Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for monitoring of one or more machines or devices, such as washers and dryers, for a change of state and indicating when the change of state has occurred. In one aspect, the system comprises a monitor and alert unit which generates a signal indicative of the change of the state of the machine or device being monitored and a device or system to produce an alert notification based upon the signal. The monitor and alert unit includes an operational state sensor, a signal conditioner, and a comparator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for monitoring of one or more machines or devices, such as washers and dryers, for a change of state and indicating when the change of state has occurred. In one aspect, the system comprises a monitor and alert unit which generates a signal indicative of the change of the state of the machine or device being monitored and a device or system to produce an alert notification based upon the signal. The monitor and alert unit includes an operational state sensor, a signal conditioner, and a comparator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for monitoring operational cycles of one or more appliances, such as washers and dryers, and remotely indicating when such operating cycles have terminated. In one aspect, the present invention provides an appliance or machine monitoring system. The system includes a monitor and transmitter unit configured to monitor an operation cycle of an appliance or machine and transmit a wireless signal upon completion of the operation cycle. The monitor and transmitter unit includes an operation cycle sensor, a signal conditioner, a comparator, and a wireless transmitter broadcasting a wireless signal based upon the signal generated by the comparator. The system further includes a portable receiver and alert unit configured to receive signals generated by the wireless transmitter and generate a signal indicative of completion of an operation cycle of an appliance or machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for monitoring operational cycles of one or more appliances, such as washers and dryers, and remotely indicating when such operating cycles have terminated. In one aspect, the present invention provides an appliance or machine monitoring system. The system includes a monitor and transmitter unit configured to monitor an operation cycle of an appliance or machine and transmit a wireless signal upon completion of the operation cycle. The monitor and transmitter unit includes an operation cycle sensor, a signal conditioner, a comparator, and a wireless transmitter broadcasting a wireless signal based upon the signal generated by the comparator. The system further includes a portable receiver and alert unit configured to receive signals generated by the wireless transmitter and generate a signal indicative of completion of an operation cycle of an appliance or machine.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced by service personnel. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. A distribution board electronically accesses the memories within the monitors and reads therefrom information, such as how much voltage to supply to different components within each module. The distribution board can also update the number of prints made with each module, and maintain this count within the monitors.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced by service personnel. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. A distribution board electronically accesses the memories within the monitors and reads therefrom information, such as how much voltage to supply to different components within each module. The distribution board can also update the number of prints made with each module, and maintain this count within the monitors.

Abstract: A xerographic system (8) includes a moving photoreceptor (10) and multiple toner development systems (12, 14) arranged to selectively dispose regions of toner on the moving photoreceptor. A toner density sensor (40) is arranged to measure toner density on the moving photoreceptor over a sensor area (A). A toner coverage monitor (64) operatively connected with the toner density sensor (40) monitors toner coverage based on measurements by the toner density sensor of toner coverage calibration regions disposed on the moving photoreceptor by the multiple toner development systems. A spatial registration monitor (66) also operatively connected with the toner density sensor (40) monitors spatial registration of the multiple toner development systems based on measurements by the toner density sensor of spatial registration calibration regions disposed on the moving photoreceptor by the multiple toner development systems.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced by service personnel. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. A distribution board electronically accesses the memories within the monitors and reads therefrom information, such as how much voltage to supply to different components within each module. The distribution board can also update the number of prints made with each module, and maintain this count within the monitors.

Abstract: A xerographic system (8) includes a moving photoreceptor (10) and multiple toner development systems (12, 14) arranged to selectively dispose regions of toner on the moving photoreceptor. A toner density sensor (40) is arranged to measure toner density on the moving photoreceptor over a sensor area (A). A toner coverage monitor (64) operatively connected with the toner density sensor (40) monitors toner coverage based on measurements by the toner density sensor of toner coverage calibration regions disposed on the moving photoreceptor by the multiple toner development systems. A spatial registration monitor (66) also operatively connected with the toner density sensor (40) monitors spatial registration of the multiple toner development systems based on measurements by the toner density sensor of spatial registration calibration regions disposed on the moving photoreceptor by the multiple toner development systems.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced by service personnel. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. A distribution board electronically accesses the memories within the monitors and reads therefrom information, such as how much voltage to supply to different components within each module. The distribution board can also update the number of prints made with each module, and maintain this count within the monitors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to calibrate a xerographic print engine toner concentration sensor to accurately control the toner concentration to a specified operating target. At least two control patches are imaged onto a photoreceptor. Each patch has a different voltage level where the voltage levels are the difference between the exposure discharge voltage and the developmental roll voltage. The relative reflectivity of each patches is obtained. The latent patches are repeatedly developed at different toner concentrations. The reflectivities of the patches formed at the same toner concentration are combined to obtain a combined reflectivity for that toner concentration. As a result, a toner concentration curve is obtained that has an improved response relative to the toner concentration curves that correspond to each of the individual voltage levels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to calibrate a xerographic print engine toner concentration sensor to accurately control the toner concentration to a specified operating target. At least two control patches are imaged onto a photoreceptor. Each patch has a different voltage level where the voltage levels are the difference between the exposure discharge voltage and the developmental roll voltage. The relative reflectivity of each patches is obtained. The latent patches are repeatedly developed at different toner concentrations. The reflectivities of the patches formed at the same toner concentration are combined to obtain a combined reflectivity for that toner concentration. As a result, a toner concentration curve is obtained that has an improved response relative to the toner concentration curves that correspond to each of the individual voltage levels.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced by service personnel. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. A distribution board electronically accesses the memories within the monitors and reads therefrom information, such as how much voltage to supply to different components within each module. The distribution board can also update the number of prints made with each module, and maintain this count within the monitors.

Abstract: A toner maintenance system for an electrophotographic developer unit, including a sump for storing a quantity of developer material comprised of toner material; a first member for transporting developer material from the sump, a viewing window, in communication with toner material, in the sump; an optical sensor, for measuring reflected light off the viewing window and toner material, and generating a signal indicative thereof. A toner concentration controller is adapted to receive a signal from the optical sensor and to generate an “Add Toner” signal to replenish toner material in the sump.

Abstract: A toner maintenance system for an electrophotographic developer unit, including a sump for storing a quantity of developer material a sump for storing a quantity of developer material comprised of toner material; a first member for transporting a mixture of developer material and toner particles from the sump, a viewing window, in communication with toner material, in the sump; an optical sensor, device for measuring reflected light off the viewing window and toner material, and generating a signal indicative thereof. A toner concentration controller is adapted to receive a signal from the sensor and to generate an “Add Toner” signal to replenish toner in the sump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to determine the use status of a customer replaceable unit (CRU) in an electrophotographic printing machine. The CRU has a customer replaceable unit monitor (CRUM) which communicates with the machine controller upon insertion of the CRU into the machine. Based on the signal generated by the CRUM the controller can determine whether the CRU has been previously used in the machine or is new. Appropriate settings and adjustments can be made based on predetermined parameters according to use. In addition, if a CRU is new a cycle can be initiated in which a toner patch is developed and not transferred so that a layer of toner is deposited on the cleaning blade. This minimizes damage to a photoreceptor belt due to lack of lubrication of the cleaner blade and chatter that may result therefrom.

Abstract: A method to provide a highly intelligent, automated diagnostic system that identifies the need to replace specific parts to minimize machine downtime rather than require extensive service troubleshooting. In particular, a systematic, logical test analysis scheme to assess machine operation from a simple sensor system and to be able to pinpoint parts and components needing replacement is provided by a series of first level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a first level of data and by a series of second level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a second level of data. Each of the first level tests and first level data is capable of identifying a first level of part failure independent of any other test. Each of the second level tests and second level data is a combination of first level tests and first level data or a combination of a first level test and first level data and a third level test and third level data.

Abstract: A method to provide a highly intelligent, automated diagnostic system that identifies the need to replace specific parts to minimize machine downtime rather than require extensive service troubleshooting. In particular, a systematic, logical test analysis scheme to assess machine operation from a simple sensor system and to be able to pinpoint parts and components needing replacement is provided by a series of first level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a first level of data and by a series of second level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a second level of data. Each of the first level tests and first level data is capable of identifying a first level of part failure independent of any other test. Each of the second level tests and second level data is a combination of first level tests and first level data or a combination of a first level test and first level data and a third level test and third level data.

Abstract: A method to provide a highly intelligent, automated diagnostic system that identifies the need to replace specific parts to minimize machine downtime rather than require extensive service troubleshooting. In particular, a systematic, logical test analysis scheme to assess machine operation from a simple sensor system and to be able to pinpoint parts and components needing replacement is provided by a series of first level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a first level of data and by a series of second level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a second level of data. Each of the first level tests and first level data is capable of identifying a first level of part failure independent of any other test. Each of the second level tests and second level data is a combination of first level tests and first level data or a combination of a first level test and first level data and a third level test and third level data.

Abstract: A method to provide a highly intelligent, automated diagnostic system that identifies the need to replace specific parts to minimize machine downtime rather than require extensive service troubleshooting. In particular, a systematic, logical test analysis scheme to assess machine operation from a simple sensor system and to be able to pinpoint parts and components needing replacement is provided by a series of first level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a first level of data and by a series of second level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a second level of data. Each of the first level tests and first level data is capable of identifying a first level of part failure independent of any other test. Each of the second level tests and second level data is a combination of first level tests and first level data or a combination of a first level test and first level data and a third level test and third level data.