Media Stack Compression

Abstract

Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for compressing media in a media stack. In various embodiments, a paddle moves between various positions. During the move, the paddle is configured to compress the media stack.

1 . A system, comprising:
 a first assembly configured to transition a paddle between a load position and a retracted position, wherein the paddle compresses a media stack during the transition; and   a second assembly coupled to the first assembly, the second assembly configured to actuate a pick mechanism to move media in the media stack through a media path.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first assembly is further configured to move the pick mechanism to a disengaged position, wherein the disengaged position separates the pick mechanism from the media stack. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second assembly is further configured to actuate the pick mechanism during a transition of the paddle from the load position to the retracted position. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first assembly is further configured to move the paddle in response to rotation of a feedshaft. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a printing module coupled to the first assembly and the second assembly, wherein the printing module is configured to output print data on the media in the media stack.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the paddle, wherein the paddle is configured to engage the media stack and limit an amount of media in the media stack.   
     
     
         7 . A method, comprising:
 moving a paddle from a load position to a retracted position, wherein the moving includes compressing a media stack;   advancing a top sheet of media in the media stack into a media path; and   returning the paddle to the load position.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 preventing the media stack from entering the media path of the media stack in response to the returning.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 disengaging the picking mechanism from the media stack in response to the returning.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein returning the paddle to the load position occurs in response to the top sheet of media entering the media path. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 outputting, via a printing module, print data on the top sheet of media.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the moving and the compressing occurs in response to receipt of a media request from the printing module. 
     
     
         13 . A method, comprising:
 transitioning a paddle of a printer from a load position to a compression position;   compressing a media stack arranged in the printer with the paddle in the compression position;   transitioning the paddle from the compression position to a retracted position; and   advancing, by a pick mechanism of the printer, a top sheet of media in the media stack into a media path in response to the paddle being transitioned from the compression position to the retracted position.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising returning the paddle of the printer to the load position from the retracted position. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the paddle is outside of the media path in the retracted position. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the paddle is in the media path in the load position. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising outputting, via a printing module, print data on the top sheet of media.