Abstract: Parallel printing systems and methods incorporate inverter assemblies for not only inverting media during transport through the system but also to register the media or provide a velocity buffer transports with different drive velocities. The inverter assemblies can include the capability to optionally deskew the media and provide lateral registration corrections. The inverter assembly nip rollers are sufficiently spaced from process drive nip rollers to decouple a document in the inverter assembly from the highway paths. The method comprises combining the inverting function selectively with either the registering or the velocity buffering functions.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus is provided with a sheet stacking device for stacking sheets thereon, a sheet feeding device for feeding the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking device, and a heating device for heating the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking device. The heating device is designed such that of the heat generating areas of the heating device, the heating value of the heat generating area for the central portion of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking device is greater than the heating values of the other heat generating areas.

Abstract: A surface treatment apparatus which can efficiently form fine depressions and protrusions on a sheet selected from an inkjet sheet, a thermosensitive recording sheet, a heat developing sheet, an electrophotographic sheet, and a silver halide photographic sheet, and an image-forming apparatus incorporating this surface treatment apparatus, are provided. For this purpose, a surface treatment apparatus incorporating a sheet heating unit which heats a sheet having at least a thermoplastic resin layer, and a sheet depression and protrusion-forming unit disposed on the downstream process side of the sheet heating unit which forms depressions and protrusions on the thermoplastic resin layer, is provided.

Abstract: A printer includes a transport path, a processing unit, a plurality of transport abnormality detection, a transport page state judgment unit, and a recovery printing control unit. A paper is continuously transported along the transport path. The transport path is divided into a plurality of transport sections in the middle of the processing unit. The transport abnormality detection units detect transport abnormality of the paper in the transport sections, respectively. The transport page state judgment unit judges state of the paper in each of transport sections. When one of the transport abnormality detection units detects the transport abnormality of the paper in one of the transport sections, the recovery printing control unit sets content of a transported page of the paper present in the one of the transport sections and content of a page following to the transported page as contents to be printed thereafter, and resumes printing.

Abstract: Parallel printing systems include first and second adjacent electronic printers and at least one sheet bypass section extending around the second electronic printer to provide a sheet transporting path overlying the second electronic printer and bypassing the second electronic printer. The sheet bypass section includes an output for merging printed sheets from the first electronic printer with printed sheets printed by the second electronic printer. The output preferably comprises a intermediate transport section having a first input aligned with the output of the bypass section and a second input aligned with the output of the second electronic printer.

Abstract: A sheet-feeding device for separating sheets stored in a sheet storage unit by blowing air heated by a heater toward the sheets includes a controller which detects an abnormality when a heater temperature does not reach a first predetermined temperature within a predetermined time. The controller continues to control the heater temperature but stops determining whether or not the heater temperature is increased to the first predetermined temperature within the predetermined time when it is detected that the sheet storage unit is in an open state.

Abstract: A method and device for moving media sheets along a media path. In one embodiment, the media path comprises a metering nip, at least one transfer nip downstream from the metering nip, and a feed nip upstream from the metering nip. The feed nip moves the media sheet initially at a faster speed than the metering nip. This speed variation causes a buckle to form in the media sheet that aligns the leading edge. The media sheet is then moved from the metering nip into the transfer nip. The metering nip may move the media sheet at a faster speed than the transfer nip again forming a buckle in the media sheet. As the media sheet is moved through the transfer nip, it is tacked to a transfer belt such that it moves consistently through the remaining downstream transfer nips.

Abstract: A full-color electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention is configured such that a toner image is formed on an intermediate transfer member. The intermediate transfer member is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the softening start temperature of resin contained in a liquid toner and equal to or lower than the withstand temperature of a photoconductor member. A carrier-removing roller to which bias can be applied abuts the intermediate transfer member so as to remove a carrier while packing softened toner by the force of an electric field induced by bias. In a transfer section for transfer to a printing medium, a backup roller presses the printing medium against the intermediate transfer member, and the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer member to the printing medium. Before being pressed against the toner image on the intermediate transfer member, the printing medium is heated.

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: A sheet feeding apparatus is provided with a sheet stacking device for stacking sheets thereon, a sheet feeding device for feeding the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking device, and a heating device for heating the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking device. The heating device is designed such that of the heat generating areas of the heating device, the heating value of the heat generating area for the central portion of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking device is greater than the heating values of the other heat generating areas.

Abstract: A static control device suitable for printers, copiers and the like is disclosed with a manufacturing method therefor. A carrier strip of non-metallic, electrically conductive material, such as plastic, is provided with a plurality of spaced bundles of electrically conductive filaments. The bundles extend beyond the carrier strip, in close proximity to media transported along a media path. In the presence of electrical fields, the filaments induce ionization, and establish a conductive path for charges on the media to the carrier strip for grounding. A strand is attached across the bundles, for improving the structural integrity of the device.

Abstract: A manual paper feeding apparatus comprises a tray for manual paper feeding, a paper feed roller to feed the paper fed manually from the tray, a separation roller which is pressed to contact the paper feed roller, rotated at the pressed contact position in the direction reverse to the paper feed roller, and separates the sheets of paper one by one, a power transmission device to transmit power to the paper feed roller and separation roller, and a reversing device which is provided in the power transmission device, and rotates the paper feed roller in the direction reverse to the paper feeding direction, based on that the paper fed between the paper feed roller and separation roller is pulled in the direction reverse to the manual feeding direction.

Abstract: To regulate the gloss on a print material, and avoid excess release oil, the properties of the fusing medium are measured, and the gloss on the print material is determined on the basis of the measured properties of the fusing medium.

Abstract: An image-forming system such as a copying machine or a printer with electrophotography. The image-forming system includes an image-creating unit, a fixing unit, a medium conveyance path, and a surface modification unit. The image-creating unit has an image-forming region and forms an image on a medium. The fixing unit fixes the image formed by the image-creating unit on the medium. The medium conveyance path extends to the image-forming region. The surface modification unit is placed along the medium conveyance path. The surface modification unit activates a surface of the medium.

Abstract: An image recording equipment is provided with an adhesive roller that is brought into contact with a surface of an image recording sheet wound around a rotary drum and keeps in contact with the image recording sheet with contact pressure axially distributed in a range from approximately 0.01 Mpa to approximately 0.2 Mpa desirably in a concave distribution pattern.

Abstract: The invention provides a double-faced image formation system that prevents transfer and adhesion of a lubricant to an image retaining conveyer and an intermediate transfer part. The system is provided with, on a return path for reversing and conveying a sheet having toner images fixed on one side thereof, a front face electrifying unit and a rear face electrifying unit. Oil adhered on the rear face of the sheet in a fixation unit by the rear face electrifying unit is electrified to a negative polarity, and the oil adhered on the rear face is made impossible to transfer to an intermediate transfer belt. The oil adhered on the front face of the sheet in the fixation unit by the front face electrifying unit is electrified to a positive polarity, and the oil adhered on the front face is made impossible to transfer to a secondary transfer conveyance belt.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure for the separation of a fixing roller from the print material, wherein, contamination of the print machine and the print material by release oil is avoided. A toner layer is applied to the printing material and, at minimum, a release material layer is directly applied to the printing material, upstream of the fixing roller, which makes possible reliable separation of the fixing roller from the print material.

Abstract: An image recording medium reproduction apparatus of the present invention comprises: a conveying member to convey an image recording medium in a prescribed direction, which is made of a material preventing the penetration of an image into it; and an image separation member that contacts the image recording medium conveyed to the conveying member and rotates in the same direction as the prescribed direction by maintaining a speed difference with the image recording medium at the contacting point and removes the image formed on the surface of the image recording medium by rubbing it.

Abstract: A moisture-reducing paper tray including a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the environment of the paper tray and consequently the paper supply itself. As a result, the desiccant may become saturated as moisture is adsorbed. In one embodiment of the invention, the desiccant may be changed for a fresh desiccant. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the moisture-reducing paper tray may also include a drying mechanism which includes a heating element, a blower and a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor is positioned to sense a humidity level in the paper tray. When a pre-selected humidity level in the paper tray is equaled or exceeded, the heating element and blower are energized and warm air passes into the paper tray drying the desiccant.

Abstract: The carrying apparatus includes a carrying device for carrying an object to be carried, along a carrying route having a corner part, a control device for temporarily stopping and holding the object carried by the carrying device, and a detection device for detecting the object positioned at a corner part of the carrying route, wherein if the detection device detects the object when the control device stops carrying the object, the control device controls the carrying device such that the carrying device carries the object until the detection device does not detect the object any more and the carrying device then stops carrying the object.

Abstract: A manual paper feeding apparatus comprises a tray for manual paper feeding, a paper feed roller to feed the paper fed manually from the tray, a separation roller which is pressed to contact the paper feed roller, rotated at the pressed contact position in the direction reverse to the paper feed roller, and separates the sheets of paper one by one, a power transmission device to transmit power to the paper feed roller and separation roller, and a reversing device which is provided in the power transmission device, and rotates the paper feed roller in the direction reverse to the paper feeding direction, based on that the paper fed between the paper feed roller and separation roller is pulled in the direction reverse to the manual feeding direction.

Abstract: A full-color electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention is configured such that a toner image is formed on an intermediate transfer member. The intermediate transfer member is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the softening start temperature of resin contained in a liquid toner and equal to or lower than the withstand temperature of a photoconductor member. A carrier-removing roller to which bias can be applied abuts the intermediate transfer member so as to remove a carrier while packing softened toner by the force of an electric field induced by bias. In a transfer section for transfer to a printing medium, a backup roller presses the printing medium against the intermediate transfer member, and the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer member to the printing medium. Before being pressed against the toner image on the intermediate transfer member, the printing medium is heated.

Abstract: A non-fixing type image receiving sheet to which toner particles are made adhere in a removable manner and an image forming apparatus. The image receiving sheet has a large number of concave portions accepting toner particles and a large number of convex portions protecting toner particles are formed on a surface of the image receiving sheet. The image forming apparatus has a sheet charging apparatus which charges the surface of the image receiving sheet to a polarity opposite to a charged polarity of toner particles, in advance of a transferring process.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus is provided with a sheet stacking device for stacking sheets thereon, a sheet feeding device for feeding the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking device, and a heating device for heating the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking device. The heating device is designed such that of the heat generating areas of the heating device, the heating value of the heat generating area for the central portion of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking device is greater than the heating values of the other heat generating areas.

Abstract: A sheet curl measurement system and method and an automatic sheet decurling system controlled thereby for the printed paper sheets output of printer. The sheet curl may be remotely sensed without contacting or interfering with the motion of the sheets in their normal sheet path, using a simple but accurate optical sheet curl sensor operating on a portion of the moving sheet at an angle thereto and perpendicularly thereto, with displacement insensitive optics, in both an angular direction substantially parallel to the sheet movement direction and an angular direction substantially transverse to the sheet movement direction, with ratioing of the two output signals.

Abstract: An image-forming system such as a copying machine or a printer with electrophotography. The image-forming system includes an image-creating unit, a fixing unit, a medium conveyance path, and a surface modification unit. The image-creating unit has an image-forming region and forms an image on a medium. The fixing unit fixes the image formed by the image-creating unit on the medium. The medium conveyance path extends to the image-forming region. The surface modification unit is placed along the medium conveyance path. The surface modification unit activates a surface of the medium.

Abstract: An image recording equipment is provided with an adhesive roller that is brought into contact with a surface of an image recording sheet wound around a rotary drum and keeps in contact with the image recording sheet with contact pressure axially distributed in a range from approximately 0.01 Mpa to approximately 0.2 Mpa desirably in a concave distribution pattern.

Abstract: A moisture-reducing paper tray including a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the environment of the paper tray and consequently the paper supply itself. As a result, the desiccant may become saturated as moisture is adsorbed. In one embodiment of the invention, the desiccant may be changed for a fresh desiccant. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the moisture-reducing paper tray may also include a drying mechanism which includes a heating element, a blower and a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor is positioned to sense a humidity level in the paper tray. When a pre-selected humidity level in the paper tray is equaled or exceeded, the heating element and blower are energized and warm air passes into the paper tray drying the desiccant.

Abstract: A static control device suitable for printers, copiers and the like is disclosed. A carrier strip of non-metallic electrically conductive material, such as plastic, is provided with a plurality of spaced bundles of electrically conductive filaments. The bundles extend beyond the carrier strip, in close proximity to media transported along a media path in the media handling apparatus. In the presence of electrical fields, the filaments induce ionization, and establish a conductive path for charges on the media to the carrier strip for grounding.

Abstract: A static control device suitable for printers, copiers and the like is disclosed with a manufacturing method therefor. A carrier strip of non-metallic, electrically conductive material, such as plastic, is provided with a plurality of spaced bundles of electrically conductive filaments. The bundles extend beyond the carrier strip, in close proximity to media transported along a media path. In the presence of electrical fields, the filaments induce ionization, and establish a conductive path for charges on the media to the carrier strip for grounding. A strand is attached across the bundles, for improving the structural integrity of the device.

Abstract: A moisture-reducing paper tray including a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the environment of the paper tray and consequently the paper supply itself. As a result, the desiccant may become saturated as moisture is adsorbed. In one embodiment of the invention, the desiccant may be changed for a fresh desiccant. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the moisture-reducing paper tray may also include a drying mechanism which includes a heating element, a blower and a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor is positioned to sense a humidity level in the paper tray. When a pre-selected humidity level in the paper tray is equaled or exceeded, the heating element and blower are energized and warm air passes into the paper tray drying the desiccant.

Abstract: A static control device suitable for printers, copiers and the like is disclosed. A carrier strip of non-metallic electrically conductive material, such as plastic, is provided with a plurality of spaced bundles of electrically conductive filaments. The bundles extend beyond the carrier strip, in close proximity to media transported along a media path in the media handling apparatus. In the presence of electrical fields, the filaments induce ionization, and establish a conductive path for charges on the media to the carrier strip for grounding.

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 sheet feeding device for an electrophotographic printing machine that minimizes trail edge flip when delivering a sheet to a photoreceptor at a desired tangential position. The sheet feeding device includes a baffle member which has two control points, one of which is an idler roller. The baffle further includes a ramp member which controls the trail edge of a sheet to maximize the beam length to reduce the bending energy which results in trail edge flip.

Abstract: An image-forming method and an image-forming transparent film are provided which can form a high-grade transparent recorded image such that any unwanted opaque matter other than images formed is not present on the transparent film on which the images have been formed. The transparent film is provided on its surface with an opaque sensing mark layer capable of turning transparent upon heating with a fixing roller and an opaque mark layer capable of turning transparent upon that heating. The opaque mark layer is capable of more readily turning transparent upon heating than the opaque sensing mark layer and is formed on the side upstream in the film transport direction from the position coming after substantially one rotation of the fixing roller, measured from an end of the transparent film in its transport direction, and the opaque sensing mark layer is formed on the downstream side of the opaque mark layer.

Abstract: A toner is formed on an image receiving sheet S. The image receiving sheet S has an irregular surface s2′ provided with continuous groove-like concavities R for accommodating toner. The toner T is removably adhered to the concavities R of the image receiving sheet irregular surface s2′ for forming the toner image. Ridges P extending along the continuous groove-like concavities R protect the toner T adhered to the concavities R. The toner image formation surface may be covered with a peelable protective sheet CF (CF′). When the image receiving sheet S carrying the toner image is to be reused, the toner is separated and removed from the image receiving sheet, and the image receiving sheet and/or the toner after removal of the toner are reused.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and article of manufacture for modifying printing based upon direct on-the-fly media characteristic parameters is disclosed. The present invention on-the-fly directly measures a media characteristic parameter and performs real-time print modification in response thereto. The measured characteristic parameters include paper texture and composition, as well as adhesion and penetration of print. The modification of print in response to these measured parameters may allow a customer to maintain observed print quality with lower-cost materials. Adjustments may include the addition of coating, hot rolling, or adjustment of toner concentration. Measured parameters may include mottle, paper texture, and bleed through.

Abstract: Electrophotographic printers are provided with a roller type, sheet pretreatment device for providing successive sheets with substantially the same moisture content and, hence, substantially the same electrostatic properties.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having an image bearing member, a transferring device for transferring an image formed on the image bearing member to a transfer material, a transporting device for transporting the transfer material to between the image bearing member and the transferring device, a regulating member for regulating the transport direction of the transfer material downstream of the transporting device with respect to the transport direction of the transfer material, and a charge eliminating member for eliminating the charges of the transfer material downstream of the transporting device and upstream of the regulating member with respect to the transport direction of the transfer material, the charge eliminating member having a charge eliminating portion and a supporting portion for supporting the charge eliminating portion, the regulating member having a top portion most protruded in a direction from the supporting portion toward the charge eliminating portion of the charge eliminating member, wherei

Abstract: Electrophotographic printers are provided with a roller type, sheet pretreatment device for providing successive sheets with substantially the same moisture content and, hence, substantially the same electrostatic properties.

Abstract: A device for enhancing the transport of sheets in a printing machine is constructed upstream of the image transfer station to flatten the paper against the transport belt or drum on which it is riding. An air cushion is generated by expelling pressurized air through an array of holes to provide an air bearing for the sheets as it travels in its transport path. The air cushion is designed to flatten the paper against the belt or drum.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of sheet feed units each for feeding a sheet, a single pair of registration rollers provided at the upstream side of the image formation site where an image is formed on the sheet with respect to the direction of sheet conveyance, for conveying the sheet in accordance with the timing of forming the image on the sheet, and a plurality pair of loop forming rollers provided in correspondence with the plurality of sheet feed units respectively at the upstream side of the pair of registration rollers with respect to the direction of sheet conveyance. Each of the plurality pair of loop forming rollers is controlled in a manner such that a loop is formed between each of the plurality pair of loop forming rollers and the pair of registration rollers.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a latent image is formed on a rotatable photosensitive body and treated with a liquid developer containing a carrier solution and toner particles, whereupon a visible image is formed on the body. The visible image is transferred from the photosensitive body to a record medium through the intermediation of an intermediate transfer body. The transfer body has a surface that serves as a transfer medium. As the transfer medium is pressed against the body in a transfer position, the visible image is transferred from the photosensitive body to the transfer medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a printing device that performs fixation after transfer, and which prevents the occurrence of no transfer even when feeding the paper backward starting printing from the next page after the final page. This printing device comprises image-formation units (3, 4) that transfer a toner image, a fixation unit (5), and a control unit (10). The control unit (10) control adjustment of the moisture content on either the final page or leading page. In order to do that, it lowers the fixation energy of the fixation unit (5) for the final page. There is a moisture-adjustment mechanism (16) that reduces the moisture content of the leading page. Heat energy is applied to the leading page by the fixation unit (5). This reduces the difference in the amount of shrinkage between the final page and the leading page, and prevents wrinkling of the leading page.

Abstract: An inage forming apparatus includes an image bearing member for bearing an image; a movable recording material carrying member for electrostatically carrying the recording material; transfer means for electrostatically transferring the image from the image bearing member onto the recording material carried on the recording material carrying member at a transfer position, the transfer means being located at a position across from a side of the recording material carrying member carrying the recording material; and control means for controlling timing of start of change of a current flowing through the transfer means in accordance with a kind of the recording material so that the current reaches a level effective to transfer the image from the image bearing member onto the recording material carried on the recording material carrying member within a period in which a non-image formation area of the recording material at its leading edge is passing the transfer position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic type including a paper feeding device for separating and feeding piled recording paper, an image forming device for forming the image in order on the fed recording paper, a paper turning-over device for switching back the recording paper and turning over the front and rear tip ends of the recording paper, and a paper re-feeding device for re-feeding the recording paper having the image on one-side surface. In such an apparatus, the both-surfaces image formation can be practiced at the same paper distance, keeping the image forming apparatus small in size and low cost. Furthermore, a conveying roller for switching back the paper and sending out the paper to a printer engine is provided such that the rear tip end of the paper accommodated in the switching-back path becomes the front tip end thereof, and a jogger for performing compensation of lateral registration for the paper is provided in the switch-back path.

Abstract: A cut sheet is forcibly humidified. A cut sheet S travels upward between a pair of guide plates 65 and 66 facing each other. The guide plates 65 and 66 are respectively formed with openings 67 and 68 across which linear bodies 69 and 70 are stretched. A sprinkler 30 sprinkles water droplets toward the opening 67 to supply moisture to the cut sheet S traveling between the guide plates 65 and 66.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus can form a high-quality image by preventing a failure in image transfer by preventing separation of a part of a recording material electrostatically attracted on a recording-material carrying member from the recording-material carrying member. An attracting charger is made of a rigid conductive rubber in a region at a central portion. A nonrigid conductive fur brush is planted on each of regions at both end portions of the attracting charger. Thus, a pressing force applied to the recording material differs in a direction substantially orthogonal to a direction of conveying the recording material.

Abstract: A method of repetitively using a sheet or similar toner image carrier produced from an image forming apparatus, and a toner applicable thereto. A toner forming an image on the toner image carrier is removed to erase the image. The toner image carrier is implemented as a synthetic sheet. Use is made of a toner whose adhering force to the sheet is weaker than the adhering force of a conventional toner.

Abstract: An image reproduction machine is provided, and includes a paper substrate feeding assembly having a substrate path for feeding a portion of paper substrate; a moveable image bearing member having an imaging path; toner image forming devices along the imaging path for forming a toner image on the image bearing member; an image transfer station along the substrate path for transferring the toner image onto a portion of paper substrate fed by the paper substrate feeding assembly; and a toner image fusing assembly having heat and pressure devices for heating and fusing the toner image onto the portion of paper substrate. The reproduction machine importantly includes a blank paper substrate preconditioning apparatus (PSPA) for changing and stabilizing a size of the portion of paper substrate before it is fed to the image transfer station.