Patents Represented by Attorney R. Hutter

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  • Supply cartridge for a printing apparatus
    Patent number: 6505006
    Abstract: In office equipment such as printers and copiers, a single machine “platform” is available as a number of distinct variants (copier, printer, facsimile, MICR printer). Different variants may require different types of marking material cartridges, or other replaceable units. To prevent the installation of an unsuitable cartridge in a machine, each cartridge defines a distinguishing configuration of convex or concave engagement structures, arranged in a circle, but whereby no more than one-half of the circumference of the circle is taken up by the engagement structures. The engagement structures engage with complementary structures inside a suitable machine, and can assist in driving a rotation of the cartridge within the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Kamlesh Solanki, Alan C. R. Howard, Christopher Pearce
  • System and method for extending the life of a charge receptor in a xerographic printer
    Patent number: 6505013
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for extending the life of a photoreceptor in xerographic printing. At a predetermined point in the life span of a photoreceptor, a correction circuit is interposed between the power supply and the charging device of the printer. Correction circuits of different designs can be selected to compensate for the photoreceptor properties at different stages of its useful life. The different correction circuits can be automatically activated over time, or can be retrofitted into a replaceable module when the replaceable module is remanufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Keith L. Bedford, Roger D. Masham, Krzysztof J. Less
  • Stripper fingers and associated mounts for a fuser in a printing apparatus
    Patent number: 6490428
    Abstract: In a fuser for xerographic printing, stripper fingers remove the print sheet from a fuser roll. Each stripper finger is a thin member which is urged against the fuser roll with a spring force caused by deformation of the stripper finger against the roll. Each stripper finger is mounted on a mount which is itself springably urged against a stop, so that the spring force of the stripper finger is largely independent of the spring force associated with the mount. The arrangement enables design latitude in choosing spring forces associated with the stripper finger and the mount, and also enables the stripper fingers to be moved away from damaging contact with a mis-stripped sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Fromm, Richard C. Benton
  • Method of operating a xerographic fusing apparatus with multiple heating elements
    Patent number: 6490423
    Abstract: When powering up a xerographic fusing apparatus with two parallel lamps, power is applied to each lamp in a stair-step fashion, in which incremental increases in applied power for each lamp are staggered in time. This feature contributes to desirable anti-flicker effects of the whole apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Horobin, John Poxon, Ian Pitts
  • Removable media, such as a floppy disk or videocassette, having associated display
    Patent number: 6476817
    Abstract: A removable memory media, such as a floppy disk or videocassette, has an electrically alterable display thereon. The display comprises an array of electrically alterable elements which can be selectably altered in appearance without the need for ancillary circuitry on the floppy disk or videocassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Richard H. Harper, Michael G. Molloy, Marc B. Rene
  • System for determining a video offset from dark photosensors in an image sensor array
    Patent number: 6445413
    Abstract: In a photosensitive device wherein voltages are read sequentially from a dark, or dummy, photosensor and a plurality of active photosensors with each of a series of scans, a circuit downstream of the photosensors resets the offset value of the voltage signals, based on successive voltage readings from the dark photosensor. An RC averaging circuit maintains a running average of readings from the dark photosensor over a large number of scans. Signals from the dark photosensors are read a first time into the averaging circuit, and then signals from the dark photosensors are read directly to downstream video circuitry. This double readout of dark-photosensor signals enables precise calibration of both on-chip circuitry and downstream video circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Hosier, Scott L. Tewinkle
  • Magnetic roll for use in xerographic printing
    Patent number: 6422984
    Abstract: A magnetic roll, such as for use in a xerographic printing apparatus, is formed from two semicylindrical partial cylinders. The partial cylinders can be molded and attached to each other to form a complete cylinder defining magnetic poles along the circumference thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Roger D. Masham, Claire Dawn Ireland
  • System for resolution enhancement, such as in a multi-pass ink-jet printer
    Patent number: 6411399
    Abstract: In a digital printing apparatus such as an ink-jet printer, a resolution enhancement technique is used to increase the output resolution. Each print-black pixel in the original image is assigned to a set of subpixels in the output image data, and the position of spot placement is rotated among subpixel positions for a series of print-black pixels along a scan line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Mantell, James B. Kuwik
  • Readout system for a full-color image input scanner having three linear arrays of photosensors
    Patent number: 6396596
    Abstract: In a full-color image scanner having three parallel linear arrays of photosensors, each linear array of photosensors is sensitive to one primary color. With each readout cycle relating to a row of small areas on an original image moving past the scanner, the middle array of the three arrays of photosensors reads out its video data before the other two. This technique allows the arrays of photosensors to be spaced relatively close to each other, and in turn the close spacing of photosensors requires relatively fewer scan lines of video data to be temporarily buffered in the readout process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Hosier, Scott L. Tewinkle, Jagdish C. Tandon, Thomas R. Beikirch
  • Kicker with adjustable contact points, for a sheet output apparatus in a printer or copier
    Patent number: 6394442
    Abstract: An output device for a copier or printer includes a stapler which is capable of placing a single corner staple in a set of sheets, or alternately two evenly-spaced staples along the edge of the set. A kicker member, which is shaped to push a stapled set toward an output tray, includes a contact point which is movable, such as by a spring mechanism, relative to the rest of the kicker member, so that the kicker member can accommodate a moving stapler head within the output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Terrance J. Antinora, Bruce J. DiRenzo, Bryan C. Winkelman, Richard P. Ficarra
  • Software system for minimizing image defects in a hard-copy input scanner
    Patent number: 6393161
    Abstract: In a document handler associated with an input scanner, such as for a digital copier or facsimile machine, an image-bearing sheet is moved over a relatively narrow window, through which the image is recorded by a photosensitive chip. When a spot of dirt attaches to the window, a streak results in the image data. This streaking problem is addressed by detecting image data consistent with such a streak, and applying a suitable correction algorithm to the image data. The suitable algorithm is chosen based on the thickness of the streak and the nature of the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Duncan I. Stevenson, Ian A. Parks
  • Method and apparatus for communication, without a solid medium, among control boards in a printing apparatus
    Patent number: 6377764
    Abstract: In a digital printing apparatus, various modules each perform a specific function, such as paper feeding, marking sheets, interpreting image data from high-level formats, and performing finishing operations. One or more of these modules includes a board therein, which is able to communicate with another board within the apparatus by infrared or other wireless communication. Such wireless communication obviates the need for large and expensive wire harnesses. There may further be provided barrier structures within the apparatus to prevent crosstalk among various wireless-capable boards. The interaction of the modules facilitates a method of outputting prints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Morris-jones
  • Xerographic development system, method for determining when the developer material supply should be replenished
    Patent number: 6374064
    Abstract: In a xerographic development system, a primary developer supply is used to develop electrostatic latent images. A secondary developer supply is available to dispense new developer, as needed, into the primary developer supply. A series of inputs, including counting the number of printed pixels and monitoring the reflectivity of a set of test patches, is entered into an algorithm which controls the dispensing of new developer. The various inputs are converted into metrics which relate to an amount of time fresh developer is dispensed into the primary developer supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Roger W. Budnik, James M. Pacer, Scott L. Kauffman, Richard M. Maier
  • Registration system for a digital printer which prints multiple images on a sheet
    Patent number: 6373042
    Abstract: A printing apparatus places multiple images on a sheet, either by re-feeding the sheet through a duplex path back to a marking device, or by feeding the sheet to successive marking devices. An edge position detector upstream of the marking device determines the location of the sheet so that an image may be precisely placed on the sheet. The system ensures that images on both sides of a sheet are in registration with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Deborah M. Kretschmann, William D. Milillo, Dean Thomas, Robert Brutovski, John Shannon, Theodore J. Kellogg, Glenn Herbert, Thomas C. Hatch
  • Xerographic fusing apparatus with multiple heating elements
    Patent number: 6353718
    Abstract: A fusing apparatus for xerographic printing includes a fuser roll with two parallel lamps, or heating elements, therein. Each lamp defines a relatively hot end and a relatively cold end when electrical power is applied. The two lamps are disposed so that a hot end of one lamp is adjacent to the cold end of the other lamp. At power-up, power is applied to each lamp in a stair-step fashion, in which incremental increases in applied power for each lamp are staggered in time. Also during power-up, the lamps are connected in series, but the series connection is removed for a running condition. These features contribute to desirable anti-flicker effects of the whole apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: John Roxon, Ian Pitts
  • Wireless interaction with memory associated with a replaceable module for office equipment
    Patent number: 6351621
    Abstract: In a printer or copier, a removable module, such as a marking material supply module or a marking device module, is provided with a non-volatile memory chip which retains information about the cumulative use of the module and other performance-related data. The non-volatile memory is accessed through a wireless interface, such as an RF loop or IR detector, which is also associated with the module. The memory can be accessed, through wireless means, either by the printer or copier itself or by an external device. The wireless interface can also be used to access a memory which is attached to part which moves within the printer or copier, such as a roller or drum, thus avoiding the use of wire harnesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Austin L. Richards, Michael B. Thomson
  • Xerographic printer where DC bias is changed to zero during the transfer step
    Patent number: 6345168
    Abstract: In a xerographic printing apparatus, during the transfer step wherein marking material is electrostatically transferred from the photoreceptor to the print sheet and the sheet is then detached from the photoreceptor, a DC bias starts at a high absolute value when the lead edge of the sheet is proximate the photoreceptor, and is then decreased as different portions of the sheet pass the photoreceptor. The DC bias can be decreased to zero in the course of the transfer step, or can change sign by the time the trail edge is transferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Ian Pitts
  • Ina xerographic printer, equalizing wear on the photoreceptor with a supplemental exposure step
    Patent number: 6320603
    Abstract: A xerographic printer includes a rotatable photoreceptor which is exposed, with each cycle, by a regular exposure device to create an image desired to be printed. Elsewhere along the photoreceptor is disposed a supplemental discharge device which discharges only those small areas on the photoreceptor which were not discharged by the regular exposure device within the cycle. In this way, every small area of the photoreceptor is evenly discharged within each cycle, and thus every small area of the photoreceptor experiences the same amount of aging. The system is particularly useful for full-color xerographic printers, in which the photoreceptor is repeatedly discharged by different exposure devices within each cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Krzysztof J. Less
  • Xerographic development system, a method for predicting changes in the ratio of toner to carrier
    Patent number: 6321045
    Abstract: In a control system for xerographic development, an important value to be monitored in real time is the ratio of toner to carrier (T/C) in the developer supply. However, direct measurements of T/C, whether by magnetometer readings of the developer, or densitometer readings of developed test patches, tend to be noisy. To exclude unusual T/C measurements, after every T/C reading, a likely range of change in T/C is calculated. If a subsequent T/C reading is not within this likely range, the reading is substituted with an upper or lower boundary of the calculated likely range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Roger W. Budnik, James M. Pacer, Scott L. Kauffman, Richard M. Maier
  • Print quality control for a xerographic printer having an AC development field
    Patent number: 6285840
    Abstract: In a xerographic development system wherein toner is conveyed from a donor member to a charge receptor by a development field having a DC bias and an AC component, reflectivities of a first test patch having a first target halftone density and a second test patch having a second target halftone density are measured, resulting in first and second possible errors. If the first error and the second error have the same sign, i.e., both patches are too light or too dark, the errors are substantially cured by altering the DC bias. If the first error and the second error have different signs, i.e. one patch is too dark and the other too light, a different correction strategy is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Roger W. Budnik, James M. Pacer, Scott L. Kauffman, Richard M. Maier