Abstract: A printhead cartridge identification system is disclosed which ensures that an ink jet printer operates only with ink jet cartridges compatible with the specific printer function. An ink container which supplies ink to an associated printhead has a light reflector incorporated into a transparent wall of the ink container housing. The cartridge, comprising the ink container and associated printhead, is mounted on a scan carriage. Periodically, the carriage is conveyed to an optical station comprising a light source and a photosensor. The light source is energized and a beam of light is directed towards the reflector.

Abstract: A low ink sensing system is combined with an ink cartridge detection system to enable a more efficient ink jet printer. An ink container which supplies ink to an associated printhead is modified by the incorporation of two light directing elements, in the preferred embodiment, a faceted prism and a roof mirror, into a transparent wall of the container housing. The cartridge, comprising the ink container and associated printhead, is mounted on a scan carriage. Periodically, the carriage is conveyed to a sensing station comprising a pair of light sources and a commonly used photosensor. A first light source is energized and a beam of light is directed to a location where the roof mirror, would be positioned if the cartridge is present. If the cartridge is absent, lack of a reflected return signal is sensed, indicating a cartridge has not been inserted. Print operation is halted until a cartridge is inserted.

Abstract: An optical scanning and illumination arrangement is provided for a document reproduction machine which includes a plurality of linear motors to drive the moving scan/illumination carriages. Each linear motor is under the control of a digital control circuit which, in turn, is under the control of a supervising circuit which maintains the status of machine operation and generates appropriate signals to control the individual digital control circuits.

Abstract: A two-dimensional area array illuminator is described which illuminates a document during a full frame exposure. The array, in a preferred embodiment, containing a plurality of electroluminescent segments. The illuminating array also acts as a screening device to modulate light reflected from the document and through the illuminator. The modulated image is then projected onto a photoconductive surface.

Abstract: An improved document scanning system is realized by using low mass mirrors as optical components. The mirrors consist of a pair of metal structures in honeycomb form sandwiched between a pair of glass skins. The mirrors have a greatly improved stiffness-to-mass ratio compared to conventional mirrors and provide relatively low mass in scan drive components, as well as improved system performance.

Abstract: A platen cover used in a document reproduction machine is provided with a mechanism for selectively engaging and disengaging a movable registration guide from the platen surface. The movable registration guide cooperates with a fixed guide to provide a corner registered edge for positioning of one size document. For larger documents, the movable guide is engaged by the platen cover and pivoted therewith to permit the larger document to be placed on the platen in a new position which maintains optical system center line.

Abstract: A selective color copyability illuminator includes a pair of lamps each having a spectral emission suitable for copying black and white documents or documents incorporating a specific color. The lamp emissions are selectively controlled depending upon the color of the document being copied. Faceted reflectors, associated with each lamp, are moved to positions which cover or uncover the lamp aperture to enhance selective deletion of a particular color of the document being copied.

Abstract: A transparent, generally wedge-shaped linear illuminator is used to provide a uniform level of illumination suitable for performing various functions in a reproduction device. One function is to provide uniform illumunination of a charged surface so as to selectively erase charge on said surface. Another is to illuminate a document in an illumination plane. In a specific embodiment, the illuminator consists of a glass or plastic body having a first sector formed with parallel sides and a second sector having a wedge-shaped configuration. Light is introduced into the first sector and is coupled along the length of the second sector by internal reflection. As the distance between the slope and base surfaces of the wedge sector decreases in the direction of the wedge end, the angles of incidence of the incident light decrease proportionately.