Abstract: Printing systems and methods of operating printing systems are described. In but one embodiment, a printer comprises one or more processors, a print media tray for supporting a supply of print media, and a sensor operably associated with the print media tray. The sensor is configured to ascertain a measure associated with an amount of print media in the print media tray. The processor and the sensor are configured to ascertain, from the measure provided by the sensor, a number of remaining sheets of print media. In another embodiment, the sensor comprises a sonar sensor that is operably associated with a paper tray that holds a supply of paper.

Abstract: System and methods for sensing a condition of a printer cartridge waste volume. In one embodiment the system provides notification when a printer cartridge needs to be replaced. The system includes a printer, a printer cartridge for the printer having a waste volume, and a sensor operably coupled with the printer cartridge for sensing the waste volume in the printer cartridge.

Abstract: System and methods for sensing a condition of a printer cartridge waste volume. In one embodiment the system provides notification when a printer cartridge needs to be replaced. The system comprises a printer, a printer cartridge for the printer having a waste volume, and a sensor operably coupled with the printer cartridge for sensing the waste volume in the printer cartridge.

Abstract: Printing systems and methods of operating printing systems are described. In but one embodiment, a printer comprises one or more processors, a print media tray for supporting a supply of print media, and a sensor operably associated with the print media tray. The sensor is configured to ascertain a measure associated with an amount of print media in the print media tray. The processor and the sensor are configured to ascertain, from the measure provided by the sensor, a number of remaining sheets of print media. In another embodiment, the sensor comprises a sonar sensor that is operably associated with a paper tray that holds a supply of paper.

Abstract: A photoconductor wear reduction system includes a photoconductor drum clutch and a control circuit for controlling the clutch. Wear on the photoconductor drum is reduced by mechanically decoupling the photoconductor drum from the drive train in the electrophotographic printer at the end of a print job while the drive train is still rotating. In a first embodiment of the photoconductor drum clutch, the application of electrical power is required to mechanically couple the photoconductor drum to the drive. In the second and third embodiments of the photoconductor drum clutch, the photoconductor drum clutch mechanically couples the photoconductor drum to the drive train without electrical power applied. The application of power to the photoconductor drum clutch is required to mechanically decouple the photoconductor drum from the drive train.