Abstract: An optical micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switch is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the optical MEMS switch is used as an M×N optical signal switching system. The optical MEMS switch comprises a plurality of optical waveguides formed on a shuttle for switching optical states wherein the state of the optical switch is changed by a system of drive and latch actuators. The optical MEMS switch utilizes a latching mechanism in association with a thermal drive actuator for aligning the waveguide shuttle. In use the optical MEMS switch may be integrated with other optical components to form planar light circuits (PLCs). When switches and PLCs are integrated together on a silicon chip, compact higher functionality devices, such as Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers (ROADMs), may be fabricated.

Abstract: Methods for applying electrical stimuli to optical micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) devices are disclosed. Electrical stimuli may be applied to one or more released current carrying elements mounted above a supporting substrate biased to minimize electrostatic force between the one or more current released current carrying elements and the supporting substrate. Additionally, the electrical stimuli bias minimizes electrical potential difference between the one or more released current carrying elements and one or more non-current carrying elements mounted above the supporting substrate that come in contact or close proximity during operation of the one or more released current carrying elements.

Abstract: An optical micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switch is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the optical MEMS switch is used as an M×N optical signal switching system. The optical MEMS switch comprises a plurality of optical waveguides formed on a cantilever beam platform for switching optical states wherein the state of the optical switch is changed by a system of drive and latch actuators. The optical MEMS device utilizes a latching mechanism in association with a thermal drive actuator for aligning the cantilever beam platform. In use the optical MEMS device may be integrated with other optical components to form planar light circuits (PLCs). When switches and PLCs are integrated together on a silicon chip, compact higher functionality devices, such as Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers (ROADMs), may be fabricated.

Abstract: An inkjet printing system for printing custom colors is provided. An ink mixing station is also provided. The printing system includes multiple ink channels, an ink cartridge sensor for each channel, and a controller. A method for printing custom colors in a printing system with multiple ink cartridges is provided. In another embodiment, the printing system includes an in situ mixed ink channel for receiving two or more ink supply dispensers and a controller. The in situ mixed ink channel includes an supply dispenser sensor and supply valve member for each supply dispenser, a mixing reservoir, a pump motor, and a print head. A method for printing custom colors using an in situ mixed ink channel is provided. The station includes an in situ mixed ink channel and a controller. A method for mixing custom color inks and filling inkjet ink containers in the station is provided.

Abstract: A bistable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based system comprises a micromachined beam having a first stable state, in which the beam is substantially stress-free and has a specified non-linear shape, and a second stable state. The curved shape may comprises a simple curve or a compound curve. In embodiments, the boundary conditions for the beam are fixed boundary conditions, bearing boundary conditions, spring boundary conditions, or a combination thereof. The system may further comprise an actuator arranged to move the beam between the first and second stable states and a movable element that is moved between a first position and a second position in accordance with the movement of the beam between the first and second stable states. The actuator may comprise one of a thermal actuator, an electrostatic actuator, a piezoelectric actuator and a magnetic actuator. The actuator may further comprise a thermal impact actuator or a zippering electrostatic actuator.

Abstract: A bistable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based system comprises a micromachined beam having a first stable state, in which the beam is substantially stress-free and has a specified non-linear shape, and a second stable state. The curved shape may comprises a simple curve or a compound curve. In embodiments, the boundary conditions for the beam are fixed boundary conditions, bearing boundary conditions, spring boundary conditions, or a combination thereof. The system may further comprise an actuator arranged to move the beam between the first and second stable states and a movable element that is moved between a first position and a second position in accordance with the movement of the beam between the first and second stable states. The actuator may comprise one of a thermal actuator, an electrostatic actuator, a piezoelectric actuator and a magnetic actuator. The actuator may further comprise a thermal impact actuator or a zippering electrostatic actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing a latent image recorded on an imaging surface with toner, including: a developer housing including a reservoir for storing a supply of toner; a donor member for transporting toner on an outer surface of the donor member to a development zone; a purging system, adjacent to the donor member, for removing toner the donor member and the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting beam-to-beam spacing error on an image plane of a photoreceptor includes a controller which generates beam-to-beam spacing error corrections signals, a plurality of optical elements, each of which is adjustable and responsive to beam-to-beam spacing error correction signal and a gray level measurement device. The controller performs the beam-to-beam spacing error correction analysis, determining whether or not a correction is necessary, and if so, which optical element to adjust and the magnitude of adjustment. Enhanced toner area coverage sensors are used to detect the gray level of a toned area of raster scan line patterns at various locations across the photoreceptor image plane. By repeatedly evaluating the beam-to-beam spacing error during operation, the apparatus of the invention is able to correct beam-to-beam spacing errors that may develop during operation and does not permit residual errors to persist even after an initial correction has been implemented.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting beam-to-beam spacing error on an image plane of a photoreceptor includes a controller which generates beam-to-beam spacing error correction signals, a plurality of optical elements, each of which is adjustable and responsive to beam-to-beam spacing error correction signal and a gray level measurement device. The controller performs the beam-to-beam spacing error correction analysis, determining whether or not a correction is necessary, and if so, which optical element to adjust and the magnitude of adjustment. Enhanced toner area coverage sensors are used to detect the gray level of a toned area of raster scan line patterns at various locations across the photoreceptor image plane. By repeatedly evaluating the beam-to-beam spacing error during operation, the apparatus of the invention is able to correct beam-to-beam spacing errors that may develop during operation and does not permit residual errors to persist even after an initial correction has been implemented.

Abstract: An apparatus for non-interactive, dry powder development of electrostatic Images composed of solid areas and fine lines areas on an imageable surface including a housing containing developer material; a first magnetic roll, spaced a first predefined distance from the image, for transporting the developer material from the housing to develop solid areas of the image, the magnetic roll including an magnetic core and a cylindrical sleeve enclosing and rotating about the magnetic core; and a second magnetic roll, spaced a second predefined distance from the image, for transporting the developer material from the housing to develop fine line areas of the image, the magnetic roll including an magnetic core and a cylindrical sleeve enclosing and rotating about the magnetic core.