Abstract: A system for recovery and reutilization of sterilant gas mixture from a sterilizer chamber includes a storage tank in gaseous communication with a sterilizer chamber via a gas recovery assembly, wherein after sterilization the gas recovery assembly evacuates the sterilant gas mixture to the storage recovery tank. The system also includes an inert purge gas supply adapted to supply a purge gas to the sterilizer chamber after the sterilant gas mixture is withdrawn to the storage recovery tank, wherein the gas recovery assembly evacuates an additional portion of the purge gas from the sterilizer chamber to the storage tank to enrich the gas mixture for later reutilization in subsequent sterilization cycles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing a set of printer memory requirements, including a random access memory for storing data in a set of variably sized compartments and a processor for determining a source of a predetermined number of print input jobs. A controller, responsive to the size determinations by the processor, generates a set of optimized memory compartment reallocation recommendations according to the source of the predetermined number of print input jobs.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a charge retentive surface of a photoreceptor which includes a cleaning blade for removing debris from the charge retentive surface of a photoreceptor. In the environment of a xerographic copier and/or printer, corona effluents are emitted by the high voltage charging devices. These effluents, which are strong oxidizing agents, may be adsorbed by or otherwise attach a cleaning blade polymer matrix. Thereafter, such corona species outgassing from a blade may chemically and/or otherwise attack the photoreceptor during prolonged blade/photoreceptor contact, resulting in print/copy defects, as well as permanent damage to the photoreceptor and/or cleaning blade. The present invention relates to impregnating or otherwise treating the cleaning blade with an antioxidant such that its presence in the blade polymer matrix can prevent corona species penetration or accumulation by chemically neutralizing and destroying the species upon exposure.

Abstract: A system for estimating pixel coverage in a digitized image including a controller for sampling pixels in a byte stream according to a varying spaced sampling mode so as to avoid image pattern errors. A processor for sums the sampled pixels, so that a total pixel on count in the digitized image may be estimated. A plurality of pixels may be included in bytes in the data stream; a look-up table, random number generator or other device may be used to select the addresses of the bytes to be sampled in the byte stream. The system may include an ink metering controller for providing ink to a printer or a printer service status indicator for providing various forms of printer consumable and component service data.

Abstract: An user interface for accepting three dimensional information (such as x, y and z axis positioning information) for input into a computer, printer, copier or other electronic device. In addition to indicating the x and y axis position coordinates of the input, the input pad of the user interface also registers a z axis coordinate based on the pressure applied by the operator on the outer surface of the input pad. This z axis force component is enabled by the force sensing layers of parallel conductors in the input pad.

Abstract: A sheet decurler such as may be used to decurl liquid or solid toned printed or copied sheets. The decurler has an extended multidirectional nip having first and second decurling members for removing multiple curl conditions from a sheet.

Abstract: A apparatus for sensing fluid parameters such as optical density, light transmittance, electrical conductivity and/or other characteristics of a fluid, including an emitter adapted to project a light beam and an electrical current and a detector adapted to transmit a first signal in response to receiving the light beam and a second signal in response to receiving the electrical current. A processor determines a set of fluid parameters according to the signals transmitted from the detector. A measured amount of diluent may be added to the fluid to increase light transmittance and/or electrical conductivity so as to enhance sensor operation and sensitivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a sheet includes a first gripping member and a second gripping member, one or both of which are equipped with one or more inflatable self adjusting gripper pads or tubes. The inflatable gripper pad provides a more efficient, reliable and cost effective method for the first gripping member and the second gripping member to cooperate together so as to releasably grip a sheet in a printing or copying machine. A spring and cam following system may be used to move the first gripping member in relation to the second gripping member. A mechanical or electromechanical pump may be used to inflate and deflate the inflatable gripper pads so as to provide the gripping action on the sheet or so as to vary the gripping pressure created by a spring and cam system.

Abstract: An user interface edit pad for accepting two or three dimensional information for input into a computer, printer, copier or other electronic device. The user interface apparatus includes an edit pad which may be aligned and calibrated with an electronically stored image. The edit pad includes a pressure sensitive surface for defining an input pattern according to pressure applied to the surface; the input pattern is made up of a plurality of input points, each input point having an x, y and or z input coordinates. The user interface also includes a processor for storing an image having a plurality of image points each associated with corresponding input points of the input pattern. Each coordinate of the image points in the electronic image is individually addressable by the processor, such that the processor is operable to calibrate each input point relative to each corresponding image point and to adjustably align the input pattern with the image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling printing option menu selections to form a final set of printing instructions for a print job. A printer user interface accepts a first set of printing instructions, while a printer port accepts a computer generated storage media having a print job including a second set of printing instructions embedded therein. A processor maintains a default set of printing instructions at the printer. A processor combines the first set of printing instructions, the second set of printing instructions and the default set of printing instructions so as to compile the final set of printing instructions for completing the print job. The printing instructions may be compiled so as to prioritize the printing instructions in a desired manner. The user interface may display the various set of printing instructions, and warn printer users when conflicts arise between the instructions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to subsampling processors and a three color sensor array that may be employed to supply subsampled chrominance data to a printing machine, a computer memory device or other device. In one embodiment of the present invention, a three color array of the present invention scans features of an object using an array of one or more subsampling sensor sets spanning a fast scan direction width of n times m (preferrably 2) pixels, with each set having aligned in a slow scan direction column m pixel-sized green sensors aligned in a fast scan direction line for determining pixel-by-pixel green color and luminance, a red sensor extending m pixels wide in said fast scan direction and m pixels long in said slow scan direction for detecting red color and a blue sensor extending m pixels wide in said fast scan direction and m pixels long in said slow scan direction for detecting blue color.

Abstract: An apparatus for fusing toner to a surface of a sheet which includes tandem sets of heated and pressure rollers. A screw drive, solenoid or other means is used to urge the roller sets to make uniformly distributed contact on the sheet passing between the heated and pressure rollers. Each set of rollers may be selectively employed so as to vary temperature, dwell time, pressure and other performance parameters at the fusing nips of the sets of heated and pressure rollers. The path of a sheet moving through the fuser need not be altered to employ the varied fusing performance combinations, also reducing the likelihood of sheet jamming and misfeed. Fuser oil applicators may also be employed so as to apply oil to each heated roller as it engages the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping the leading edge portion of a sheet includes a first gripping member which substantially spans the leading edge portion of the sheet. The apparatus further includes a spring having a portion thereof defining a second gripping member which substantially spans the leading edge portion of the sheet, the second gripping member being urged toward the first gripping member to grip the sheet.