Abstract: This application generally relates to methods and systems for detecting spectrophotometer misalignment. In particular, the application may characterize the noise of a spectral measurement relative to a reference substrate known to exhibit a generally linear (flat) spectral output over a known spectrum. From the spectral measurement, a linear regression may be performed on a portion of the spectral output to determine a best fit line and a correlation of determination (“R-squared value”) may be determined correlated the measured data to the best fit line. Finally, the R squared value may be compared to a predetermined threshold R squared value to determine if the sensor is misaligned beyond an acceptable amount. If so, an alert may be generated.

Abstract: This application generally relates to methods and systems for detecting spectrophotometer misalignment. In particular, the application may characterize the noise of a spectral measurement relative to a reference substrate known to exhibit a generally linear (flat) spectral output over a known spectrum. From the spectral measurement, a linear regression may be performed on a portion of the spectral output to determine a best fit line and a correlation of determination (“R-squared value”) may be determined correlated the measured data to the best fit line. Finally, the R squared value may be compared to a predetermined threshold R squared value to determine if the sensor is misaligned beyond an acceptable amount. If so, an alert may be generated.

Abstract: A developer dispensing apparatus includes a coiled spring used as a slinky auger which is rotated through a developer mixture of toner and carrier beads for dispensing developer through a dispensing opening. The spring auger has a driven end attached to a gear shaft in such a manner that the axis of rotation of the auger is fixed relative to the shaft axis. As the spring auger rotates the tendency of the driven end to ride up on the carrier beads is prevented by the a centering yoke which drivingly connects the drive shaft and the slinky auger. The centering yoke fixes the axis of rotation of the auger so as to inhibit the riding up of the slinky auger on the carrier beads disposed on the bottom of the dispenser.

Abstract: A developer dispensing apparatus includes a coiled spring auger which is rotated through a developer bed in a direction to dispense developer through a dispensing opening. The spring auger has an unsupported free end which is non-fixedly placed over a hold down mechanism attached to one end of the developer housing and which projects inwardly into the toner bed. As the spring auger rotates a tendency of the free end to vertically rise from the developer is inhibited by making contact with the hold down mechanism. By proper configuration of the contacting surface of the hold down mechanism, a thumping or antibridging action is imparted to the toner by periodically causing the coiled end to wind and unwind storing and releasing energy along the developer bed length.