Abstract: A system for monitoring the life cycle of an electronic apparatus of the type that creates an output data record such as an exposed photographic film, or a digital data, sound or image file, includes a sensor in the electronic apparatus for monitoring the operation and condition of the apparatus to produce operational data; means in the electronic apparatus for appending the operational data to the data record; a data record utilization device that receives and operates on the data record; and a digital processor in the data record utilization device having a software agent that retrieves the operational data from the data record, processes the operational data and produces a message related to the life cycle of the product.

Abstract: A disk-loading station for an automated disk library includes a "lazy-Susan" mechanism which enables disks to be loaded into the library from a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the disks are ultimately transported within the library. Such a loading station enables disks to be loaded through the front wall of the disk library, rather than through an end wall which would increase the space requirements for the library.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and apparatus for loading data storage disks (e.g. rigid optical disks) onto a spindle assembly for rotation relative to a write/read head. The system is characterized by a disk carrier which is adapted to releasably capture a disk, and apparatus for releasing and separating the disk from the carrier so that the disk can be rotated in a plane spaced from the carrier plane. Such apparatus comprises carrier support means for supporting a disk-capturing carrier in a predetermined plane, disk release means, cooperatable with disk latching members of the carrier, for releasing a disk from the carrier, disk support means for supporting a released disk in the plane of the carrier, and means for imparting relative movement between the carrier support means and the disk support means to locate the disk in a desired plane of rotation, and to locate the carrier in a plane spaced therefrom.

Abstract: A magnet roll for use in a developer unit of an electrostatic copier having a magnet structure provided by elongated bars of permanent magnet material magnetized to provide radially oriented magnets. The bars are sufficiently rigid to support hubs without the need for a core. A cylindrical shell of conductive material is rotatably mounted on the magnet structure by shafts which are either journaled in or on the hubs of the magnet structure. The bars are made of conductive plastic or ceramic or elastomeric material (rubber) having permanent magnet material therein which is polarized to provide magnetic poles along the axis of the cylindrical shell which are magnetized in a radial direction with respect to the axis. The elastomeric (rubber) magnet bars have a rigid (steel) backing. The entire roll may be fabricated, essentially from plastic material and at low cost.

Abstract: Pressure rolls useful in printing, embossing, coating, calendering, conveying, and fixing images to substrates. The pressure rolls comprise a cylindrical core provided with an array of axial slots, a heating element disposed in the slots, and a shell around the core. The pressure rolls may be employed in apparatus for fixing a toner material image pattern on a substrate such as a paper sheet. The pressure contact between the sheet and the pressure rolls is established by a hydrostatic assembly which may be pre-set.

Abstract: Pressure rolls useful in printing, embossing, coating, calendering, conveying, and fixing images to substrates. The pressure rolls are prepared by cryogenically cooling a core component to about the temperature of liquid nitrogen, removing the core component therefrom and inserting a sleeve component over the core component. The composite roll is allowed to warm to ambient temperature whereby during warming the core component thermally expands and secures the sleeve component to the core component. Also disclosed is apparatus and a method for fixing a toner material image pattern on a substrate such as a paper sheet.

Abstract: A magnetic brush developing system for electrostatic duplication uses a developer having a magnetic carrier and non-magnetic toner which is transferred by the brush to an electrostatic image. A analog signal is derived using a Hall sensor in contact with the brush and adjacent to a magnet of the brush. The location of the sensor after and downstream of the transfer point provides information in the signal both as to the absolute value of the concentration (ratio of toner to carrier by weight) as well as the rate of transfer of the toner to the electrostatic image. These signals are used to control the supplying of replenishment toner to the developer only when the concentration of toner drops below a predetermined desired value and then at a rate commensurate with the rate of transfer of toner to the electrostatic image.