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 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 is an image transfer roller (ITR) utilizing an elastomer crown, imaging devices and imaging apparatus using the disclosed ITR. According to one exemplary embodiment, an ITR includes a cylindrically shaped conductive shaft and an elastomer material covering all or a portion of the conductive shaft. The profile of the outer surface of the elastomer material includes a substantially quadratic crown profile.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image transfer roller (ITR) utilizing an elastomer crown, imaging devices and imaging apparatus using the disclosed ITR. According to one exemplary embodiment, an ITR includes a cylindrically shaped conductive shaft and an elastomer material covering all or a portion of the conductive shaft. The profile of the outer surface of the elastomer material includes a substantially quadratic crown profile.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include a transfer assist blade that is adapted to bias media toward a marking device. The transfer assist blade has a plurality of movable blade segments that overlap one another. In one embodiment, a first movable blade segment (comprising a first wear layer and a first underlying layer beneath the first wear layer) overlies a second movable blade segment (comprising a second wear layer and a second underlying layer beneath the first wear layer). More specifically, in this embodiment, a portion of the first wear layer overlaps a portion of the second wear layer.

Abstract: This is a structure useful in electrostatic marking systems that prevents a charge from contacting a photoreceptor in areas not covered by paper. An automatically movable cover is positioned between a corona device and the photoreceptor to prevent the charge emitted by the corona from damaging the unprotected areas of the photoreceptor. The movement and positioning of the shutter or cover is automatically calibrated by the width of paper being used. Since a plurality of paper widths can be used in an electrostatic marking system, various portions of the photoreceptor will be exposed. The entire determination to move the cover or shutter and to the extent positioned is automatically determined minimizing the possibility of error if manual positioning of the cover was used.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include a transfer assist blade that is adapted to bias media toward a marking device. The transfer assist blade is somewhat flexible and has a media contact edge positioned adjacent the marking device. The shape of the media contact edge comprises a curved shape. More specifically, the transfer assist blade assembly comprises a base and a transfer assist blade operatively connected to (or made an integral part of) the base. The curved media contact edge of the transfer assist blade comprises a center portion and end portions distal to the center portion, and the center portion extends a different distance from the base than the end portions extend from the base. Thus, the shape of the media contact edge can comprise one of a convex shape, a concave shape, and an irregular shape.

Abstract: A device that can sense small changes in distance between opposed surfaces includes a ferromagnetic material and a giant magneto resistance effect sensor. A current source applies a current to the sensor to operate the sensor and read the magnetic field that impinges on the sensor from the ferromagnetic material. The magnetic field changes when the distance between the opposed surfaces changes. The device can be used in imaging apparatus to sense multifeeds and other conditions.