Abstract: An ink-jet system has an ink channel between an ink reservoir and a nozzle, and an electromechanical transducer which comprises an expansible member arranged adjacent to the ink channel for abruptly reducing the volume of the ink channel in order to eject an ink droplet through the nozzle. The depth of a portion of the ink channel between the expansible member and the nozzle is larger than both the depth of the portion adjacent to the expansible member and the height of the nozzle.

Abstract: A print head for an ink-jet printer has a nozzle member defining a plurality of ink channels arranged side-by-side and each terminating in a nozzle. A plurality of actuators are disposed on one side of the nozzle member and respectively face one of the ink channels for pressurizing the ink liquid therein, in order to expel ink droplets through the nozzles. A support for supporting the actuators on the side opposite to the ink channels is provided and a plurality of connecting portions mechanically connect the support to the nozzle member. At least one of the connecting portions is arranged between the actuators. The connecting portions are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction of the ink channels and are formed, for example, by bars extending transversely to the ink channels.

Abstract: A method of reproducing images formed from binary values of basic pixels arranged in a raster, with an electrophotographic printing unit having an electrically chargeable photo-conductive medium, a selectively activatable light source to discharge of the medium and a developing unit for developing the said medium with toner powder. The method processes the digital image data to compensate for properties of the printing unit by: generating two sub-pixels for each basic pixel, where a first sub-pixel always corresponds in value to the value of the associated basic pixel and a second sub-pixel has a value that depends upon the value of the associated basic pixel and upon the values of basic pixels in a predetermined area around the associated basic pixel; and generating control signals to activate the light source in accordance with each of the generated sub-pixels. Initially, the second pixel is given the same value as that of the associated basic pixel.

Abstract: An exposure device comprising a straight row of substantially rectangular LED's, each LED comprising at least one non-emitting zone (34) having a width (a) which divides the LED into at least two equal parts (32, 33) having a width (c), a separating zone (35) of width (b) being situated between each of the LED's and the width (a) of the non-emitting zone (34) being smaller than 1.5 times the width (b) of a separating zone (35) and larger than 0.75 times the width (b) of the separating zone (35).

Abstract: A device for identifying at least one article within an image of a document, the document including plural articles, with each article including one or more objects. The device performs a first step in which the image is analyzed as to its layout to distinguish text blocks, titles, photographs and graphic elements. In a second step, the device assembles objects into groups by successive application of rules concerning their type and their mutual positioning. The image is displayed on a screen and an operator can select an article, can have the objects automatically re-arranged by the device in a form specified by him, and can have the article printed separately from the other articles in the document.

Abstract: Sheet collecting device for the selective collection of sheets of different dimensions on a number of supports located below one another. Every support located below the uppermost support can be moved in a y-direction transversely of the x-direction in which sheets are fed onto the support, from a collection position in which the support is located substantially directly below the uppermost support and to an extraction position in which the support protrudes beyond the other supports. Every support can also be moved in the transverse y-direction between two collection positions which are displaced over a short distance in relation to one another in order to make a distinction between the sheets collected on the support. A warning light at every support warns a user not to move a support in use to its extraction position and to move a support in extraction position to the collection position when a sheet to be collected is fed in.

Abstract: A method of and device for recording images on an image-recording medium with a dielectric surface. A voltage is applied in accordance with an image pattern between a set of image-recording electrodes and a companion electrode. Toner powder is deposited on the dielectric surface in accordance with the applied voltage. Image recording is effected by alternately bringing the image-forming electrodes to a positive and negative potential with respect to the companion electrode. According to one specific embodiment, a high-frequency AC voltage is applied during image recording to the companion electrode or at least the image-forming electrodes at times when the latter do not contribute to image forming.

Abstract: An ink jet nozzle head including a channel plate defining a linear array of equidistanced nozzles and a plurality of substantially parallel ink channels communicating with an associated nozzle, a vibration plate disposed on the channel plate, a plurality of separately disposed block members, each containing a comb-like array of fingers which extend toward and engage the vibration plate, some fingers functioning as actuators for exerting mechanical pressure on ink contained in the ink channels which in turn expels ink droplets from the nozzle, at least one actuator being provided for each nozzle, and other fingers serving as support members for supporting the actuators at the vibration plate, where the reaction forces of the actuators are received, wherein each block comprises at least one actuator and at least one support member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing ceramic or glass flat substrate, wherein a fusible powder is applied to an image forming medium in order to form an image thereon which is transferred to an intermediate medium, and the powder image formed on the intermediate medium is brought into contact with the substrate in a contact zone, the ceramic or glass substrate being heated in a pre-heating device before the contact zone to a temperature of at least 60.degree. C., and wherein the intermediate medium in the contact zone is heated to a temperature of at least 100.degree. C.

Abstract: An automatic language recognition method which comprises selecting a block of data from the received data and searching said block for elements that are "for" or "against" the presence of a particular language. Recognition is performed by searching for a plurality of known languages in a predetermined order, and by proceeding, for each language, with a search for at least one element characteristic of that language in the data block. It is possible to begin by searching for languages having a special signature, then for languages having special synchronization characters or keywords, and then for languages using mnemonics made up of a determined number of significant characters. The method is used for automatically selecting an interpreter module for decoding the received data, in particular the data received by a plotter. The method is also applicable to detecting a fault, a banner, or a switch of language in the received data.

Abstract: A method and system of compressing digital image data organized as successive data groups of bits, the contents of which are values of pixels of an image, by checking a first condition of whether a first data group has the same contents as one or more following data groups. If the first condition is satisfied, then the data groups are replaced, in a compression step, by a compression code representing these data groups. Otherwise, in a copying step, only the first data group is replaced by a code consisting of the contents of the data group. These steps are repeated for the next data groups. The method also adds an identification code for characterizing the nature of the code, but only when the compression step is carried out. A related method and system of decompression checks a first condition of whether an identification code is included in the compression codes. If the condition is satisfied, then decompression takes place, else copying takes place.

Abstract: A communication controller for protecting data, stored in a printer or other printing device connectable to a first network, from unauthorized access including: an external communication device for communicating with an external station through a second network; an internal communication device for receiving operation related data relating to the operation of the printer; and a controller for allowing the external communication device to communicate the operation related data to the external station only when the printing apparatus is functionally disconnected from the first network. A sensor is also provided to sense whether the printer is off or otherwise functionally disconnected from the first network. A switch permits real-time testing of the printer while it is connected to the first network. This switch automatically resets when not pushed to prevent accidental external access to the printer while it is connected to the first network.

Abstract: A printing system which receives print jobs and stores them in a memory. The printing system has an interface so that a number of print criteria can be set and altered by an operator. In an automatic mode of operation, only the print jobs satisfying the print criteria set by the operator are printed.

Abstract: Ink-jet system includes an ink channel between an ink reservoir and a nozzle. A pressurizing device is arranged adjacent to the ink channel for generating in the ink liquid an acoustic pressure wave propagating in the ink channel, so that an ink droplet is expelled from the nozzle. The ink channel has a substantially rectangular cross section and a depth d which is larger than the height of the nozzle, such that energy losses due to reflection of the acoustic wave at the transition from the ink channel to the nozzle are minimized. The pressurizing device includes a first electromechanical transducer with a plate-like expansible member having a height H in the direction of the depth of the ink channel such that the ratio H/d is smaller than the ratio between the respective elastic modules of the expansible member and the ink liquid.

Abstract: Layout analysis is used in operating a digital reproduction apparatus. The device automatically segments the digital image dot data corresponding to a document image to be reproduced, to determine layout elements of the document. This is shown on a display. An operator can now select a specific layout element, such as a text column, by indicating it, and instruct the image processing unit of the apparatus to process only that element. The processing operations include color printing, gradation changing, moving and enlargement/reduction.

Abstract: An inkjet array for a printer includes a number of elements. Each element has an ink chamber and an ink provider, and a piezo-actuator rigidly secured to one side of the ink chamber. The ink chamber is brought into motion in response to an image signal whereby an ink droplet is ejected from a nozzle of the ink chamber. Each of the ink chambers of the array can be brought into motion separately.

Abstract: An image-forming device with a repeatedly usable image-recording element bearing a dielectric surface layer, beneath which is a system of separately energizable image-forming electrodes interconnected by a material whose resistance is between that of the dielectric surface layer and that of the image-forming electrode and is preferably a factor of 10.sup.2 -10.sup.4 lower than that of the dielectric surface layer, the dielectric surface layer and the material having the lower resistance preferably being formed as one continuous layer which bottom part has a lower resistance than in the top part.

Abstract: A reproducing device for reproducing images, such as a photocopier/printer, which has an interface that enables selection of a value for at least one predetermined parameter from among a predetermined set of possible values of the parameter. This parameter defines at least in part how at least one image is to be reproduced. The reproducing device includes: an image source, such as a scanner; a printer; the interface; and a controller for coordinating and controlling the image source, the printer, and the interface.

Abstract: An ink-jet printhead includes a plurality of nozzles and ink channels arranged side by side, each nozzle being connected to an ink reservoir via its associated ink channel, and a plurality of electromechanical transducers, respectively, associated with each ink channel for pressurizing the ink liquid therein, so that an ink droplet is expelled from the nozzle. An active member is provided for compensating for the effect of the reaction force of each transducer by energizing at least one other transducer.

Abstract: A printer for digital image information, wherein supplied data files containing image data for printing can be stored in a memory and are not printed until an operator has given a print command by means of a key on a control panel, the data files in the memory being listed on a display in the control panel for an operator to select one for printing before giving the print command, and wherein before giving this command, the operator can optionally adjust the printer settings in order to obtain a print of the required appearance, the printer also being provided, if required, with a scanner for scanning documents, thus functioning as a copying machine, in which case printing and copying become essentially similar functions with identical operation.