Patent Publication Number: US-7905670-B2

Title: Method and apparatus for exposing printable media in a printer

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for exposing printable media. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for exposing printable media in a printer. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Many types of printers, such as point-of-sale printers, contain printable media that may be printed on to form a printed document. Printable media is any material that is capable of being printed on by a printer, such as a roll of paper, a roll of heat-sensitive paper, one or more pre-cut paper sheets, a roll of flat, transparent plastic, carbon paper, or photographic paper. As the printable media in a printer becomes depleted, additional printable media must be added to the printer so that operation of the printer may continue. 
     For example, some printers, including some point of sale printers, use printable media that is in the form of one or more rolls of paper. These rolls of paper may be formed on small plastic or cardboard cores that help maintain the cylindrical shape of the roll. As paper on the roll of paper is used for printing, the roll of paper becomes smaller. However, the smaller roll of paper may not be easily visible to the human eye when, for example, the cover of the printer is lifted. The inability of a user to determine that the roll of paper is nearing exhaustion adversely affects the user&#39;s ability to add additional paper to the printer when necessary. 
     Furthermore, the printer cavity into which the roll of paper is held may be deep, dark, or obscured by other printer components, thereby further adversely affecting the user&#39;s ability to detect depletion of the roll of paper. Such printers may also adversely affect the user&#39;s ability to quickly and easily access the depleted roll of paper. As a result, the process of removing an exhausted roll of paper and adding additional paper is more time-consuming, requires more labor, and can lead to unnecessary complications. 
     If the core is all that remains in the printer, the user may have an even harder time detecting depleted roll of paper. In this situation, if the user adds an additional roll of paper into the printer without detecting and removing the core, the printer will not operate properly and may also be damaged. 
     Other types of printers utilize a spindle or other bearing device that engages the hollow center of the cylindrical core. However, the use of such a spindle further complicates the process of additional printable media by requiring the disengagement of the spindle from the hollow center of the core. Disengaging the spindle may require the manipulation of disassembly of adjacent parts so that the core may be removed from the printer. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for exposing printable media. The apparatus includes a printer having a cover. The cover is moveable to a plurality of positions. The apparatus also includes a set of lifting arms coupled to the cover. The apparatus includes a slowing device engaged with the set of lifting arms. The slowing device is adapted to slow movement of the set of lifting arms when the cover is moved from one position to another position in the plurality of positions. The apparatus also includes a stage coupled to the set of lifting arms such that movement of the cover causes movement of the stage into a position. The stage is adapted to receive the printable media. The position facilitates exposure of the printable media. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a data processing system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a printer in which the illustrative embodiments may be implemented; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of a printer used to expose printable media in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a printer used to expose printable media in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a printer used to expose printable media in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a printer used to expose printable media in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a printer used to expose printable media in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a printer used to expose printable media in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a process to expose printable media in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , a block diagram of a data processing system is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this illustrative example, data processing system  100  includes communications fabric  102 , which provides communications between processor unit  104 , memory  106 , persistent storage  108 , communications unit  110 , input/output (I/O) unit  112 , display  114 , and printer  115 . 
     Processor unit  104  serves to execute instructions for software that may be loaded into memory  106 . Processor unit  104  may be a set of one or more processors or may be a multi-processor core, depending on the particular implementation. Further, processor unit  104  may be implemented using one or more heterogeneous processor systems in which a main processor is present with secondary processors on a single chip. As another illustrative example, processor unit  104  may be a symmetric multi-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type. 
     Memory  106 , in these examples, may be, for example, a random access memory. Persistent storage  108  may take various forms depending on the particular implementation. For example, persistent storage  108  may contain one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage  108  may be a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage  108  also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage  108 . 
     Communications unit  110 , in these examples, provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices. In these examples, communications unit  110  is a network interface card. Communications unit  110  may provide communications through the use of either or both physical and wireless communications links. 
     Input/output unit  112  allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to data processing system  100 . For example, input/output unit  112  may provide a connection for user input through a keyboard and mouse. Further, input/output unit  112  may send output to printer  115 . Display  114  provides a mechanism to display information to a user. 
     Instructions for the operating system and applications or programs are located on persistent storage  108 . These instructions may be loaded into memory  106  for execution by processor unit  104 . The processes of the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit  104  using computer implemented instructions, which may be located in a memory, such as memory  106 . These instructions are referred to as, program code, computer usable program code, or computer readable program code that may be read and executed by a processor in processor unit  104 . The program code in the different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or tangible computer readable media, such as memory  106  or persistent storage  108 . In one embodiment, the program code may be executed to perform processes, such as printing a receipt on printer  115  for transactions that occurs at a point of sale. 
     Printer  115  may be used to print any type of document. Instructions may be sent to printer  115  on communications fabric  102  to provide printer  115  with a set of parameters relating to the printing of one or more documents. These parameters may contain, for example, data that should be printed on a receipt to be printed by printer  115  at a point of sale. In addition, because printer  115  is compatible with a variety of different operating systems, such as Microsoft® Windows or Unix, instructions may be sent to printer  115  regardless of the operating system executing on data processing system  100 . Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both. Printer  115  may be connected to one or more of the other components of the  FIG. 1  via a direction connection, such as a bus, or over a network, such as the Internet. 
     Program code  116  is located in a functional form on computer readable media  118  and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system  100  for execution by processor unit  104 . Program code  116  and computer readable media  118  form computer program product  120  in these examples. In one example, computer readable media  118  may be in a tangible form, such as, for example, an optical or magnetic disc that is inserted or placed into a drive or other device that is part of persistent storage  108  for transfer onto a storage device, such as a hard drive that is part of persistent storage  108 . In a tangible form, computer readable media  118  also may take the form of a persistent storage, such as a hard drive or a flash memory that is connected to data processing system  100 . The tangible form of computer readable media  118  is also referred to as computer recordable storage media. 
     Alternatively, program code  116  may be transferred to data processing system  100  from computer readable media  118  through a communications link to communications unit  110  and/or through a connection to input/output unit  112 . The communications link and/or the connection may be physical or wireless in the illustrative examples. The computer readable media also may take the form of non-tangible media, such as communications links or wireless transmissions containing the program code. 
     The different components illustrated for data processing system  100  are not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrative embodiments may be implemented in a data processing system including components in addition to or in place of those illustrated for data processing system  100 . Other components shown in  FIG. 1  can be varied from the illustrative examples shown. 
     For example, a bus system may be used to implement communications fabric  102  and may be comprised of one or more buses, such as a system bus or an input/output bus. Of course, the bus system may be implemented using any suitable type of architecture that provides for a transfer of data between different components or devices attached to the bus system. Additionally, a communications unit may include one or more devices used to transmit and receive data, such as a modem or a network adapter. Further, a memory may be, for example, memory  106  or a cache such as found in an interface and memory controller hub that may be present in communications fabric  102 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a block diagram of a printer is depicted in which the illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Printer  200  is a non-limiting example of printer  115  in  FIG. 1 . In this illustrative example, printer  200  may be any type of printer, such as, for example, a thermal printer, toner-based printer, liquid inkjet printer, solid ink printer, dye-sublimation printer, inkless printer, impact printer, daisy wheel printer, dot-matrix printer, line printer, or a pen-based plotter. Printer  200  may be used in any type of application, such as a point of sale printer, an office printer, or a home-use printer. A point of sale printer is sometimes referred to as a fiscal printer. 
     Printer  200  includes paper supply unit  205 . Paper supply unit  205  holds printable media that is used by printer  200  to print documents. The printable media in paper supply unit  205  may take a variety of forms, such as a roll of printable media or a stack of pre-cut sheets of printable media. The printable media may be made of any material that is capable of being printed on by printer  200 , such as paper or heat-sensitive material. 
     Printer  200  includes print module  210 . Print module  210  is the hardware in printer  200  that prints on the printer media to create a document. For example, print module  210  may apply ink to a paper in paper supply unit  205  using a toner. In another example, print module  210  uses thermal-printing techniques by selectively heating regions of portions of a roll of heat-sensitive paper in paper supply unit  205 . In another example, print module  210  applies ink to one or more sheets of pre-cut paper in paper supply unit  205 . 
     Documents created in print module  210  exit printer  200  at document tray  215 . The documents at document tray  215  may be retrieved by a user or by another device for processing. 
     Printer  200  includes input/output interface  220 . Input/output interface  220  is an interface between printer  200  and any external devices. Input/output interface  220  may be, for example, one or more ports into which a detachable storage device may be received. Input/output interface  220  may also be a connection port into which a computer, point of sale device, cash register, or any other data processing system is connected. For example, printer  200  may be connected to one or more of the components of printer  200  via input/output interface  220 . 
     Data received at input/output interface  220  may be sent to other components of printer  200  and used in the creation of documents. For example, transaction information may be sent to printer  200  at input/output interface  220  from a point of sale device so that a receipt may be printed using a roll of heat-sensitive paper in paper supply unit  205 . This data may be buffered or otherwise stored in storage unit  225 . Storage unit  225  may be random access memory, a hard drive, or detachment forms of memory. 
     Printer  200  also includes user interface  230 . User interface  230  includes any controls that allow a user to adjust settings for printer  200 . For example, user interface  230  may include controls that allow a user to select a type of paper in paper supply unit  205  to be used to create a document. User interface  230  may also include a control, such as a button or knob, which opens the cover of printer  200 . The cover may enclose the paper in paper supply unit  205 . Alternatively, user interface  230  may be displayed on a graphical user interface of data processing system that is connected to printer  200  via input/output interface  220 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , an illustration of a printer used to expose printable media is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 3  illustrates printer  300 , which is a non-limiting example of printer  115  in  FIG. 1  and printer  200  in  FIG. 2 . 
     As used herein, the term “expose” means to facilitate a user&#39;s visual perception of the printable media, and also to facilitate a user&#39;s physical access to the printable media. For example, by exposing the printable media, the illustrative embodiments facilitate a user&#39;s ability to grasp and remove the printable media. 
     In one non-limiting example, printer  300  is a point of sale printer. Printer  300  includes cover  305 . Cover  305  is coupled to printer  300  and covers an area of printer  300  that holds printable media, such as a roll of paper. 
     Cover  305  may be coupled to printer  300  in a variety of ways. For example, cover  305  may rest on printer  300  without the aid of any connections at all. In another example, one side of cover  305  may be pivotably coupled to printer  300  such that any particular side of cover  305  may be lifted, thereby revealing the contents of printer  300  concealed by cover  305 . The pivotable coupling between cover  305  and printer  300  may include one or more hinges, screws, or bolts. Additional details about pivotable couplings between cover  305  and printer  300  will be given with respect to  FIG. 5  below. Cover  305  may also be slidably coupled to printer  300  such that cover  305  may slide off printer  300  in the direction indicated by arrow  307 . 
     Cover  305  may be removed or opened in a variety of ways. For example, a user may manually move cover  305  into an open position. In another example, a user may open cover  305  using user interface controls  310 . In this example, one of the buttons in user interface controls  310  may function to open cover  305 . Cover  305  may also be opened by issuing instruction to printer  300  using a data processing system, such as data processing system  100  in  FIG. 1 . 
     Printer  300  also includes document tray  315 . Document tray  315  is a non-limiting example of document tray  215  in  FIG. 2 . For example, transaction documents, such as receipts, that are printed using printer  300  may exit printer  300  and come to rest at document tray  315 . A user may then retrieve these receipts at document tray  315 . 
     The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for exposing printable media. In one embodiment, the printable media is a roll of paper. The apparatus includes a printer having a cover. The cover is moveable to a plurality of positions. The plurality of positions includes an open position, a closed position, and all intermediate positions. 
     The apparatus also includes a set of lifting arms coupled to the cover. The set of lifting arms include one or more lifting arms. As used herein, the term “coupled” includes coupling via a separate object. For example, the set of lifting arms may be coupled to the cover if both the first leg and the second leg are coupled to a third object. The term “coupled” also includes “directly coupled,” in which case the two objects touch each other in some way. The term “coupled” also encompasses two or more components that are continuous with one another by virtue of each of the components being formed from the same piece of material. 
     The apparatus includes a slowing device engaged with the set of lifting arms. As used herein, two components are “engaged” if they interact with each other in some way, such as through direct touching, a third object, or a magnetic force. For example, the slowing device is engaged with the set of lifting arms if they touch each other in some way or if they interact through a magnetic force. 
     The slowing device is adapted to slow movement of the set of lifting arms when the cover is moved from one position to another position in the plurality of positions. In one embodiment, the slowing device includes a channel that has at least one wall. In this embodiment, the channel guides the movement of the set of lifting arms. 
     In another embodiment, the set of lifting arms are slidably engaged with the at least one wall of the channel at a set of contact points. The set of contact points includes one or more contact points. As used here, a contact point is a point at which two objects touch one another. In one embodiment, friction at the set of contact points slows the movement of the set of lifting arms. 
     In another embodiment, the set of lifting arms includes a compressible member. In this embodiment, the compressible member and the at least one wall of the channel are slidably engaged at the set of contact points. 
     In another embodiment, the channel includes a stop member. In this embodiment, the stop member prevents the movement of the set of lifting arms beyond a designated point. 
     The apparatus also includes a stage coupled to the set of lifting arms such that movement of the cover causes movement of the stage into a position. The stage is adapted to receive the printable media. The position facilitates exposure of the printable media to, for example, a user. In one embodiment, the movement of the cover is in response to an act by a user, such as pushing a button on the printer. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of a printer used to expose printable media is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 4  shows printer  400  having cover  405  in an open position. Printer  400  is a non-limiting example of printer  115  in  FIG. 1 , printer  200  in  FIG. 2 , and printer  300  in  FIG. 3 . Because cover  405  is in an open position, some of the inner contents of printer  400  are revealed. 
     Stage  410  is coupled to cover  405  via lifting arms  420  and  425 . Stage  410  is shown in a position such that printable media  415  is exposed. Printable media  415  rests on stage  410 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , printable media  415  is illustrated as being nearly depleted in this example. Because printable media  415  is a roll of paper, the size of printable media  415  has decreased through use with less paper remaining on printable media  415 . Because stage  410  is coupled to cover  405  via lifting arms  420  and  425 , the opening of cover  405  has caused stage  410  to rise. The raised position of stage  410 , on which printable media  415  rests, facilitates the exposure of printable media  415 , and allows a user better access to printable media  415 . Additional exemplary details regarding the components and operation of the apparatus in  FIG. 4  are provided in the remaining figures. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of a printer used to expose printable media is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 5  shows printer  500 , which is a non-limiting perspective view of printer  400  in  FIG. 4 . 
     Cover  505  of printer  500  is in an open position. Lifting arms  520  and  525  are coupled to cover  505 . Lifting arms  520  and  525  are also coupled to stage  510 , thereby coupling stage  510  and cover  505  with one another. 
     Lifting arms  520  and  525  may be coupled to stage  510  in a variety of ways. In one example, lifting arms  520  and  525  and stage  510  are formed from a single continuous piece of material. In this example, no space exists at the joint between lifting arms  520  and  525  and stage  510 . In another example, lifting arms  520  and  525  may be screwed, glued, welded, bolted, or tied to stage  510 . 
     Lifting arms  520  and  525  may be made from any material. For example, lifting arms  520  and  525  may be made of plastic, metal, rubber, wood, or any combination thereof. In addition, in addition to the shapes of lifting arms  520  and  525 , lifting arms  520  and  525  may have any shape that permits coupling between cover  505  and stage  510 . For example, lifting arms  520  and  525  may be a set of wires, or have an elliptical, polygonal, or circular cross section. The dimensions and placement of components inside printer  500  may also determine the proper shape, size, and material for lifting arms  520  and  525 . 
     Stage  510  is adapted to receive printable media. An illustration of printable media received by a stage is illustrated by stage  410  and printable media  415  in  FIG. 4 . Stage  510  may be composed of any material, such as plastic, metal, rubber, wood, or any combination thereof. In one example, stage  510  is made of the same material as lifting arms  520  and  525  and form one continuous component. 
     Stage  510  may also have any shape that supports printable media. In one embodiment, the side of stage  510 , upon which the printable media rests, has a concave surface. The concave surface may have different degrees of concavity depending on how securely the printable media needs to be supported. For example, higher degrees of concavity may be used to prevent the lateral movement of the printable media when stage  510  is in a raised position. In another example, stage  510  may include two or more bars or wires, which support the printable media. Other factors that may dictate the shape of stage  510  are the ability of the printable media to freely rotate when resting on stage  510 , the dimensions and placement of components inside printer  500 , and the need to prevent the printable media from lateral movement. 
     When stage  510  is in a lowered position, such as when cover  505  is closed, the printable media may rest upon rollers  530  and  532 . Rollers  530  and  532  facilitate the rotation of the printable media. In one example, the printable media drops into a cavity just below rollers  530  and  532  when the diameter of the printable media becomes smaller than the distance between rollers  530  and  532 . While in this cavity, the printable media is supported by stage  510 . In one embodiment, the printable media&#39;s descent into the cavity may be detected by printer  500  and a low paper condition may be created. When stage  510  is in a raised position, the printable media, which triggered the low paper condition, may be supportably lifted out of the cavity defined by rollers  530  and  532 . 
     The movement of cover  505  causes the movement of stage  510  into a raised position. In this raised position, the printable media may be supportably lifted out of the cavity defined by rollers  530  and  532 . Hence, the printable media is exposed to a user and may be more easily accessed. In one embodiment, stage  510  is in this raised position when cover  505  is in an open position. Both  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  illustrate cover  405  and cover  505  in an open position, respectively. 
     The movement of cover  505  that causes the movement of stage  510  into a raised position may be in response to an act by a user. For example, cover  505  may be raised into an open position in response to a user pushing a button on user interface on printer  500 , such as user interface controls  310  in  FIG. 3 . Cover  505  may also be raised into an open position in response to commands or instruction from an external data processing system, such as data processing system  100  in  FIG. 1 . In another example, the user may manually lift cover  505  into an open position. 
     In one embodiment, a user operates printer  500  to facilitate the exposure of printable media in printer  500 . In this embodiment, the user moves cover  505 . For example, the user may lift cover  505  into an open position using a button on printer  500 . In response to a movement of cover  505 , stage  510  is moved into a raised position. In response to moving stage  510  into a raised position, the printable media is lifted from between rollers  530  and  532  and exposed to the user. 
       FIG. 5  also illustrates slowing devices  560  and  561 , which are engaged with lifting arms  520  and  525 , respectively. The slowing of the movement of lifting arms  520  and  525  and stage  510  will be discussed in greater detail with respect to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of a printer used to expose printable media is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 6  shows printer  600 , which is a non-limiting perspective view of printer  500  in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 6  also provides greater detail with respect to the couplings between lifting arms  620  and  625 , cover  605 , and printer  600 . In  FIG. 6 , the outer portion of the cover of printer  600  is not shown. 
     Lifting arm  625  is pivotably coupled to cover  605  at pivot point  640 . Lifting arm  620  is similarly coupled to cover  605 , but at a different pivot point that is not shown in  FIG. 6 . Lifting arms  620  and  625  may be pivotably coupled to cover  605  in a variety of ways. For example, a screw, bolt, rod, or snap-in member may provide the axis or pivot around which lifting arm  625  pivots about pivot point  640 . In another example in which lifting arms  620  and  625  are flexible, lifting arms  620  and  625  may wrap around a pivot point, such as a pulley, on cover  605 . In this example, the pivot point may rotate as cover  605  is opened or closed. Although  FIG. 6  shows lifting arms  620  and  625  as pivotably attached to cover  605 , lifting arms  620  and  625  may also be fixedly attached to cover  605 . For example, lifting arms  620  and  625  may be screwed, glued, welded, bolted, tied, or structurally continuous with cover  605 . 
     Cover  605  is coupled to printer  600 . Specifically, cover  605  is pivotably coupled to support wall  643  of printer  600  at pivot point  645 . In one embodiment, a torsional force at pivot point  645  urges cover  605  into an open position. The torsional force may urge cover  605  into an open position by rotating cover  605  upward about the axis defined by pivot point  645 . 
     In one embodiment, the torsional force that urges cover  605  into an open position is provided by torsional spring  648 . Protruding portion  650  of torsional spring  648  is engaged with cover  605 . Protruding portion  652  of torsional spring  648  is engaged with back support wall  655 . Torsional spring  648  thus acts upon cover  605  and back support wall  655  to provide lift for cover  605 . 
     Torsional spring  648  may be made of any material with properties that are suitable in a spring, such as metal, alloy, rubber, and some plastics. The cross-section of the wire or bar used in torsional spring  648  may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal. One factor in determining the amount of tension in torsional spring  648  is the need to provide enough lift to open cover  605 . 
     Torsional spring  648  is wound around protruding member  657 . Protruding member  657  protrudes from support wall  643 . Protruding member  657  provides both an axis about which cover  605  may rotate and support for torsional spring  648 . 
     As discussed above, the stage of printer  600 , which is not shown in  FIG. 6 , is lifted into a raised position when cover  605  is opened. The distance through which the stage is raised may be varied by varying the distance between pivot points  640  and  645 . For example, using a larger distance between pivot points  640  and  645  may increase the distance through which the stage is raised. By raising the stage through an increased distance, the printable media on the stage may be better exposed and more easily accessible. 
     Although  FIG. 6  shows that cover  605  is opened using torsional spring  648 , cover  605  may be opened using any lifting device. For example, cover  605  may be opened using hydraulic pistons that push cover  605  open. In another example, cover  605  may also be opened using springs that pull cover  605  open. In this example, the springs may be anchored to an outer portion of printer  600 . Cover  605  may be opened using manual force from a user. In addition, cover  605  may be opened using software that controls a motorized mechanism. In one example, this software may be executed on a data processing system such as data processing system  100  in  FIG. 1 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view of a printer used to expose printable media is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 7  shows printer  700 , which is a non-limiting perspective view of printer  600  in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 7  also provides greater detail about the movement of stage  710  and lifting arm  720 . 
     In  FIG. 7 , stage  710  is in a lowered position. Stage  710  may be in this lowered position when the cover of printer  700  is closed. When stage  710  is in a lowered position, printable media may rest against rollers  730  and  732 . In one example, the printable media does not come into contact with stage  710 . In another embodiment, stage  710  supports the printable media while stage  710  is in a lowered position by, for example, touching the printable media. 
       FIG. 7  also shows channel  760 , which is an exemplary slowing device that is engaged with lifting arm  720 . In one embodiment, the slowing device is channel  760 . Channel  760  is adapted to slow the movement of lifting arm  720  when the cover of printer  700  is moved. 
     Channel  760  guides the movement of lifting arm  720 . For example, channel  760  guides the movement of lifting arm  720  in an approximately vertical direction. However, channel  760  may guide the movement of lifting arm  720  in any direction that facilitates proper operation of the illustrative embodiments. In  FIG. 7 , channel  760  guides the movement of lifting arm  720  using channel walls  762  and  764 . 
     The bottom end of lifting arm  720  includes compressible member  722 . In one embodiment, compressible member  722  is a hook-shaped bendable part at the end of lifting arm  720  that pushes against channel walls  762  and  764 . Although compressible member  722  has a hook-like shape in  FIG. 7 , compressible member  722  may have any shape that allows compressible member  722  to push against channel walls  762  and  764 . For example, compressible member  722  may be a compressible rubber component, a compressible spring attached to lifting arm  720 , a magnetic component that is attracted to channel walls  762  and  764 , or any combination thereof. 
     Compressible member  722  is slidably engaged with channel walls  762  and  764  at contact points along channel walls  762  and  764 . The contact points are points along channel walls  762  and  764  that touch compressible member  722  at any particular moment. In  FIG. 7 , compressible member  722  is slidably engaged with channel walls  762  and  764  at contact points  780  and  782 . 
     Channel  760  also includes stop member  766 . Stop member  766  will be discussed in greater detail with respect to  FIG. 8  below. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view of a printer used to expose printable media is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 8  shows printer  800 , which is a non-limiting perspective view of printer  700  in  FIG. 7 . However, in  FIG. 8 , stage  810  is in a raised position due to the cover of printer  800  being in an open position. In this raised position, printable media that rests on stage  810  is lifted out of the space defined by rollers  830  and  832 . 
     In moving from the lowered position of stage  710  in  FIG. 7  to the raised position of stage  810 , friction at contact points  880  and  882  slows the movement of lifting arm  820 . Thus, the movement of stage  810  is also slowed. By slowing the movement of stage  810 , the printable media that rests on stage  810  rises more slowly and is prevented from being launched upward. The opening of the cover of printer  800  is also less abrupt. Stage  810  may be lowered back into a lowered position, such as the lowered position of stage  710  in  FIG. 7 , by closing the cover of printer  800 . 
     The friction at contact points  880  and  882  may be varied by adjusted the size and elasticity of the compressible member, as well as the distance between channel walls  862  and  864 . A lubricant may also be added to compressible member or channel walls  862  and  864  to lessen the friction at contact points  880  and  882 . 
     Although the slowing device is shown in  FIG. 8  as channel  860 , the slowing device may be any device that slows the movement of lifting arm  820 . For example, the slowing device may be a spring or other elastic device that connects lifting arm  820  to a component below lifting arm  820 . The slowing device may also be a hydraulic piston that resists the upward movement of lifting arm  820 . The slowing device may also slow the movement of lifting arm  820  using magnetism. In this example, the bottom end of lifting arm  820  may be magnetically attracted to another component of printer  800 , thereby slowing the movement of lifting arm  820 . 
     Printer  800  also includes stop member  866 . Stop member  866  is a notch along channel wall  862 . Stop member  866  prevents the movement of lifting arm  820  past a designated point. In  FIG. 8 , the designated point is the location of the stopping member itself. 
     Although stop member  866  is shown as a notch along wall  862 , stop member  866  may be any device that stops the movement of lifting arm  820  at a particular point. For example, the stop member may be rod or bar that blocks stage  810  from upward movement. The stop member may also be wire, string, or other connector that connects lifting arm  820  or stage  810  to another component of printer  800 . The stop member may also be a device that blocks the upward movement of the cover of printer  800 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , a flowchart illustrating a process to expose printable media is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 9  may be implemented or initiated by a user or a program on a data processing system, such as data processing system  100  in  FIG. 1 . 
     The process begins by moving or lifting the cover of the printer (step  905 ). The process then determines whether the movement of the stage should be slowed (step  910 ). If the process determines that the movement of the stage should not be slowed, the process moves the stage into a raised position (step  915 ). The process then proceeds to step  925 . 
     Returning to step  910 , if the process determines that the movement of the stage should be slowed, the process moves the stage into the raised position using a slowing device (step  920 ). The process then determines whether to stop movement of the stage at a designated point (step  925 ). If the process determines not to stop movement of the stage at a designated point, the process proceeds to step  935 . 
     Returning to step  925 , if the process determines to stop movement of the stage at a designated point, the process prevents movement of the stage beyond a designated point using a stop member (step  930 ). The process then exposes the printable media supported by the stage (step  935 ). The process then terminates. 
     The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of apparatus and methods. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified function or functions. In some alternative implementations, the function or functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. 
     The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for exposing printable media. In one embodiment, the printable media is a roll of paper. The apparatus includes a printer having a cover. The apparatus also includes a set of lifting arms coupled to the cover. 
     The apparatus includes a slowing device engaged with the set of lifting arms. The slowing device is adapted to slow movement of the set of lifting arms when the cover is moved. In one embodiment, the slowing device includes a channel that has at least one wall. In this embodiment, the channel guides the movement of the set of lifting arms. 
     In another embodiment, the set of lifting arms are slidably engaged with the at least one wall of the channel at a set of contact points. In one embodiment, friction at the set of contact points slows the movement of the set of lifting arms. 
     In another embodiment, the set of lifting arms includes a compressible member. In this embodiment, the compressible member and at least one wall of the channel are slidably engaged at the set of contact points. 
     In another embodiment, the channel includes a stop member. In this embodiment, the stop member prevents the movement of the set of lifting arms beyond a designated point. 
     The apparatus also includes a stage coupled to the set of lifting arms such that movement of the cover causes movement of the stage into a position. The stage is adapted to receive the printable media. The position facilitates exposure of the printable media to, for example, a user. In one embodiment, the movement of the cover is in response to an act by a user, such as pushing a button on the printer. 
     Thus, the illustrative embodiments introduce a mechanism that raises printable media to a more visible and reachable location as the printer cover is opened. Additionally, usability is enhanced with the introduction of springs that automatically open the cover when a mechanical or electronic button is pressed. However, a spring, such as a torsional spring, strong enough to assist cover opening with the full roll of paper mounted on the lift mechanism would open the cover too quickly with only the weight of a small core of the depleted roll of paper on the stage. To remedy this problem, a slowing device slows the lifting motion of the lifting arms and stage. Also, in the illustrative embodiment, a single component, composed of a set of lifting arms, stage, a slowing device, or any combination thereof, combines the functions of lifting the printable media for easy access, facilitate a drag or frictional force to soften the opening of the printer cover, and facilitate a stop limit on the upward motion of the printer cover. 
     The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.