Abstract: Disclosed is a closed-loop control method and system to control the nip width and transfer field uniformity associated with an image marking apparatus. According to an exemplary embodiment, a closed-loop control system senses the uniformity of the image transfer field and applies forces to a transfer nip based on the sensed field to provide a more uniform field.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for controlling one or more strip radii in a fuser. The fuser has a first member having a first surface. The fuser also has a belt having a first portion that contacts the first surface of the first member. The fuser further has a second member having a second surface that contacts a second portion of the belt in a region defining a nip. The fuser additionally has a stripping apparatus, positioned downstream of the nip in a process direction, comprising one or more adjustable blades configured to selectively exert one or more variable predetermined pressures on one or more selected sections of the first portion of the belt causing one or more selectable strip radii.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for causing one or more selectable strip radii associated with stripping a substrate from a belt in a fuser after an image has been fused to the substrate during a printing process. The fuser has a first member having a first surface, and a belt having a first portion that contacts the first surface of the first member. The fuser has a second member having a second surface that contacts a second portion of the belt in a region defining a fusing nip. The fuser has a stripping apparatus, positioned downstream of the fusing nip in a process direction, comprising one or more transducers that cause one or more respective transducer segments to move at a frequency that deflects one or more sections of the first portion of the belt to cause one or more selectable strip radii on demand.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for minimizing ghosting defects and process control instabilities for a printing system are disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, a controller retrieves uniformity measurements of an interdocument zone (IDZ) and sheet zone (SZ). In response to the uniformity measurements, a transfer current IDZ level is controlled to minimize differences in subsequent charging, photodischarge and/or development associated with the IDZ and SZ.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for controlling one or more strip radii in a fuser. The fuser has a first member having a first surface. The fuser also has a belt having a first portion that contacts the first surface of the first member. The fuser further has a second member having a second surface that contacts a second portion of the belt in a region defining a nip. The fuser additionally has a stripping apparatus, positioned downstream of the nip in a process direction, comprising one or more adjustable blades configured to selectively exert one or more variable predetermined pressures on one or more selected sections of the first portion of the belt causing one or more selectable strip radii.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for causing one or more selectable strip radii associated with stripping a substrate from a belt in a fuser after an image has been fused to the substrate during a printing process. The fuser has a first member having a first surface, and a belt having a first portion that contacts the first of the first member. The fuser has a second member having a second surface that contacts a second portion of the belt in a region defining a fusing nip. The fuser has a stripping apparatus, positioned downstream of the fusing nip in a process direction, comprising one or more transducers that cause one or more respective transducer segments to move at a frequency that deflects one or more sections of the first portion of the belt to cause one or more selectable strip radii on demand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closed-loop control method and system to control the nip width and transfer field uniformity associated with an image marking apparatus. According to an exemplary embodiment, a closed-loop control system senses the uniformity of the image transfer field and applies forces to a transfer nip based on the sensed field to provide a more uniform field.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for marking an image on a media substrate using an intermediate transfer printing arrangement. Specifically disclosed is an image transfer nip arrangement associated with a secondary transfer of an image which utilizes a constant current source to generate an electric field across the nip and transfer toner from an intermediate transfer surface to a media substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for minimizing ghost defect are disclosed. Ghosting results in interdocument bands when paper size is changed and process control instability due to using the interdocument zone (IDZ) for voltage and density control. A controller retrieves feedback measurements of the IDZ and sheet zone (SZ) non-uniformity. In response to the measurements, the transfer current IDZ level is controlled to minimize differences in subsequent charging, photodischarge and development.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can, while operating a printing device in a test mode, supply a changed transfer field to a marking material transfer device. The changed transfer field is less than or more than the standard transfer field. The method and apparatus disable operations of other marking material transfer devices of the printing device to isolate the marking material transfer device. Further, the method and apparatus compare the actual amount and/or spatial distribution of marking material transferred to a recipient surface (to which the first marking material transfer device transfers the marking material) against a predetermined standard. Then, if the actual amount of marking material transferred to the recipient surface is different than the predetermined standard, the method and apparatus can identify the first marking material transfer device as being a potential source of printing defects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can, while operating a printing device in a test mode, supply a changed transfer field to a marking material transfer device. The changed transfer field is less than or more than the standard transfer field. The method and apparatus disable operations of other marking material transfer devices of the printing device to isolate the marking material transfer device. Further, the method and apparatus compare the actual amount and/or spatial distribution of marking material transferred to a recipient surface (to which the first marking material transfer device transfers the marking material) against a predetermined standard. Then, if the actual amount of marking material transferred to the recipient surface is different than the predetermined standard, the method and apparatus can identify the first marking material transfer device as being a potential source of printing defects.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for marking an image on a media substrate using an intermediate transfer printing arrangement. Specifically disclosed is an image transfer nip arrangement associated with a secondary transfer of an image which utilizes a constant current source to generate an electric field across the nip and transfer toner from an intermediate transfer surface to a media substrate.

Abstract: In a xerographic printing apparatus, a scorotron places a uniform charge on a photoreceptor for forming electrostatic latent images. Three conductive pin arrays are disposed in a housing defined by sidewalls and a screen adjacent the photoreceptor. There can be provided insulative walls between adjacent pin arrays. The screen and a surface of the housing can be curved to correspond to a curvature of the photoreceptor.

Abstract: In a module for use in a xerographic printer, a substantially single-piece device includes thereon a cleaning blade, seal flap, and side seals for engaging a photoreceptor. The device can be easily replaced when the module is remanufactured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to utilizing memory provided in a machine replaceable sub-assembly to be a medium of distribution for software code updates to that machine relating as to how that machine should operate. In one alternative, there is provided a method for operating a machine employing the steps of providing a replaceable sub-assembly separable from the machine, the replaceable sub-assembly further comprising a wireless interface and a memory in which is stored software code of executable instructions. The method further provides communicating via the wireless interface with the replaceable sub-assembly to store software code of executable instructions relating to the operation of the machine into the memory. The method then provides placing the replaceable sub-assembly into the machine, reading the memory, placing the stored software code of executable instructions into the machine as new machine software code, and then operating the machine in accordance with the new software code.

Abstract: In a module for use in a xerographic printer, a substantially single-piece device includes thereon a cleaning blade, seal flap, and side seals for engaging a photoreceptor. The device can be easily replaced when the module is remanufactured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to utilizing memory provided in a machine replaceable sub-assembly to be one medium of distribution for coefficient values to that machine relating as to how that machine should use that replaceable sub-assembly. In one embodiment, there is provided a replaceable sub-assembly for use in a machine at various coefficient values comprising a memory with a look up table and further comprising upgraded executable instruction suitable for directing the machine to use the replaceable sub-assembly with different coefficient values, where the upgraded executable instruction is stored in the look up table memory. In this way, the replaceable sub-assembly becomes the medium for it's own or another's updated coefficient values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to utilizing memory provided in a machine replaceable sub-assembly to be one medium of distribution for software code updates to that machine relating as to how that machine should use that replaceable sub-assembly. In one embodiment, there is provided a replaceable sub-assembly for use in a machine at various setpoints including a memory and further including upgraded executable instruction suitable for directing the machine to use the replaceable sub-assembly with different setpoints, where the upgraded executable instruction is stored in the memory. In this way, the replaceable sub-assembly becomes the medium for it's own or another's software updates.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a guide member for directing sheets toward a transfer zone. The guide member defines a set of ribs which hold the sheets above the main surface of the guide member. Thus, any stray marking material which lands on the guide member is relatively unlikely to contact a sheet moving over the guide member.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a guide member for directing sheets toward a transfer zone. The guide member defines a set of ribs which hold the sheets above the main surface of the guide member. Thus, any stray marking material which lands on the guide member is relatively unlikely to contact a sheet moving over the guide member.