Method and device for clearing media jams from an image forming device
AssigneeLexmark International, Inc.
InventorsMatthew Christopher Coriale, Delbert Lester Elliott, Michael David Maul, Jason Rowe, David Anthony Schneider
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and device for removing media sheet jams within an image forming device. The position of the media sheets is monitored as the media sheets move through the image forming process. The occurrence of a media jam is detected, and the position of each media sheet within the device at the time of the jam is also detected. A message is displayed to an operator indicating the number of sheets within the device that should be removed to clear the jam. The order of media sheet removal may also be displayed to the operator.
Claims13
A method of clearing a jam from an image forming device, the method comprising the steps of:
- tracking the position of a media sheet moving through a media path;
- detecting a media jam when the media sheet does not reach a predetermined point on the media path within a predetermined limit;
- immediately stopping the movement of the media sheet upon detecting the media jam;
- determining the position of the media sheet at the time of the media jam based on media jam statistical information stored within a controller;
- determining which one of a plurality of access points provides access to the media jam in a least damaging and ergonomically correct manner;
- and
- displaying the one of the plurality of access points to an operator.
A method of clearing a media jam from an image forming device comprising the steps of:
- detecting a media jam within a media path;
- immediately stopping movement of a number of media sheets within the media path upon detecting the media jam;
- determining the number of media sheets within the media path;
- determining a location of each of the media sheets along the media path based on statistical information stored within a controller;
- displaying the number of media sheets within the media path;
- determining which of a plurality of access points are to access and remove each of the media sheets;
- and
- displaying the plurality of access points that are to be opened in an order of priority to remove the media sheets and cause a least amount of damage to the device.
A method of clearing a jam from an image forming device comprising the steps of:
- dividing a media path into sections each comprising a length of the media path;
- storing within a controller an access point that provides access to each of the sections;
- storing within the controller statistical information indicating likely locations for media jams;
- monitoring movement of media sheets along the media path;
- detecting a jam along the media path and the section of each of the media sheets at the time of the jam;
- determining where along the section each of the media sheets is positioned at the time of the jam based on the statistical information;
- determining the access point that correlates to each of the sections where the media sheets are located;
- and
- displaying the access points.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.