Abstract: Reducing variation in the surface temperature of an externally-heated fusing roller in an electrophotographic machine, the variation typically occurring during the beginning of a fusing run, by detecting the beginning of a fusing run and applying a modified fusing temperature set-point characteristic to the fusing roller. The mode of the electrophotographic machine is monitored to determine whether the machine has changed operating modes, and the application of the modified fusing temperature set-point characteristic to the fusing roller is ceased when the electrophotographic machine changes modes. The force with which the heating rollers engage the fusing roller is controlled within desired operating limits.

Abstract: A method and structure that tests a process control patch in an electrophotographic printer by observing/creating a beginning recording medium lead edge location, which establishes a references point on a transportation device. Next, the invention tracks the position of the transport mechanism within the printer by starting a counter triggered by the medium lead edge signal or a virtual medium lead edge signal. The invention then prints the process control patch on the transportation device. The invention identifies positions of the transportation device and process control patch locations once the process control patch passes through a densitometer sensor. The invention establishes a patch testing area determined by a calculated patch trigger point and user configurable sample window parameters. The difference between the threshold-detected leading edge and trailing edge represents the width of the process control patch. The invention tests the calculated patch width for accuracy.

Abstract: A method and structure that tests a process control patch in an electrophotographic printer by observing/creating a beginning recording medium lead edge location, which establishes a references point on a transportation device. Next, the invention tracks the position of the transport mechanism within the printer by starting a counter triggered by the medium lead edge signal or a virtual medium lead edge signal. The invention then prints the process control patch on the transportation device. The invention identifies positions of the transportation device and process control patch locations once the process control patch passes through a densitometer sensor. The invention establishes a patch testing area determined by a calculated patch trigger point and user configurable sample window parameters. The difference between the threshold-detected leading edge and trailing edge represents the width of the process control patch. The invention tests the calculated patch width for accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing a liquefied sample and weighing the sample are provided. The method includes providing a balance for weighing the sample, removably mounting a magnetic mixer having a drive mechanism on the balance, mounting a holder on the magnetic mixer, placing a sample container containing the liquefied sample and a magnet capable of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation under influence of the drive means on the holder, operating the drive mechanism and rotating the magnet thereby mixing the liquefied sample, and weighing the liquefied sample. The power source of an air-powered balance mixer is connected such that any external noise is isolated when the mixer is not in use. Air flow from a pressurized air source is channeled through a nozzle and collected by the intake port of the air mixer. The nozzle drives the mixer without actually touching the mixer or the balance.