Print media weight detection system

Abstract

A device that automatically detects the stiffness of the paper as an indicator of paper weight and thickness. The detection system of the invention includes a moveable media guide and a sensor responsive to movement of the guide. It is desirable that the media guide have a curved media contact surface to resist the paper as it is pushed along the guide. A biasing element operatively coupled to the guide may be used to regulate the resistance of the guide to the advancing paper. Stiff heavier weight paper causes the guide to move as the paper is pushed along the contact surface of the guide. Less stiff lighter weight paper will not cause the guide to move, or at least not as much as the stiff heavier weight paper. A sensor responds to the movement of the guide to detect the stiffness and, therefore, the weight of the paper.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.