Abstract: A method for evaluating a three-dimensional (3D) object produced by a three-dimensional (3D) object printer includes generating with a scanner a first data file of the 3D object produced by the three-dimensional object printer. The first data file includes data corresponding to an interior surface and an exterior surface of the 3D object. The method further includes comparing the first data file with a second data file. The second data file is used to operate the three-dimensional object printer to produce the 3D object. The method further includes identifying differences between the first data file and the second data file and identifying a process to rectify a defect on the 3D object based on the identified differences to enable evaluation of the production of the 3D object by the three-dimensional object printer.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a three-dimensional (3D) object produced by a three-dimensional (3D) object printer includes generating with a scanner a first data file of the 3D object produced by the three-dimensional object printer. The first data file includes data corresponding to an interior surface and an exterior surface of the 3D object. The method further includes comparing the first data file with a second data file. The second data file is used to operate the three-dimensional object printer to produce the 3D object. The method further includes identifying differences between the first data file and the second data file and identifying a process to rectify a defect on the 3D object based on the identified differences to enable evaluation of the production of the 3D object by the three-dimensional object printer.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a thermally conductive endless belt configured to carry media past at least one printhead with a plurality of inkjets that are configured to eject ink onto a first surface of the media, a plurality of micro-heaters configured to direct heat to a second surface of the media, and a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the at least one printhead and the plurality of micro-heaters, and is configured to operate the inkjets in the at least one printhead to eject ink onto the first surface of the media and to operate the micro-heaters to direct heat into the thermally conductive endless belt to transmit heat to different positions on the second surface of the media selectively.

Abstract: A diagnostic system made part of or for use with a document handling device in which a customer is guided toward performance of at least one comparison means in a diagnostic routine analysis. The comparison means is selected from a group comprising (1) a first comparison comparing a fused print media and an unfused print media for presence of a defect, (2) a second comparison comparing an output print media and at least one image on a screen for a type of defect, and (3) a third comparison comparing a low-charged print media and a no-charged print media for qualities of the defect. The customer enters a selection based on results of the first, the second, or the third comparisons. The diagnostic system can identify a part causing a defect in the print media based on results of the comparisons.

Abstract: If the device-specific maintenance rate statistics is higher than the average maintenance rate statistics, method embodiments herein alter replacement warning thresholds for components of the device by extending the replacement warning thresholds to produce modified replacement warning thresholds. If the specific device incurs unscheduled maintenance visits more often than average, the embodiments herein extend the replacement warning thresholds for components of the device. The amount that the replacement warning thresholds are extended is different for different parts, and is based on part life, part cost, and part service cost. If the device-specific maintenance rate statistics is lower than the average maintenance rate statistics, method embodiments herein alter replacement warning thresholds for components of the device by shortening the replacement warning thresholds to produce modified replacement warning thresholds.

Abstract: According to various illustrative embodiments, a system and method for enhancing image permanence are described. In one aspect, the method includes applying an image to a sheet of a medium using a system including at least one photoreceptor, at least one fuser, at least one inverter, and at least one duplex path loop operatively connecting an output of the at least one fuser with an input to the at least one photoreceptor. The method also includes fusing the sheet of the medium at least twice using the at least one fuser before any other image is applied to the sheet of the medium.

Abstract: A diagnostic system made part of or for use with a document handling device in which a customer is guided toward performance of at least one comparison means in a diagnostic routine analysis. The comparison means is selected from a group comprising (1) a first comparison comparing a fused print media and an unfused print media for presence of a defect, (2) a second comparison comparing an output print media and at least one image on a screen for a type of defect, and (3) a third comparison comparing a low-charged print media and a no-charged print media for qualities of the defect. The customer enters a selection based on results of the first, the second, or the third comparisons. The diagnostic system can identify a part causing a defect in the print media based on results of the comparisons.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending the lifetime of belts, especially photoreceptor belts inside of a printing device, which includes detensioning the belt during periods where the belt is not in use, such as where a printing device is in an idle state.

Abstract: Media removal apparatus having a stripper finger structure for separating the lead edge of an imaging media such as plain paper from a heated fuser roll and a stripper baffle for separating the portion of the imaging media beyond the lead edge of the imaging media from the heated fuser roll. The stripper finger structure is supported for movement between a home or standby position and an active position, with the finger tips in constant contact with the heated fuser roll, for effecting separation of the media's lead edge from the heated fuser roll. Likewise, the stripper baffle structure is supported for movement between home or standby positions to its active position where it effects separation of a portion of the imaging media beyond its lead edge.

Abstract: Media removal apparatus having a stripper finger structure for separating the lead edge of an imaging media such as plain paper from a heated fuser roll and a stripper baffle for separating the portion of the imaging media beyond the lead edge of the imaging media from the heated fuser roll. The stripper finger structure is supported for movement between a home or standby position and an active position, with the finger tips in constant contact with the heated fuser roll, for effecting separation of the media's lead edge from the heated fuser roll. Likewise, the stripper baffle structure is supported for movement between home or standby positions to its active position where it effects separation of a portion of the imaging media beyond its lead edge.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing the arrival of copy sheets at a photoreceptor in an image processing having a copy sheet path having a plurality of segments coupled at given transfer zones, a plurality of copy sheet drives, an image transfer station, a photoreceptor and a controller. The controller directs the image processing apparatus by tracking the movement of copy sheets at the image transfer station in relation to the movement of the photoreceptor, monitoring the movement of copy sheets at the transfer zones, determining the need to adjust the spacing of copy sheets along the plurality of segments of the copy sheet path, and suitably activating selected copy sheet drives.

Abstract: A photoreceptor apparatus constructed of a photoreceptor belt releasably attached to the surface of a cylindrical mandrel. The photoreceptor belt is preferably attached to the mandrel by means of a movable segment of the mandrel that is retracted into the mandrel to allow installation of the belt by reducing the effective circumference of the mandrel.

Abstract: A paper transport system includes an apparatus for controlling movement of the sheets along the predetermined course to provide sheet buffering. The apparatus includes first and second friction surfaces mounted for movement in orbital paths on opposite sides of the predetermined course in opposed relationship to define a nip through which the paper sheets pass. A selectively operable drive is provided for independently controlling the movement of the first and second friction surfaces, and the first friction surface has a coefficient of friction with the paper sheets which is greater than the coefficient of friction of the second surface with the paper sheets which is in turn greater than the coefficient of friction between the paper sheets.

Abstract: A dynamic "mailboxing" unit and system for separating by users the sheet outputs of various users of a shared users printer (including facsimile receivers, copiers or combination units). It provides for stacking the sheets sequentially outputted from the printer in separate job sets into one or more temporarily and variably assigned "mailboxes" of a "mailboxing" job sorting accessory unit having a number of variably assignable "mailbox" bins. It may also provide a bypass for sequentially stacking unstapled user sheets directly in a mailbox without compiling and stapling. A variable display indicates the bins into which that particular user's jobs have been placed last and not yet removed. Also disclosed is automatic overflow assignments of additional temporarily designated bins for identified users, as needed, to provide effectively unlimited or "virtual bin" plural job stacking.

Abstract: In a printing system capable of printing and outputting collated sets of plural duplex copy sheets from input job sets of plural page images using a trayless duplexing buffer loop path of a known normal plural copy sheet length for recirculating the copy sheets imaged on one side back to be imaged on their opposite sides; operating in a continuous loop burst-interleave mode, using a variable speed duplex drive, for driving at least a major portion of the duplexing path sheet feeders at at least two different sheet feeding speeds so as to initially feed a limited number of the sheets to be printed on one side, less than the duplexing path length, at full rate without skips, to the duplexing path to be selectively partially fed therein at substantially higher than normal velocities, and to variably selectively reduce the velocity of the duplexing path with the initial sheets therein, to generate sheet interleaving spaces between these duplexing path sheets, so that they may be interleaved for their second side

Abstract: A registration system for copy sheets uses a pair of drive rolls and a drive system for commonly driving both drive rolls. A differential drive mechanism is provided for changing the relative angular position of one of the rolls with respect to the other roll to deskew the copy sheet. A control system is supplied with inputs representative of the skew of the copy sheet and controls the differential drive mechanism to deskew the copy sheet. The system offers enhanced performance and reduced cost.

Abstract: High speed printers with extended run capabilities are disclosed. A plurality of like containers are provided for carrying copy sheets to the printer and for receiving copy output from the printer. The containers are fed one after the other to supply input sheets or receive output sheets. Spent input trays or filled output trays are moved transversely to the exterior of the printer. Conveyors are utilized for the continuous feeding of copy sheet input containers or copy sheet receiving containers.

Abstract: A copying and or printing apparatus including a duplex feeder for feeding sheets having had page image information copied/printed on one side thereof, back to a copying/printing station for transferring page image information to the other side thereof. The duplex feeder includes a buffer tray that can be positioned above and slightly upstream of a feeder tray. The buffer tray stores copy sheets exceeding the maximum capacity of the feeder tray such that the copier/printer can process a greater number of duplex copies in a single run.

Abstract: An apparatus for individually feeding sheets from a stack of sheets, comprises a tray for supporting a stack of sheets to be fed therefrom. A sheet feeder is provided for individually capturing a top sheet from the stack and for conveying the top sheet out of the tray. A solenoid-activated sheet hold down device is provided which includes a portion being cyclically movable toward and away from the stack for exerting a force on a next top sheet beneath the top sheet to prevent the next top sheet from being forwarded out of the tray while the top sheet is being forwarded.

Abstract: An automatic copy paper selecting device that chooses the proper type of copy sheet based on the paper weight of the sheets of the original document without the necessity of utilizing coded control sheets or other operator input. A paper weight sensor in the document handler determines the weight of each original sheet and sends a signal to a programmable controller which then selects the proper copy sheet feed tray based on preprogrammed parameters.