Abstract: An apparatus in an example comprises a sheet holder, a separator surface, a feed head, and one or more arms. The sheet holder supports one or more sheets of media. The separator surface receives a leading edge of a sheet of the one or more sheets of media. The feed head is selectively positionable against a face of the sheet. The one or more arms extend toward an intermediate location of the separator surface to constrain the sheet from movement away from the separator surface.

Abstract: An apparatus in an example comprises a sheet holder, a separator surface, a feed head, and one or more arms. The sheet holder supports one or more sheets of media. The separator surface receives a leading edge of a sheet of the one or more sheets of media. The feed head is selectively positionable against a face of the sheet. The one or more arms extend toward an intermediate location of the separator surface to constrain the sheet from movement away from the separator surface.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatuses, media, and arrangements enable the implementation of one or more features in electronic devices that have (e.g., display) screens that are capable of light emission and detection. These features include, for example, scanning, (simulated) touch-screen sensitivity, and ambient light determination and compensation. The display screens may be comprised of light emitting/detecting elements, such as diodes, that can emit light for visual display and can detect light for receiving light information data. In certain described implementations, a method for implementing a feature using a display screen with emitting/detecting elements includes the actions of: activating multiple elements of an array of elements to emit light; activating multiple elements of the array of elements to detect light; producing detected light data representing the light detected by the multiple elements that are activated to detect light; and processing the detected light data to implement the feature.

Abstract: A toner advisor apparatus and method for imaging systems includes an imaging device with a toner cartridge. More than one toner compartment in the toner cartridge is conformed to hold various toner colors. A cartridge scanner device is connected to the imaging system for scanning the more than one toner compartment. An analysis device is connected to the cartridge scanner device and to the imaging device for comparing the type of color required for a print job on the imaging device and the amounts of toner in the more than one toner compartment and for suggesting colors that optimize toner consumption. In one aspect of the invention, the analysis device is conformed to optimize toner consumption by suggesting colors that use nearly equal amounts of different toner colors over time.

Abstract: An electrostatic-writing mechanism for an image-formation device having an optical photoconductor (OPC) mechanism of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a light source and an array of micromirror devices. The light source is to emit light. The array of micromirror devices is to selectively direct the light onto the OPC mechanism in accordance with a portion of an image.

Abstract: A container for flowable materials includes a first chamber storing flowable material within the container. A second chamber is separated from the first chamber within the container and contains a stirrer. A metering mechanism permits selective transfer of flowable material from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatuses, media, and arrangements enable the implementation of one or more features in electronic devices that have (e.g., display) screens that are capable of light emission and detection. These features include, for example, scanning, (simulated) touch-screen sensitivity, and ambient light determination and compensation. The display screens may be comprised of light emitting/detecting elements, such as diodes, that can emit light for visual display and can detect light for receiving light information data. In certain described implementations, a method for implementing a feature using a display screen with emitting/detecting elements includes the actions of: activating multiple elements of an array of elements to emit light; activating multiple elements of the array of elements to detect light; producing detected light data representing the light detected by the multiple elements that are activated to detect light; and processing the detected light data to implement the feature.

Abstract: An electrostatic-writing mechanism for an image-formation device having an optical photoconductor (OPC) mechanism of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a light source and an array of micromirror devices. The light source is to emit light. The array of micromirror devices is to selectively direct the light onto the OPC mechanism in accordance with a portion of an image.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an imaging device is provided that generates and transfers an image to a print media. A bias voltage is applied to a fuser to charge the fuser where the fuser bias voltage is affected by the print media contacting the fuser. An image is fused to the print media with the fuser and the fuser bias voltage is measured. Whether the print media is in the fuser can be determined based on the measured fuser bias voltage.

Abstract: A method for shredding a document which renders the information unintelligible and prevents or minimizes reassembly of the shredded document reconstruction of the information contained in the document. The ability to reassembly a shredded document is greatly reduced by shredding each page of the document into segments formed by cuts made in the blank space between characters or images on the page. A cut pattern in which all cuts are made in the blank spaces between characters or images produces pieces or shreds of the document which have no partial or portions of characters or marks which can be matched across adjacent pieces. A document is first scanned to provide an image which can be analyzed by a processor to determine a desired cut pattern for the document. The processor then generates a set of instructions to control and adjust the cutting blades in a shredding device to cut the document in the desired cut pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fiber optic media thickness sensor used in a print media or document processing device. The invention is further directed to a method for measuring media thickness in a media processing device using a fiber optic sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fiber optic media thickness sensor used in a print media or document processing device. The invention is further directed to a method for measuring media thickness in a media processing device using a fiber optic sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for moving media along a media path employ an increase in the force with which a gripping surface contacts the media in order to compensate for wear experienced by the gripping surface. The force is increased as a function of a measured variable which can be the number of revolutions of a feed roller on which the gripping surface is defined. The variable can alternatively be elapsed time, or can be a number of sheets of media that pass a given point on the media path. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a wear compensator which is configured to cause the increase in force with which the gripping surface contacts the media.

Abstract: A writing instrument, e.g., a pen, incorporates at least three color ink chambers: cyan (C), yellow (Y), and magenta (M). The ink from the three chambers can be mixed in varying ratios to provide an output ink of any conceivable color. Ink jet nozzles, preferably thermal ink jet nozzles, are used to output the ink from the chambers. The ink may be output to a mixing chamber, onto a roller ball or other transfer member, or directly to the writing medium. Consequently, the ink output by the pen can be adjusted by the user to any desired color.

Abstract: An imaging device is provided that generates and transfers an image to a print media. A fuser fuses the image to the print media through a process of heat and pressure. The fuser is charged with a voltage to reduce toner particles from being attached to the fuser. When the print media contacts the fuser, its current path is altered causing the voltage of the fuser to change. A fuser sensor measures the voltage of the fuser and based on the measured voltage, the imaging device can determine whether a print media is in the fuser. In the event of a malfunction such as a paper jam, the device can determine the location of the paper at least in part by the measured fuser voltage.

Abstract: A container for flowable materials includes a first chamber storing flowable material within the container. A second chamber is separated from the first chamber within the container and contains a stirrer. A metering mechanism permits selective transfer of flowable material from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: A diagnostic service system includes a networked electronic device that can self-determine a need for technical support, initiate communication with a technical support system, and provide information corresponding to the need for technical support to the technical support system. The technical support system receives the information and compares the information with an information database to determine a solution, or solutions, for the electronic device in accordance with the received information. The electronic device receives the solution, or solutions, from the technical support system and implements the solutions to resolve the need for technical support in the electronic device, or renders instructions for user interaction with the electronic device to implement the solution.

Abstract: A resonance chamber is provided in a printing device, or in a print medium supply tray of the printing device, to determine the size of the print medium in the printing device. The supply of print medium and the resonance chamber are positioned so that the print medium covers a portion of the resonance chamber. An audio signal system then emits an audio signal to drive the resonance chamber. The frequency of the audio signal is varied until the natural resonance frequency of the chamber, as partially covered by the print medium, is discovered. The resonance frequency of the chamber will correspond to the amount of the chamber that is covered by the print medium and, hence, to the length (or width) of the print medium. In this way, the size of the print medium, whether standard or custom, can be determined.

Abstract: An imaging device is provided that generates and transfers an image to a print media. A fuser fuses the image to the print media through a process of heat and pressure. The fuser is charged with a voltage to reduce toner particles from being attached to the fuser. When the print media contacts the fuser, its current path is altered causing the voltage of the fuser to change. A fuser sensor circuit measures the voltage of the fuser and based on the measured voltage, the imaging device can determine whether a print media is in the fuser. In the event of a malfunction such as a paper jam, the imaging device can determine the location of the print media at least in part by the measured fuser voltage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for moving media along a media path employ an increase in the force with which a gripping surface contacts the media in order to compensate for wear experienced by the gripping surface. The force is increased as a function of a measured variable which can be the number of revolutions of a feed roller on which the gripping surface is defined. The variable can alternatively be elapsed time, or can be a number of sheets of media that pass a given point on the media path. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a wear compensator which is configured to cause the increase in force with which the gripping surface contacts the media.