The problem has always been that the print server is a one way or at best a limited communication device for anything other than print jobs... Well it seems someone has done their homework and realised that what's required is something a little bit new...
USB Server
http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/server/
Now, I've never used one of these and I can think of a slew of potential problems that might exist in the wings but if anyone is feeling brave they might want to buy one and try it out.
From what I can tell the system uses a new approach that requires a little driver installation but otherwise sets itself to be recognised as a hub but in reality just hooks up over the ethernet and as a result can be shared.
Be interesting to see how well it works and doubtless I'll test this out myself when money allows but figured I'd share this gem for now...

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Printers: (Canon) MP500/830, MX700, iP4000/4200/4300/4500/5200, iX4000(A3) (Epson) C84/86, D88, CX6600, R285/800/1900 (HP) K550, K850, K5400, L7680