Abstract: A printhead assembly includes a plurality of inkjet ejector arrays having corresponding ink receptacles. Each inkjet array is formed from a plurality of inkjet stack layers that are bonded to a single aperture layer, and the inkjet arrays are positioned with a predetermined alignment about a curved image receiving surface.

Abstract: A method for performing duplex printing enables increased throughput in an indirect printing system. The method includes measuring a coverage parameter for image data to be printed, and transforming operation of the printer from a first printing process timing sequence to a second printing process timing sequence in response to the coverage parameter exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system for recycling waste phase change ink in a phase change ink imaging device includes a printhead having an on-board phase change ink reservoir and a waste ink collector for receiving ink from an ejecting face of the printhead. The printhead is supplied ink from a remote ink reservoir, which is also fluidly connected to the waste ink collector by a waste phase change ink conveyor, which is configured to convey melted waste phase change ink from the waste ink collector to the remote ink reservoir.

Abstract: A solid ink stick for use in solid ink printers is provided that enables adjacent ink sticks to be separated and retained at a predetermined location in the feed channel.

Abstract: A continuous web inversion system for use in a continuous web imaging device includes a first turn bar positioned to receive a substantially continuous web moving in a first direction with a first surface facing in a printing direction and to flip the web and direct it in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A second turn bar is positioned to receive the continuous web from the first turn bar to flip the web and direct it in a third direction opposite the first direction. A third turn bar is positioned to receive the continuous web from the second turn bar to flip the web and direct it in the first direction with a second surface of the web facing in the printing direction. The second and the third turn bars are coupled together and supported for translation along an axis perpendicular to the first direction. A sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a lateral position of the continuous web exiting the third turn bar.

Abstract: An imaging device includes print media and a plurality of ink jets for ejecting drops of substantially clear ink onto the print media. One of the print media and the substantially clear ink has a fluorescent characteristic and the other of the print media and the substantially clear ink is substantially non-fluorescent. The imaging device includes a fluorescence sensor having (i) a light emitter for illuminating the print media and the drops of substantially clear ink ejected onto the media by the plurality of ink jets with light of an activating wavelength, and (ii) a light detector for detecting a fluorescence intensity of light received from the print media and the drops of substantially clear ink ejected onto the media in an emission wavelength. A controller is configured to modify an operating parameter of the imaging device based on the fluorescence intensity detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A printer is configured with a controller that transforms operation of the printer to increase throughput. The printer includes an image receiving member, a printhead configured to eject ink drops onto the image receiving member to form an ink image, a transfix roller configured to move towards and away from the image receiving member to form a transfixing nip with the image receiving member selectively, a release agent applicator configured to engage the image receiving member selectively to apply release agent to the rotatable imaging member, and a controller configured to generate firing signals that operate the printhead from image data and to transform operation of the printer from a first printing process sequence to a second printing process sequence in response to a coverage parameter for image data to be printed being less than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A stripper blade system has been developed for high throughput inkjet printers. The stripper blade system includes a metallic blade having a leading edge that is less than 0.06 mm in thickness, a blade holder to which the metallic blade is mounted, and an actuator that is associated with the blade holder to move the metallic blade into and out of contact with an intermediate imaging member.

Abstract: A solid ink loading system for a phase change ink imaging device includes an ink loader having a first end, a second end, and at least one feed channel extending between the first and the second end. The at least one feed channel includes an insertion region intermediate the first and the second end where ink sticks enter the at least one feed channel. The at least one feed channel is configured to guide ink sticks in a feed direction from the insertion region toward the second end. An ink stick retractor is configured for movement between a forward position and a rearward position substantially parallel to at least a portion of the at least one feed channel. The forward position is closer to the second end of the feed channel than the first position. The ink stick retractor is configured to selectively move ink sticks in the at least one feed channel in a retraction direction toward the first end.

Abstract: A method of operating a printer enables printheads mounted on print bars to be operated to compensate for misalignment of printheads in the process direction. The method includes identifying a position in the process direction for each printhead in a plurality of printheads, selecting one of the identified printhead positions as a reference printhead position, identifying a printhead timing parameter for each printhead mounted to at least one print bar, generating a firing signal for the printheads mounted to the at least one print bar, and adjusting delivery of the firing signal by the identified printhead timing parameter for each corresponding printhead mounted to the at least one print bar to coordinate actuation of inkjet ejectors in the printheads mounted to the at least one print bar and compensate for misalignment of the printheads in the process direction.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to facilitate the transfer of baggage on conveyor systems at the junction between a sort conveyor and a take-away conveyor. The transfer apparatus includes a sweeper arm that rotates across the sort conveyor to sweep a baggage article thereon toward the take-away conveyor. The sweeper arm translates linearly relative to the sort conveyor so that the baggage remains in continuous contact with the sweeper arm. The rotation of the arm is coordinated with the translation so that the baggage will be fully diverted from the sort conveyor by the time the sweeper arm reaches the end of its translation.

Abstract: A volumetric container for storing phase-change ink includes a housing that is comprised primarily of a thermally insulating material and a heater element positioned within the housing. The heater element is positioned in the container to melt solid ink quickly to enable printing operations.

Abstract: A luggage conveyor system includes a frame, a plurality of pallets movably supported by the frame each having a load carrying surface configured to convey luggage thereon, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a chain formed by a plurality of chain links connected to each other. At least one chain link of the plurality of chain links is coupled to one of the plurality of pallets. The drive assembly further includes a motor-driven drive wheel, and a plurality of driven wheels coupled to and driven by the drive wheel. The plurality of driven wheels are arranged such that at least two of the driven wheels simultaneously contact the same one of the plurality of chain links to frictionally drive the chain.

Abstract: A method binds a substrate having an array of actuators to a diaphragm array in a way that reduces secondary banding in an ink jet printhead that ejects a different color ink from each row of ink jets in the printhead. The method includes cutting a plurality of horizontal channels in a substrate on which a plurality of actuators have been formed, the horizontal channels being cut between rows of actuators on the substrate, and cutting a plurality of vertical channels in the substrate on which the plurality of actuators have been formed, the vertical channels being cut between columns of actuators on the substrate, the vertical channels having a width that is less than a width of the horizontal channels.

Abstract: An ink umbilical provides different colors of heated ink to multiple print heads in an integrated structure. The ink umbilical includes a first plurality of ink carrying conduits mounted on one side of a heater and a second plurality of conduits mounted on a second side of the heater opposite the first side of the heater. The heater is operated to keep the ink in the conduits on each of the heater in a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A fluid transport apparatus facilitates flow of fluid from a source to a receptacle. The fluid transport apparatus includes a fluid transport conduit for transporting fluid, the fluid transport conduit having an inlet end that is coupled to a fluid supply and an outlet end that is coupled to a receptacle, a deforming member positioned proximate the fluid transport conduit and configured to deform a portion of the fluid transport conduit selectively and propel fluid through the fluid transport conduit, and a restoring member positioned proximate the fluid transport conduit and configured to exert a force against the fluid transport conduit that opposes the deforming of the fluid transport conduit.

Abstract: A first articulating member for use with a second articulating member to form a prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty for a joint formed between adjacent first and second bones in which a bone fragment having an exterior surface has separated from the first bone is provided. The first articulating member includes an articulating portion having an articulation surface for articulation with the second articulating member and an attaching portion connected to the articulating portion for attachment to the first bone. The first articulating member also includes a fragment portion connected to at least one of the articulating portion and the insertion portion. The fragment portion includes a surface for contact with the external periphery of the bone fragment.

Abstract: A method enables a printing system to register images printed by two printers accurately. The method includes operating at least one marking station in a first printer with reference to a low frequency component and a high frequency of a velocity measurement for a web in the first printer, printing fiducial marks on the web with a marking station in the first printer, detecting the fiducial marks with a fiducial mark sensor in a second printer, generating a velocity measurement for the web as the web moves along a web path in the second printer that corresponds with the detected fiducial marks, and operating at least one marking station in the second printer with reference to a low frequency component and a high frequency component of the velocity measurement of the web moving along a web path in the second printer.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for use in an inkjet imaging device comprises a wiper filament carriage; a wiper filament; and a filament tensioning system supported by the wiper filament carriage. The filament tensioning system is operably coupled to opposing ends of the wiper filament and configured to tension the wiper filament to form a substantially straight line therebetween.

Abstract: A drum maintenance system for use in an imaging device includes a reservoir having a supply of release agent. An applicator is configured to receive release agent from the reservoir and to apply the release agent to an imaging surface of an imaging device. A metering blade is positioned to meter the release agent on the imaging surface applied by the applicator. The metering blade is arranged in doctor mode with respect to the imaging surface and includes a tip positioned adjacent the imaging surface. The tip has a square portion positioned proximate the imaging surface and a beveled portion opposite the imaging surface.