Abstract: A transfer assist blade for an electrophotograhic printing machine that provides the necessary stiffness to allow complete transfer of a toner image while avoiding excessive bending stress in the blade. The blade is made up of a semiconductive polyester layer bonded to a non-semiconductive polyester layer. A third and fourth layer of high molecular weight polyethylene are bonded o the second layer. These third and fourth layers do not extend the full length of the blade to provide supplemental stiffness while avoiding excess bending stress.

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: A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member with a supply of particles, the developer unit including a sump for storing a refill supply of particles received from a container for use in the developer unit, the developer unit including a main cartridge body defining a sump portion. A fill aperture is aligned with the sump portion for receiving a toner refill container. A guide member is attached to the main body, the guide member cooperating with a corresponding member in a printing machine to position the main body in the printing machine. A stop member fixed to the guide member so that when the main body is moved in a first direction the stop member positions the main body in a position to be refilled, and when the main body is moved in a second direction, opposed to the first direction the developer unit is in an operative position in the printing machine.

Abstract: A container for delivering a supply of particles for use in a developer unit of an electrophotographic printing machine, the container being fittable to an adapter associated with the developer unit, the container includes a body defining a chamber for storing particles therein, the body defining an aperture in an end thereof and a cover for use in covering the aperture, wherein the cover includes a valve mechanism and a keying feature, wherein the keying feature cooperates with a portion of the developer unit so that upon rotation of the container, the valve mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for precisely controlling a driven component in an electromechanical system, particularly for controlling the speed of a photoreceptor or intermediate transfer belt in an electrophotographic printing machine. A sensor monitors the speed of the driven belt and generates and sends a signal indicative thereof to a controller. A second sensor monitors the rotational speed of the drive motor for the component and also generates a signal indicative thereof and sends that signal to the controller. The controller processes the signals so that a preselected belt speed is maintained while minimizing or eliminating torque disturbances caused by the rapid fluctuation of the motor velocity without the necessity of using an inertial flywheel.

Abstract: A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member with a supply of particles, the developer unit including a sump for storing a supply of particles received from a container for use in the developer unit, the sump further defining an aperture therein and a cover for use in covering the aperture, wherein the cover includes a valve mechanism and a keying feature, wherein the keying feature cooperates with a portion of the container so that upon rotation of the container, the valve mechanism is actuated to allow toner to flow into the sump.

Abstract: A stack height assembly consisting of two transmissive sensors and two flags, the stack height of a feeder module can be set to three different levels depending on the weight of the media. This “optimization” of the stack height to address the media's failure mode results in increased latitude. When feeding lightweight media, the stack height is set larger in order to increase the gap to the feedhead. This allows more room for separation of the media using fluffer jets. This increased gap also reduces the chances that the un-acquired media will be fluffed into contact with the acquisition surface and subsequently be shingle fed into the take away roll due to the friction between sheets. When feeding heavyweight media the stack height will be set smaller. This reduces the gap to the feedhead and reduces the time required to acquire.

Abstract: A developer unit for developing a latent image recorded on an image receiving member with a supply of particles, the developer unit including a valve connected to a sump for storing a supply of particles received from a container for use in the developer unit, the valve including a first planar member defining a first aperture therein, wherein the first aperture includes less than one-half of the surface area of the first planar member, a second planar member defining a second aperture therein, wherein the second aperture includes less than one-half of the surface area of the second planar member, the second planar member being substantially the same size and shape as the first planar member and an attaching device, connecting the first planar member and the second planar member in planar contact so that the first planar member and the second planar member are rotatable relative to each other such that in a first rotated position the first aperture and the second aperture are in alignment with each other to f

Abstract: A cleaning station for a fusing member has first and second cleaner rollers. The first cleaner roller is coated with a sticky or adhesive first toner layer. The first toner layer contacts the fuser member for cleaning. The second cleaner roller is coated with a sticky or adhesive second toner layer. The second toner layer is in contact with the first toner layer. The second cleaner roller defines apertures connecting to an internal reservoir. Excess toner from the second toner layer collects in the internal reservoir.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the imaging device in a single pass multi color electrophotographic printing machine, includes a photoconductive member defining a timing aperture, the member moving along a path in a printing machine and a plurality of imaging devices, each one of the plurality of imaging devices writing a latent image on the photoconductive member. The system further includes a sensor, located adjacent the photoconductive member, to sense the aperture in the photoconductive member as it passes the sensor and generate a signal indicative thereof and a control device, which generates a timing signal for each of the plurality of imaging devices as a function of the signal generated by the sensor and a plurality of predetermined parameters.

Abstract: A fuser baffle which helps to minimize or eliminate sheet wrinkle by a fuser. A small “saddle” is added to the center section of the inlet to the fuser on the baffle surface which last contacts and controls the sheet before entry into the fuser nip. The saddle removes most of the corrugation along approximately 90 to 95% of the centermost portion of the sheet. Any remaining corrugation at the inboard and outboard ends is removed by the fuser flare. The baffle is applicable to any fusing device which uses localized pressure to fix an image to a sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for correcting top edge sheet misregistration using a sensor array. An array sensor is placed in the paper path prior to transfer. A signal is generated indicating the position of the sheet. As a function of the signal the print controller causes the image to be exposed and developed on the photoreceptor in alignment with the sheet position. The aligned image is then transferred to the sheet.

Abstract: A method for achieving multiple exposure levels for IOI (IMAGE-ON-IMAGE) xerography when imaging a second color through a first toner layer previously developed on the photoreceptive member. In the example illustrated the data from the previous image paths (magenta and yellow) is analyzed. If the signal indicates that a magenta or yellow bit is present, the cyan output bit information passes to the ROS unchanged, or at full intensity. If however, the magenta and yellow are not present, a modified pattern providing an appropriate reduced exposure signal is sent to the ROS. The process of laser attenuation is blended with halftoning logic to avoid image degradation due to the attenuation.

Abstract: A replacement drive roll having an integral bearing for easy replacement and universal usage in a printing machine. The roll member has a bearing having a nonround outer race for retention in a frame member and a nonround inner race for engagement with a driveshaft on one end. The opposite end has a locking member for preventing axial movement along the shaft. The roll assembly has elastomer bands stretched around the outer circumference to form the drive surface of the roll. The roll unit is easily replaced and can be used in numerous locations thereby reducing parts inventory requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for registering and deskewing a sheet along a sheet path. A pair of drive spheres are located in the sheet path. When a sheet enters the nips formed by the spheres the sheet is driven until it is sensed by a sensor. The drive spheres are driven by a pair of wheels which allow the spheres to rotate about any axis through their center and parallel to the plane of the sheet. The spheres are driven such that the sheet is side registered and deskewed as it is moved along the sheet path. Constant feedback from the sensors to the drive controller allows the sheet to be registered in a very short distance and has the added benefit of self compensation for wear of the drive components. The wide registration and deskewing latitude of the device allows for the use of relatively inexpensive and low accuracy sheet drives preceding the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for suppressing print quality degradation due to vibrations in a printing machine structure. The apparatus comprises a vibration member having a structural resonance, a transducer, and means for damping vibrations. The transducer is mounted to the vibration member and produces electrical signals corresponding to mechanical vibrations of the vibration member. The damping means is connected across the transducer and is responsive to the electrical signals.

Abstract: A pretransfer sheet feeding device for an electrophotographic printing machine that minimizes impact with and delivers a sheet to a photoreceptor at a desired tangential position. The sheet feeding device includes a selectively engageable drive nip and a biased baffle member which forms a buckle chamber. There is further a plurality of rollers located so as to provide substantially frictionless directional guidance to the sheet while also inducing a predetermined bend to the sheet so as to deliver the sheet to the photoreceptor. The pretransfer rollers are also moveable so that the angle of approach of a sheet can be adjusted based on sheet weight or other characteristics. Once the sheet is tacked to the photoreceptor in the transfer zone, the disengageable drive nip is released and the sheet is controlled by the photoreceptor so that speed mismatch is not a problem.

Abstract: A simple hinge having an integral detent and stop member for a cover on an electrophotographic printing machine. The hinge is formed from a relatively lightweight material and has an aperture to secore a pin for attaching a cover. A detent is formed into on leg of the hinge so that the door cover is forced over the detent as it is opened which then holds the door in the open position. The cover is closed by pushing the edge of the door over the detent in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A developer backer bar having a surface having a plurality of radii for interfacing with a noncontact developer member. The backer bar is arranged so that it can be retracted for clearance purposes when removing or inserting a xerographic CRU. Upon installation of the CRU, the backer bar is biased into position to maintain a development zone within predetermined parameters. The multiple radii surface eliminates or minimizes errors that may result from slight variations in axial alignment between the backer bar and the developer member while additionally providing low drag forces on the photoreceptor.

Abstract: A single revolution clutch with an auto-home feature. This feature, added to the single revolution clutch, provides a mechanical home position stop. It utilizes the motion of the case to accomplish this. Whenever the clutch is energized, the case is pulled in, or the 1 mm gap is closed. The control ring has an additional single home detent on the opposite side to the one or more detents normally found on the single revolution clutch. The case has a tab feature, which can be punched out of the case itself, or can be tacked on as an additional piece of metal or plastic. This tab feature, seen as an "L" shape from the side, will move with the case. When the case is energized and closes its 1 mm gap, the normal detents on both the control ring and the case, spin free of each other. However, the "L" tab now moves closer to the single home tab on the other side of the control ring, and locks the control ring within one revolution of rotation or less.