Abstract: In one embodiment an ink cartridge includes: a housing defining an ink holding chamber; and a molded plastic prism having a light reflecting surface exposed to an interior of the ink holding chamber, a cavity therein for relieving strain in the prism as the prism cools from molding, and a textured surface defining one wall of the cavity. In another embodiment, an ink cartridge includes: an ink holding chamber; and a prism having: a base through which light may enter the prism; a reflecting surface exposed to an interior of the ink holding chamber, the reflecting surface oriented relative to the base such that light entering the prism through the base is reflected off the reflecting surface at varying levels depending on a refractive index of an environmental medium surrounding the reflecting surface; and a cavity having a light-scattering surface therein.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a drop detection method includes: moving a light source along a first side of the drop zone to illuminate drops passing through a drop zone; and, without blocking any part of the drop zone, detecting light scattered off the drops as the drops pass through the drop zone. In another embodiment, a drop detector includes: a light source on a first side of the drop zone for illuminating drops passing through a drop zone; a light detector on the first side of the drop zone near the light source and a movable carriage carrying the light source and the light detector. The light detector is exposed to the drop zone for detecting light scattered off drops as the drops pass through the drop zone. The carriage is movable along the first side of the drop zone in a direction transverse to the drop direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for directing aerosol are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus align an adjuster with an edge of media supported by a tray. The adjuster is operably coupled to a gauge that moves in response to movement of the adjuster. A sensor senses the gauge to detect a dimension of the media while the media is supported by the tray.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for directing aerosol are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments and methods relating to a media carrier are disclosed.

Abstract: An optical sensor assembly includes a housing and a light source within the housing and a plurality of sensors within the housing, the sensors being configured to detect reflections of the light from a piece of media or other object adjacent the housing.

Abstract: A system of classifying incoming media entering an inkjet printing mechanism identifies transparency media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The media is first optically scanned using a blue-violet light at an initial intensity to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance data. If useable, the data is compared with known values to classify the media so an optimum print mode tailored for the particular media is used. The early transparency detection system avoids time-consuming further steps trying to classify the media as photo media, plain paper, and the like, and facilitates fast printing of transparencies, which can be critical in the business environment when making last minute changes for a presentation. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing an authenticatable document includes providing a media having authentication fibers embedded therein, detecting a presence of at least one of the authentication fibers in the media, and printing authentication indicia on the media after detecting the presence of at least one of the authentication fibers.

Abstract: A cold formed, sheet metal structural member having a first planar web member with two longitudinally extending legs such that the structural member or chord comprises an elongated member of substantially U-shaped cross section being longitudinally symmetric and being closed at one end and open at the other end. The legs are mirror images of each other and terminate with outwardly extending hollow flanges having a margin area juxtaposed to the leg. The bracing web members are slidably receivable within the U-shaped cross section and can be secured to the depending legs by suitable fasteners. A secondary web is positionable on the structural member in parallel relationship to the first web to provide additional resistance for sheathing fasteners.

Abstract: A method of producing an authenticatable document includes providing a media having authentication fibers embedded therein, detecting a presence of at least one of the authentication fibers in the media, and printing authentication indicia on the media after detecting the presence of at least one of the authentication fibers.

Abstract: Drop volume compensation that is at least substantially invariant to the reflectance sensor illuminate being used is disclosed for at least some embodiments of the invention. A method of one embodiment first prints a pattern of a predetermined mixture of colorants that results in at least a substantially identical response from each of a number of reflectance sensors that have different spectral emission profiles. Drop volume compensation is then performed to color balance a first colorant source to a second colorant source, utilizing the mixture of colorants and one of the reflectance sensors. The drop volume compensation is at least substantially invariant to the reflectance sensor utilized.

Abstract: A system of classifying incoming media entering an inkjet printing mechanism identifies transparency media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The media is first optically scanned using a blue-violet light at an initial intensity to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance data. If useable, the data is compared with known values to classify the media so an optimum print mode tailored for the particular media is used. The early transparency detection system avoids time-consuming further steps trying to classify the media as photo media, plain paper, and the like, and facilitates fast printing of transparencies, which can be critical in the business environment when making last minute changes for a presentation. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: Drop volume compensation that is at least substantially invariant to the reflectance sensor illuminate being used is disclosed for at least some embodiments of the invention. A method of one embodiment first prints a pattern of a predetermined mixture of colorants that results in at least a substantially identical response from each of a number of reflectance sensors that have different spectral emission profiles. Drop volume compensation is then performed to color balance a first colorant source to a second colorant source, utilizing the mixture of colorants and one of the reflectance sensors. The drop volume compensation is at least substantially invariant to the reflectance sensor utilized.

Abstract: A system of classifying the type of incoming media entering an inkjet or other printing mechanism is provided to identify the media according to markings or identifying indicia on the back surface of the media opposite the printing surface which ultimately bears the printed image. The printing surface of the incoming media is optically scanned using a blue-violet light to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance values. A spatial frequency signature for the incoming media is compared with known values for different types of media to classify the media according to major categories (transparencies, glossy photo media, premium or plain paper), and specific types of media within these categories (matte photo, premium, or high-gloss photo media). An optimum print mode is selected according to the determined media type to automatically generate outstanding images without bothersome user intervention. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A system of classifying the type of incoming media entering an inkjet or other printing mechanism is provided to identify the media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The leading edge of the incoming media is optically scanned using a blue-violet light to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance values. A Fourier transform of these reflectance values generates a spatial frequency signature for the incoming media. The spatial frequency is compared with known values for different types of media to classify the incoming media according to major categories, such as transparencies, glossy photo media, premium paper and plain paper, as well as specific types of media within these categories, such as matte photo premium media and high-gloss photo media. An optimum print mode is selected according to the determined media type to automatically generate outstanding images without unnecessary user intervention. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A system of classifying incoming media entering an inkjet printing mechanism identifies the media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The media is first optically scanned using a blue-violet light at an initial intensity to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance data. Certain information from the printer driver housed in a host computer or other information may be used to infer time-saving shortcuts about the type of media being supplied to the printing unit. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A system of classifying incoming media entering an inkjet printing mechanism identifies transparency media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The media is first optically scanned using a blue-violet light at an initial intensity to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance data. If useable, the data is compared with known values to classify the media so an optimum print mode tailored for the particular media is used. The early transparency detection system avoids time-consuming further steps trying to classify the media as photo media, plain paper, and the like, and facilitates fast printing of transparencies, which can be critical in the business environment when making last minute changes for a presentation. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A system of classifying incoming media entering an inkjet printing mechanism identifies the media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The media is first optically scanned using a blue-violet light at an initial intensity to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance data. Certain information from the printer driver housed in a host computer or other information may be used to infer time-saving shortcuts about the type of media being supplied to the printing unit. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A cold formed, elongate, steel metal structural member having a web portion having two longitudinally extending edges, there being a first tubular flange extending along one edge and projecting laterally to both sides of the web and a second tubular flange extending along the opposing edge and projecting laterally to one side only of the web, each of the tubular flange members having an elongate margin juxtaposed the web, one of the tubular flange members having its elongate margin secured to the web member.