Abstract: The described arrangements and procedures pertain to configuring image forming devices to form images on various types of print media. Specifically, an imaging device sense data from a sheet of print media independent of whether a media marking comprising the data is imprinted on an edge or a face of a sheet of print media. The sensed media marking includes media parameter information corresponding to the sheet of print media. The imaging device retrieves the media parameter information from the sensed media marking to configure imaging operations.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus that judges the type of sheet by using an image pickup device, it is possible to read an image which does not blur and is excellent in precision even if the shutter period of time of the image pickup device is made long, and even in the case of providing a plurality of sheet feeding parts, it is possible to judge the type of sheet more inexpensively. An image read sensor, which is disposed downstream of a junction of a deck and a recording material tray and upstream of a pair of registration rollers on the transport path for the recording material, reads the image within a light irradiated region of the recording material by irradiating a light onto the surface of the recording material when the recording material which is fed to the transport path stops, and sets an image formation condition in accordance with a read output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to prevent a transfer roller from being contaminated by toner in an image forming system, the method comprising setting a print region for a scanning operation according to a comparison result between a previous paper size in a paper cassette and a paper size in a driver; determining a current paper size in the paper cassette based on a time when front and rear ends of the paper are detected by a paper feeding sensor; comparing the current paper size in the paper cassette with the paper size in the driver; and if the paper size in the driver size is larger than the paper size in the paper cassette and the print region for the previous paper size in the paper cassette has not been set, determining a separation time of a transfer roller from a transfer belt in consideration of a delay time when the transfer roller is mechanically separated from the transfer belt after a separation command is applied to the transfer roller.

Abstract: Systems and procedures are described to automatically configure an imaging device to form images on sheets of print media that are loaded in the imaging device. To accomplish this, the imaging device reads, or senses a single marking from at least one side of the sheet of print media. The marking includes data; the data provides orientation information with respect to how the print sheet is loaded in the imaging device. The data further includes a set of media parameter information corresponding to the sheet of print media. The imaging device configures itself to form images on the sheet of print media based on at least a portion of the sensed data from the sheet of print media.

Abstract: An articulated flag member arrangement detects bi-directional passage of an object. In embodiments, the articulated flag member arrangement comprises a first flag member and a second flag member wherein the first and second flag members interact with each other to detect bi-directional passage of an object, for example, using the same sensor.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus has a medium storage cartridge mounted in the image formation apparatus and a medium size detection device attached to the image formation apparatus. The medium storage cartridge has a medium back end stopper and a protrusion part. In a state in which the medium storage cartridge is mounted in the image formation apparatus, protruding protrusions of the protrusion part press a medium size detector and the medium size detector makes contact with through holes provided in a substrate and a medium size is detected by voltage states of the through holes.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a medium width detector and a controller that controls the medium width detector. The medium width detector detects a width of a page of print medium. The controller selects one of a plurality of medium cassettes and controls the medium width detector accordingly. When a predetermined condition is detected, the controller controls the medium width detector to detect the width of the page of print medium. The predetermined conditions include, for example, (1) when a printing operation is performed for the first time after power up of the apparatus; (2) when print data has not been received for a predetermined time length after a last reception of print data; (3) printing is performed for the first time after failure of transport of print medium occurs, a medium feeding mode is switched, and (4) when a print job is received.

Abstract: An image formation device having a paper feed member which separates on a one-by-one basis sheets taken out of a paper feed tray by a take-out roller and feeds the separated sheets downstream in a sheet carrying direction; an upstream side sheet carrying path which the sheets are carried to an image recording position and which has a sheet size detecting path; an image recording member which records an image; a downstream side sheet carrying path which carries recorded sheets to an eject tray; and a sheet inverting path for inverting one side recorded sheets, and further having a sheet returning path for returning one side recorded sheets to the upstream side sheet carrying path; a sheet size detecting part which detects sheet sizes; an image magnification computing part which computes an image magnification, and an image recording member drive data output part which supplies image recording member drive data.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus having a document feeder for taking up a document from a document bundle placed on a document tray, a controller has a normal mode to perform a normal-size conveyance control by taking up each document from a bundle of documents having the same size, a multi-size mode to perform a multi-size conveyance control by taking up each document from a bundle of documents having various sizes. When the normal mode is carried out, the controller controls to stop the document after the first preset time passes after the trailing edge of the document has been detected, and when multi-size mode is carried out, the controller controls in place of using the first preset time by the second preset time which is set to be a longer time than the first preset time.

Abstract: A recording apparatus having a discriminating unit for discriminating the type of a recording medium loaded on a loading unit. The discriminating unit discriminates the type of a subsequent recording medium responsive to the previous recording medium being fed by a predetermined length during recording of the previous recording medium. The recording apparatus also includes a sensor for detecting the trailing edge of the recording medium. The recording apparatus confirms whether image data for recording on the subsequent recording medium is stored before or after detection of the trailing edge of the previous recording medium.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for preventing a transfer roller from being contaminated by toner in an image forming system, the method comprising determining a size of paper based on a time when front and rear ends of the paper are detected by a paper feeding sensor; comparing a size of an image formed on a photosensitive drum with the size of the paper; and if the size of the paper is the same as or smaller than the size of the image, determining a separation time of a transfer roller from a transfer belt in consideration of a delay time when the transfer roller is mechanically separated from the transfer belt after a separation command is applied to the transfer roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: a discrimination circuit for detecting a conveying load at a time a sheet, on which an image is to be formed, is conveyed through a curved conveying path, for discriminating a thickness of the sheet based on a detected value of the conveying load, and for generating a process control signal in order to carry out a process control suitable for the thickness of the sheet based on the discriminated thickness; and a process control circuit for carrying out the process control suitable for the thickness of the sheet in response to the process control signal received.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hole-punching processor that forms punched-holes, for binding sheets into a file, on the sheets, which are ejected after images are formed on them from an image forming apparatus such as, for example, a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine or a compound machine thereof. The hole-punching processor forms a punched-hole on a sheet residing in a conveying path for conveying the sheet through the hole-punching processor. The hole-punching processor includes a hole-punching device being movable in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the sheet and a sheet-edge detector to detect a side-edge of the sheet in a direction parallel to the conveyance direction of the sheet. The hole-punching device moves with the sheet-edge detector to a center of the sheet, based on positional information of the side-edge detected by the sheet-edge detector, to punch a hole in the sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a recording sheet type detection device to automatically detect a type of a recording sheet. A setting device sets an image forming condition by an operator. The image forming condition includes the type of the recording sheet. An image forming device forms a visible image on the recording sheet. A sheet feeding device feeds the recording sheet to the image forming device. A controller controls the image forming apparatus not to form an image on the recording sheet when the image forming condition with regard to the type of the recording sheet set by the operator does not match the type of the recording sheet detected by the recording sheet type detection device.

Abstract: When operating in a photocopier mode a first tray is first selected, and a second tray is then selected if there is no recording medium in the first tray. If recording medium is in the second tray but the size of the recording medium is not the same as the size of the recording medium loaded to the first tray, a notice indicating a size change is presented and recording is completed only if the user approves the size change using an operating panel.

Abstract: An image forming device prints on specialty media comprising a first and second area having different media properties. The device prints on the first area at a first transfer voltage level selected in response to a media property of the first area. The device prints on the second area at a second transfer voltage level selected in response to a media property of the second area. The device changes from the first transfer voltage level to the second transfer voltage level when a predetermined location on the specialty media, on which no image is formed, is within the transfer nip.

Abstract: Current density to copy substrates of varying widths if monitored and controlled in the electrostatic transfer unit of an electrostatic reproduction device. Current density through a copy substrate is appropriately adjusted to compensate for the presence of end leakage current effect to a receptor. Voltage supplied to a current generation unit in an electrostatic transfer unit is controlled independent of the characteristic properties of the copy substrate. Image reproduction quality is maintained in an electrostatic reproduction device even as the width of the copy substrate changes and in the presence of end leakage current effect.

Abstract: A paper whose width is to be detected is placed on a base. Two limiting members that can move towards or away from each other are situated on the two sides of the paper. The limiting members are moved to make a physical contact with the side of the paper. In this state, a rotation angle detection sensor detects an angle based on positions of the limiting members and outputs a signal based on the angle and an auxiliary sensor judges presence or absence of the limiting members in a certain range and outputs a signal. A width detection sensor detects the width of the paper based on the signals output from the rotation angle detection sensor and the auxiliary sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the efficiency of a vacuum-assisted, fuser entrance guide in a marking engine by varying the vacuum on the guide as a sheet of marking medium moves thereacross wherein a low vacuum is applied on the guide while the sheet of marking medium is being transported across the guide solely by the vacuum transport and is then increased once the lead edge of the sheet enters the nip between the fuser rollers and the sheet becomes driven by the more powerful force of the fuser rollers. The higher vacuum provides a greater attraction force on the sheet, which, in turn, prevents the trail edge of the sheet from sagging or drooping from the guide's surface.

Abstract: A sheet-thickness detector device has a sheet guide with a sheet-guide surface for guiding a sheet between a magnetic field sensor and a magnetic guide element. The magnetic field sensor, having an approach-guide plane disposed upstream in a sheet conveying direction for guiding the sheet to a detection surface, comes into direct contact with the sheet. By the structure mentioned above, the thickness of a sheet is detected so as to determine sheet double feeding and the like without producing sheet jamming.

Abstract: A medium thickness detecting apparatus detects the thickness of a recording medium. A displacement section is disposed in a transport path through which a recording medium passes. When the recording medium passes the displacement section, the displacement section displaces in a direction substantially normal to the surface of a recording medium. An amplifying section amplifies a displacement of the displacement section by a predetermined factor. A thickness determining section outputs a signal representative of an amplified value of the displacement. The displacement section may be one of two rollers between which the recording medium passes, and displaces upward when the recording medium passes between the two rollers. Alternatively, the displacement section my be positioned to sit on a stage provided in the transport path such that the displacement section is pushed away from the stage when the recording medium passes between the displacement section and the surface.

Abstract: A sheet size detection apparatus including, a sheet stacking device on which sheets are stacked and which can be loaded into and unloaded from a loading portion, a sheet size selection member provided on the sheet stacking device, a position of the sheet size selection member being changeable in accordance with a size of stacked sheets, a sheet size detection device provided on the loading portion for detecting the sheet size based on a relative positional relationship with the sheet size selection member, a locking member that can lock the sheet size selection member, and an unlock member for releasing a locking operation of the locking member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which is capable of forming images on recording materials of various types and sizes. The image forming apparatus includes a storing member for storing recording materials having an arbitrary size, a size-information input device for inputting size information corresponding to the arbitrary size of the recording materials, and a controller for controlling an image forming operation according to the size information inputted by the size-information input device. The size information input by the size-information input device includes each of arbitrary values corresponding to longitudinal and lateral lengths of the recording materials.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to continue paper feed operation from another paper feed stage and shorten the operation stop time without stopping paper feed operation even when paper sheets run out during paper feed operation of index sheets, and obtain an output result intended by the user by inhibiting ACC between paper feed stages with different index numbers.

Abstract: For performing double-side printing, an image forming apparatus forms an image on one side of a sheet and then reverses the sheet if the sheet has not been reversed, forms an image on the other side of the sheet and then reverses the sheet if the sheet has been reversed once, and performs idle conveyance in which an image is not formed on a sheet and then discharges the sheet if the sheet has been reversed twice. According to the image forming apparatus and a method of forming an image by this apparatus, procedures of image formation by a user can be prevented from becoming troublesome and the sheets can be discharged in order of the originals.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a printing device comprises a printer configured to print upon paper, a surface-engaging member associated with the printer and configured to physically engage a paper surface, the surface-engaging member comprising a flexure material body that is supported in a cantilevered disposition proximate a piece of paper to be printed upon by the printer, a reflective member joined with the surface-engaging member, one or more light sources in operable proximity to the reflective member and configured to project light energy toward the reflective member, and a position detector mounted in operable proximity to the reflective member and configured to receive light energy that is reflected from the reflective member, the surface-engaging member being configured for displacement by the paper's surface in accordance with variations in the roughness of the surface sufficiently so that light that is reflected by the reflective member and received by the position detector can be utilized to ascertain a me

Abstract: A system to detect if the positions of a tray's sheet guides have been changed while the tray has been open includes a spring loaded stud in the tray that is pushed and locked into an ‘in’ position every time the tray is pushed in. When the tray is pulled out, if the size guides are moved, the spring-loaded stud is released by a linkage mechanism from the guides to the stud. The stud actuates a sensor flag, and as the tray is pushed home, a sensor checks the flag and a control system subsequently deduces whether the guides have been moved.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a medium width detector and a controller that controls the medium width detector. The medium width detector detects a width of a page of print medium. The controller selects one of a plurality of medium cassettes and controls the medium width detector accordingly. When a predetermined condition is detected, the controller controls the medium width detector to detect the width of the page of print medium. The predetermined conditions include, for example, (1) when a printing operation is performed for the first time after power up of the apparatus; (2) when print data has not been received for a predetermined time length after a last reception of print data; (3) printing is performed for the first time after failure of transport of print medium occurs, a medium feeding mode is switched, and (4) when a print job is received.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which is capable of forming images on recording materials of various types and sizes. The image forming apparatus includes a storing member for storing recording materials having an arbitrary size, a size-information input device for inputting size information corresponding to the arbitrary size of the recording materials, and a controller for controlling an image forming operation according to the size information inputted by the size-information input device. The size information input by the size-information input device includes each of arbitrary values corresponding to longitudinal and lateral lengths of the recording materials.

Abstract: A printing apparatus and a printing method capable of preventing stacks of printed sheets from falling apart which can occur when continuously printing stacks of sheets of different sheet sizes. A printing press is controlled to suspend printing for removal of printed sheets, to change the storage destination of the printed sheets or to change printing order, based on a result of sequential or simultaneous comparisons between print sizes of a plurality of print data and a previously determined permissible limit.

Abstract: In a thermal developing method for continuously and thermally developing thermal developing sheets which have a latent image formed thereon by exposure and various sizes, a minimum temperature recovery time required for thermally developing a next thermal developing sheet is determined from physical information about a thermally developed sheet, and the next thermal developing sheet is started to be developed after the minimum temperature recovery time passes.

Abstract: An imaging media handling system is described in the context of an imaging system adapted and constructed to form images on imaging media of differing sizes and materials. The imaging system includes a magazine adapted and constructed to retain stacks of imaging media for infeeding into an image forming mechanism within the imaging system. A resealable imaging media package is provided to hold a stack of imaging media. An imaging media package retaining mechanism is associated with the magazine of the imaging system. The resealable imaging media package is loaded into, and retained within, the magazine, making the imaging media within the package available for infeeding into the image forming mechanism. A method for loading and containing sheets of imaging media in an image forming mechanism within an imaging system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a recording sheet type detection device to automatically detect a type of a recording sheet. A setting device sets an image forming condition by an operator. The image forming condition includes the type of the recording sheet. An image forming device forms a visible image on the recording sheet. A sheet feeding device feeds the recording sheet to the image forming device. A controller controls the image forming apparatus not to form an image on the recording sheet when the image forming condition with regard to the type of the recording sheet set by the operator does not match the type of the recording sheet detected by the recording sheet type detection device.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printer including at least one paper feeder, a printing unit, a feed roller, and an overhead projector paper detector. The at least one paper feeder loads recording media. The printing unit transfers a toner image formed according to an electrophotographic method to the recording media fed from the paper feeder and applies heat and pressure to the recording media so that the toner image is fixed and fused to the recording media. The feed roller is installed between paper feeder and the printing unit and advances the recording media fed from the paper feeder to the printing unit. The overhead projector paper detector is installed between the feed roller and the printing unit to determine whether the recording media are OHP papers. Accordingly, even though recording media are fed from a plurality of cassettes, only one OHP paper detector can detect OHP papers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging system and method having a media stack component measuring system for identifying media characteristics. The imaging system includes a printer engine. A printer control system is in communication with the printer engine. A media holder is provided for holding a media stack including a plurality of sheets. A media stack component sensing system is provided which provides an output signal having a thickness component representative of sheet thickness of the sheets in the media stack.

Abstract: A sheet size detection apparatus including, a sheet stacking device on which sheets are stacked and which can be loaded into and unloaded from a loading portion, a sheet size selection member provided on the sheet stacking device, a position of the sheet size selection member being changeable in accordance with a size of stacked sheets, a sheet size detection device provided on the loading portion for detecting the sheet size based on a relative positional relationship with the sheet size selection member, a locking member that can lock the sheet size selection member, and an unlock member for releasing a locking operation of the locking member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which is capable of forming images on recording materials of various types and sizes. The image forming apparatus includes a storing member for storing recording materials having an arbitrary size, a size-information input device for inputting size information corresponding to the arbitrary size of the recording materials, and a controller for controlling an image forming operation according to the size information inputted by the size-information input device. The size information input by the size-information input device includes each of arbitrary values corresponding to longitudinal and lateral lengths of the recording materials.

Abstract: A sheet reversing and discharging device of the present invention conveys each of a tab sheet and an ordinary sheet in a particular manner. Before a tab sheet enters a reversal tray, a drive roller is driven in the reverse direction while a driven roller is lowered into contact with the drive roller beforehand. The drive roller and driven roller pull in the tab sheet in the direction of conveyance until the tab of the tab sheet moves away from the tip of a path selector. The drive roller and driven roller surely convey the tab sheet to the reversal tray after the tab has moved away from the above tip. Whether or not the tab has moved away from the tip is determined on the basis of a period of time elapsed since a sheet sensor adjoining the inlet of the device has sensed the trailing edge of the tab sheet.

Abstract: When a menu of “SHEET SIZE SETTING” is chosen, a main CPU scans a non-fixed-sized sheet once, and takes in a scanned image. Based on the taken-in image, the main CPU detects the size of the sheet and sets the sheet size of a selected sheet cassette. The main CPU controls image formation using the non-fixed-sized sheet set in the sheet cassette.

Abstract: A sheet-thickness detector device has a sheet guide with a sheet-guide surface for guiding a sheet between a magnetic field sensor and a magnetic guide element. The magnetic field sensor, having an approach-guide plane disposed upstream in a sheet conveying direction for guiding the sheet to a detection surface, comes into direct contact with the sheet. By the structure mentioned above, the thickness of a sheet is detected so as to determine sheet double feeding and the like without producing sheet jamming.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus including a paper feeding unit for selectively feeding color papers, each of which is assigned by an operation unit, and a controlling device, for controlling storing an assigned color paper data and an image data into a storage device, and for controlling selecting the same color paper when the image data is again output from the storage device. Therefore, the same image data can be automatically output to the same color paper.

Abstract: A printer in which the speed at which the recording medium is loaded into the printer prior to printing, at which the recording medium is moved through the printer during printing, and at which the recording medium is ejected from the printer after printing, are automatically selected based upon existing print modes and printing-related conditions, and which provides for concurrent pre-printing processes and tasks to occur during the loading of the recording medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sheet feeding section for feeding a sheet, and a sheet transportation path defining a transportation path for the sheet fed by the sheet feeding section. An image formation section may be provided so as to form an image. The image formation section may include a photo-conductive member arranged in the sheet transportation path. A fixing section may be provided so as to fix a toner image transferred onto the sheet from the photo-conductive member with heating and pressure rollers. A sheet type recognition device may be provided so as to set information related to a sheet type that is selected by an operator. A sheet linear velocity control device may also be provided so as to change a sheet linear velocity of the feeding section in accordance with the sheet type in order to create relaxation of the sheet.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus that judges the type of sheet by using an image pickup device, it is possible to read an image which does not blur and is excellent in precision even if the shutter period of time of the image pickup device is made long, and even in the case of providing a plurality of sheet feeding parts, it is possible to judge the type of sheet more inexpensively. An image read sensor, which is disposed downstream of a junction of a deck and a recording material tray and upstream of a pair of registration rollers on the transport path for the recording material, reads the image within a light irradiated region of the recording material by irradiating a light onto the surface of the recording material when the recording material which is fed to the transport path stops, and sets an image formation condition in accordance with a read output.

Abstract: To provide a recording-material type determination apparatus and recording-material type determination method which can determine the type of recording material using simple calculations as well as to provide an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining stable image quality independent of the type of recording material using the apparatus and method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in detecting unacceptable input media, the apparatus including a contacting element configured to engage input media during a feed operation such that the contacting element may selectively adhere to unacceptable input media and move with such unacceptable input media during the feed operation. The apparatus also includes a sensor configured to identify displacement of the contacting element, such displacement being indicative of unacceptable input media.

Abstract: A system to detect if the positions of a tray's sheet guides have been changed while the tray has been open includes a spring loaded stud in the tray that is pushed and locked into an ‘in’ position every time the tray is pushed in. When the tray is pulled out, if the size guides are moved, the spring-loaded stud is released by a linkage mechanism from the guides to the stud. The stud actuates a sensor flag, and as the tray is pushed home, a sensor checks the flag and a control system subsequently deduces whether the guides have been moved.

Abstract: When a menu of “SHEET SIZE SETTING” is chosen, a main CPU scans a non-fixed-sized sheet once, and takes in a scanned image. Based on the taken-in image, the main CPU detects the size of the sheet and sets the sheet size of a selected sheet cassette. The main CPU controls image formation using the non-fixed-sized sheet set in the sheet cassette.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which forms images on both a concavo-convex sheet having a concavo-convex surface on which is formed many concavities capable of receiving toner and from which toner can be removed, and a general-purpose sheet which is not specially processed. The image forming apparatus has a first mode for forming an image on a general-purpose sheet, and a second mode for forming an image on a concavo-convex sheet. In the first mode, a general-purpose sheet receives a transferred toner image in the image forming region, and thereafter is guided to a fixing unit, where the toner is fixed on the sheet. In the second mode, a concavo-convex sheet receives a transferred toner image in the image forming region, and thereafter does not pass through the fixing unit but is guided to a convexity cleaning unit, where toner adhered to the convexities of the concavo-convex sheet during transfer is removed.

Abstract: A dual cam set transfer assist blade system comprising (a) a first set of cam and blade assemblies mounted on a rotatable shaft and each including a cam having a single lobe for rotation in a first direction to cause engagement of a first set of transfer assist blade segments corresponding to a first set of sheet widths, and (b) a second set of cam and blade also assemblies mounted on the rotatable shaft and each including a cam having a first lobe for rotation in a first direction to cause engagement of a second set of transfer assist blade segments corresponding to said first set of sheet widths, and a second lobe for rotation in a second direction to cause engagement of said second set of transfer assist blade segments corresponding to a second set of sheet widths.