Auxiliary print media tray for printer
US6179499A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2511/20
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An auxiliary print media tray or cartridge forms part of a print media handling system that provides for holding two discrete supplies of print media in a manner that permits the user to select printing media from one supply or another, without the need for first emptying either of the supplies. The print media is oriented in a manner such that both supplies engage a common media feed mechanism, such as pick and feed rollers. As a result, a printer that employs two discrete media supplies is provided without the increased manufacturing cost or size that would otherwise be required if duplicate pick and feed rollers (or related components) were employed. One embodiment of the present invention is particularly adapted for holding in an auxiliary tray a supply of relatively small print media, such as photo-type paper that is popular as a medium upon which high-quality digital images may be printed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.