Imaging apparatus and methods

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6776405
  • Patent Number
    6,776,405
  • Date Filed
    Wednesday, July 30, 2003
    21 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, August 17, 2004
    20 years ago
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for selectively picking two or more types of imaging media in an imaging apparatus having only a single pick roller while simultaneously supporting each type of imaging media on the imaging apparatus, wherein such media is ready for picking. The imaging media can be supported in respective media trays while supported on the imaging apparatus. The apparatus includes an actuating mechanism that is configured to selectively position each of the media trays relative to the pick roller, one-at-a-time, to facilitate picking by the pick roller of the selected imaging media. Methods include simultaneously supporting a plurality of types of imaging media on an imaging device having a single pick roller, and selectively picking either the first imaging media or the second imaging media from the respective media tray.
Description




FIELD OF THE INVENTION




The invention claimed and disclosed herein pertains to imaging apparatus and methods, and more specifically, to apparatus and methods for supporting multiple types of imaging media on an imaging device having only one pick roller.




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




Various forms of imaging devices are known in the art. Imaging devices are those devices that are configured to produce an image on an imaging media. Imaging devices are known by various names in accordance with specific applications thereof, which include those of printers, facsimile machines, photocopiers, and the like. Imaging devices can also include integral units (commonly known as “all-in-one” devices) which combine the functionality of two or more of the aforementioned exemplary imaging devices. Imaging media that is used in conjunction with the production of images is generally in the form of paper sheets, but can be in other forms such as plastic transparency sheets, envelopes, cardstock, and labels. In order to form an image, an imaging device deposits a substance such as ink, dye, toner, or the like onto the imaging media to form the image.




Prior art imaging devices are generally configured to accept more than one size and/or configuration of the imaging media in order to facilitate versatility of use. For example, a typical prior art imaging device can be configured to accept different sizes of paper sheets, and/or can be configured to accept envelops in addition to letter-sized paper sheets. In general, the more basic economy imaging devices are configured to allow only one form of imaging media to be placed into the imaging device at a time. For example, a basic printer has only one imaging media tray that is adjustable so as to accept different sizes and types of imaging media.




In such a printer having only one media tray, the imaging media must be physically removed and replaced whenever the size or type of media is changed. For example, to print a document, a plurality of letter-sized paper sheets is placed into the media tray of the printer. The document is printed on the letter-sized sheets of paper. Then, to print an address on an envelope, the remaining letter-sized sheets of media are removed from the media tray, and an envelope is placed into the tray. The address is printed on the envelope. In order to print another document, the letter-sized imaging media would again be placed into the media tray of the printer.




Larger, more advanced imaging devices generally include a plurality of media trays for holding various types and/or sizes of imaging media or the like. For example, a typical prior art advanced printer generally has several media trays. In such a printer, one of the media trays is generally configured to hold standard letter-sized paper sheets, while another of the media trays is configured to hold legal-sized paper sheets. Yet another of the media trays can be configured to hold standard-sized envelopes. This type of arrangement can be advantageous because different types of imaging media and envelopes can be utilized in a single imaging device without the need for removal and replacement of the imaging media and/or envelopes each time a different type and/or size of media is called for.




However, with regard to these more advanced prior art imaging devices which employ a plurality of media trays, the media handling means which are configured to accommodate the multiple media trays can be overly complex and can occupy an extra amount of space. For example, such prior art imaging devices having a plurality of media trays employ a separate pick roller, and related drive and control system, for each media tray. In addition, multiple media paths and related media conveyance means are required to move each of the different types of media from the respective media tray to the imaging section where the image is transferred to the media.




What are needed then are imaging apparatus and methods which achieve the benefits to be derived from similar prior art methods and/or devices, but which avoid the shortcomings and detriments individually associated therewith.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




The instant invention provides for supporting two or more types of imaging media on an imaging apparatus having only a single pick roller. That is, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, an imaging apparatus can employ a single pick roller to selectively pick one of two or more types of imaging media which are supported in respective media trays. This is accomplished by employing an actuating mechanism that is configured to selectively position any of the media trays relative to the pick roller so that the respective imaging media is presented to the pick roller for picking. These and other aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:











DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a schematic diagram which depicts an imaging apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.





FIG. 2

is a schematic diagram which depicts the imaging apparatus shown in

FIG. 1

, with the first and second media trays shown in different positions relative to the pick roller.





FIG. 3

is a side elevation sectional view of an imaging apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, with some components not shown.





FIG. 4

is a side elevation sectional view of the imaging apparatus shown in

FIG. 3

, with the first and second media trays shown in different positions relative to the pick roller.





FIG. 5

is an end view of the imaging apparatus shown in

FIGS. 3 and 4

.





FIG. 6

is a side elevation sectional view of the imaging apparatus shown in

FIGS. 3 through 5

, with additional components shown.





FIG. 7

is a side elevation sectional view of the imaging apparatus shown in

FIG. 6

, with the first and second media trays shown in different positions relative to the pick roller.





FIG. 8

is a side elevation view of an imaging apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.





FIG. 9

is a side elevation view of the imaging apparatus shown in

FIG. 8

, with the first and second media trays shown in different positions relative to the pick roller.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION




Apparatus and methods in accordance with the instant invention provide for supporting multiple types of imaging media in respective media trays which, in turn, are supported on an imaging apparatus having only a single pick roller. Any of the imaging media can be selectively presented to the pick roller for picking.




That is, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an imaging apparatus includes a first media tray configured to hold a first imaging media, and a second media tray configured to hold a second imaging media. The imaging apparatus also comprises a pick roller configured to selectively pick the first imaging media from the first media tray and the second media from the second media tray. In other words, the single pick roller is configured to selectively pick media from either the first media tray or the second media tray, one tray at a time. The movement of the first and second media trays can be facilitated by way of an actuating mechanism that is configured to control the movement of the first and second media trays relative to the pick roller.




In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an imaging apparatus includes a first media tray configured to hold a first imaging media, and a second media tray configured to hold a second imaging media. A pick roller is also included in the imaging apparatus, wherein the first media tray is configured to slide relative to the second media tray to facilitate selective presentation of the first imaging media and the second imaging media, one-at-a-time, to the pick roller for picking. An actuating mechanism can also be included, wherein the actuating mechanism is configured to control the movement of the first and second media trays relative to the pick roller.




Another imaging apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, includes a first media tray that has a first lift plate pivotally mounted to it, and wherein a first imaging media is supported on the first lift plate. Likewise, a second media tray is included that has a second lift plate pivotally mounted to it, wherein the second imaging media is supported on the second lift plate. An actuating mechanism can be included as well, wherein the actuating mechanism is configured to cause the first media tray to slide in a direction opposite of that of the second media tray. A lifting device is provided to contact the first and the second lifting plates, one-at-a-time, and to cause to pivot, the respective first and second lift plates. Such pivoting of the first and second lift plates results in presentation of the first and second imaging media, respectively, to a single pick roller on a selective basis.




In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of using a first imaging media and a second imaging media in an imaging device having a single pick roller includes supporting the first and the second imaging media on the imaging device simultaneously. The method also includes picking the first imaging media with the pick roller while the first and second media are simultaneously supported on the imaging device, and also includes picking the second imaging media with the pick roller while the first and second imaging media are simultaneously supported on the imaging device.




Turning now to

FIG. 1

, a schematic diagram is shown which depicts an imaging apparatus


100


in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The imaging apparatus comprises a first media tray


101


that is configured to hold a first imaging media M


1


. The imaging apparatus


100


also includes a second media tray


102


that is configured to hold a second imaging media M


2


.




A pick roller


120


is also included in the imaging apparatus


100


. The pick roller


120


is configured to selectively pick the first imaging media M


1


from the first media tray


101


, and is also configured to pick the second media M


2


from the second media tray


102


. That is, the single pick roller


120


is configured to pick both the first imaging media M


1


and the second imaging media M


2


from the first and second media trays


101


and


102


, respectively.




Turning now to

FIG. 2

, another schematic diagram is shown which depicts the imaging apparatus


100


shown in FIG.


1


. With reference now to both

FIGS. 1 and 2

, the use of the single pick roller


120


to pick the first and second imaging medias M


1


and M


2


is preferably facilitated by way of an actuating mechanism


130


that can be included in the imaging apparatus


100


. The actuating mechanism


130


is connected to the first media tray


101


, and can also be connected to the second media tray


102


.




The actuating mechanism


130


is configured to cause the first media tray


101


and the second media tray


102


to be positioned, one-at-a-time, relative to the pick roller


120


to thereby present the first imaging media M


1


and the second imaging media M


2


, respectively, to the pick roller for picking. That is, the actuating mechanism is configured to alternately present either the first imaging media M


1


or the second imaging media M


2


to the pick roller


120


for picking.




In other words, at any given point in time, either the first media tray


101


or the second media tray


102


is positioned so that either first imaging media M


1


or the second imaging media M


2


, respectively, is presented to the pick roller


120


for picking. For example, it can be assumed that, at a certain point in time, the first media tray


101


is positioned relative to the pick roller


120


so that the first imaging media M


1


is presented to the pick roller for picking. The first media tray


101


thus remains at this position while the pick roller


120


picks the required quantity of first imaging media M


1


from the first media tray.




When the second imaging media M


2


is needed at the pick roller


120


for picking, the actuating mechanism


130


is actuated so as to position the second media tray


102


relative to the pick roller so that the second imaging media is presented to the pick roller for picking. When the pick roller


120


finishes picking the required quantity of the second imaging media M


2


, and when the first imaging media M


1


is required at the pick roller for picking, the actuating mechanism


130


is actuated so as to position the first media tray


101


relative to the pick roller so that the first imaging media is presented to the pick roller for picking.




The actuating mechanism


130


can be configured to automatically change the positions of the first and second media trays


101


and


102


by way of an actuator (not shown) or the like, so as to alternately present the first imaging media M


1


and the second imaging media M


2


to the pick roller for picking. That is, the first imaging media M


1


and the second imaging media M


2


can be configured to be selectively alternately presented by the actuating mechanism to the pick roller


120


for picking in an automatic fashion by way of an actuator or the like (not show). Examples of how such an actuator can be so employed in conjunction with the present invention will be discussed below with regard to other embodiments of the present invention.




The imaging apparatus


100


can also include a controller


198


which is configured to automatically control the actuation of the actuating mechanism


130


in response to predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria can be, for example, a signal from a host device (not shown) such as a personal computer or the like, to switch from one imaging media to the other. For example, in the case wherein the predetermined criteria is a signal from a personal computer, the signal can originate in a word processing program, wherein a specific type of imaging media is specified thereby.




More specifically, for example, a word processing program operating in a personal computer host device can generate a signal which is sent to the controller


198


, wherein the signal specifies a change from the first imaging media M


1


to the second imaging media M


2


. Such a situation can arise in a case wherein a document is first printed on standard sheet media, and then an address is to be printed on envelope media.




In such a case, and by way of example only, predetermined criteria in the form of a signal originating from the word processing program is received by the controller


198


. In response, the controller


198


automatically controls the actuating mechanism


130


so as to present the standard sheet media (e.g. first imaging media M


1


) to the pick roller


120


for picking while the document is printed.




This is accomplished by causing the actuating mechanism


130


to position the respective media tray (e.g. first media tray


101


) relative to the pick roller


120


. When the required quantity of standard sheet media is picked by the pick roller


120


, the controller


198


controls the actuating mechanism


130


so as to then present the envelope media (e.g. second imaging media M


2


) to the pick roller


120


for picking while the address is printed on the envelope. When the required quantity of envelope media is picked by the pick roller


120


, and when the standard sheet media is again required at the pick roller, the controller


130


again repositions the first and second media trays


101


and


102


so that the standard sheet media is again presented to the pick roller


120


for picking.




Such control of the actuating mechanism


130


to alternately position the first and second media trays


101


and


102


relative to the pick roller


120


can alternatively, or additionally, be accomplished manually by way of an input device


199


. That is, the imaging apparatus


100


can comprise an input device


199


either in addition to, or as an alternative to, the controller


198


. The input device


199


is configured to control the actuation of the actuating mechanism in response to an input from an operator of the imaging apparatus


100


. For example, the input device


199


can be in the form of a switch or the like (not shown), which the operator can manipulate so as to position the first and second media trays


101


and


102


relative to the pick roller


120


in order to present the desired first or second imaging media M


1


and M


2


to the pick roller for picking.




In such a case, the operator can print a plurality of documents on the second imaging media M


2


by first positioning the second media tray


102


relative to the pick roller


120


so that the second imaging media is presented to the pick roller for picking, as is shown in FIG.


1


. The operator can then manipulate the input device


199


so that the actuating mechanism


130


changes the positions of the first and second media trays


101


and


102


to thereby present the first imaging media M


1


to the pick roller


120


for picking. The operator can then print a plurality of documents on the first imaging media M


1


.




As is seen from a study of

FIGS. 1 and 2

, the imaging apparatus


100


can be configured so that the first media tray


101


and the second media tray


102


remain substantially parallel to one another. However, it is understood that the present invention is not intended to limit the first and second media trays


101


and


102


to being parallel to one another. Also, although the first and second media trays


101


and


102


are shown to be substantially aligned with one another, it is understood that the present invention is not intended to limit the first and second media trays to being aligned with one another, as will become apparent in later discussion.




Moving now to

FIG. 3

, a side elevation sectional view is shown which depicts an imaging apparatus


300


in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The imaging apparatus


300


comprises a first media tray


301


that is configured to hold the first imaging media M


1


. The imaging apparatus


300


also comprises a second media tray


302


that is configured to hold the second imaging media M


2


. As shown, the first imaging media M


1


and the second imaging media M


2


can each comprise a plurality of sheets of respective imaging media so as to form respective stacks of imaging media that are supported on the respective first and second media trays


301


and


302


.




The imaging apparatus


300


also comprises a pick roller


120


which is described above with respect to the imaging apparatus


100


which is shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2

. As is further shown, the imaging apparatus


300


preferably comprises a chassis


340


on which the remainder of the apparatus can be supported. A frame


341


is also preferably included in the apparatus


300


, and is more preferably supported on the chassis. The frame


341


and the chassis


340


are preferably configured to remain stationary relative to the pick roller


120


. Furthermore, the frame


341


and the chassis


340


together can act to stabilize the first and the second media trays


301


and


302


as the trays move relative to the pick roller


120


. That is, the frame


341


preferably acts to maintain the functional alignment of the first and second media trays


301


and


302


.




As further shown in

FIG. 3

, the first media tray


301


and the second media tray


302


are each preferably configured to function similarly to the first and second media trays


101


and


102


of the apparatus


100


which is described above and shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2

. That is, the pick roller


120


is configured to selectively pick the first imaging media M


1


from the first media tray


301


, and is further configured to pick the second imaging media M


2


from the second media tray


302


, wherein respective imaging media is picked from one tray at a time.




Preferably, the first media tray


301


of the imaging apparatus


300


is slidably disposed upon the second media tray


302


of the apparatus. Accordingly, the first media tray


301


is configured to slide relative to the second media tray in order to facilitate selective presentation of the first imaging media M


1


and the second imaging media M


2


, one-at-a-time, to the pick roller for picking. That is, in the manner described above with respect to the imaging apparatus


100


, the imaging apparatus


300


is configured so that the first media tray


301


and the second media tray


302


can be positioned, one-at-a-time relative to the pick roller


120


to thereby present the first media M


1


and the second media M


2


, respectively, to the pick roller for picking.




In order to facilitate the alternate presentation of the first imaging media M


1


and the second imaging media M


2


to the pick roller


120


, the imaging apparatus


300


preferably comprises an actuating mechanism


350


. The actuating mechanism


350


comprises a gear rack


351


that is supported on the first media tray


301


. The actuating mechanism


350


also comprises a pinion gear


353


that is meshingly engaged with the gear rack


351


. As is seen from a study of

FIG. 3

, the rotation of the pinion gear


353


causes the first media tray


301


to slide relative to the second media tray


302


.




Turning now to

FIG. 4

, another side elevation sectional view is shown which depicts the imaging apparatus


300


that is shown in FIG.


3


. It is evident that

FIGS. 3 and 4

are identical, with the exception that the first and second media trays


301


and


302


are shown in opposite positions relative to the pick roller


120


. As is also seen, the actuating mechanism


350


preferably comprises a pair of gear racks


351


, wherein one of the gear racks is supported on the first media tray


301


, and the other of the gear racks is supported on the second media tray


302


. Accordingly, the pinion gear


353


is preferably meshingly engaged with each of the gear racks


351


.




It is understood from a study of

FIGS. 3 and 4

, that an operator can manipulate the first and second media trays


301


and


302


so as to selectively and alternatively position each media tray relative to the pick roller


120


so that either the first media M


1


or the second media M


2


is presented to the pick roller for picking. That is, in accordance with the present invention, the first and/or second media trays


301


and


302


can be moved manually by an operator so as to selectively position either the first media tray


301


or the second media tray


302


at the pick roller


120


so as to present either the first media M


1


or the second media M


2


to the pick roller for picking.




Turning now to

FIG. 5

, an end view is shown of the apparatus


300


which is shown in

FIGS. 3 and 4

. As is seen in

FIG. 5

, the imaging apparatus


300


preferably comprises an actuator


360


that is configured to cause the pinion gear


353


to rotate. The actuator


360


can be, for example, a rotary actuator such as a stepper motor or the like. As is also seen, the frame


341


and the chassis


340


preferably surround both the first and second media trays


301


and


302


so as to stabilize the trays during movement thereof. It is understood that, for reasons of clarity,

FIGS. 3 through 5

show only a portion of the components that are contemplated for inclusion into the imaging apparatus


300


, and that other components will be described below with reference to additional figures.




Returning now to

FIGS. 3 and 4

, it is seen that, rotation of the pinion gear


353


in a first direction causes the first media tray


301


to move toward the pick roller


120


, while rotation of the pinion gear in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the first media tray to move away from the pick roller. Likewise, rotation of the pinion gear


353


in the first direction can cause the second media tray


302


to move away from the pick roller


120


, while rotation of the pinion gear in the second direction can cause the second media tray to move toward the pick roller.




Turning now to

FIGS. 6 and 7

, respective side elevation sectional views are shown of the imaging apparatus


300


that is depicted in

FIGS. 3 through 5

. As is evident from an examination of

FIGS. 6 and 7

, additional components of the apparatus


300


are shown which are omitted from

FIGS. 3 through 5

for reasons of clarity, as explained above. It is also understood that other components of the imaging apparatus


300


which are described above and shown in

FIGS. 3 through 5

have been omitted from

FIGS. 6 and 7

for reasons of clarity.




With reference to

FIGS. 6 and 7

, the imaging apparatus


300


can additionally comprise a first lift plate


371


that is configured to support thereon the first imaging media M


1


. The first lift plate


371


is pivotally connected to the first media tray


301


so as to be pivotable relative thereto as shown. Likewise, the imaging apparatus


300


can also comprise a second lift plate


372


that is configured to support thereon the second imaging media M


2


. Similarly, the second lift plate


372


is pivotally connected to the second media tray


302


so as to be pivotable relative thereto as is also shown.




The apparatus


300


preferably comprises a lifting device


380


positioned as shown relative to the pick roller


120


and to the first and second media trays


301


and


302


. The lifting device


380


is configured to cause the first lift plate


371


and the second lift plate


372


to pivot, one-at-a-time, relative to the first media tray


301


and to the second media tray


302


, respectively, in order to facilitate presentation of the first imaging media M


1


and the second imaging media M


2


, respectively, to the pick roller


120


for picking. The lifting device


380


preferably comprises a lifting member


381


that is configured to pivot relative to the first and second media trays


301


and


302


. The lifting device


380


also preferably comprises a biasing member


382


configured to contact the lifting member


381


and to thereby urge the lifting member toward the first lift plate


371


and toward the second lift plate


372


to facilitate pivoting thereof by the lifting member.




It is understood that the lifting device


380


can be a passive lifting device or an active lifting device. That is, the lifting device


380


can be configured to perform passively, wherein the biasing member


382


is a resilient member such as a spring or the like. In such a passively operational configuration, the lifting device


380


depends upon the movement of the first and second media trays


301


and


302


there against in order to perform its function. Alternatively, the lifting device


380


can be configured to perform actively, wherein the biasing member


382


is an actively controlled actuator or the like. In such an actively operational configuration, the lifting device functions actively in response to a signal from a controller or the like, such as the controller


198


shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2

.




Thus, as shown in

FIG. 6

, wherein the lifting device


380


is configured to operate passively, it is seen that the movement of the first media tray


301


toward the pick roller


120


causes the first lift plate


371


to contact the lifting member


381


, and to thereby pivot so as to present the first media M


1


to the pick roller


120


. Likewise, as shown in

FIG. 7

, movement of the second media tray


302


toward the pick roller


120


causes the second lift plate


372


to contact the lifting member


381


, and to thereby pivot so as to present the second media M


2


to the pick roller


120


.




It is also seen, with reference to

FIGS. 3 and 4

as well as

FIGS. 6 and 7

, that rotation of the pinion gear


353


in a first direction causes the first imaging media M


1


to be presented to the pick roller


120


, while rotation of the pinion gear in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the second imaging media M


2


to be presented to the pick roller


120


. As explained above, such rotation of the pinion gear


353


can be caused by manual movement by an operator of the first and/or second media trays


301


and


302


, or by automatic rotation of the pinion gear by way of the actuator


360


.




Now moving to

FIGS. 8 and 9

, respective side elevation views are shown in which an imaging apparatus


800


is depicted in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The imaging apparatus


800


comprises a first media tray


801


configured to hold the first imaging media M


1


. A second media tray


802


is also included in the imaging apparatus


800


, wherein the second media tray is configured to hold a second imaging media M


2


. The imaging apparatus also comprises a pick roller


120


that is configured to selectively pick the first imaging media M


1


from the first media tray


801


, and the second imaging media M


2


from the second media tray


802


, wherein the respective media is picked from one tray at a time.




The imaging apparatus


800


also preferably comprises an actuating mechanism


880


that is connected to the first media tray


801


. The actuating mechanism


880


is preferably configured to cause the first media tray


801


and the second media tray


802


to be positioned, one-at-a-time, relative to the pick roller


120


to thereby present the first imaging media M


1


and the second imaging media M


2


to the pick roller for picking. That is, the imaging apparatus


800


is configured to selectively alternately present the first imaging media M


1


and the second imaging media M


2


to the pick roller.




Preferably, the apparatus


800


also comprises a chassis


810


that is configured to serve as a structural support for one or more components of the apparatus. The pick roller


120


is preferably operationally supported on the chassis


810


as shown. The second media tray


802


is also preferably movably supported on the chassis


810


, while the first media tray


801


is slidably supported on the second media tray. That is, the first media tray


801


is preferably supported on the second media tray


802


so as to slide relative thereto as suggested by an examination of both

FIGS. 8 and 9

.




More specifically, sliding the first media tray


801


in a first direction relative to the second media tray


802


results in presentation of the first imaging media to the pick roller for picking. Likewise, sliding the first media tray


801


in a second direction, which is opposite of the first direction, results in presentation of the second imaging media M


2


to the pick roller


120


for picking.




A pivot axis


860


can be defined on the second media tray


802


, as shown. The second media tray


802


can thus be pivotally connected to the chassis


810


and thereby configured to pivot about the pivot axis


860


. As is seen from a study of both

FIGS. 8 and 9

, movement of the first media tray


801


relative to the second media tray


802


causes the second media tray to pivot about the pivot axis


860


. This pivoting of the second media tray


802


as the result of movement relative thereto of the first media tray


801


can be achieved by way of the operation of the actuating mechanism


880


.




Preferably, the actuating mechanism


880


is in the form of an elongated member, as shown. The actuating mechanism


880


, in the form of an elongated member, has a first end


881


that is pivotally connected to the first media tray


801


, and a distal opposite second end


882


that is pivotally connected to the chassis


810


. Thus, as is seen from an examination of both

FIGS. 8 and 9

, the actuating mechanism


880


causes the first media tray


801


, when sliding relative to the second media tray


802


, to move in a substantially arcuate manner about the second end


882


and relative to the chassis


810


.




It is understood that the actuating mechanism


880


can be configured in any of several possible manners. For example, as an alternative to the configuration of the actuating mechanism


880


which is described above and shown in

FIGS. 8 and 9

, the actuating mechanism can comprise a cam surface (not shown) and a cam follower (not shown). More specifically, in such an alternative configuration, the cam surface can be supported or defined on the chassis


810


. Likewise, the cam follower can be mounted on the first media tray


801


and configured to follow the cam surface as the result of movement of the first media tray relative to the second media tray


802


.




As a view of

FIGS. 8 and 9

reveals, the second media tray


802


can have a first end


811


and an opposite distal second end


812


. The second imaging media M


2


is preferably positioned proximate the second end


812


as shown, while the pivot axis


860


is preferably defined proximate the first end


811


. As is also revealed from a study of

FIGS. 8 and 9

, movement of the first media tray


801


toward the second end of the second media tray


802


results in the presentation of the first media M


1


to the pick roller


120


, while movement of the first media tray toward the first end


811


of the second media tray results in presentation of the second media M


2


to the pick roller. As is further seen, the first media tray


801


and the second media tray


802


preferably remain substantially parallel to one another.




The imaging apparatus


800


preferably comprises a biasing member


882


which is connected between the chassis


810


and the second media tray


802


. The biasing member


882


is preferably configured to bias the second media tray


802


toward the pick roller


120


. The imaging apparatus


800


also preferably comprises an actuator


850


. The actuator


850


is preferably connected to the first media tray


801


and is configured to selectively cause the first media tray to slide relative to the second media tray


802


to facilitate presentation of the first media M


1


and the second media M


2


, one-at-a-time, to the pick roller


120


for picking. It is understood that the actuator


850


can have one of many possible alternative positions and configurations other than that specifically shown.




As shown, the actuator


850


can be in the form of a linear actuator as shown, which can include, for example, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder assembly, a linear motor, or the like. The actuator


850


, when configured as a linear actuator, can be connected between the first media tray


801


and the second media tray


802


as shown. Alternatively, the actuator


850


, when configured as a linear actuator, can be connected, by way of pivot connections (not shown), between the first media tray


801


and the chassis


810


.




As yet a further alternative, the actuator


850


and the actuating mechanism


880


can be integrated with one another. For example, the actuating mechanism


880


can be alternatively replaced by a rotary actuator (not shown) connected between the chassis


810


and the first media tray


801


, and which is configured to serve as both the actuating device as well as the actuator to move the first media tray relative to the second media tray


802


.




In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of using a first imaging media and a second imaging media in an imaging apparatus having a pick roller is disclosed. The method includes supporting the first imaging media and the second imaging media on the imaging apparatus simultaneously. While the first imaging media and the second imaging media are supported simultaneously on the imaging apparatus, the first imaging media is picked by the pick roller. Likewise, the second imaging media is also picked by the pick roller while the first imaging media and the second imaging media are supported simultaneously on the imaging apparatus.




That is, while the first imaging media and the second imaging media are supported on the imaging apparatus, the first imaging media is presented to the pick roller for picking by moving the first imaging media into contact with the pick roller. When the second imaging media is to be picked, the first imaging media is moved out of contact with the pick roller, and the second imaging media is presented to the pick roller by moving the second imaging media into contact with the pick roller.




While the above invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features, it is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.



Claims
  • 1. An imaging apparatus, comprising:a first media tray configured to hold a first imaging media; a second media tray configured to hold a second imaging media; a pick roller configured to selectively pick the first imaging media from media tray and the second imaging media from the second media tray, wherein media is picked from one tray at a time; and wherein the first media tray is configured to slide relative to the second tray to facilitate selective presentation of the first imaging media and the second media, one-at-a-time, to the pick roller for picking.
  • 2. The imaging apparatus at claim 1, and further comprising an actuating mechanism which is operatively connected to the first media tray, and which is configured to cause the first media tray and the second media tray to be slidably positioned, one-at-a-time relative to one another and to the pick roller to thereby present the first media and the second media, respectively, to the pick roller for picking.
  • 3. The imaging apparatus of claim 2, and wherein the actuating mechanism is also operatively connected to the second media tray.
  • 4. The imaging apparatus of claim 2, and further comprising:an actuator operatively connected to the actuating mechanism; and, a controller configured to automatically control the actuation of the actuator in response to predetermined criteria.
  • 5. The imaging apparatus of claim 2, and further comprising an input device configured to control the actuation of the actuator in response to an input from an operator.
  • 6. The imaging apparatus of claim 1, and wherein the first media tray and the second media tray are configured to remain substantially parallel to one another.
  • 7. An imaging apparatus, comprising:a first media tray configured to hold a first imaging media; a second media tray configured to hold a second imaging media, wherein the first media tray is slidably disposed upon the second media tray; and, a pick roller, wherein the first media tray is configured to slide relative to the second media tray to facilitate selective presentation of the first imaging media and the second imaging media, one-at-a-time, to the pick roller for picking.
  • 8. The imaging apparatus of claim 7, and further comprising:a gear rack supported on the first media tray; and, a pinion gear meshingly engaged with the gear rack, and wherein rotation of the pinion gear causes the first media tray to slide relative to the second media tray.
  • 9. The imaging apparatus of claim 8, and wherein:rotation of the pinion gear in a first direction causes the first imaging media to be presented to the pick roller; and, rotation of the pinion, gear in a second direction, opposite the first direction, causes the second imaging media to be presented to the pick roller.
  • 10. The imaging apparatus of claim 7, and further comprising:a first lift plate which is configured to support the first imaging media thereon and which is pivotally connected to the first media tray; a second lift plate which is configured to support the second imaging media thereon and which is pivotally connected to the second media tray; and, a lifting device configured to cause the first lift plate and the second lift plate to pivot, one-at-a-time, relative to the first media tray and the second media tray, respectively, to facilitate presentation of the first imaging media and the second imaging media, respectively, to the pick roller.
  • 11. The imaging apparatus of claim 10, and wherein the lifting device comprising:a lifting member configured to selectively contact the first lift plate and the second lift plate, one-at-a-time, as a result of the movement of the first media tray relative to the second media tray, wherein such contact causes the first lift plate and the second lift plate to pivot; and, a biasing member configured to urge the lifting member toward the first lift plate and the second lift plate to facilitate lifting thereof by the lifting member.
  • 12. A method of presenting a first and a second imaging media to a pick roller in an imaging device, comprising:supporting the first imaging media in a first media tray within the imaging device; supporting the second imaging media in a second media tray within the imaging device; picking the first imaging media from the first media tray with the pick roller while the first imaging media and the second imaging media are simultaneously supported within the imaging device; and slidably moving the second media tray relative to the first media tray to present the second media to the pick roller.
  • 13. The method of claim 12, and wherein the first media tray is slidably moved-essentially parallel to the second media tray.
  • 14. The method of claim 4 and further comprising elevating the first imaging media to place the first imaging media in proximity to the pick roller prior to picking the first imaging media from the first media tray.
  • 15. The method of claim 14, and further comprising:elevating the second imaging media to place the second imaging media in proximity to the pick roller; and picking the second imaging media from the second media tray with the pick roller while the first imaging media and the second imaging media are simultaneously supported on the imaging device.
  • 16. The method of claim 12, and wherein slidably moving the second media tray relative to the first media tray comprises slidably moving the second media fray essentially parallel to the first media tray.
  • 17. The method of claim 12, and wherein slidably moving the second media tray relative to the first media tray at least partially comprises slidably moving the second media tray essentially parallel to the first media tray.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 10/147,251, filed May 15, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,443 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

US Referenced Citations (5)
Number Name Date Kind
3989236 Komori et al. Nov 1976 A
5076562 Sai et al. Dec 1991 A
5102112 Takahashi Apr 1992 A
6431537 Meier Aug 2002 B1
6547234 Quesnel Apr 2003 B1
Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 10/147251 May 2002 US
Child 10/630985 US