Abstract: A fuser module, being a fuser subsystem installable in a xerographic printing apparatus, includes an electronically-readable memory permanently associated therewith. The control system of the printing apparatus reads out codes from the electronically-readable memory at install to obtain parameters for operating the module, such as maximum web use, voltage and temperature requirements, and thermistor calibration parameters.

Abstract: A customer-replaceable module having a fusing subsystem therein for a electrophotographic printer or copier includes three separate devices for detecting potentially dangerous temperature conditions within the module. A first thermal cutoff spaced from the fuser roll can detect high temperatures caused by incorrect software operation and hardware failures. A second thermal cutoff contacting the fuser roll outside of the paper path can detect failures associated with software malfunctions and paper shielding the first thermal cutoff. A thermistor contacting the fuser roll in the paper path can interface with the control software of the printer or copier itself. The thermal cutoffs function entirely independently of the control software of the printer or copier. The module may further include an electronically-readable memory for recording failure conditions.

Abstract: A pivotal, bi-directional decurler that changes sheet bending direction from an away from image to a toward image direction includes a decurler support structure that is mounted for bi-directional movement by a cam mechanism. A belt member is entrained around two support rollers that are supported by the decurler support structure with an unsupported span between the rollers. A pinch roll is adapted to form a nip with the unsupported span of the belt to provide away from image bending of copy sheets when the cam mechanism is rotated into a first position. An elastomer coated rotating shaft positioned downstream of the away from image nip cooperates with a bending baffle when the cam mechanism is rotated into a second position to provide toward image bending of copy sheets.

Abstract: A decurler for reducing cross curl in sheets includes at least one grooved elastomer transport belt and a ribbed pinch shaft. The ribs of the decurler shaft extend into the grooves in the belt to provide one-sided corrugations to a passing sheet and provide distributed localized bending of the copy sheet in the area of the belt grooves. Distributed local bending in the cross direction, as well as, in the wrap in the process direction around the ribbed decurler shaft provide cross curl reduction in the process direction.

Abstract: A reciprocating document handler for transporting documents comprising a belt transport supported for transporting sheets in a first and a second, opposite direction. The device further includes apparatus for allowing documents moving in the first and second directions, respectively, at an exchange area on the belt to slide over one another substantially freely. The device includes a pressure member to urge the belt into engaging with transported documents and a mechanism for reducing the bearing of a pressure member proximate the exchange area to promote the substantially free sliding engagement of the documents transported in opposite directions.

Abstract: A bottom vacuum corrugated feeder (BVCF) includes a tray for supporting a stack of documents. The tray is angled downhill relative to the feeding direction of the documents such that the leading edge of the stack is urged to a common stop member. The tray also includes a single side guide for aligning one side edge of the stack. A stack height sensor sends a signal corresponding to stack height to a controller which in turn controls voltage to be applied to a DC motor controlled blower based on a predetermined ratio of air flow pressure to stack pressure. The structure enables intermixed size document feeding in a BVCF.