Printer media alignment apparatus and method

A method of aligning media in a printer comprising:

• moving a leading edge of a media sheet into contact with an alignment element;
• gripping a portion of the sheet while the leading edge is in contact with the alignment element;
• moving the alignment element such that the sheet may proceed without contacting the alignment element;
• and
• while gripping, feeding the media toward a print engine for printing.

A printer comprising:

• a media transport mechanism defining a media path that extends from a media supply to a print engine;
• and
• a media alignment element movable between an extended position intersecting path between the supply and the engine and a retracted position outside the path;
• and
• a channel formed along the length of the alignment element.

A method of aligning media comprising:

• moving a leading edge of a media sheet along a media path into contract with an alignment element;
• gripping a portion of the sheet while the leading edge is in contact with the alignment element;
• retracting the sheet away from the alignment element;
• moving the alignment element out of the media path;
• and
• advancing the media along the media path past the alignment element.