Abstract: An improved printing apparatus and method for its use is provided for printing copy-resistant prismatic, duo-tone patterns as a background on print media. A user or systems administrator can create a copy-resistant background design and store it as a background data file for later use, either on his or her personal computer, or at a secure network server. An authorized user can then create user-defined foreground data to be printed along with the copy-resistant background data, in a single printing operation, using a single printer, and using “blank” print media, such as standard “plain” copy paper. Highly secure documents, such as cashier's checks, thus could be printed in a single print job, without having to purchase and securely store pre-printed check paper.

Abstract: A method for associating a customer accessible supply item of a first type with an imaging apparatus includes communicating identification information between the customer accessible supply item of the first type and the imaging apparatus; and operationally locking the customer accessible supply item of the first type with only the imaging apparatus based on the identification information, to the exclusion of other imaging apparatuses and other customer accessible supply items of the first type.

Abstract: An improved printing apparatus and method for its use is provided for printing copy-resistant prismatic, duo-tone patterns as a background on print media. A user or systems administrator can create a copy-resistant background design and store it as a background data file for later use, either on his or her personal computer, or at a secure network server. An authorized user can then create user-defined foreground data to be printed along with the copy-resistant background data, in a single printing operation, using a single printer, and using “blank” print media, such as standard “plain” copy paper. Highly secure documents, such as cashier's checks, thus could be printed in a single print job, without having to purchase and securely store pre-printed check paper.

Abstract: A method for associating a customer accessible supply item of a first type with an imaging apparatus includes communicating identification information between the customer accessible supply item of the first type and the imaging apparatus; and operationally locking the customer accessible supply item of the first type with only the imaging apparatus based on the identification information, to the exclusion of other imaging apparatuses and other customer accessible supply items of the first type.

Abstract: A color printer having a black-and-white lock mode is provided by the present application. The color printer has firmware programming that is accessed through an operator panel menu that allows selected personnel to place the printer in a lock mode such that the printer will only print in black-and-white. An access code is utilized to access the lock mode such that only individuals that are provided the access code can lock and unlock the color printing function of the printer. Once the printer is in lock mode, the printer will only print in black-and-white no matter what the user's intent or the print job's source. The invention is equally applicable to all types of printers and copiers including ink jet and laser type devices.

Abstract: An ink jet printer is provided comprising a housing, an ink jet printing apparatus and a coating apparatus. The ink jet printing apparatus is located within the housing and includes an ink jet printing device capable of ejecting ink droplets onto a first side of a printing substrate which moves through the housing along a printing substrate feed path. The coating apparatus is positioned along the printing substrate feed path and spaced from the printing device. The coating apparatus applies a substantially uniform layer of coating material onto at least a portion of the first side of the printing substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor developer roller having a conductive shaft and an outer member of caprolactone-ester-based polyurethane loaded with ferric chloride. The members have low environmental sensitivity and good electrical stability.

Abstract: A flexible doctor blade having a radiused surface or nub for contacting a developer roll. The blade geometry which includes a cantilevered support for the nub provides lower torque in the developer, compliance to compensate for developer imperfections, and less tendency for streaking due to toner packing and filming.