Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for aligning a video clock with the raster output scanner start-of-scan signal in printing systems. A system and method is proposed to align the pixel clock to an asynchronous reference signal generated in the raster output scanner. The proposed system and method adjusts a phase for a static phase value while performing a dynamic phase shifting for the start-of-scan signal alignment.

Abstract: A magnification adjustment method for a document processing system having a fixed frequency clock source providing a fixed frequency output signal to a plurality of raster output scanners (ROSs) and a numerically controlled oscillator (NCO)-based adjustable frequency clock source providing an adjustable frequency output signal to the ROSs is disclosed. The method includes: using a controller to determine a frequency setting for a phase increment control input signal to the adjustable frequency clock source; starting the document processing system; using the controller to set a phase accumulator control input to the frequency setting; sending a message to a ROS control module prior to imaging, including the correct clock source to use for the next image, the correct clock source being either the fixed frequency clock source or the adjustable frequency clock source; and applying the correct clock source synchronously to the beginning of an inter image panel zone.

Abstract: Document processing systems and duplex printing methods are presented in which side 1 to side 2 process magnification errors are compensated for by selective use of two raster output scanner clocks for latent image generation of images destined for first and second sides of a printed substrate, with the second clock speed being increased to compensate for substrate shrinkage due to fusing station heating for two-sided printing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for aligning a video clock with the raster output scanner start-of-scan signal in printing systems. A system and method is proposed to align the pixel clock to an asynchronous reference signal generated in the raster output scanner. The proposed system and method adjusts a phase for a static phase value while performing a dynamic phase shifting for the start-of-scan signal alignment.

Abstract: A magnification adjustment method for a document processing system having a fixed frequency clock source providing a fixed frequency output signal to a plurality of raster output scanners (ROSs) and a numerically controlled oscillator (NCO)-based adjustable frequency clock source providing an adjustable frequency output signal to the ROSs is disclosed. The method includes: using a controller to determine a frequency setting for a phase increment control input signal to the adjustable frequency clock source; starting the document processing system; using the controller to set a phase accumulator control input to the frequency setting; sending a message to a ROS control module prior to imaging, including the correct clock source to use for the next image, the correct clock source being either the fixed frequency clock source or the adjustable frequency clock source; and applying the correct clock source synchronously to the beginning of an inter image panel zone.

Abstract: Document processing systems and duplex printing methods are presented in which side 1 to side 2 process magnification errors are compensated for by selective use of two raster output scanner clocks for latent image generation of images destined for first and second sides of a printed substrate, with the second clock speed being increased to compensate for substrate shrinkage due to fusing station heating for two-sided printing.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a color separation registration error in a multi-color printing system are provided. The system and method provide for instructing first and second color separations to mark a substrate with first and second fine-periodic-patch images to determine color separation registration error(s). The system and method further provide for determining whether at least an about half-period color separation registration error exists between the first and second color separations.

Abstract: Reflex writing is a group of algorithms developed to maintain color registration in xerographic systems using multiple imagers, in which sequential color separations are written based on events in the spatial domain. The imaging system includes a raster output scanner imager for the black station and a light emitting diode bar for the color station. A simulated machine clock signal is generated based on a running average of a plurality of actual machine clock periods determined from pulses received from a photoreceptor module drive roll encoder. For each black scanline written the distance the belt travels is tracked using the simulated machine clock signal, and when the black latent image scanline has traveled the known distance between the two imagers, the light emitting diode scanline is written registered with respect to the raster output scanner scanline.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a color separation registration error in a multi-color printing system are provided. The system and method provide for instructing first and second color separations to mark a substrate with first and second fine-periodic-patch images to determine color separation registration error(s). The system and method further provide for determining whether at least an about half-period color separation registration error exists between the first and second color separations.

Abstract: A method for varying a scanline rate of a digital scanner while maintaining a constant integration period. The scanner scans a scanline of an image, integrates an array of photosensors after a first predetermined period of time has elapsed and after a second predetermined period of time has elapsed. One of the predetermined periods is equal to an integration period of the array of photosensors, and the other period is equal to a difference between a time needed to process a scanline of image data and the integration period of the array of photosensors. The scanner produces a scanline of valid image data and a scanline of image data corresponding to the first scanned scanline. The scanner then scans the next scanline of the image.

Abstract: An image input terminal synchronously transfers image data to an image processing system when the effective image data generation rate of the image input terminal exceeds the throughput rate of the image processing system. The image input terminal scans the document at a constant rate, but the constant rate is slower than the normal scan rate for the image input terminal, thereby effectively scanning the document at a higher resolution. To realize an effective image data generation rate equal to the throughput rate, the image input terminal periodically discards D scanlines or skips N-D scanlines of valid image data to give the image processing system ample time to complete the processing of valid image data. The image input terminal, to facilitate a synchronous transfer of image data, will skip D scanlines of valid image data out of N scanlines of valid image data.

Abstract: An image input terminal synchronously transfers image data to a host terminal when the internal data transfer rate of the image input terminal exceeds the data transfer rate of the host terminal. The image input terminal scans the document at a constant rate, but the constant rate is slower than the normal scan rate for the image input terminal, thereby effectively scanning the document at a higher resolution. To realize an apparent internal data transfer rate equal to the data transfer rate of the host terminal, the image input terminal periodically discards or skips scanlines of valid image data to give the host terminal ample time to complete the transfer of valid image data. The image input terminal, to facilitate a synchronous transfer of image data, will skip N-1 scanlines of valid image data out of N scanlines of valid image data such that N is determined by the data transfer rate of the host terminal.

Abstract: A method of providing a cathodic protection to an installed pile is disclosed in which a plurality of anodes are provided on a tendon foundation guide assembly which is attached to a lowering unit and lowered to the pile. The tendon foundation guide assembly is attached to the installed pile and at least one of the anodes is electrically connected to the pile. The tendon foundation guide assembly is then separated from the lowering unit. In another aspect of the invention, a tendon foundation guide assembly is disclosed for deployment upon the top of an installed pile for cathodically protecting the pile and a tendon receptacle inside the pile.

Abstract: A method for building and assembling an offshore platform whose normal draft exceeds the depth of waterways between the building site and use location of the platform. The hull and deck of the platform are built separately in a shallow graving dock. The deck is then elevated, the graving dock partially flooded and the hull floated into position and mated to the deck. A modified form of the invention is the building of the hull and deck as a single structure and use of the barge to support a portion of the weight of the platform. The graving dock is then flooded to maximum depth, a barge is floated under the deck and ballasted down to a select draft. The barge is attached to the deck and then deballasted to partially support the platform structure and reduce its overall draft.

Abstract: A cover for an open-topped receptacle, which receptacle is generally rectangular and has a peripheral prominence. In its preferred embodiment, the cover comprises a substantially planar central web bounded by an integral channel which is generally registrable with the peripheral prominence of the receptacle. The channel is configured to effect nested reception of the peripheral prominence within the channel. The channel has a width and comprises four channel segments and four corners. Each of the corners is established substantially at an intersection of a respective two of the channel segments and each of the corners is truncated at least the width of the channel athwart each of the respective two channel segments intersecting at the corner.

Abstract: A halftone conversion system for converting digital pixels to binary pixels in which individual matrices in a memory having progressively changing x, y matrices of binary pixels are addressed by an address composed of a block of x pixels including the pixel being processed, a block of y lines including the line containing the pixel being processed, and the digital value of the pixel being processed, the pixel located at the x, y coordinates of the addressed matrix providing the binary pixel output.

Abstract: In offshore waters an all-steel, flexible marine riser assembly may be used to transport production fluid from a submerged wellhead to a floating production facility.The marine riser assembly consists of an array of flexible steel flowline bundles which form a cantenary shape as they bend upward from the marine bottom to the production facility.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for connecting a flowline to a subsea structure. A flowline connection tool is deployed downwardly to the subsea structure and secured to the subsea structure. A flowline terminal head, which is at the end of a flowline, is then pulled toward the flowline connection tool by means of a pull-cable. The flowline terminal head is then secured to the subsea structure and the flowline connection tool is recovered to the surface.The flowline connection tool contains a prime mover means in order to minimize the length of cable exposed to forces encountered in pulling the flowline to the subsea structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for positioning, aligning and interfacing a towed pipe segment to a previously installed pipe segment utilizing mating alignment sleds, one sled being attached to the trailing end of one incoming pipe segment and the other sled being attached to the leading end of the previously laid pipe segment, by connecting and drawing the alignment sleds together into a mating position and thereby aligning and connecting the two pipe segments.

Abstract: A subsea platform inspection vehicle on a power tether cable adapted to be propelled through the water and lock onto an underwater member of a platform adjacent a welded joint and provided with a jet to clean a weld and a television camera to observe the condition of the weld.