Abstract: Systems and methods apply active feedback via a repetitive controller to compensate for periodic disturbances applied by recording media to a movable image carrier having a controlled velocity. The compensation parameters of the repetitive controller, once the error signal of the feedback converges to zero, can be stored with one or more characteristics of the print job or the recording media used for the print job. When other print jobs are received having the same one or more characteristics, the stored, converged compensation parameters can be retrieved, reducing the time to convergence of the systems and methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply active feedback via a repetitive controller to compensate for periodic disturbances applied by recording media to a movable image carrier having a controlled velocity. The compensation parameters of the repetitive controller, once the error signal of the feedback converges to zero, can be stored with one or more characteristics of the print job or the recording media used for the print job. When other print jobs are received having the same one or more characteristics, the stored, converged compensation parameters can be retrieved, reducing the time to convergence of the systems and methods.

Abstract: The banner or cover sheet for a print job may be used for aperiodic sampling of transfer performance and/or fusing performance. Sensing pre-process and post-process is required. The resulting sampling is aperiodic and dependent on the job flow. In office products there is typically a frequent generation of cover sheets and the information collected in this way can be useful in system performance optimization. The concept is described for a tandem transfer system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensor calibration to obtain transfer efficiency measurements in a reprographic device from a pair of optical toner mass sensors, one located before and one located after transfer. Individual sensors differ (mounting variation, electrical component variation, etc.) in their response to a common sample. Because of low mass levels in transfer efficiency measurements it is essential to reduce sensor to sensor differences. Disclosed is a method of calibrating the sensors to each other by utilizing each sensor's response to at least two identical mass levels. Actual mass levels do not need to be known (except for the zero mass which is easy to ensure) and the individual sensor sensitivities do not need to be known since the ratio of responses yields the necessary sensor characterization. This method does not require unique calibrations among sensors and results in a more accurate and precise measurement of transfer efficiency.

Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided methods of optimizing contact forces between transfer and photoreceptor belts in image forming devices. The method acquires initial and operational set point data for the photoreceptor and transfer belt at different stages of engagement. Yaw motion is applied to reduce any misalignment between the belts based on the acquired data. A processor is used to determine misalignment between the photoreceptor belt and the transfer belt, and an actuator can be used to apply yaw motion. The yaw motion can return the transfer belt and the photoreceptor belt to their initial set position, or return a steering subsystem actuator to its setting prior to engagement of the belts. Set point data can be from the respective transfer steering subsystem for the photoreceptor and the transfer belts.

Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided methods of optimizing contact forces between transfer and photoreceptor belts in image forming devices. The method acquires initial and operational set point data for the photoreceptor and transfer belt at different stages of engagement. Yaw motion is applied to reduce any misalignment between the belts based on the acquired data. A processor is used to determine misalignment between the photoreceptor belt and the transfer belt, and an actuator can be used to apply yaw motion. The yaw motion can return the transfer belt and the photoreceptor belt to their initial set position, or return a steering subsystem actuator to its setting prior to engagement of the belts. Set point data can be from the respective transfer steering subsystem for the photoreceptor and the transfer belts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensor calibration and signal processing to obtain transfer efficiency measurements in a reprographic device from a pair of reflective toner area coverage (mass) sensors, one located before transfer and the other located after. The same mass is passed under both sensors and the ratio of responses yields the necessary sensor characterization.

Abstract: A color printing machine with a hybrid development architecture is provided including a photoreceptor, a first and second set of development housings, a biased transfer belt, and a fuser. The first set of development housings are arranged in an image-on-image configuration in proximity to the photoreceptor. The biased transfer belt is in proximity to the photoreceptor at a transfer station. The second set of development housings are arranged in a tandem configuration in proximity to the biased transfer belt. The fuser is in proximity to the biased transfer belt.

Abstract: A color printing machine with a hybrid development architecture is provided including a photoreceptor, a first and second set of development housings, a biased transfer belt, and a fuser. The first set of development housings are arranged in an image-on-image configuration in proximity to the photoreceptor. The biased transfer belt is in proximity to the photoreceptor at a transfer station. The second set of development housings are arranged in a tandem configuration in proximity to the biased transfer belt. The fuser is in proximity to the biased transfer belt.

Abstract: Electrodes are embedded in a biased charge roller of a xerographic device. The electrodes, which may run the length of the roller, are deposited on an insulating substrate. A semi-conductive conformable layer of a flexible elastomer covers the electrodes. The semi-conductive conformable layer limits current flow between electrodes and relaxes charge deposited on the roller surface. Stationary pre-nip and post-nip contacts apply the bias to the imbedded electrodes. The electrodes in the post nip region are biased to VPOST. The electrodes positioned in the pre-nip regions are either grounded or biased to VPRE<VPOST. The electroded biased charge roller may generate air breakdown in the post nip region, resulting in highly uniform charging.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a xerographic printer includes a subsystem for carrying out a function of the xerographic printer and affecting an electric field of a component. The system and method further include a bias transfer roll voltage operated in a constant current mode, and a voltage evaluator coupled to the biased transfer roll for measuring a change in a level of voltage of the bias transfer roll as the component affected by the subsystem passes through a nip region near the bias transfer roll for determining operability of the subsystem.

Abstract: Electrodes are embedded in a biased transfer roller for the transfer of a xerographic image. The electrodes, which run the length of the roller, are deposited on an insulating core surrounding the shaft. A conformable semi-conductive layer of a flexible elastomer covers the embedded electrodes. The semi-conductive layer limits current flow between embedded electrodes, relaxes charge deposited on the roller surface, and maximizes the electric field that attracts the toner from the photoconductor to the image receiving surface (substrate or intermediate). The electroded biased transfer roller may tailor the electric fields within the nip, pre-nip, and post-nip regions between the photoreceptor and the image receiving surface of the xerographic device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a xerographic printer includes a subsystem for carrying out a function of the xerographic printer and affecting an electric field of a component. The system and method further include a bias transfer roll voltage operated in a constant current mode, and a voltage evaluator coupled to the biased transfer roll for measuring a change in a level of voltage of the bias transfer roll as the component affected by the subsystem passes through a nip region near the bias transfer roll for determining operability of the subsystem.

Abstract: Electrodes are embedded in a biased transfer roller for the transfer of a xerographic image. The electrodes, which run the length of the roller, are deposited on an insulating core surrounding the shaft. A conformable semi-conductive layer of a flexible elastomer covers the embedded electrodes. The semi-conductive layer limits current flow between embedded electrodes, relaxes charge deposited on the roller surface, and maximizes the electric field that attracts the toner from the photoconductor to the image receiving surface (substrate or intermediate). The electroded biased transfer roller may tailor the electric fields within the nip, pre-nip, and post-nip regions between the photoreceptor and the image receiving surface of the xerographic device.

Abstract: A color electrophotographic printer that prepares a composite toner image for transfer by exposing an image area containing the composite toner image to an erase lamp and then running the composite toner image by an AC scorotron.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing toner release from an image bearing member in an electrostatographic printing machine, including a resonator suitable for generating vibratory energy arranged in line contact with the back side of the image bearing member for uniformly applying vibratory energy to the image bearing member. The resonator includes a piezoelectric transducer and a horn-type waveguide assembly, wherein an adhesive epoxy augmented with a substantial concentration of electrically conductive, free flowing particulate bead elements is used to bond the horn and piezoelectric transducer element together, without the requirement of a backing plate or bolts. The conductive beads resolve bond layer thickness anomalies while eliminating adhesive flow restrictions such that substantially uniform tip velocity and frequency output can be achieved.

Abstract: A resonating assembly, generally for use in electrostatographic applications for enhancing transfer of toner from an image bearing member, with the resonating assembly positioned along a longitudinal axis generally transverse to the process direction of movement of the image bearing member, for applying uniform vibratory energy thereto. The resonating assembly includes a plurality of discrete individual resonator elements, each including a vibratory energy producing segment, such as a piezoelectric transducer, for generating vibratory energy and a waveguide segment coupled to the vibratory energy producing segment for directing the vibratory energy to the image bearing member. An alignment rod is provided for extending the length of the entire resonating assembly, along a longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the alignment rod facilitates critical alignment specifications for the resonating assembly.

Abstract: An electrophotographic device includes a flexible belt-type charge retentive member, bearing a developed latent image and brings a sheet of paper or other transfer member into intimate contact with the charge retentive surface at a transfer station for electrostatic transfer of toner from the charge retentive surface to the sheet. At the transfer station, a resonator suitable for generating vibratory energy is arranged in line contact with the back side of the charge retentive, to uniformly apply vibratory energy to the charge retentive member surface at a position opposite the transfer coronode or peak transfer field, or slightly upstream therefrom. Toner is released from the electrostatic and mechanical forces adjering it to the charge retentive surface at the line contact position.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a liquid image is transferred from a surface to a substantially electrically non-conductive, flexible copy sheet with the liquid image being charged to one polarity and the surface being charged to a polarity opposite to the polarity of the charge of the liquid image. A first charge is applied on the copy sheet. The first charge is of the same polarity as the polarity of the charge of the liquid image. This causes the copy sheet to adhere releasably to the surface with the liquid image being interposed therebetween. A second charge is applied on the copy sheet after the first charge has been applied thereon. The second charge is of an opposite polarity to the polarity of the charge of the liquid image. This causes the liquid image to be attracted to the copy sheet.

Abstract: An imaging process which comprises the formation of an image on an imaging member, development of the image with a toner comprised of resin, pigment, and surface additives, and wherein the toner surface area coverage is from about 30 to about 80 percent; transferring the image developed to a substrate; and optionally fixing the image thereto.