Imaging apparatus including a print media feed system configured for reducing printing defects

An imaging apparatus including a print media feed system for advancing a sheet of print media in a sheet feed direction through a print zone, comprising:

• a motor including a motor shaft to which a pinion gear is attached;
• a shaft;
• a primary gear train including a first plurality of gears in meshed relation, said first plurality of gears including a first gear in mesh with said pinion gear and a second gear rigidly mounted to said shaft;
• a spring coupling having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to said second gear of said primary gear train;
• a secondary gear train including a second plurality of gears in meshed relation, said second plurality of gears including a third gear in mesh with said pinion gear and a fourth gear rotatably mounted to said shaft for free rotation with respect to said shaft, said second end of said spring coupling being connected to said fourth gear of said secondary gear train;
• and
• an exit roller having an exit roller gear, said exit roller being positioned downstream from said print zone in relation to said sheet feed direction, said exit roller gear being coupled in meshed relation to said second gear of said primary gear train via a transmission gear.