Abstract: Systems and methods for generating an image on a recording medium having a recording layer that is layered by a protective layer. The recording medium includes a substrate and a recording layer with pores. The recording layer is attached to the substrate. The recording medium is processed by an image recording device that records an image on the recording layer. When the protective layer is applied to the recording layer, the image substantially remains the same.

Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus and method for ink jet printing is described. The apparatus includes an ink reservoir for containing a water based ink and a moisture barrier positioned between the ink in the ink reservoir and ambient air. The moisture barrier is formed of microencapsulated water beads adapted to provide a sustained release of the water into ambient air.

Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus and method for ink jet printing is described. The apparatus includes an ink reservoir for containing a water based ink and a moisture barrier positioned between the ink in the ink reservoir and ambient air. The moisture barrier is formed of microencapsulated water beads adapted to provide a sustained release of the water into ambient air.

Abstract: The invention provides automatic machinery with the capability to communicate to an operator or technician or other machine user with a description of a machine condition, such as, for example, a machine problem, if the machine requires attention.

Abstract: The invention provides automatic machinery with the capability to communicate to an operator or technician or other machine user with a description of a machine condition, such as, for example, a machine problem, if the machine requires attention.

Abstract: A resonator for applying vibrational energy to a member, for example a photoreceptor belt or developer/donor member, includes an energy transmitting horn member having a platform portion and a horn portion, the horn portion including a contacting portion for contacting a surface of the member, and a piezoelectric material in association with the horn member for driving the horn member to vibrate, the piezoelectric material responsive to a voltage signal from a voltage source. The piezoelectric material is a composite of at least one piezoceramic material and at least one of a polymer or air, and has a 1-3 configuration. By the selection of a piezoceramic/polymer composite material having the specified configuration for use as the vibratory energy producing source, or transducer, of a resonator, improved piezoelectric material performance is achieved, particularly with respect to control and/or elimination of undesired transverse vibration, and manufacturing complexity is reduced.

Abstract: A sliding bushing for providing rotational support of a rotating member and axial biasing of that rotating member. The sliding bushing includes a body portion and a biasing portion. The body portion defines an inner periphery and an outer periphery while the biasing portion extends from the body. The sliding bushing is an integral unit.

Abstract: A door hinge assembly suitable for attaching a door to a structural member such that the relative position of the door to the structural member can be adjusted. A door hinge assembly includes a mounting plate for attaching the door hinge assembly to a frame, a pin holder for holding a hinge pin, and an arm that connects the pin holder to the mounting plate. The hinge pin includes both a mating body for mating with a receptacle mounted to a door and a flattened body that fits into an elongated opening that passes through the pin holder. The flattened body includes a threaded aperture that aligns with an opening through the pin holder. A captured screw threads through the threaded aperture and across the elongated opening. The captured screw includes an adjustment that is accessible through the pin holder opening.

Abstract: A torsion spring for connecting a first member and a second member that are aligned along a longitudinal axis and that rotate about that axis together. The torsion spring includes a first molded plastic end that mates with the first member, a second molded plastic end that mate with the second member, and an elastic member that connects the first and second molded plastic ends together. The elastic member is for providing a force that biases the second member relative to the first member. The elastic member can be made of molded plastic arms or an elastic compound such as rubber.

Abstract: A device for mounting tubular members to structural members. The device is a unitary structure formed into two gripping arms, two flex arms and a retainer plate. Each gripping arm includes a bend and two pointed straight protrusions. Each flex arm includes two pointed bent protrusions and a stop having a bent lip. The retainer plate includes an opening for engaging a threaded member.

Abstract: An indexing mechanism for advancing a substrate in a first direction is disclosed. The mechanism includes a guide for guiding the substrate along a substrate path and an urging member. The urging member is movable in a direction skewed with respect to the substrate path. The urging member cooperates with the guide to displace a portion of the substrate so that an end of the substrate advances in the first direction.

Abstract: A caster for rollably supporting a device with respect to a support surface is disclosed. The caster includes a body and a spherical member. The body has a concave surface thereof. The spherical member is rotatably contactable with at least a portion of the concave surface and rotatable with the support surface.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a first component to a second component in a device is disclosed. The fastener includes an elongated body and a head. The elongated body has a portion thereof having a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body. The portion of the body has an arcuate connecting surface on an external periphery thereof. The body cooperates with the first component to permit the portion of the body to freely pass through a first component opening in the first component. The body cooperates with the second component to permit the portion of the body to freely pass through a second component opening in the second component when the body is oriented in a first position with respect to the second component opening. The body cooperates with the second component to permit the arcuate connecting surface to engage with the second component when the body is oriented in a second position with respect to the second component opening. The head is attached to one end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A caster for rollably supporting a device with respect to a surface is disclosed. The caster includes a body and a rotatable member operably connected to the body. The member is rollably cooperable with the surface. The caster further includes a connector operably connected to the body for connecting the body to the device and a support operably connected to the connector.

Abstract: A bushing mountable in a housing for supporting a rotating member and for providing a bias force to the rotating member in a first direction is disclosed. The bushing includes a body defining an aperture therein and a mounting member for mounting the bushing to the housing. The bushing also includes a biasing member operably associated with said body and said mounting member. At least two of said biasing member, said mounting member and said body are integral with each other.

Abstract: An actuator for actuating a latch for releaseably securing a movable member to a frame is disclosed. The actuator includes a body, a first member operably associated with said body for urging the latch toward engagement with the frame and a second member operably associated with the body for urging the latch toward disengagement with the frame wherein the body, the first member, and the second member are turned from a one-piece construction. A separating member is operably associated with the actuator for separating the actuator from the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for dampening vibration during machining of a rotating sleeve. The apparatus includes a base disposed interiorly of the sleeve at a selected location along the sleeve longitudinal axis. The base is spaced from the sleeve. The apparatus also includes a member mounted radially movable on the base. The member is adapted to move radially into contact with the sleeve interior surface in response to the sleeve being rotated during machining thereof so as to dampen vibration of the sleeve.