Abstract: An image forming device comprises an ink reservoir that contains a reservoir ink. The ink reservoir is arranged to provide the reservoir ink to an included print element by means of an included ink supply channel. A print element ink thus is supplied to the print element. When a fault condition is detected that indicates a likelihood of a freezing of the print element ink, the print element is de-primed by forcing the print element ink to evacuate, discharge, withdraw or flow from the print element by means of the ink supply channel. The fault condition comprises any of a loss of power, a power-down process or a print element temperature being less than or equal to a threshold value.

Abstract: An image forming device comprises an ink reservoir that contains a reservoir ink. The ink reservoir is arranged to provide the reservoir ink to an included print element by means of an included ink supply channel. A print element ink thus is supplied to the print element. When a fault condition is detected that indicates a likelihood of a freezing of the print element ink, the print element is de-primed by forcing the print element ink to evacuate, discharge, withdraw or flow from the print element by means of the ink supply channel. The fault condition comprises any of a loss of power, a power-down process or a print element temperature being less than or equal to a threshold value.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device comprises one or more micromechanical fluid dispensing mechanisms arranged to dispense fluids into the atmosphere. The fluids include any of a perfume, pheromone, fragrance, disinfectant, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, fumigant, deodorizer, sanitizing agent and insecticide. A dispenser controller communicates with the fluid micromechanical dispensing mechanisms to selectively activate the fluid micromechanical dispensing mechanisms. Optionally, the fluid dispensing device includes a sensor to detect the airborne concentration of fluids that are dispersed in the atmosphere. Optionally, one or more fluid dispensing devices may be arranged to form a system, perhaps including a system sensor and a system controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling velocity variations in a belt wrapped about at least a first driven roller and a support structure, including a drive for driving the first driven roller so as to provide torque to the belt; and a dampener, in contact with the belt, for minimizing variations of the velocity of the belt, the dampener including a power supply for applying an electrical bias to generate a drag force on the belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing electrostatically charged particles from a surface such as the backside of an image bearing belt of the type found in an electrostatographic printing apparatus or a drive roller supporting an image bearing belt. The apparatus includes an electrically biased cleaning blade, a supporting device, and a housing for storing the particles removed from the surface by the cleaning blade.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing electrostatically charged particles from a surface such as the backside of an image bearing belt of the type found in an electrostatographic printing apparatus or a drive roller supporting an image bearing belt. The apparatus includes an electrically biased brush having a substrate and a multiplicity of conductive fibers extending outwardly to contact the surface to be cleaned, a supporting device, and a cleaning device for removing collected particles from the brush. The supporting device for the brush rotates, thereby moving the brush and causing clean fibers to contact the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing electrostatically charged particles from a surface such as the backside of an image bearing belt of the type found in an electrostatographic printing apparatus or a drive roller supporting an image bearing belt. The apparatus includes an electrically biased foam pad having a conductive substrate and conductive foam material extending outwardly therefrom to contact the surface to be cleaned, a supporting device, and a cleaning device for removing collected particles from the foam pad. The supporting device for the foam pad rotates, thereby causing clean foam material to contact the surface to be cleaned.