Abstract: This invention provides an image-forming system having automatic finish output chaining, where an imaging job can switch to an alternate destination when a default destination is no longer usable.

Abstract: An optical reader comprising: an image sensor array of pixels for converting light reflected from a target containing a machine readable indicia into output signals representative thereof; a housing for holding the image sensor array; a processor for decoding the output signals; receive optics for directing light from the target to the image sensor, the optics having a focal point; a generally cylindrical barrel for containing the receive optics, the barrel having a protrusion provided thereon; a generally cylindrical sleeve for receiving the barrel, the sleeve being secured to the housing and having a shoulder for engagement with the protrusion, wherein moving the protrusion along the shoulder facilitates focusing of the receive optics relative to the image sensor.

Abstract: A printer includes multiple source trays, an output destination, and a media path. The media path couples the source trays to the output destination. Ordered media is loaded within one or more source trays. The printer is configured to automatically recover from a jam when processing the ordered media by selectively shedding selected ordered media from a source tray. A method of recovering from the jam includes generating a request that identifies the insertion order of selected ordered media, inserting the selected ordered media within an output; and purging selected ordered media when a jam occurs to provide a uniform output.

Abstract: A simple and economical method and apparatus for identifying the toner installed in a multi-toner printer by identifying the toner holder installed in the printer is disclosed. Additionally, the multi-toner printer is controlled based on the toner holder installed and a job selection. A toner identification apparatus comprising a toner identification module, a display device, and an input device, identifies the toner holder installed in a multi-toner printer by producing and identifying a unique voltage identification signal for the installed toner holder. A job selection algorithm determines whether the installed toner holder is the correct toner holder for a specified job selection. Additionally, if the toner holder installed in the multi-toner printer contains MICR toner, the job selection algorithm mandates a security procedure that must be carried out in order for printing to be allowed.

Abstract: An electrophotographic machine includes a dielectric member configured for carrying a toner image. A transfer roller engages the dielectric member and transfers the toner image to an image substrate. A transfer roller power supply biases and periodically reverse biases the transfer roller. A transfer roller cleaning brush having conductive bristles engages the transfer roller. An electrically conductive brush housing encloses the transfer roller cleaning brush and defines an opening through which the bristles contact the transfer roller. The brush housing is electrically charged to the same electrical potential as said transfer roller and is selectively discharged.

Abstract: A method of printing comprising the steps of marking the surface of a test preprinted media with a first marking material; placing the media adjacent to a transfer media; disposing the test media and the transfer media into the nip of a fuser roller assembly to thereby apply predetermined heat and pressure thereto; removing the test media and the transfer media from the nip of the fuser roller after a predetermined time; and, measuring the density of the first marking material which has been offset to the transfer media.

Abstract: A method of printing multiple images with differing line screen frequencies with a printer is print sensitive to differing line screen frequencies, the method comprising the steps of: converting the images into a digital bitmap comprised of an array of pixels wherein each pixel is assigned a digital value representing marking information; defining each pixel as either a background pixel, interior pixel, or an edge pixel; reassigning the digital value of the interior pixels to a fixed interior pixel value; and reassigning the edge pixel values so as to minimize print sensitivity to differing line screen frequencies between images.

Abstract: An electrostatographic recording method for printing an image on a receiver comprising the steps of: operating a primary charger to establish a uniform primary voltage level on an image recording member; developing a control patch on the image recording member, measuring density of the control patch to thereby provide a density measurement signal; converting the image into a digital bitmap comprised of an array of pixels wherein each pixel is assigned a digital value representing marking information; rendering the digital bitmap by defining each pixel as either a background pixel, interior pixel, or an edge pixel and reassigning the digital value of one or more of edge pixels or interior pixels independently and as a function of the density measurement signal; modulating electrostatic charge on the image recording member as a function of the digital bitmap after rendering.

Abstract: Systems and processes to simplify and streamline the printing of documents containing both black and white and color pages. The invention uses a raster imaging processor to manage the organization and execution of the print job. In addition, the invention generates an operator instruction sheet to ensure proper completion of the print job.

Abstract: An electrographic printing machine (10) operable in combination with an installed one of a plurality of developing, or toning, stations (38a, 38b), is disclosed. Each of the plurality of toning stations (38a, 38b) is associated with a toner type, with one of the toning stations (38a) associated with Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) toner. Each toning station (38a, 38b) has an indicator (50), for example a resistor, that can be interrogated or measured by the printing machine (10) when installed, so that the printing machine (10) is aware of the type of toner to be used. If a MICR toning station (38a) is installed, a set of process setpoints and parameters are used that optimize MICR printing; if a normal toning station (38b) is installed, a different set of process setpoints and parameters adapted for the normal toner is used.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a proof set of a digital print job and delaying the completion of the print job until the proof set is approved are presented. The invention further includes generation of a proof set that includes print feature information on a page basis printed on the proof set in a watermark font.

Abstract: A mechanism and process for detecting mottle or banding in a developed electrophotographic image. Within an electrophotographic reproduction apparatus 10, a photoconductor is used for receiving and developing a latent image. The photoconductor traverses a path that passes a charging station 28, an exposure station 34, a toning station 38, and a transfer station 46. Either a densitometer 76 for measuring the density of the developed image on the photoconductor, or an electrometer 50a or 50b for detecting the voltage of the image on the photoconductor, detects mottle or banding on the developed image. The densitometer 76 or electrometer 50a or 50b has an aperture small enough to detect mottle or banding with wavelengths perceptible by human eyes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replenishing toner based on the electric current used over time by the exposure subsystem. Toner take-out for each image is estimated by measuring the current used by the exposure system, subtracting the quiescent current, integrating over a page or frame, and multiplying by a predetermined value that indicates the amount of toner required by the image, based on the average current used for the exposure and other process parameters. These calculations are done either in hardware or in software. The replenishment system is used to add the correct amount of toner to the developer station to maintain the toner concentration at an approximately constant aim value.

Abstract: A printer may detect a mismatch between print job attributes and available printer resources. The printer may then determine one or more options to correct the mismatch and may display these options on a user interface screen. The printer may then receive a selection of one of the options, for example from a printer operator. Based on the selection, the printer may take an action to resolve the mismatch.

Abstract: Methods for detecting mismatches between print job attributes and printer resources and capabilities that arise after rendering of the print job has begun but before rendering is complete. The method involves detecting the mismatch, placing the print job in a mismatch state and notifying the operator through the printer user interface that a given problem has occurred on a given page.

Abstract: An electrophotographic print engine has a variable primary charger and toning bias which places the machine in abnormal reproduction modes in order to provide service and diagnostic information to troubleshoot subsystems involved in the electrophotographic process.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of deicers for inhibiting atmospheric ice accumulation on aircraft structures. More particularly, the invention relates to the bonding of a deicer to an aircraft structure. According to an aspect of the invention, a device for inhibiting atmospheric ice accumulation on an aircraft structure is provided comprising a deicer, and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer that defines a bonding surface that bonds the deicer to the aircraft structure, and wherein the deicer and aircraft surface are primed before application of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer.