Abstract: A printing system utilizes memory integrated into a replaceable component to store printing device usage data. The manufacturer of the printing device retrieves the data when the component is returned to the manufacturer for recycling.

Abstract: A method of printing cartridge maintenance including determining remaining useful life of a printing cartridge, and refilling at least a portion of the printing cartridge if the remaining useful life is above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for a control system including a controller configured to selectively control an imaging apparatus, a sensor in signal communication with the controller and configured to provide a scan signal corresponding to sheet media, and a computer-accessible storage media in data communication with the controller and containing a data table, wherein the controller is configured to selectively gather data from the data table in response to the scan signal provided by the sensor. A method of the present invention includes receiving a print job from a user, providing a scan signal in response to sensing at least one sheet media characteristic, selectively reading sheet media data in response to the scan signal, and selectively controlling an imaging device of an imaging apparatus in response to the print job and the read sheet media data.

Abstract: A method of printing cartridge maintenance including determining remaining useful life of a printing cartridge, and refilling at least a portion of the printing cartridge if the remaining useful life is above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An image-formation device is disclosed which includes an image-formation mechanism and a controller. The image-formation mechanism is capable of forming images on media. The controller is capable of dynamically determining a first-page out (FPO) time for the image-formation mechanism based on at least changing characteristics of the image-formation mechanism.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for automatically determining a time for a device connected to a network, the method comprising: obtaining time samples from a plurality of different electronic devices on the network; normalizing the time samples; selecting a time for the device in accordance with an algorithm that utilizes the time samples; and resetting a clock in accordance with the selected time.

Abstract: The system and methods described herein relate to calibrating an electrophotographic (EP) printing process. Calibration patches are monitored before and after transfer and cleaning functions to provide information useful in adjusting an EP process to improve overall print quality. Benefits of the described system and methods include the use of pre-existing hardware currently in use on most EP printing devices to provide improved calibration information that permits accurate control over an EP printing process.

Abstract: Sensitive consumable components of printing devices involved in the process of transferring and fixing an image with toner onto a print medium are protected from harmful exposure to the environment and handling through designating and consistently positioning non-use regions of the components toward exposure gaps in their protective housings upon the completion of every printing process. The need for shutter mechanisms on consumable housings to cover up exposure gaps to protect consumables while in a general handling environment is therefore reduced.

Abstract: The system and methods described herein relate to calibrating an electrophotographic (EP) printing process. Calibration patches are monitored before and after transfer and cleaning functions to provide information useful in adjusting an EP process to improve overall print quality. Benefits of the described system and methods include the use of pre-existing hardware currently in use on most EP printing devices to provide improved calibration information that permits accurate control over an EP printing process.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sealing mechanism for use in a cartridge having a roller having an undulant annular channel and a flexible seal having a follower where the follower is configured to engage the undulant annular channel. Rotation of the roller induces a laterally reciprocating motion of the flexible seal with respect to the roller. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of reducing toner leakage in a cartridge comprising the steps of engaging a follower of a flexible seal within an undulant annular channel formed in a roller and rotating the roller to induce a laterally reciprocating motion in the flexible seal. When toner is applied to the roller in the vicinity of the flexible seal, the laterally reciprocating motion of the flexible seal sweeps toner in a direction away from the undulant annular channel.

Abstract: A method of printing cartridge maintenance including determining remaining useful life of a printing cartridge, and refilling at least a portion of the printing cartridge if the remaining useful life is above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention includes a toner cartridge having a developer roller having a cylindrical exterior surface with a tapering ramped channel formed in the surface of at least one end of the developer roller. The tapering ramped channel having a narrow proximal end nearest the at least one end of the developer roller and a wide distal end furthest from the at least one end of the developer roller. The narrow proximal end of the tapering ramped channel extends deeper into the surface of the developer roller than the wide distal end. The tapering ramped channel functions to propel toner particles or other fluid accumulating against an end seal away from the seal, toward a central portion of the developer roller.

Abstract: Sensitive consumable components of printing devices involved in the process of transferring and fixing an image with toner onto a print medium are protected from harmful exposure to the environment and handling through designating and consistently positioning non-use regions of the components toward exposure gaps in their protective housings upon the completion of every printing process. The need for shutter mechanisms on consumable housings to cover up exposure gaps to protect consumables while in a general handling environment is therefore reduced.

Abstract: The present invention includes a toner cartridge comprising a developer roller having a cylindrical exterior surface with a tapering ramped channel formed in the surface of at least one end of the developer roller. The tapering channel having a narrow proximal end nearest the at least one end of the developer roller and a wide distal end furthest from the at least one end of the developer roller. The narrow proximal end of the tapering channel extends deeper into the surface of the developer roller than the wide distal end. The tapering ramped channel functions to propel toner or other fluid accumulating against an end seal away from the seal, toward a central portion of the developer roller.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sealing mechanism for use in a cartridge comprising a roller having an undulant annular channel and a flexible seal having a follower where the follower is configured to engage the undulant annular channel. Rotation of the roller induces a laterally reciprocating motion of the flexible seal with respect to the roller. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of reducing toner leakage in a cartridge comprising the steps of engaging a follower of a first flexible seal within an undulant annular channel formed in a roller and rotating the roller to induce a laterally reciprocating motion in the flexible seal. When toner is applied to the roller in the vicinity of the first flexible seal, the laterally reciprocating motion of the flexible seal sweeps toner in a direction away from the undulant annular channel.

Abstract: A toner deliver system, such as a development roller, in an electrophotographic printer is conditioned with clear toner particles. The clear toner particles are made of similar resins and contains all of the flow and charge agents of color toner particles, but does not contain any pigment.

Abstract: Image forming devices and image forming methods are described. One aspect provides an image forming device including an image engine configured to use a consumable to image a job; and processing circuitry coupled with the image engine and configured to monitor for an occurrence of a predetermined status of the consumable during imaging of the job and to select one of first ceasing imaging of the job before completion of the imaging of the job and second ceasing imaging of the job after completion of the imaging of the job, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to select one of the first ceasing and the second ceasing responsive to the monitoring of the predetermined status of the consumable.

Abstract: A toner delivery system, such as a development roller, in an electrophotographic printer is conditioned with a clear toner. The clear toner is made of similar resins and contains all of the flow and charge agents of color toners, but does not contain any pigment.

Abstract: Image forming devices and image forming methods are described. One aspect provides an image forming device including an image engine configured to use a consumable to image a job; and processing circuitry coupled with the image engine and configured to monitor for an occurrence of a predetermined status of the consumable during imaging of the job and to select one of first ceasing imaging of the job before completion of the imaging of the job and second ceasing imaging of the job after completion of the imaging of the job, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to select one of the first ceasing and the second ceasing responsive to the monitoring of the predetermined status of the consumable.

Abstract: Service of a container depleted of a consumable resource is facilitated in a device holding a plurality of containers for consumable resources. One of the plurality of containers for consumable resources is depleting of consumable resources. The container depleted of the consumable resource is discovered. The depleted container is discovered by either realizing the container has a low level of the consumable resource or is empty of the consumable resource. The amount of consumable resource in each container is discovered either by measuring the remaining consumable resource or by tracking indicia of the remaining consumable resource. In response to discovering the depleted container, the depleted container is moved into a service position. Optionally, an access to the depleted container is opened and the depleted container is ejected.