Abstract: An improved sloped stack detection system for a multi-function finisher includes a reflective sensor which suspends the conveying of stapled sets to an output tray when staple build-up in small stapled sets causes the stacked output to become sloped.

Abstract: An improved booklet maker incorporates a movable backstop for compiling incoming sheets and a stapler and creasing module, which is moved to various positions during the booklet making sequence. The moving stapler and creasing function enables the compiling function to occur simultaneously with the stapling and creasing functions. This results in a productivity gain without a footprint increase.

Abstract: A free sheet, high speed, color tandem printing system that controls registration of images from one imager to another while mechanically decoupling individual imagers and all the while maintaining relative registration of each of the color separations by the use of spherical transport servo devices or spherical nips (SNIPS). SNIPS correct skew, lateral, and process positions and ensure proper registration of a sheet with a station.

Abstract: An improvement in a skew adjustment system used in correcting skew between a document handler and a scan tub includes curved slots in a base portion of the document handler that are positioned for rotation over protruding members projecting from the surface of a movable portion of a hinge connecting the document handler to the scan tub. Rotation of the document handler generates a virtual pivot point what will increase the angular adjustment between the scan tub and the document handler while minimizing the misalignments.

Abstract: A line producing system includes an input beam of radiant energy that enters a side of a low cost, radiant energy altering device. The radiant energy emerges from the light altering device radiating in a nearly 360 degree disc pattern forming a ring of ever expanding light.

Abstract: A line producing system includes an input beam of radiant energy that enters a side of a low cost, radiant energy altering device. The radiant energy emerges from the light altering device radiating in a nearly 360 degree disc pattern forming a ring of ever expanding light.

Abstract: A line producing system includes an input beam of radiant energy that enters a side of a low cost, radiant energy altering device. The radiant energy emerges from the light altering device radiating in a nearly 360 degree disc pattern forming a ring of ever expanding light.

Abstract: A line producing system includes an input beam of radiant energy that enters a side of a low cost, radiant energy altering device. The radiant energy emerges from the light altering device radiating in a nearly 360 degree disc pattern forming a ring of ever expanding light.

Abstract: A line producing system includes an input beam of radiant energy that enters a side of a low cost, radiant energy altering device. The radiant energy emerges from the light altering device radiating in a nearly 360 degree disc pattern forming a ring of ever expanding light.

Abstract: A portable, post slit decurler and high capacity stacker module for use with a machine, such as, a desktop page printer, includes a decurler that decurls prints after they have been slit into thirds, halves, or whole prints. The post slit decurler and high capacity stacker module sits in a receiving tray of a copier/printer and is separately powered or “hard wired” into the copier/printer.

Abstract: A low cost inverter apparatus of includes a dual positionable, multi-function gate and a stationary baffle that guides sheets toward catch or output trays or work in conjunction with reversible rolls to direct the sheets into a duplex path. The dual positionable gate and stationary baffle have points thereon that are positioned to use the beam strength of the sheets to align the sheets with a duplex nip that feeds the sheet into the duplex path.

Abstract: A tensioning system that precisely sets and monitors tension in a photoreceptor belt and includes a stepper motor that is actuated by a controller to apply pressure to the photoreceptor belt through a roll over which the belt is mounted. A load cell is positioned with respect to a piston actuator to sense the pressure applied by the piston actuator against the photoreceptor belt and signals the controller which in turn actuates the stepper motor to bring the tension on the belt to a predetermined set amount.

Abstract: A method that enhances safety while producing toners that are .ltoreq.5.mu. to be used in developing an electrostatic image includes providing selectable color toner liquids on demand to a mixing station; mixing the provided color toner liquids at the mixing station; producing a mist from the mixed toner liquid; collecting color toner particles resulting from the mist cooling; depositing the color toner particles in a development sump that includes carrier beads; and mixing the color toner particles with the carrier beads to produce two-component developer.

Abstract: An improved transparency sensor (10) uses Brewster's Law to detect the presence of sheets of transparency material (20). The sensor (10) includes a light emitting diode (LED) (12) and two photodiodes (14, 16) arranged to receive light reflected from the material (20). The LED (12) supplies incident light at an angle (.theta.) which is related to the refractive index of the transparency material (20) to be detected. A polarizing filter (18) is associated with one of the photodetectors (16) and is oriented to cut out substantially reflected polarized light entering that photodiode (16). Output signals from the photodetectors (14, 16) are processed in a comparator (40) which provides an output signal (42) indicating the presence or not of a transparency material (20).

Abstract: A migration imaging member includes a support substrate, a relatively thick dielectric spacer layer situated on the support substrate, and a softenable layer situated on the dielectric spacer layer, with the softenable layer including a softenable material, and a migration marking material situated at or near the surface of the softenable layer farthest spaced from the support substrate.

Abstract: A color liquid ink printing system, including multiple processors, depositing color liquid ink to form a color image on a recording medium in response to color image data. The printing system includes a processor, receiving the color image data, and outputting a plurality of color image signals, each of the plurality of color image signals representing color information of one of a plurality of color planes. A plurality of graphics processors, coupled to the processor, receive the plurality of color image signals and output a plurality of bitmap image signals in response thereto. A color liquid ink printhead, coupled to the plurality of graphics processors, receive the plurality of bitmap image signals and deposit liquid ink on the recording medium in response thereto.

Abstract: A liquid ink printing machine, for forming an image on a recording medium moving along a path, including an arrangement for reducing media feedhead loads on media being fed in the printing machine. This is accomplished by using the printing machine's printhead carriage to contact a lever which will lower a paper tray holding the media once media being fed has reached an advance nip past the feedhead, thus reducing drag on the media being fed.

Abstract: A high voltage MOS transistor, for use in a thermal ink jet printhead, is fabricated with a single, uniformly thick layer of polysilicon that serves as a field plate over the drift region and a gate over the channel region. The fabrication of the drift region and associated drift oxide is performed in a sequence independent of the device channel stop and field oxide fabrication, allowing the drift region to be optimized by varying the thickness of the drift oxide. Using a field plate to increase the breakdown voltage of the device by reducing the concentration of the electric field, the device transconductance is increased by increasing the doping of the drift region without an attendant decrease in breakdown voltage.

Abstract: A printing apparatus that prints images onto sheets includes a conditioner that scents selected images of a job. For example, the job can be a magazine that advertises a particular fragrance or fragrances. A fragrance or scent is placed in a reservoir which is transferred via a hydrophilic donor-like roll and deposited onto a sheet by way of a nip that is engaged only when scenting is required.

Abstract: A paper conditioner to control image dependent curl in a copier/printer includes a nip formed between metering and transfer rolls with grooves positioned on end portions of both of the metering and transfer rolls. Portions of both the metering and transfer rolls are located over a sump connected to a reservoir that supplies liquid to the nip for transfer to the transfer roll. The grooves act as gutters and allow excess liquid to flow into a sump, and subsequently, back into the reservoir. Flaps are positioning in the grooves in order to aid in the flow of fluid back into the sump.