Abstract: A method is disclosed. For example, the method executed by a processor of a multi-function device (MFD) includes monitoring operating parameters of a component in the MFD, calculating a life set point for the component based on the operating parameters, and changing a default life set point for the component stored in a memory of the MFD to the life set point that is calculated based on the operating parameters.

Abstract: A system for determining a temperature of an object includes a three-dimensional (3D) printer configured to successively deposit a first layer of material, a second layer of material, and a third layer of material to form the object. The 3D printer is configured to form a recess in the second layer of material. The material is a metal. The system also includes a temperature sensor configured to be positioned at least partially with the recess and to have the third layer deposited thereon. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature of the first layer of material, the second layer of material, the third layer of material, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A printing system comprises a print fluid deposition assembly, a media transport device, and an air flow control system. The print fluid deposition assembly comprises a printhead to eject a print fluid through an opening of a carrier plate to a deposition region. The media transport device holds a print medium against the movable support surface by vacuum suction and transports the print medium through the deposition region. The air flow control system is to flow air through the carrier plate to the movable support surface via a port through the carrier plate on an inboard side the carrier plate and to control a flow rate of the air flowed through the port based on a size of a print medium transported by the media transport device.

Abstract: A printing system comprises a print fluid deposition assembly, a media transport device, and an air flow control system. The print fluid deposition assembly comprises a carrier plate and a printhead arranged to eject a print fluid through an opening of the carrier plate to a deposition region. The media transport device comprises a movable support surface to transport a print medium along a process direction through the deposition region, the media transport device holding the print medium against the movable support surface by vacuum suction. The air flow control system is arranged to selectively flow air through the opening of the carrier plate between the carrier plate and the printhead based on a location of a print medium transported by the media transport device relative to the printhead.

Abstract: A system treats uneven surfaces of additive manufactured objects to improve the transparency and glossiness of the surfaces. The system operates an actuator to dip the additive manufactured object into a bath of fluid material that is the same as the material used to form the uneven surface to smooth the surface of the object and operates a sprayer to apply another fluid material to a surface of the object that is identified as being rougher based on the object's geometric data. A heater is provided to dry non-UV curable material applied to the object and a source of UV radiation is provided to cure UV curable material applied to the object.

Abstract: Devices include first and second frame elements having mounting points connectable to opposite ends (e.g., first end, second end) of the touchscreen. First and second rollers are connected, respectively, to the first and second frame elements. A web of transparent material is supported by and between the first and second rollers. Further, an ultraviolet light device is connected to the second frame element and is positioned to expose the web of transparent material to ultraviolet radiation to disinfect the transparent material between users.

Abstract: An apparatus includes, among other components, a frame adapted to be connected to the exterior surface of a device that has a touchscreen. A retractable cover is operatively connected to the frame. The size of the retractable cover is equal to at least the size of the touchscreen, and the retractable cover is positioned to extend so as to cover the touchscreen. At least one ultraviolet light is also operatively connected to the frame. The ultraviolet light is positioned to direct ultraviolet lighting toward the touchscreen when the retractable cover extends to cover the touchscreen.

Abstract: A printer is configured to apply marking material to print media to create a printed item, and a transport belt is positioned to receive the printed item from the printer and is configured to dry the marking material on the printed item. The transport belt has a middle layer attached between outer and inner layers, and the printed item contacts the outer layer. The outer and inner layers are non-perforated entangled fiber materials that are porous and that are more flexible than the middle layer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes one or more layers of material printed by a three-dimensional (3D) printer. The one or more layers cool and solidify to form an object after being printed by the 3D printer. At least one of the one or more layers includes greater than 50% metal. The apparatus also includes a first temperature sensor in contact with the object. The first temperature sensor measures the temperature of the material while the object is being printed by the 3D printer, after the object has been printed by the 3D printer, or both.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. For example, the method executed by a processor of a multi-function device (MFD) includes monitoring operating parameters of a component in the MFD, calculating a life set point for the component based on the operating parameters, and changing a default life set point for the component stored in a memory of the MFD to the life set point that is calculated based on the operating parameters.

Abstract: A vacuum roller system and a method of operation the vacuum roller system can include an assembly of interdigitated rollers, and a vacuum system, wherein the assembly of interdigitated rollers is operably connected to the vacuum system to move sheets of media through a downstream dryer in a printer, wherein a vacuum is drawn between individual rollers among the assembly of interdigitated rollers so that the vacuum is distributed across a sheet of media and is split around the individual rollers. The spacing between the individual rollers among the assembly of interdigitated rollers is variable to vary the vacuum.

Abstract: A system for producing three-dimensional objects forms fluid paths within the support structure to facilitate the removal of the support structure following manufacture of the object. The system includes a first ejector configured to eject a first material towards a platen to form an object, a second ejector configured to eject a second material towards the platen to form support for portions of the object, at least one portion of the support having a body with at least one fluid path that connects at least one opening in the body to at least one other opening in the body, and a fluid source that connects to the at least one fluid path of the support to enable fluid to flow through the at least one fluid path to remove at least an inner portion of the support from the object.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a dryer configured to attenuate the effects of temperature differentials arising in substrates that are caused by holes in a media transport belt and a platen covering a vacuum plenum. The dryer includes a heater, a media transport belt cooler, and a media transport belt. The media transport belt is configured to move substrates past the heater after ink images have been formed on the substrates and the media transport belt cooler is positioned to remove heat energy from the media transport belt after the media transport belt has passed the heater and the substrates have separated from the media transport belt. The substrate cooler is configured to reduce a temperature of the media transport belt to a temperature that attenuates image defects arising from temperature differentials in the media transport belt when the media transport belt is opposite the heater.

Abstract: An object printed by a three-dimensional (3D) printer includes a plurality of layers of material printed by the 3D printer. The layers of material bond together to form the object as the layers of material cool and solidify after being printed by the 3D printer. The object also includes a temperature sensor placed in contact with one or more of the layers when the layers of material are being printed by the 3D printer. The temperature sensor remains in contact with the object after the layers of material cool and solidify to form the object. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature of the object after the layers of material cool and solidify to form the object.

Abstract: An aqueous ink printer is operated to insert media sheets from a first supply tray into a plurality of media sheets from a second tray on which ink images are being formed by the printer to absorb condensed vapors on media guides. The media sheets from the first tray are uncoated media and the media sheets from the second tray are coated media. In some embodiments, the inserted media sheets are printed with an ink image that has areas that contact the media guides with a greater ink density than other areas of the ink image that do not contact the media guides. Additionally or alternatively, the inserted media sheets are printed with an ink image that has areas that contact the media guides with an ink color that is different than an ink color used in other areas of the ink image that do not contact the media guides.

Abstract: A generic holder includes a generic holder plate and a 3-D insert plate. The 3-D insert plate contains locating features mirrored to the backside of the part to be printed and vacuum grippers to secure the part in the insert plate. The insert plate is secured in the generic holder plate that includes vacuum couplings. The part is located on the insert plate and vacuum is applied to the generic holder plate and insert plate to hold the part for printing.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing system includes a build platform comprising a build surface. The printing system also includes an enclosure system having a side portion extending entirely around the build surface, a top plate portion that abuts the side portion, and a bottom portion. The side portion, the top plate portion and the bottom portion form an enclosed space surrounding the build surface. The top plate portion is moveable so as to adjust a volume of the enclosed space. A 3D printer printhead is disposed adjacent to the enclosure system for depositing a print material onto the build surface. The printing system also includes a heating system for heating the enclosed space.

Abstract: A system for determining a temperature of an object includes a three-dimensional (3D) printer configured to successively deposit a first layer of material, a second layer of material, and a third layer of material to form the object. The 3D printer is configured to form a recess in the second layer of material. The material is a metal. The system also includes a temperature sensor configured to be positioned at least partially with the recess and to have the third layer deposited thereon. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature of the first layer of material, the second layer of material, the third layer of material, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An object printed by a three-dimensional (3D) printer includes a plurality of layers of material printed by the 3D printer. The layers of material bond together to form the object as the layers of material cool and solidify after being printed by the 3D printer. The object also includes a temperature sensor placed in contact with one or more of the layers when the layers of material are being printed by the 3D printer. The temperature sensor remains in contact with the object after the layers of material cool and solidify to form the object. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature of the object after the layers of material cool and solidify to form the object.

Abstract: A method for determining a temperature of an object includes contacting the object with a first electrical conductor. A difference in electronegativity between the object and the first electrical conductor is greater than a predetermined value. The method also includes contacting the object or a substrate on which the object is positioned with a second electrical conductor. A difference in electronegativity between the object or the substrate and the second electrical conductor is less than the predetermined value. The method also includes connecting the first and second electrical conductors together. The method also includes measuring the temperature of the object using the first and second electrical conductors. The first and second electrical conductors form at least a portion of a thermocouple.