Abstract: A universal object holding mechanism for holding three-dimensional objects for printing thereon uses an array of suction cups mounted at the ends of retractable tubes. The array is pressed into an object which in turn is pressed against a datum surface that represents a print head. Vacuum is applied through the tubes to the suction cups which grip the object. The suction cup walls are hollow and filed with particulates that cause the cup to become rigid when the vacuum is applied. This contributes to keeping the object from moving due to flex in the suction cup when it is being moved past the print head.

Abstract: A universal object holding mechanism for holding three-dimensional objects for printing thereon uses an array of suction cups mounted at the ends of retractable tubes. The array is pressed into an object which in turn is pressed against a datum surface that represents a print head. Vacuum is applied through the tubes to the suction cups which grip the object. The suction cup walls are hollow and filed with particulates that cause the cup to become rigid when the vacuum is applied. This contributes to keeping the object from moving due to flex in the suction cup when it is being moved past the print head.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus and method for supplying uninterrupted flow of solid-ink pellets to an image-forming device. The apparatus includes a container for retaining solid-ink pellets, and a selectably-inflatable bladder disposed within the container. Further, the apparatus includes a tube communicating the bladder with a pressure supply.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for cleaning marking material from a surface portion of a movable photoconductive member. The system includes a first rotatable brush, a blade and a second rotatable brush arranged in sequential order along the movable photoconductive member. The first rotatable brush is for removing a first amount of marking material from the surface portion of the movable photoconductive member as the surface portion of the movable photoconductive member moves past said first rotatable electrostatic brush. The blade, in engaging contact with the movable photoconductive member, is for removing a second amount of marking material from the surface portion of the movable photoconductive member. The second rotatable brush, positioned in interference contact with the movable photoconductive member, is for removing substantially all residual marking material that was not removed by the first rotatable brush and the blade.

Abstract: A surface-treating apparatus has a dual-purpose surface-treating blade assembly that includes a blade holder for holding and loading a blade member, and a one-piece blade member having a first edge mounted to the blade holder and a second edge for contacting and treating a surface. The one-piece blade member has a mid-portion for applying a first edge-loading force to lightly contact and remove random spots from a central imaging region of the surface, a first end portion, and a second end portion. The dual-purpose blade assembly also includes a first shim device and a second shim device assembled respectively to the first end portion and to the second end portion of the blade member for stiffening such end portions and increasing a magnitude of each of a second and a third different edge-loading forces at such end portions relative to the first edge-loading force.