Abstract: A color printing system achieves enhanced registration of a plurality of color separations. A plurality of color separation images are formed on a receptor in spaced relationship to one another, the distance between the leading edges of successive images corresponding to a pitch distance. The motion components of the system have circumferences which are equal to or a submultiple of the pitch distance. Any systematic errors due to motion of the components will repeat themselves identically for each color separation and eliminate misregistration.

Abstract: Low lateral force rolls used in supporting a photoreceptor belt to minimize lateral belt motion on a multi-pass color copier. Single piece, widely spaced mounting through shafts are used in connection with side support structure of the module drawer to reduce inboard and outboard misalignment. An integral tensions slide/side plate guidance control system is employed to reduce misalignment of the tension roller. Use of these features aid in minimizing undesirable belt movement.

Abstract: A quick and efficient method of testing the color registration on a multi-color electronic reprographic system includes the generation a latent image of a repeated basic test pattern across and down an photoconductive surface. Several images of this repeated test pattern are generated, one for each color in the reprographic system. Each test pattern is shifted a fixed amount so that the final output page displays a set of output figures. A figure of one color will be surrounded by at least one figure of each of the remaining colors of the reprographic system. Using this system a field technician can determine the level of misregistration between all of the colors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating the velocity of a copy sheet in a color reprographic system creates a buckle in the copy sheet to decouple accelerations of the leading edge of the copy sheet from the portion that is in contact with the photoreceptor belt and reduces the buckle on long copy sheets for which the buckle can become large enough that the toner image on the body of the copy sheet can become disrupted by contact with stationary portions of the system. The method and apparatus also accelerates the leading edge of the copy sheet as the trailing edge disengages from the photoreceptor belt to prevent the uncontrolled trailing edge of lightweight copy sheets from contacting stationary portions of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrically coupling a conductive layer of a photoreceptor to a reference potential, the photoreceptor being positionable between an operative position and a replacement position. The apparatus includes an electrically conductive brush which is electrically coupled to the reference potential. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for moving the conductive brush into electrical contact with the conductive layer in response to the photoreceptor being moved to the operative position and out of electrical contact with the conductive layer in response to the photoreceptor being moved to the replacement position.

Abstract: An apparatus is described which records an electrostatic latent image on a charger receiver. The apparatus includes a module which includes a bracket upon which a corona generating device is removably mounted. The bracket is also adapted to pivot so as to facilitate removal of the photoconductive member from the module.

Abstract: A multiple pitch color registration system is disclosed for registering two images that are not precisely placed on a photoreceptor in an electrophotographic printing machine. The registration system is able to run asynchronously for a period of time and then to resynchronize in two different pitch modes. A two roll transfer loop for transferring the plurality of colors is phase locked to the photoreceptor position so that the two roll transfer loop follows the photoreceptor motion errors for maintaining accurate registration.

Abstract: An apparatus which advances a sheet through a transfer zone and into registration with information developed on a moving member. The sheet is advanced to a position wherein a leading portion thereof is immediately ahead of the transfer zone relative to the forward direction of movement of the moving member and a trailing portion thereof is within the transfer zone. The leading portion of the sheet forms a presentation angle of 7-10 degrees with the horizontal. The trailing portion of the sheet is advanced through the transfer zone at a first velocity and the leading edge of the sheet is advanced in a region immediately ahead of the transfer zone at a second velocity, which is less than the first velocity, so as to create a buckle in the leading portion of the sheet positioned immediately ahead of the transfer zone relative to the forward direction of movement of the moving member.

Abstract: A registration transport and transfer module is located in a retractable drawer having a camshaft actuated by a lever. Rotation of the lever turns the cam which cooperates with a mounting to enable the transfer module to be lowered beneath a photoconductive belt. The drawer may then be pulled away from the machine and the transfer module pivoted about a point so as to expose portions of the copy sheet path for jam clearance.

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing a sheet in a predetermined path is described. The apparatus includes a mechanism for advancing the sheet in the path. The apparatus further includes a first mechanism for controlling movement of the sheet while it is being advanced in the path, the first controlling mechanism being in contact with the sheet in a first mode of operation and being spaced apart from the sheet in a second mode of operation. Moreover, the apparatus includes a second mechanism for controlling movement of the sheet while it is being advanced in the path, the second controlling mechanism being in contact with the sheet in a first mode of operation and being spaced apart from the sheet in a second mode of operation.

Abstract: A sheet transport system having a sheet release mechanism to effect release of a sheet from the sheet transport system at a point near the end of the transfer process. The sheet release mechanism includes a member positionable at a first fixed position spaced apart from the path of the sheet and a second fixed position within the path of the sheet. The sheet release mechanism is located on the side of the sheet opposite the side to which the toner image is transferred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assuring proper park positioning of a sheet gripper device. A reference signal is generated by a master control board causing the sheet gripper to commence its movement along the belts of a sheet transport system. An index marker and encoder coupled to a servo motor generate pulses based on the rotation of the shaft of the servo motor. A registration control board coupled to the servo motor generates an index interrupt after receipt of a predetermined number of pulses from the index marker. The number of rising and falling edges of a system clock that occur between the generation of the reference signal and the index interrupt is computed by the registration control board and sent to the master control board. The master control board compares this distance value to a predetermined resynchronization value. Based on the discrepancy between the two values, the master control board recalculates a park position value which is sent to the registration control board.

Abstract: An apparatus which advances a sheet through a transfer zone and into registration with information developed on a moving member. The sheet is advanced to a position wherein a leading portion thereof is immediately ahead of the transfer zone relative to the forward direction of movement of the moving member and a trailing portion thereof is within the transfer zone. The trailing portion of the sheet is advanced through the transfer zone at a first velocity and the leading edge of the sheet is advanced in a region immediately ahead of the transfer zone at a second velocity, which is less than the first velocity, so as to create a buckle in the leading portion of the sheet positioned immediately ahead of the transfer zone relative to the forward direction of movement of the moving member. The buckle functions to eliminate relative velocity between the photoconductive belt and any portion of sheet within the transfer zone so as to substantially eliminate slip between the sheet and the photoconductive belt.

Abstract: An apparatus is described which advances a sheet in a predetermined path through a transfer zone and into registration with information developed on a moving member. The apparatus charges the sheet to transfer the information from the moving member to the sheet. The apparatus includes a mechanism to maintain the charge on the sheet during advancement thereof.

Abstract: A sheet transport system having a sheet gripper which includes at least one resilient member used to bias an upper gripping portion toward a lower gripping portion so as to releasably secure the leading edge of a sheet therebetween. The resilient member includes a stop which functions to register the sheet within the sheet gripper.

Abstract: An apparatus which advances a sheet through a transfer zone and into registration with information developed on a moving member. The sheet is advanced to a position wherein a leading portion thereof is within the transfer zone and a trailing portion thereof is immediately behind the transfer zone relative to the forward direction of movement of the moving member. The leading portion of the sheet is advanced through the transfer zone at a first velocity and the trailing portion of the sheet is advanced in a region immediately behind the transfer zone at a second velocity, which is greater than the first velocity, so as to create a buckle in the trailing portion of the sheet in the region. The buckle functions to eliminate relative velocity between the photoconductive belt and any portion of sheet within the transfer zone so as to substantially eliminate slip between the sheet and the photoconductive belt.

Abstract: An encoder roll in which a rotatably mounted tube is adapted to be driven by a moving web. A layer of resilient material having a relatively high coefficient of friction is coated on one side marginal portion of the tube. The layer of resilient material is in engagement with the moving web so that movement of the web rotates the tube.

Abstract: A method of calibrating registration of a sheet with a sheet gripper on a moving transport. The sheet gripper is adapted to move the sheet in a recirculating path in a printing machine. Movement of the sheet gripper and sheet is timed from a reference time until each reaches a loading zone. The times are compared to a preselected time and the movement of the sheet gripper and sheet adjusted to correspond to the preselected time. In this way, the sheet and sheet gripper arrive at the loading zone simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus which compensates for the velocity mismatch between adjacent sheet transports. A plate, interposed between the sheet transports, supports the sheet until the leading edge thereof advances from the first sheet transport to the second sheet transport. When the leading edge of the sheet is received by the second sheet transport, the plate pivots away from the sheet to a location remote therefrom. Since the first sheet transport advances the sheet at a greater velocity than the second sheet transport, the sheet forms a buckle to compensate for the velocity mismatch between sheet transports.

Abstract: A light lens scanning system operable in a document scan mode to reproduce documents onto a photosensitive record medium is modified to operate in a document edit mode. Upon selection of an edit mode, a document is placed face-up on a platen surface by the operator. A laser generated light spot output is introduced into the optical system and is directed along an optical path which is opposite to the optical path of a projected document image. The light spot output is visible to the operator at the platen as a light cursor. This movement of the cursor is placed under control of the operator. The cursor is moved through x and y coordinates to delineate an area of the document to be selectively erased. Coordinate positions are entered into a microcontroller memory.