Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a roll member that includes one or more linear arrays of actuator cells and methods for making and using the roll member. In one embodiment, each linear array of the roll member can be controllably actuated as a group by, e.g., an oscillating voltage, to release toner particles adhered thereto and to form a uniform toner cloud in the development area between the roll member and an image receiving member. The controllable actuation can also aid in the unloading process of the residual toner particles from the roll member. In various embodiments, the uniform toner cloud and/or the controllable unloading process can enable a non-interactive development system for image-on-image full-color printing.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a direct imaging system and methods for direct marking an image using the system. The disclosed direct imaging system can eliminate the creation of a latent image and can be used in an electrophotographic machine and related processes. Specifically, the direct imaging system can include a direct marking substrate (e.g., a printing substrate) and a development belt member closely spaced from the direct marking substrate. In one embodiment, the development belt member can include a plurality of actuator cells with each actuator cell controllably addressable to eject one or more toner particles adhered thereto. The ejected toner particles can transit the space between the donor belt member and the direct marking substrate, and directly marking onto the direct marking substrate forming an image.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a digital development system and methods for making and using the system. Specifically, the digital development system can utilize a roll member that includes a plurality of actuator cells arranged in a 2-dimensional array with each actuator cell having an actuator membrane individually addressable to eject one or more toner particles adhered thereto. In addition, the digital development system can utilize an imager architecture that includes an addressing logic circuit connected to each cell to selectively control the ejection of the one or more toner particles onto an image receiving member that is closely spaced from each actuator membrane. The disclosed digital development system can be used for non-interactive development systems for image-on-image full-color printing similar to HSD (Hybrid Scavengeless Development) technology with the donor roll becoming a high quality silent imager.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a direct imaging system and methods for direct marking an image using the system. The disclosed direct imaging system can eliminate the use of at least one of a charge, and/or exposure subsystems in an electrostatographic machine and related processes. Specifically, the direct imaging system can include a direct marking substrate (e.g., a printing substrate) and a development roll member closely spaced from the direct marking substrate. In one embodiment, the development roll member can include a plurality of actuator cells with each actuator cell controllably addressable to eject one or more toner particles adhered thereto. The ejected toner particles can transit the space between the donor roll member and the direct marking substrate, and thereby marking onto the direct marking substrate forming an image.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism includes a driven coupling for mating with a driving coupling. The driven coupling includes a cylinder flange, a concentric shaft that extends axially outwardly from the flange, and a cylindrical driven coupling member that extends axially outwardly from the concentric shaft. The driven coupling member includes a flexible membrane that encases non-rigid fill material, such as, e.g., a flowable granular material or a non-Newtonian fluid. The driven coupling member has a non-twisted, triangular cross-section, and is configured such that, when it is operationally engaged with the driving coupling, the non-rigid material substantially solidifies, thereby providing a substantially non-flexible structure for the membrane. The driven coupling may be connected to, for example, a photoreceptor drum of a material supply module, and the driving coupling may be connected to a reprographic device.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a direct imaging system and methods for direct marking an image using the system. The disclosed direct imaging system can eliminate the creation of a latent image and can be used in an electrophotographic machine and related processes. Specifically, the direct imaging system can include a direct marking substrate (e.g., a printing substrate) and a development belt member closely spaced from the direct marking substrate. In one embodiment, the development belt member can include a plurality of actuator cells with each actuator cell controllably addressable to eject one or more toner particles adhered thereto. The ejected toner particles can transit the space between the donor belt member and the direct marking substrate, and directly marking onto the direct marking substrate forming an image.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a direct imaging system and methods for direct marking an image using the system. The disclosed direct imaging system can eliminate the use of at least one of a charge, and/or exposure subsystems in an electrostatographic machine and related processes. Specifically, the direct imaging system can include a direct marking substrate (e.g., a printing substrate) and a development roll member closely spaced from the direct marking substrate. In one embodiment, the development roll member can include a plurality of actuator cells with each actuator cell controllably addressable to eject one or more toner particles adhered thereto. The ejected toner particles can transit the space between the donor roll member and the direct marking substrate, and thereby marking onto the direct marking substrate forming an image.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a roll member that includes one or more linear arrays of actuator cells and methods for making and using the roll member. In one embodiment, each linear array of the roll member can be controllably actuated as a group by, e.g., an oscillating voltage, to release toner particles adhered thereto and to form a uniform toner cloud in the development area between the roll member and an image receiving member. The controllable actuation can also aid in the unloading process of the residual toner particles from the roll member. In various embodiments, the uniform toner cloud and/or the controllable unloading process can enable a non-interactive development system for image-on-image full-color printing.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a digital development system and methods for making and using the system. Specifically, the digital development system can utilize a roll member that includes a plurality of actuator cells arranged in a 2-dimensional array with each actuator cell having an actuator membrane individually addressable to eject one or more toner particles adhered thereto. In addition, the digital development system can utilize an imager architecture that includes an addressing logic circuit connected to each cell to selectively control the ejection of the one or more toner particles onto an image receiving member that is closely spaced from each actuator membrane. The disclosed digital development system can be used for non-interactive development systems for image-on-image full-color printing similar to HSD (Hybrid Scavengeless Development) technology with the donor roll becoming a high quality silent imager.

Abstract: A driven coupling includes three separate cam lobes projecting therefrom that mate with mating female features in a driver coupling. A central straight or tapered bore accepts a conical alignment pin that projects from the driver coupling. Since the cam lobes are independent and are able to radically deflect, under torque load the central bore is closed down to create a highly precise alignment.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism includes a driven coupling for mating with a driving coupling. The driven coupling includes a cylinder flange, a concentric shaft that extends axially outwardly from the flange, and a cylindrical driven coupling member that extends axially outwardly from the concentric shaft. The driven coupling member comprises a flexible membrane that encases non-rigid fill material, such as, e.g., a flowable granular material or a non-Newtonian fluid. The driven coupling member has a non-twisted, triangular cross-section, and is configured such that, when it is operationally engaged with the driving coupling, the non-rigid material substantially solidifies, thereby providing a substantially non-flexible structure for the membrane. The driven coupling may be connected to, for example, a photoreceptor drum of a material supply module, and the driving coupling may be connected to a reprographic device.

Abstract: A drive shaft for coupling with a drive gear having a gear shaft extending outwardly therefrom. The gear shaft includes a twisted triangular coupling hole having defined vertices. The drive shaft includes a cylinder flange joined to one end of a drive shaft cylinder, the cylinder flange having a concentric shaft extending outwardly therefrom and a plurality of members extending longitudinally outwardly from the concentric shaft, wherein the members are adapted to fit within the twisted triangular coupling hole. The plurality of members may include parallelogram-shaped prongs. Alternatively, a rod extends outwardly from the concentric shaft. The rod has three skewed blades that extend radially outwardly therefrom. Another aspect is a material supply module including a drive shaft.

Abstract: A driven coupling includes three separate cam lobes projecting therefrom that mate with mating female features in a driver coupling. A central straight or tapered bore accepts a conical alignment pin that projects from the driver coupling. Since the cam lobes are independent and are able to radically deflect, under torque load the central bore is closed down to create a highly precise alignment.

Abstract: A leg base for outdoor furniture for fitting on the end of a leg and acting as a boot to permit sliding of the leg and to protect it from damage, and having a wall structure shaped to embrace the leg around its end, a floor secured to the wall structure and, a generally convex lower surface formed on floor, for standing on a substrate.

Abstract: A leg base for outdoor furniture for fitting on the end of a leg and acting as a boot to permit sliding of the leg and to protect it from damage, and having a wall structure shaped to embrace the leg around its end, a floor secured to the wall structure and, a generally convex lower surface formed on floor, for standing on a substrate.

Abstract: A wood rot preventer for use between two intersecting portions of lumber, and having a preventer for attachment over the upper edge of a lower portion of lumber, the preventer having a web overlying the upper edge of the lumber, and in some cases having side walls, an upper surface of the web having convex profile with a central apex and sloping side portions forming surfaces extending outwardly on each side of the apex. In one embodiment the preventer has continuously curved side edges extending outwardly from the edges of the lumber to a width greater than the width of the lumber to carry moisture away from the lumber and allow it to drip downwardly. In another embodiment the preventer may have side walls extending down partially over each side of the piece of lumber. Also disclosed is a coil of an extended length of the wood rot preventer.

Abstract: A wood rot protector for use between two intersecting portions of lumber, and having a protector for attachment over the upper edge of a lower portion of lumber, the protector having a web overlying the upper edge of the lumber, and in some cases having side walls, an upper surface of the web having a central planar median strip. In one embodiment the protector is in the form of a planar strip having angled side edges extending outwardly from the edges of the lumber to a width greater than the width of the lumber to carry moisture away from the lumber and allow it to drip downwardly. In another embodiment the protector may have side walls extending down partially over each side of the piece of lumber. Grooves may be formed on the upper surface of the median to prevent migration of moisture along the upper surface.

Abstract: A thin film transistor and optical sensor including a substrate upon which are supported a gate electrode layer, a gate dielectric layer, a source electrode comprising finger elements, a semiconductor layer overlying the gate dielectric layer and at least partially surrounding the source electrode, a drain electrode layer contiguous with the semiconductor layer, barrier elements for inhibiting a drain field from reaching the source electrode, and a transparent, electrically conductive drain contact member contiguous with said drain electrode layer, through which optical energy may pass to the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A thin film transistor including a substrate upon which are supported a gate electrode layer, a gate dielectric layer, at least one finger-like source electrode, a semiconductor layer overlying the gate dielectric layer and at least partially surrounding the source electrode, and a drain electrode layer contiguous with the semiconductor layer. The length of the current path between the source electrode and the drain electrode layer is defined by a first path portion located at the semiconductor/gate dielectric interface and extending, between adjacent source elements, substantially parallel to the interface, and a second path portion whose length is substantially coextensive with the thickness of the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A high voltage thin film transistor comprising an amorphous semiconductor charge transport layer, laterally disposed source and drain electrodes, a first control electrode with one edge laterally overlapping the source electrode and an other edge laterally spaced from the drain electrode. A source of high potential is applied to the drain electrode and a source of low potential is applied to the first control electrode in a time varying manner so as to form an accumulation channel in the charge transport layer, opposite to the first control electrode. Device performance is improved by including a second control electrode disposed in the same plane as the first control electrode and biased for preventing the formation of defects within the charge transport layer adjacent the other edge.