Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a print engine for printing on a print medium. A device is communicatively coupled with the print engine. The device is programmed to set a throughput rate for the print engine. A controller reads the device, and operates the print engine at the throughput rate designated by the device.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a print engine for printing on a print medium. A device is communicatively coupled with the print engine. The device is programmed to set a throughput rate for the print engine. A controller reads the device, and operates the print engine at the throughput rate designated by the device.

Abstract: An image forming device may be upgraded through scanning an encoded upgrade sheet. A controller and associated circuitry in the image forming device may extract upgrade data, including firmware data for the device, from the scanned upgrade sheet and write the data to a memory device. The upgrade sheets may include an image comprising a pattern of data blocks, with each block having a color shade representative of binary data. The upgrade sheets may be distributed to users in different manners, including mailing upgrade sheets, electronically mailing the image, or providing the image on a network accessible to the users. The upgrade sheets may include a preamble that triggers the upgrade procedure as well as header and footer information describing the upgrade data.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a printhead includes printing a test pattern, scanning the test pattern to obtain calibration data, performing an ink drop velocity optimization for the printhead using the calibration data, and determining a bi-directional offset based on the calibration data.

Abstract: A method of printing on print media includes the steps of: transporting a first print medium from a first paper bin through a nip; determining an imaging area in which printing occurs on the first print medium and/or a second print medium; transporting the second print medium from a second paper bin to the nip; and overlapping the first print medium and the second print medium in the nip an amount which is dependent upon the determined imaging area.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a print engine for printing on a print medium. A device is communicatively coupled with the print engine. The device is programmed to set a throughput rate for the print engine. A controller reads the device, and operates the print engine at the throughput rate designated by the device.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for detecting the presence of an ink jet printhead when a printhead controller fails to properly identify an installed printhead using a printhead identification device. The system includes a printhead including heater resistors and control elements, and a controller connected to the printhead via address and data lines. When the controller fails to properly identify an installed printhead, the controller operates to bias the control elements in a predetermined manner via at least one address line, detect a signal via the data lines, and generate a signal indicative of the presence of the installed printhead.

Abstract: A power supply keying method for use with an electrical apparatus includes defining a plurality of power supply classes; associating with the plurality of power supply classes a plurality of power supplies, each of the plurality of power supplies including a power supply housing having a unique keying arrangement corresponding to one power supply class of the plurality of power supply classes; and providing in the electrical apparatus a power supply receptacle for receiving at least one power supply of the plurality of power supplies, the unique keying arrangement of the power supply housing in conjunction with the power supply receptacle permitting reception of a particular power supply of the plurality of power supplies into the power supply receptacle only if the power supply class associated with the particular power supply has power supply electrical characteristics that satisfy electrical power requirements of the electrical apparatus.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a printing mechanism and a print media source for supplying print media sheets to the printing mechanism. The print media source includes a first media tray for holding a first print media, a second media tray for holding a second print media, and a sheet feeder mechanism having a sheet picking roller located to pick a top sheet of print media in the print media source, the top sheet of print media being located in one of the first media tray and the second media tray.

Abstract: An autosecuring solenoid utilizes an interposing device that restrains the solenoid plunger when the solenoid is de-energized and/or energized, effectively preventing undesired movement of the plunger. When a voltage is applied across the coil, the flowing current creates an magnetic field. This field causes the plunger to slide within the solenoid cavity, unless restrained. This field also causes displacement of a movable magnet in the interposing device. The direction of motion of the movable magnet will depend on the magnetic field orientation of the movable magnet with respect to the magnetic field. Thus, the interposing device may move either toward or away from the plunger. Additionally, if using two interposing devices, one device could move away from the plunger and the second device could move toward the plunger. The second interposing device could even permit the plunger to move until the second interposing device engaged a recess or notch in the plunger.