Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a plurality of color separation modules. Each color separation module includes an image receiving member and a printhead module configured to eject ink drops onto the image receiving member to form a color separation on the image receiving member. The printer is configured to transfix each color separation on each image receiving member to a single sheet to produce a composite ink image on the print medium after the print medium has passed by all of the color separation modules in the printer.

Abstract: An indirect printer includes a system for alternating the pressure in a transfer nip by manipulating the transfer roller. The system includes a pair of pivotable collars mounted about the ends of the transfer roller. The collars are pivoted towards or away from one another to bend the transfer roller and to increase or decrease, respectively, the pressure in the longitudinal center of the nip.

Abstract: An image transfer system for use in an indirect printer includes a support roller for a transfix roller. The support roller is configured to apply pressure to a center portion of a nip formed between a transfix roller and an imaging drum while the transfix roller applies pressure to the ends of the nip. This configuration is particularly advantageous for use with imaging drums and transfix rollers having thin walls.

Abstract: A printing device has a printing engine that is at least partially made up of a customer replaceable unit or units. An engine controller is operatively connected to the printing engine. The engine controller uses software to control the operations of the printing engine. A non-volatile memory is operatively connected to the engine controller. The non-volatile memory stores values used by the engine controller to control operations of the printing engine. An adapter card is operatively connected to the non-volatile memory and to the customer replaceable units. The customer replaceable unit has a memory unit and the adapter card reads data from the memory unit. The adapter card uses the data to directly alter values within the non-volatile memory by bypassing the engine controller when communicating with the non-volatile memory. Further, the adapter card alters the non-volatile memory without altering the software used by the engine controller.

Abstract: A method monitors an electric current supplied to an electrostatic brush within a printing device. The electrostatic brush contacts and cleans a photoreceptor surface within the printing device. The method records a current spike pattern of when the electric current exceeds a first current threshold during the monitoring; however, the method will stop operations of the printing device if the electric current exceeds a second current threshold that is greater than the first current threshold. Further, the method can determine whether a scratch is present on the photoreceptor surface based on the current spike pattern.

Abstract: A blade engagement system for cleaning and/or metering a release agent onto an image forming machine moving surface, such as a photoreceptor. The blade engagement system includes a blade cassette having a plurality of blades, each including a compliant blade member having a blade tip. The blade engagement system also including a blade engagement apparatus removably receiving the blade cassette. The blade engagement apparatus having a blade positioning mechanism moving the blades, one at a time, from the blade cassette to a working position wherein the blade tip engages the moving surface for cleaning and/or metering. Used blades can be moved back into the cassette for storage. The blade cassette can be replaced with a new one after all of the blades have been used.

Abstract: A method monitors an electric current supplied to an electrostatic brush within a printing device. The electrostatic brush contacts and cleans a photoreceptor surface within the printing device. The method records a current spike pattern of when the electric current exceeds a first current threshold during the monitoring; however, the method will stop operations of the printing device if the electric current exceeds a second current threshold that is greater than the first current threshold. Further, the method can determine whether a scratch is present on the photoreceptor surface based on the current spike pattern.

Abstract: A application apparatus for metering release agent onto an image forming device moving surface, such as a Solid Ink Jet drum. The application apparatus includes a blade positioning mechanism with first and second links each having three pivot connections for pivotally connecting first and second blades together in mutually exclusive cooperative movement alternating between a common working position at a first location and respective suspended positions. The application apparatus can include a doctor blade arrangement in which the blades are disposed in a doctor blade orientation in the working position. The application apparatus can include a wiper blade arrangement in which the blades are disposed in a wiper blade orientation in the working position. The first and second blades form similar blade holder angles, blade deflection angles and Working Angles when occupying the working position.

Abstract: A cleaning blade assembly within a printing device is positioned to contact a surface to be cleaned. There is a first opening within the cleaning blade assembly and a first pin within the first opening. There is also a second opening within the cleaning blade assembly, and a second pin within the second opening. The first and second pins connect the cleaning blade assembly to the printing device. The first pin has a first cam surface that is rounded and is off-center with respect to the axis of the first pin. The cam surface is parallel to the axis of the first pin and is positioned within the first opening such that rotation of the first pin within the first opening causes the cleaning blade assembly to move in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the first pin.

Abstract: Blades, printing apparatuses, replaceable cartridges and methods of treating substances on surfaces are disclosed. An embodiment of a blade for treating a substance on a surface of a component includes a body having a free end portion with a surface, and which is comprised of an elastomeric material. A bi-material spring is adapted to apply a load to the body such that the surface of the body treats the substance on the surface of the component.

Abstract: This is a shim cleaning blade for use in a novel cleaning station of an electrophotographic marking system having an a-Si photoconductive surface. The cleaning blade is preferably made from stainless steel but other metals can be used if suitable. The blade has a thickness of about 0.05-0.2 mm, but best results are obtained when using a thickness of about 005-0.1 mm. The cleaning blade contacts the photoconductive surface it is cleaning at an angle of from about 2 to about 40 degrees.

Abstract: A xerographic marking engine adjusts a charging actuator value, such as an AC peak-to-peak voltage or an AC peak-to-peak current, based on a determined knee value, VKNEE, of a charge curve for an imaging apparatus photoreceptor within the xerographic marking engine and environmental sensor data. The environmental sensor data may measure environment temperature and environment humidity. In near A-zone environments, for example, operational environments in which the temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the relative humidity is 80%, the charging actuator value may be selected to achieve a predetermined photoreceptor wear rate that avoids print quality defects due to lateral charge migration. In other than A-zone environments, the charging actuator value may be selected to minimize the photoreceptor wear rate, while avoiding print quality defects. The described approach allows optimal photoconductor wear to be achieved, in all operational environments, without increasing the risk of print quality defects.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing controlled blade engagement with an image forming machine moving surface are provided for metering a release agent onto the surface, cleaning the surface, or both. A blade engagement apparatus is provided having a controller controlling an actuator connected to a blade positioning mechanism for providing controlled engagement of the blade with the moving surface. The minimum blade load applied by the blade to the moving surface needed to prevent defects is determined and maintained for increasing the useful life of the blade. Control systems and methods utilizing single and separately operable dual blade positioning mechanisms are provided.

Abstract: A blade engagement apparatus moving blades into working positions in engagement with an image forming device moving surface for cleaning and/or metering release agent onto the surface. The blade engagement apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart links having slots receiving pins extending from the blades and an actuator rotating the links for moving the blades along track slots into and out of the working positions. The links couple the blades together for mutually exclusive cooperative movement alternating between the working positions and respective suspended positions wherein the blades are removed from the moving surface.

Abstract: This is a shim cleaning blade for use in a novel cleaning station of an electrophotographic marking system having an a-Si photoconductive surface. The cleaning blade is preferably made from stainless steel but other metals can be used if suitable. The blade has a thickness of about 0.05-0.2 mm, but best results are obtained when using a thickness of about 005-0.1 mm. The cleaning blade contacts the photoconductive surface it is cleaning at an angle of from about 2 to about 40 degrees.

Abstract: An electrostatic marking system has a cleaning station and a cleaning blade wherein the cleaning blade is adjustable depending upon data of cleaning station temperature, humidity, and a contaminant film on a photoreceptor P/R surface. A sensor or sensors measures this data including the thickness of the film together with temperature and humidity in the cleaning station. This data is conveyed by the sensors to a controller which has software equating this data with an angle at which the cleaning blade contacts the P/R surface. This angle is calculated to give maximum cleaning of the P/R surface with minimum abrading of this P/R surface.

Abstract: A control method for monitoring the cleaning performance of a single or multiple blade xerographic cleaning subsystem includes looking at the photoreceptor post-cleaner with a full width array sensor and adjusting the blade load on the photoreceptor to the minimum required to maintain effective cleaning. Blade load is adjusted using a stepper motor. Monitoring of cleaning failures can be done during non-print time, when a toner patch is developed to evaluate cleaning. Re-adjustment is needed periodically since environmental stresses can change, and the blade ages due to set and wear. Two toner patches at the ends of the blade with two stepper motors can be used to assure the same load from end to end.

Abstract: A cleaning roll for a xerographic cleaning station is disclosed. The roll may comprise a compliant foam layer covered with a fabric overcoating. The cleaning station may also contain a detoning roll which contacts the cleaning roll to attract residual toner for disposal out of the station. There may be an electrical connection in the station to a biasing structure which will bias both the fabric overcoating and the detoning roll. The conductive fabric may have an average roughness (RA) not exceeding about 8 ?m to 10 ?m and the fabric comprises yarns of similar size to provide thereby a smooth and uniform surface texture.

Abstract: A printing device has a printing engine that is at least partially made up of a customer replaceable unit or units. An engine controller is operatively connected to the printing engine. The engine controller uses software to control the operations of the printing engine. A non-volatile memory is operatively connected to the engine controller. The non-volatile memory stores values used by the engine controller to control operations of the printing engine. An adapter card is operatively connected to the non-volatile memory and to the customer replaceable units. The customer replaceable unit has a memory unit and the adapter card reads data from the memory unit. The adapter card uses the data to directly alter values within the non-volatile memory by bypassing the engine controller when communicating with the non-volatile memory. Further, the adapter card alters the non-volatile memory without altering the software used by the engine controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a cleaning device for cleaning a charging device, including: means for detecting contamination on the charging device; means, in communication with detecting means, for generating a cleaning command; and a controller, responsive to the cleaning command, for controlling operation of the cleaning system.