Abstract: A printing device includes a printing mechanism including a fuser heating element and an image analysis device. The image analysis device performs an image analysis on a print job in order to determine an image density of at least a portion of the print job. A fuser heating element temperature is controlled according to the image density.

Abstract: Electrophotographic imaging methods include providing a fusing device operationally characterized by a fusing speed, a fusing temperature, and a fusing pressure. The fusing speed is controlled as a function of the fusing temperature, while the fusing pressure is controlled as a function of the fusing speed, and the fusing temperature is controlled as a function of the fusing speed and the fusing pressure.

Abstract: Electrophotographic imaging methods include providing a fusing device operationally characterized by a fusing speed, a fusing temperature, and a fusing pressure. The fusing speed is controlled as a function of the fusing temperature, while the fusing pressure is controlled as a function of the fusing speed, and the fusing temperature is controlled as a function of the fusing speed and the fusing pressure.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides for a printing device which is connectable to a computer. The printing device includes a user interface which includes a primary user interface button. When the printing device is not connected to the computer and the primary user interface button is actuated in an intended manner, the printing device prints a demonstration page. However, when the printing device is connected to the computer then the printing device is configured to detect the presence of the computer, and to perform a function defined within the computer when the primary user interface button is actuated in the intended manner.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides for a printing device which is connectable to a computer. The printing device includes a user interface which includes a primary user interface button. When the printing device is not connected to the computer and the primary user interface button is actuated in an intended manner, the printing device prints a demonstration page. However, when the printing device is connected to the computer then the printing device is configured to detect the presence of the computer, and to perform a function defined within the computer when the primary user interface button is actuated in the intended manner.

Abstract: A printing device includes a printing mechanism including a fuser heating element and an image analysis device. The image analysis device performs an image analysis on a print job in order to determine an image density of at least a portion of the print job. A fuser heating element temperature is controlled according to the image density.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printer including a transfer roller having a first movable spacer for temporarily creating a gap between the transfer roller and a photo conductor.

Abstract: An anti-fraud pull tab system for removable protective barriers in print cartridges and other modular components used in printers, copiers and other image forming devices. The pull tab includes a pull ring and a use indicator. The use indicator blocks a substantial portion of the finger hole in the pull ring so that the use indicator is broken out, damaged or disfigured when the pull tab is used to remove the protective barrier. The disfigured pull tab indicates the protective barrier has been used, thus making it difficult for a counterfeiter to successfully re-use or reform the protective barrier and resell the cartridge as a new cartridge. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a pull tab assembly includes a pull tab and an identifying tape. The tape secures the pull tab to the print cartridge. Affixed to the tape is a use indicator that will permanently adhere to the print cartridge when the identifying tape is removed from the cartridge.

Abstract: The first embodiment of an electrophotographic component cleaning apparatus includes a sheet of cleaning media, formed from a material such as felt, cloth or abrasive impregnated plastic fibers. Attached to the cleaning media is a retaining device. Preferably, the retaining device includes a plastic tab bonded to the sheet of cleaning media. Attached to the plastic tab is a plastic strap with an adhesive located on the free end. For use, the cleaning media is inserted into the print media path of the printer with the plastic strap looped around any conveniently protruding feature inside the printer. The rotation of the drum against the cleaning media results in the removal of contaminants. A second embodiment of an electrophotographic component cleaning apparatus includes an oversized cleaning roller which is installed into the printer in place of the transfer roller. A reservoir pivotally attached to the shaft of the cleaning roller contains cleaning fluid which is absorbed into the cleaning roller.

Abstract: A toner detecting system includes an image forming apparatus having a toner reservoir. A toner sensor of the system has a toner sensing element positioned to detect toner amount within the toner reservoir. A pixel counter of the system is configured to count pixels used when forming images. A processor of the system associates counted pixels with previous toner use. The associated counted pixels and previous toner use cooperate to enable enhanced toner level characterization of remaining available toner level. A method for detecting toner level within a toner-reservoir of an image forming device according to the toner detecting system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for refilling an electrophotographic imaging system. A refill pack is constructed around a frame. A collapsible bag, which is permanently attached to the top of the frame, along with a removable seal, which is attached to the bottom of the frame, defines an internal volume that contains the developer particles. The refill pack attaches to a receiving area on the cartridge. A new cartridge includes a flexible cover attached over an opening in the receiving area. Once the refill pack is attached to the receiving area, the removable seal is removed. As the removable seal is removed, a cutting edge on the removable seal cuts the flexible cover, opening the cartridge. Removal of the removable seal also releases the developer particles from the internal volume, allowing them to enter the cartridge thereby refilling the cartridge. Additional refill packs may be added over the top of a spent refill pack. However, the receiving area of the cartridge allows a maximum number of refill packs.