Abstract: In a xerographic printing apparatus, feedback on surface charge at a plurality of locations across a length of a photoreceptor may be desirable to assess charge uniformity, for example, to ensure color consistency across multiple marking engines in tightly integrated parallel printing architectures. A cross process charge uniformity scanner may include at least one micro-electro-mechanical based electrostatic voltmeter device for measuring surface charge at a plurality of locations along the length of the photoreceptor. The charge uniformity scanner may allow the xerographic printing apparatus to initiate charge device cleaning and/or control the intensity of the charge applied to the surface of the photoreceptor. Exemplary embodiments may include an electrostatic voltmeter moveably mounted along the length of the photoreceptor in the fast scanning direction, or may include a plurality of electrostatic voltmeters disposed at spaced apart locations along the length of the photoreceptor.

Abstract: Electrophotographic charging devices that can be used to charge or discharge, for example, a receptor in the electrophotographic process are provided. According to various embodiments, the exemplary charging devices can include a coronode disposed opposing and spaced apart from a receptor, and a plurality of nanostructures, wherein each of the plurality of nanostructures has an end, edge, or side in electrical contact with the coronode. The exemplary charging devices including the nanostructures can use less power, i.e. voltage and/or current than conventional charging devices and produce a reduced amount of oxidizing agents, such as, ozone and NOx. The nanostructures can serve to increase the intensity of the local electric fields for more efficient charge generation at reduced voltages.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, the present teachings include electrophotographic charging devices and methods for charging a receptor with a solid state charging device. In an exemplary embodiment, the solid state charging device can include a dielectric layer, a first electrode disposed adjacent to a first surface of the dielectric layer, and a second electrode, wherein the second electrode has a first surface disposed adjacent to a second surface of the dielectric layer. The solid state charging device can further include a plurality of nanostructures, wherein each of the plurality of nanostructures has an end in electrical contact with a second surface of the second electrode. The exemplary solid state charging devices including the nanostructures can use less voltage than conventional charging devices, produce a reduced amount of oxidizing agents, such as, ozone and NOx, and/or operate at a lower temperature.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is an electrophotographic charging device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode adjacent the first electrode, a plurality of nanostructures adhering to the first electrode, and voltage supplies electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the voltage difference between the first electrode and the second electrode creates a high electric field at the nanostructures to cause charge species generation that is deposited on a receptor.

Abstract: Non-contact corona charging of a small radius moving surface to a desired surface voltage with a single corona charging system with a first corona generator applying a first charge through a screen grid having a first bias voltage to initially charge the surface to more than half of the desired voltage, and then a second corona generator applies the remainder of the desired surface charge through a separate screen grid having a second bias voltage. The two corona generators may be spaced pin arrays angled relative to one another and substantially perpendicular to their adjacent moving surface areas. The two screen grids may be electrically planar and angled relative to one another, substantially parallel to their adjacent moving surface areas.

Abstract: A valve assembly generally including a valve base having a plurality of internal conduits formed therein, at least one valve mounted to the base and in fluid communication with at least one internal conduit of the base and an override cover removably attached to the valve base. The valve has a manually activatable override element for actuating the valve and the cover has a label holder portion defining a pocket adapted to retain a label therein and a planar cover plate portion extending from the label holder portion over the override element of the valve. Thus, the cover plate portion forms a barrier for preventing accidental activation of the override element.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is an electrophotographic charging device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode adjacent the first electrode, a plurality of nanotubes adhering to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, and a voltage supply electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode impart charge to a portion of a gaseous material that is deposited on a receptor.

Abstract: In a xerographic printing apparatus, feedback on surface charge at a plurality of locations across a length of a photoreceptor may be desirable to assess charge uniformity, for example, to ensure color consistency across multiple marking engines in tightly integrated parallel printing architectures. A cross process charge uniformity scanner may include at least one micro-electro-mechanical based electrostatic voltmeter device for measuring surface charge at a plurality of locations along the length of the photoreceptor. The charge uniformity scanner may allow the xerographic printing apparatus to initiate charge device cleaning and/or control the intensity of the charge applied to the surface of the photoreceptor. Exemplary embodiments may include an electrostatic voltmeter moveably mounted along the length of the photoreceptor in the fast scanning direction, or may include a plurality of electrostatic voltmeters disposed at spaced apart locations along the length of the photoreceptor.

Abstract: In a xenographic printing apparatus, a small footprint charging device may provide uniformity of charge and/or long life in a small diameter photoconductive drum. A grid shaped to be parallel to the drum surface and including small wing shields may reduce or even prevent leakage of corona current to the photoconductor around the grid region, which may otherwise detract from charge uniformity.

Abstract: A fluid power linear drive including a housing having an inner surface defining a piston receiving space, a piston reciprocally movable within the piston receiving space and a cooperative engagement means provided on the inner surface of the housing and an outer surface of the piston to prevent the piston from rotating relative to the housing. The cooperative engagement means may take the form of a projection means and a cooperating longitudinal groove, wherein the inner surface of the piston receiving space has the projection means extending radially inwardly into the piston receiving space and the piston has the groove cooperatively engaging the projection means for preventing the piston from rotating within the piston receiving space.

Abstract: In a xerographic printing apparatus, a small footprint charging device may provide uniformity of charge and/or long life in a small diameter photoconductive drum. A grid to be parallel to the drum surface and including small wing shields may reduce or even prevent leakage of corona current to the photoconductor around the grid region, which may otherwise detract from charge uniformity.

Abstract: A fluid power linear drive including a housing having an inner surface defining a piston receiving space, a piston reciprocally movable within the piston receiving space and a cooperative engagement means provided on the inner surface of the housing and an outer surface of the piston to prevent the piston from rotating relative to the housing. The cooperative engagement means may take the form of a projection means and a cooperating longitudinal groove, wherein the inner surface of the piston receiving space has the projection means extending radially inwardly into the piston receiving space and the piston has the groove cooperatively engaging the projection means for preventing the piston from rotating within the piston receiving space.

Abstract: In a xerographic printing apparatus, a scorotron places a uniform charge on a photoreceptor for forming electrostatic latent images. Three conductive pin arrays are disposed in a housing defined by sidewalls and a screen adjacent the photoreceptor. There can be provided insulative walls between adjacent pin arrays. The screen and a surface of the housing can be curved to correspond to a curvature of the photoreceptor.

Abstract: An electrostatographic printing apparatus comprises a charge receptor, and a transfer station for transferring a toner image from the charge receptor to a sheet by providing an electric field of predetermined magnitude at a transfer zone. The transfer station includes a rotatable transfer member, with a cleaning corotron associated therewith. A control system for maintaining a constant current at the transfer zone takes into account a current supplied by the cleaning corotron. The control system can also take into account current leakages associated with the transfer member.

Abstract: A modular fluid power valve assembly having a valve controlling fluid flow from an inlet to an outlet port. The valve can be positioned on a manifold that houses a control assembly used to selectively activate the valve. The control assembly includes a visual indicator to indicate the actuation of the valve. The visual indicator further includes a light source for emitting light. A light pipe is selectively removably attached to the control assembly and valve manifold to allow the light from the light source to be easily seen by the user. The light pipe can be made in a variety of shapes and colors and can be removed by hand for maintenance.

Abstract: A printing machine comprises a charging device. The charging device comprises a coronode and a control grid. An included power supply supplies a coronode voltage to the coronode. Under control of the grid, the coronode generates ions which flow towards an included photosensitive surface. The printing machine includes a cleaning system which cleans the coronode and grid. The cleaning system is actuated based on an included method. The method comprises monitoring the coronode voltage, providing a predetermined threshold value, and determining that cleaning is needed based on when the coronode voltage equals the threshold value. Upon determining that cleaning is needed, the cleaning system is actuated or scheduled. Optionally, a cleaning message is sent to a user, operator or maintenance person who, in turn, actuates or schedules the cleaning system.

Abstract: In a xerographic printing apparatus, a scorotron places a uniform charge on a photoreceptor for forming electrostatic latent images. Two conductive pin arrays are disposed in a housing defined by sidewalls and a grid adjacent the photoreceptor. For each array, the distance to the adjacent sidewall is 1.0 to 1.5 the distance to the grid.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an electrical charge to a member to be charged, including a contact roll member situated spaced from a surface of the member to be charged, and means for applying an electrical bias to the contact roll member, the electrical bias including an oscillating voltage signal which is clipped to remove a selected polarity component thereof to supply a single polarity oscillating input drive voltage to the contact roll member.

Abstract: A modular fluid power valve assembly having a valve controlling fluid flow from an inlet to an outlet port. The valve can be positioned on a manifold that houses a control assembly used to selectively activate the valve. The control assembly includes a visual indicator to indicate the actuation of the valve. The visual indicator further includes a light source for emitting light. A light pipe is selectively removably attached to the control assembly and valve manifold to allow the light from the light source to be easily seen by the user. The light pipe can be made in a variety of shapes and colors and can be removed by hand for maintenance.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder having a cylinder tube with at least one open end coupled to an end cap to close the open end. The pneumatic cylinder includes a piston reciprocally movable in the cylinder and the piston has a first seal to create a substantially fluid-tight seal with the internal surface of the cylinder tube. The piston has a piston spear at the end portion thereof for cooperating with a piston spear receiving space in the end cap. A second seal is provided in the piston spear receiving space for creating a substantially fluid-tight seal between the piston spear and the piston spear receiving space thereby creating a volume chamber between the first and second seals. The volume chamber provides a compressible volume of volume which acts as an air cushion at the end of the piston stroke.