IP Library Granted Patent US 7,265,879
Granted Patent B2
US 7,265,879 · App. 10/352,700 · Granted Sep 4, 2007

Multifunction automatic document feeder (ADF) switch

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,265,879
App. No.
10/352,700
Granted
Sep 4, 2007
Kind
B2
Abstract

A method and apparatus for an imaging device to automatically detect the presence of an automatic document feeder.

Claims (24)

1. An imaging device comprising:

an interface surface;

a switch configured to activate when the interface surface interfaces with a portion of an automatic document feeder (“ADF”); and

a replaceable attachment configured to interface with the interface surface without activating the switch.

2. The imaging device of claim 1 , wherein the replaceable attachment is configured to be detachable from the imaging device before an ADF is attached to the imaging device.

3. The imaging device of claim 1 , wherein the replaceable attachment includes a relief hole configured to prevent contact between the replaceable attachment and the switch.

4. An imaging device comprising:

a switch configured to detect an automatic document feeder (“ADF”) interfacing with the imaging device;

a controller electrically coupled to the switch; and

a memory device electrically coupled to the controller; wherein the controller is configured to convert from a first mode to a second mode upon detection of an ADF by the switch,

and wherein the controller is configured to complete an ADF adjustment and calibration procedure and store ADF adjustment and calibration parameters in the memory device before converting from the first mode to the second mode.

5. The imaging device of claim 4 , wherein the controller is configured to prompt a user to perform the ADF adjustment and calibration procedure.

6. The imaging device of claim 4 , wherein the controller is configured to initiate the ADF adjustment and calibration procedure automatically.

7. A method of automatically detecting an automatic document feeder (“ADF”) interfacing with an imaging device, the method comprising:

determining an activation of a switch by the ADF; and

converting from a first mode to a second mode upon activation of the ADF; wherein converting from a first mode to a second mode comprises: initiating an ADF adjustment and calibration procedure when in a first mode;

determining a completion of the adjustment and calibration procedure;

storing ADF adjustment and calibration parameters upon completion of the adjustment and calibration procedure; and

operating in the second mode.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein initiating the ADF adjustment and calibration procedure comprises prompting a user of the imaging device to perform the adjustment and calibration procedure.

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein operating in the second mode comprises:

determining activation of the switch by the ADF;

identifying that the ADF is in an operating position; and

controlling the ADF during an imaging process.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 18, 2003
From: HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
To: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
Reel/Frame 013776/0928 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 26, 2003
From: MUI, PAUL K.; ANDERSEN, ERIC L.; MENDENHALL, RUSSEL A.
To: HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
Reel/Frame 013772/0144 →