Abstract: Methods and devices for creating an electrostatic force. An electrostatic platen device includes a continuous conductive layer; a first dielectric layer provided on a first surface of the continuous conductive layer; and a second dielectric layer provided on a second surface of the continuous conductive layer opposite to the first surface of the conductive layer. A power source is electrically coupled to the continuous conductive layer to generate an electric tacking field.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting an electrostatic field in a print zone of an inkjet printer. The printer includes an electrostatic tacking device to hold a sheet of recording media to a transport belt moving through the print zone for imaging with one or more inkjet printheads. A sensor determines the electrostatic field before the print zone and adjusts the electrostatic field with a corotron disposed after the tacking device and before the print zone. Reduction of the electrostatic field in the print zone can reduce imaging errors resulting from electrostatic fields.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting an electrostatic field in a print zone of an inkjet printer. The printer includes an electrostatic tacking device to hold a sheet of recording media to a transport belt moving through the print zone for imaging with one or more inkjet printheads. A sensor determines the electrostatic field before the print zone and adjusts the electrostatic field with a corotron disposed after the tacking device and before the print zone. Reduction of the electrostatic field in the print zone can reduce imaging errors resulting from electrostatic fields.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system for using a cleaning web in an electrostatic printing process to provide a uniform and thin wax layer on the fuser roll and thereby minimize print history effects, reduce triboelectric voltages on the fuser roll and provide uniform and improved release of the toner from the fuser roll. The application of this beneficial thin film to the fuser roll is accomplished by impregnating the cleaning web with a wax material that is substantially the same as the wax material in the toner used in the system. This impregnated wax, therefore, has the same release and triboelectric properties as the wax in the toner and therefore will not attract residual toner but will rather repel it.

Abstract: The magnitude and polarity of the voltage on the fuser roll surface is controlled by either electronic charge application means or by applying charge control agents to the fuser. For negative toner, the fuser roll voltage must also be negative (and visa versa). This will repel the negative toner at the entrance to the fuser nip, prevent the toner from transferring to the fuser roll at the entrance of the fuser nip and preclude the formation of NVO and consequently prevent MOC.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for sensing residual toner mass after transfer of a xerographic image, to facilitate the identification and characterization of different types of transfer defects. The technique employed utilizes a nominal residual mass signature, measured at the start of a job, in conjunction with subsequent residual mass signature, where the calculated difference between the nominal and subsequent signatures is used to indicate transfer defects and changes in transfer efficiency.

Abstract: System and methods may calibrate an AC rms voltage applied to a coronode of a charging device to achieve a predefined operating current at a target value of DC shield voltage. The target value of DC shield voltage may be set to be substantially below an over-voltage condition. System and methods may use a calibration routine that may determine a minimum AC voltage required to achieve the target value of DC shield voltage. Systems and methods may alternatively, or additionally, sense current and adjust the applied voltage to obtain a target current.

Abstract: Described herein is a printing system having one or more modules for reproducing an image on a substrate; a print media source that supplies the substrate; a finisher that provides finishing capabilities for the substrate; and a controller that uses an unhealthy module with a faulty charger, developer, transferor, cleaner, fuser, etc. to partially process a job.

Abstract: A glossing subsystem is provided that receives duplexed output media that has been selectively marked on a first side and a second side. The glossing subsystem includes: a first glossing unit that selectively provides a first gloss level to a first side of the duplexed output media; and, a second glossing unit that selectively provides a second gloss level to a second side of the duplexed output media.

Abstract: A defect analysis system for a xerographic print engine includes a residual mass sensor that senses the two-dimensional signature structure of residual mass remaining on a photoconductive or other substrate surface after image transfer. Preferably, the sensor is a full width array that spans substantially an entire width of the photoconductive surface. This information is then processed and analyzed to determine a specific type of transfer defect present. This may include the quantified level of defect for each detected type. The defect analysis system may also include a closed-loop control system that can adjust various xerographic process parameters using feedback based on the identification and optionally magnitude of each specific defect type. The identified print quality defect, such as mottle, streaks, point deletions, graininess, etc.

Abstract: A seamed flexible belt having a substrate and a seam having interlocking seam members, wherein the interlocking seam members are held together by an adhesive having polyamide and an optional electrically conductive filler, for use in electrostatographic, contact electrostatic, digital and other like printing machines.

Abstract: In a xerographic machine (10) having, a photoreceptor (110) including a photoconductive layer (112) arranged over an electrically conductive substrate (114), and a charging station (200) for applying a substantially uniform electrostatic charge to a surface (116) of the photoconductive layer (112), a method for detecting a thickness (t) of the photoconductive layer (112) is provided. The method includes: measuring an electrical property of the charging station (200); and, determining the thickness (t) of the photoconductive layer (112) from the measured electrical property.

Abstract: An electrostatographic printing apparatus comprises a charge receptor, and a transfer station for transferring a toner image from the charge receptor to a sheet. The sheet passes through a nip formed between the charge receptor and a moving transfer belt. Upstream of the nip, the belt forms a shallow angle relative to the charge receptor; downstream of the nip, the belt forms a steep angle relative to the charge receptor. This configuration enables self-stripping of the sheet from the transfer belt at the exit of the nip.

Abstract: An electrostatographic printing apparatus comprises a charge receptor, and a transfer station for transferring a toner image from the charge receptor to a sheet by providing an electric field of predetermined magnitude at a transfer zone. The transfer station includes a rotatable transfer member, with a cleaning corotron associated therewith. A control system for maintaining a constant current at the transfer zone takes into account a current supplied by the cleaning corotron. The control system can also take into account current leakages associated with the transfer member.

Abstract: A printing system includes first and second marking devices for applying images to print media. A primary fusing device is associated with each of the first and second marking devices for applying a primary fusing treatment to the images applied to print media by the first and second marking devices. A secondary fusing module receives printed media from the first and second marking devices, the secondary fusing module including first and second secondary fusing devices which selectively apply a further fusing treatment to the images applied to the printed media.

Abstract: A printing system includes first and second marking devices for applying images to print media. A first primary fusing device is associated with the first marking device for applying a primary fusing treatment to the images applied to print media by the first marking device. A second primary fusing device is associated with the second marking device for applying a primary fusing treatment to the images applied to print media by the second marking device. At least one secondary fusing device receives printed media from the first and second marking devices. The secondary fusing device selectively applies a further fusing treatment to at least a portion of the images applied to the printed media to increase a uniformity of an appearance characteristic between printed images generated by the first marking device and the second marking device.

Abstract: Electrodes are embedded in a biased charge roller of a xerographic device. The electrodes, which may run the length of the roller, are deposited on an insulating substrate. A semi-conductive conformable layer of a flexible elastomer covers the electrodes. The semi-conductive conformable layer limits current flow between electrodes and relaxes charge deposited on the roller surface. Stationary pre-nip and post-nip contacts apply the bias to the imbedded electrodes. The electrodes in the post nip region are biased to VPOST. The electrodes positioned in the pre-nip regions are either grounded or biased to VPRE<VPOST. The electroded biased charge roller may generate air breakdown in the post nip region, resulting in highly uniform charging.

Abstract: A system and method of determining a residual toner mass on a receiving member are disclosed, comprising providing one or more test patterns to the receiving member, transferring the test patterns from the receiving member to a transfer medium, determining a sensor signal obtained after transfer, processing the sensor signal obtained after transfer and determining an amount of residual toner mass based on the processed sensor signal. A xerographic marking device is also disclosed, comprising a receiving member, an array-type optical sensor or a point optical sensor arranged on the receiving member, and a controller that generates one or more test patterns, transfers the test patterns to a transfer medium, determines a sensor signal obtained after the transfer by the optical sensors, processes the determined sensor signal, and determines an amount of residual toner mass based on the processed sensor signal.

Abstract: Current density to copy substrates of varying widths if monitored and controlled in the electrostatic transfer unit of an electrostatic reproduction device. Current density through a copy substrate is appropriately adjusted to compensate for the presence of end leakage current effect to a receptor. Voltage supplied to a current generation unit in an electrostatic transfer unit is controlled independent of the characteristic properties of the copy substrate. Image reproduction quality is maintained in an electrostatic reproduction device even as the width of the copy substrate changes and in the presence of end leakage current effect.