Abstract: In color printing with a color registration system for the registration of plural color images on an image bearing surface, such as a photoreceptor belt of a color printer, registration marks are imaged on the image bearing surface, which registration marks correspond to the color images and are sensed by a registration marks sensor. The system first automatically images first registration marks, preferably “Z” targets, which provide wider initial misregistration latitude for the sensor for gross registration. When an initial registration is achieved, the system automatically switches to imaging second registration marks, preferably chevron targets, providing higher registration accuracy for the sensor. These registration targets may be generated along opposite sides of the image area on opposite sides of the photoreceptor or other belt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and correcting registration skew in an image is presented. In the method and apparatus according to this invention, problems in registration, such as misalignment of images and incorrect registration with a receiving substrate are reduced or eliminated. According to this invention, an addition of a second sensor at the transfer end of the photoreceptor belt and the inclusion of a dynamic skew controller will help solve this problem for the lateral direction registration errors. To this end, this invention provides an image processing device embodied as the dynamic skew controller with an additional belt sensor mounted at the transfer end of the photoreceptor module and a microcontroller to measure and calculate the required adjustments. Based on the calculations, the lateral position of images and substrates are adjusted, thus eliminating lateral dynamic registration errors.

Abstract: A single pass, multi-color electrophotographic printing machine architecture uses a vertically oriented photoconductive belt. Transfer of the toner powder images occur at the lowermost portion of the photoconductive belt. The photoconductive belt is elliptically shaped, having a major and a minor axis. N image recording stations are positioned adjacent an exterior surface of the photoconductive belt on one side of the major axis thereof. N-1 image recording stations are positioned adjacent the exterior surface of the photoconductive belt on the other side of the major axis thereof. The image recording stations record electrostatic latent images on the photoconductive belt. This architecture optimizes image registration while minimizing the overall height of the printing machine.

Abstract: An electrostatographic printing machine including a system for selectively varying set delivery output time from a finishing subsystem to an external device such as a third party supplemental-finishing apparatus. The system is adapted to allow an operator to input certain parameters such as the unload time of the external device, and the number of sheets per set for adjusting the machine output so as to be compatible with the unload time of the external device, Control circuitry is provided for inducing delays in the finishing subsystem or in the electrostatographic printing system, as desired.