Abstract: Image forming systems and methods of forming an image are described. According to one exemplary aspect of the invention, a system includes a consumable monitoring device which provides a current amount of a consumable, such as toner. The system of this aspect also includes a memory device configured to store historical information regarding the consumable. A processor provides a requirement amount of the consumable and statistically modifies at least one of the requirement amount and the current amount using the historical information. Exemplary statistical modification uses a ratio of an estimation of a number of pixels within previous image jobs and the actual number of pixels imaged within previous jobs. Thereafter, the processor analyzes the requirement amount with respect to the current amount to determine the probability that an image job will be successfully imaged. In one arrangement, a confidence value is utilized for statistical modification. In addition, the historical information may be weighted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that allow customization of user messages in a printing system. A printing device includes a replaceable component that includes component memory. First and second message data are stored in the component memory, the message data being message text or a pointer to message text. If the message data is a pointer to message text, the message text is stored in printing device memory, in memory of a host computer or on a remote site accessible via a host computer. A first message is displayed to a user in response to detection of a first event. A second message is displayed to the user in response to detection of a second event. If the message data are pointers to message text external to the printing device, an entity delivering the messages can change the message text without reconfiguring the printing device.

Abstract: New consumables installed in printing devices sometimes must print several pages to “condition” the consumable before use. This “conditioning” is required to allow various components to reach optimal condition for printing. The present invention seeks to ameliorate the situation of changes in a consumable affecting the print quality by modifying the printing behavior based on measurements made on the consumable or on the history of the consumable which is installed. If necessary, the new consumable is pre-conditioned before additional page are printed. Pre-conditioning is accomplished by printing either several test pages or by developing several images and subsequently cleaning these images into the waste toner hopper.

Abstract: An embodiment of a media quantity sensing device and a media type sensing device includes a first, a second a third, and a fourth electrode. The first electrode is positioned above a media tray and the second electrode is positioned on the media tray below the media. The third and the fourth electrodes are positioned so that the media leaving the media tray passes between them. The media quantity sensing device further includes a measuring circuit coupled to a controller. The measuring circuit includes a first dual slope integrator to generate a first square wave output signal having a frequency dependent upon the dielectric constant of the media between the first electrode and the second electrode. The measuring circuit further includes a second dual slope integrator to generate a second square wave output signal having a frequency dependent upon the dielectric constant of the media between the third electrode and the fourth electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting the state of a consumable for a printer. The apparatus includes a consumable cartridge, a drive motor, a current measuring device, memory and processing circuitry. The consumable cartridge has a rotatable member that is carried by the cartridge. The motor is configured to rotate the rotatable member. The current measuring device is associated with the motor, and is operative to measure current flow through the motor. The memory is configured to store a predetermined value corresponding to current flow through the motor, and indicative of a change in state of the rotatable member. The processing circuitry is coupled with the current measuring device and the memory and is operative to determine when the measured current flow corresponds to the predetermined value of current flow. Furthermore, the processing circuitry identifies a state of the consumable cartridge. A method is also provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a print engine with a photoreceptor, a laser exposure device for creating an image on the photoreceptor and one or more toning stations for toning the photoreceptor, after imaging. A system for enabling adjustment of the apparatus performance characteristics further includes a sensor for detecting characteristics of a toned image on the photoreceptor. A memory is provided for storing control parameters used to adjust operations of the printer; desired image characteristic parameters and previously measured image parameters. A processor is responsive to a performance assessment procedure for causing the print engine to create a toned test image on the photoreceptor. The processor then compares signals that are indicative of characteristic parameters of the toned test image with desired image characteristic parameters from the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing toner in an electrophotographic printing system includes a housing for containing a supply of toner and toner filled containers for replenishing the supply of toner. Toner is allowed to flow to a developer assembly in the electrophotographic printing system by removal of a housing toner seal. The bottom of the container is dimensioned so that it can be inserted through the opening in the top of the housing and the opening in the top of another substantially identical container. A toner dam seal is attached to the container to close the bottom opening. In the preferred embodiment, the toner dam seal includes a length of flexible material for use in removal of the toner dam seal. In an alternative embodiment, cutting blades are attached to the interior of the sidewalls of both the housing and the container for cutting the toner dam seal upon installation of the container into the housing or into a previously installed container.

Abstract: The first embodiment of an electrophotographic component cleaning apparatus includes a sheet of cleaning media, formed from a material such as felt, cloth or abrasive impregnated plastic fibers. Attached to the cleaning media is a retaining device. Preferably, the retaining device includes a plastic tab bonded to the sheet of cleaning media. Attached to the plastic tab is a plastic strap with an adhesive located on the free end. For use, the cleaning media is inserted into the print media path of the printer with the plastic strap looped around any conveniently protruding feature inside the printer. The rotation of the drum against the cleaning media results in the removal of contaminants. A second embodiment of an electrophotographic component cleaning apparatus includes an oversized cleaning roller which is installed into the printer in place of the transfer roller. A reservoir pivotally attached to the shaft of the cleaning roller contains cleaning fluid which is absorbed into the cleaning roller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing toner on substantially the entire surface of the photoconductor to minimize print defects associated with surface contamination. This is accomplished by printing a background pattern along with the desired image. A light film of toner is deposited on the background areas of the photoconductor while a more dense film of toner is deposited on the image areas. The invention may be implemented by merging a background pattern, such as a uniform level of gray, with the print image data or by varying the charging conditions at photoconductive drum. In one implementation of the invention, a background pattern such as a uniform level of gray is printed by scanning the pattern onto the photoconductor as part of the imaging light exposure process. In a second implementation of the invention, the background gray is printed by adjusting the charging potential applied to photoconductor and/or the various roller bias voltages.

Abstract: A consumable product such as a toner cartridge for a laser printer includes a messaging device connected thereto. The messaging device is adapted to receive a control signal from the printer or other host, the control signal being indicative of a use status for the consumable product, such as "toner low". The control signal produces a visual effect upon the messaging device such that a message or a change in message concerning the consumable product is indicated thereby. The message or change in message is, alternatively, indicative of an identifier for the consumable product. The messaging device is a resistive heater substrate having at least one layer of thermochromatic ink disposed thereon. In an alternate embodiment, the message or change in message is effected by a change in temperature upon the messaging device, rather than by a direct control signal. In another alternate embodiment, a fuse is connected to the messaging device for providing further information to the printer system.