Abstract: A document printer/copier comprises a pair of drum-support members for rotatably supporting an image-recording drum and, optionally, an intermediate image-transfer drum. At least one of such drum-support members is adapted to be decoupled from the drum(s) it supports and be moved to a position within the machine frame in which it does interfere with the replacement of the drum(s)'s outer layer. Preferably, such member comprises a selectively energizable clamp which, when energized, clamps onto an axle bearing of a drum and thereby supports the drum for rotation. When de-energized, the clamp releases the drum bearing, enabling the drum-support member to be slid axially along the drum axis to a position spaced from the drum axle, and thereafter pivoted to a position spaced from the drum axis where it does not interfere with drum servicing and/or replacement.

Abstract: A magnetic brush development station including a housing forming, at least in part, a reservoir for developer material. A development roller is mounted within the housing for delivering developer material from the reservoir to a development zone. A plurality of rotatable augers are located in the housing for mixing developer material within the reservoir, and are arranged substantially side-by-side with respective parallel longitudinal axes, the most outboard of the plurality of augers being positioned to be raised and toward the center with respect to the housing of the development station. Accordingly the overall width of the development station is reduced while maintaining centerline distances between each of the plurality of augers so that individual augers do not interfere with one another.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for correcting registration faults based on changes in machine state (4, 4′, . . . ; 5, 5′, . . . ) in a multicolor printing machine (1) having a number of printing units (13, 13′, . . . ) with image cylinders (14, 14′, . . . ) and exposure devices (2, 2′, . . . ) for the digital production of color separations (3, 3′, . . . ) on the image cylinders (14, 14′, . . . ), the actions of setting up and combining the color separations (3, 3′, . . . ) being controlled such that in-register prints are achieved. Changes in machine state (4, 4′, . . . ; 5, 5′, . . . ) are registered and, on the basis of these changes in machine state (4, 4′, . . . ; 5, 5′, . . . ), the production of the color separations (3, 3′, . . . ) is changed such that a disturbance to registration accuracy of the print, threatened by a change in machine state (4, 4′, . . . ; 5, 5′, . . . ), is compensated for.

Abstract: A product and process for an LED printhead used in electrophotographic printing that generates an exposure clock on the printhead for the LEDs. The present invention provides a high-speed interface that transmits print data that has been modified, or corrected, using the corresponding unique printhead brightness data as the base reference source data to the printhead boards. The corrected print data is then applied to the LED drivers that expose each LED simultaneously and uniquely. A non-linear clock is applied to the LED drivers as the reference clock to create the unique LED on time circuit. An Exposure RAM stores the data as parallel 8-bit data. A LATCH code received at an ASIC converts the Exposure RAM data into a serial bit stream. The preferred embodiment employs a 60 MHz clock, however, it should be readily apparent that numerous other clocking speeds can be employed.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copier/printer reproduction apparatus includes a marking engine that has a job image buffer (JIB) that queues jobs from a scanner and a raster image processor (RIP). The scanner supports the copier function of the apparatus and processes original documents by scanning the images thereon to form copier image data that is processed and stored in the JIB. The RIP processes printer data from a computer and transmits this data also to the JIB for further processing and storage. The RIP operates in two printer modes. In a first printer mode, data is sent to the JIB as it is RIPed and no provision is made for an interrupt for a copier job nor can a copy job be scanned in. This provides maximum efficiency for printer operation. In a second, less efficient, printer mode the JIB stores only a few and preferably one-print job at a time to leave room in the JIB for scanning in a copy job via an interrupt operation.

Abstract: In an electrostatographic recording apparatus and method of forming images on a charge retentive surface such as a photoconductive member using a single writer source, the surface is uniformly charged by a corona charger to a predetermined voltage potential level. An image frame is then exposed on a pixel by pixel basis with varying amounts of exposure by the source for at least some pixels to form a tri-state type of latent image on the image frame including a charged area developable (CAD) latent image having at least some exposed pixels at various different sub-levels of exposure within the CAD latent image, a discharged-area developable (DAD) latent image having at least some exposed pixels at various different sub-levels of exposure within said discharged area developable image, and a background area The DAD and CAD latent images are then developed with toners of two different colors by two different developer sources.

Abstract: A pre-heater for a fusing assembly for an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus, in which an image-wise pattern of pigmented marking particles is fixed to a receiver member transported along a travel path in operative relation with said fusing assembly. The pre-heater as described includes a housing defining an internal chamber. The housing internal chamber defines an opening adjacent to the receiver member travel path. A heating element is located within the housing internal chamber. An airflow system is provided including a blower, and a distribution plenum in flow communication between the blower and the heating element. An impingement member is positioned in the chamber opening adjacent to said travel path. An impingement plenum is in flow communication between the heating element and the impingement member, and a return conduit is in flow communication between the opening and the blower.

Abstract: A deformable toner fuser roller, for use in a fusing station of an electrostatographic machine comprising a rigid cylindrical core member; an overdrive-controlling, elastically deformable structure surrounding the core member; and wherein the fuser roller is adapted to be heated by a heat source external to the roller and the overdrive-controlling elastically deformable structure comprises an effective or operational Poisson's ratio between 0.2 and 0.4.

Abstract: An intermediate transfer roller that functions as an image receiving member within a reproduction apparatus having a rigid cylindrical core member and at least one layer of an elastically deformable structure surrounding the core member, the elastically deformable structure preferably has an effective Poisson's ratio in the range of 0.2 to 0.4.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning particulate material from the surface of a moving web comprises: (i) a customer-replaceable cleaning cartridge including a pair of spaced, parallel cleaning blades supported by a sump housing having a removable lid assembly with a narrow opening through which the blades project at an angle; (ii) a backup shoe assembly positioned to contact the web surface opposite the cleaning blades and provide resistance to the cleaning blades; and (iii) a bracket assembly for releasably supporting the cleaning cartridge in an operative position in which the cleaning blades contact the web surface to be cleaned and cooperate with the shoe assembly to wipe particulate material from the web. Preferably, the lid assembly comprises a lid member that supports a flexible seal blade that contacts the web surface upstream of the cleaning blades and deflects particulate material wiped from the web by the cleaning blades into the sump housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming a cleaning system for an electrostatographic reproduction system having a photoconductive drum partially within a cleaning system housing and a cleaning brush having conductive core fibers within the cleaning system housing contacting the photoconductive drum with a detoner roller also within the cleaning system housing contacting the cleaning brush. The cleaning system housing is provided with ports that allow for air in enter of leave the cleaning system housing. A curved deflector plate is positioned such that it is spaced about ⅛″ from the cleaning brush. The deflector plate is attached to the enclosure on a side where the brush fibers are moving towards the detoner roller. A skive is made to contact the detoner roller, a baffle is formed contacting the skive and a side of the cleaning housing.

Abstract: A copier or printer apparatus provides printed copies in accordance with instructions provided by respective remote users of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a marking engine for printing copies of information; a user interface supervisor for controlling interface between users and the marking engine; and a network web server that downloads software to a computer at a remote location to which a remote user has access to provide user interface software for establishing a user operational interface for communicating requirements for a print job to the user interface supervisor for printing by the marking engine. In operation, the web server downloads applets for execution by the computer at the remote location wherein downloaded applets provide a program for the computer at the remote location to process data for a printer interface display screen page for viewing by the remote user.

Abstract: A fuser member having a support metallic core and a layer of material formed over the metallic core, the layer includes composite material, including a high molecular weight reactive polyfunctional poly(C(1-6) alkyl)siloxane polymer; a cross-linked poly(dialkylsiloxane) incorporating an oxide, wherein the poly(dialkylsiloxane) has a weight average molecular weight before crosslinking of about 5,000 to 80,000; and a silane crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of an edge of an object, with at least two photoelectric barriers, having at least one sender and at least one receiver apparatus as well as at least one common evaluation electronic unit for the detection of the edge or the presence of the object found on a transparent transporting belt. A diaphragm apparatus creates specially shaped light beam cross sections, wherein at least one light beam (B) is irradiated as a sufficiently narrow slit (5) in the direction of the edge to be detected, wherein the signals of the photoelectric barriers (3,4,10,11,12,13,14) are logically interconnected in the common evaluation unit (8).

Abstract: A method of preparing a composition containing a fluorocarbon thermoplastic random copolymer comprising the steps of: (a) providing a mixture having: (i) a fluorocarbon thermoplastic random copolymer having subunits of: —(CH2CF2)x—, —(CF2CF(CF3)y—, and —(CF2CF2)z—,  wherein x is from 1 to 50 or 60 to 80 mole percent, y is from 10 to 90 mole percent. z is from 10 to 90 mole percent. x+y+z equals 100 mole percent; (ii) a filler comprising zinc oxide; (iii) a curable amino functional polydimethyl siloxaie copolymer comprising aminofunctional units selected from tile group consisting of (aminoethylaminopropyl) methyl, ( aminopropyl) methyl and (aminopropyl) dimethyl; and (iv) a bisphenol residue curing agent; and (b) curing the mixture for 3 to 10 hours at a temperature in the range of 220° C. to 280° C. and for an additional 2 to 10 hours at a temperature in the range of 250° C. to 270° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing unit (1) for a printing machine, having an image cylinder (2), an image generating device (3) for setting an image on the peripheral surface (4) of the image cylinder (2), and an image transfer cylinder (5) which transfers the image from the image cylinder (2) to a printing substrate (6), the image transfer cylinder (5) having a resilient cover (7) which exhibits a deformation (10, 10′) in the force transmission areas (8, 9), and a transport belt (11) that carries the printing substrates (6) and is supported by a back-pressure cylinder (12) driving the image transfer cylinder (5) and the latter driving the image cylinder (2), by friction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling image defects related to transfer of toner images in an electrostatographic machine. An engagement between an operational surface of a toner image bearing member and an operational surface of another member forming a transfer nip is adjusted using an engagement adjustment device in order to reduce or eliminate image defects relating to an overdrive or underdrive associated with the nip. A transfer nip for transferring a toner image may include two rollers supported by parallel shafts coaxial with each roller, the shafts separated by a controllable distance of separation and the engagement in the nip being controllably adjustable by an engagement adjustment device to increase or decrease the distance of separation.

Abstract: A method for fixation of toner on a carrier or printing stock wherein the printing stock with toner is exposed to at least one radiation pulse or radiation flash of electromagnetic radiation and heated for melting of the toner, and a toner having a sharp transition from its solid to liquid state when heated is used. The toner is preferably characterized by the ratio of the value of the elastic modulus G′, at the reference temperature value calculated from the initial temperature at the beginning of the glass transition of the toner plus 50° C., to the value of the elastic modulus G′ at the initial temperature itself, is less than 10−5.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling image defects associated with overdrive or underdrive and variations thereof in an electrostatographic machine, the defects related to transfer and fusing of toner images. A speed modifying fore is transmitted to a conformable member that deforms in a nip, thereby inducing strains in the surface of the member at the nip which cancel or controllably reduce the strains caused by engagement in the nip. The speed modifying fore may be an externally applied drag force, such as for example a friction force, and may be applied using an open loop or a feedback system including an electromagnetic brake, a motor, etc. Alternatively, the speed modifying force may be produced by a controllable torque applied for example by a torque generator to an axle of a roller included in a frictionally driven system of rollers.

Abstract: A process for forming a particulate yellow toner for the development of latent electrostatographic latent images comprises: combining dry Pigment Yellow 185 (P.Y. 185) and a first thermoplastic polymer under conditions effective to form a predispersion of P.Y. 185 in the polymer, and combining the predispersion with a second thermoplastic polymer under conditions effective to form a yellow toner composition, from which is formed yellow toner particles.