Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided to facilitate epifluorescent imaging of three (or more) color channels and to perform phase contrast and/or bright field imaging of samples without manual adjustment of the imaging apparatus. This allows for automated imaging, over extended periods of time, of a plurality of samples by a device located inside an incubator without disturbing the incubator environment to manually adjust the apparatus. Also provided are embodiments to facilitate user swapping of removable optical modules and/or transillumination modules to allow the imaging apparatus to be adapted to different combinations of assays and/or fluorescent indicators so as to increase the variety of experiments and/or fluorescent dyes that can be imaged using the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided to facilitate epifluorescent imaging of three (or more) color channels and to perform phase contrast and/or bright field imaging of samples without manual adjustment of the imaging apparatus. This allows for automated imaging, over extended periods of time, of a plurality of samples by a device located inside an incubator without disturbing the incubator environment to manually adjust the apparatus. Also provided are embodiments to facilitate user swapping of removable optical modules and/or transillumination modules to allow the imaging apparatus to be adapted to different combinations of assays and/or fluorescent indicators so as to increase the variety of experiments and/or fluorescent dyes that can be imaged using the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for detecting a fatal error condition in a printing device having an intermediate transfer member for facilitating toner transfer, including sensing a reflectance value of the intermediate transfer member at a first predetermined time; comparing the sensed reflectance value at the first period of time to a predetermined threshold; sensing a reflectance value of the intermediate transfer member at a second predetermined time after the predetermined first time; and comparing the sensed reflectance value of the intermediate transfer member at the second period of time to the predetermined threshold. If each of the sensed reflectance value at the first predetermined time and the sensed reflectance value at the second predetermined time is greater than the predetermined threshold, the method includes selectively suspending further printing operations until the imaging device is serviced.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods of controlling the transfer voltage in a transfer nip formed between the photoconductive member and the transfer member. The methods offset the effects of large transfer current spikes caused when a media sheet enters and exits the transfer nip and account for temperature and humidity operating parameters using wet-bulb temperature measurements to adjust the transfer voltage. The control may include either ramping up or ramping down the transfer voltage. The ramped transfer voltage may include a series of alternating positive and negative steps that generally trend to ramp up or down. The size of the steps may further be adjusted to provide a smooth transition.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods for transitioning between color printing and black-only printing in an image forming device. A cartridge is moved between a first position in which color printing may occur and a second position in which black-only printing may occur. In the first position, a color developer unit may be in contact with a color photoconductor unit. The color developer unit may be spaced from the color photoconductor unit in the second position. During the transition, a voltage supplied to the cartridge and a speed of a drive motor driving the cartridge may be adjusted.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods of controlling the transfer voltage in a transfer nip formed between the photoconductive member and the transfer member. The methods offset the effects of large transfer current spikes caused when a media sheet enters and exits the transfer nip and account for temperature and humidity operating parameters using wet-bulb temperature measurements to adjust the transfer voltage. The control may include either ramping up or ramping down the transfer voltage. The ramped transfer voltage may include a series of alternating positive and negative steps that generally trend to ramp up or down. The size of the steps may further be adjusted to provide a smooth transition.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods for transitioning between color printing and black-only printing in an image forming device. A cartridge is moved between a first position in which color printing may occur and a second position in which black-only printing may occur. In the first position, a color developer unit may be in contact with a color photoconductor unit. The color developer unit may be spaced from the color photoconductor unit in the second position. During the transition, a voltage supplied to the cartridge and a speed of a drive motor driving the cartridge may be adjusted.

Abstract: Examination systems, including methods and apparatus, for automated assay of biological samples, such as live cells.