Abstract: An MRI local coil system for use with an MRI scanner to image a breast, the system comprising a plastic housing and an RF coil system. The RF coil system comprises a conductor and electronics. The electronics comprises a capacitor and a blocking circuit. The conductor and the electronics are disposed within the plastic housing and the conductor is integrally formed with the plastic housing.

Abstract: An MRI local coil system for use with an MRI scanner to image a breast, the system comprising a plastic housing and an RF coil system. The RF coil system comprises a conductor and electronics. The electronics comprises a capacitor and a blocking circuit. The conductor and the electronics are disposed within the plastic housing and the conductor is integrally formed with the plastic housing.

Abstract: An improved sloped stack detection system for a multi-function finisher includes a reflective sensor which suspends the conveying of stapled sets to an output tray when staple build-up in small stapled sets causes the stacked output to become sloped.

Abstract: An improved method for monitoring stack quality in a finisher of a printer includes examining the net displacement of a compiling tray after each set has been ejected. A deviation from the normal increments of displacement for each set triggers a “tray full” condition which alerts a user to empty the tray.

Abstract: An improved booklet maker incorporates a movable backstop for compiling incoming sheets and a stapler and creasing module, which is moved to various positions during the booklet making sequence. The moving stapler and creasing function enables the compiling function to occur simultaneously with the stapling and creasing functions. This results in a productivity gain without a footprint increase.

Abstract: A paper feeder employs a retard roll mounted on a shaft that is controlled by a magneto Theological variable clutch. Current is adjusted to the magneto rheological variable clutch to produce a variable drag torque (from near zero to fully locked) on the retard roll. The current is adjusted based on various inputs, some of which include media type, temperature, humidity, media size, and transport speed. Variable drag on the retard roll results in a reduction in induced skew of sheet passing through a nip formed between the retard roll and a separation roll, as well as, less and more consistent wear of the retard roll.

Abstract: An apparatus monitors the motion of sheet, such as in a digital printer. An optical sensor is capable of recording an image in a two-dimensional array of pixels, and has acuity to recognize a terrain of a small area on a sheet that is substantially blank to a human eye. The optical sensor views a portion of a sheet moving in a process direction through a path. A detection system compares at least two recorded terrain images from the sheet, thereby directly measuring velocity and direction of the sheet.

Abstract: In a booklet maker or sheet folder wherein one or more sheets are pushed through a nip formed by a pair of crease rolls, and wherein the crease rolls are driven by gears, a slip clutch is operatively disposed between one of the crease rolls and the gear driving the crease roll. The slip clutch compensates for the abrupt change in frictional coefficient experienced by the crease rolls when one or more sheets enter the nip.

Abstract: A universal and precise stapling assembly is provided and includes (a) a moveable stapling head for driving staples at precise locations through an aligned set of sheets on any one of plural types of alignment apparatus; (b) a drive device coupled to the stapling head for moving the stapling head relative to the any one of plural types of alignment apparatus and the aligned set of aligned sheets on the any one of the plural types of alignment apparatus; (c) sensors for sensing a position of the aligned set of sheets; and (d) a programmable controller connected to the drive device, to the sensors, and to the stapling head, and including calculating capability for precisely calculating a precise staple location responsively to a type of any one of the plural types of alignment apparatus and to the secured position of the aligned set of sheets, thereby reducing staple mislocation due to a tolerance stack up from components of the stapling head and components of any one of the plural types of alignment apparatus.

Abstract: A document creating apparatus, comprising an image transfer system and a feeder. The feeder has a frame, housing and a roll for individually feeding sheets of material within the image transfer system. The housing is pivotally connected to the frame on a pivot axis. The roll is pivotally connected to the housing on a roll axis that is offset from the pivot axis. A spring is connected to the housing and the frame at an offset distance from the pivot axis. When the offset distance decreases, the force exerted by the spring increases. When the offset distance increases, the force exerted by the spring decreases. The force exerted by the spring between the first roll and the second roll as a result is maintained substantially constant.

Abstract: A universal and precise stapling assembly is provided and includes (a) a moveable stapling head for driving staples at precise locations through an aligned set of sheets on any one of plural types of alignment apparatus; (b) a drive device coupled to the stapling head for moving the stapling head relative to the any one of plural types of alignment apparatus and the aligned set of aligned sheets on the any one of the plural types of alignment apparatus; (c) sensors for sensing a position of the aligned set of sheets; and (d) a programmable controller connected to the drive device, to the sensors, and to the stapling head, and including calculating capability for precisely calculating a precise staple location responsively to a type of any one of the plural types of alignment apparatus and to the secured position of the aligned set of sheets, thereby reducing staple mislocation due to a tolerance stack up from components of the stapling head and components of any one of the plural types of alignment apparatus.

Abstract: A document creating apparatus, comprising an image transfer system and a feeder. The feeder has a frame, housing and a roll for individually feeding sheets of material within the image transfer system. The housing is pivotally connected to the frame on a pivot axis. The roll is pivotally connected to the housing on a roll axis that is offset from the pivot axis. A spring is connected to the housing and the frame at an offset distance from the pivot axis. When the offset distance decreases, the force exerted by the spring increases. When the offset distance increases, the force exerted by the spring decreases. The force exerted by the spring between the first roll and the second roll as a result is maintained substantially constant.