U.S. patent application number 17/298583 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-10 for adf with automated trays.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.. Invention is credited to Michael V. Leman, Ryan M. Smith, Rene O. Valenzuela-Rivas.
Application Number | 20220041387 17/298583 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220041387 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Valenzuela-Rivas; Rene O. ;
et al. |
February 10, 2022 |
ADF With Automated Trays
Abstract
An automatic document feeder includes a media path to route
media through the automatic document feeder, and automated media
trays to supply the media to the media path and receive the media
from the media path, with the automated media trays to be
positioned based on a presence of a user at the automatic document
feeder.
Inventors: |
Valenzuela-Rivas; Rene O.;
(San Diego, CA) ; Smith; Ryan M.; (San Diego,
CA) ; Leman; Michael V.; (Boise, ID) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. |
Spring |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hewlett-Packard Development
Company, L.P.
Spring
TX
|
Appl. No.: |
17/298583 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
April 30, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2019/029948 |
371 Date: |
May 30, 2021 |
International
Class: |
B65H 7/02 20060101
B65H007/02; B65H 1/04 20060101 B65H001/04; B65H 31/02 20060101
B65H031/02 |
Claims
1. An automatic document feeder, comprising: a media path to route
media through the automatic document feeder; and automated media
trays to supply the media to the media path and receive the media
from the media path, the automated media trays to be positioned
based on a presence of a user at the automatic document feeder.
2. The automatic document feeder of claim 1, wherein: with the
presence of the user at the automatic document feeder, the
automated media trays to be in an open position, and without the
presence of the user at the automatic document feeder, the
automated media trays to be in a closed position.
3. The automatic document feeder of claim 1, wherein: with the
presence of the user at the automatic document feeder, the
automated media trays to be communicated with the media path, and
without the presence of the user at the automatic document feeder,
the automated media trays to be non-communicated with the media
path.
4. The automatic document feeder of claim 1, further comprising: a
sensor to sense the presence of the user at the automatic document
feeder.
5. The automatic document feeder of claim 4, wherein the sensor
comprises a proximity sensor to sense the presence of the user
within a predetermined distance of the automatic document feeder,
the automated media trays to be positioned based on the presence of
the user within the predetermined distance of the automatic
document feeder.
6. The automatic document feeder of claim 1, wherein the automated
media trays comprise an input tray to supply media to the media
path, and an output tray to receive the media from the media
path.
7. An automatic document feeder, comprising: an input tray to
support media input to the automatic document feeder; an output
tray to support media output from the automatic document feeder;
and a media path to route media from the input tray to the output
tray, both the input tray and the output tray to be stowed or
deployed based on a proximity of a user to the automatic document
feeder.
8. The automatic document feeder of claim 7, both the input tray
and the output tray to be pivoted between stowed and deployed based
on the proximity of the user to the automatic document feeder.
9. The automatic document feeder of claim 7, with the proximity of
the user been less than a threshold, both the input tray and the
output tray to be deployed.
10. The automatic document feeder of claim 9, without the proximity
of the user been less than the threshold, both the input tray and
the output tray to be stowed.
11. A method of operating an automatic document feeder, comprising:
sensing a presence or an absence of a user at the automatic
document feeder; with sensing the presence of the user at the
automatic document feeder, establishing an open position of both an
input tray and an output tray of the automatic document feeder; and
with sensing the absence of the user at the automatic document
feeder, establishing a closed position of both the input tray and
the output tray of the automatic document feeder.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein: establishing the open position
of both the input tray and the output tray includes communicating
both the input tray and the output tray with a media path of the
automatic document feeder, and establishing the closed position of
both the input tray and the output tray includes non-communicating
both the input tray and the output tray with the media path of the
automatic document feeder.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein sensing the presence or the
absence of the user at the automatic document feeder comprises
sensing a proximity of the user to the automatic document
feeder.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein sensing the proximity of the
user to the automatic document feeder within a predetermined
distance establishes the presence of the user at the automatic
document feeder.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein a lack of sensing the proximity
of the user to the automatic document feeder within the
predetermined distance establishes the absence of the user at the
automatic document feeder.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] An automatic document feeder may be used for automatically
transporting a sheet of media to an imaging or scanning position
for copying, scanning, faxing, displaying on a monitor, or other
processing. Thereafter, the automatic document feeder may eject the
media and process a next sheet of media.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagrams illustrating an example
of an automatic document feeder including automated media trays in
a closed position and an open position, respectively.
[0003] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an
inkjet printing system including an example of an automatic
document feeder.
[0004] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views illustrating an
example of an automatic document feeder including automated media
trays in a closed position and an open position, respectively.
[0005] FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views illustrating an
example of the automatic document feeder of FIGS. 3A and 3B
including automated media trays in a closed position and an open
position, respectively. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an
example of a method of operating an automatic document feeder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0006] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration specific examples in which the
disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other
examples may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be
made without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0007] As illustrated in the example of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the
present disclosure provides an automatic document feeder (ADF) 10.
In one implementation, ADF 10 includes a media path 12 to route
media 2 through ADF 10, and automated media trays 14 to supply
media 2 to media path 12 and receive media 2 from media path 12, as
represented by arrows 4. In examples, automated media trays 14
include an input tray 141 to supply media 2 to media path 12, and
an output tray 142 to receive media 2 from media path 12.
[0008] In examples, automated media trays 14, including input tray
141 and output tray 142, are to be positioned based on a presence
of a user 20 at ADF 10. For example, as illustrated in the example
of FIG. 1A, without the presence of user 20 at ADF 10, automated
media trays 14 are in a closed positon, and, as illustrated in the
example of FIG. 1B, with the presence of user 20 at ADF 10,
automated media trays 14 are in an open positon. As such, as
illustrated in the example of FIG. 1A, without the presence of user
20 at ADF 10, automated media trays 14 are non-communicated with
media path 12, and, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 1B, with
the presence of user 20 at ADF 10, automated media trays 14 are
communicated with media path 12. In one implementation, ADF 10
includes a sensor 16 to sense the presence of user 20 at ADF 10,
and provide input to control the position of automated media trays
14.
[0009] As disclosed herein, an automatic document feeder, such as
ADF 10, may be used to automatically transport media (one sheet or
multiple sheets sequentially) along a media path, such as media
path 12, from an input tray, as an example of an automated media
tray 14, to a scanning or imaging position, and then to an output
tray, as another example of an automated media tray 14. At the
scanning or imaging position, the media may be scanned or imaged
for copying, scanning, faxing, displaying on a monitor, or other
processing. In examples, ADF 10 may be part of a printer, a
scanner, a photocopier, a fax machine, or a multi-function or
all-in-one device providing printing, scanning, copying, and/or
faxing capabilities.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an inkjet printing system.
Inkjet printing system 100 includes a printhead assembly 102, as an
example of a fluid ejection assembly, a fluid (e.g., ink) supply
assembly 104, a mounting assembly 106, a media transport assembly
108, an electronic controller 110, and a power supply 112 that
provides power to electrical components of inkjet printing system
100. Printhead assembly 102 includes a printhead die 114, as an
example of a fluid ejection die or fluid ejection device, that
ejects drops of fluid through a plurality of orifices or nozzles
116 toward a print media 118 so as to print on print media 118.
[0011] Print media 118 can be any type of suitable sheet or roll
material, such as paper, card stock, transparencies, Mylar, and the
like, and may include rigid or semi-rigid material, such as
cardboard or other panels. Nozzles 116 are arranged in columns or
arrays such that properly sequenced ejection of fluid from nozzles
116 causes characters, symbols, and/or other graphics or images to
be printed on print media 118 as printhead assembly 102 and print
media 118 are moved relative to each other.
[0012] Fluid supply assembly 104 supplies fluid to printhead
assembly 102 and, in one example, includes a reservoir 120 for
storing fluid such that fluid flows from reservoir 120 to printhead
assembly 102. In one example, printhead assembly 102 and fluid
supply assembly 104 are housed together in an inkjet cartridge or
pen. In another example, fluid supply assembly 104 is separate from
printhead assembly 102 and supplies fluid to printhead assembly 102
through an interface connection, such as a supply tube.
[0013] Mounting assembly 106 positions printhead assembly 102
relative to media transport assembly 108, and media transport
assembly 108 positions print media 118 relative to printhead
assembly 102. Thus, a print zone 122 is defined adjacent to nozzles
116 in an area between printhead assembly 102 and print media 118.
In one example, printhead assembly 102 is a scanning type printhead
assembly. As such, mounting assembly 106 includes a carriage for
moving printhead assembly 102 relative to media transport assembly
108 to scan print media 118. In another example, printhead assembly
102 is a non-scanning type printhead assembly. As such, mounting
assembly 106 fixes printhead assembly 102 at a prescribed position
relative to media transport assembly 108. Thus, media transport
assembly 108 positions print media 118 relative to printhead
assembly 102.
[0014] Electronic controller 110 includes a processor, firmware,
software, memory components including volatile and non-volatile
memory components, and other printer electronics for communicating
with and controlling printhead assembly 102, mounting assembly 106,
and media transport assembly 108. Electronic controller 110
receives data 124 from a host system, such as a computer, and
temporarily stores data 124 in a memory. Data 124 is sent to inkjet
printing system 100 along an electronic, infrared, optical, or
other information transfer path. Data 124 represents, for example,
a document and/or file to be printed. As such, data 124 forms a
print job for inkjet printing system 100 and includes print job
commands and/or command parameters.
[0015] In one example, electronic controller 110 controls printhead
assembly 102 for ejection of fluid drops from nozzles 116. Thus,
electronic controller 110 defines a pattern of ejected fluid drops
which form characters, symbols, and/or other graphics or images on
print media 118. The pattern of ejected fluid drops is determined
by the print job commands and/or command parameters.
[0016] Printhead assembly 102 includes one (i.e., a single)
printhead die 114 or more than one (i.e., multiple) printhead die
114. In one example, printhead assembly 102 is a wide-array or
multi-head printhead assembly. In one implementation of a
wide-array assembly, printhead assembly 102 includes a carrier that
carries a plurality of printhead dies 114, provides electrical
communication between printhead dies 114 and electronic controller
110, and provides fluidic communication between printhead dies 114
and fluid supply assembly 104.
[0017] In one example, inkjet printing system 100 is a
drop-on-demand thermal inkjet printing system wherein printhead
assembly 102 includes a thermal inkjet (TIJ) printhead that
implements a thermal resistor as a drop ejecting element to
vaporize fluid in a fluid chamber and create bubbles that force
fluid drops out of nozzles 116. In another example, inkjet printing
system 100 is a drop-on-demand piezoelectric inkjet printing system
wherein printhead assembly 102 includes a piezoelectric inkjet
(PIJ) printhead that implements a piezoelectric actuator as a drop
ejecting element to generate pressure pulses that force fluid drops
out of nozzles 116.
[0018] In examples, inkjet printing system 100 includes an
automatic document feeder (ADF) 130, as an example of ADF 10, and
an image reader 126 such that ADF 130 automatically transports
media 128 along a media path 132, as an example of media path 12,
to and/or past image reader 126. As such, image reader 126 may
acquire and/or generate an image of a side or surface of media
128.
[0019] In one implementation, ADF 130 includes automated media
trays 134, as an example of automated media trays 14, to support
media 128 for input to media path 132 (e.g., an input tray) and to
receive media 128 as output from media path 132 (e.g., an output
tray). In examples, automated media trays 134 may be automatically
positioned (for example, closed or opened, stowed or deployed,
covered or uncovered, concealed or revealed, retracted or extended,
non-communicated or communicated, accessible or inaccessible) based
on a presence of a user of inkjet printing system 100, including
based on a presence of a user at ADF 130.
[0020] In examples, a presence of a user is determined by a sensor
136. In one implementation, sensor 136 is communicated with
electronic controller 110 and electronic controller 110 is
communicated with ADF 130, including automated media trays 134. As
such, electronic controller 110 controls a position of automated
media trays 134 based on a presence of a user of inkjet printing
system 100, including based on a presence of a user at ADF 130, as
determined by sensor 136.
[0021] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views illustrating an
example of an automatic document feeder (ADF) 200, as an example of
ADF 10, including automated media trays 210, as an example of
automated media trays 14, in a closed position and an open
position, respectively, and FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional
views illustrating an example of ADF 200 with automated media trays
210 in a closed position and an open position, respectively. In one
implementation, as disclosed herein, automated media trays 210 may
be automatically positioned (e.g., moved between a first position
and a second position) based on a position of a user, for example,
user 220, as an example of user 20, relative to ADF 200 including,
more specifically, based on a presence of a user, for example, user
220, at ADF 200. In examples, automated media trays 210 may be
automatically positioned based on a proximity of a user, for
example, user 220, being within a predetermined distance of ADF
200.
[0022] As illustrated in the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B,
ADF 200 includes a housing 202, automated media trays 210 supported
by housing 202, and a media path 204, as an example of media path
12, within housing 202. In examples, media path 204 includes a
variety of guides, rollers, wheels, etc. to achieve handling and
routing of media within and/or through ADF 200, as disclosed
herein.
[0023] In one example, automated media trays 210 include an input
tray 211 and an output tray 212 such that input tray 211 supports
and supplies media for input to ADF 200, and output tray 212
receives and supports media as output from ADF 200. As illustrated
in the example of FIGS. 3B and 4B, in an open position, as further
described below, input tray 211 and output tray 212 are positioned
such that input tray 211 communicates with one end of media path
204 (i.e., an input end), and output tray 212 communicates with an
opposite end of media path 204 (i.e., an output end). As such,
media may be routed from input tray 211 to output tray 212 along
media path 204, as represented by broken line arrows 205 (FIG.
4B).
[0024] As disclosed herein, automated media trays 210, including
both input tray 211 and output tray 212, may be automatically
positioned (e.g., oriented, arranged, configured, operated,
actuated) to selectively communicate with media path 204 or provide
access to media path 204. For example, as illustrated in the
examples of FIGS. 3A and 4A, automated media trays 210, including
both input tray 211 and output tray 212, are positioned so as not
to communicate with or provide access to media path 204. More
specifically, in the position of FIGS. 3A and 4A, automated media
trays 210 are in a closed, stowed, covered, concealed, or retracted
position (collectively referred to herein as a "closed position"
for simplicity) such that automated media trays 210 are not
communicated with media path 204 (i.e., are non-communicated or
uncommunicated with media path 204). In addition, as illustrated in
the examples of FIGS. 3B and 4B, automated media trays 210,
including both input tray 211 and output tray 212, are positioned
to communicate with or provide access to media path 204. More
specifically, in the position of FIGS. 3B and 4B, automated media
trays 210 are in an open, deployed, uncovered, revealed, or
extended position (collectively referred to herein as an "open
position" for simplicity) such that automated media trays 210 are
communicated with media path 204.
[0025] In one implementation, as disclosed herein, a position of
automated media trays 210 including, more specifically, a position
of input tray 211 and a position of output tray 212, may be
established based on a presence of a user, for example, user 220,
at ADF 200. More specifically, without a presence of a user at ADF
200, or with an absence of a user at ADF 200, automated media trays
210 may be in a closed position, as illustrated, for example, in
FIGS. 3A and 4A. As such, automated media trays 210 do not
communicate with media path 204, and ADF 200 is not available for
use. However, with a presence of a user, for example, user 220, at
ADF 200, automated media trays 210 may be in an open position, as
illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3B and 4B. As such, automated
media trays 210 communicate with media path 204, and ADF 200 is
available for use.
[0026] In one implementation, a presence (or absence) of a user at
ADF 200 is based on a proximity of a user to ADF 200. More
specifically, in examples, when a user is not within a proximity of
ADF 200 (i.e., the proximity of the user is not less than a
threshold), automated media trays 210 may be in a closed position,
for example, automatically moved to or changed to a closed
position, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3A and 4A. And, in
examples, when a user, for example, user 220, is within a proximity
of ADF 200 (i.e., the proximity of the user is less than a
threshold), automated media trays 210 may be in an open position,
for example, automatically moved to or changed to an open position,
as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3B and 4B.
[0027] In one example, a proximity of a user to ADF 200 may be
determined by or based on a reading of a sensor 206, as an example
of sensor 136. In one implementation, sensor 206 is supported by or
mounted on housing 202 of ADF 200. In examples, sensor 206 is an
optical or laser-based sensor such as a time-of-flight (TOF) laser
sensor, including 2D or 3D laser scanning, such as LIDAR, or other
scanning, sensing and/or detection capability.
[0028] In one implementation, sensor 206 is a proximity sensor and
measures or determines a distance of an individual, for example,
user 220, from ADF 200. In examples, if an individual is within a
predetermined distance of ADF 200, as measured or determined, for
example, by sensor 206, a presence of an individual at ADF 200 is
established (such that automated media trays 210 are in or
automatically moved to or changed to the open position). However,
if an individual is not within a predetermined distance of ADF 200,
as measured or determined, for example, by sensor 206, a presence
of an individual at ADF 200 is not established and,
correspondingly, an absence of an individual at ADF 200 is
established (such that automated media trays 210 are in or
automatically moved to or changed to the closed position).
[0029] For example, when a user is not at or is not approaching ADF
200 (i.e., is not within a predetermined distance of ADF 200),
automated media trays 210 are in the closed position (e.g., FIGS.
3A and 4A). However, when a user, for example, user 220, is at or
approaches ADF 200 (i.e., is within a predetermined distance of ADF
200) automated media trays 210 are automatically moved to or
changed to the open position (e.g., FIGS. 3B and 4B). As such, the
user may use ADF 200. Thereafter, when the user leaves or walks
away from ADF 200 (and, therefore, is not within a predetermined
distance of ADF 200), automated media trays 210 are automatically
moved to or changed to the closed position (e.g., FIGS. 3A and
4A).
[0030] In one implementation, sensor 206 operates as a verification
or authentication sensor for controlled access to ADF 200.
Authorization to use ADF 200 may be established, for example, by a
user credential, such as a badge or access card (e.g., employee
badge or access card with RFID, bar code, magstripe, etc.) or a
code (e.g., unique pin). For example, if a user is at or approaches
ADF 200 (i.e., is within a predetermined distance of ADF 200), but
is not authorized to use ADF 200, automated media trays 210 are in
the closed position (e.g., FIGS. 3A and 4A). However, if a user is
at or approaches ADF 200 (i.e., is within a predetermined distance
of ADF 200), and is authorized to use ADF 200, automated media
trays 210 are automatically moved to or changed to the open
position (e.g., FIGS. 3B and 4B). As such, the user may use ADF
200. Thereafter, when the user leaves or walks away from ADF 200
(and, therefore, is not within a predetermined distance of ADF
200), automated media trays 210 are automatically moved to or
changed to the closed position (e.g., FIGS. 3A and 4A).
[0031] In one implementation, a presence of a user at ADF 200 is
based on physical interaction with ADF 200 by a user. In one
example, when a user interacts with a control panel of ADF 200 (or
a control panel of a printer including ADF 200), automated media
trays 210 may be in an open position, for example, automatically
moved to or changed to an open position, as illustrated, for
example, in FIGS. 3B and 4B.
[0032] In one example, the closed position of automated media trays
210 and the open position of automated media trays 210 represent
different operational modes of ADF 200. More specifically, in one
implementation, a closed position of automated media trays 210
represents a standby mode of ADF 200, and an open position of
automated media trays 210 represents a ready or use mode of ADF
200.
[0033] In one implementation, automated media trays 210, including
input tray 211 and output tray 212, are pivoted relative to housing
202 to establish the open position and the closed position. More
specifically, automated media trays 210 are pivotally mounted in or
pivotally supported by housing 202. In one example, input tray 211
is pivotally mounted or pivotally supported about an axis 213, and
output tray 212 is pivotally mounted or pivotally supported about
an axis 214. As such, between the closed position of FIGS. 3A and
4A and the open position of FIGS. 3B and 4B, input tray 211 is
pivoted about axis 213 and output tray 212 is pivoted about axis
214.
[0034] In examples, ADF 200 includes a drive system 216 (FIGS. 4A
and 4B) to move input tray 211 and output tray 212 and establish
the open position and the closed position. In implementations,
drive system 216 may include, for example, a motor, solenoid or
other mechanism and associated gears, guides or other components
operatively connected to or coupled with input tray 211 and output
tray 212 to move or change input tray 211 and output tray 212,
collectively or individually, and establish the open position and
the closed position of each.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method
500 of operating an automatic document feeder, such as automatic
document feeder 10, 130, 200, as illustrated in the examples of
FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIG. 2, FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B,
respectively.
[0036] At 502, method 500 includes sensing a presence or an absence
of a user at the automatic document feeder, such as user 20, 220 at
automatic document feeder 10, 200, as illustrated in the examples
of FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B, respectively.
[0037] At 504, method 500 includes, with sensing the presence of
the user at the automatic document feeder, establishing an open
position of both an input tray and an output tray of the automatic
document feeder, such as an open position of input tray 141, 211
and output tray 142, 212 of automatic document feeder 10, 200,
respectively, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B,
FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B.
[0038] And, at 506, method 500 includes, with sensing the absence
of the user at the automatic document feeder, establishing a closed
position of both the input tray and the output tray of the
automatic document feeder, such as a closed position of input tray
141, 211 and output tray 142, 212 of automatic document feeder 10,
200, respectively, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A and
1B, FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B.
[0039] In one example, establishing the open position of both the
input tray and the output tray at 504, includes communicating both
the input tray and the output tray with a media path of the
automatic document feeder, such as communicating input tray 141,
211 and output tray 142, 212 with media path 12, 204 of automatic
document feeder 10, 200, respectively, as illustrated in the
examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B, and
establishing the closed position of both the input tray and the
output tray at 506, includes non-communicating both the input tray
and the output tray with the media path of the automatic document
feeder, such as non-communicating input tray 141, 211 and output
tray 142, 212 with media path 12, 204 of automatic document feeder
10, 200, respectively, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A
and 1B, FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B. In one example, sensing the
presence or the absence of the user at the automatic document
feeder at 502, includes sensing a proximity of the user to the
automatic document feeder, such as sensing the presence or the
absence of user 20 at automatic document feeder 10, 200, as
illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A
and 4B, respectively. As disclosed herein, an automatic document
feeder and method of operating an automatic document feeder
includes automated opening and closing of media trays of the
automatic document feeder, including automated opening and closing
of an input tray and an output tray of the automatic document
feeder, based on a presence or an absence of a user at the
automatic document feeder. Automated opening and closing of media
trays of the automatic document feeder, as disclosed herein, may
improve user experience with the automatic document feeder, as the
user will not have to manually open and/or close the media trays.
When the automatic document feeder is not in use, automated closing
of media trays of the automatic document feeder, as disclosed
herein, may improve the aesthetic appearance of the automatic
document feeder by providing a more "sleek" or "clean" visual
appearance to the automatic document feeder. In addition, automated
closing of media trays of the automatic document feeder when the
automatic document feeder is not in use, may help to limit damage
to the media trays, as the media trays (or portions thereof) may
not protrude or extend from the automatic document feeder.
Furthermore, automated opening and closing of media trays of the
automatic document feeder, as disclosed herein, may be used to
control access to the automatic document feeder (e.g., limit use of
the automatic document feeder to authorized individuals).
[0040] Although specific examples have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent
implementations may be substituted for the specific examples shown
and described without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations
or variations of the specific examples discussed herein.
* * * * *