Abstract: A method and system for carrying out an image-to-paper printer registration setup includes: using a printer undergoing registration setup, printing a test pattern on a sheet having reference targets within a printable region of the sheet; using a scanner, scanning the printed sheet to generate an image bitmap of the test pattern-bearing sheet larger than the sheet itself so that the image bitmap contains the sheet edges and measuring in numbers of pixels the distances between the reference targets and/or sheet edges using multiple swaths of the image bitmap itself as the measuring tool; and, using a processor and based on the measured distances, calculating error-associated adjustment values in millimeters to use to correct errors in the registration setup of the image-to-paper in the printer and transferring the error-associated adjustment values to the printer to perform adjustment of its setup actuators.

Abstract: A method for compensating misalignment errors associated with a laser beam in an electrophotographic (EP) device is disclosed. A first value and a second value of a time-of-flight of the laser beam are determined. The second value of the time-of-flight is associated with a current value of SOS time and EOS time of the laser beam. The second value of the time-of-flight of the laser beam is compared with the first value of the time-of-flight. A duty cycle of a fuser of the EP device is monitored. An average value of the duty cycle of the fuser for a predetermined time period is determined. One or more alignment conditions of the laser beam are adjusted based on at least one of the comparisons of the second value and the first value of the time-of-flight of the laser beam, and the determined average value of the duty cycle of the fuser.

Abstract: A method for compensating misalignment errors associated with a laser beam in an electrophotographic (EP) device is disclosed. A first value and a second value of a time-of-flight of the laser beam are determined. The second value of the time-of-flight is associated with a current value of SOS time and EOS time of the laser beam. The second value of the time-of-flight of the laser beam is compared with the first value of the time-of-flight. A duty cycle of a fuser of the EP device is monitored. An average value of the duty cycle of the fuser for a predetermined time period is determined. One or more alignment conditions of the laser beam are adjusted based on at least one of the comparisons of the second value and the first value of the time-of-flight of the laser beam, and the determined average value of the duty cycle of the fuser.

Abstract: A method and system for carrying out an image-to-paper printer registration setup includes: using a printer undergoing registration setup, printing a test pattern on a sheet having reference targets within a printable region of the sheet; using a scanner, scanning the printed sheet to generate an image bitmap of the test pattern-bearing sheet larger than the sheet itself so that the image bitmap contains the sheet edges and measuring in numbers of pixels the distances between the reference targets and/or sheet edges using multiple swaths of the image bitmap itself as the measuring tool; and, using a processor and based on the measured distances, calculating error-associated adjustment values in millimeters to use to correct errors in the registration setup of the image-to-paper in the printer and transferring the error-associated adjustment values to the printer to perform adjustment of its setup actuators.

Abstract: A single-pass color electrophotographic printer includes four imaging stations, yellow, cyan, magenta, and black, on a generally linear path. A toned image in each toner color is developed on an image bearing member or photoconductive drum. A plurality of electrically biased first transfer rollers associated with each imaging station is operative to transfer the developed images from the photoconductive drum to an intermediate transfer member (ITM) belt that travels sequentially past the imaging stations along the generally linear path in a first transfer operation. The image on the ITM belt is transferred to media at a second transfer operation at which the ITM belt passes through a nip between a backup roller and a further electrically biased transfer roller. A servo operation is used to set the voltages on the transfer rollers. Rollers at the second transfer are positioned to direct media downwardly out of the nip to a media transport belt and to a fuser assembly.

Abstract: An improved intermediate belt system (ITM module) is provided, which controls the lateral motion of the belt in the scan direction of an EP printer, without the use of edge reinforcements or other attachments added to the belt. The tracking system of this ITM module is passive, and maintains roll alignment/parallelism within a predetermined tolerance while also maintaining roll conicity-end flare to a predetermined maximum diametral variation over the roll to minimize the effect of external forces on the belt walk rate. The ITM module also provides angled tracking guides near the tension roll to control the lateral position of the belt; the position of these tracking guides is adjustable at time of manufacture to achieve the desired lateral belt position.

Abstract: A single-pass color electrophotographic printer includes four imaging stations, yellow, cyan, magenta, and black, on a generally linear path. A toned image in each toner color is developed on an image bearing member or photoconductive drum. A plurality of electrically biased first transfer rollers associated with each imaging station is operative to transfer the developed images from the photoconductive drum to an intermediate transfer member (ITM) belt that travels sequentially past the imaging stations along the generally linear path in a first transfer operation. The image on the ITM belt is transferred to media at a second transfer operation at which the ITM belt passes through a nip between a backup roller and a further electrically biased transfer roller. A servo operation is used to set the voltages on the transfer rollers. Rollers at the second transfer are positioned to direct media downwardly out of the nip to a media transport belt and to a fuser assembly.

Abstract: An improved intermediate belt system (ITM module) is provided, which controls the lateral motion of the belt in the scan direction of an EP printer, without the use of edge reinforcements or other attachments added to the belt. The tracking system of this ITM module is passive, and maintains roll alignment/parallelism within a predetermined tolerance while also maintaining roll conicity-end flare to a predetermined maximum diametral variation over the roll to minimize the effect of external forces on the belt walk rate. The ITM module also provides angled tracking guides near the tension roll to control the lateral position of the belt; the position of these tracking guides is adjustable at time of manufacture to achieve the desired lateral belt position.