable member that interacts with another printer subsystem, which is changeable between a first state and a second state. To vary the printhead-to-media spacing to accommodate different thickness of media, such as plain paper and envelopes, a cam-operated locking mechanism and a lever-operated mechanism raise and lower the inkjet printhead. Other printer subsystems may be transitioned between two or more states through motion of a service station movable member, including motion using gravity assist, centrifugal forces, or momentum to accomplish one of the transitions. Other locking mechanisms may be used to secure a subsystem in one state or another, such as electrical or electromechanical mechanisms, as well as other structurally equivalent forms beyond the specific preferred embodiments illustrated herein without departing from the broad concepts disclosed. An inkjet printing mechanism having such a system, along with methods of operation are also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for dispensing elongated material, such as tape, from a spool of such material are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dispenser includes a rotatable spindle for supporting a first spool of material and a feedback mechanism for providing a controlled braking force to the spindle in response to changes in tension in the material being dispensed. The dispenser also can include another spindle for supporting a second spool of material. The trailing end portion of material from the first spool can be spliced to the leading end portion of material from the second spool to provide a continuous feed of material between the spools.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for dispensing elongated material, such as tape, from a spool or roll of such material are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dispenser includes a rotatable spindle for supporting the roll of material and a brake assembly operable to provide a braking force to the spindle. The brake assembly desirably includes a rotor coupled to the spindle and a caliper configured to apply a braking force to the rotor, thereby slowing or preventing rotation of the spindle. The spindle can include at least one roll retainer projecting radially outwardly from the spindle. The roll retainer is configured to frictionally engage an inner surface of a core of the roll to prevent movement of the roll relative to the spindle when material is being dispensed from the roll, yet allow an operator to remove the core from the spindle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying a web material to substrates are disclosed. In one example, there is provided a single first drive that may be coupled to a feed mechanism, a vacuum roll, and a rotary knife such that the respective peripheral speed of the feed mechanism, the vacuum roll, and the rotary knife is adjustable to provide a cut web material length that is in registry with a predetermined location on the substrate. In another example, there is disclosed a method that involves detecting a substrate to which a length of web material can be applied, and initiating introduction of a web material into a feed mechanism only if the substrate is detected. Another example includes introducing a web material traveling at a predetermined speed onto a vacuum roll that is positioned near a rotary knife, and rotating the rotary knife at a peripheral speed that is substantially the same as the predetermined speed of the web material traveling on the vacuum roll.

Abstract: A method of optimizing delivery of computer media over a network of computers involves creating an annotation record for each item of computer media. Within the annotation record at least some of the following classes of information are included: (i) an identification of the computer on which the media item was created or introduced to the network; (ii) identifications of one or more computers on which a copy of the media item is presently located; (iii) an identification list of computers which have established a computer link to the media item; (iv) an identification list of computer users who have personal software assistants which have established a computer link to the media item; (v) an indication enabling version control of the media item; and (iv) one or more indications as to the subject matter of the media item.

Abstract: An inkjet printer service station has a movable member that interacts with another printer subsystem, which is changeable between a first state and a second state. To vary the printhead-to-media spacing to accommodate different thickness of media, such as plain paper and envelopes, a cam-operated locking mechanism and a lever-operated mechanism raise and lower the inkjet printhead. Other printer subsystems may be transitioned between two or more states through motion of a service station movable member, including motion using gravity assist, centrifugal forces, or momentum to accomplish one of the transitions. Other locking mechanisms may be used to secure a subsystem in one state or another, such as electrical or electromechanical mechanisms, as well as other structurally equivalent forms beyond the specific preferred embodiments illustrated herein without departing from the broad concepts disclosed. An inkjet printing mechanism having such a system, along with methods of operation are also provided.

Abstract: A method for analyzing one or more criteria to select a media ejection sequence is provided. A media sheet quality such as stiffness may be determined and utilized to select an optimized ejection sequence. A print job characteristic, such as the location of marking material on the media, may also be determined and utilized to select an optimized ejection sequence.

Abstract: An inkjet printer service station has a movable member that interacts with another printer subsystem, which is changeable between a first state and a second state. To vary the printhead-to-media spacing to accommodate different thickness of media, such as plain paper and envelopes, a cam-operated locking mechanism and a lever-operated mechanism raise and lower the inkjet printhead. Other printer subsystems may be transitioned between two or more states through motion of a service station movable member, including motion using gravity assist, centrifugal forces, or momentum to accomplish one of the transitions. Other locking mechanisms may be used to secure a subsystem in one state or another, such as electrical or electromechanical mechanisms, as well as other structurally equivalent forms beyond the specific preferred embodiments illustrated herein without departing from the broad concepts disclosed. An inkjet printing mechanism having such a system, along with methods of operation are also provided.

Abstract: An inkjet printer service station has a movable member that interacts with another printer subsystem, which is changeable between a first state and a second state. To vary the printhead-to-media spacing to accommodate different thickness of media, such as plain paper and envelopes, a cam-operated locking mechanism and a lever-operated mechanism raise and lower the inkjet printhead. Other printer subsystems may be transitioned between two or more states through motion of a service station movable member, including motion using gravity assist, centrifugal forces, or momentum to accomplish one of the transitions. Other locking mechanisms may be used to secure a subsystem in one state or another, such as electrical or electromechanical mechanisms, as well as other structurally equivalent forms beyond the specific preferred embodiments illustrated herein without departing from the broad concepts disclosed. An inkjet printing mechanism having such a system, along with methods of operation are also provided.

Abstract: A method for analyzing one or more criteria to select a media ejection sequence is provided. A media sheet quality such as stiffness may be determined and utilized to select an optimized ejection sequence. A print job characteristic, such as the location of marking material on the media, may also be determined and utilized to select an optimized ejection sequence.

Abstract: An inkjet printer service station has a movable member that interacts with another printer subsystem, which is changeable between a first state and a second state. To vary the printhead-to-media spacing to accommodate different thickness of media, such as plain paper and envelopes, a cam-operated locking mechanism and a lever-operated mechanism raise and lower the inkjet printhead. Other printer subsystems may be transitioned between two or more states through motion of a service station movable member, including motion using gravity assist, centrifugal forces, or momentum to accomplish one of the transitions. Other locking mechanisms may be used to secure a subsystem in one state or another, such as electrical or electromechanical mechanisms, as well as other structurally equivalent forms beyond the specific preferred embodiments illustrated herein without departing from the broad concepts disclosed. An inkjet printing mechanism having such a system, along with methods of operation are also provided.